the_o grand_a case_n of_o the_o present_a ministry_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o declare_v and_o subscribe_v as_o by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v require_v and_o the_o several_a case_n thence_o arise_v more_o especial_o about_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_o state_v and_o faithful_o resolve_v by_o the_o same_o indifferent_a hand_n with_o a_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a case_n of_o conscience_n hereunto_o subjoin_v love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13._o london_n print_v by_o j._n macock_n for_o t._n dring_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o by_o m._n mitchel_n at_o the_o first_o shop_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1662._o the_o preface_n to_o my_o dissent_v brethren_n 1._o a_o man_n may_v be_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la by_o destroy_v himself_o by_o our_o law_n and_o fur_n de_fw-fr se_fw-fr by_o deprive_v and_o steal_v himself_o away_o from_o he_o to_o who_o his_o service_n be_v due_a by_o the_o imperial_a law_n and_o proditor_n de_fw-fr se_fw-la by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o he_o descend_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o humanity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o danger_n which_o he_o may_v avoid_v these_o be_v word_n of_o the_o very_a learned_a doctor_n donn_n against_o the_o jesuitical_a ambition_n to_o suffer_v and_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o in_o all_o particular_n too_o too_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a case_n 2._o for_o a_o opinion_n that_o we_o be_v our_o own_o lord_n and_o may_v dispose_v of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o we_o please_v precipitates_fw-la not_o only_a jesuit_n but_o the_o zealous_a of_o all_o profession_n to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o to_o quit_v their_o duty_n with_o a_o strange_a prodigality_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v very_o a_o great_a mistake_n for_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o our_o person_n our_o part_n our_o estate_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v god_n the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o our_o wife_n and_o friend_n and_o to_o all_o of_o these_o in_o a_o several_a respect_n and_o proportion_n we_o be_v just_o accountable_a for_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o wantonness_n in_o those_o woman_n gellius_n speak_v of_o that_o so_o long_o play_v with_o their_o own_o life_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v it_o up_o for_o a_o fashion_n to_o kill_v themselves_o 5._o and_o yet_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o it_o be_v even_o natural_a for_o man_n of_o stomach_n to_o value_v a_o name_n above_o life_n for_o the_o very_a heather_n tempt_v with_o honour_n and_o vainglory_n and_o sometime_o with_o ease_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v free_v from_o present_a inconvenience_n how_o familiar_o do_v they_o kill_v themselves_o 6._o whereupon_o it_o be_v observe_v 7._o arist_n ethic._n lib._n 3._o 6._o 7._o that_o such_o as_o labour_v for_o public_a preservation_n do_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o this_o strange_a corruption_n by_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o base_a and_o cowardly_a then_o to_o destroy_v one_o self_n 7._o the_o emperor_n also_o in_o their_o law_n and_o constitution_n have_v remedy_n against_o it_o not_o only_o by_o forfeiture_n but_o infamy_n itself_o to_o remove_v if_o possible_a the_o temptation_n of_o glory_n 8._o yea_o as_o if_o the_o self-denial_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o encounter_v it_o we_o read_v of_o a_o law_n in_o the_o earldom_n of_o flaunders_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o which_o this_o destroy_n of_o one_o self_n be_v count_v with_o treason_n heresy_n and_o sedition_n and_o do_v not_o our_o own_o law_n reckon_v it_o not_o only_a mans-slaughter_n but_o murder_n yea_o as_o a_o thing_n hardly_o stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n as_o christian_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v against_o it_o deny_v such_o person_n christian_a burial_n 9_o among_o christian_n bellarmine_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n indeed_o to_o his_o adversary_n have_v this_o gradation_n in_o his_o observation_n wherein_o he_o place_v the_o worst_a first_o to_o suffer_v say_v he_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v forward_a the_o calvinist_n next_o and_o the_o lutheran_n very_o slack_a and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v no_o offence_n to_o my_o brethren_n we_o may_v easy_o note_v that_o with_o we_o the_o quaker_n be_v forward_a the_o anabaptist_n next_o the_o independent_a next_o and_o the_o presbyterian_a last_n no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o though_o all_o too_o forward_o in_o expose_v themselves_o to_o needless_a suffering_n 10._o and_o now_o my_o brethren_n if_o this_o witness_v be_v true_a and_o the_o premise_n can_v be_v deny_v let_v we_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o ourselves_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v warrant_n and_o justify_v suffering_n and_o constitute_v martyrdom_n 11._o certain_o if_o propenseness_n to_o suffer_v make_v the_o martyr_n the_o anabaptist_n the_o quaker_n yea_o the_o jesuit_n and_o the_o heathen_a the_o lunatic_n and_o the_o madman_n even_o such_o as_o have_v neither_o grace_n nor_o reason_n be_v far_o before_o you_o 12._o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v prefer_v the_o suffering_n of_o one_o way_n or_o party_n be_v it_o the_o sober_a in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o high_a