35_o 36_o 39_o after_o avow_v be_v take_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o much_o tenderness_n to_o observe_v it_o as_o caution_n before_o we_o undertake_v it_o else_o we_o shall_v but_o double_v our_o guilt_n and_o increase_v god_n displeasure_n against_o we_o what_o we_o vow_v be_v in_o itself_o good_a and_o so_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o engagement_n to_o performance_n our_o vow_n be_v second_o engagement_n superadd_v to_o the_o first_o if_o after_o it_o we_o be_v negligent_a we_o break_v more_o bond_n and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o guilty_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o many_o enter_v this_o protestation_n rather_o for_o company_n then_o conscience_n and_o so_o will_v make_v too_o little_a account_n of_o keep_v it_o and_o need_v admonition_n to_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o to_o enter_v this_o covenant_n but_o that_o this_o neglect_n shall_v be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o include_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o this_o expositor_n do_v make_v it_o that_o i_o dare_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v i_o more_o tenderness_n ps_n 73_o 15._o if_o i_o will_v speak_v thus_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n to_o condemn_v the_o godly_a be_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o this_o bless_a psalmist_n that_o he_o will_v renounce_v sense_n and_o reason_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o serious_a review_n rather_o than_o dash_v upon_o it_o in_o who_o step_n have_v this_o author_n tread_v he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o rash_a to_o have_v put_v the_o fool_n upon_o they_o he_o may_v with_o less_o ado_n than_o the_o psalmist_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o needless_a horror_n and_o the_o godly_a from_o unjust_a censure_n but_o now_o to_o the_o point_n he_o give_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o censure_n pag._n 2._o the_o protestation_n be_v to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n which_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v so_o long_o as_o they_o retain_v and_o maintain_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o liturgy_n 2_o the_o discipline_n 3_o the_o government_n 4_o the_o ceremony_n ans_fw-fr in_o his_o very_a first_o argumentation_n there_o be_v a_o most_o palpable_a fallacy_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o its_o wonder_n to_o i_o that_o any_o man_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o write_v a_o book_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v either_o not_o himself_n see_v or_o shall_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o clear_a eye_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o touch_v will_v not_o most_o easy_o discern_v and_o discover_v it_o for_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v frame_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v solemn_o vow_v to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n must_v renounce_v all_o popery_n and_o particular_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o he_o break_v his_o vow_n and_o be_v a_o fool_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n have_v protest_v to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n therefore_o they_o must_v renounce_v all_o popery_n and_o particular_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o they_o break_v their_o vow_n and_o be_v fool_n in_o who_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n now_o what_o a_o manifest_a fallacy_n be_v here_o a_o dicto_fw-la secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la ad_fw-la dictum_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la from_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v absolute_o for_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o against_o popery_n absolute_o but_o as_o this_o author_n express_v it_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o popery_n then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o condemn_v this_o protestation_n do_v not_o include_v be_v only_o to_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o popery_n and_o popish_a innovation_n but_o then_o some_o will_v demand_v be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o all_o popery_n i_o answer_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n here_o object_v be_v popery_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o against_o all_o popery_n for_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v term_v doctrinal_a be_v yet_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whence_o then_o thus_o i_o argue_v either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o against_o all_o popery_n or_o else_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o liturgy_n ceremony_n discipline_n government_n be_v not_o popery_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o against_o they_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o against_o all_o popery_n he_o that_o vow_v to_o maintain_v that_o doctrine_n against_o all_o popery_n vow_v not_o against_o popery_n absolute_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v against_o that_o doctrine_n and_o then_o this_o author_n inference_n from_o this_o vow_n against_o popery_n with_o this_o restraint_n that_o we_o must_v therefore_o oppose_v all_o popery_n absolute_o be_v a_o manifest_a inconsequence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o popery_n as_o they_o must_v not_o be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v complete_a against_o it_o than_o they_o be_v not_o abjure_v so_o however_o it_o be_v the_o covenanter_n be_v free_a from_o breach_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a confirmation_n yet_o a_o little_a more_o to_o evince_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o