certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
have_v determine_v but_o see_v there_o have_v not_o it_o must_v run_v over_o the_o chronicle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v find_v it_o may_v anticipate_v instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o those_o of_o henry_n the_o 8._o when_o there_o be_v more_o just_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o may_v be_v any_o then_o now_o be_v allege_v and_o other_o argument_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o like_a to_o equipoize_v this_o which_o be_v assert_v gratis_o and_o if_o after_o disquisition_n this_o be_v not_o find_v true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o conscience_n will_v be_v according_a to_o those_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a warrant_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscience_n upon_o this_o may_v proceed_v as_o upon_o that_o see_v they_o have_v not_o set_v down_o which_o of_o god_n people_n in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n upon_o the_o like_a cause_n have_v take_v the_o like_a course_n till_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o safe_a way_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v assure_o god_n people_n do_v hold_v and_o practice_n for_o doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o the_o like_a if_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v or_o a_o worse_a case_n they_o be_v prove_v or_o pretend_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o resist_v or_o hold_v it_o lawful_a their_o prince_n in_o the_o great_a persecution_n and_o utmost_a danger_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a unto_o they_o it_o may_v raise_v a_o conclusion_n till_o some_o strong_a reason_n can_v be_v present_v or_o the_o error_n of_o these_o be_v clear_v and_o take_v off_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v require_v to_o assist_v a_o warlike_a entrance_n of_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v this_o action_n of_o the_o scot_n make_v only_o upon_o a_o believe_a charity_n of_o help_v their_o neighbour_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o if_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o material_n of_o this_o preface_n in_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o premise_n be_v true_a our_o conscience_n can_v assent_v to_o the_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o church_n england_n though_o we_o have_v not_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v to_o some_o particular_n against_o which_o some_o of_o the_o article_n be_v contrive_v to_o assist_v the_o scot_n or_o consent_n to_o they_o in_o this_o war_n which_o assistance_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o this_o covenant_n second_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o member_n which_o do_v conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o conscience_n to_o move_v we_o to_o take_v it_o neither_o in_o the_o complication_n do_v they_o conclude_v three_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consideration_n natural_o suggest_v by_o they_o and_o altogether_o unforced_a prevail_v with_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o till_o every_o one_o of_o these_o obstacle_n and_o scruple_n be_v take_v off_o we_o can_v without_o violence_n to_o our_o conscience_n take_v this_o oath_n that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 1._o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church_n government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o the_o first_o article_n be_v we_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n absolute_o or_o with_o this_o add_v as_o a_o restriction_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n by_o who_o do_v we_o not_o right_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v the_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n that_o those_o word_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v to_o be_v take_v restrictive_o it_o may_v be_v think_v because_o they_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v be_v vain_o add_v and_o that_o by_o common_a enemy_n those_o be_v mean_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n imply_v there_o have_v precede_v no_o other_o division_n to_o which_o this_o community_n can_v refer_v beside_o that_o of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o preface_n so_o that_o the_o word_n our_o must_v refer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o preface_n who_o only_a distribution_n which_o can_v refer_v to_o common_a here_o be_v that_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n this_o viz._n i_o will_v sincere_o real_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o my_o call_n against_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n for_o example_n both_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o scotland_n both_o to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o directory_n for_o worship_n both_o to_o our_o church-government_n and_o to_o presbyterial_a government_n endeavour_v to_o preserve_v their_o article_n manner_n of_o worship_n and_o presbytery_n if_o thus_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v if_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v assure_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n can_v infallible_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o will_v they_o have_v we_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preserve_v it_o with_o a_o restriction_n against_o some_o man_n only_o and_o not_o absolute_o and_o indefinite_o whether_o be_v this_o so_o free_a from_o the_o scandal_n of_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o a_o oath_n for_o the_o impartial_a defence_n of_o truth_n do_v require_v if_o they_o doubt_v it_o can_v be_v infallible_o prove_v how_o can_v our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n without_o spiritual_a tyranny_n desire_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o another_o church_n to_o endeavour_v sincere_o real_o etc._n etc._n in_o our_o call_n viz._n by_o preach_v dispute_v or_o otherwise_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o second_o how_o can_v we_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v as_o it_o now_o stand_v nor_o be_v tell_v in_o any_o declaration_n or_o exhortation_n to_o we_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v or_o search_v no_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o how_o then_o can_v this_o oath_n be_v by_o we_o take_v in_o judgement_n or_o since_o we_o doubt_v thus_o though_o in_o general_a how_o can_v it_o not_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v other_o than_o sin_n whether_o be_v we_o not_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o we_o hereafter_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scotland_n contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v it_o and_o by_o the_o first_o to_o preserve_v it_o as_o for_o their_o discipline_n and_o government_n so_o much_o as_o we_o understand_v of_o it_o though_o otherwise_o we_o never_o interpose_v yet_o be_v now_o call_v to_o give_v our_o consent_n to_o it_o or_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v its_o preservation_n constant_o and_o indefinite_o for_o all_o time_n to_o come_v till_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o time_n before_o until_o this_o our_o last_o age_n if_o it_o shall_v here_o be_v reply_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n only_o against_o our_o common_a enemy_n that_o be_v of_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n and_o so_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o only_o so_o
