be_v enough_o that_o such_o as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v alter_v much_o less_o extirpated_a without_o the_o change_n of_o the_o law_n very_o many_o law_n that_o much_o concern_v if_o not_o establish_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v to_o be_v a_o grand_a part_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n that_o no_o law_n be_v make_v or_o alter_v without_o his_o fiat_fw-la much_o less_o then_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v himself_o so_o near_o as_o the_o change_n not_o his_o commissioner_n only_o but_o his_o government_n itself_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o apparent_a that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o take_v that_o the_o covenanter_n do_v intend_v either_o to_o force_v his_o consent_n to_o change_v those_o law_n or_o else_o to_o root_v out_o the_o government_n by_o prelacy_n against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n too_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v fair_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o king_n shall_v please_v or_o if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o change_v the_o law_n or_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o we_o have_v discover_v in_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o remember_v how_o the_o covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o as_o if_o the_o plot_n be_v lay_v to_o down_o with_o the_o bishop_n whether_o the_o king_n will_v consent_v or_o not_o or_o what_o ere_o come_v on_o it_o case_n ix_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v thus_o against_o the_o king_n right_n as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a resol_n without_o question_v it_o be_v for_o to_o covenant_n or_o swear_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o any_o be_v material_o sinful_a and_o void_a of_o itself_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v vow_v he_o will_v steal_v his_o neighbour_n horse_n in_o all_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o inferior_n must_v except_v the_o right_n of_o their_o superior_n otherwise_o if_o a_o oath_n will_v discharge_v from_o subjection_n how_o soon_o may_v all_o government_n totter_v and_o dissolve_v no_o covenant_n can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n more_o than_o of_o six_o seven_o eight_o or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v by_o all_o casuist_n that_o in_o iis_fw-la rebus_fw-la quae_fw-la superioris_fw-la potestati_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la in_o all_o thing_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o superior_a this_o condition_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o covenant_n oath_n and_o promise_n si_fw-la ipsi_fw-la etiam_fw-la placuerit_fw-la if_o it_o shall_v also_o please_v he_o that_o be_v our_o superior_a now_o nothing_o can_v possible_o intercept_v the_o conclusion_n but_o that_o either_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v under_o the_o king_n or_o that_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o power_n or_o that_o he_o give_v his_o consent_n either_o to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v true_a first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o under_o the_o king_n or_o swear_v by_o we_o all_o to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a and_o indeed_o as_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n political_o consider_v be_v the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a line_n of_o subordination_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v take_v from_o he_o or_o indeed_o on_o purpose_n oppose_v or_o disobey_v without_o apparent_a injury_n to_o the_o supremacy_n if_o not_o with_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o special_a commission_n second_o neither_o may_v this_o government_n be_v alter_v or_o any_o thing_n change_v therein_o or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n elsethat_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o law_n but_o by_o the_o king_n own_o act_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o law_n be_v a_o thing_n subject_n also_o to_o the_o king_n power_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n without_o all_o dispute_n three_o neither_o do_v the_o king_n consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v proclaimêd_v his_o dissent_n against_o it_o which_o very_a thing_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o void_a it_o datur_fw-la juritatio_fw-la juramenti_fw-la aliquando_fw-la per_fw-la superiores_fw-la si_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la ipsa_fw-la materiâ_fw-la 219._o amese_n de_fw-fr consc_fw-fr p._n 219._o sint_fw-la superiores_fw-la circa_fw-la quam_fw-la juramentum_fw-la versatur_fw-la sic_fw-la parent_n so_o parent_n husband_n master_n prince_n may_v pronounce_v say_v dr._n ames_n either_o oath_n or_o vow_n make_v by_o child_n wife_n servants_z subject_n without_o their_o consent_n to_o be_v void_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o power_n therefore_o so_o far_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o by_o law_n it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n at_o least_o not_o to_o alter_v it_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a upon_o both_o house_n and_o consequent_o his_o proclamation_n have_v pronounce_v the_o covenant_n long_o ago_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v good_a which_o i_o think_v none_o do_v question_n at_o least_o so_o far_o void_a i_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o king_n so_o many_o year_n after_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v immediate_o upon_o its_o very_a birth_n crush_v by_o his_o proclamation_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o