there_o take_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a when_o they_o be_v compel_v through_o fear_n to_o swear_v against_o the_o government_n by_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o less_o bind_v because_o the_o law_n say_v Å¿_o tesâ—em_fw-la promissio_fw-la et_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sine_fw-la causa_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la inefficax_fw-la now_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n i_o mean_v necessary_a weighty_a just_a to_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o put_v down_o a_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a church_n government_n find_v it_o unsafe_a or_o unwarrantable_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o compel_v the_o whole_a nation_n by_o oath_n to_o consent_v to_o it_o and_o approve_v the_o same_o t_o 7._o oleaster_n observe_v how_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v three_o way_n in_o vain_a make_v the_o second_o to_o be_v thus_o in_fw-la rem_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la intendis_fw-la impleri_fw-la upon_o a_o matter_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o fulfil_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v blind_a that_o do_v not_o foresee_v that_o many_o will_v forswear_v themselves_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o swear_v against_o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o so_o much_o be_v foresee_v it_o show_v the_o less_o pity_o and_o compassion_n to_o put_v it_o upon_o they_o 3._o when_o one_o malignant_a swear_v to_o discover_v another_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o his_o brother_n malignant_a unto_o condign_a punishment_n be_v not_o this_o to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o one_o of_o who_o the_o imposer_n can_v not_o possible_o but_o think_v that_o he_o will_v forswear_v himself_o and_o play_v the_o fox_n astutam_fw-la vipido_fw-la gestans_fw-la sub_fw-la pectore_fw-la vulpem_fw-la ore_n aliud_fw-la retinens_fw-la aliud_fw-la sub_fw-la pectore_fw-la condens_fw-la be_v a_o subtle_a fox_n under_o a_o stink_a breast_n one_o thing_n in_o heart_n another_o be_v express_v augustine_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v well_o u_o qui_fw-la qui_fw-la hominem_fw-la provocat_fw-la adjurationem_fw-la and_o scit_fw-la eum_fw-la falsum_fw-la juraturum_fw-la esse_fw-la vincit_fw-la homicidam_fw-la quia_fw-la homicida_fw-la corpus_fw-la occisurus_fw-la est_fw-la ille_fw-la animam_fw-la imo_fw-la duâ—s_fw-la animas_fw-la and_o ejus_fw-la animam_fw-la quem_fw-la jurare_fw-la provocavit_fw-la and_o suam_fw-la etc._n etc._n ecce_fw-la jurat_fw-la eâ—ce_v perjurat_n tu_fw-la quid_fw-la invenisti_fw-la imo_fw-la et_fw-la tu_fw-la periisti_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la illius_fw-la morte_fw-la satiari_fw-la voluisti_fw-la whosoever_o say_v he_o provoke_v another_o to_o swear_v know_v that_o he_o will_v swear_v false_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o murderer_n because_o a_o murderer_n kill_v but_o the_o body_n this_o the_o soul_n yea_o two_o soul_n at_o once_o his_o who_o he_o provoke_v to_o swear_v and_o his_o own_o behold_v he_o swearech_v forswear_v and_o perish_v and_o what_o have_v thou_o find_v thereby_o yea_o thou_o have_v lose_v thyself_o who_o will_v no_o otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v but_o by_o his_o destruction_n and_o in_o another_o place_n x_o perjuriis_fw-la he_o that_o enforce_v one_o to_o swear_v who_o he_o know_v will_v swear_v false_o be_v a_o murderer_n ille_fw-la enim_fw-la suo_fw-la perjurio_fw-la se_fw-la interimit_fw-la sed_fw-la isle_fw-la manum_fw-la interficientis_fw-la pressit_fw-la et_fw-la impressit_fw-la for_o he_o kill_v himself_o with_o his_o peâ—jurie_n but_o the_o other_o thrust_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o self-murderer_n i_o wish_v these_o place_n may_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o so_o some_o man_n will_v the_o better_o see_v their_o own_o evil_n and_o sin_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v much_o complain_v of_o but_o upon_o who_o do_v the_o guilt_n chief_o lie_v true_o on_o the_o composer_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o y_o 16._o the_o leader_n of_o this_o people_n cause_n they_o to_o err_v and_o they_o that_o be_v lead_v of_o they_o be_v destroy_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o taker_n be_v due_o weigh_v it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v forswear_v themselves_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o it_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n what_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o