far_o as_o we_o all_o agree_v this_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o adequate_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o imposer_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v that_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v not_o only_o they_o who_o be_v adversary_n to_o we_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o all_o three_o do_v agree_v but_o those_o also_o who_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o be_v yet_o by_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o we_o all_o our_o common_a enemy_n against_o who_o therefore_o by_o this_o oath_n we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v to_o each_o that_o also_o wherein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o moreover_o that_o that_o sense_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a sense_n intend_v by_o the_o imposer_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v because_o if_o so_o restrain_v our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n in_o favour_n of_o who_o we_o conceive_v this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n to_o have_v be_v propose_v will_v be_v no_o whit_n secure_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o innovation_n from_o england_n if_o we_o be_v only_o swear_v to_o preserve_v unto_o they_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v at_o the_o enter_v this_o present_a league_n and_o covenant_n three_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n shall_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o oath_n to_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o have_v be_v say_v since_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o yet_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v she_o own_o know_a article_n but_o have_v testify_v her_o moderation_n to_o all_o in_o that_o she_o have_v require_v subscription_n only_o of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v admit_v into_o holy_a order_n or_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n or_o to_o degree_n in_o the_o university_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v late_o judge_v since_o the_o sit_n of_o this_o parliament_n to_o be_v too_o harsh_a a_o imposition_n upon_o young_a student_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o degree_n and_o the_o urge_n of_o it_o suspend_v and_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o use_n before_o this_o age_n even_o in_o any_o not_o corrupt_v church_n to_o command_v man_n to_o swear_v the_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n much_o less_o their_o discipline_n and_o church_n government_n as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n in_o this_o first_o article_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o swear_v how_o can_v any_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o vanity_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v late_o protest_v to_o defend_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o how_o can_v any_o who_o reverent_o believe_v this_o church_n to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o law_n no_o less_o perfect_a than_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v its_o reformation_n in_o all_o those_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o nothing_o in_o they_o of_o scotland_n to_o be_v reform_v moreover_o the_o best_a direction_n for_o conscience_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o reformation_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v those_o instance_n wherein_o in_o the_o follow_a article_n be_v declare_v the_o reformation_n and_o then_o if_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n there_o express_v as_o instance_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o much_o more_o if_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o take_v this_o part_n of_o the_o oath_n at_o least_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n as_o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n a_o endeavour_n of_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n the_o consideration_n for_o direction_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o second_o for_o we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v a_o uniformity_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reformation_n before_o mention_v and_o after_o that_o reformation_n so_o that_o in_o whatsoever_o sense_n or_o kind_n the_o reformation_n by_o they_o mention_v and_o after_o describe_v be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v in_o the_o same_o our_o endeavour_n for_o uniformity_n be_v not_o lawful_a last_o in_o the_o take_n of_o this_o first_o article_n we_o shall_v as_o we_o conceive_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a either_o of_o rash_a swear_n or_o of_o perjury_n and_o that_o from_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o complication_n of_o these_o two_o clause_n wherein_o first_o we_o shall_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n and_o second_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o those_o particular_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o endeavour_v in_o our_o calling_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n wherein_o our_o enemy_n be_v they_o also_o though_o therein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o we_o commit_v perjury_n because_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o to_o effect_v therefore_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o those_o particular_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o other_o two_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o how_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o regulate_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o to_o reform_v by_o a_o form_n which_o we_o full_o know_v not_o and_o much_o less_o know_v to_o be_v a_o fit_a rule_n or_o form_n without_o rash_a swear_n sure_o we_o be_v we_o can_v swear_v it_o in_o judgement_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v not_o in_o righteousness_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o like_o manner_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n 2._o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n