especialty_n when_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o we_o must_v either_o betray_v the_o truth_n through_o cowardice_n in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n or_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o betray_v our_o liberty_n sacred_a and_o civil_a by_o a_o rash_a and_o precipitant_a suffering_n sect._n 3_o now_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v but_o small_a hope_n notwithstanding_o our_o former_a civil_a war_n and_o late_a petition_n for_o peace_n but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n establish_v we_o must_v either_o conform_v thereunto_o or_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o same_o the_o present_a duty_n that_o now_o lie_v upon_o we_o be_v by_o all_o the_o help_v we_o can_v to_o make_v a_o serious_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o conformity_n enjoin_v and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n in_o this_o particular_a whether_o by_o obedience_n thereunto_o we_o become_v not_o child_n of_o disobedience_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o supreme_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n sect._n 4._o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o we_o be_v never_o call_v to_o suffer_v as_o christian_n by_o yield_v passive_a obedience_n but_o when_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o ministry_n but_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o case_n as_o he_o can_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n it_o do_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o that_o which_o have_v absolute_o the_o command_a and_o oblige_v power_n thereof_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o or_o no_o by_o yield_a obedience_n to_o this_o act_n of_o u_o ifo_o mity_n we_o be_v not_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v violate_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n sect._n 5_o and_o doubtless_o though_o there_o be_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o pe_n ition_n for_o peace_n do_v intimate_v p._n 4._o a_o appearance_n of_o very_a great_a love_n to_o christ_n in_o refuse_v conformity_n to_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n and_o a_o accusation_n of_o his_o law_n as_o unsufficient_a and_o because_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o or_o diminution_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o of_o worship_v he_o after_o any_o other_o law_n then_o that_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v or_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o subordinate_a to_o that_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v thing_n to_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n sect._n 6._o though_o this_o may_v be_v commendable_a in_o such_o case_n and_o about_o such_o matter_n wherein_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n yet_o when_o by_o so_o do_v upon_o a_o mistake_n through_o their_o disobedience_n they_o shall_v violate_v a_o positive_a and_o clear_a gospel_n precept_n and_o in_o suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n shall_v condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a even_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o do_v conform_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n act_v 15._o and_o of_o the_o tender-conscienced_a martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n when_o they_o shall_v thereby_o also_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o their_o labour_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o be_v also_o matter_n of_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o many_o solid_a and_o judicious_a christian_n and_o thereby_o administer_v matter_n of_o horror_n and_o great_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o weak_a christian_n who_o thence_o conclude_v that_o sure_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v many_o conscience-wasting_a sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o much_o for_o their_o nonconformity_n sect._n 7._o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o a_o mistake_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o to_o avoid_v these_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a evil_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n and_o that_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o very_a great_a fear_n of_o displease_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o obey_v he_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o god_n word_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o such_o who_o especial_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o deprivation_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o many_o good_a soul_n that_o delight_v therein_o to_o the_o loss_n thereof_o sect._n 8._o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o persuade_v they_o be_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o truth_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o may_v bear_v proportion_n with_o what_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o high_o displease_v to_o christ_n if_o now_o in_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n mere_o to_o please_v man_n or_o avoid_v suffering_n we_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v violate_v any_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n if_o daniel_n when_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v forbid_v he_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n his_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n for_o 30._o day_n dan._n 6.7_o his_o conformity_n to_o this_o law_n will_v have_v be_v as_o manifest_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n as_o for_o the_o three_o child_n to_o have_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n sect._n 10._o but_o to_o refuse_v such_o command_n as_o be_v doubtful_a and_o disputable_a whether_o sinful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o worthy_n name_v in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 18._o who_o have_v take_v this_o nonconformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v appear_v upon_o a_o wellgrounded_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o god_n word_n true_o apply_v which_o do_v either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o a_o just_a consequence_n make_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n by_o this_o act_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v suffer_v but_o for_o our_o own_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n or_o upon_o a_o tradition_n receive_v from_o our_o forefather_n and_o though_o i_o do_v believe_v what_o i_o have_v read_v profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o who_o be_v yet_o unsatisfied_a in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n that_o you_o have_v by_o read_v and_o prayer_n seek_v for_o satisfaction_n yet_o consider_v what_o i_o find_v assert_v in_o the_o book_n aforesaid_a pag._n 14._o that_o man_n have_v not_o their_o understanding_n at_o command_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v do_v now_o especial_o from_o so_o unlikely_a and_o so_o unlooked-for_a as_o well_o as_o from_o so_o unworthy_a a_o one_o as_o i_o myself_o sect._n 11._o it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n that_o sometime_o a_o looker_n on_o may_v see_v more_o than_o a_o gamester_n and_o therefore_o