a_o short_a account_n i_o will_v here_o show_v the_o reader_n it_o have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o contain_v a_o number_n of_o uncertain_a dark_a doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n the_o meaning_n when_o eof_o no_o man_n know_v but_o like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n may_v divers_a way_n be_v interpret_v and_o take_v the_o other_o part_n contain_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a against_o most_o man_n opinion_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unseasonable_a at_o that_o time_n if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a at_o some_o other_o time_n to_o impose_v it_o neither_o can_v the_o people_n then_o of_o this_o land_n without_o sin_v against_o their_o conscience_n swear_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o now_o speak_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o some_o objection_n and_o so_o will_v end_v this_o present_a discourse_n object_n 1._o this_o covenant_n by_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a divine_n be_v much_o plead_v for_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n a_o 31._o cite_v in_o their_o sermon_n press_v the_o careful_a keep_n thereof_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mourning_n in_o their_o prayer_n at_o fast_n and_o other_o time_n because_o it_o be_v neglect_v and_o god_n judgement_n terrible_o threaten_v against_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o it_o in_o brief_a as_o for_o themselves_o they_o sav_v b_o 6._o though_o some_o may_v esteem_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n yet_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n religious_a sacred_a and_o inviolable_a in_o who_o name_n we_o have_v swear_v and_o who_o will_v certain_o require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n we_o know_v with_o what_o a_o jealous_a eye_n and_o severe_a hand_n the_o c_o 19_o lord_n avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v by_o zedekiab_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n though_o extort_a from_o he_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o when_o we_o have_v lift_v up_o our_o hand_n to_o the_o most_o high_a gad_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o more_o righteous_a oath_n provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o we_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o to_o who_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n answ_n 1_o when_o the_o protestant_n deal_v with_o papist_n against_o their_o human_a invention_n and_o the_o puritan_n against_o he_o common_o use_v this_o argument_n as_o a_o full_a and_o solid_a refutation_n d_o 3._o nos_fw-la nova_fw-la omnia_fw-la quae_fw-la christus_fw-la non_fw-la docuit_fw-la jure_fw-la damnamus_fw-la quia_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la christus_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la ergo_fw-la christus_fw-la non_fw-la docuit_fw-la quod_fw-la docemus_fw-la nos_fw-la illud_fw-la detestabile_fw-la judicamus_fw-la we_o just_o condemn_v all_o new_a thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o teach_v because_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n for_o faithful_a man_n if_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o teach_v what_o we_o teach_v we_o hold_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v det_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o new_a thing_n a_o earthly_a creature_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o spring_v out_o of_o man_n foolish_a brain_n i_o have_v former_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o so_o the_o same_o reason_n here_o be_v every_o way_n and_o altogether_o as_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a to_o condemn_v it_o 2._o what_o the_o opinion_n be_v of_o these_o learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n touch_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o covenant_n i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o know_v well_o that_o man_n as_o leaâ—ned_v and_o godly_a as_o they_o teach_v that_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v break_v and_o not_o keep_v 655._o qui_fw-la seruat_fw-la juramentuâ—n_fw-la illicitum_fw-la bis_fw-la peccat_fw-la semel_fw-la mail_fw-la jurand_n and_o iterum_fw-la mail_fw-la juratum_fw-la servando_fw-la saithvrsinus_n so_o e_o 10._o pareus_n 54._o those_o oath_n be_v laudable_o break_v say_v mr._n downam_n which_o be_v unlawful_o make_v and_o to_o this_o both_o f_o 1071._o lutheran_n and_o g_o 26_o papist_n consent_n philo_n speak_v of_o those_o vow_n and_o oath_n whereby_o man_n bind_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v thus_o write_v h_o special_a quasi_fw-la non_fw-la melius_fw-la deoque_fw-la gratius_fw-la sit_fw-la tale_fw-la perjurium_fw-la modo_fw-la serventur_fw-la leges_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o though_o say_v he_o to_o forswear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n law_n be_v not_o much_o better_a and_o more_o acceptable_a 〈◊〉_d god_n for_o a_o man_n add_v sin_n to_o sin_n while_o he_o abuse_v his_o oath_n whereas_o he_o shall_v rather_o forbear_v from_o evil_a do_v let_v he_o therefore_o forbear_v and_o humble_o entreat_v god_n that_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o will_v pardon_v the_o unadvised_a
