tear_v in_o piece_n the_o king_n prerogative_n who_o consent_n be_v necessary_a invade_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n to_o make_v new_a law_n in_o thing_n lawful_a or_o establish_v the_o old_a break_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o be_v impose_v on_o with_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o have_v so_o many_o society_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n destroy_v plain_o subvert_v 6._o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o oath_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o 2._o 2_o sam._n 21._o 2._o gibeonite_n by_o joshua_n the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n shall_v not_o oblige_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o hatred_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o their_o injury_n and_o ruin_n by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o people_n without_z and_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o either_o house_n nothing_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v why_o such_o a_o covenant_n so_o far_o at_o least_o shall_v bind_v at_o all_o one_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o good_a he_o have_v swear_v so_o be_v joshua_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o gibeonite_n one_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v swear_v as_o the_o covenant_n will_v have_v he_o 7._o israel_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o covenant_n that_o hurt_v none_o but_o themselves_o if_o themselves_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o covenant_n oblige_v they_o england_n that_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v also_o cheat_v pardon_v the_o expression_n into_o a_o covenant_n that_o injure_v the_o taker_n and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o king_n the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o all_o future_a parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o taker_n themselves_o by_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o former_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o particular_a have_v before_o appear_v and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o bind_v to_o so_o much_o iniquity_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o or_o other_o instance_n of_o zedekiah_n oath_n etc._n etc._n or_o i_o presume_v to_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o have_v indeed_o engage_v i_o long_o than_o at_o first_o i_o foresee_v a_o general_a conclusion_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o re-ordination_a and_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o law_n require_v of_o minister_n by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n re-ordination_a of_o such_o as_o be_v only_o ordain_v already_o by_o presbyter_n and_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o by_z bishop_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v concern_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o consider_v that_o liberty_n be_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o own_o sense_n whether_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n only_o be_v valid_a or_o not_o also_o that_o the_o act_n make_v itself_o no_o judge_n of_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o foreign_a church_n also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n as_o also_o that_o if_o their_o former_a ordination_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o form_n it_o can_v not_o pass_v for_o legal_a ordination_n in_o this_o church_n or_o nation_n nor_o legal_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o the_o profit_n of_o their_o place_n no_o other_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v appoint_v or_o allow_v by_o our_o governor_n and_o therefore_o their_o submission_n thereunto_o can_v be_v a_o take_n god_n name_n in_o vain_a which_o have_v so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o end_n but_o especial_o consider_v that_o worthy_a mr._n humphrey_n have_v write_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o large_o already_o upon_o this_o subject_a he_o have_v so_o well_o prevent_v my_o pain_n herein_o i_o have_v only_o to_o refer_v my_o brethren_n to_o his_o book_n for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o concern_v that_o which_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o treatise_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o subscribe_v which_o i_o do_v animo_fw-la that_o i_o have_v not_o use_v one_o argument_n but_o i_o real_o judge_v it_o convince_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o either_o answer_v or_o prevent_v by_o any_o thing_n write_v either_o by_o mr._n crofton_n or_o the_o learned_a and_o sober_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea._n 3._o neither_o can_v i_o divine_a what_o may_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v except_o only_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o government_n liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o the_o declaration_n require_v 4._o i_o confess_v i_o take_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o for_o grant_v and_o my_o reason_n i_o hint_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n namely_o because_o i_o be_v to_o treat_v such_o only_a or_o chief_o with_o it_o as_o have_v purpose_v to_o conform_v have_v not_o the_o act_n require_v they_o thus_o to_o declare_v such_o i_o conceive_v do_v not_o believe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o office_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n be_v in_o it_o self_n unlawful_a who_o by_o their_o conformity_n intend_v before_o to_o own_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o 5._o however_o let_v i_o humble_o beseech_v my_o brethren_n if_o thus_o they_o scruple_n serious_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o able_a pen_n that_o ever_o engage_v in_o these_o great_a controversy_n have_v hitherto_o find_v it_o a_o task_n too_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o evince_v that_o either_o the_o form_n of_o government_n or_o any_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a 6._o yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n that_o very_o few_o that_o have_v be_v learned_a and_o sober_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o point_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n but_o though_o they_o have_v much_o scruple_v at_o first_o have_v argue_v themselves_o at_o length_n into_o a_o conviction_n at_o least_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o 7._o i_o hope_v my_o brethren_n will_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v to_o remember_v they_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o