old_a last_o i_o may_v true_o allege_v against_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o pattern_n for_o any_o such_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o covenant_a christian_n until_o the_o ligue_n saint_n in_o france_n except_o those_o who_o in_o one_o baptism_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o he_o in_o that_o holy_a laver_n of_o regeneration_n this_o be_v the_o new_a and_o evangelical_n covenant_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n this_o we_o break_v by_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n this_o we_o renew_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o by_o worthy_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n §_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o sacred_a covenant_n this_o late_a piece_n of_o policy_n more_o than_o piety_n be_v and_o how_o little_a the_o true_a covenant_n of_o a_o christian_a bind_v he_o by_o his_o baptism_n or_o repentance_n or_o the_o eucharist_n against_o all_o episcopal_a government_n i_o leave_v to_o all_o soberminded_n christian_n to_o judge_v since_o both_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v minister_n and_o by_o they_o to_o consecrate_v and_o celebrate_v both_o sacrament_n be_v ever_o derive_v from_o and_o by_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o chief_n conservator_n cistern_n and_o conduit_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o ministerial_a power_n from_o the_o very_a apostle_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 1._o who_o have_v the_o same_o immediate_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o feed_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o by_o such_o shepherd_n and_o ruler_n as_o he_o have_v in_o all_o age_n set_v over_o his_o flock_n of_o which_o bishop_n be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o angel_n precedent_n or_o chief_n father_n who_o utter_o to_o destroy_v and_o violent_o to_o extirpate_v out_o of_o this_o or_o any_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o only_o to_o offer_v signal_n and_o intolerable_a injury_n to_o the_o person_n of_o such_o excellent_a bishop_n as_o england_n late_o have_v and_o still_o may_v have_v but_o further_a mighty_o to_o abate_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o whole_a church_n and_o its_o ministry_n by_o take_v away_o all_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n yea_o and_o to_o scandalize_v all_o church_n by_o abolish_n such_o a_o venerable_a order_n and_o universal_a custom_n in_o the_o church_n as_o have_v no_o origine_fw-la but_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v very_o like_o a_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n either_o preceptive_a and_o explicit_a or_o tacit_a and_o exemplary_a rigour_n the_o just_a abatement_n of_o covenanter_n heat_n and_o rigour_n §_o so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o covenant-maker_n and_o taker_n to_o extirpate_v and_o abolish_v not_o the_o abuse_n but_o the_o very_a use_n of_o all_o episcopal_a order_n and_o government_n the_o great_a boanergess_n who_o thunder_n out_o so_o much_o terror_n against_o covenant-breaking_a may_v do_v much_o more_o justice_n and_o execution_n if_o they_o turn_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o canon_n against_o such_o covenant-taking_a which_o be_v better_o break_v than_o keep_v in_o any_o unlawful_a sense_n and_o best_a of_o all_o when_o not_o at_o all_o take_v with_o any_o such_o intention_n which_o be_v as_o presumptuous_a as_o it_o be_v preposterous_a §_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v be_v sufficient_a as_o i_o conceive_v to_o abate_v the_o edge_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o its_o antipathy_n against_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o ravel_v that_o cable_n or_o bond_n of_o religious_a obligation_n which_o some_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o twist_v and_o urge_v upon_o poor_a people_n conscience_n in_o that_o point_n when_o in_o good_a earnest_n there_o be_v neither_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n require_v impose_v or_o comprobate_v any_o such_o covenant_n by_o any_o national_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v at_o best_o to_o be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o will_n worship_n of_o humane_a and_o private_a invention_n void_a of_o public_a and_o plenary_a injunction_n esteem_v by_o many_o but_o as_o a_o stratagem_n of_o state_n a_o flag_n of_o faction_n a_o engine_n frame_v on_o purpose_n to_o batter_v down_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o spoil_n of_o they_o not_o to_o punish_v and_o