though_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o last_o act_n for_o uniformity_n be_v in_o none_o of_o those_o capacity_n which_o call_v i_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o yet_o sympathize_v with_o those_o that_o be_v scrupler_n and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o thereby_o be_v expose_v to_o those_o suffering_n which_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o nonobedience_n and_o that_o all_o the_o ill_a effect_n thereof_o may_v be_v prevent_v sect._n 12._o i_o have_v presume_v to_o be_v a_o remembrancer_n to_o such_o person_n as_o i_o be_v sometime_o to_o the_o army_n to_o mind_v they_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v present_v from_o the_o write_n of_o such_o nonconformist_n and_o other_o divine_n as_o be_v now_o above_o all_o interest_n and_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v as_o also_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reverend_a mr._n richard_n baxter_n yet_o live_v by_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o danger_n which_o i_o do_v observe_v some_o do_v conclude_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v there_o be_v in_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n chap._n ii_o concern_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o general_n our_o averseness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o heal_v it_o section_n 1._o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o this_o act_n for_o uniformity_n to_o some_o appear_v so_o sinful_a that_o
our_o own_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n this_o make_v that_o which_o be_v treason_n in_o other_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o oath_n aforesaid_a sect._n 6._o for_o answer_v to_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v though_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquity_n yet_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a evil_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concern_n at_o this_o time_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v more_o serious_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o case_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v this_o declaration_n that_o i_o hold_v myself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n bind_v by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n both_o in_o church_n or_o state_n sect._n 7._o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o let_v we_o first_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n even_o unto_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o inquiry_n which_o i_o propound_v we_o be_v all_o to_o make_v for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o rule_n i_o propose_v be_v first_o god_n law_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n who_o do_v so_o much_o press_v for_o a_o command_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o warrant_v what_o you_o do_v to_o show_v i_o where_o there_o be_v any_o command_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o approve_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o soveraigre_fw-fr to_o swear_v and_o make_v other_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n sect._n 8._o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o or_o can_v upon_o my_o own_o search_n find_v any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o new_a indeed_o i_o find_v general_a precept_n for_o christian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o principality_n and_o power_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o under-governour_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n but_o nothing_o that_o may_v give_v warrant_n for_o this_o practice_n for_o subject_n to_o bind_v themselves_o or_o other_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o those_o humane_a creation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n neither_o by_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o swear_v a_o public_a reformation_n without_o or_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o which_o be_v observable_a all_o covenant-reformation_n from_o joshuahs_n time_n to_o josiahs_n time_n be_v regular_o command_v by_o the_o good_a reform_a king_n and_o chief_a ruler_n but_o none_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n against_o the_o cammand_n or_o consent_v of_o their_o sovereign_n the_o covenant_n that_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o 2_o king_n 23.3_o be_v make_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n stand_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v be_v not_o by_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o king_n but_o the_o reform_a king_n 2_o chron._n 15.8_o 9_o 15._o compare_v after_o that_o asa_n have_v take_v away_o the_o abomination_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n verse_n 9_o he_o gather_v all_o judah_n together_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o asa_n they_o assemble_v not_o to_o make_v this_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v without_o the_o king_n authority_n by_o which_o he_o do_v gather_v they_o together_o sect._n 9_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n approve_v this_o practice_n the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n the_o scope_n of_o that_o place_n 1_o pet._n 3._o be_v to_o arm_v the_o christian_a church_n against_o that_o vile_a sect_n who_o call_v themselves_o gnostic_n as_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o other_o who_o teach_v among_o other_o thing_n destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n the_o doctrine_n of_o liberty_n and_o manumission_n to_o christian_a subject_n and_o servant_n as_o by_o consider_v of_o what_o follow_v to_o the_o 12._o verse_n may_v appear_v and_o thus_o now_o have_v from_o god_n law_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o subject_n yea_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n for_o public_a reformation_n without_o the_o consent_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o therefore_o consequent_o they_o be_v no_o lawful_a authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o sect._n 10._o this_o be_v consider_v i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o resolve_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o lay_v and_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v put_v such_o of_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a to_o a_o little_a pause_n and_o make_v they_o to_o suspect_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n all_o this_o while_n the_o resolve_v of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o different_a from_o those_o who_o subject_a matter_n be_v not_o so_o perplex_v intricate_a and_o doubtful_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lawyer_n the_o divine_a may_v prove_v but_o a_o blind_a guide_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o dutch_a sect._n 11._o i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o very_a good_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o have_v follow_v at_o first_o may_v have_v prevent_v this_o inquiry_n now_o concern_v make_v vow_n and_o covent_n that_o no_o action_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o question_n and_o dispute_v especial_o of_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v give_v be_v in_o a_o case_n somewhat_o like_o