regula_n regulans_fw-la in_o the_o first_o consideration_n though_o so_o in_o the_o second_o but_o regula_n regulata_n and_o that_o she_o have_v a_o rule_n above_o she_o that_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o very_a synterisis_n and_o proposition_n from_o which_o alone_o she_o must_v draw_v and_o conclude_v all_o her_o definition_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 8._o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o our_o own_o not_o our_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o our_o will_n so_o that_o what_o he_o command_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o duty_n what_o he_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o sin_n and_o what_o he_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v indifferent_a that_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v neither_o a_o duty_n nor_o a_o sin_n by_o every_o well_o enlighten_v right_o rule_v and_o indifferent_a conscience_n 9_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n to_o any_o man_n conscience_n what_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n indifferent_a that_o be_v what_o he_o have_v neither_o commdnded_a and_o make_v a_o duty_n nor_o forbid_v and_o make_v a_o sin_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o god_n mind_n 10._o if_o yet_o the_o doubt_n continue_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o suffer_v i_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o better_a help_n under_o heaven_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o beside_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o reform_a church_n 11._o let_v the_o person_n then_o that_o desire_v satisfaction_n indeed_o bring_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o question_n first_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v see_v they_o condemn_v there_o as_o true_o i_o can_v let_v he_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n after_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o prosecute_v his_o full_a
of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n will_v fain_o say_v something_o to_o weaken_v this_o conclusion_n of_o the_o bishop_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o only_o appear_v to_o be_v evil_a to_o he_o that_o swear_v it_o but_o though_o he_o make_v a_o flourish_n towards_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o present_a case_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o vanishech_v into_o air_n 19_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o err_a conscience_n do_v not_o obligare_fw-la it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v ligare_fw-la and_o consequent_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v so_o long_o as_o the_o party_n apprehend_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v sinful_a whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o not_o that_o be_v no_o one_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v sinful_a and_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o church_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o judge_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a when_o he_o swear_v it_o or_o be_v since_o so_o convince_v for_o we_o may_v not_o aggravate_v a_o rash_a oath_n with_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o be_v against_o conscience_n 21._o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v ample_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n true_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n for_o here_o conscience_n dictate_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a adventure_n for_o a_o king_n himself_o to_o second_o herod_n and_o to_o fulfil_v a_o wicked_a oath_n by_o a_o more_o wicked_a act_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o god_n too_o si_fw-mi facere_fw-la intendit_fw-la bis_fw-la peccat_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la con._n tolet._n case_n con._n intention_n quam_fw-la habet_fw-la peccandi_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la juramento_fw-la supra_fw-la rem_fw-la injustam_fw-la the_o case_n of_o abbot_n in_o henry_n the_o eight_o time_n be_v too_o weak_o compare_v with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v as_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v declare_v to_o have_v run_v into_o a_o proemunire_n as_o the_o abbot_n be_v that_o the_o abbot_n have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o parliament_n as_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o and_o especial_o that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o active_a or_o any_o way_n consent_v to_o the_o act_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o abbot_n as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v case_n xvii_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o former_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n the_o first_o spring_n of_o all_o obligation_n be_v in_o god_n law_n bound_v we_o love_n bind_v we_o oath_n and_o covenant_n bound_v we_o but_o how_o as_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n bind_v we_o he_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o wrong_v he_o to_o obey_v authority_n and_o observe_v their_o command_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n and_o fulfil_v the_o oath_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o lip_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n that_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o so_o his_o moral_a obligation_n upon_o we_o change_v not_o neither_o can_v any_o act_n of_o we_o take_v off_o or_o weaken_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o 3._o hence_o it_o eternal_o follow_v that_o a_o latter_a obligation_n against_o a_o former_a be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o void_a of_o itself_o because_o the_o former_a obligation_n be_v from_o god_n and_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n it_o be_v eternal_a as_o god_n be_v and_o fix_v and_o not_o to_o be_v break_v 4._o there_o seem_v to_o be_v three_o bond_n or_o cord_n of_o god_n to_o have_v have_v force_n upon_o we_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v or_o think_v of_o all_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v against_o and_o endeavour_n to_o break_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o it_o to_o obey_v authority_n to_o keep_v our_o oath_n and_o promise_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n 1._o first_o god_n have_v first_o both_o by_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a scripture_n bind_v we_o by_o his_o sovereign_a indispensable_a command_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o to_o those_o that_o be_v send_v and_o