amend_v the_o evil_a that_o may_v be_v in_o episcopal_a government_n or_o in_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n but_o to_o seize_v all_o their_o estate_n and_o all_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o great_a enrich_n of_o some_o sacrilegious_a protestant_n to_o the_o gratify_n of_o some_o presbyter_n envy_n and_o revenge_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o the_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_v of_o the_o romish_a party_n and_o jesuitick_a design_n which_o be_v think_v by_o many_o wise_a man_n to_o have_v be_v if_o not_o the_o sire_n yet_o the_o sib_n to_o that_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v help_v to_o spread_v it_o as_o a_o snare_n in_o mizpeh_n thereby_o to_o catch_v and_o destroy_v the_o famous_a bishop_n the_o most_o renown_a clergy_n the_o best_a reform_a and_o most_o flourish_a church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n §_o conscience_n the_o best_a aspect_n of_o the_o covenant_n consider_v in_o conscience_n but_o i_o will_v look_v upon_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o soft_a sense_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o as_o a_o voluntary_a vow_n or_o religious_a bond_n which_o private_a man_n and_o some_o part_n only_o of_o the_o nation_n spontaneous_o take_v upon_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o king_n the_o church_n their_o country_n and_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o make_v themselves_o more_o strict_o sensible_a of_o the_o sacred_a and_o civil_a obligation_n respective_o due_a to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o discharge_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n by_o take_v such_o a_o covenant_n free_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o prison_n plunder_v sequestration_n and_o the_o like_a wrack_n of_o man_n soul_n the_o terror_n of_o which_o make_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o take_v it_o and_o yet_o i_o believe_v not_o one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n now_o live_v ever_o do_v take_v it_o in_o any_o sort_n and_o very_o few_o but_o rigid_a bigot_n and_o virulent_a spirit_n in_o any_o sense_n against_o primitive_a reform_a and_o regular_a episcopacy_n so_o reduce_v to_o a_o efficacious_a conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n as_o the_o most_o reverend_a primate_n of_o armagh_n propose_v in_o his_o reduction_n of_o late_a and_o so_o do_v the_o lord_n virulam_n long_v before_o in_o his_o consideration_n touch_v the_o church_n of_o england_n offer_v to_o king_n james_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n §_o in_o this_o aspect_n of_o the_o covenant_n direct_v answer_n direct_v as_o a_o religious_a obligation_n either_o new_o make_v or_o renew_v upon_o the_o foul_a of_o any_o that_o willing_o and_o free_o take_v it_o and_o who_o thereby_o think_v themselves_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o fulfil_v the_o letter_n of_o it_o or_o that_o sense_n they_o have_v of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n by_o episcopacy_n or_o prelacy_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o have_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v no_o less_o than_o popery_n my_o answer_n and_o solution_n be_v these_o 1._o what_o only_o can_v bind_v in_o it_o first_o they_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o as_o charm_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n to_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v that_o force_n of_o truth_n reason_n justice_n religion_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n ourselves_o or_o other_o which_o moral_o and_o real_o oblige_v man_n either_o by_o god_n general_a or_o particular_a precept_n which_o be_v as_o iron_n or_o admantine_a band_n on_o every_o man_n soul_n to_o choose_v good_a and_o do_v it_o to_o hate_v evil_a and_o eschew_v it_o long_o before_o any_o of_o these_o withe_n or_o cord_n of_o man_n combine_v and_o tie_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o 2._o not_o the_o taker_n fancy_n or_o imposer_n second_o nor_o can_v any_o such_o covenant_n bound_v any_o man_n in_o any_o conscientious_a bond_n mere_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o man_n own_o imagination_n or_o by_o such_o a_o prejudice_n and_o presumption_n as_o he_o list_v