his_o proclamation_n can_v pronounce_v it_o void_a and_o destroy_v it_o i_o think_v it_o may_v well_o be_v a_o problem_n whether_o the_o king_n future_a consent_n can_v revive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v indeed_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v so_o many_o year_n before_o but_o in_o what_o word_n do_v the_o king_n seem_v to_o consent_v he_o say_v it_o shall_v least_o displease_v he_o that_o man_n do_v keep_v their_o covenant_n these_o word_n do_v not_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n much_o less_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v episcopacy_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o but_o rather_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o king_n word_n to_o preserve_v not_o to_o extirpate_v religion_n in_o purity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n indeed_o thus_o some_o will_v wrest_v one_o plea._n coven_n plea._n modest_a expression_n against_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o king_n book_n frame_v by_o he_o on_o set_v purpose_n to_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o his_o death_n as_o any_o impartial_a reader_n thereof_o may_v satisfy_v himself_o four_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v nor_o true_o be_v it_o by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o the_o king_n do_v ever_o consent_v to_o the_o alteration_n much_o less_o the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n he_o be_v indeed_o at_o last_o content_v upon_o a_o very_a hard_a bargain_n to_o give_v it_o a_o suspension_n for_o three_o year_n but_o the_o sword_n cut_v off_o that_o precede_a and_o the_o objection_n with_o it_o case_n x._o whether_o the_o govenant_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n to_o swear_v absolute_o without_o submismision_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v either_o according_a to_o scripture_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o act_n this_o transport_v the_o subject_n beyond_o his_o place_n it_o invade_v the_o soveraingty_n and_o carry_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v though_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a especial_o when_o such_o covenant_n be_v public_o impose_v and_o take_v for_o no_o public_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o can_v proceed_v without_o tumult_n if_o not_o consent_v unto_o by_o the_o king_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fright_v to_o do_v it_o by_o his_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o rise_v up_o against_o he_o by_o public_a oath_n this_o be_v to_o hurt_v majesty_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v swear_v to_o do_v it_o in_o their_o place_n the_o form_n of_o their_o swear_n contradict_v the_o matter_n swear_v for_o they_o can_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n 3._o much_o more_o when_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o nor_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n therefore_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n
will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n be_v so_o but_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o prove_v it_o 4._o neither_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o either_o lawful_a authority_n may_v not_o establish_v what_o government_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a if_o not_o against_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n public_o to_o swear_v that_o without_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v such_o government_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o 5._o much_o less_o can_v it_o bind_v the_o people_n against_o such_o government_n if_o lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o such_o also_o as_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o change_n of_o the_o law_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o do_v without_o the_o king_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n 6._o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a as_o mr._n perkins_n conscience_n case_n of_o conscience_n have_v decide_v it_o that_o a_o covenant_n take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v put_v the_o declaration_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o mr._n crofton_n and_o especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenantter_n plea_n upon_o a_o task_n impossible_a viz._n to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o practice_n in_o england_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v labour_v on_o purpose_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n present_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o present_a turn_n be_v apparent_o serve_v with_o a_o plain_a distinction_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o swear_v against_o they_o two_o way_n either_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o be_v express_o establish_v by_o plain_a law_n or_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o can_v be_v abolish_v without_o the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o law_n 8._o now_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a law_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o government_n covenant_v against_o yet_o how_o do_v this_o clear_a the_o covenanter_n from_o swear_v against_o law_n when_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o can_v be_v extirpate_v without_o the_o violation_n and_o alteration_n of_o many_o very_o many_o law_n so_o that_o this_o evasion_n i_o think_v be_v perfect_o obstruct_v 9_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o see_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o strength_n in_o this_o argument_n to_o weaken_v yea_o to_o void_a the_o covenant_n