commission_v by_o he_o and_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n because_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n ordain_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o god_n himself_o 2._o be_v not_o these_o obligation_n upon_o we_o even_o on_o our_o very_a conscience_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v do_v not_o the_o covenant_n find_v these_o bar_n within_o we_o be_v not_o the_o conscience_n thus_o prepossess_v against_o it_o and_o lock_v up_o from_o it_o 3._o but_o how_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o these_o obligation_n yea_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o not_o it_o be_v impose_v and_o take_v against_o the_o king_n law_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v against_o the_o right_n both_o of_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n set_v over_o we_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n make_v both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o covenant_n 4._o more_o particular_o god_n first_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o obey_v our_o governor_n and_o the_o covenant_n will_v engage_v to_o disobey_v disown_n and_o destroy_v they_o i_o mean_v our_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n it_o will_v discharge_v we_o of_o our_o obedience_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o resistance_n contrary_a to_o god_n express_v obligatiâ—â—_n upon_o we_o which_o can_v be_v 5._o again_o the_o civil_a authority_n require_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n the_o civil_a authority_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n require_v we_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o resist_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v they_o to_o this_o also_o we_o oppose_v the_o covenant_n though_o god_n first_o have_v bind_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ruler_n which_o can_v be_v 6._o i_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o under_o another_o argument_n before_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o only_o add_v the_o plain_a but_o very_o weighty_a and_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o mr._n perkins_n who_o very_o distinct_o foresee_v conse_n case_n of_o conse_n our_o case_n 7._o he_o lay_v down_o two_o rule_n among_o other_o that_o methinks_v may_v decide_v our_o controversy_n 1._o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o country_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v member_n it_o bind_v not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_o take_v only_o but_o it_o bind_v not_o at_o all_o he_o give_v the_o very_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o be_o now_o improve_n because_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n commandment_n bind_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o good_a law_n of_o man_n 8._o therefore_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o just_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v such_o law_n as_o be_v not_o unjust_a or_o evil_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o can_v not_o bind_v at_o all_o because_o god_n have_v first_o command_v we_o and_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n 9_o 2._o again_o say_v mr._n perkins_n if_o at_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o afterward_o by_o some_o mean_n become_v either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a it_o bind_v not_o the_o conscience_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o cease_v to_o bind_v say_v he_o because_o the_o bind_a virtue_n be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o thus_o also_o have_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o render_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v take_v yet_o it_o be_v now_o unlawful_a to_o endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o government_n swear_v against_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o declare_v that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v the_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v either_o thus_o to_o endeavour_v which_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o thus_o to_o declare_v which_o be_v require_v for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o omission_n the_o other_o of_o commission_n but_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
sedition_n and_o indeed_o so_o there_o may_v and_o if_o there_o by_o any_o endeavour_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o parliament_n and_o law_n whatever_o they_o be_v we_o be_v not_o call_v by_o the_o act_n to_o declare_v that_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v bind_v unto_o they_o for_o wherein_o the_o act_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o declare_v we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o same_o act_n to_o declare_v 2._o therefore_o the_o endeavour_n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n swear_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v either_o the_o same_o which_o the_o act_n intend_v or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o then_o notwithstanding_o the_o covenant_n we_o may_v declare_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o never_o intend_v so_o to_o bind_v we_o but_o if_o the_o same_o endeavour_n be_v intend_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o act_n than_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o lose_v its_o force_n for_o as_o have_v be_v clear_o i_o hope_v prove_v we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o it_o against_o a_o law_n though_o that_o law_n if_o the_o matter_n in_o itself_o be_v lawful_a be_v make_v after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v 3._o i_o mean_v if_o the_o endeavour_n to_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o act_n be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v seditious_a and_o may_v disturb_v the_o public_a then_o either_o the_o such_o endeavour_n require_v by_o the_o covenant_n be_v seditious_a endeavour_n too_o or_o else_o this_o act_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o covenant_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o strike_v at_o such_o endeavour_n as_o be_v not_o covenant_v 4._o if_o the_o endeavour_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v seditious_a than_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o the_o covenant_n confess_v so_o much_o if_o not_o then_o hey_o may_v declare_v as_o indeed_o they_o have_v already_o in_o their_o write_n that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v seditious_o which_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o act._n 5._o however_o as_o be_v say_v let_v thesence_n of_o