by_o other_o particular_n in_o the_o protestation_n we_o protest_v to_o maintain_v every_o person_n that_o make_v this_o protestation_n in_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o lawful_a pursuance_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v thence_o infer_v that_o we_o must_v defend_v he_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v move_v sedition_n or_o the_o like_a be_v not_o this_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o when_o we_o stretch_v the_o oppose_a of_o popery_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v mean_v against_o all_o popery_n whatsoever_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n his_o foundation_n then_o be_v most_o rot_a and_o what_o firmness_n can_v be_v in_o the_o build_n but_o he_o make_v the_o objection_n page_n 2._o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v aswell_o as_o he_o can_v the_o objection_n be_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n therefore_o we_o may_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o till_o the_o law_n be_v abrogate_a and_o we_o protest_v against_o popery_n to_o cast_v it_o out_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v thus_o the_o protestor_n wherein_o he_o have_v object_v what_o he_o have_v not_o well_o answer_v though_o all_o be_v do_v very_o raw_o for_o first_o he_o shall_v have_v frame_v the_o argument_n thus_o those_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v establish_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v interpret_v to_o be_v popery_n and_o so_o not_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o that_o protestation_n which_o be_v against_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o objection_n if_o he_o ever_o answer_v erit_fw-la mihi_fw-la magnus_fw-la apollo_n the_o objection_n which_o he_o have_v make_v he_o strengthen_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o protestation_n that_o we_o protest_v to_o cast_v out_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v which_o clause_n do_v not_o at_o all_o respect_n the_o matter_n protest_v against_o but_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o pursuance_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o in_o any_o tumultuous_a or_o seditious_a or_o illegal_a way_n but_o by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n a_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o many_o respective_a reader_n of_o this_o book_n who_o while_o they_o learn_v of_o he_o that_o they_o must_v oppose_v the_o thing_n mention_v as_o part_n of_o popery_n from_o themselves_o infer_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o violent_a way_n without_o wait_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o authority_n which_o in_o private_a person_n
be_v not_o to_o oppose_v lawful_o but_o illegal_o and_o seditious_o but_o now_o let_v we_o hear_v his_o answer_n first_o say_v he_o all_o law_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o their_o clear_a intention_n and_o end_n now_o the_o law_n for_o reformation_n never_o intend_v to_o allow_v or_o set_v up_o popery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ans_fw-fr this_o rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o law_n in_o the_o former_a a_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a intention_n of_o law_n one_o general_a arise_v from_o man_n goodness_n and_o that_o may_v be_v to_o remove_v whatsoever_o be_v evil_a the_o other_o special_a arise_v from_o man_n light_n and_o that_o be_v to_o remove_v such_o particular_n as_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v evil_a the_o latter_a intention_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n law_n not_o the_o former_a and_o this_o author_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a sense_n he_o take_v it_o be_v a_o device_n of_o his_o own_o that_o have_v neither_o authority_n nor_o reason_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o law_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o law_n giver_n which_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n do_v usual_o discover_v indeed_o in_o matter_n doubtful_a where_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o double_a sense_n the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n may_v there_o clear_a what_o sense_n be_v most_o genuine_a but_o that_o the_o general_a intention_n of_o of_o the_o law_n shall_v give_v a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v without_o doubt_n a_o groundless_a and_o dangerous_a fancy_n it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o popery_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o popery_n the_o law_n can_v reach_v no_o further_o than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o if_o they_o see_v not_o all_o popery_n can_v not_o by_o their_o law_n condemn_v all_o nor_o do_v if_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v popery_n lex_fw-la currit_fw-la cum_fw-la praxi_fw-la the_o general_a practice_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v regular_a discover_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o practice_n have_v be_v to_o maintain_v these_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n to_o condemn_v they_o nor_o of_o this_o protestation_n to_o abjure_v they_o second_o he_o say_v if_o humane_a law_n be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n they_o be_v invalid_a and_o void_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la ans_fw-fr this_o right_o understand_v be_v in_o part_n a_o truth_n but_o here_o misapply_v we_o be_v subject_v to_o all_o terrene_a superior_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o under_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o then_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n the_o law_n have_v no_o bind_a power_n because_o by_o a_o superior_a law_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o yet_o