certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
apt_a to_o be_v advance_v then_o by_o peace_n wherein_o although_o reason_n may_v easy_o conclude_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o certain_o guide_v if_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o precept_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n here_o propose_v and_o try_v whether_o they_o do_v suggest_v or_o intimate_v any_o thing_n towards_o such_o a_o war_n if_o they_o do_v not_o or_o if_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o take_v this_o course_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rectification_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v this_o war_n to_o which_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o contribute_v by_o who_o and_o against_o who_o it_o be_v undertake_v where_o if_o the_o conscience_n find_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o undertake_n it_o can_v lawful_o consent_v or_o assist_v viz._n if_o it_o be_v no_o way_n lawful_a for_o such_o as_o we_o be_v move_v to_o join_v with_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v swear_v to_o oppose_v if_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o first_o undertake_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o procure_v a_o just_a peace_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o conjuncture_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o undertake_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o war_n and_o if_o peace_n with_o truth_n may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v establish_v without_o it_o much_o more_o if_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v find_v opposite_a the_o conscience_n can_v without_o sin_n assent_n to_o this_o war_n here_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o several_a proposition_n motion_n overture_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v by_o both_o party_n and_o according_a to_o they_o to_o judge_v the_o happiness_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o or_o what_o this_o action_n of_o we_o will_v contribute_v towards_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o discover_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o honour_n and_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n beside_o that_o the_o manager_n of_o this_o party_n with_o who_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o join_v have_v never_o particular_o declare_v the_o way_n how_o these_o end_n shall_v be_v or_o be_v advance_v by_o their_o war_n although_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o most_o common_a expression_n the_o safe_a way_n at_o least_o the_o most_o natural_a for_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o raise_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v upon_o what_o have_v precede_v since_o these_o undertaking_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n where_o it_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o his_o honour_n or_o contumely_n have_v be_v increase_v by_o and_o since_o these_o war_n and_o so_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n consider_v whether_o if_o these_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o same_o design_n with_o those_o who_o give_v he_o battle_n at_o edge-hill_n newberry_n etc._n etc._n what_o those_o design_n make_v towards_o the_o happiness_n of_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o the_o scot_n to_o who_o assistance_n especial_o we_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v shall_v not_o hereby_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v and_o prevail_v what_o will_v our_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n advance_v the_o public_a liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n according_a to_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o enjoiner_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o shall_v consider_v how_o that_o can_v conduce_v to_o our_o liberty_n unless_o thereby_o be_v mean_v freedom_n from_o our_o ancient_a law_n and_o from_o the_o settle_a happy_a government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whilst_o we_o may_v fear_v to_o be_v put_v under_o uncertain_a new_a one_o second_o safety_n whether_o the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n do_v not_o outweigh_v or_o equalise_v the_o hope_n of_o safety_n three_o peace_n whether_o this_o be_v the_o only_a the_o likely_a or_o indeed_o any_o probable_a mean_n of_o procure_v peace_n see_v there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n obvious_a by_o which_o this_o course_n shall_v procure_v it_o viz._n victory_n or_o reduce_v the_o king_n to_o yield_v to_o their_o desire_n here_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v ground_v upon_o this_o whether_o the_o king_n be_v no_o way_n but_o by_o force_n inclinable_a to_o a_o just_a peace_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o former_a immediate_o precede_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o reckon_v up_o who_o and_o of_o what_o sort_n be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n to_o which_o we_o have_v subscribe_v and_o what_o party_n in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v open_o profess_v for_o it_o have_v equal_o declare_v against_o all_o sort_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o which_o be_v not_o and_o according_o etc._n etc._n whereof_o the_o deploreable_a estate_n of_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n consider_v whether_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v both_o in_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o it_o to_o the_o king_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o papist_n stir_v up_o by_o those_o who_o they_o say_v have_v declare_v a_o intention_n of_o their_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o second_o where_o afterward_o the_o impediment_n of_o succour_n to_o those_o of_o our_o religion_n lay_v the_o distress_a estate_n of_o england_n whether_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n be_v distress_v by_o the_o king_n or_o by_o sectary_n the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o scotland_n wherein_o be_v their_o danger_n after_o all_o thing_n be_v settle_v with_o they_o and_o who_o bring_v they_o into_o that_o danger_n that_o party_n which_o we_o shall_v swear_v against_o or_o