take_v no_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o life_n of_o a_o murderer_n which_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n but_o he_o shall_v sure_o be_v put_v to_o death_n x_o 13_o thy_o eye_n shall_v not_o pity_v he_o etc._n etc._n to_o covenant_v therefore_o to_o preserve_v the_o king_n person_n that_o be_v to_o swear_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o death_n though_o a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o oath_n against_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o so_o not_o bind_v neither_o be_v there_o a_o due_a respect_n have_v unto_o god_n glory_n 2._o y_o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v fin_n and_o consequent_o tend_v not_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o those_o who_o swear_v to_o thing_n either_o doubting_o or_o ignorant_o or_o force_v through_o fear_n to_o escape_v bodily_a punishment_n or_o to_o enjoy_v their_o call_n estate_n credit_n place_n etc._n etc._n can_v not_o swear_v in_o faith_n but_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n everywhere_o and_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o one_o a_o 236._o say_v verior_fw-la â—e_z statim_fw-la be_v perjurus_fw-la efficiatur_fw-la qui_fw-la monachus_fw-la profiteiur_fw-fr so_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o this_o nation_n swear_v against_o the_o government_n by_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n they_o forswear_v themselves_o i_o mean_v the_o great_a number_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n as_o do_v a_o thing_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o never_o mean_v to_o keep_v the_o oath_n if_o they_o can_v otherwise_o choose_v and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a mark_v a_o passage_n in_o mr._n b_o 18._o hendersons_n sermon_n before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o it_o fear_v i_o say_v he_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n be_v still_o fond_a of_o a_o form_n all_o service_n and_o a_o proud_a prelacy_n 3._o man_n have_v respect_n then_o unto_o god_n glory_n when_o they_o do_v lawful_a and_o just_a action_n and_o can_v show_v gospel_n precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o justification_n thereof_o for_o as_o c_o 14._o hospinian_n right_o say_v non_fw-la statim_fw-la omnia_fw-la quae_fw-la pio_fw-la animo_fw-la et_fw-la bono_fw-la zelo_fw-la instituuntur_fw-la and_o absque_fw-la omni_fw-la inquisitione_fw-la recipienda_fw-la sunt_fw-la we_o may_v not_o present_o receive_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v institute_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n and_o good_a zeal_n without_o any_o examination_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o little_a child_n put_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n what_o the_o composer_n and_o imposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n at_o first_o intend_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o touch_v upon_o but_o this_o i_o affirm_v and_o will_v stand_v to_o it_o the_o same_o have_v never_o any_o scripture_n bottom_n policy_n perhaps_o it_o have_v but_o piety_n not_o and_o for_o the_o covenant_n and_o oath_n which_o some_o fetch_n from_o asa_n josiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n it_o hold_v not_o forth_o any_o thing_n either_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o covenant_n similibus_fw-la similia_fw-la convenire_fw-la consentaneum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v the_o logician_n but_o except_o it_o be_v in_o name_n as_o that_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n and_o so_o this_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n or_o likeness_n between_o they_o as_o relate_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n 2._o it_o be_v against_o the_o true_a end_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n when_o a_o man_n respect_v not_o his_o own_o good_a special_o not_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n but_o what_o good_a