obligation_n in_o this_o particular_a 10._o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v church-government_n as_o be_v covenant_v be_v against_o the_o law_n both_o antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subsequent_a such_o law_n as_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o such_o law_n as_o by_o full_a and_o just_a authority_n be_v enact_v since_o and_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o against_o the_o law_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n they_o be_v plain_o sinful_a and_o no_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v hold_v we_o to_o they_o first_o then_o let_v the_o question_n be_v put_v case_n xi_o whether_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o england_n before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n resol_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o insight_n into_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o very_a surface_n of_o they_o for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n that_o as_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o doubt_n so_o i_o be_o easy_o encourage_v to_o encounter_v it_o 2._o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o fallacious_a use_n and_o too_o weak_a improvement_n that_o i_o find_v make_v of_o this_o expression_n establish_v by_o law_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v legal_a or_o oppose_v as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o positive_o appoint_v in_o some_o statute_n on_o purpose_n if_o this_o be_v heed_v the_o advantage_n hence_o which_o at_o most_o be_v small_a utter_o fail_v the_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o to_o what_o poor_a satisfaction_n have_v the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n run_v through_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o civil_a law_n the_o statute_n law_n and_o the_o common_a law_n to_o find_v such_o a_o establishment_n with_o so_o much_o industry_n while_o i_o think_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o question_n but_o this_o form_n be_v legal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o law_n though_o no_o express_a statute_n be_v find_v appoint_v it_o and_o so_o much_o allow_v so_o far_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n as_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v any_o way_n engage_v against_o it_o do_v so_o far_o engage_v against_o know_v law_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o subdue_v by_o prejudice_n to_o question_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n when_o episcopacy_n have_v so_o long_o even_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o as_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n observe_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o establish_v yea_o make_v the_o law_n itself_o 5._o true_o methinks_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v before_o the_o law_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o parliament_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o before_o our_o norman_a law_n i_o mean_v as_o we_o and_o see_v also_o that_o they_o be_v still_o a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o power_n or_o their_o office_n or_o their_o government_n from_o they_o or_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v beget_v the_o father_n that_o beget_v it_o 6._o however_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o venture_v a_o little_a without_o my_o line_n and_o to_o offer_v a_o distinction_n or_o two_o that_o haply_o may_v cause_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o scruple_n to_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o their_o word_n and_o to_o take_v a_o better_a course_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n then_o by_o such_o a_o wild_a adventure_n to_o disturb_v every_o thing_n 1._o the_o law_n may_v establish_v a_o thing_n two_o way_n either_o by_o appoint_v it_o the_o novo_fw-la or_o by_o allow_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o have_v its_o foundation_n sufficient_o lay_v before_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o the_o law_n do_v sufficient_o establish_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o by_o those_o special_a law_n that_o relate_v unto_o it_o but_o indeed_o in_o every_o law_n which_o express_v the_o consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a 2._o church-government_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n either_o in_o its_o office_n thus_o we_o need_v not_o say_v the_o present_a form_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n for_o its_o office_n be_v before_o ever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n meddle_v with_o church-government_n or_o second_o in_o its_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o present_a government_n none_o can_v doubt_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n where_o we_o may_v read_v many_o time_n over_o the_o several_a legal_a name_n with_o their_o distinct_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o crime_n punishable_a by_o they_o and_o authority_n allow_v they_o so_o to_o punish_v and_o the_o fee_n of_o their_o court_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o consecrate_v the_o bishop_n establish_v by_o law_n 3._o three_o church-government_n be_v establishable_a by_o law_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o immediate_o when_o by_o a_o express_a statute_n such_o a_o form_n be_v appoint_v mediate_o when_o a_o statute_n empower_n a_o person_n or_o person_n to_o commissionate_a governor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o he_o or_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o power_n do_v settle_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_o 7._o suppose_v the_o present_a government_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o so_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n there_o be_v statute_n law_n declare_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o there_o be_v statute_n law_n that_o give_v he_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o my_o lord_n cook_n declare_v he_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v and_o empower_v his_o commissioner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o we_o know_v church-governor_n derive_v their_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o