themselves_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffer_v this_o which_o be_v here_o diâ—joyned_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o cast_v into_o a_o parenthesis_n be_v indeed_o make_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o put_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o such_o a_o way_n of_o covenant_v etc._n etc._n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v lawful_a so_o that_o if_o these_o mean_n have_v not_o be_v both_o before_o and_o ever_o since_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o design_n sincere_o and_o effectual_o endeavour_v by_o the_o intimation_n of_o this_o introduction_n itself_o this_o course_n be_v not_o warrantable_a and_o there_o be_v other_o principle_n of_o scripture_n and_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v such_o as_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o resist_v with_o arm_n the_o lawful_a power_n by_o god_n set_v over_o we_o now_o whether_o these_o mean_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o use_v it_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o consider_v who_o have_v send_v the_o message_n for_o treaty_n towards_o peace_n what_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o both_o party_n of_o certainty_n and_o particular_o touch_v religion_n law_n and_o proviso_n for_o tender_a conscience_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o several_a remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n though_o all_o hitherto_o have_v be_v use_v and_o reject_v consider_v if_o the_o overture_n now_o late_o make_v by_o the_o king_n party_n may_v not_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o produce_v peace_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o business_n be_v manage_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o according_a to_o the_o result_v of_o these_o the_o conscience_n must_v conclude_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n the_o religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v ground_v and_o to_o which_o the_o clergy_n have_v subscribe_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n comprise_v in_o the_o liturgy_n article_n book_n of_o ordination_n and_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n confirm_v by_o our_o 35._o article_n consider_v whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o mean_n order_v in_o reason_n to_o preserve_v these_o from_o ruin_n according_a to_o the_o commondable_a practice_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o kingdom_n have_v do_v so_o that_o can_v resolve_v the_o conscience_n but_o consider_v whether_o ever_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o like_a war_n be_v commence_v if_o any_o one_o have_v be_v propound_v the_o conscience_n will_v the_o more_o easy_o
a_o acceptation_n of_o those_o proffer_n for_o treaty_n towards_o accommodation_n which_o he_o so_o often_o make_v and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v be_v by_o any_o pertinacious_o refuse_v join_v themselves_o with_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n in_o his_o just_a defence_n have_v thus_o do_v with_o the_o introduction_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o examine_v the_o discourse_n itself_o which_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o propound_v the_o motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v the_o covenant_n second_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n or_o scruple_n which_o may_v hinder_v etc._n etc._n here_o before_o we_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o we_o observe_v the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o framer_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o he_o who_o frame_v the_o introduction_n do_v it_o seem_v imagine_v that_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v enforce_v from_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o 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that_o protestation_n therein_o they_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v unequal_a false_a or_o unrighteous_a and_o wherein_o soever_o it_o do_v positive_o dissent_v from_o it_o there_o the_o truth_n equity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v here_o no_o way_n prove_v this_o be_v premise_v let_v we_o compare_v together_o this_o covenant_n and_o that_o protestation_n there_o we_o protest_v that_o we_o will_v with_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o be_v undoubted_o contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o in_o the_o further_a article_n of_o impeachment_n jan._n 17._o 1643._o by_o the_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n against_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v style_v the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n england_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o of_o those_o article_n it_o be_v avouch_v that_o the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o order_v of_o priest_n and_o deacon_n confirm_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o such_o consecration_n and_o order_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o ungodly_a this_o book_n assert_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n which_o officer_n be_v evermore_o bad_a in_o reverent_a estimation_n wherefore_o we_o there_o protest_v with_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n to_o defend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ungodly_a therefore_o not_o false_a doctrine_n to_o say_v that_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v help_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v bishop_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v that_o 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and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o