can_v any_o man_n imagine_v he_o do_v to_o his_o soul_n while_o he_o be_v swear_v to_o the_o particular_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o instance_n 1._o touch_v the_o scots_a church_n discipline_n when_o the_o swearer_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o if_o lawful_a yet_o see_v no_o reason_n or_o just_a cause_n for_o he_o to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o course_n profitable_a for_o his_o soul_n 2._o when_o any_o worship_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o land_n by_o authority_n and_o the_o people_n by_o oath_n have_v receive_v it_o howsoever_o i_o grant_v the_o state_n may_v remove_v the_o same_o nevertheless_o to_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o people_n for_o to_o reject_v it_o until_o they_o themselves_o do_v see_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v it_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o it_o d_o pâ—nicnâ—is_fw-la beza_n confess_v although_o no_o friend_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n yet_o that_o god_n never_o give_v power_n to_o man_n for_o impose_v law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n nor_o can_v endure_v that_o any_o beside_o himself_o shall_v bear_v sway_n or_o dominion_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o lordly_a sway_n over_o the_o mind_n viz_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o swear_v against_o prelacy_n to_o which_o they_o have_v before_o many_o time_n swear_v yea_o and_o that_o before_o they_o see_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o can_v do_v it_o of_o conscience_n then_o be_v there_o never_o a_o human_a law_n impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n 3._o when_o the_o minister_n of_o aphrick_n be_v tender_v a_o oath_n e_o vandalic_fw-mi nunquid_fw-la bruta_fw-la irrationalia_fw-la say_v they_o nos_fw-la putatis_fw-la ut_fw-la juremus_fw-la nescientes_fw-la quid_fw-la charta_fw-la câ—ntineat_fw-la do_v you_o think_v we_o such_o senseless_a beast_n as_o that_o we_o will_v swear_v not_o know_v what_o the_o writing_n do_v contain_v if_o man_n have_v due_o regard_v their_o soul_n good_a they_o will_v have_v refuse_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o like_a answer_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o be_v have_v know_v first_o what_o the_o heresy_n be_v and_o schism_n that_o shall_v be_v extirpate_v before_o they_o will_v swear_v to_o any_o act_n against_o the_o same_o quod_fw-la just_fw-la fit_fw-la scienter_fw-la fit_fw-la quod_fw-la vero_fw-la injust_fw-la ignoranter_fw-la say_v f_o 23._o aristotle_n that_o be_v just_o do_v which_o be_v do_v know_o but_o what_o ignorant_o that_o be_v do_v unjust_o and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o hardly_o know_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o people_n of_o england_n special_o this_o present_a generation_n have_v show_v themselves_o more_o irrational_a and_o stupid_a then_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o have_v take_v even_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la swear_v to_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o this_o day_n what_o it_o be_v nor_o how_o or_o which_o way_n to_o act_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o have_v take_v 3._o it_o be_v against_o the_o end_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n when_o man_n respect_v not_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n g_o 90._o rivetus_fw-la say_v non_fw-la est_fw-la servandum_fw-la juramentum_fw-la cujus_fw-la executio_fw-la cum_fw-la salute_fw-la publica_fw-la cum_fw-la honestate_fw-la and_o bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la pugnaret_fw-la that_o oath_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v the_o execution_n whereof_o fight_v with_o public_a safety_n honesty_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o a_o little_a after_o si_fw-la quis_fw-la ergo_fw-la errore_fw-la deceptus_fw-la vel_fw-la affectibus_fw-la abreptus_fw-la aut_fw-la metu_fw-la victus_fw-la jurando_fw-la pr_fw-la mittit_fw-la se_fw-la aliquid_fw-la facturum_fw-la quod_fw-la vel_fw-la in_fw-la haec_fw-la tria_fw-la vel_fw-la in_fw-la unum_fw-la ex_fw-la tribus_fw-la impingat_fw-la jurando_fw-la quidem_fw-la peccat_fw-la sed_fw-la si_fw-la juramentum_fw-la servaverit_fw-la peccatum_fw-la peccato_fw-la addit_fw-la if_o any_o one_o therefore_o deceive_v through_o error_n or_o lead_v aside_o through_o affection_n or_o overcome_v through_o fear_n promise_v by_o oath_n that_o he_o will_v do_v something_o which_o be_v against_o these_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o the_o three_o he_o offend_v indeed_o by_o swear_v but_o if_o he_o