episcopacy_n 4._o the_o sad_a and_o tragic_a consequence_n of_o it_o four_o it_o may_v seem_v odious_a to_o reflect_v upon_o this_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o sad_a effect_n and_o unblest_a consequent_n which_o like_o black_a shadow_n have_v attend_v its_o appear_v and_o prevail_v in_o england_n and_o in_o scotland_n too_o what_o havock_v follow_v in_o church_n and_o state_n what_o improsperity_n disorder_n contempt_n confusion_n war_n spoil_n and_o bloodshed_n upon_o all_o estate_n and_o degree_n beside_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n the_o neglect_n of_o sacrament_n the_o expulsion_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o avil_a no_o less_o than_o divide_v of_o minister_n who_o instead_o of_o okes_n and_o cedar_n of_o god_n former_o frequent_a in_o this_o church_n i_o mean_v divine_n of_o great_a gravity_n and_o excellent_a learning_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n everywhere_o shrink_v and_o dwindle_a to_o plebeian_n shrub_n and_o popular_a parasity_n the_o pity_n of_o the_o more_o pious_a and_o scorn_v of_o the_o more_o petulant_a sort_n of_o man_n 5._o the_o bafling_n and_o annulling_n of_o it_o by_o counter_a engagement_n five_o nor_o will_v i_o insist_v upon_o the_o baffling_n of_o the_o covenant_n before_o it_o be_v adult_n or_o many_o year_n old_a how_o it_o be_v soon_o make_v nehustan_n and_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o by_o counter_a and_o cross_a engagement_n after_o it_o have_v serve_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a rock_n for_o the_o king_n shipwreck_n no_o less_o than_o the_o church_n and_o state_n nor_o do_v the_o covenant_n ever_o thrive_v after_o it_o be_v water_v with_o the_o king_n blood_n wherein_o many_o man_n have_v a_o hand_n who_o have_v be_v zealous_a covenanter_n if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o vacate_v in_o point_n of_o its_o express_a loyalty_n for_o the_o king_n preservation_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v in_o the_o case_n of_o abjure_v or_o extirpate_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n though_o reform_v and_o regulate_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 6._o â—ts_n variate_v from_o if_o not_o cross_v former_a lawful_a oath_n of_o king_n and_o people_n six_o wherein_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a how_o the_o covenant_n if_o so_o interpret_v must_v needs_o grate_v sore_o upon_o and_o pierce_v to_o the_o very_a quick_a those_o former_a lawful_a oath_n which_o have_v prepossess_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o we_o in_o england_n not_o only_o of_o subject_n as_o those_o of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n beside_o that_o of_o ministerial_a canonical_a obedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o even_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o late_a king_n as_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n at_o his_o coronation_n to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o franchise_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o king_n rather_o than_o break_v as_o some_o man_n urge_v he_o choose_v to_o die_v and_o lose_v all_o in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o declare_v to_o many_o at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n and_o to_o mr._n marshal_n with_o other_o at_o newcastle_n from_o which_o oath_n as_o we_o know_v no_o absolution_n so_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o superfetation_n of_o such_o a_o contradictory_n vow_n and_o covenant_n without_o apparent_a perjury_n which_o we_o presume_v the_o covenant_n never_o intend_v nor_o include_v or_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v therein_o of_o no_o bond_n or_o validity_n as_o to_o any_o good_a man_n conscience_n against_o previous_a lawful_a oath_n which_o must_v be_v keep_v 7_o it_o threaten_v dangerous_a schism_n seven_o beside_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v design_v as_o wilful_o exclusive_a and_o total_o abjure_v of_o all_o episcopal_a order_n and_o government_n in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n it_o must_v needs_o run_v we_o upon_o a_o great_a rock_n not_o only_o of_o novelty_n but_o of_o schism_n and_o dash_v we_o both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n against_o the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n till_o of_o late_a year_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n with_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v communion_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o so_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o universal_a observation_n nor_o may_v we_o so_o comply_v with_o a_o few_o reform_a church_n of_o late_a day_n who_o want_n but_o not_o contempt_n of_o bishop_n also_o the_o necessity_n of_o time_n and_o distress_n of_o affair_n put_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o prince_n or_o the_o impatience_n and_o prejudice_n