the_o word_n endeavour_n both_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o act_n fall_v how_o it_o will_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n thus_o to_o endeavour_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o break_v the_o act_n make_v against_o such_o endeavour_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o declare_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v 6._o but_o because_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o this_o very_a word_n and_o indeed_o much_o of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o find_v not_o any_o that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o covenant_n to_o have_v distinct_o and_o plain_o consider_v it_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o little_a liberty_n to_o open_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o a_o few_o distinction_n and_o apply_v they_o as_o i_o pass_v on_o 7._o endeavour_v be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o private_a endeavour_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o our_o closet_n when_o no_o other_o person_n can_v receive_v any_o influence_n against_o authority_n from_o what_o we_o say_v and_o the_o public_a suffer_v no_o danger_n by_o they_o in_o this_o sense_n to_o endeavour_v against_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v corrupt_a or_o sinful_a in_o church_n or_o state_n betwixt_o god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v it_o yet_o a_o sober_a well-tempered_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n if_o hearken_v to_o may_v whisper_v that_o to_o fetch_v our_o heart_n and_o face_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n who_o have_v say_v curse_v not_o the_o king_n in_o thy_o bedchamber_n no_o not_o in_o thy_o thought_n against_o government_n and_o law_n that_o defend_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n savour_v but_o little_a of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o may_v easy_o draw_v the_o guilt_n of_o want_n of_o allegiance_n and_o charity_n to_o government_n and_o unwarrantable_a boldness_n with_o god_n 8._o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o remember_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o very_a unusual_a and_o unacceptable_a sense_n of_o endeavour_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a with_o covenant_v minister_n as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o their_o sermon_n in_o public_a to_o the_o people_n to_o oppose_v or_o at_o least_o to_o distinguish_v endeavour_n and_o prayer_n call_v they_o to_o add_v their_o endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o without_o which_o viz._n endeavour_v we_o say_v prayer_n be_v but_o muliebre_fw-la supplicium_fw-la weak_a and_o unavailable_a 9_o and_o doubtless_o to_o take_v the_o word_n endeavour_v in_o the_o act_n in_o this_o broad_a and_o wide_a interpretation_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o ordinary_a use_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v to_o make_v a_o net_n for_o our_o self_n and_o other_o with_o a_o desire_n not_o to_o escape_v it_o 10._o for_o who_o can_v rational_o imagine_v that_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n shall_v intend_v to_o govern_v man_n thought_n or_o closert_n the_o end_n of_o civil_a power_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o civil_a peace_n and_o what_o can_v charity_n or_o justice_n imagine_v else_o to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o civil_a law_n private_a prayer_n if_o amiss_o may_v provoke_v god_n and_o trouble_v our_o self_n but_o they_o reach_v not_o the_o public_a peace_n neither_o can_v that_o be_v presume_v to_o break_v law_n which_o can_v prejudice_v the_o end_n of_o law_n or_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o lawmaker_n therefore_o only_o apparere_fw-la be_v esse_fw-la in_o jure_fw-la and_o not_o to_o appear_v to_o break_v the_o law_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o to_o break_v it_o 11._o second_o there_o be_v again_o public_a endeavour_n and_o this_o more_o or_o less_o public_a endeavour_v less_o public_a be_v such_o as_o though_o somewhat_o private_o practise_v have_v public_a influence_n and_o effect_n or_o a_o natural_a tendency_n thereunto_o this_o be_v either_o positive_a or_o negative_a positive_a endeavour_n against_o church_n government_n though_o in_o somewhat_o a_o private_a way_n may_v be_v of_o much_o danger_n not_o only_o to_o the_o thing_n endeavour_v against_o which_o be_v direct_o intend_v by_o such_o endeavour_n but_o to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o be_v very_o seditious_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o effect_n such_o be_v vent_v our_o animosity_n and_o discontent_n against_o government_n and_o person_n commission_v by_o the_o king_n in_o our_o prayer_n with_o our_o family_n and_o discourse_n with_o our_o neighbour_n 12._o this_o be_v to_o enkindle_v a_o fire_n that_o if_o of_o general_a practice_n by_o covenanter_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o may_v quick_o inflame_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n 13._o such_o a_o course_n of_o reformation_n as_o this_o though_o the_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v reform_v be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o indeed_o abominable_a no_o wise_a man_n can_v allow_v or_o discharge_v of_o sedition_n and_o unwarrantable_a act_n out_o of_o our_o place_n 14._o but_o if_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v fence_v with_o law_n and_o we_o be_v require_v in_o the_o act_n to_o declare_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o who_o dare_v justify_v such_o endeavour_n against_o government_n and_o law_n but_o such_o as_o love_v to_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n 15._o 2._o this_o less_o public_a way_n of_o endeavour_n be_v negative_a when_o we_o will_v no_o way_n own_o or_o act_v under_o the_o government_n in_o our_o place_n and_o thus_o design_n to_o weaken_v the_o government_n by_o withdraw_v our_o own_o subjection_n and_o encourage_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a after_o our_o example_n 16._o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o be_v not_o this_o with_o the_o former_a the_o intend_a practice_n of_o such_o as_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v this_o if_o possible_a to_o live_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n be_v this_o to_o be_v subject_a for_o wrath_n sake_n and_o to_o obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n either_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o be_v this_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v disturb_v the_o public_a 17._o o_o that_o my_o brethren_n will_v sad_o consider_v if_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n as_o they_o please_v to_o boast_v of_o even_o of_o all_o degree_n and_o rank_n in_o the_o nation_n do_v indeed_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o their_o