keep_v the_o oath_n he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n this_o covenant_n must_v needs_o be_v against_o public_a safety_n because_o it_o occasion_v a_o general_a commotion_n and_o set_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n causeless_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o engage_v against_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o seek_v their_o utter_a ruin_n under_o the_o name_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o independent_n take_v the_o way_n of_o the_o other_o to_o be_v superstitious_a conceive_v they_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n by_o the_o covenant_n to_o oppose_v they_o and_o the_o cavalier_n swear_v to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n conclude_v they_o may_v lawful_o destroy_v they_o both_o i_o mention_v not_o here_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n who_o challenge_v by_o the_o covenant_n a_o power_n to_o settle_v our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o spoil_v we_o in_o our_o
the_o snare_n be_v break_v wherein_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n law_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o oath_n be_v unlawful_o give_v and_o take_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v probable_o pretend_v or_o object_v for_o it_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o refute_v here_o also_o be_v vindicate_v the_o parliament_n late_a proceed_n show_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o london_n minister_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o unsound_a and_o so_o their_o accusation_n and_o charge_n against_o the_o state_n false_a and_o scandalous_a moreover_o something_o be_v say_v against_o violence_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n about_o worship_n and_o church-government_n by_o john_n canne_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 22_o 23._o have_v the_o lord_n as_o great_a delight_n in_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o in_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o harken_v than_o the_o fat_a of_o 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you_o by_o let_v the_o people_n see_v the_o justness_n of_o your_o administration_n as_o ill_a man_n and_o disaffect_v be_v studious_a and_o diligent_a to_o make_v you_o and_o your_o well-deserving_a service_n odious_a and_o distasteful_a to_o the_o nation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o meek_a one_o everywhere_o and_o their_o fervent_a prayer_n daily_o pour_v forth_o to_o god_n be_v that_o see_v many_o do_v watch_v for_o your_o halt_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n will_v be_v please_v so_o to_o direct_v guide_n and_o counsel_v you_o as_o you_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n and_o all_o iniquity_n may_v stop_v her_o mouth_n for_o the_o national_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v only_o one_o request_n to_o move_v unto_o you_o about_o it_o how_o you_o be_v traduce_v and_o vile_o abuse_v by_o some_o man_n loose_a tongue_n and_o pen_n for_o not_o advance_v it_o more_o and_o more_o press_v the_o keep_n in_o their_o sense_n i_o need_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o you_o know_v it_o too_o well_o and_o therefore_o i_o humble_o conceive_v see_v it_o be_v here_o manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o oath_n be_v unlawful_o give_v and_o take_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n neither_o to_o be_v keep_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n from_o your_o house_n shall_v public_o understand_v so_o much_o for_o so_o do_v god_n shall_v have_v much_o glory_n by_o man_n repent_v of_o it_o you_o clear_v from_o many_o foul_a aspersion_n many_o treacherous_a and_o dangerous_a design_n prevent_v and_o such_o â—_z have_v not_o take_v it_o preserve_v from_o the_o snare_n thereof_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o and_o be_v very_o sensible_a what_o a_o stir_n be_v keep_v what_o a_o controversy_n and_o ado_n there_o be_v make_v between_o party_n and_o party_n kingdom_n and_o kingdom_n about_o this_o make_v nothing_o every_o side_n justify_v itself_o and_o charge_v the_o other_o with_o a_o breach_n and_o without_o doubt_n the_o contention_n about_o this_o covenant_n will_v continue_v yea_o i_o fear_v rise_v high_a and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n if_o the_o right_a way_n be_v not_o wise_o take_v for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o question_v but_o rather_o a_o plead_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v or_o take_v up_o but_o if_o the_o other_o way_n which_o be_v god_n way_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v