that_o be_v church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch-deacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n how_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v a_o act_n utter_o unlawful_a for_o all_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o especial_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o land_n and_o to_o swear_v it_o much_o more_o sinful_a and_o be_v we_o not_o here_o bid_v to_o covenant_n and_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n to_o we_o either_o the_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o to_o ambiguity_n we_o may_v not_o swear_v or_o rather_o for_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o charge_v the_o word_n with_o ambiguity_n the_o grammatical_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o the_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v speak_v so_o for_o as_o to_o what_o we_o hear_v by_o some_o say_a that_o only_o our_o church-government_n in_fw-la aggregato_fw-la by_o all_o those_o governor_n together_o in_o a_o collective_a sense_n take_v formal_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o not_o each_o there_o mention_v first_o such_o interpretation_n give_v out_o be_v private_a only_o and_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o second_o those_o word_n and_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n do_v manifest_a that_o all_o the_o former_o mention_v particular_n in_o the_o parenthesis_n be_v to_o be_v construe_v distributive_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o to_o omit_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n there_o interpret_v more_o proper_o agree_v to_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n then_o to_o the_o rest_n there_o mention_v and_o a_o prelacy_n they_o will_v be_v without_o they_o because_o prefer_v before_o presbyter_n and_o if_o it_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v to_o ejure_v bishop_n than_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n since_o as_o well_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n make_v up_o part_n of_o
a_o acceptation_n of_o those_o proffer_n for_o treaty_n towards_o accommodation_n which_o he_o so_o often_o make_v and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v be_v by_o any_o pertinacious_o refuse_v join_v themselves_o with_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n in_o his_o just_a defence_n have_v thus_o do_v with_o the_o introduction_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o examine_v the_o discourse_n itself_o which_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o propound_v the_o motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v the_o covenant_n second_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n or_o scruple_n which_o may_v hinder_v etc._n etc._n here_o before_o we_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o we_o observe_v the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o framer_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o he_o who_o frame_v the_o introduction_n do_v it_o seem_v imagine_v that_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v enforce_v from_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o other_o who_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o motive_n be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o as_o to_o esteem_v it_o necessary_a towards_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o insinuate_v the_o example_n of_o themselves_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o other_o who_o have_v already_o take_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o persuasive_a argument_n be_v this_o first_o this_o covenant_n be_v already_o take_v by_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n second_o it_o have_v be_v already_o second_v from_o heaven_n by_o blast_v the_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o carry_v in_o itself_o such_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o equity_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n as_o may_v raise_v in_o all_o inflame_a affection_n to_o take_v it_o which_o be_v prove_v because_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o in_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o for_o substance_n either_o express_v or_o manifest_o include_v in_o the_o protestation_n of_o may_n 5._o 1641._o ergo_fw-la whosoever_o be_v not_o wilful_o ignorant_a or_o miserable_o seduce_v must_v infallible_o take_v this_o covenant_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o argument_n first_o in_o general_a we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o example_n of_o either_o party_n can_v reasonable_o be_v allege_v to_o direct_v the_o conscience_n in_o any_o controversy_n second_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o far_o the_o great_a number_n both_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n can_v not_o take_v this_o oath_n in_o judgement_n as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v of_o the_o righteousness_n or_o iniquity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n especial_o that_o which_o concern_v episcopacy_n so_o that_o a_o chief_a strength_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o example_n consist_v in_o the_o example_n of_o themselves_o who_o be_v of_o the_o assembly_n and_o make_v this_o exhortation_n and_o then_o we_o conceive_v they_o can_v just_o accuse_v we_o either_o of_o immodesty_n or_o presumption_n if_o we_o shall_v open_o profess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o in_o this_o first_o essay_n of_o they_o at_o lest_o which_o we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v publish_v give_v evidence_n of_o so_o great_a judgement_n learning_n or_o integrity_n as_o may_v warrant_v or_o encourage_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o example_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n which_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v second_v from_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v conclude_v to_o the_o conscience_n till_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v neither_o can_v that_o be_v without_o a_o revelation_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o if_o the_o composer_n of_o this_o part_n have_v obtain_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o end_n propound_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v till_o when_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v that_o those_o instance_n where_o the_o signature_n of_o god_n judgement_n may_v the_o most_o plain_o have_v be_v discover_v have_v fall_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o great_a share_n in_o the_o raise_n and_o manage_n of_o those_o arm_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v ordain_v so_o than_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o their_o persuasion_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o three_o