we_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n sie_z novatus_n novitios_n suos_fw-la compulit_fw-la ad_fw-la jurandum_fw-la ne_fw-la unquam_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la redieriat_fw-la euseb_n l._n 2._o eccles_n histor_n for_o novatus_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o great_a schism_n as_o i_o find_v in_o mr._n brinsley_n arraignment_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o to_o compel_v his_o novice_n which_o he_o have_v draw_v into_o that_o sin_n with_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n that_o they_o will_v never_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n never_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o more_o or_o submit_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o a_o very_a mild_a sense_n because_o doubtful_a sect._n 12._o and_o if_o the_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a among_o we_o when_o this_o covenant_n of_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o church-government_n be_v impose_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o writing_n for_o and_o against_o the_o mode_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n almost_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sutcliffe_n de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la edit_fw-la 1591._o bilson_n perpetual_a church-government_n 1610._o with_o those_o contest_v which_o be_v betwixt_o dr._n downam_n and_o the_o diocesan_n trial_n much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n with_o many_o other_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o parliament_n call_v by_o the_o king_n 1640._o so_o that_o doubtless_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o disputable_a and_o to_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o now_o find_v dangerous_a as_o i_o
find_v that_o judicious_a and_o learned_a king_n of_o divine_n as_o mr._n ford_n of_o northampton_n style_v king_n charles_n the_o first_o prognosticate_a this_o covenant_n will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a because_o the_o ma_fw-fr ter_z doubtful_a sect._n 13._o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o remedy_n now_o but_o to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a in_o what_o we_o hold_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n because_o that_o other_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n for_o likewise_o one_o of_o our_o opinion_n as_o to_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o not_o juraere_n in_o verba_fw-la magistri_fw-la any_o more_fw-it neither_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o our_o understanding_n but_o consult_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n especial_o in_o this_o case_n sect._n 14._o the_o act_n you_o know_v that_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v declare_v that_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n lay_v no_o tie_n or_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o to_o endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n on_o the_o other_o side_n many_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o though_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o judge_n that_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o law_n of_o many_o great_a and_o learned_a divine_n some_o that_o have_v write_v de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la and_o therefore_o well_o know_v the_o bind_a power_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v persuade_v the_o covenant_n that_o they_o have_v take_v bind_v they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n sect._n 15._o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v with_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o must_v stand_v to_o their_o determination_n as_o to_o the_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n about_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o if_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o say_a covenant_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a be_v by_o the_o law_n unlawful_a and_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o without_o a_o power_n by_o law_n invest_v in_o they_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n declare_v that_o we_o hold_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligaaion_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o same_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n the_o alter_v it_o from_o a_o monarchical_a to_o a_o democratical_a government_n can_v never_o be_v subscribe_v to_o by_o the_o engagement_n even_o by_o such_o person_n who_o do_v yet_o believe_v that_o the_o covenant_n bind_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o they_o will_v have_v alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n without_o law_n and_o other_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o law_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_o persuade_v of_o this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o impart_v that_o little_a smattering_n that_o i_o have_v of_o the_o law_n as_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o learned_a in_o that_o science_n sect._n 16._o concern_v therefore_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n you_o may_v please_v to_o observe_v this_o in_o the_o general_a that_o the_o law_n have_v three_o fulcimenta_fw-la or_o ground_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o custom_n or_o usage_n second_o judicial_a record_n three_o act_n of_o parliament_n now_o judicial_a record_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v but_o declaration_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o kingdom_n law_n be_v be_v not_o know_v but_o by_o usage_n and_o custom_n and_o usage_n prove_v the_o law_n 10_o eliz._n plowden_n 316._o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o government_n in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o to_o church_n and_o state_n as_o now_o it_o be_v establish_v have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o history_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v tell_v we_o this_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o government_n so_o long_o exercise_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a law_n plowdens_n commentary_n 195._o sect._n 17._o to_o alter_v therefore_o a_o fundamental_a law_n as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n can_v never_o be_v do_v lawful_o but_o by_o those_o person_n who_o use_v and_o custom_n judicial_a record_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v now_o who_o these_o be_v the_o law_n must_v tell_v we_o not_o the_o two_o house_n alone_o not_o the_o king_n alone_o but_o both_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n politic_a that_o make_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n dier_n 38._o fol._n 59_o 60._o the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o lord_n the_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o commons_o the_o inferior_a member_n of_o the_o same_o 1_o ed._n 6._o cap._n 2._o all_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a be_v derive_v from_o the_o king_n and_o every_o member_n that_o sit_v in_o parliament_n take_v a_o corporal_a oath_n that_o the_o king_n be_v supreme_a over_o all_o person_n the_o king_n therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v above_o the_o two_o house_n of_o barliament_n which_o be_v evidence_v