mind_n and_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o to_o own_o church-government_n or_o act_n under_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v daily_a occasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o final_a determination_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o it_o what_o disturbance_n distraction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v in_o church_n and_o state_n 3._o blame_v not_o the_o parliament_n if_o they_o intend_v by_o the_o act_n to_o prevent_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o more_o public_a endeavour_n be_v judge_v by_o mr._n crofton_n lawful_a too_o so_o long_o as_o every_o man_n keep_v his_o place_n and_o true_o if_o endeavour_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o act_n as_o be_v very_o likely_a i_o be_o loath_a to_o remember_v how_o high_a it_o once_o carry_v we_o indeed_o not_o in_o private_a but_o too_o too_o public_o the_o covenant_n speak_v of_o our_o place_n and_o by_o lawful_a mean_n yet_o also_o to_o our_o power_n and_o with_o our_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o what_o need_v of_o all_o this_o if_o we_o may_v only_o petition_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o legal_a course_n and_o so_o and_o no_o otherwise_o endeavour_v there_o be_v no_o other_o lawful_a way_n of_o endeavour_n in_o our_o place_n but_o these_o that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o and_o as_o for_o petition_v too_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v forbid_v certain_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o it_o but_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o say_a author_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o better_a meaning_n of_o act_n in_o our_o place_n minister_n must_v preach_v against_o the_o government_n and_o the_o lawyer_n must_v plead_v against_o it_o the_o judge_n must_v sentence_v it_o the_o soldier_n must_v fight_v against_o it_o yea_o and_o every_o tongue_n must_v revile_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o every_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o curse_v and_o bitterness_n against_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o field_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o humble_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n to_o discern_v at_o last_o in_o the_o calm_a the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o which_o we_o have_v be_v too_o long_o transport_v by_o the_o stormy_a wind_n and_o tempest_n 4._o in_o short_a thus_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n be_v either_o sinful_a indifferent_a or_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v both_o of_o which_o be_v high_o incapable_a of_o it_o first_o that_o the_o government_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o second_o that_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v unlawful_a endeavour_n for_o a_o reformation_n of_o government_n and_o law_n as_o no_o doubt_n those_o before_o mention_v be_v if_o these_o endeavour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o make_v necessary_a to_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v as_o before_o be_v prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o our_o own_o oath_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o seem_v it_o never_o so_o convenient_a to_o we_o against_o a_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o parliamentary_a power_n in_o the_o determine_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o if_o the_o endeavour_n be_v indeed_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o we_o need_v no_o power_n of_o law_n to_o discharge_v we_o of_o they_o for_o they_o never_o bind_v we_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o far_o naught_o from_o the_o beginning_n 5._o in_o a_o word_n that_o these_o endeavour_n be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a appear_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o very_a opponent_n 1._o the_o covenant_n require_v no_o more_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v no_o far_o say_v our_o brethren_n to_o endeavour_v against_o episcopal_a government_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o lawful_a mean_n but_o now_o the_o first_o step_n that_o our_o brethren_n take_v in_o this_o their_o endeavour_n be_v out_o of_o their_o place_n viz._n by_o not_o yield_v unto_o not_o obey_v not_o so_o much_o as_o acknowledge_v the_o government_n which_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n have_v set_v over_o they_o nor_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o the_o law_n require_v they_o to_o disclaim_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o own_o their_o superior_n to_o reject_v those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o their_o king_n yea_o to_o make_v their_o own_o covenant_n to_o prevent_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n sure_o this_o be_v for_o subject_n to_o be_v out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o if_o these_o be_v their_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o hierarchy_n the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o the_o modern_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o 2._o again_o much_o more_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o revile_v and_o curse_v this_o government_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o the_o people_n reject_v it_o scorn_v it_o hate_v it_o trample_v upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o mark_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o revenge_n this_o be_v certain_o to_o endeavour_v out_o of_o our_o place_n and_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n too_o and_o far_o from_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o christianity_n 3._o let_v i_o then_o conclude_v that_o look_v what_o my_o brethren_n concern_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o endeavour_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o they_o themselves_o understand_v it_o by_o their_o purpose_n and_o practice_n and_o upon_o sober_a reckon_n they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o endeavour_n be_v both_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o make_v unlawful_a by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o upon_o either_o account_n much_o more_o on_o both_o they_o need_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v as_o require_v that_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o