estimation_n or_o reward_n than_o another_o or_o indeed_o secure_v it_o from_o the_o offence_n of_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o self-murder_n but_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n 13._o yet_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v just_o except_o the_o intention_n be_v right_a too_o we_o fail_v of_o martyrdom_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fall_n with_o a_o belove_a party_n the_o satisfy_v the_o humour_n of_o a_o multitude_n the_o preserve_v a_o name_n with_o malcontent_n the_o answer_v our_o own_o idea_n of_o conveniency_n much_o less_o a_o be_v revenge_v upon_o a_o government_n we_o hate_v that_o make_v a_o martyr_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o intention_n without_o the_o cause_n nor_o the_o cause_n without_o the_o intention_n shall_v win_v and_o wear_v this_o crown_n though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a yea_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o 14._o again_o admit_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o intention_n both_o be_v right_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o frustrate_v the_o hope_n and_o lose_v the_o reward_n of_o martyrdom_n for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o fit_a occasion_n too_o necessitate_v the_o suffering_n which_o god_n approve_v a_o learned_a man_n against_o that_o jesuitical_a fury_n of_o dare_v the_o magistrate_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o right_a martyrdom_n perish_v upon_o this_o ground_n among_o other_o that_o he_o which_o refuse_v to_o defend_v his_o life_n by_o a_o lawful_a act_n and_o entertain_v not_o those_o overture_n of_o escape_n which_o god_n present_v he_o destroy_n himself_n 15._o there_o be_v a_o golden_a mean_a worth_n a_o golden_a mine_n fit_o illustrate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n jus_fw-la legionis_fw-la facile_fw-la non_fw-la sequi_fw-la non_fw-la fugere_fw-la neither_o to_o pursue_v persecution_n with_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o safety_n or_o duty_n nor_o to_o run_v away_o from_o it_o with_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o god_n glory_n 16._o indeed_o our_o supreme_a lord_n sometime_o call_v for_o our_o good_n our_o liberty_n and_o our_o life_n in_o witness_n to_o his_o truth_n yet_o though_o he_o allow_v our_o affection_n to_o himself_o a_o channel_n to_o run_v in_o even_o to_o death_n when_o he_o require_v he_o by_o no_o mean_n indulge_v that_o heathenish_a corruption_n of_o destroy_v ourselves_o when_o god_n call_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o willing_o and_o ready_o but_o never_o spontaneous_o or_o to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o our_o own_o blood_n either_o by_o provoke_v our_o own_o ruin_n or_o suffer_v for_o our_o own_o cause_n or_o be_v our_o own_o executioner_n this_o be_v to_o throw_v away_o the_o talon_n lend_v we_o which_o ought_v thus_o only_o to_o be_v spend_v when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improve_v any_o other_o way_n for_o our_o master_n use_n 17._o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n sake_n be_v indeed_o a_o favour_n from_o heaven_n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n but_o mark_v it_o must_v be_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o on_o his_o behalf_n and_o give_v too_o by_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n not_o snatch_v or_o steal_v by_o our_o own_o rashness_n and_o hasten_v the_o occasion_n and_o execution_n of_o it_o 18._o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n the_o ground_n and_o cause_n upon_o which_o he_o call_v and_o we_o may_v and_o must_v submit_v to_o
both_o sin_n to_o which_o no_o covenant_n can_v possible_o oblige_v for_o than_o it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o against_o god_n himself_o 2._o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o article_n be_v against_o many_o former_a oath_n whereby_o the_o nation_n stand_v oblige_v before_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v or_o take_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o not_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o natural_a allegiance_n in_o which_o all_o subject_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n be_v bear_v oblige_v when_o they_o be_v bear_v subject_n unto_o our_o lawful_a prince_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n superad_v re-enforceth_a we_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o lawful_a command_n 2._o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n above_o mention_v whether_o this_o oath_n be_v actual_o take_v before_o the_o covenant_n or_o after_o we_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o king_n law_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o against_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o against_o his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n whatsoever_o be_v hitherto_o urge_v to_o enervate_a the_o same_o 3._o especial_o if_o we_o add_v the_o direct_a obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n wherein_o we_o all_o own_o and_o recognize_v the_o king_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a supreme_a governor_n for_o how_o can_v the_o oath_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n and_o destroy_v his_o officer_n against_o his_o will_n and_o his_o know_a law_n consist_v with_o his_o swear_a supremacy_n or_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n how_o do_v those_o ecclesiastical_a person_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o supreme_a governor_n while_o they_o resist_v he_o against_o his_o express_a law_n in_o this_o very_a cause_n even_o with_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n 