both_o sin_n to_o which_o no_o covenant_n can_v possible_o oblige_v for_o than_o it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o against_o god_n himself_o 2._o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o article_n be_v against_o many_o former_a oath_n whereby_o the_o nation_n stand_v oblige_v before_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v or_o take_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o not_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o natural_a allegiance_n in_o which_o all_o subject_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n be_v bear_v oblige_v when_o they_o be_v bear_v subject_n unto_o our_o lawful_a prince_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n superad_v re-enforceth_a we_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o lawful_a command_n 2._o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n above_o mention_v whether_o this_o oath_n be_v actual_o take_v before_o the_o covenant_n or_o after_o we_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o king_n law_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o against_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o against_o his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n whatsoever_o be_v hitherto_o urge_v to_o enervate_a the_o same_o 3._o especial_o if_o we_o add_v the_o direct_a obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n wherein_o we_o all_o own_o and_o recognize_v the_o king_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a supreme_a governor_n for_o how_o can_v the_o oath_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n and_o destroy_v his_o officer_n against_o his_o will_n and_o his_o know_a law_n consist_v with_o his_o swear_a supremacy_n or_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n how_o do_v those_o ecclesiastical_a person_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o supreme_a governor_n while_o they_o resist_v he_o against_o his_o express_a law_n in_o this_o very_a cause_n even_o with_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n 4._o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a ministry_n stand_v more_o immediate_o oblige_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o subscription_n to_o thirty_o nine_o article_n wherein_o they_o have_v set_v their_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o superstitious_a or_o ungodly_a in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o make_v consecrate_v â—nd_n ordain_v of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o also_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o very_a ordination_n as_o deacon_n and_o as_o presbyter_n in_o which_o they_o solemn_o promise_v to_o obey_v their_o ordinary_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o godly_a judgement_n which_o they_o also_o bind_v with_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n 5._o last_o the_o general_a protestation_n take_v some_o year_n before_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o effect_v the_o discharge_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a 6._o that_o the_o protestation_n be_v as_o legal_a as_o the_o covenant_n as_o yet_o none_o ever_o question_v it_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o same_o power_n at_o least_o it_o be_v never_o proclaim_v against_o by_o the_o king_n as_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n argue_v do_v sufficient_o ratify_v it_o it_o be_v take_v by_o the_o same_o person_n general_o and_o indeed_o by_o thousand_o more_o than_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o be_v doubtless_o enough_o by_o mr._n croftons_n logic_n to_o conclude_v it_o national_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o to_o be_v violate_v or_o make_v void_a by_o any_o future_a power_n or_o obligation_n or_o covenant_n whatsoever_o 7._o but_o wherein_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o protestation_n 1._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o promise_v to_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o by_o our_o stand_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n notwithstanding_o its_o establishment_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o by_o supersede_v parliamentary_a power_n for_o ever_o enjoin_v our_o subjection_n to_o it_o be_v sufficient_o violate_v 2._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o also_o promise_v to_o defend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a these_o be_v also_o violent_o seize_v on_o by_o this_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n herein_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n be_v have_v their_o freehold_n swear_v against_o and_o their_o power_n and_o office_n threaten_v with_o utter_a extirpation_n notwithstanding_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n yea_o when_o neither_o their_o king_n that_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n nor_o any_o to_o represent_v they_o have_v liberty_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n or_o speak_v in_o their_o behalf_n in_o the_o parliament_n when_o destruction_n be_v contrive_v by_o this_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v hint_v before_o