person_n be_v bind_v thus_o to_o endeavour_v notwithstanding_o the_o covenant_n though_o i_o presume_v if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o endeavour_n beside_o act_v against_o speak_v evil_a of_o or_o not_o yield_v unto_o the_o government_n as_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a seditious_a and_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o place_n of_o subject_n my_o brethren_n be_v not_o by_o the_o act_n require_v to_o declare_v their_o non-obligation_n unto_o they_o object_n but_o though_o we_o may_v not_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n there_o may_v be_v many_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n and_o be_v we_o not_o to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o first_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o subject_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n so_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o such_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v it_o by_o mean_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o seditious_a as_o before_o or_o out_o of_o our_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n and_o the_o government_n itself_o as_o well_o in_o the_o answer_n as_o in_o the_o objection_n and_o betwixt_o a_o reformation_n and_o a_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n or_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n and_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o notice_n as_o to_o this_o objection_n that_o the_o act_n require_v the_o declaration_n be_v express_v for_o the_o latter_a and_o not_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o the_o distinction_n the_o word_n of_o the_o declaration_n be_v i_o do_v hold_v that_o neither_o myself_o nor_o any_o other_o person_n have_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o in_o the_o government_n of_o either_o that_o be_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o labour_v to_o pull_v down_o this_o fram_a of_o government_n and_o set_v up_o another_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o distinction_n from_o our_o covenant_a brethren_n themselves_o if_o not_o from_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o collective_a and_o distributive_a sense_n of_o the_o second_o article_n about_o church-government_n yet_o from_o such_o moderate_a person_n among_o they_o that_o open_o declare_v upon_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n that_o may_v they_o see_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o government_n grant_v there_o they_o shall_v hold_v themselves_o satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o point_n beside_o
the_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v practical_o improve_v the_o say_a distinction_n i_o presume_v in_o order_n to_o such_o brethren_n satisfaction_n and_o have_v indeed_o make_v a_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o say_a government_n by_o take_v off_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o law_n and_o yet_o establish_v the_o government_n itself_o case_n xvi_o whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o sinful_a in_o its_o matter_n resol_n 1._o after_o the_o bishop_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n we_o may_v yet_o respect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dignitaries_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o king_n subject_n and_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o commons_o now_o in_o this_o capacity_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o covenant_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o they_o even_o as_o subject_n and_o freeman_n and_o consequent_o it_o tear_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o one_o society_n threaten_v all_o 2._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o several_a freehold_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v vote_v to_o destroy_v they_o which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v enjoy_v many_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o interruption_n considerable_a 3._o the_o number_n of_o these_o subject_n be_v not_o small_a their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o govern_v in_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n and_o college_n be_v more_o than_o vulgar_a they_o have_v a_o considerable_a interest_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o people_n be_v relate_v to_o they_o and_o more_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o their_o great_a hospitality_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o fall_v with_o they_o 4._o yea_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o the_o state_n of_o prelacy_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n 5._o and_o no_o wonder_n that_o this_o crown_n of_o england_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o the_o king_n of_o england_n at_o their_o coronation_n swear_v they_o will_v grant_v confirm_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o custom_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n grant_v by_o king_n edward_n and_o express_o to_o bishop_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o bishop_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o number_n their_o relation_n their_o freehold_n their_o interest_n and_o continuance_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o royal_a oath_n yet_o be_v their_o extirpation_n swear_v by_o the_o covenant_n impose_v without_o law_n or_o the_o king_n consent_n and_o pass_v in_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o person_n the_o many_o corporation_n in_o the_o land_n concern_v have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o contrary_a to_o the_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o english_a man_n 7._o thus_o unjust_o have_v they_o suffer_v nigh_o 20._o year_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o yet_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v at_o first_o lay_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o english_a freedom_n to_o prosecute_v their_o ruin_n 8._o especial_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o authority_n the_o current_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o a_o age_n so_o zealous_a to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o dr._n feat_o who_o at_o their_o low_a ask_v this_o question_n how_o know_v you_o whether_o episcopacy_n may_v not_o be_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o again_o by_o future_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o time_n as_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o clergy_n as_o these_o be_v ill_a 9_o for_o the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v