argument_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o to_o avoid_v any_o error_n in_o examine_v shall_v be_v again_o propound_v there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o in_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o for_o substance_n either_o express_v or_o manifest_o include_v in_o the_o protestation_n may_n 5._o 1641._o therefore_o this_o covenant_n go_v forth_o in_o its_o own_o strength_n with_o such_o convince_a evidence_n of_o equity_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n as_o may_v raise_v in_o all_o not_o wilful_o ignorant_a or_o miserable_o seduce_v inflame_a affection_n to_o join_v in_o the_o covenant_n resp._n 1._o we_o be_v not_o able_a by_o all_o those_o way_n of_o reason_v to_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v use_v to_o discover_v the_o inference_n which_o be_v here_o make_v if_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o solid_a reason_n it_o may_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v yet_o we_o be_v confident_a the_o dependence_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o secret_a that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o this_o discourse_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v intend_v have_v be_v leave_v unrevealed_a 2._o whereas_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o evident_a equity_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o this_o be_v take_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o it_o with_o that_o protestation_n we_o will_v assume_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o assembly_n equal_a true_a and_o righteous_a from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o this_o shall_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n contradict_v that_o protestation_n therein_o they_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v unequal_a false_a or_o unrighteous_a and_o wherein_o soever_o it_o do_v positive_o dissent_v from_o it_o there_o the_o truth_n equity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v here_o no_o way_n prove_v this_o be_v premise_v let_v we_o compare_v together_o this_o covenant_n and_o that_o protestation_n there_o we_o protest_v that_o we_o will_v with_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o be_v undoubted_o contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o in_o the_o further_a article_n of_o impeachment_n jan._n 17._o 1643._o by_o the_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n against_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v style_v the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n england_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o of_o those_o article_n it_o be_v avouch_v that_o the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o order_v of_o priest_n and_o deacon_n confirm_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o such_o consecration_n and_o order_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o ungodly_a this_o book_n assert_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n which_o officer_n be_v evermore_o bad_a in_o reverent_a estimation_n wherefore_o we_o there_o protest_v with_o our_o life_n etc._n etc._n to_o defend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ungodly_a therefore_o not_o false_a doctrine_n to_o say_v that_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v help_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v bishop_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prayer_n also_o and_o lex_fw-la orandi_fw-la lex_fw-la docendi_fw-la thus_o begin_v almighty_a god_n giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n which_o by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n have_v appoint_v divers_a order_n of_o minister_n in_o thy_o church_n merciful_o behold_v this_o thy_o servant_n now_o call_v to_o the_o work_n and_o ministry_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o elect_a bishop_n be_v afterward_o require_v to_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v true_o call_v to_o this_o ministration_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o there_o do_v protest_v to_o defend_v that_o also_o and_o consequent_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n it_o be_v unequal_a and_o unrighteous_a to_o swear_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o again_o in_o that_o protestation_n there_o be_v nothing_o concerning_o the_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o
scotland_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n moreover_o in_o that_o we_o protest_v absolute_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n according_a to_o our_o allegiance_n which_o here_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o swear_v to_o to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o only_o to_o defend_v one_o another_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v which_o here_o be_v omit_v many_o other_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v if_o yet_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o this_o which_o be_v not_o in_o that_o or_o nothing_o of_o moment_n which_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n if_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n at_o all_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o desire_v with_o leave_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o renew_v that_o protestation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o excuse_v from_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n after_o the_o proposal_n of_o their_o persuasive_a argument_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o scruple_n not_o all_o or_o most_o of_o such_o as_o may_v arise_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o we_o have_v humble_o represent_v against_o the_o covenant_n itself_o therefore_o such_o as_o they_o have_v choose_v out_o probable_o because_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o best_o able_a for_o their_o answer_n the_o scruple_n which_o they_o suppose_v be_v such_o as_o concern_v either_o the_o king_n or_o the_o bishop_n they_o begin_v with_o the_o extirpation_n of_o bishop_n where_o first_o they_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o after_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o answer_v one_o special_a objection_n we_o will_v therefore_o in_o order_n propound_v and_o examine_v the_o weight_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o their_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v but_o a_o intimation_n some_o say_v this_o government_n be_v never_o formal_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n at_o all_o if_o this_o be_v true_a which_o some_o say_v the_o argument_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a force_n towards_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o government_n as_o it_o will_v be_v of_o power_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n we_o have_v of_o the_o venerable_a institution_n