and_o unanswerable_o handle_v by_o other_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o way_n of_o preobligation_n mention_v viz._n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n when_o i_o have_v seal_v that_o from_o our_o oath_n and_o promise_n now_o speak_v to_o with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o dr._n ames_n never_o yet_o acquaint_v with_o doubt_n juramentum_fw-la posterius_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la promissionem_fw-la antecedentem_fw-la &_o honestam_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la a_o latter_a oath_n that_o be_v against_o a_o former_a honest_a oath_n or_o but_o a_o promise_n do_v not_o bind_v 3._o three_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n can_v bind_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o duty_n or_o discharge_v we_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o office_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n before_o ever_o the_o covenant_n be_v think_v on_o 1._o i_o acknowledge_v that_o my_o lord_n of_o lincoln_n teach_v that_o the_o seem_a hinder_v of_o some_o good_a do_v not_o simple_o or_o precise_o always_o discharge_v we_o from_o our_o oath_n except_o there_o be_v other_o circumstance_n concur_v which_o evince_n it_o non_fw-la oblige_v 2._o but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o question_n here_o when_o our_o place_n and_o duty_n require_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v be_v hinder_v for_o then_o the_o discharge_n result_v also_o yea_o and_o principal_o from_o a_o former_a obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n 3._o a_o man_n swear_v he_o will_v never_o come_v near_o such_o a_o river_n more_o because_o he_o have_v like_a to_o have_v be_v drown_v there_o but_o at_o a_o distance_n he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o same_o hazard_n at_o the_o same_o place_n now_o certain_o notwithstanding_o his_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o help_v his_o brother_n out_o and_o to_o save_v his_o life_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o there_o be_v a_o prior_n obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o 4._o dr._n jacob_n the_o casuist_n put_v a_o hard_a case_n by_o far_o than_o this_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o another_o that_o he_o will_v do_v he_o no_o hurt_n yet_o if_o by_o the_o law_n he_o kill_v he_o afterward_o he_o do_v not_o break_v his_o oath_n his_o reason_n be_v quia_fw-la illa_fw-la promissio_fw-la non_fw-la occidendi_fw-la subintelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la lege_fw-la permittente_fw-la imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o preobligation_n upon_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n indeed_o the_o thing_n swear_v must_v be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o or_o at_o least_o of_o weak_a necessity_n than_o the_o good_a that_o will_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o keep_n our_o oath_n and_o then_o all_o casuist_n i_o think_v concur_v with_o jacob_n and_o sylvester_n qui_fw-la indifferens_fw-la aliquid_fw-la jurat_fw-la ut_fw-la ite_z ad_fw-la villam_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la militem_fw-la etc._n etc._n dato_n casu_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la vivere_fw-la nequeat_fw-la nisi_fw-la veniat_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la illud_fw-la seruare_fw-la non_fw-la tenetur_fw-la &_o propriâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la contravenire_fw-la potest_fw-la 5._o now_o if_o to_o endeavour_v extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o sinful_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v non-necessary_a and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o so_o though_o man_n have_v swear_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o keep_v their_o oath_n will_v hinder_v the_o do_n of_o their_o natural_a duty_n both_o to_o the_o king_n in_o break_v his_o law_n &_o cast_v off_o his_o government_n and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o several_a congregation_n in_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o incapacity_n according_a to_o law_n to_o serve_v any_o long_o in_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v so_o far_o discharge_v of_o our_o oath_n
satisfaction_n by_o repair_v unto_o and_o due_o examine_v first_o what_o opinion_n the_o primitive_a church_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o controversy_n have_v of_o they_o and_o then_o also_o ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n they_o have_v free_o signify_v the_o same_o upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o their_o witing_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n now_o if_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o find_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o reform_a church_n have_v unanimous_o testify_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o thing_n now_o in_o controversy_n with_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v at_o least_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o reply_v or_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v unlawful_a finis_fw-la a_o addition_n to_o the_o first_o impression_n by_o way_n of_o supplement_n to_o the_o two_o great_a case_n touch_v the_o inexpediency_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o thing_n impose_v i._o touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o expediency_n je_v the_o doctrine_n of_o expediency_n shall_v yet_o remain_v under_o the_o cloud_n of_o any_o exception_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o add_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o it_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o only_a