4._o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a ministry_n stand_v more_o immediate_o oblige_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o subscription_n to_o thirty_o nine_o article_n wherein_o they_o have_v set_v their_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o superstitious_a or_o ungodly_a in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o make_v consecrate_v â—nd_n ordain_v of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o also_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o very_a ordination_n as_o deacon_n and_o as_o presbyter_n in_o which_o they_o solemn_o promise_v to_o obey_v their_o ordinary_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o godly_a judgement_n which_o they_o also_o bind_v with_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n 5._o last_o the_o general_a protestation_n take_v some_o year_n before_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o effect_v the_o discharge_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a 6._o that_o the_o protestation_n be_v as_o legal_a as_o the_o covenant_n as_o yet_o none_o ever_o question_v it_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o same_o power_n at_o least_o it_o be_v never_o proclaim_v against_o by_o the_o king_n as_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n argue_v do_v sufficient_o ratify_v it_o it_o be_v take_v by_o the_o same_o person_n general_o and_o indeed_o by_o thousand_o more_o than_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o be_v doubtless_o enough_o by_o mr._n croftons_n logic_n to_o conclude_v it_o national_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o to_o be_v violate_v or_o make_v void_a by_o any_o future_a power_n or_o obligation_n or_o covenant_n whatsoever_o 7._o but_o wherein_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o protestation_n 1._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o promise_v to_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o by_o our_o stand_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n notwithstanding_o its_o establishment_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o by_o supersede_v parliamentary_a power_n for_o ever_o enjoin_v our_o subjection_n to_o it_o be_v sufficient_o violate_v 2._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o also_o promise_v to_o defend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a these_o be_v also_o violent_o seize_v on_o by_o this_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n herein_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n be_v have_v their_o freehold_n swear_v against_o and_o their_o power_n and_o office_n threaten_v with_o utter_a extirpation_n notwithstanding_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n yea_o when_o neither_o their_o king_n that_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n nor_o any_o to_o represent_v they_o have_v liberty_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n or_o speak_v in_o their_o behalf_n in_o the_o parliament_n when_o destruction_n be_v contrive_v by_o this_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v hint_v before_o and_o unanswerable_o handle_v by_o other_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o way_n of_o preobligation_n mention_v viz._n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n when_o i_o have_v seal_v that_o from_o our_o oath_n and_o promise_n now_o speak_v to_o with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o dr._n ames_n never_o yet_o acquaint_v with_o doubt_n juramentum_fw-la posterius_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la promissionem_fw-la antecedentem_fw-la &_o honestam_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la a_o latter_a oath_n that_o be_v against_o a_o former_a honest_a oath_n or_o but_o a_o promise_n do_v not_o bind_v 3._o three_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n can_v bind_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o duty_n or_o discharge_v we_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o office_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n before_o ever_o the_o covenant_n be_v think_v on_o 1._o i_o acknowledge_v that_o my_o lord_n of_o lincoln_n teach_v that_o the_o seem_a hinder_v of_o some_o good_a do_v not_o simple_o or_o precise_o always_o discharge_v we_o from_o our_o oath_n except_o there_o be_v other_o circumstance_n concur_v which_o evince_n it_o non_fw-la oblige_v 2._o but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o question_n here_o when_o our_o place_n and_o duty_n require_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v be_v hinder_v for_o then_o the_o discharge_n result_v also_o yea_o and_o principal_o from_o a_o former_a obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n 3._o a_o man_n swear_v he_o will_v never_o come_v near_o such_o a_o river_n more_o because_o he_o have_v like_a to_o have_v be_v drown_v there_o but_o at_o a_o distance_n he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o same_o hazard_n at_o the_o same_o place_n now_o certain_o notwithstanding_o his_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o help_v his_o brother_n out_o and_o to_o save_v his_o life_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o there_o be_v a_o prior_n obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o 4._o dr._n jacob_n the_o casuist_n put_v a_o hard_a case_n by_o far_o than_o this_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o another_o that_o he_o will_v do_v he_o no_o hurt_n yet_o if_o by_o the_o law_n he_o kill_v he_o afterward_o he_o do_v not_o break_v his_o oath_n his_o reason_n be_v quia_fw-la illa_fw-la promissio_fw-la non_fw-la occidendi_fw-la subintelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la lege_fw-la permittente_fw-la imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o