such_o law_n be_v not_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la void_a or_o if_o void_a yet_o they_o be_v void_a in_o foro_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n not_o in_o foro_fw-la politico_fw-la in_o court_n on_o earth_n though_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o yet_o we_o be_v without_o resistance_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o penalty_n under_o the_o danger_n of_o sedition_n which_o be_v there_o no_o law_n we_o be_v free_a from_o again_o this_o thesis_n of_o he_o be_v misapply_v for_o thence_o he_o infer_v three_o that_o have_v make_v this_o protestation_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o law_n which_o inference_n be_v therefore_o faulty_a because_o the_o protestation_n be_v only_o against_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o our_o law_n though_o it_o be_v popery_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o popery_n opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n have_v their_o establishment_n in_o different_a court_n then_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n may_v be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v both_o their_o establishment_n in_o parliament_n what_o be_v confirm_v by_o law_n can_v be_v popery_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o author_n argue_v must_v needs_o be_v irrational_a but_o now_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o second_o objection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o and_o whether_o this_o author_n have_v with_o any_o better_a success_n take_v of_o than_o he_o have_v the_o former_a what_o say_v he_o if_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o by_o popery_n understand_v the_o liturgy_n ceremony_n government_n of_o our_o church_n and_o he_o give_v good_a reason_n to_o conceive_v they_o do_v not_o for_o then_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o have_v take_v it_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o that_o be_v his_o quaere_fw-la now_o hear_v his_o answer_n first_o say_v he_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o intend_v in_o against_o all_o popery_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o its_o most_o clear_a and_o so_o he_o himself_o express_v in_o the_o former_a page_n they_o only_o intend_v it_o against_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v opposite_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o such_o popery_n the_o mention_a thing_n can_v be_v second_o say_v he_o they_o express_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o ceremony_n in_o the_o say_a church_n what_o do_v he_o thence_o infer_v why_o forsooth_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o protest_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o these_o why_o be_v that_o the_o question_n whether_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v they_o or_o whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o abolish_v they_o what_o ridiculous_a dispute_v then_o be_v this_o but_o hence_o i_o argue_v if_o the_o protestation_n do_v not_o include_v they_o for_o confirmation_n because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o doctrine_n it_o do_v not_o exclude_v they_o for_o abolition_n but_o leave_v they_o for_o determination_n to_o another_o opportunity_n three_o say_v he_o suppose_v that_o at_o the_o first_o make_v of_o the_o protestation_n that_o these_o particular_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o popery_n yet_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o do_v not_o at_o all_o intend_v to_o exclude_v what_o ever_o shall_v pertain_v to_o popery_n as_o a_o branch_n thereof_o this_o author_n be_v very_o good_a at_o bold_a assertion_n but_o all_o as_o bad_a in_o confirmation_n for_o what_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v do_v in_o weakness_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o no_o wise_a christian_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v conceive_v can_v judge_v that_o what_o ever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v popery_n be_v include_v in_o this_o protestation_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v find_v to_o be_v popery_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v the_o term_n limit_v popery_n in_o the_o protestation_n four_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o hope_n that_o we_o have_v by_o this_o parliament_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o will_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o reformation_n if_o all_o popery_n be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v pack_v i_o join_v with_o he_o in_o all_o comfortable_a hope_n from_o this_o honourable_a house_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o his_o matter_n in_o hand_n all_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o this_o parliament_n be_v not_o expect_v by_o this_o protestation_n this_o be_v one_o degree_n to_o reform_v whatever_o popery_n or_o innovation_n be_v against_o law_n establish_v this_o do_v the_o parliament_n be_v proceed_v further_o to_o perfect_v hope_v for_o reformation_n by_o remove_v corruption_n establish_v by_o law_n five_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v by_o any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o have_v no_o thought_n implicit_o to_o include_v the_o foresay_a thing_n in_o the_o farthel_n of_o popery_n shall_v private_a and_o particular_a christian_n know_v these_o to_o be_v popery_n and_o antichristian_a be_v bind_v by_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o protestation_n never_o reform_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v no_o man_n can_v if_o as_o he_o be_v rational_a he_o deal_v rational_o but_o suppose_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o protestation_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o which_o may_v appear_v by_o unanswerable_a ground_n 1._o because_o the_o express_a word_n be_v against_o that_o popery_n which_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o these_o thing_n mention_v establish_v