of_o people_n or_o the_o covetousness_n and_o sacrilege_n of_o both_o may_v excuse_v while_o they_o approve_v and_o venerate_a episcopacy_n in_o other_o yet_o with_o these_o we_o must_v not_o so_o comply_v as_o to_o put_v a_o reproach_n scandal_n scruple_n or_o affront_n upon_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o world_n among_o who_o not_o one_o ever_o be_v of_o old_a or_o be_v to_o this_o day_n in_o any_o kingdom_n to_o be_v find_v without_o their_o bishop_n as_o derive_v by_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n nor_o be_v the_o abolish_n of_o episcopacy_n a_o small_a wall_n of_o partition_n new_o set_v up_o to_o keep_v all_o papist_n from_o due_a reformation_n 8._o the_o â—est_n sense_n and_o use_v of_o the_o covenant_n eight_o i_o may_v further_o add_v how_o much_o more_o equal_a and_o ingenuous_a loyal_a and_o religious_a be_v it_o for_o all_o sober-meaning_n covenanter_n to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v their_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o their_o covenant_n from_o such_o a_o extravagant_a disloyal_a unlawful_a enormous_a and_o schismatical_a sense_n to_o which_o some_o do_v wrest_v and_o torture_v it_o in_o which_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v lawful_o take_v nor_o can_v be_v keep_v with_o honesty_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o rather_o to_o retire_v to_o that_o sober_a sense_n wherein_o alone_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v take_v if_o it_o have_v be_v impose_v by_o due_a authority_n or_o be_v spontaneous_o assume_v which_o sense_n can_v reach_v no_o further_o than_o those_o abusive_a excess_n or_o defect_n of_o church_n government_n under_o bishop_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v real_o such_o either_o by_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n in_o england_n or_o at_o least_o as_o they_o appear_v such_o to_o these_o covenanter_n as_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o authority_n through_o the_o fault_n or_o infirmity_n of_o some_o bishop_n and_o their_o instrument_n who_o possible_o be_v not_o so_o worthy_a and_o good_a or_o not_o so_o wise_a and_o discreet_a as_o become_v christian_a bishop_n or_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o irreligious_a as_o well_o as_o unreasonable_a ametry_n transport_v for_o man_n to_o covenant_n against_o all_o the_o right_a use_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a because_o of_o the_o abuse_n incident_a to_o they_o by_o man_n or_o time_n that_o may_v be_v evil_a 9_o it_o be_v pretend_v authority-from_a example_n in_o the_o o._n test_n nineth_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o level_v to_o the_o ground_n all_o those_o fair_a but_o fallacious_a pretence_n draw_v to_o fortify_v the_o covenant_n from_o scripture_n example_n wherein_o the_o jew_n sometime_o solemn_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v that_o express_a covenant_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v first_o make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb_n and_o mount_n sina_n punctual_o prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n and_o by_o moses_n as_o their_o supreme_a governor_n or_o king_n impose_v upon_o they_o this_o they_o sometime_o renew_v after_o they_o have_v break_v it_o by_o their_o apostasy_n to_o false_a and_o strange_a god_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o england_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o such_o covenant_a any_o more_o than_o there_o be_v any_o moses_n or_o hezekiah_n or_o josiah_n or_o any_o chief_a governor_n command_v it_o nor_o alas_o be_v this_o covenant_n any_o divine_a dictate_v or_o sovereign_a prescription_n but_o the_o petty_a composition_n of_o a_o few_o politic_a man_n subject_n not_o prince_n and_o very_o mean_a subject_n too_o some_o of_o they_o either_o as_o lawyer_n or_o minister_n a_o great_a part_n of_o who_o i_o and_o other_o well_o know_v to_o be_v no_o very_o great_a clerk_n or_o statesman_n and_o fit_a for_o a_o country_n cure_n than_o to_o contrive_v and_o compose_v solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o church_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o and_o upon_o their_o king_n too_o in_o who_o dominion_n be_v many_o thousand_o equal_n and_o superior_n to_o those_o master_n who_o head_n rather_o than_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o state_n correspondency_n more_o than_o their_o conscience_n bring_v forth_o this_o covenant_n 10._o no_o evangelical_a example_n of_o any_o such_o covenant_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n of_o
