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
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
will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n be_v so_o but_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o prove_v it_o 4._o neither_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o either_o lawful_a authority_n may_v not_o establish_v what_o government_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a if_o not_o against_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n public_o to_o swear_v that_o without_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v such_o government_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o 5._o much_o less_o can_v it_o bind_v the_o people_n against_o such_o government_n if_o lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o such_o also_o as_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o change_n of_o the_o law_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o do_v without_o the_o king_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n 6._o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a as_o mr._n perkins_n conscience_n case_n of_o conscience_n have_v decide_v it_o that_o a_o covenant_n take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v put_v the_o declaration_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o mr._n crofton_n and_o especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenantter_n plea_n upon_o a_o task_n impossible_a viz._n to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o practice_n in_o england_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v labour_v on_o purpose_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n present_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o present_a turn_n be_v apparent_o serve_v with_o a_o plain_a distinction_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o swear_v against_o they_o two_o way_n either_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o be_v express_o establish_v by_o plain_a law_n or_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o can_v be_v abolish_v without_o the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o law_n 8._o now_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a law_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o government_n covenant_v against_o yet_o how_o do_v this_o clear_a the_o covenanter_n from_o swear_v against_o law_n when_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o can_v be_v extirpate_v without_o the_o violation_n and_o alteration_n of_o many_o very_o many_o law_n so_o that_o this_o evasion_n i_o think_v be_v perfect_o obstruct_v 9_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o see_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o strength_n in_o this_o argument_n to_o weaken_v yea_o to_o void_a the_o covenant_n obligation_n in_o this_o particular_a 10._o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v church-government_n as_o be_v covenant_v be_v against_o the_o law_n both_o antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subsequent_a such_o law_n as_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o such_o law_n as_o by_o full_a and_o just_a authority_n be_v enact_v since_o and_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o against_o the_o law_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n they_o be_v plain_o sinful_a and_o no_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v hold_v we_o to_o they_o first_o then_o let_v the_o question_n be_v put_v case_n xi_o whether_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o england_n before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n resol_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o insight_n into_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o very_a surface_n of_o they_o for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n that_o as_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o doubt_n so_o i_o be_o easy_o encourage_v to_o encounter_v it_o 2._o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o fallacious_a use_n and_o too_o weak_a improvement_n that_o i_o find_v make_v of_o this_o expression_n establish_v by_o law_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v legal_a or_o oppose_v as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o positive_o appoint_v in_o some_o statute_n on_o purpose_n if_o this_o be_v heed_v the_o advantage_n hence_o which_o at_o most_o be_v small_a utter_o fail_v the_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o to_o what_o poor_a satisfaction_n have_v the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n run_v through_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o civil_a law_n the_o statute_n law_n and_o the_o common_a law_n to_o find_v such_o a_o establishment_n with_o so_o much_o industry_n while_o i_o think_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o question_n but_o this_o form_n be_v legal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o law_n though_o no_o express_a statute_n be_v find_v appoint_v it_o and_o so_o much_o allow_v so_o far_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n as_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v any_o way_n engage_v against_o it_o do_v so_o far_o engage_v against_o know_v law_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o subdue_v by_o prejudice_n to_o question_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n when_o episcopacy_n have_v so_o long_o even_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o as_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n observe_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o establish_v yea_o make_v the_o law_n itself_o 5._o true_o methinks_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v before_o the_o law_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o parliament_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o before_o our_o norman_a law_n i_o mean_v as_o we_o and_o see_v also_o that_o they_o be_v still_o a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o power_n or_o their_o office_n or_o their_o government_n from_o they_o or_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v beget_v the_o father_n that_o beget_v it_o 6._o however_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o venture_v a_o little_a without_o my_o line_n and_o to_o offer_v a_o distinction_n or_o two_o that_o haply_o may_v cause_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o scruple_n to_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o their_o word_n and_o to_o take_v a_o better_a course_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n then_o by_o such_o a_o wild_a adventure_n to_o disturb_v every_o thing_n 1._o the_o law_n may_v establish_v a_o thing_n two_o way_n either_o by_o appoint_v it_o the_o novo_fw-la or_o by_o allow_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o have_v its_o foundation_n sufficient_o lay_v before_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o the_o law_n do_v sufficient_o establish_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o by_o those_o special_a law_n that_o relate_v unto_o it_o but_o indeed_o in_o every_o law_n which_o express_v the_o consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a 2._o church-government_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n either_o in_o its_o office_n thus_o we_o need_v not_o say_v the_o present_a form_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n for_o its_o office_n be_v before_o ever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n meddle_v with_o church-government_n or_o second_o in_o its_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o present_a government_n none_o can_v doubt_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n where_o we_o may_v read_v many_o time_n over_o the_o several_a legal_a name_n with_o their_o distinct_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o crime_n punishable_a by_o they_o and_o authority_n allow_v they_o so_o to_o punish_v and_o the_o fee_n of_o their_o court_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o consecrate_v the_o bishop_n establish_v by_o law_n 3._o three_o church-government_n be_v establishable_a by_o law_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o immediate_o when_o by_o a_o express_a statute_n such_o a_o form_n be_v appoint_v mediate_o when_o a_o statute_n empower_n a_o person_n or_o person_n to_o commissionate_a governor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o he_o or_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o power_n do_v settle_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_o 7._o suppose_v the_o present_a government_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o so_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n there_o be_v statute_n law_n declare_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o there_o be_v statute_n law_n that_o give_v he_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o my_o lord_n cook_n declare_v he_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v and_o empower_v his_o commissioner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o we_o know_v church-governor_n derive_v their_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o
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
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