by_o law_n in_o our_o church_n can_v be_v second_o since_o the_o general_a take_n and_o first_o make_v of_o this_o protestation_n the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o strong_a dispute_n whether_o it_o shall_v continue_v or_o no_o which_o have_v it_o be_v protest_v against_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o dispute_v which_o yet_o do_v neither_o take_v off_o the_o friend_n of_o that_o side_n from_o assert_v nor_o be_v use_v by_o the_o opposite_n to_o prelacy_n to_o overbeare_v their_o antagonist_n which_o have_v be_v the_o easy_a and_o speedy_a way_n of_o victory_n if_o this_o author_n fancy_n have_v have_v truth_n in_o it_o three_o under_o favour_n though_o as_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v i_o be_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o foresay_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o the_o parliament_n shall_v include_v these_o thing_n in_o their_o protestation_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o fix_v in_o many_o of_o the_o member_n heart_n aswell_o as_o law_n to_o desire_v man_n present_o to_o abjure_v they_o before_o a_o full_a debate_v of_o they_o seem_v a_o point_n of_o such_o rashness_n yea_o tyranny_n as_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o that_o honourable_a court_n four_o nay_o further_o i_o conceive_v under_o favour_n that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v stand_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o house_n to_o their_o sovereign_n of_o which_o i_o know_v they_o be_v most_o tender_a nor_o that_o respect_n that_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o protest_v against_o thing_n establish_v by_o law_n till_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v abrogate_a for_o none_o may_v protest_v in_o such_o a_o case_n further_o than_o they_o be_v free_a subject_n can_v challenge_v no_o more_o freedom_n than_o the_o law_n allow_v they_o where_o and_o while_n law_n do_v tie_v they_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n protest_v against_o such_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o which_o the_o law_n bind_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o where_o this_o protestation_n be_v frame_v be_v no_o doubt_n great_a far_o beyond_o my_o apprehension_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n i_o conceive_v their_o power_n over_o law_n be_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o majesty_n to_o abolish_v they_o but_o not_o protest_v against_o they_o while_o they_o be_v in_o force_n by_o all_o which_o argument_n its_o manifest_a that_o the_o parliament_n neither_o do_v real_o nor_o can_v rational_o intend_v in_o the_o protestation_n to_o protest_v against_o these_o thing_n establish_v by_o law_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v true_o they_o intend_v it_o not_o this_o author_n do_v suppose_v still_o false_o that_o we_o be_v by_o our_o protestation_n bind_v to_o reject_v and_o oppose_v they_o for_o its_o a_o old_a sound_a rule_n oath_n and_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o framer_n and_o giver_n not_o of_o the_o taker_n else_o by_o a_o dishonest_a aequivocation_n any_o thing_n almost_o may_v be_v elude_v therefore_o what_o the_o protestation_n mean_v not_o we_o in_o the_o take_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o and_o if_o this_o disputer_n shall_v think_v this_o shall_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o thing_n mention_v though_o the_o parliament_n intend_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v his_o impendant_fw-la church_n for_o whereas_o we_o protest_v to_o maintain_v the_o lawful_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o every_o person_n that_o make_v this_o protestation_n he_o may_v infer_v but_o independency_n be_v in_o his_o judgement_n a_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o all_o christian_n enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n therefore_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o maintain_v it_o this_o inference_n have_v less_o dissonancy_n from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o that_o of_o his_o about_o the_o particular_n question_v yet_o though_o i_o believe_v he_o have_v as_o good_a a_o will_n to_o this_o as_o the_o former_a he_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n because_o though_o the_o letter_n may_v bear_v it_o yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o compiler_n make_v it_o manifest_a it_o be_v far_o from_o their_o meaning_n which_o reason_n likewise_o may_v have_v keep_v he_o from_o include_v the_o particular_n in_o hand_n but_o now_o last_o he_o come_v in_o with_o other_o query_n what_o then_o shall_v man_n never_o reform_v themselves_o but_o live_v and_o die_v communicant_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr how_o do_v this_o follow_v may_v not_o man_n reform_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n unless_o they_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o protestation_n do_v not_o all_o that_o hold_v these_o unlawful_a before_o this_o protestation_n be_v form_v in_o their_o own_o practice_n withdraw_v from_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o hold_v they_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v still_o though_o they_o be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o protestation_n but_o to_o proceed_v this_o author_n next_o bring_v in_o his_o scholar_n question_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o foremention_v particular_n be_v branch_n of_o popery_n and_o he_o feign_v they_o speaking_z that_o if_o their_o conscience_n be_v convince_v thereof_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o