to_o form_n and_o take_v up_o against_o any_o thing_n short_a of_o or_o beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o either_o as_o good_a or_o evil_n 3._o it_o can_v bind_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o three_o no_o such_o covenant_n can_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o liberty_n right_a power_n or_o lawful_a authority_n private_a or_o public_a and_o so_o not_o against_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o in_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o country_n or_o of_o any_o parliament_n which_o may_v look_v upon_o bishop_n and_o episcopacy_n with_o a_o far_o more_o propitious_a eye_n than_o those_o that_o behold_v it_o only_o through_o the_o presbyterian_a spectacle_n 4._o it_o can_v bind_v either_o to_o evil_n or_o from_o good_a four_o such_o a_o covenant_n can_v bind_v no_o man_n in_o conscience_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n good_a or_o that_o be_v not_o moral_o evil_a for_o this_o be_v for_o man_n to_o bind_v himself_o and_o other_o beyond_o god_n eternal_a bond_n of_o righteousness_n they_o be_v covenant_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n which_o bound_v man_n either_o to_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o from_o what_o be_v allow_v of_o god_n as_o good_a and_o lawful_a yea_o and_o may_v be_v necessary_a in_o its_o time_n and_o place_n now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v much_o good_a in_o episcopal_a order_n and_o government_n much_o good_a be_v do_v by_o it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o all_o time_n much_o to_o this_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o before_o the_o principle_n and_o proportion_n of_o order_n subordination_n and_o government_n which_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o other_o polity_n and_o fraternity_n can_v be_v evil_a in_o this_o of_o episcopacy_n it_o have_v much_o of_o god_n in_o it_o from_o scriptural_a precept_n and_o pattern_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o the_o christian_n follow_v in_o many_o thing_n it_o have_v so_o much_o of_o christ_n example_n and_o the_o apostolic_a constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n of_o holy_a man_n general_a approbation_n and_o universal_a imitation_n both_o here_o in_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n madness_n profaneness_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o cry_v it_o down_o for_o evil_a or_o to_o engage_v and_o covenant_n against_o it_o as_o such_o when_o it_o have_v in_o it_o so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o attest_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v beneficial_a for_o the_o well-being_n yea_o almost_o for_o the_o complete_a and_o regular_a be_v of_o any_o church_n and_o none_o more_o than_o this_o of_o england_n where_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o equal_n and_o inferior_n because_o they_o be_v in_o black_a coat_n 5._o it_o can_v oblige_v to_o extirpate_v the_o use_n of_o what_o be_v good_a because_o of_o any_o abuse_n five_o no_o man_n may_v vow_v or_o covenant_n much_o less_o keep_v any_o such_o covenant_n as_o he_o have_v take_v intentional_o against_o the_o evil_a or_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o involve_v the_o good_a and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o condemn_v that_o to_o destruction_n or_o extirpation_n with_o the_o other_o as_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o lord_n god_n forbid_v that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a or_o cast_v the_o wheat_n with_o the_o chaff_n into_o inquenchable_a fire_n no_o a_o good_a conscience_n abhor_v confusion_n it_o do_v not_o take_v or_o do_v thing_n by_o wholesale_n but_o by_o retail_n weigh_v all_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a the_o superstructure_n of_o man_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o stand_v firm_a for_o so_o many_o age_n it_o become_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n to_o justify_v she_o by_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o what_o be_v good_a 6._o it_o oblige_v not_o to_o abolish_v all_o that_o be_v good_a or_o christian_n mix_v with_o popery_n six_o as_o they_o that_o covenant_v against_o popery_n can_v think_v they_o do_v abjure_v or_o must_v abhor_v all_o those_o save_a truth_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o popery_n no_o more_o can_v they_o just_o think_v because_o they_o covenant_v against_o prelacy_n that_o be_v against_o its_o pride_n presumption_n idleness_n covetousness_n and_o tyranny_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o engage_v against_o the_o order_n presidency_n and_o paternal_a