preobligation_n upon_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n indeed_o the_o thing_n swear_v must_v be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o or_o at_o least_o of_o weak_a necessity_n than_o the_o good_a that_o will_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o keep_n our_o oath_n and_o then_o all_o casuist_n i_o think_v concur_v with_o jacob_n and_o sylvester_n qui_fw-la indifferens_fw-la aliquid_fw-la jurat_fw-la ut_fw-la ite_z ad_fw-la villam_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la militem_fw-la etc._n etc._n dato_n casu_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la vivere_fw-la nequeat_fw-la nisi_fw-la veniat_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la illud_fw-la seruare_fw-la non_fw-la tenetur_fw-la &_o propriâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la contravenire_fw-la potest_fw-la 5._o now_o if_o to_o endeavour_v extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o sinful_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v non-necessary_a and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o so_o though_o man_n have_v swear_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o keep_v their_o oath_n will_v hinder_v the_o do_n of_o their_o natural_a duty_n both_o to_o the_o king_n in_o break_v his_o law_n &_o cast_v off_o his_o government_n and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o several_a congregation_n in_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o incapacity_n according_a to_o law_n to_o serve_v any_o long_o in_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v so_o far_o discharge_v of_o our_o oath_n
mind_n and_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o to_o own_o church-government_n or_o act_n under_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v daily_a occasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o final_a determination_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o it_o what_o disturbance_n distraction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v in_o church_n and_o state_n 3._o blame_v not_o the_o parliament_n if_o they_o intend_v by_o the_o act_n to_o prevent_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o more_o public_a endeavour_n be_v judge_v by_o mr._n crofton_n lawful_a too_o so_o long_o as_o every_o man_n keep_v his_o place_n and_o true_o if_o endeavour_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o act_n as_o be_v very_o likely_a i_o be_o loath_a to_o remember_v how_o high_a it_o once_o carry_v we_o indeed_o not_o in_o private_a but_o too_o too_o public_o the_o covenant_n speak_v of_o our_o place_n and_o by_o lawful_a mean_n yet_o also_o to_o our_o power_n and_o with_o our_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o what_o need_v of_o all_o this_o if_o we_o may_v only_o petition_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o legal_a course_n and_o so_o and_o no_o otherwise_o endeavour_v there_o be_v no_o other_o lawful_a way_n of_o endeavour_n in_o our_o place_n but_o these_o that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o and_o as_o for_o petition_v too_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v forbid_v certain_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o it_o but_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o say_a author_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o better_a meaning_n of_o act_n in_o our_o place_n minister_n must_v preach_v against_o the_o government_n and_o the_o lawyer_n must_v plead_v against_o it_o the_o judge_n must_v sentence_v it_o the_o soldier_n must_v fight_v against_o it_o yea_o and_o every_o tongue_n must_v revile_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o every_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o curse_v and_o bitterness_n against_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o field_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o humble_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n to_o discern_v at_o last_o in_o the_o calm_a the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o which_o we_o have_v be_v too_o long_o transport_v by_o the_o stormy_a wind_n and_o tempest_n 4._o in_o short_a thus_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n be_v either_o sinful_a indifferent_a or_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v both_o of_o which_o be_v high_o incapable_a of_o it_o first_o that_o the_o government_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o second_o that_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v unlawful_a endeavour_n for_o a_o reformation_n of_o government_n and_o law_n as_o no_o doubt_n those_o before_o mention_v be_v if_o these_o endeavour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o make_v necessary_a to_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v as_o before_o be_v prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o our_o own_o oath_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o seem_v it_o never_o so_o convenient_a to_o we_o against_o a_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o parliamentary_a power_n in_o the_o determine_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o if_o the_o endeavour_n be_v indeed_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o we_o need_v no_o power_n of_o law_n to_o discharge_v we_o of_o they_o for_o they_o never_o bind_v we_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o far_o naught_o from_o the_o beginning_n 5._o in_o a_o word_n that_o these_o endeavour_n be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a appear_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o very_a opponent_n 1._o the_o covenant_n require_v no_o more_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v no_o far_o say_v our_o brethren_n to_o endeavour_v against_o