material_a objection_n against_o it_o object_n it_o may_v be_v say_v quòd_fw-la non_fw-la expedit_fw-la non_fw-la licet_fw-la and_o if_o that_o which_o be_v not_o expedient_a be_v not_o lawful_a than_o it_o may_v not_o be_v practise_v upon_o any_o pretence_n for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v answ_n in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o distinguish_v for_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a or_o evil_a in_o specie_fw-la or_o in_o genere_fw-la only_o that_o i_o call_v unlawful_a in_o specie_fw-la which_o be_v in_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o its_o circumstance_n prohibit_v by_o some_o special_a law_n natural_a or_o positive_a as_o theft_n murder_n profane_v the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n now_o thing_n simple_o inexpedient_a can_v be_v think_v unlawful_a in_o this_o sense_n they_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o evil_a in_o genere_fw-la only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o be_v not_o the_o transgression_n of_o any_o special_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o accident_n or_o outward_a respect_n circumstance_n or_o consequence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o thing_n become_v forbid_v be_v unlawful_a by_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n order_n custom_n or_o the_o like_a thus_o only_o be_v thing_n inexpedient_a unlawful_a or_o evil_a not_o in_o themselves_o but_o from_o their_o circumstance_n not_o in_o their_o nature_n but_o accidental_o not_o as_o violation_n of_o a_o special_a but_o of_o a_o general_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o alone_o it_o be_v prohibit_v be_v either_o sever_v from_o it_o or_o overbalance_v it_o become_v repugnant_a to_o no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o the_o evil_a and_o unlawfulnesse_n be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n removed_z mr._n calvin_n 31._o institut_fw-la li._n 4._o c._n 11._o 31._o give_v we_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o short_o and_o smart_o quid_fw-la a_o in_o muliere_fw-la carbaso_fw-it sita_fw-la religio_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la nudo_fw-la capite_fw-la egredi_fw-la sit_fw-la nefas_fw-la a_o sanctum_fw-la de_fw-fr ejus_fw-la silentio_fw-la decretum_fw-la quòd_fw-la violari_fw-la sine_fw-la summo_fw-la scelere_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la a_o aliquid_fw-la in_o genuflexione_fw-la inhumando_fw-la cadavere_fw-la mysterium_fw-la quod_fw-la praeteriri_fw-la sine_fw-la piaculo_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la minime_fw-la sed_fw-la est_fw-la nihilominus_fw-la in_o istis_fw-la rebus_fw-la quod_fw-la agendum_fw-la aut_fw-la cavendum_fw-la mos_fw-la regionis_fw-la instituta_fw-la ipsa_fw-la denique_fw-la humanitas_fw-la &_o modestiae_fw-la regula_fw-la dictet_fw-la for_o that_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n only_o be_v evil_a or_o unlawful_a be_v so_o only_o accidental_o and_o may_v be_v not_o immutable_o so_o and_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o accident_n in_o one_o respect_n may_v be_v good_a yea_o better_a in_o another_o now_o if_o circumstance_n sway_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o thing_n that_o at_o first_o seem_v otherwise_o may_v thus_o prove_v expedient_a and_o by_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o this_o objection_n lawful_a yea_o admit_v that_o some_o respect_n do_v render_v it_o inexpedient_a yet_o if_o more_o and_o great_a render_v it_o expedient_a it_o thus_o become_v more_o expedient_a then_o inexpedient_a and_o the_o overbalance_n of_o expediency_n conclude_v the_o case_n according_a to_o polanus_fw-la his_o golden_a rule_n the_o inexpediency_n must_v yield_v itself_o and_o the_o thing_n proceed_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n of_o practice_n to_o be_v expedient_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v for_o suppose_v the_o thing_n must_v either_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v and_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v than_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a to_o obtain_v good_a yet_o we_o must_v do_v good_a to_o prevent_v evil_a though_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o else_o thing_n that_o be_v expedient_a be_v therefore_o good_a it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o necessary_a these_o necessary_a thing_n 15._o act_n 15._o whence_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v because_o inexpedient_a may_v possible_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v because_o expedient_a the_o sum_n be_v thing_n with_o respect_n to_o expediency_n and_o inexpediency_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o first_o consideration_n be_v inexpedient_a may_v in_o some_o second_o respect_n be_v both_o lawful_a expedient_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v now_o whatsoever_o censure_n the_o reason_n give_v of_o it_o may_v conflict_n with_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v hardly_o ever_o before_o oppose_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o now_o no_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n know_v very_o well_o that_o a_o refuse_v to_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n at_o that_o period_n of_o time_n especial_o by_o a_o law_n to_o enjoin_v it_o carried_z in_o the_o first_o consideration_n of_o it_o no_o small_a inconvenience_n as_o be_v easy_o judge_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o write_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a law_n they_o grant_v they_o be_v burden_n no_o other_o burden_n yet_o to_o prevent_v great_a inconvenience_n the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o