authority_n of_o episcopacy_n man_n malice_n and_o hatred_n may_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o grave_n if_o the_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o prelatic_a government_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v true_a episcopacy_n may_v yet_o have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n from_o corruption_n to_o incorruption_n from_o dishonour_n to_o honour_n which_o i_o hope_v and_o pray_v god_n will_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o parliament_n effect_n it_o can_v bind_v to_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o man_n lawful_a power_n seven_o no_o man_n may_v lawful_o vow_v and_o covenant_n or_o according_o act_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n and_o dispose_v in_o his_o sphere_n and_o calling_n beyond_o which_o bound_n this_o covenant_n permit_v no_o man_n to_o go_v yea_o it_o do_v limit_v by_o these_o all_o his_o engagement_n and_o activity_n now_o certain_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n especial_o as_o establish_v by_o law_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v in_o any_o private_a man_n power_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o either_o to_o alter_v or_o innovate_v or_o abolish_v and_o extirpate_v this_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n to_o protect_v and_o preserve_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v change_v but_o by_o his_o royal_a assent_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n nor_o may_v any_o man_n never_o so_o much_o for_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n or_o anarchy_n as_o to_o his_o private_a opinion_n either_o vow_n or_o covenant_n or_o act_v overt_o and_o violent_o further_a than_o by_o humble_a petition_n or_o counsel_n against_o establish_v and_o legal_a episcopacy_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v against_o monarchy_n because_o he_o prefer_v either_o aristocracy_n or_o democracy_n it_o can_v bind_v against_o what_o may_v after_o appear_v good_a eight_o as_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o covenant_v against_o what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v good_a or_o against_o what_o be_v less_o good_a than_o he_o desire_v and_o opine_n but_o out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o lawful_a power_n to_o effect_v so_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n in_o conscience_n be_v bind_v by_o any_o such_o covenant_n take_v in_o a_o gross_a sense_n or_o in_o general_a term_n against_o that_o which_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n or_o after-view_n and_o better_a information_n appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o he_o he_o be_v here_o bind_v not_o to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n in_o the_o latitude_n of_o his_o mistake_n and_o presumption_n nor_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o prejudices_fw-la and_o former_a supposal_n but_o rather_o to_o retract_v his_o rashness_n and_o unadvisedness_n in_o take_v it_o at_o first_o and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o present_a evidence_n of_o what_o be_v true_a just_a good_a lawful_a and_o useful_a even_o in_o episcopacy_n whereof_o he_o can_v but_o stand_v convince_v both_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o all_o government_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o defect_n deformity_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o all_o other_o model_n §_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n after_o so_o many_o affliction_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n or_o time_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a bishop_n between_o pontifical_a prelacy_n and_o paternal_a episcopacy_n which_o be_v that_o wherewith_o all_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v and_o against_o which_o no_o covenanter_n can_v in_o reason_n or_o religion_n in_o piety_n or_o policy_n in_o prudence_n or_o conscience_n be_v engage_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o cautious_a and_o conscientious_a covenanter_n nineth_o the_o cautious_a and_o conscientious_a covenanter_n therefore_o be_v now_o to_o take_v a_o calm_a view_n and_o exacter_n measure_v of_o the_o covenant_n than_o perhaps_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o offer_n and_o take_n of_o it_o which_o be_v in_o haste_n and_o heat_n in_o fear_n and_o fury_n what_o than_o he_o greedy_o swallow_v without_o chew_v he_o shall_v now_o leisurely_o and_o sober_o ruminate_v for_o in_o lump_n it_o will_v not_o