our_o church-government_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v in_o aggregate_n whether_o may_v this_o oath_n be_v take_v have_v they_o also_o be_v include_v last_o be_v not_o their_o practice_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o covenant_n shall_v be_v take_v a_o trâ—â—_z add_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v or_o understand_v such_o speech_n evidence_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v take_v this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n unless_o we_o will_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o swear_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o direct_o contradict_v the_o oath_n of_o their_o sovereign_n at_o his_o coronation_n as_o this_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n for_o that_o our_o sovereign_n have_v 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the_o holy_a ghost_n afterward_o confirm_v and_o approve_a bishop_n and_o their_o commission_n and_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v their_o institution_n be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n own_o institute_v and_o ordain_v twelve_o apostle_n above_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o say_v to_o these_o his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o a_o locum_fw-la st._n joh._n 20._o 21._o as_o in_o other_o end_n of_o his_o mission_n so_o how_o not_o in_o this_o which_o we_o know_v they_o do_v according_a to_o his_o pattern_n as_o he_o be_v send_v by_o his_o father_n therefore_o to_o ordain_v one_o order_n of_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n superior_a to_o another_o which_o we_o know_v because_o he_o do_v so_o ordain_v so_o also_o send_v he_o his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v which_o according_o they_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v by_o christ_n example_n therein_o they_o do_v by_o his_o commission_n here_o 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yea_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v chrysost._n theophyl_n oecumenius_n by_o divine_a revelation_n say_v theodoret_n of_o timothy_n and_o that_o these_o two_o be_v bishop_n according_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n now_o use_v ancient_a father_n plentiful_o witness_v b_o tit._n moreover_o this_o superiority_n to_o office_n episcopal_a to_o have_v be_v fix_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o church-history_n so_o also_o from_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 14._o where_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v the_o same_o with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la the_o beginning_n of_o the_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 18._o and_o include_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a charge_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n in_o this_o epistle_n c_o scribo_fw-la from_o which_o text_n also_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o his_o office_n prescribe_v be_v not_o personal_a only_o but_o to_o descend_v by_o succession_n unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n d_o 6._o three_o this_o office_n and_o power_n episcopal_a that_o it_o be_v afterward_o approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v be_v prove_v from_o revel._n c._n 1._o and_o 2._o and_o 3._o where_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o all_o reason_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n e_o note_n be_v seven_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n understand_v which_o ecclesiastical_a story_n mention_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o this_o time_n as_o so_o many_o angel_n and_o apostle_n f_o sympronian_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v polycarp_n the_o angel_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n make_v bishop_n of_o that_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o thirteen_o
year_n before_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n be_v write_v and_o onesimus_n probable_o the_o than_o bishop_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n their_o office_n power_n and_o commission_n be_v there_o intimate_v to_o have_v be_v episcopal_a and_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o that_o five_o of_o the_o angel_n be_v charge_v as_o blameable_a and_o accountable_a for_o the_o fault_n of_o both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o sure_o be_v trust_v with_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o have_v correct_v and_o censure_v they_o particular_o episcopal_a power_n be_v intimate_v there_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o revel._n vers._n 20._o and_o that_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v sufficient_o ground_v on_o the_o 14_o verse_n mr._n perkins_n in_fw-la locum_fw-la affirm_v their_o mission_n to_o that_o office_n also_o as_o it_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o also_o to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o from_o god_n be_v in_o their_o title_n imply_v for_o angel_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o church_n sake_n be_v never_o say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v any_o messenger_n but_o god_n and_o if_o his_o messenger_n or_o angel_n then_o send_v by_o he_o that_o their_o superiority_n be_v fix_v not_o weekly_a or_o annual_a be_v clear_a as_o from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o polycarp_n and_o onesimus_n so_o also_o from_o the_o text_n itself_o c._n 2._o 10._o where_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n as_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bid_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n sure_o until_o death_n b_o 26_o nor_o be_v it_o personal_a only_o but_o describe_v the_o office_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o any_o church_n in_o like_o laudable_a or_o blame-worthy_a state_n unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v imply_v v._n 24._o and_o 25._o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n for_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v he_o must_v hear_v c._n 2._o v._n 3._o nor_o do_v the_o personal_a blameworthy_a carriage_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n c._n 3._o v._n 1_o etc._n etc._n or_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n v._n 14._o 16._o hinder_v christ_n approbation_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o office_n not_o of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n style_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o the_o star_n in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n both_o which_o style_v that_o they_o be_v there_o singular_o appropriate_v to_o these_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n ought_v not_o to_o seem_v strange_a since_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v confess_o mean_v by_o