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
personal_a consent_n and_o both_o house_n alter_v and_o change_v second_o we_o demand_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o be_v here_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o son_n hereby_o engage_v to_o betray_v his_o father_n the_o wife_n her_o husband_n the_o servant_n his_o master_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o as_o malignant_n and_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n if_o so_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o the_o land_n ever_o command_v it_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o high_a treason_n where_o god_n enjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o discovery_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o serve_v other_o god_n a_o sin_n sure_o as_o detestable_a and_o heinous_a as_o to_o be_v such_o as_o here_o be_v to_o be_v account_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o read_v deut._n 13._o 6._o if_o thy_o brother_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o mother_n or_o thy_o son_n or_o thy_o daughter_n or_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o bosom_n or_o thy_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o thy_o own_o soul_n entice_v thou_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o conceal_v he_o but_o thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v first_o upon_o he_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o person_n there_o by_o god_n so_o particular_o recount_v in_o the_o text_n not_o to_o be_v conceal_v they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o collateral_a equal_a degree_n as_o the_o brother_n not_o to_o conceal_v his_o brother_n the_o friend_n his_o friend_n or_o of_o some_o inferiority_n as_o the_o husband_n his_o wife_n the_o father_n his_o son_n but_o there_o be_v express_v no_o such_o injunction_n that_o the_o son_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o father_n or_o the_o wife_n her_o husband_n so_o tender_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n of_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o those_o by_o who_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o our_o be_v life_n and_o livelihood_n or_o who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o head_n to_o other_o that_o he_o do_v not_o command_v inferior_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o accusation_n against_o such_o their_o superior_n even_o in_o crime_n which_o the_o law_n judge_v shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n three_o whereas_o we_o have_v in_o the_o late_a protestation_n vow_v to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o also_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n include_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n yet_o contrary_a hereunto_o as_o we_o conceive_v we_o shall_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o endeavour_v that_o our_o fellow-subject_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o punishment_n either_o such_o as_o their_o offence_n shall_v deserve_v or_o such_o as_o not_o only_o the_o supreme_a indicatory_n of_o both_o kingdom_n but_o any_o other_o also_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a by_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v power_n arbitrary_a sure_o since_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o land_n in_o some_o other_o than_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n viz._n some_o depute_a from_o they_o who_o may_v judge_v it_o convenient_a if_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v convenient_a may_v be_v their_o rule_n as_o well_o sometime_o to_o exceed_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n as_o otherwhile_o to_o mitigate_v it_o yea_o who_o may_v proceed_v against_o such_o malignant_n where_o the_o law_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o neither_o have_v give_v name_n to_o their_o fault_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o punishment_n and_o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n deny_v in_o former_a time_n to_o our_o progenitor_n 5._o be_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v be_v late_o conclude_v and_o settle_v by_o both_o parliament_n we_o shall_v each_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o interest_n endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n concerning_o the_o happy_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n late_o conclude_v we_o earnest_o pray_v and_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v renew_v and_o be_v sorry_a hearty_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o pacification_n make_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o both_o parliament_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o solemn_a faith_n give_v there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n a_o miserable_a war_n begin_v again_o between_o a_o army_n of_o that_o kingdom_n enter_v we_o without_o and_o against_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o declaration_n and_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o we_o have_v hear_v have_v much_o deprecate_v their_o enter_n in_o allege_v vehement_o that_o their_o late_a solemn_a faith_n and_o pacification_n so_o that_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v in_o we_o also_o protestatis_fw-la contraria_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o article_n as_o willing_o we_o will_v to_o endeavour_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n and_o in_o the_o next_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v those_o who_o declare_v that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o covenant_n they_o now_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n with_o a_o army_n which_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o late_a act_n of_o pacification_n and_o may_v for_o ourselves_o judge_v and_o discern_v what_o it_o be_v since_o we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v thereto_o appear_v in_o its_o self_n a_o action_n as_o contrary_a thereto_o as_o war_n to_o peace_n so_o that_o this_o covenant_n will_v bindus_fw-la to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o it_o make_v we_o to_o abjure_v we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n 6._o liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_v and_o pursue_v thereof_o and_o shall_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o shall_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v or_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whereas_o we_o be_v in_o the_o six_o article_n require_v to_o covenant_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o first_o article_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n that_o we_o will_v assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o that_o in_o the_o close_a it_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v whatsoever_o opposition_n we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o all_o primitive_a christian_n who_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o esteem_v for_o bless_a saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o last_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o which_o we_o here_o shall_v swear_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n against_o the_o supreme_a magistrat_n consent_n second_o may_v we_o swear_v never_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o persuasion_n from_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n since_o the_o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a demonstrative_a what_o if_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v see_v better_a reason_n and_o strong_a motive_n to_o forsake_v it_o than_o we_o have_v now_o to_o take_v it_o or_o shall_v have_v then_o to_o keep_v it_o will_v not_o then_o our_o conscience_n better_o inform_v force_n we_o to_o break_v our_o oath_n a_o argument_n that_o we_o sin_v in_o take_v it_o or_o our_o oath_n bind_v