easy_o digest_v or_o pass_v he_o may_v better_o learn_v what_o there_o be_v of_o god_n or_o good_a in_o it_o by_o the_o still_a voice_n wherein_o now_o the_o lord_n mercy_n appear_v and_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n than_o in_o those_o fire_n and_o earthquake_n which_o at_o first_o represent_v this_o covenant_n to_o he_o with_o shine_a sword_n §_o he_o must_v now_o distinguish_v what_o may_v be_v in_o it_o of_o god_n what_o of_o good_a and_o well-meaning-man_n and_o what_o of_o evil_n or_o sinister_a design_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o event_n in_o what_o be_v good_a he_o may_v lawful_o persevere_v what_o may_v by_o some_o be_v urge_v to_o evil_a he_o be_v to_o avoid_v what_o he_o do_v weak_o or_o inconsiderate_o in_o the_o take_n or_o pursue_v of_o it_o he_o be_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o retract_v by_o keep_v in_o the_o bound_n of_o duty_n allegiance_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o superior_n in_o church_n and_o state_n 10._o the_o easy_a satisfaction_n of_o any_o conscientious_a covenanter_n ten_o and_o last_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o severe_a covenanter_n can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v and_o absolve_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n if_o first_o he_o have_v and_o still_o do_v in_o his_o place_n and_o call_v seasonable_o advise_v humble_o petition_n and_o lawful_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v what_o be_v true_o amiss_o in_o the_o church_n government_n by_o bishop_n second_o if_o he_o use_v the_o like_a mean_n to_o restore_v and_o preserve_v what_o he_o find_v good_a and_o useful_a in_o episcopacy_n three_o if_o he_o humble_o submit_v to_o what_o the_o king_n in_o this_o point_n as_o supreme_a shall_v see_v fit_a to_o establish_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v very_o probable_a to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v much_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a way_n of_o government_n covenant_n reform_a episcopacy_n consistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n evil_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o certain_o a_o little_a change_n realy_a to_o the_o better_a much_o more_o a_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a reformation_n of_o episcopacy_n beyond_o the_o former_a excessive_a or_o defective_a either_o constitution_n or_o execution_n of_o it_o will_v abundant_o absolve_v the_o honest_a yea_o and_o the_o very_a literal_a and_o complexive_a meaning_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o may_v not_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n or_o a_o snare_n and_o gin_n for_o schism_n and_o sedition_n to_o act_v by_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o foreign_a church_n and_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o sometime_o so_o famous_a and_o flourish_a which_o the_o king_n and_o every_o good_a subject_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o repair_v and_o restore_v not_o only_o to_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v beyond_o its_o pristine_a condition_n wherein_o some_o thing_n possible_o be_v so_o amiss_o that_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a to_o have_v they_o either_o supply_v as_o to_o the_o defect_n or_o repress_v as_o to_o the_o excess_n without_o any_o extirpation_n of_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_a primitive_a and_o paternal_a orderly_a politic_a and_o prudent_a in_o episcopacy_n which_o government_n due_o fit_v and_o fix_v comprehend_v beyond_o any_o all_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o people_n and_o presbyter_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o of_o the_o king_n §_o this_o right_a conanter_n the_o duty_n and_o just_a deal_n of_o a_o honest_a conanter_n justice_n and_o duty_n then_o every_o conscientious_a covenanter_n owe_v 1._o to_o god_n in_o approve_v desire_v love_a and_o use_v what_o be_v good_a 2._o to_o the_o king_n as_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n enjoin_v thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a though_o not_o the_o very_o best_a 3._o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v many_o of_o they_o most_o injurious_o use_v many_o year_n and_o aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v recompense_v 4._o to_o all_o learned_a and_o sober_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o discourage_v and_o divide_v faction_n among_o themselves_o and_o insolence_n from_o the_o people_n for_o want_v of_o king_n and_o bishop_n to_o govern_v guide_n and_o protect_v they_o 5._o he_o owe_v this_o love_n moderation_n and_o charity_n to_o this_o church_n hereby_o to_o advance_v and_o