he_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v reason_n to_o hope_v that_o a_o blessing_n and_o much_o good_a will_v speedy_o follow_v i_o be_o the_o more_o encourage_v to_o speak_v thus_o unto_o you_o because_o among_o other_o abuse_n reform_v you_o have_v a_o mayor_n late_o and_o very_o well_o do_v some_o thing_n this_o way_n but_o under_o favour_n this_o oath_n be_v nationalâ—_z and_o more_fw-la prejuâ—â—ciall_a it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v rather_o mind_v and_o something_o the_o more_o do_v in_o it_o to_o remove_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o cry_a sin_n from_o and_o off_o the_o land_n you_o have_v former_o declare_v and_o still_o do_v that_o your_o house_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v ever_o open_a to_o receive_v and_o hear_v pâ—â—itious_a gentleman_n 〈◊〉_d address_v here_o to_o you_o be_v for_o god_n for_o christ_n for_o soâ—â—s_n and_o â—syâ—_z hear_v i_o 〈◊〉_d fâ—â—fil_v my_o joy_n it_o be_v say_v of_o one_o terentiâ—â—_z a_o great_a commander_n under_o vaâ—eâ—s_n aâ—_z arrian_n emperor_n be_v return_v from_o armenia_n with_o a_o mighty_a victory_n b_o cc._n emperor_n bid_v he_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v for_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o service_n whereupon_o he_o desire_v that_o the_o orthodox_a christian_n may_v have_v a_o public_a place_n in_o the_o city_n of_o antioch_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n the_o emperor_n displease_v hereat_o rend_v the_o petition_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n wish_v he_o to_o ask_v some_o other_o thing_n terentius_n first_o gather_v up_o the_o piece_n than_o afterwards_o reply_v i_o will_v say_v he_o have_v accept_v this_o as_o a_o full_a reward_n but_o be_v deny_v i_o shall_v desire_n no_o other_o thing_n i_o have_v no_o fear_n nor_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o petition_n of_o i_o shall_v be_v deny_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v and_o lie_v tear_v and_o seatter_v in_o your_o house_n and_o i_o be_v bid_v to_o ask_v some_o thing_n for_o myself_o i_o will_v even_o take_v up_o the_o piece_n and_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o speak_v there_o for_o myself_o where_o i_o can_v not_o be_v hear_v for_o my_o god_n but_o how_o soever_o it_o be_v this_o shall_v be_v my_o comfort_n i_o have_v herein_o discharge_v my_o duty_n and_o quit_v myself_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o blood_n neither_o let_v the_o weakness_n meanness_n unworthiness_n or_o what_o else_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o your_o petitioner_n be_v any_o cause_n that_o you_o shall_v the_o less_o respect_v the_o matter_n which_o be_v not_o his_o but_o christ_n great_a wise_a man_n in_o time_n past_a have_v not_o disdain_v to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o simple_a man_n it_o be_v report_v of_o zenophon_n that_o be_v c_o 7._o give_v order_n to_o his_o attendant_n to_o awake_v he_o if_o he_o be_v asleep_a whensoever_o any_o one_o bring_v he_o news_n and_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o counsel_n of_o any_o private_a soldier_n and_o of_o marius_n it_o be_v say_v d_n that_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o a_o common_a soldier_n he_o win_v a_o strong_a castle_n in_o numidia_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a charles_n the_o last_o duke_n of_o burgundy_n frefuse_v to_o hear_v a_o prisoner_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n without_o admit_v any_o relation_n or_o counsel_n of_o other_o fall_v into_o the_o trap_n of_o campoâ—achos_n treason_n be_v defeat_v by_o the_o swisser_n and_o by_o they_o miserable_o slay_v at_o nancy_n for_o conclusion_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a and_o most_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o i_o here_o assert_v i_o shall_v not_o duâ—st_a have_v move_v this_o matter_n to_o you_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o treatise_n and_o so_o i_o rest_v and_o be_o you_o to_o serve_v you_o in_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n john_n canne_n bow_n april_n 21._o 1649._o the_o snare_n be_v break_v wherein_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o covenant-oath_n be_v unlawful_o impose_v and_o take_v and_o not_o to_o be_v keep_v as_o bind_v the_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o 12._o solomon_n there_o be_v way_n which_o seem_v right_a unto_o a_o man_n but_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v the_o way_n of_o death_n that_o the_o covenant_n give_v and_o take_v