interruption_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o yea_o necessary_a so_o to_o do_v st._n cyprian_n rule_n be_v catholic_n we_o 11._o inst_z 4._o 12_o 11._o either_o find_v it_o or_o some_o allusion_n to_o it_o almost_o every_o where_n calvin_n among_o other_o cite_v and_o seal_v it_o and_o my_o conclusion_n with_o it_o misericorditer_fw-la igitur_fw-la corripiat_fw-la homo_fw-la quod_fw-la autem_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la patientèr_fw-la ferat_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la delectione_fw-la gemat_fw-la atque_fw-la lugeat_fw-la st._n ambrose_n his_o advice_n to_o st._n augustine_n 119._o vid._n aug._n cpi_v 86._o casula_fw-la prope_fw-la finem_fw-la &_o epist_n januar_n 119._o mother_n that_o she_o shall_v conform_v to_o the_o usage_n of_o every_o church_n where_o she_o come_v which_o st._n augustine_n receive_v as_o a_o oracle_n from_o god_n must_v needs_o indulge_v my_o proposition_n unless_o every_o usage_n in_o the_o several_a church_n where_o she_o may_v possible_o come_v be_v exact_o square_v to_o the_o strict_a idea_n of_o fitness_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o matron_n mind_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v judaeorum_fw-la servilibus_fw-la oneribus_fw-la premunt_fw-la ut_fw-la tolerabilior_fw-la sit_fw-la conditio_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la and_o st._n augustine_n himself_o be_v in_o our_o very_a case_n it_o be_v know_v he_o be_v much_o trouble_v at_o the_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n in_o his_o time_n and_o heavy_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n nay_o a_o bondage_n to_o the_o church_n a_o bondage_n ibid._n januar._n epist_n 119._o ecclesia_fw-la multa_fw-la tolerat_fw-la ibid._n worse_o than_o jewish_n yet_o who_o ever_o find_v he_o symbolise_v with_o donatis_fw-la or_o in_o the_o least_o to_o encourage_v any_o man_n for_o any_o such_o cause_n to_o break_v the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o separation_n yea_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o appearance_n of_o such_o schism_n most_o of_o the_o foreign_a reform_a divine_n have_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o our_o very_a case_n and_o therefore_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v heed_v and_o have_v de_fw-fr industriâ_fw-la give_fw-mi their_o advice_n from_o the_o present_a principle_n touch_v conformity_n in_o england_n and_o what_o do_v they_o
from_o the_o king_n alone_o from_o time_n to_o time_n according_o 8._o for_o the_o common_a law_n common_a usage_n which_o be_v common_a law_n will_v no_o doubt_n plead_v prescription_n and_o establish_v this_o form_n of_o government_n over_o we_o a_o government_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n affirm_v may_v be_v establish_v by_o law_n as_o well_o by_o consent_n and_o submission_n on_o the_o people_n part_n as_o by_o express_a suffrage_n quid_fw-la interest_n suffragio_fw-la populus_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la svam_fw-la declaret_fw-la a_o rebus_fw-la &_o facto_fw-la jul._n thus_o we_o have_v find_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v against_o a_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n before_o it_o be_v impose_v or_o take_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o sinful_a and_o not_o oblige_v 10._o but_o however_o this_o will_v pass_v certain_o there_o be_v law_n make_v since_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o will_v sure_o hold_v we_o none_o can_v encourage_v any_o further_a doubt_n but_o that_o the_o present_a church-government_n be_v so_o far_o establish_v by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n as_o that_o it_o require_v every_o minister_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o it_o 11._o so_o that_o if_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v yet_o bind_v on_o we_o to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o this_o government_n it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o violate_v the_o law_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v before_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v we_o so_o far_o now_o viz._n contrary_a to_o express_v law_n but_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o case_n and_o examine_v it_o more_o at_o large_a case_n xii_o whether_o a_o covenant_n take_v first_o can_v oblige_v we_o against_o a_o future_a law_n resol_n 1._o this_o case_n be_v weighty_a and_o indeed_o much_o our_o own_o i_o shall_v set_v myself_o with_o all_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a resolution_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o unintere_v and_o learn_v casuist_n 2._o that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v restore_v by_o law_n make_v since_o the_o king_n return_n viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o it_o its_o place_n in_o the_o parliament_n and_o its_o former_a jurisdiction_n also_o that_o this_o present_a church-government_n be_v so_o far_o establish_v by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n that_o it_o be_v express_o own_a and_o allow_v that_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_n against_o it_o be_v prohibit_v that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o live_n not_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a enough_o 3._o the_o great_a question_n here_o be_v whether_o these_o law_n make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o episcopal_a government_n after_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o it_o can_v discharge_v the_o subject_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o 4._o to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o answer_v episcopal_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o