settle_v the_o unity_n peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o episcopacy_n due_o constitute_v and_o careful_o execute_v last_o he_o owe_v this_o care_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n who_o inward_a and_o eternal_a peace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o passion_n superstition_n or_o presumption_n but_o by_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n charity_n and_o discretion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o very_o much_o in_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n so_o studious_o then_o put_v into_o the_o covenant_n toserve_v a_o prevalent_a interest_n but_o no_o way_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v now_o stretch_v against_o a_o right_n and_o regular_a episcopacy_n no_o more_o than_o physic_n give_v to_o cure_v a_o disease_n shall_v like_v unmortified_a quicksilver_n be_v apply_v to_o kill_v the_o man_n §_o it_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v of_o it_o this_o i_o know_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o those_o who_o with_o myself_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o sit_v among_o they_o as_o any_o other_o but_o be_v not_o permit_v either_o by_o popular_a faction_n and_o tumult_n or_o by_o other_o shuffling_n and_o reason_n of_o state_n which_o take_v care_n to_o exclude_v or_o deter_v all_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o able_a of_o episcopal_a divine_n for_o fear_v there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o just_a plea_n for_o moderate_a episcopacy_n against_o the_o then_o magistery_n of_o presbytery_n this_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v mr._n marshal_n and_o other_o affirm_v who_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o pen_v and_o promote_a the_o covenant_n and_o they_o own_v it_o to_o some_o foreign_a divine_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v level_v only_o at_o the_o despoticum_fw-la tyrannicum_fw-la regimen_fw-la misgovernment_n not_o the_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n this_o be_v at_o present_a the_o sense_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o godly_a presbyterian_o who_o i_o have_v late_o speak_v with_o in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o if_o the_o ancient_a lapse_v and_o decay_a frame_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v a_o little_a alter_v it_o will_v satisfy_v the_o end_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o build_v and_o repair_v not_o to_o consume_v all_o but_o to_o use_v those_o material_n which_o be_v good_a in_o that_o ancient_a noble_a and_o venerable_a fabric_n of_o episcopacy_n §_o episcopacy_n the_o speedy_a settle_v this_o church_n in_o a_o episcopacy_n which_o i_o beseech_v god_n may_v by_o his_o majesty_n piety_n and_o wisdom_n be_v speedy_o and_o resolute_o settle_v in_o its_o best_a constitution_n wherein_o to_o take_v good_a counsel_n be_v kingly_a and_o christian_n but_o to_o tarry_v till_o all_o sect_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v agree_v and_o satisfy_v will_v be_v to_o expose_v his_o royal_a authority_n to_o undervaluing_n and_o this_o church_n to_o everlasting_a confusion_n §_o nor_o do_v there_o need_v much_o counsel_n to_o know_v or_o courage_n for_o to_o do_v what_o be_v here_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o and_o i_o may_v say_v the_o best_a of_o all_o sort_n in_o this_o kingdom_n both_o as_o to_o mind_n manner_n and_o estate_n for_o his_o majesty_n have_v not_o a_o new_a church_n to_o build_v but_o a_o ancient_a and_o well-modelled_n one_o to_o restore_v they_o be_v not_o foundation_n of_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v but_o either_o some_o necessary_a reparation_n to_o be_v make_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o decay_n as_o long_a time_n bring_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n under_o heaven_n or_o such_o pinnacle_n be_v take_v down_o as_o be_v much_o waste_v with_o age_n rather_o threaten_v than_o adorn_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o dilapidation_n after_o all_o the_o covenant_a compliment_n and_o reforming_n have_v be_v ten_o time_n more_o in_o these_o last_o twenty_o year_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o bungle_a reformer_n who_o will_v needs_o do_v church-work_n without_o the_o master-builder_n episcopacy_n the_o ruin_n of_o this_o church_n the_o last_o 20_o year_n for_o want_n of_o episcopacy_n king_n and_o bishop_n than_o they_o be_v for_o fourscore_o year_n since_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n yea_o or_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o