we_o contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n so_o inform_v which_o be_v impossible_a what_o if_o as_o now_o the_o king_n so_o future_a parliament_n disallow_v this_o covenant_n and_o oppose_v it_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v therein_o and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o so_o continue_v against_o all_o opposition_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v contradict_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v now_o impose_v upon_o we_o three_o where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o never_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n whether_o by_o the_o contrary_a part_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v all_o that_o be_v against_o this_o covenant_n if_o so_o will_v not_o these_o word_n follow_v against_o all_o opposition_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o include_v his_o majesty_n opposition_n and_o then_o as_o we_o have_v say_v we_o be_v in_o the_o close_a impliedly_o suppose_v that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v any_o part_n whatsoever_o of_o the_o contrary_a part_n oppose_v itself_o which_o since_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o except_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n how_o will_v this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 5_o h._n 4._o 25_o edw._n 3_o second_o how_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 13._o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v the_o high_a power_n shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n and_o in_o case_n of_o contrary_a conflict_n of_o these_o high_a power_n among_o themselves_o from_o the_o reason_n include_v in_o the_o object_n the_o damnation_n will_v be_v without_o repentance_n to_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o high_a and_o among_o the_o high_a power_n if_o st._n peter_n may_v interpret_v st._n paul_n the_o king_n be_v supreme_a and_o all_o other_o governor_n be_v send_v by_o he_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 14._o a_o possunt_fw-la for_o ourselves_o therefore_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v use_v the_o sword_n commit_v to_o he_o unjust_o we_o must_v take_v up_o st._n ambrose_n word_n conc._n 1._o contra_fw-la auxentium_fw-la dolere_fw-la potero_fw-la flere_fw-la potero_fw-la potero_fw-la gemere_fw-la adversus_fw-la arma_fw-la milites_fw-la gothos_fw-la quoque_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la miae_fw-la arma_fw-la sunt_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la munimenta_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la aliter_fw-la nec_fw-la debâ—o_fw-la nec_fw-la possumresistere_fw-la four_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o this_o land_n forbid_v we_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n to_o enter_v a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o join_v in_o this_o covenant_n since_o we_o be_v require_v here_o not_o only_o to_o join_v with_o one_o another_o but_o with_o the_o scot_n also_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n to_o who_o if_o by_o a_o law_n of_o their_o land_n all_o such_o covenant_n and_o league_n be_v forbid_v as_o seditious_a we_o if_o we_o know_o covenant_v to_o assist_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o such_o a_o league_n contract_n to_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n of_o sedition_n now_o to_o the_o scot_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n hold_v at_o linlithgow_n anno_fw-la 1585._o be_v forbid_v all_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n which_o be_v make_v without_o the_o privity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v hold_v and_o execute_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o unquietness_n this_o we_o read_v object_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdeen_n but_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o satisfy_a answer_n make_v thereunto_o five_o whether_o will_v not_o man_n think_v themselves_o bind_v by_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n to_o continue_v so_o far_o zealous_o unite_v against_o the_o contrary_a part_n as_o to_o reject_v all_o overture_n of_o accommodation_n and_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o be_v suppress_v or_o overcome_v and_o so_o our_o wound_n become_v incurcable_a six_o this_o covenant_n as_o we_o conceive_v under_o correction_n can_v be_v wise_o take_v by_o any_o man_n affect_v to_o this_o cause_n for_o shall_v they_o not_o here_o swear_v never_o to_o yield_v themselves_o though_o debel_v and_o unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o common_a enemy_n viz._n the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n nor_o ever_o to_o lay_v down_o arm_n or_o cease_v active_a resistance_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v the_o foresay_a contrary_a part_n power_n of_o conquest_n and_o consequent_o ius_fw-la victory_n shall_v they_o not_o bind_v themselves_o by_o this_o covenant_n never_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n will_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o so_o exclude_v all_o christian_a patience_n and_o suffering_n in_o affliction_n and_o tie_v themselves_o though_o unable_a active_o to_o resist_v plot_n disturb_v and_o overthrow_v all_o such_o who_o shall_v so_o have_v power_n over_o they_o hereafter_o all_o such_o governor_n and_o government_n which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o least_o to_o place_n over_o they_o which_o thing_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reason_n and_o nation_n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o conclusion_n concl._n suggest_v we_o have_v also_o consider_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o necessary_a humble_n of_o ourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n though_o in_o a_o public_a set_a form_n and_o prescribe_v such_o as_o we_o conceive_v this_o former_a part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v our_o purpose_n also_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o touch_v those_o word_n here_o mention_v in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n we_o profess_v and_o declare_v that_o do_v we_o believe_v in_o our_o conscience_n the_o above-written_a article_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o particular_n specify_v relate_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n by_o god_n set_v over_o we_o and_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v glad_o have_v go_v along_o with_o our_o brethren_n therein_o second_o since_o this_o oath_n express_o profess_v what_o also_o all_o lawful_a promisory_a oath_n must_v include_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o trust_v our_o just_a refusal_n will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a interpret_v even_o by_o the_o imposer_n themselves_o than_o those_o man_n detestable_a hypocrisy_n who_o enter_v this_o league_n and_o make_v this_o oath_n with_o mental_a reservation_n other_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o may_v and_o save_v all_o former_a oath_n yet_o other_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n or_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preacher_n scandalize_v thus_o our_o christian_a and_o reform_a religion_n with_o jesuitical_a mental_a reservation_n reserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o their_o word_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o signify_v our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o imposer_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n sufficient_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o indeed_o mentem_fw-la injuratam_fw-la gerunt_fw-la reserve_v this_o popery_n in_o thus_o swear_v while_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v popery_n we_o profess_v to_o know_v no_o other_o legitimate_a sense_n of_o our_o oath_n but_o mens_fw-la deferentis_fw-la a_o alipium_fw-la and_o that_o declare_v before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n not_o in_o a_o post-declaration_n and_o the_o grammatical_a common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n without_o limitation_n other_o then_o what_o be_v express_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o st._n augustin_n juramentum_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la pressum_fw-la and_o expressum_fw-la by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v how_o also_o can_v any_o lawful_o take_v a_o oath_n the_o matter_n whereof_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o far_o as_o lawfally_o he_o may_v be_v we_o not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v may_v we_o swear_v to_o lie_v steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v be_v it_o more_o sinful_a to_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o