again_o confirm_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o they_o that_o have_v place_n therein_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o title_n thereunto_o by_o law_n as_o any_o other_o subject_n have_v to_o his_o temporal_a estate_n and_o how_o can_v a_o covenant_n bind_v we_o to_o injure_v other_o who_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o walk_v honest_o 10._o here_o i_o humble_o offer_v whether_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o destroy_v his_o people_n or_o any_o society_n or_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n especial_o out_o of_o his_o parliament_n and_o when_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o his_o office_n if_o he_o shall_v never_o take_v his_o oath_n bind_v to_o do_v justice_n to_o all_o according_a to_o law_n already_o make_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o all_o man_n right_n salus_fw-la populi_fw-la have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o king_n at_o least_o the_o king_n of_o king_n have_v so_o who_o have_v first_o oblige_v he_o to_o distribute_v justice_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o people_n impartial_o and_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n 11._o we_o be_v sure_a the_o last_o king_n of_o ever_o happy_a memory_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o if_o he_o have_v he_o be_v first_o bind_v express_o to_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n to_o defend_v the_o bishop_n and_o maintain_v their_o canonical_a privilege_n 12._o and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o present_a we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v the_o parliament_n impose_v the_o covenant_n only_o by_o a_o ordinance_n which_o lose_v its_o force_n at_o their_o dissolution_n at_o his_o father_n death_n he_o can_v not_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o without_o a_o parliament_n and_o the_o former_a ordinance_n cease_v with_o the_o former_a parliament_n and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o have_v a_o oath_n impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o much_o more_o so_o if_o against_o the_o freehold_n and_o the_o very_o be_v of_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n in_o the_o people_n of_o england_n 13._o the_o king_n be_v bind_v to_o right_o but_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o wrong_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n any_o such_o obligation_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o for_o the_o oath_n of_o king_n must_v also_o have_v the_o condition_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v who_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n though_o not_o to_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o good_a of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o who_o they_o have_v swear_v 14._o therefore_o david_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o rash_a oath_n that_o he_o will_v slay_v 32._o 1_o sam._n 25._o 32._o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n rejoice_v when_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v by_o abigail_n to_o break_v his_o oath_n and_o though_o he_o swear_v to_o shimei_n that_o he_o will_v save_v 23._o 2_o sam._n 19_o 23._o his_o life_n yet_o as_o if_o upon_o better_a advice_n he_o have_v find_v that_o that_o person_n have_v deserve_v to_o die_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o god_n that_o justice_n shall_v be_v do_v he_o command_v his_o son_n solomon_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o herod_n to_o have_v save_v john_n baptist_n though_o he_o have_v break_v his_o oath_n and_o lose_v his_o reputation_n in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o people_n 15._o especial_o if_o through_o fear_n or_o any_o other_o temptation_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v thus_o prevail_v with_o to_o promise_v or_o swear_v to_o injure_v his_o subject_n the_o case_n than_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n under_o threat_n of_o a_o robber_n shall_v swear_v to_o bring_v he_o his_o neighbour_n horse_n 16._o now_o whether_o the_o thing_n swear_v in_o fear_n and_o under_o temptation_n be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a or_o not_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v 17._o whence_o may_v issue_v two_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v but_o one_o answer_n do_v serve_v they_o both_o for_o when_o the_o conscience_n dictate_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o will_v rule_v the_o case_n if_o a_o man_n swear_v for_o fear_n against_o his_o conscience_n his_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n within_o he_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n in_o swear_v god_n by_o his_o conscience_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v his_o oath_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o fin_n twice_o first_o by_o do_v evil_a and_o second_o by_o keep_v his_o evil_a oath_n for_o as_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n sanderson_n conclude_v this_o very_a case_n such_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v against_o conscience_n 18._o the_o author_n
be_v comely_a in_o none_o much_o less_o minister_n especial_o such_o as_o expect_v persecution_n 3._o neither_o be_v you_o require_v to_o declare_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o be_v not_o evil_a or_o rather_o against_o nothing_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o covenant_n direct_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o we_o be_v only_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o see_v it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v find_v to_o be_v sinful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la obligationem_fw-la producendam_fw-la 4._o if_o any_o do_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o that_o covenant_n to_o be_v more_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o own_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o must_v hold_v or_o declare_v the_o contrary_n 5._o we_o read_v it_o under_o the_o royal_a hand_n i_o willing_o forgive_v such_o man_n take_v the_o convenant_n who_o keep_v within_o such_o bound_n of_o piety_n law_n and_o loyalty_n as_o can_v never_o hurt_v either_o the_o church_n myself_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n against_o which_o no_o man_n lawful_a call_v can_v engage_v he_o obj._n but_o why_o shall_v we_o or_o how_o can_v we_o declare_v for_o other_o do_v we_o know_v another_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o he_o be_v bind_v answ_n 1._o this_o complaint_n arise_v also_o from_o mistake_n