to_o sit_fw-la in_o any_o court_n of_o judicatory_a to_o bear_v vote_n and_o determine_v the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o church_n reformation_n but_o as_o offensive_a rub_n and_o remoras_fw-la to_o be_v remove_v and_o only_o sound_a presbyter_n lord_n and_o commons_o to_o rule_v a_o pretty_a oath_n to_o swear_v man_n out_o of_o their_o right_n privilege_n liberty_n and_o to_o make_v they_o uncapable_a est_fw-la of_o all_o place_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o they_o be_v honest_a how_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n agree_v with_o the_o holy_a d_o 6._o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n go_v beyond_o and_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n but_o this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v contain_v the_o high_a and_o vile_a deceit_n that_o can_v be_v e_o 3._o heathen_n have_v teach_v otherwise_o and_o better_o reddite_fw-la depositum_fw-la pietas_fw-la sua_fw-la foedera_fw-la servet_fw-la fraus_fw-la absit_fw-la vacuus_fw-la coedis_fw-la babete_fw-la manus_fw-la restore_v the_o pledge_n piety_n her_o league_n keep_v still_o let_v fraud_n depart_v beware_v you_o do_v not_o kill_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o untigbteâ—us_fw-la oath_n for_o magistrate_n deceitful_o draw_v in_o to_o promise_v by_o oath_n to_o accommodate_v bloodthirsty_a man_n to_o hinder_v god_n people_n from_o submit_v to_o the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a yoke_n of_o christ_n to_o suppress_v the_o order_n and_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o so_o much_o and_o more_o too_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o nothing_o now_o more_o frequent_o complain_v of_o then_o that_o the_o parliament-man_n to_o be_v covenant-breaker_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o saint_n mr._n f_o 51._o owen_n well_o observe_v if_o they_o close_o with_o they_o say_v he_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la uâ—tiusquae_fw-la tabulae_fw-la the_o church_n nurse_v father_n etc._n etc._n what_o they_o please_v but_o if_o they_o draw_v back_o for_o want_n of_o light_n or_o truth_n to_o serve_v they_o log_n and_o stork_n find_v not_o worse_a entertainment_n from_o frog_n than_o they_o from_o some_o of_o they_o g_o 222._o aquinas_n speak_v of_o a_o oath_n say_v sivero_fw-la boni_fw-la impoditivum_fw-la tuno_fw-la juramento_fw-la deest_fw-la justitia_fw-la and_o non_fw-la oft_fw-la servandum_fw-la if_o this_o covenant_n comprehend_v such_o thing_n as_o some_o say_v it_o do_v yea_o and_o public_o avouch_v to_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a of_o it_o sure_o it_o want_v justice_n unless_o it_o be_v justice_n to_o oppose_v the_o chief_a good_a even_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n ministry_n worship_n government_n and_o to_o countenance_v preposterous_a rash_a and_o heady_a man_n in_o violence_n and_o persecution_n next_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v vt_fw-la lites_fw-la et_fw-la controversiae_fw-la fâ—niantur_fw-la say_v h_o 16._o pareus_n that_o debate_n and_o controversy_n may_v cease_v so_o the_o i_o 16._o apostle_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n say_v mr._n k_o 75._o elton_n serve_v to_o further_a brotherly_a love_n and_o to_o confirm_v lawful_a peace_n and_o society_n between_o party_n and_o party_n country_n and_o country_n kingdom_n and_o kingdom_n and_o a_o little_a before_o that_o controversy_n which_o hinder_v love_n and_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v end_v so_o l_o anabapt._n bakewell_n word_n for_o word_n i_o marvel_v how_o any_o man_n can_v imagine_v that_o this_o oath_n be_v for_o peace_n or_o that_o the_o present_a difference_n and_o strife_n between_o party_n and_o party_n can_v be_v end_v by_o it_o but_o rather_o necessary_o continue_v and_o increase_v i_o have_v read_v somewhere_o about_o heraclea_n in_o pontus_n there_o shall_v grow_v a_o tree_n over_o the_o tomb_n of_o amycus_n king_n of_o the_o bebrycian_o the_o native_n call_v it_o the_o rage_a or_o mad_a laurel_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n for_o if_o a_o branch_n or_o twig_n thereof_o never_o so_o little_a shall_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o ship_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o passenger_n will_v brawl_v and_o quarrel_v each_o with_o other_o neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o vessel_n till_o that_o mad_a wood_n be_v throw_v overboard_o whether_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o that_o rage_a and_o mad_a tree_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n have_v due_o weigh_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n that_o m_o 16_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o