further_o thus_o that_o as_o the_o power_n of_o their_o assemble_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o writ_n so_o the_o time_n of_o their_o stay_n be_v determine_v by_o his_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o land_n the_o two_o house_n therefore_o be_v not_o above_o the_o king_n and_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o be_v make_v without_o the_o king_n and_o both_o house_n neither_o alone_a according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o land_n can_v alter_v or_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n so_o that_o the_o alter_n of_o the_o government_n except_o by_o such_o person_n who_o have_v authority_n by_o law_n be_v a_o unlawful_a act_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o impose_v of_o it_o upon_o other_o by_o a_o oath_n make_v it_o still_o more_o unlawful_a if_o the_o imposer_n have_v not_o authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o do_v sect._n 18._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v but_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o do_v impose_v this_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n you_o will_v soon_o be_v resolve_v whether_o either_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a or_o the_o power_n lawful_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v unlawful_a thus_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o what_o be_v already_o allege_a but_o by_o what_o follow_v that_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v in_o the_o general_a secure_v by_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la which_o great_a charter_n be_v confirm_v by_o 32._o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o i_o have_v read_v the_o first_o article_n whereof_o run_v thus_o salvae_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopis_fw-la omnes_fw-la libertates_fw-la suae_fw-la sect._n 19_o now_o these_o general_a law_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n against_o what_o be_v there_o contain_v such_o i_o say_v as_o be_v not_o repeal_v by_o a_o lawful_a power_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o church-government_n make_v the_o great_a charter_n void_a as_o to_o that_o particular_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v in_o this_o case_n that_o a_o oath_n impose_v by_o person_n that_o by_o their_o oath_n acknowledge_v the_o king_n supreme_a and_o above_o they_o that_o can_v make_v no_o law_n therefore_o without_o the_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v impose_v no_o lawful_a oath_n by_o their_o authority_n a_o oath_n also_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a as_o you_o have_v hear_v can_v make_v void_a a_o know_a law_n or_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o taker_n to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o but_o these_o law_n be_v in_o force_n do_v relative_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o any_o power_n but_o those_o that_o make_v they_o to_o change_v and_o alter_v they_o i_o humble_o conceive_v be_v above_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n and_o to_o swear_v to_o it_o make_v
the_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o great_a sect._n 20._o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o i_o or_o any_o other_o may_v not_o without_o sin_n declare_v what_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n require_v that_o i_o hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a as_o have_v no_o lawful_a power_n to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n as_o to_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o by_o the_o covenant_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v any_o clause_n therein_o that_o give_v any_o ground_n for_o such_o thought_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v that_o over_o but_o for_o the_o further_o evidence_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v the_o non-obliging_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n sect._n 21._o i_o shall_v humble_o offer_v further_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reverend_a mr._n perkins_n who_o in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o where_o do_v resolve_v this_o doubt_n concern_v the_o oblige_a power_n of_o a_o oath_n both_o when_o it_o bind_v and_o when_o it_o bind_v not_o pag._n 107._o when_o a_o oath_n bind_v not_o he_o resolve_v in_o six_o case_n some_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v produce_v desire_v that_o we_o may_v faithful_o without_o prejudice_n apply_v to_o our_o case_n in_o hand_n sect._n 22._o first_o a_o oath_n bind_v not_o when_o it_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o sin_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o this_o oath_n in_o question_n be_v impose_v by_o part_n of_o the_o two_o house_n be_v not_o as_o contrary_v to_o the_o word_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n office_n as_o to_o public_a reformation_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o sin_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o injustice_n take_v away_o without_o law_n the_o liberty_n of_o such_o as_o be_v confirm_v so_o often_o by_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la whether_o also_o it_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o disobedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n about_o church-government_n and_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o when_o a_o oath_n plead_v for_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o bind_v not_o for_o a_o oath_n as_o mr._n perkins_n say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n sect._n 23_o second_o mr._n perkins_n say_v a_o oath_n bind_v not_o when_o it_o be_v make_v against_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o as_o he_o say_v every_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13._o now_o whether_o to_o swear_v to_o change_v the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n be_v not_o against_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 25._o of_o edward_n 1_o the_o great_a charter_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v say_v secure_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o text_n that_o mr._n perkins_n quote_v rom._n 13._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o inferior_n that_o shall_v impose_v a_o new_a oath_n without_o a_o new_a law_n especial_o to_o alter_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n i_o be_o much_o mistake_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v sect._n 24._o three_o he_o say_v further_a if_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v by_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o tuition_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o bind_v themselves_o than_o the_o oath_n bind_v not_o now_o that_o the_o two_o house_n be_v under_o the_o tuition_n of_o their_o superior_a the_o king_n be_v very_o evident_a 1_o eliz._n in_o cawdryes_n case_n part_v 5._o fol._n 5._o every_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o of_o the_o lord_n too_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o at_o every_o parliament_n take_v their_o corporal_a oath_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o only_a governor_n in_o all_o case_n and_o over_o all_o person_n and_o the_o say_a statute_n of_o eliz._n be_v but_o declarative_a of_o the_o ancient_a