episcopal_a government_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o by_o lawful_a mean_n but_o now_o the_o first_o step_n that_o our_o brethren_n take_v in_o this_o their_o endeavour_n be_v out_o of_o their_o place_n viz._n by_o not_o yield_v unto_o not_o obey_v not_o so_o much_o as_o acknowledge_v the_o government_n which_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n have_v set_v over_o they_o nor_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o the_o law_n require_v they_o to_o disclaim_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o own_o their_o superior_n to_o reject_v those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o their_o king_n yea_o to_o make_v their_o own_o covenant_n to_o prevent_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n sure_o this_o be_v for_o subject_n to_o be_v out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o if_o these_o be_v their_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o hierarchy_n the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o the_o modern_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o 2._o again_o much_o more_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o revile_v and_o curse_v this_o government_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o the_o people_n reject_v it_o scorn_v it_o hate_v it_o trample_v upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o mark_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o revenge_n this_o be_v certain_o to_o endeavour_v out_o of_o our_o place_n and_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n too_o and_o far_o from_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o christianity_n 3._o let_v i_o then_o conclude_v that_o look_v what_o my_o brethren_n concern_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o endeavour_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o they_o themselves_o understand_v it_o by_o their_o purpose_n and_o practice_n and_o upon_o sober_a reckon_n they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o endeavour_n be_v both_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o make_v unlawful_a by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o upon_o either_o account_n much_o more_o on_o both_o they_o need_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v as_o require_v that_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o person_n be_v bind_v thus_o to_o endeavour_v notwithstanding_o the_o covenant_n though_o i_o presume_v if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o endeavour_n beside_o act_v against_o speak_v evil_a of_o or_o not_o yield_v unto_o the_o government_n as_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a seditious_a and_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o place_n of_o subject_n my_o brethren_n be_v not_o by_o the_o act_n require_v to_o declare_v their_o non-obligation_n unto_o they_o object_n but_o though_o we_o may_v not_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n there_o may_v be_v many_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n and_o be_v we_o not_o to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o first_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o subject_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n so_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o such_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v it_o by_o mean_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o seditious_a as_o before_o or_o out_o of_o our_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n and_o the_o government_n itself_o as_o well_o in_o the_o answer_n as_o in_o the_o objection_n and_o betwixt_o a_o reformation_n and_o a_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n or_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n and_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o notice_n as_o to_o this_o objection_n that_o the_o act_n require_v the_o declaration_n be_v express_v for_o the_o latter_a and_o not_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o the_o distinction_n the_o word_n of_o the_o declaration_n be_v i_o do_v hold_v that_o neither_o myself_o nor_o any_o other_o person_n have_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o in_o the_o government_n of_o either_o that_o be_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o labour_v to_o pull_v down_o this_o fram_a of_o government_n and_o set_v up_o another_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o distinction_n from_o our_o covenant_a brethren_n themselves_o if_o not_o from_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o collective_a and_o distributive_a sense_n of_o the_o second_o article_n about_o church-government_n yet_o from_o such_o moderate_a person_n among_o they_o that_o open_o declare_v upon_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n that_o may_v they_o see_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o government_n grant_v there_o they_o shall_v hold_v themselves_o satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o point_n beside_o