the_o n_o 1._o strong_a to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o nothing_o better_o beseem_v saint_n than_o a_o due_a regard_n have_v unto_o tender_a conscience_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o covenant_n that_o look_v this_o way_n the_o difference_n between_o party_n and_o party_n though_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v refer_v there_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o no_o reconciliation_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o one_o or_o both_o 2._o as_o the_o oath_n comprehend_v many_o thing_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o divers_a of_o they_o unknown_a what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v it_o both_o o_o 11._o superfluous_a and_o perilous_a so_o it_o have_v this_o for_o a_o accommodation_n to_o the_o taker_n that_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o take_v it_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o have_v so_o take_v it_o now_o he_o must_v fight_v but_o against_o who_o against_o every_o one_o contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o howsoever_o the_o presbyterian_n challenge_v a_o proper_a interest_n in_o the_o oath_n as_o if_o the_o same_o stand_v for_o they_o and_o their_o design_n and_o cause_n alone_o nevertheless_o the_o truth_n be_v other_o may_v claim_v as_o much_o as_o they_o and_o though_o they_o make_v not_o the_o like_a noise_n cry_v the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n yet_o from_o the_o covenant_n have_v as_o much_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o and_o against_o they_o and_o why_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v tolerate_v and_o countenance_v their_o church_n ministry_n worship_n and_o government_n i_o say_v from_o the_o oath_n may_v as_o fair_o claim_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o as_o they_o can_v clear_o gather_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o it_o against_o the_o other_o 3._o it_o can_v with_o truth_n be_v deny_v but_o this_o covenant_n have_v be_v a_o principal_a cause_n to_o hinder_v union_n and_o peace_n between_o the_o congregational_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o if_o a_o full_a reconciliation_n touch_v their_o difference_n can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v yet_o such_o a_o accommodation_n and_o pacification_n easy_o settle_v as_o both_o party_n may_v have_v well_o satisfy_v and_o brotherly_a love_n continue_v between_o they_o but_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o divide_v and_o contention_n increase_v on_o both_o side_n add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o many_o rebellion_n and_o treacherous_a design_n carry_v forth_o from_o time_n to_o time_n under_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o rise_n in_o surrey_n kent_n essex_n wales_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o the_o oath_n have_v in_o it_o so_o many_o thing_n and_o so_o ambiguous_a doubtful_a uncertain_a contradictory_a etc._n etc._n it_o must_v needs_o own_o almost_o any_o thing_n special_o â—eeing_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o have_v never_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v but_o leave_v to_o man_n own_o interpretation_n in_o several_a particular_n the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n say_v well_o p_o 14._o that_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n ambiguous_a the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o declare_v and_o manifest_v that_o all_o may_v know_v it_o but_o this_o oath_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o dark_a as_o it_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o take_v it_o in_o several_a and_o different_a sense_n and_o hereupon_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o oppose_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o another_o object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v such_o division_n and_o distraction_n among_o we_o that_o there_o be_v need_n to_o fasten_v we_o together_o by_o such_o a_o sacred_a bond_n as_o that_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v or_o rather_o will_v here_o set_v down_o mr._n ley_n his_o word_n for_o answer_v q_o 7._o that_o neither_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o time_n nor_o that_o the_o urge_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o convenient_a cure_n thereof_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a since_o there_o be_v more_o agreement_n betwixt_o peace_n and_o love_n which_o may_v be_v best_a preserve_v where_o offensive_a thing_n be_v not_o urge_v then_o betwixt_o love_n and_o compulsion_n especial_o if_o as_o of_o this_o