law_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o edward_n 6._o all_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a be_v derive_v from_o the_o king_n therefore_o all_o his_o subject_n be_v under_o his_o tuition_n and_o jurisdiction_n sect._n 25._o i_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v a_o little_a thought_n on_o for_o if_o the_o imposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o our_o law_n teach_v and_o as_o their_o oath_n declare_v under_o the_o king_n jurisdiction_n and_o so_o have_v no_o power_n by_o law_n to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n without_o a_o new_a law_n and_o this_o law_n can_v be_v make_v without_o the_o king_n consent_n as_o mr._n prin_fw-mi do_v acknowledge_v in_o his_o sovereign_a power_n of_o parliament_n pag._n 46_o 47._o that_o the_o king_n assent_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v law_n and_o ratify_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o this_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v never_o enjoin_v by_o any_o such_o law_n but_o by_o such_o who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o bind_v themselves_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o without_o sin_n declare_v that_o it_o bind_v not_o i_o or_o any_o other_o for_o that_o which_o inse_v in_o itself_o have_v no_o bind_v power_n bind_v not_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o sect._n 26._o especial_o consider_v what_o mr._n perkins_n say_v surth_o that_o a_o oath_n bind_v not_o page_z 527._o of_o conscience_n when_o person_n be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o number_n 30.3_o if_o a_o woman_n vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o bind_v herself_o by_o a_o bond_n be_v in_o her_o father_n house_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 5._o if_o her_o father_n disallow_v she_o the_o same_o day_n that_o he_o hear_v all_o her_o vow_n and_o bond_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o value_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v forgive_v she_o the_o case_n be_v also_o the_o same_o when_o a_o wife_n voneth_n ver_fw-la 7_o 9_o now_o i_o humble_o conceive_v this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o covenant_n when_o it_o be_v impose_v by_o part_n of_o the_o two_o house_n the_o father_n of_o our_o country_n so_o far_o disallow_v the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o hear_v thereof_o he_o issue_v out_o his_o proclamation_n against_o it_o from_o oxford_n and_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d after_o his_o discourse_n upon_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o be_v so_o many_o passage_n which_o lay_v together_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o he_o in_o no_o wise_a consent_v to_o it_o sect._n 27._o that_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o deep_a sense_n that_o he_o have_v of_o his_o subject_n sin_v against_o god_n by_o take_v it_o after_o that_o he_o have_v i_o say_v give_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o general_a of_o it_o that_o he_o reckon_v it_o to_o be_v the_o pawn_n of_o his_o people_n soul_n to_o his_o subject_n of_o scotland_n he_o do_v conclude_v with_o this_o prayer_n for_o we_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n do_v i_o address_v my_o prayer_n beseech_v thou_o to_o pardon_v the_o rashness_n of_o my_o subject_n swear_v and_o to_o quicken_v their_o sense_n and_o observation_n of_o those_o just_a moral_a and_o indispensable_a bond_n which_o thy_o word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v lay_v upon_o their_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n make_v they_o at_o length_n to_o consider_v that_o nothing_o violent_a and_o injurious_a can_v be_v religious_a sect._n 28._o there_o be_v a_o five_o case_n pag._n 525._o and_o that_o be_v this_o a_o oath_n bind_v not_o if_o it_o be_v make_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n as_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o his_o friend_n to_o give_v he_o another_o man_n good_n this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n neither_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o very_o great_a injury_n to_o other_o as_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o therefore_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n sect._n 29._o and_o six_o say_v he_o if_o at_o first_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o after_o by_o some_o mean_n become_v either_o impossible_a or_o
function_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o particular_a order_n whereby_o in_o this_o or_o that_o society_n he_o be_v to_o execute_v this_o function_n which_o distinction_n as_o i_o say_v before_o serve_v not_o only_o for_o a_o very_a good_a answer_n to_o the_o brownist_n that_o deny_v lecturer_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n but_o likewise_o to_o justify_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n by_o this_o order_n of_o deacon_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v the_o very_a term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n do_v signfie_v one_o that_o minister_v to_o another_o in_o a_o degree_n above_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o deacon_n in_o the_o original_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n and_o serve_v in_o a_o place_n below_o he_o yet_o above_o the_o people_n he_o be_v call_v rom._n 13._o the_o deacon_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v some_o hint_n for_o this_o even_o out_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3._o he_o that_o diaconise_v it_o well_o get_v himself_o a_o sense_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compare_v with_o the_o arabic_a &_o syâ—ack_o do_v much_o confirm_v this_o sense_n good_a degree_n imply_v that_o this_o order_n of_o deaconship_n be_v preparatory_a to_o further_a degree_n of_o order_n in_o the_o ministry_n viz._n such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o quote_v be_v execute_v in_o the_o church_n in_o st._n jeromes_n time_n that_o be_v of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n sect._n 3_o the_o ground_n therefore_o of_o this_o mistake_n i_o humble_o conceive_v lie_v in_o this_o plea_n 27._o in_o that_o they_o call_v this_o order_n of_o deacon_n to_o be_v a_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n call_v the_o deacon_n whereas_o according_a to_o mr._n ball_n in_o the_o title_n of_o lecturer_n say_v it_o be_v only_o that_o order_n in_o which_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v execute_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v fit_o say_v of_o the_o deacon_n the_o acceptation_n of_o who_o name_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v much_o justify_v his_o employment_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o engl._n viz._n what_o mr._n nicholls_n say_v be_v to_o be_v in_o help_v the_o priest_n in_o divine_a service_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o now_o have_v consider_v of_o these_o three_o great_a impediment_n to_o subscription_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n with_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ewe_n nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o sober_a christian_n what_o i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o evidence_n upon_o inquiry_n that_o subscription_n to_o all_o the_o 39_o article_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremonee_n