as_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o declare_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o require_v to_o trouble_v ourselves_o whether_o other_o think_v or_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v by_o it_o or_o no_o but_o to_o declare_v what_o we_o ourselves_o think_v or_o hold_v not_o that_o other_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n at_o all_o as_o before_o but_o so_o far_o only_a as_o not_o to_o be_v troubler_n of_o peace_n or_o enemy_n to_o government_n 2._o now_o if_o this_o be_v unlawful_a as_o have_v methinks_v appear_v sufficient_o nemo_fw-la tenetur_fw-la ad_fw-la illicitum_fw-la neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v oblige_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o act_n not_o so_o to_o declare_v we_o be_v also_o to_o declare_v as_o we_o be_v require_v that_o we_o hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o our_o self_n or_o any_o other_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n call_v the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n case_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n resol_n 1._o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o covenant_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n 2._o i_o shall_v not_o fly_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o may_v be_v exegeticall_a of_o these_o to_o prove_v it_o so_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v impose_v against_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o allow_v that_o phrase_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o to_o carry_v more_o in_o it_o than_o the_o bare_a illegality_n of_o the_o imposition_n 3._o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o imposition_n as_o the_o bold_a writer_n for_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o another_o kind_n of_o illegality_n on_o the_o taker_n part_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o impose_v it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o take_n of_o it_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o common_a people_n have_v any_o more_o warrant_n thus_o to_o swear_v in_o a_o public_a covenant_n about_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n than_o the_o two_o house_n have_v to_o require_v it_o of_o they_o 4._o and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o oblige_v mere_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_o enjoin_v or_o sinful_o take_v it_o will_v follow_v against_o all_o contradiction_n that_o a_o covenant_n illegal_o take_v be_v even_o therefore_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v here_o call_v to_o declare_v 5._o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o people_n covenant_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n and_o about_o matter_n of_o so_o public_a concernment_n without_o and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o king_n be_v a_o unlawful_a act_n and_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v not_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o thus_o it_o be_v proper_o because_o formal_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o hee_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o scruple_n that_o the_o act_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a as_o some_o too_o areles_o say_v it_o do_v that_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o rather_o seem_v to_o intend_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o a_o public_a covenant_n as_o be_v now_o say_v take_v by_o a_o numerous_a body_n of_o subject_n without_o and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o king_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v urge_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o main_a matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n unlawful_a but_o shall_v seal_v up_o this_o with_o that_o unquestionable_a rule_n of_o my_o lord_n of_o lincoln_n who_o please_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o sometime_o though_o the_o pactum_fw-la be_v illicitum_fw-la yet_o res_fw-la pacta_fw-la licet_fw-la the_o thing_n swear_v may_v be_v lawful_a yet_o the_o oath_n a_o unlawful_a oath_n case_n xxi_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n resol_n we_o be_v now_o even_o at_o our_o journey_n end_v and_o the_o soon_o because_o we_o hardly_o meet_v with_o any_o 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o present_a case_n 1._o i_o find_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_o yield_v to_o be_v unlawful_a touch_v the_o covenant_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o imposition_n except_o it_o be_v impose_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o can_v apprehend_v 2._o it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o read_v it_o as_o a_o fundamental_a in_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o have_v a_o oath_n impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o long_a parliament_n itself_o that_o impose_v the_o covenant_n never_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o king_n or_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n because_o they_o have_v thus_o pretend_v to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v and_o act_v against_o the_o know_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o their_o successon_n do_v 3._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o the_o oath_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v oblige_v first_o we_o be_v not_o here_o call_v to_o declare_v the_o non-obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o illegal_a imposition_n yet_o see_v we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o speak_v unto_o this_o objection_n before_o brief_o a_o word_n or_o two_o now_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n and_o the_o covenant_n we_o treat_v off_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o part_n but_o free_o take_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la 3._o beside_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o joshua_n make_v the_o league_n with_o they_o who_o be_v supreme_a and_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o congregation_n swear_v unto_o they_o whereas_o many_o of_o our_o prince_n do_v refuse_v the_o covenant_n yea_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v most_o of_o they_o and_o our_o joshua_n the_o king_n proclaim_v against_o it_o 4._o again_o that_o league_n be_v to_o show_v too_o much_o favour_n to_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n but_o the_o covenant_n endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n 5._o again_o by_o that_o league_n there_o be_v no_o fundamental_a no_o law_n at_o all_o violate_a no_o hurt_n do_v by_o we_o many_o law_n be_v to_o be_v