the_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n apoc._n 12._o 1._o and_o st_n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o we_o gentile_n speak_v of_o himself_o receive_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n galat._n 4._o 14._o summary_o therefore_o out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o we_o reason_n many_o presbyter_n and_o preacher_n in_o one_o church_n and_o one_o chief_a have_v eminency_n and_o power_n over_o all_o presbyter_n and_o people_n therein_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o so_o holy_a scripture_n witness_v be_v in_o ephesus_n many_o presbyter_n act._n 20._o 17._o or_o if_o they_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o dispute_v some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o irenaeus_n think_v l._n 3._o c._n 14._o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o in_o the_o argument_n and_o more_o afterwards_o sure_o and_o yet_o one_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n over_o all_o such_o as_o be_v timothy_n in_o his_o time_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n whosoever_o he_o be_v mention_v rev._n 2._o 1._o so_o also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n there_o be_v divers_a teacher_n true_a and_o false_a c._n 2._o v._n 13_o 15._o one_o angel_n governor_n in_o chief_a v._n 1._o for_o be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o of_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v be_v call_v angel_n c_o 7._o yet_o that_o one_o among_o they_o in_o each_o church_n in_o such_o a_o compatible_a community_n of_o name_n be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n prove_v a_o eminency_n in_o the_o one_o so_o call_v which_o must_v either_o be_v of_o personal_a excellency_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o who_o can_v show_v we_o in_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n laodicea_n or_o thyatira_n or_o else_o and_o rather_o of_o office_n and_o power_n so_o as_o john_n baptist_n be_v call_v a_o angel_n malac_n 3._o who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o st._n paul_n receive_v as_o a_o angel_n gal._n 4._o 14._o who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o minister_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v call_v michael_n apoc._n 12._o 7._o with_o his_o angel_n fight_v under_o he_o one_o objection_n more_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o understanding_n by_o each_o of_o the_o angel_n there_o a_o collective_a body_n from_o c._n 2._o v._n 10._o and_o 24._o but_o this_o be_v manifest_o clear_a to_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o from_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o chron._n 28._o 1._o and_o to_o the_o 5._o compare_v and_o judge_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o any_o necessary_a reason_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a and_o determinate_a individuation_n of_o one_o chief_a spiritual_a church-governor_n in_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n for_o otherwise_o as_o tertullian_n speak_v lib._n de_fw-fr carne_fw-la christi_fw-la cap._n 13._o omnia_fw-la periclitabuntur_fw-la alitèr_fw-la accipi_fw-la quà m_fw-la sunt_fw-la and_o amittere_fw-la quod_fw-la sunt_fw-la dum_fw-la alitèr_fw-la accipiuntur_fw-la yea_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n but_o much_o in_o the_o text_n which_o do_v resist_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o a_o collective_a body_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v either_o a_o angel_n put_v for_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v see_v the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n be_v accurate_o distinguish_v c_o 1._o v._n 20._o or_o a_o angel_n put_v for_o the_o whole_a collection_n of_o the_o presbyter_n but_o neither_o may_v this_o be_v admit_v inasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o same_o 20_o verse_n the_o angel_n be_v call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o seven_o no_o more_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o not_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o star_n not_o constellation_n as_o suidas_n distinguish_v the_o word_n you_o have_v our_o reason_n from_o these_o scripture_n why_o to_o we_o it_o seem_v that_o to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o who_o root_n be_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v which_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o to_o wrest_v these_o star_n out_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v they_o hold_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n revel._n 1._o 16_o 20._o as_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n have_v be_v evidence_v by_o holy_a scripture_n so_o be_v it_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a godly_a father_n that_o it_o be_v a_o institution_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o say_v theodoret_n l._n 4._o c._n 18._o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 55._o the_o power_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v exegetical_o call_v ecclesiae_fw-la gubernande_fw-la sublimis_fw-la et_fw-la divina_fw-la potestas_fw-la and_o epist._n 27._o dominus_fw-la noster_fw-la episcopi_fw-la honorem_fw-la disponens_fw-la in_o evangelic_a and_o anon_o after_o ut_fw-la omnis_fw-la actus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la per_fw-la episcopos_fw-la gubernetur_fw-la cum_fw-la hoc_fw-la itaque_fw-la divina_fw-la lege_fw-la fundatum_fw-la sit_fw-la miror_fw-la quosdam_fw-la audaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o epist._n 65._o episcopos_fw-la et_fw-la praepositos_fw-la dominus_fw-la elegit_fw-la and_o anon_o after_o deus_fw-la episcopos_fw-la facit_fw-la athanasius_n epist._n ad_fw-la dracontium_fw-la say_v that_o he_o who_o contemn_v the_o function_n of_o a_o bishop_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o that_o the_o office_n be_v of_o those_o thing_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o etc._n etc._n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o ignat._n epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o idem_fw-la ignat_fw-la epist_n ad_fw-la ephes._n oecumen._n c._n 9_o in_o tim._n 4._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o theophylact._n and_o oecumenius_n find_v bishop_n upon_o ephes._n 4.11_o and_o on_o hebr._n 13.17_o oecumenius_n and_o