there_o in_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n sect._n 4._o as_o to_o all_o the_o particular_a exception_n not_o here_o speak_v to_o against_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o rite_n of_o administration_n muster_v together_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n forbear_v to_o answer_v particular_o have_v answer_v all_o by_o take_v away_o the_o nail_n upon_o which_o they_o all_z hang._n for_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o review_v that_o discourse_n and_o observe_v his_o proof_n may_v find_v that_o mr._n nicholls_n argument_n against_o deacon_n because_o their_o description_n in_o every_o circumstance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v in_o not_o only_o against_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o this_o present_a liturgy_n but_o all_o the_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n therein_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o no_o command_n no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n to_o use_v or_o stand_v up_o at_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o the_o creed_n no_o warrant_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n for_o the_o people_n to_o answer_v the_o priest_n in_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o other_o respondes_fw-la etc._n etc._n with_o more_o of_o that_o kind_n many_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v may_v be_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n particular_o and_o such_o as_o be_v include_v in_o general_a text_n thereof_o i_o desire_v therefore_o this_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o insufficiency_n because_o that_o there_o be_v not_o particular_a command_n for_o every_o mode_n in_o worship_n for_o every_o order_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o divine_a administration_n neither_o be_v they_o who_o command_n or_o they_o which_o obey_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n my_o reason_n for_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o be_v the_o same_o both_o from_o reverend_n mr._n calvin_n and_o mr._n ball_n before_o quote_v which_o be_v very_o good_a in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v like_a to_o stand_v so_o while_n christ_n have_v a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n sect._n 5._o now_o before_o i_o go_v off_o from_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v do_v good_a service_n in_o this_o momentous_a business_n to_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o use_n that_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a mr._n randall_n in_o his_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o to_o make_v of_o what_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v co-incident_a with_o he_o say_v he_o pag._n 148._o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v 1._o this_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n and_o the_o lord_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o this_o follow_v another_o 2._o we_o must_v bridle_v ourselves_o from_o distike_a this_o be_v the_o second_o unto_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v we_o be_v natural_o subject_a even_o to_o dislike_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n about_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 3._o but_o three_o say_v he_o bridle_v thyself_o special_o from_o refusal_n good_a man_n have_v need_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a care_n of_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o the_o severe_a command_n of_o god_n they_o bridle_v themselves_o from_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o man_n write_v therefore_o this_o golden_a say_n of_o reverend_a calvin_n upon_o your_o heart_n nihil_fw-la humano_fw-la ingenio_fw-la magis_fw-la adversum_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la subjectio_fw-la veer_fw-la enim_fw-la illud_fw-la olim_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la regis_fw-la animum_fw-la quemque_fw-la intra_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la calvin_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n be_v more_o averse_a than_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o do_v man_n natural_o bend_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n in_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a be_v very_o true_a every_o man_n have_v within_o himself_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o king_n he_o will_v rule_v but_o not_o obey_v follow_v therefore_o let_v we_o the_o counsel_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n especial_o to_o bridle_v ourselves_o from_o refusal_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n which_o i_o name_v the_o four_o direction_n 4._o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n sect._n 6._o for_o though_o we_o may_v not_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o matter_n simple_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o every_o one_o be_v to_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v sure_o a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o fear_n or_o any_o carnal_a respect_n to_o act_v doubt_o consider_v therefore_o that_o scrupulous_a person_n about_o doubtful_a thing_n to_o they_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o strait_a that_o if_o they_o yield_v obedience_n doubt_o they_o sin_v if_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v they_o sin_n some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a sect._n 7._o now_o that_o which_o must_v persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n either_o sacred_a or_o civil_a as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o god_n worship_n and_o our_o humane_a converse_n must_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v and_o that_o which_o must_v persuade_v the_o conscience_n in_o circumstantial_o refer_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n or_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n must_v be_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n which_o though_o they_o bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o not_o absolute_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v but_o relative_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o general_a precept_n which_o command_v we_o to_o yield_v obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n