of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n will_v fain_o say_v something_o to_o weaken_v this_o conclusion_n of_o the_o bishop_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o only_o appear_v to_o be_v evil_a to_o he_o that_o swear_v it_o but_o though_o he_o make_v a_o flourish_n towards_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v his_o discourse_n to_o our_o present_a case_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o vanishech_v into_o air_n 19_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o err_a conscience_n do_v not_o obligare_fw-la it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v ligare_fw-la and_o consequent_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v so_o long_o as_o the_o party_n apprehend_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v sinful_a whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o not_o that_o be_v no_o one_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v sinful_a and_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o church_n 20._o and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o judge_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a when_o he_o swear_v it_o or_o be_v since_o so_o convince_v for_o we_o may_v not_o aggravate_v a_o rash_a oath_n with_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o be_v against_o conscience_n 21._o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v ample_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n true_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n for_o here_o conscience_n dictate_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a adventure_n for_o a_o king_n himself_o to_o second_o herod_n and_o to_o fulfil_v a_o wicked_a oath_n by_o a_o more_o wicked_a act_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o god_n too_o si_fw-mi facere_fw-la intendit_fw-la bis_fw-la peccat_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la con._n tolet._n case_n con._n intention_n quam_fw-la habet_fw-la peccandi_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la juramento_fw-la supra_fw-la rem_fw-la injustam_fw-la the_o case_n of_o abbot_n in_o henry_n the_o eight_o time_n be_v too_o weak_o compare_v with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v as_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v declare_v to_o have_v run_v into_o a_o proemunire_n as_o the_o abbot_n be_v that_o the_o abbot_n have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o parliament_n as_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o and_o especial_o that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o active_a or_o any_o way_n consent_v to_o the_o act_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o abbot_n as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v case_n xvii_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o former_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n the_o first_o spring_n of_o all_o obligation_n be_v in_o god_n law_n bound_v we_o love_n bind_v we_o oath_n and_o covenant_n bound_v we_o but_o how_o as_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n bind_v we_o he_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o wrong_v he_o to_o obey_v authority_n and_o observe_v their_o command_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n and_o fulfil_v the_o oath_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o lip_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n that_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o so_o his_o moral_a obligation_n upon_o we_o change_v not_o neither_o can_v any_o act_n of_o we_o take_v off_o or_o weaken_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o 3._o hence_o it_o eternal_o follow_v that_o a_o latter_a obligation_n against_o a_o former_a be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o void_a of_o itself_o because_o the_o former_a obligation_n be_v from_o god_n and_o of_o a_o moral_a nature_n it_o be_v eternal_a as_o god_n be_v and_o fix_v and_o not_o to_o be_v break_v 4._o there_o seem_v to_o be_v three_o bond_n or_o cord_n of_o god_n to_o have_v have_v force_n upon_o we_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v or_o think_v of_o all_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v against_o and_o endeavour_n to_o break_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o it_o to_o obey_v authority_n to_o keep_v our_o oath_n and_o promise_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n 1._o first_o god_n have_v first_o both_o by_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a scripture_n bind_v we_o by_o his_o sovereign_a indispensable_a command_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o to_o those_o that_o be_v send_v and_o commission_v by_o he_o and_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n because_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n ordain_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o god_n himself_o 2._o be_v not_o these_o obligation_n upon_o we_o even_o on_o our_o very_a conscience_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v do_v not_o the_o covenant_n find_v these_o bar_n within_o we_o be_v not_o the_o conscience_n thus_o prepossess_v against_o it_o and_o lock_v up_o from_o it_o 3._o but_o how_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o these_o obligation_n yea_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o not_o it_o be_v impose_v and_o take_v against_o the_o king_n law_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v against_o the_o right_n both_o of_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n set_v over_o we_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n make_v both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o covenant_n 4._o more_o particular_o god_n first_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o obey_v our_o governor_n and_o the_o covenant_n will_v engage_v to_o disobey_v disown_n and_o destroy_v they_o i_o mean_v our_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n it_o will_v discharge_v we_o of_o our_o obedience_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o resistance_n contrary_a to_o god_n express_v obligatiâ—â—_n upon_o we_o which_o can_v be_v 5._o again_o the_o civil_a authority_n require_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n the_o civil_a authority_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n require_v we_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o resist_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v they_o to_o this_o also_o we_o oppose_v the_o covenant_n