not_o sinful_a in_o the_o affirmative_a neither_o do_v i_o find_v any_o note_a casuist_n to_o contradict_v i_o 5._o the_o sum_n of_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a you_o have_v in_o this_o plain_a argument_n the_o covenant_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v 1._o prop._n 1._o become_v unlawful_a can_v bind_v when_o the_o thing_n swear_v abstract_v from_o our_o covenant_n be_v become_v unlawful_a for_o then_o the_o covenant_n become_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o shall_v bind_v beyond_o that_o know_a and_o general_o approve_a rule_n that_o no_o covenant_n bind_v further_a and_o therefore_o not_o long_o than_o we_o lawful_o may_v and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n make_v we_o debtor_n to_o hell_n 6._o i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o navarr_n sylvester_n layman_n and_o those_o that_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v by_o a_o oath_n than_o he_o will_v have_v oblige_v himself_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o in_o their_o latitude_n a_o very_a dangerous_a rule_n and_o plain_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n 7._o yet_o no_o casuist_n but_o with_o sanches_n will_v allow_v the_o rule_n when_o thus_o limit_v that_o what_o will_v at_o first_o have_v hinder_v our_o oblige_a ourselves_o have_v it_o be_v foresee_v or_o have_v it_o first_o happen_v will_v also_o discharge_v we_o when_o know_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la producendam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n become_v unlawful_a and_o consequent_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o produce_v a_o obligation_n as_o before_o but_o to_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o 2._o prop._n 2._o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v then_o yet_o now_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v to_o covenant_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v become_v unlawful_a viz._n by_o the_o law_n restore_v that_o government_n and_o prohibit_v all_o endeavour_n for_o the_o extirpation_n or_o alteration_n of_o it_o 2._o therefore_o if_o it_o do_v oblige_v so_o far_o before_o which_o can_v be_v grant_v yet_o it_o can_v now_o oblige_v so_o far_o no_o long_o except_v it_o have_v power_n beyond_o authority_n and_o can_v warrant_v disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 3._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a lie_n in_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o dr._n ames_n a_o rule_n not_o question_v by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la ita_fw-la mutabilibus_fw-la ut_fw-la rem_fw-la promissam_fw-la faciant_fw-la illi_fw-la citam_fw-la subintelligitur_fw-la si_fw-la res_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la statu_fw-la permanserint_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o uncexeptionable_a interpretation_n if_o the_o change_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o render_v the_o thing_n swear_v or_o promise_v sinful_a or_o unlawful_a 4._o now_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a the_o examine_n what_o unlawfulness_n can_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la be_v contract_v by_o the_o change_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n mutable_a 5._o certain_o not_o a_o unlawfulness_n from_o any_o immediate_a prohibition_n of_o god_n for_o then_o either_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v lawful_a or_o in_o that_o sense_n mutable_a before_o and_o the_o promise_n have_v be_v sinful_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la whereas_o dr._n ames_n suppose_v the_o contrary_a and_o give_v this_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v make_v unlawful_a by_o special_a revelation_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v especial_o see_v ames_n make_v the_o changableness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o state_n of_o they_o a_o possible_a instrument_n of_o change_a thing_n before_o lawful_a and_o lawful_o swear_v into_o sinful_a and_o such_o as_o can_v no_o long_o be_v oblige_v unto_o 6._o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o this_o rule_n refer_v to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n which_o indeed_o have_v power_n to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o not_o in_o themselves_o either_o sinful_a or_o necessary_a 7._o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o when_o we_o promise_v or_o swear_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o mutable_a nature_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o swear_v may_v be_v command_v by_o authority_n we_o be_v only_o to_o perform_v it_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v not_o prohibit_v and_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v 8._o thus_o admit_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v res_fw-la indifferens_fw-la and_o res_fw-la mutabilis_fw-la when_o man_n swear_v against_o it_o yet_o to_o perform_v that_o oath_n be_v now_o become_v unlawful_a by_o the_o intervention_n of_o new_a law_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o superior_n which_o no_o former_a oath_n can_v supersede_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o oath_n can_v bind_v in_o thing_n of_o so_o mutable_a a_o nature_n without_o this_o condition_n si_fw-la res_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la statu_fw-la permanserint_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n swear_v do_v no_o way_n afterward_o become_v sinful_a object_n the_o proposal_n of_o a_o objection_n wherein_o we_o have_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o this_o rule_n may_v give_v some_o advantage_n to_o our_o further_a clear_v this_o weighty_a matter_n it_o be_v