unlawful_a for_o when_o it_o become_v impossible_a than_o we_o must_v safe_o think_v that_o god_n from_o heaven_n free_v a_o man_n from_o his_o oath_n which_o i_o think_v also_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o case_n and_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v begin_v to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o bind_v because_o the_o bind_a virtue_n be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o bind_v not_o to_o any_o thing_n forbid_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o that_o be_v unlawful_a either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v that_o if_o when_o a_o oath_n who_o institution_n by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n shall_v have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o maintain_n of_o strife_n division_n and_o contention_n to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o war_n and_o commotion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n to_o administer_v matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o jealousy_n in_o our_o superior_n that_o while_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n by_o a_o oath_n that_o we_o have_v take_v to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o there_o can_v be_v no_o safety_n sect._n 30._o consider_v i_o pray_v whether_o in_o this_o case_n a_o oath_n which_o we_o have_v apprehend_v lawful_a at_o one_o time_n may_v not_o now_o begin_v to_o grow_v unlawful_a because_o that_o the_o word_n do_v forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o power_n that_o be_v over_o we_o and_o do_v require_v obedience_n of_o we_o for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o we_o do_v exert_n in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o change_v the_o government_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v the_o same_o sect._n 31._o and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o all_o peaceable_a spirit_n to_o you_o especial_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n and_o shall_v with_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v instrument_n by_o your_o ministry_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n let_v what_o i_o have_v offer_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o orthodox_n and_o reverend_n mr._n perkins_n who_o be_v dead_a and_o so_o above_o all_o interest_n yet_o speak_v that_o as_o to_o the_o not_o bind_v power_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o declare_v that_o you_o hold_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o you_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o in_o a_o very_a great_a error_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o that_o it_o 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 the_o kingdom_n both_o which_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v also_o and_o doubtless_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o sin_n sect._n 32._o there_o be_v also_o another_o thing_n particular_o to_o be_v declare_v against_o require_v by_o the_o say_a act_n which_o i_o do_v hold_v needful_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n unto_o though_o i_o hope_v but_o very_o little_a if_o not_o at_o all_o scruple_v by_o presbyterian_a minister_n or_o people_n and_o that_o be_v to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n brief_o chap._n vii_o that_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o we_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n section_n 1._o that_o this_o declaration_n may_v be_v cheerful_o make_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n and_o especial_o the_o most_o zealous_a hater_n of_o rome_n and_o popery_n and_o also_o may_v be_v lawful_o make_v without_o sin_n one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o that_o behalf_n but_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n have_v be_v dishonour_v how_o much_o the._n 92._o the._n bilson_n the_o difference_n between_o christian_a subjection_n and_o unchristian_a rebellion_n edit_n 1536._o lib._n 3._o pag._n 92._o jesuit_n doctrine_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o subject_n take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o prince_n have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v too_o much_o justify_v i_o shall_v write_v a_o little_a more_o than_o i_o intend_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o more_o of_o this_o subject_n in_o bilson_n answer_v to_o this_o jesuitical_a doctrine_n bilson_n subjection_n lib._n 3._o pag._n 97._o and_o so_o on_o sect._n 2._o that_o this_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n i_o argue_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o god_n law_n and_o of_o the_o land_n for_o i_o to_o do_v i_o may_v without_o sin_n declare_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o for_o subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o i_o may_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o act._n now_o that_o for_o subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v unlawful_a rom._n 13.1_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o scripture-proof_n instead_o of_o many_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n ver_fw-la 2._o whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n it_o be_v you_o see_v a_o most_o dangerous_a sin_n to_o offend_v this_o gospel-precept_n by_o our_o disobedience_n which_o command_v and_o require_v subjection_n of_o every_o soul_n no_o person_n of_o what_o order_n or_o degree_n soever_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a but_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n thereof_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a the_o king_n who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v invest_v with_o supremacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o all_o case_n and_o over_o all_o person_n in_o his_o own_o dominion_n sect._n 3_o but_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n this_o be_v to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o punishment_n be_v express_v to_o be_v so_o dreadful_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o it_o for_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n instead_o of_o get_v dominion_n over_o other_o they_o shall_v receive_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o whoever_o therefore_o take_v up_o arm_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n never_o so_o good_a against_o the_o supreme_a and_o high_a power_n must_v have_v his_o commission_n for_o it_o out_o of_o god_n word_n otherwise_o you_o see_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o god_n law_n you_o may_v read_v more_o in_o bilson_n christian_n subjection_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v say_v enough_o to_o persuade_v to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o make_v this_o declaration_n from_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v to_o resist_v rom._n 13.2_o now_o he_o that_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o his_o king_n resist_v he_o sect._n 4._o but_o further_a i_o may_v declare_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n forbid_v it_o and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v high_a treason_n so_o to_o do_v mr._n st._n john_n speech_n pag._n 6._o the_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n be_v 25_o edward_n 3_o if_o any_o man_n do_v levy_v war_n against_o our_o lord_n the_o king_n in_o his_o realm_n this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v treason_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o arise_v to_o alter_v the_o religion_n by_o law_n est_fw-fr ablish_v 4_o of_o philip_n and_o mary_n not_o repeal_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o these_o be_v the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n such_o ordinance_n of_o man_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n for_o