though_o god_n first_o have_v bind_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o ruler_n which_o can_v be_v 6._o i_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o under_o another_o argument_n before_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o only_o add_v the_o plain_a but_o very_o weighty_a and_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o mr._n perkins_n who_o very_o distinct_o foresee_v conse_n case_n of_o conse_n our_o case_n 7._o he_o lay_v down_o two_o rule_n among_o other_o that_o methinks_v may_v decide_v our_o controversy_n 1._o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o country_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v member_n it_o bind_v not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_o take_v only_o but_o it_o bind_v not_o at_o all_o he_o give_v the_o very_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o be_o now_o improve_n because_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n commandment_n bind_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o good_a law_n of_o man_n 8._o therefore_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o just_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v such_o law_n as_o be_v not_o unjust_a or_o evil_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o can_v not_o bind_v at_o all_o because_o god_n have_v first_o command_v we_o and_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n 9_o 2._o again_o say_v mr._n perkins_n if_o at_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o afterward_o by_o some_o mean_n become_v either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a it_o bind_v not_o the_o conscience_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o cease_v to_o bind_v say_v he_o because_o the_o bind_a virtue_n be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o thus_o also_o have_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o render_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v take_v yet_o it_o be_v now_o unlawful_a to_o endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o government_n swear_v against_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o declare_v that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v the_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v either_o thus_o to_o endeavour_v which_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o thus_o to_o declare_v which_o be_v require_v for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o omission_n the_o other_o of_o commission_n but_o
by_o the_o preobligation_n of_o god_n to_o our_o necessary_a duty_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 6._o upon_o this_o ground_n i_o stand_v and_o assert_v that_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la impeditivo_fw-la boni_fw-la be_v not_o so_o sleight_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n will_v render_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o author_n himself_o say_v that_o in_o no_o case_n the_o argument_n will_v hold_v yea_o at_o last_o he_o seem_v to_o concur_v with_o other_o casuist_n in_o the_o allowance_n of_o it_o with_o these_o four_o grain_n or_o condition_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a good_a that_o be_v hinder_v this_o great_a good_n must_v be_v attainable_a no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o oath_n this_o good_a must_v be_v certain_a and_o the_o oath_n must_v be_v only_o make_v to_o god_n 7._o have_v lay_v down_o these_o rule_n the_o say_a author_n bid_v a_o challenge_n to_o his_o absolver_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o though_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v not_o here_o i_o humble_o accept_v it_o 1._o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o great_a good_n will_v accrue_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o their_o native_a country_n by_o not_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o present_a church-government_n and_o by_o declare_v that_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thereby_o continue_v your_o employment_n in_o the_o church_n then_o by_o any_o sober_a and_o reasonable_a man_n can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v as_o thing_n and_o law_n now_o be_v by_o such_o endeavour_n 2._o what_o fruit_n can_v you_o look_v for_o from_o such_o cross_a proceed_n to_o government_n and_o law_n but_o the_o loss_n of_o your_o place_n your_o capacity_n to_o dispense_v your_o trust_n to_o employ_v and_o improve_v your_o talent_n and_o if_o so_o many_o fall_n together_o as_o be_v fear_v the_o distraction_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o discontent_n of_o the_o people_n the_o grief_n of_o our_o king_n and_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o great_a advantage_n must_v needs_o follow_v upon_o a_o general_a conformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n how_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o governor_n especial_o to_o our_o most_o gracious_a king_n who_o indulgence_n you_o yet_o rejoice_v in_o and_o he_o yet_o continue_v as_o the_o space_n of_o your_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n after_o two_o year_n patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v how_o much_o right_n will_v you_o thus_o do_v the_o law_n your_o self_n your_o family_n and_o your_o several_a congregation_n yea_o how_o much_o encouragement_n you_o that_o be_v leader_n may_v you_o hereby_o give_v to_o your_o brethren_n your_o nonconforming_a brethren_n who_o depend_v on_o you_o and_o wait_v your_o motion_n who_o you_o have_v as_o it_o be_v power_n to_o save_v or_o destroy_v your_o conform_v brethren_n who_o be_v scandalize_v by_o your_o mean_n before_o the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o such_o as_o count_v themselves_o extraordinary_a