of_o this_o government_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o predecessor_n who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o law_n have_v such_o a_o esteem_n of_o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n that_o they_o think_v it_o altogether_o needless_a formal_o to_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n now_o that_o this_o if_o any_o positive_a consideration_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o be_v here_o intimate_v if_o true_a appear_v in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o establish_v yet_o be_v it_o so_o interweave_v with_o many_o of_o our_o law_n that_o they_o and_o it_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v together_o so_o that_o here_o again_o we_o may_v desire_v of_o they_o to_o be_v tender_a of_o we_o who_o have_v protest_v solemn_o with_o our_o life_n to_o defend_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 2._o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o be_v already_o take_v away_o by_o a_o act_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o nothing_o of_o jurisdiction_n remain_v but_o what_o be_v precarious_a in_o they_o and_o voluntary_a in_o those_o who_o submit_v unto_o they_o 1._o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o episcopacy_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o must_v be_v be_v or_o can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o our_o bishop_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n however_o the_o outward_a coercive_a power_n communicate_v to_o it_o by_o the_o secular_a arm_n have_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o famous_a persecution_n and_o may_v be_v again_o divide_v from_o it_o 2._o for_o the_o act_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n here_o mention_v we_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v more_o take_v away_o in_o it_o than_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o this_o we_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o declaration_n aug._n 12._o and_o whether_o that_o act_n be_v pen_v with_o that_o wariness_n and_o animadversion_n that_o there_o be_v not_o more_o determine_v by_o it_o than_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n intend_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o let_v themselves_o judge_v 3._o however_o that_o be_v we_o can_v conceive_v it_o reasonable_a that_o their_o temporal_a lurisdiction_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o as_o be_v suggest_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o intend_v their_o spiritual_a and_o then_o a_o argument_n make_v to_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o their_o government_n also_o because_o the_o former_a be_v already_o part_v from_o they_o three_o that_o their_o whole_a government_n be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o human_a constitution_n if_o there_o be_v no_o fallacy_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o whole_a be_v take_v material_o as_o it_o include_v each_o several_a part_n and_o not_o formal_o only_a and_o then_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o government_n so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v at_o least_o of_o apostolical_a constitution_n as_o be_v prove_v in_o our_o reason_n against_o the_o second_o article_n and_o consequent_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v take_v away_o four_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o a_o great_a hindrance_n also_o to_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n yea_o who_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v the_o danger_n and_o if_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o parliament_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o question_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o two_o house_n only_o in_o this_o case_n which_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o represent_v that_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o itself_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n together_o with_o which_o the_o state_n both_o ancient_o and_o of_o late_a we_o conceive_v have_v flourish_v and_o enjoy_v a_o political_a happiness_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n neither_o how_o that_o shall_v be_v opposite_a to_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n which_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o be_v persuade_v and_o we_o think_v may_v as_o clear_o be_v prove_v as_o most_o matter_n in_o divinity_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o constant_o obtain_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o which_o we_o conceive_v a_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v square_v and_o indeed_o the_o chief_a instrument_n and_o defendant_n of_o that_o reformation_n which_o we_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n enjoy_v have_v be_v bishop_n some_o of_o which_o be_v martyr_n as_o bishop_n cranmer_n ridley_n hooper_n latimer_n ferrer_n jewel_n bilson_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v see_v to_o what_o reformation_n episcopacy_n can_v be_v a_o hindrance_n unless_o to_o such_o a_o form_n as_o suppose_v that_o episcopacy_n must_v be_v extirpate_v which_o move_v the_o well-affected_a throughout_o this_o kingdom_n long_o since_o to_o petition_v this_o parliament_n as_o have_v be_v desire_v before_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n for_o a_o total_a abolition_n of_o the_o same_o in_o this_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o proof_n the_o four_o argument_n see_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o who_o have_v petition_v for_o the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v and_o have_v be_v well_o affect_v for_o a_o judgement_n of_o that_o we_o do_v only_o represent_v that_o the_o same_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o renown_a prince_n by_o those_o famous_a parliament_n hold_v in_o their_o time_n be_v reject_v as_o ignorant_a and_o seditious_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v the_o well_o affect_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n it_o do_v and_o may_v appear_v that_o since_o the_o sit_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n and_o that_o after_o discountenance_v give_v to_o that_o party_n more_o than_o four_o and_o forty_o thousand_o man_n of_o quality_n have_v petition_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o present_a church-government_n beside_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o county_n of_o dorcet_n kent_n surrey_n westmoreland_n cumberland_n southampton_n lancaster_n cornwall_n oxfordshire_n berkeshire_n wiltshire_n the_o six_o shire_n of_o north-wales_n and_o beside_o the_o two_o university_n all_o the_o which_o have_v petition_v for_o the_o same_o the_o restriction_n or_o what_o else_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o that_o we_o be_v not_o by_o this_o