conscience_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n therefore_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v warrant_v and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n sect._n 5._o and_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n also_o the_o scripture_n which_o command_v we_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n 1_o pet._n 3._o mean_v his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o doubtless_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o natural_a parent_n who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n command_v 5._o that_o we_o honour_v their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o our_o political_a parent_n further_o if_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v those_o which_o be_v commission_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o if_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n 1_o pet._n 3._o then_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a sect._n 6._o to_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o that_o i_o may_v take_v up_o arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n it_o be_v high_a treason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n sir_n edward_n coke_n in_o the_o 7._o part_n of_o his_o report_n in_o calvin_n case_n say_v thus_o fol._n 11._o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o the_o spencer_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o cover_v the_o treason_n hatch_v in_o their_o heart_n invent_v this_o damnable_a opinion_n that_o homage_n or_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v more_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o king_n crown_n or_o authority_n then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n upon_o which_o opinion_n they_o infer_v these_o execrable_a and_o detestable_a consequence_n first_o if_o the_o king_n do_v not_o deem_v in_o he_o by_o reason_n in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n his_o liege_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o remove_v he_o second_o see_v the_o king_n can_v not_o be_v remove_v by_o suit_n of_o law_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v per_fw-la aspertee_n that_o be_v by_o force_n three_o that_o his_o liege_n be_v bind_v to_o govern_v in_o aid_n of_o he_o and_o default_n of_o he_o all_o which_o be_v condemn_v by_o two_o parliament_n one_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o call_v exilium_fw-la hugonis_fw-la le_fw-fr opencer_n the_o other_o by_o the_o first_o of_o edward_n the_o three_o chap._n 2._o all_o which_o article_n against_o the_o spencer_n be_v confirm_v by_o this_o last_o statute_n the_o article_n as_o i_o have_v read_v be_v extant_a in_o the_o book_n call_v veter_fw-la a_o statuta_fw-la sect._n 7._o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o to_o our_o humiliation_n for_o what_o be_v past_a as_o to_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o as_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o not_o bind_v power_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v against_o the_o take_n up_o of_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o thus_o now_o have_v turn_v my_o heart_n inside_n outward_a and_o show_v you_o what_o do_v satisfy_v my_o conscience_n and_o may_v any_o other_o i_o suppose_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n and_o how_o the_o same_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o 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 sect._n 8._o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o counsel_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v find_v into_o which_o any_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v teach_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o there_o be_v in_o you_o any_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n either_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n body_n estate_n with_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n or_o likewise_o to_o all_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o other_o which_o now_o lie_v at_o hazard_n by_o your_o mean_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o sect._n 9_o you_o especial_o who_o do_v more_o peradventure_o scruple_n the_o declare_v against_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o many_o call_v independent_o do_v long_o ago_o call_v it_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n or_o the_o scotch_a hook_n be_v please_v to_o take_v these_o thing_n into_o your_o calm_a and_o christian_a consideration_n you_o more_o especial_o who_o have_v not_o corrupt_v your_o conscience_n by_o the_o purchase_n and_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o any_o of_o the_o king_n land_n in_o law_n call_v patrimonium_fw-la sacrum_fw-la lex_fw-la terrae_fw-la pag._n 5._o or_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sacrilege_n so_o to_o do_v oh_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o drive_v not_o on_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o we_o may_v suspect_v will_v fain_o involve_v we_o again_o in_o blood_n that_o they_o may_v lick_v up_o again_o those_o morsel_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o disgorge_v sect._n 10._o and_o let_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o ministry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o great_a doubtfulness_n at_o least_o of_o what_o you_o scruple_n as_o to_o the_o bince_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o alter_v or_o endeavour_v a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o assurance_n that_o you_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o body_n politic_a in_o this_o present_a act_n of_o parliament_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o incline_v to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o you_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v prefaced_a so_o much_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n iâ—_n this_o discourse_n that_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n sect._n 11._o and_o because_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o do_v scruple_n obedience_n to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o impose_v form_n of_o prayer_n shall_v this_o scruple_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v remove_v this_o be_v great_o argue_v against_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o temperate_a discourse_n about_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n yet_o not_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v assume_v by_o the_o author_n of_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la to_o be_v tantum_n non_fw-la the_o mass-book_n by_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n not_o to_o be_v use_v have_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o a_o idol_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n requite_v every_o minister_n pag._n 77._o to_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o clurch_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v sect._n 12._o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n proceed_v by_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o these_o two_o aforesaid_a author_n make_v evident_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o law_n begin_v first_o more_o general_o with_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n a_o book_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v too_o much_o commend_v by_o some_o i_o much_o honour_n and_o then_o particular_o by_o remove_v what_o be_v say_v by_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la against_o the_o public_a liturgy_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o that_o uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n by_o obedience_n to_o a_o impose_v form_n be_v lawful_a section_n 1._o concern_v uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n i_o have_v