saint_n for_o your_o sake_n say_n we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o save_v our_o live_n but_o such_o and_o such_o be_v the_o only_a faithful_a and_o conscientious_a minister_n they_o will_v not_o conform_v how_o may_v you_o it_o be_v much_o in_o your_o power_n how_o may_v you_o thus_o allay_v our_o storm_n still_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o a_o short_a while_n leave_v nothing_o among_o we_o but_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o amity_n and_o all_o bless_a advantage_n of_o profit_v soul_n of_o destroy_v heresy_n of_o reform_v abuse_n and_o crush_a that_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n you_o so_o much_o and_o continual_o complain_v of_o but_o be_v run_v from_o the_o only_a visible_a remedy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o to_o understand_v it_o 2._o give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o say_v also_o that_o these_o good_n can_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o any_o other_o way_n for_o by_o the_o law_n minister_n can_v discharge_v or_o attend_v upon_o their_o office_n neither_o can_v the_o people_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o own_o but_o to_o resist_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n concentre_v together_o in_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o church_n or_o state_n they_o must_v not_o own_o the_o government_n nor_o conform_v to_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o law_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o civil_a authority_n will_v stand_v by_o it_o defend_v it_o protect_v it_o second_o its_o decree_n and_o act_n with_o the_o severe_a penalty_n the_o law_n have_v provide_v and_o what_o weep_a and_o complain_v what_o waste_v and_o ruine_v of_o estate_n and_o family_n what_o public_a distraction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v 3._o which_o three_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n by_o statute_n law_n can_v make_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n and_o one_o that_o expect_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n for_o a_o reformation_n imagine_v how_o thing_n can_v alter_v without_o a_o miracle_n we_o have_v as_o much_o certainty_n both_o logical_a and_o moral_a as_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v 4._o last_o this_o oath_n be_v make_v at_o least_o in_o this_o article_n to_o god_n only_o to_o say_v the_o scot_n be_v party_n in_o the_o first_o article_n have_v some_o colour_n but_o not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o what_o be_v they_o concern_v in_o our_o government_n while_o it_o be_v be_v covenant_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o how_o ever_o both_o the_o party_n promise_v what_o they_o have_v no_o power_n or_o right_a to_o do_v as_o i_o suppose_v be_v now_o past_a the_o controversy_n with_o both_o nation_n and_o my_o dear_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v i_o serious_o request_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o for_o your_o oath_n sake_n you_o ought_v to_o quit_v your_o own_o interest_n yet_o the_o church_n or_o the_o state_n you_o can_v pray_v satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n 1._o before_o you_o lay_v down_o who_o give_v you_o power_n to_o expose_v yourselves_o to_o a_o incapacity_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o your_o high_a and_o holy_a call_n and_o give_v she_o up_o to_o the_o hazard_n and_o ruin_n you_o say_v you_o foresee_v by_o covenant_v against_o that_o which_o be_v now_o make_v as_o you_o know_v by_o law_n the_o condition_n of_o your_o station_n and_o discharge_v of_o seyman_n laz._n seyman_n your_o office_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o learned_a presbyterian_a that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n must_v proceed_v as_o providence_n make_v way_n and_o who_o have_v warrant_v you_o to_o plead_v your_o covenant_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a for_o the_o obstruction_n of_o it_o 3._o ask_v yourselves_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o watch_n for_o soul_n in_o a_o constant_a distribution_n of_o all_o ordinance_n to_o their_o several_a congregation_n ask_v yourselves_o i_o say_v be_v not_o these_o law_n of_o force_n before_o your_o covenant_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o you_o plead_v your_o covenant_n to_o the_o void_a of_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n too_o as_o certain_o be_v not_o condition_n of_o god_n command_n case_n xviii_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o sinful_a though_o take_v and_o impose_v by_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n resol_n 1._o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o covenanter_n as_o so_o many_o private_a and_o single_a person_n and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o such_o to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o church-government_n against_o the_o law_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unite_v and_o examine_v what_o validity_n that_o add_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o what_o legality_n to_o such_o endeavour_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v and_o much_o insist_v on_o that_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n take_v the_o covenant_n but_o indeed_o though_o this_o may_v much_o alleviate_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o particular_a private_a person_n in_o the_o gross_a it_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o transgression_n for_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o covenanter_n without_o their_o head_n cast_v no_o shadow_n upon_o that_o action_n other_o then_o to_o darken_v and_o put_v out_o all_o colour_n of_o