by_o their_o protestation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o god_n word_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o renounce_v they_o ans_fw-fr but_o by_o his_o leave_n he_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o many_o will_v not_o and_o none_o ought_v to_o speak_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v popish_a then_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o renounce_v they_o indeed_o but_o by_o this_o protestation_n we_o ought_v not_o unless_o they_o be_v popery_n opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o myself_o must_v needs_o account_v these_o thing_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o alloy_n with_o many_o thing_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o our_o church_n already_o condemn_v and_o abolish_v else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v nor_o continue_v as_o in_o part_n i_o do_v a_o sufferer_n for_o witness_v against_o they_o and_o i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v reformation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o little_a grace_n that_o i_o have_v do_v asmuch_o act_n that_o way_n to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o root_n up_o of_o those_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v as_o any_o way_n but_o nothing_o engage_v by_o this_o protestation_n but_o only_o by_o that_o allegiance_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n but_o some_o may_v say_v if_o you_o be_v against_o those_o thing_n why_o do_v you_o plead_v for_o they_o ans_fw-fr mistake_v not_o i_o plead_v not_o for_o they_o but_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o protestation_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v to_o include_v they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o author_n of_o which_o wrest_v i_o see_v and_o fear_v manifest_a inconvenience_n first_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o parliament_n be_v by_o it_o wrong_v and_o be_v thereby_o like_a to_o grow_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o plead_v against_o and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o this_o make_v haste_n will_v hinder_v the_o work_n it_o aim_v to_o further_o unless_o this_o conceit_n be_v seasonable_o correct_v second_o this_o misinterpretation_n will_v hinder_v many_o from_o enter_v this_o protestation_n which_o remora_fw-la of_o so_o good_a a_o work_n have_v need_n be_v remove_v which_o this_o answer_n may_v further_o three_o many_o that_o have_v take_v it_o be_v partly_o trouble_v because_o such_o thing_n be_v yet_o suffer_v that_o they_o think_v they_o have_v protest_v against_o which_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o omit_v to_o act_n but_o also_o by_o all_o mean_n oppose_v partly_o i_o see_v man_n be_v take_v off_o for_o pray_v for_o the_o abolition_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o conceive_v be_v already_o cast_v off_o by_o protestation_n and_o be_v incline_v by_o carnal_a violence_n under_o this_o pretence_n to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a violence_n they_o shall_v endeavour_n to_o prevail_v for_o with_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v prevailer_n with_o man_n to_o have_v public_a corruption_n purge_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o safe_a comfortable_a and_o honourable_a way_n last_o some_o that_o think_v something_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o tolerable_a i_o find_v by_o this_o protestation_n protest_v to_o conceive_v they_o unlawful_a as_o against_o the_o protestation_n though_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a as_o to_o instance_n though_o
for_o that_o we_o joy_v not_o in_o the_o deny_v or_o prolong_v of_o the_o desire_n be_v harsh_a but_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v as_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n most_o refresh_a and_o strengthen_v pro._n 13_o 12._o all_o then_o that_o have_v have_v so_o much_o goodness_n as_o to_o desire_v it_o and_o pray_v for_o it_o must_v needs_o rejoice_v in_o it_o now_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n be_v it_o be_v a_o bond_n wherein_o a_o nation_n join_v together_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o public_a good_a now_o this_o be_v do_v in_o divers_a form_n sometime_o by_o way_n of_o single_a vow_n promise_n and_o protestation_n sometime_o there_o be_v add_v a_o oath_n as_o here_o there_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n ver_fw-la 12_o be_v here_o term_v a_o oath_n ver_fw-la 15._o yea_o sometime_o there_o be_v further_o express_v a_o curse_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o enter_v or_o fulfil_v it_o nehem._n 9_o 29._o all_o kind_n kind_a firm_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n heb._n 6_o 17_o 18._o word_n and_o oath_n be_v say_v to_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o for_o god_n to_o break_v be_v impossible_a and_o then_o for_o man_n to_o break_v either_o must_v be_v dishonest_a and_o damnable_a thus_o for_o proof_n 1._o this_o be_v useful_a first_o for_o information_n and_o it_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o 2_o thing_n 1_o what_o cause_n we_o have_v in_o this_o nation_n of_o joy_n yea_o of_o great_a joy_n may_v not_o i_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v unto_o you_o as_o the_o angel_n luk_n 2_o 11._o fear_v not_o for_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n for_o in_o our_o nation_n now_o be_v form_v a_o nationall_n covenant_n against_o corruption_n and_o for_o reformation_n a_o nation_n be_v either_o collective_a or_o representative_a the_o parliament_n be_v the_o nation_n representative_a and_o so_o the_o whole_a nation_n have_v take_v it_o not_o one_o of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o or_o peer_n who_o be_v present_a refuse_v the_o peer_n also_o subscribe_v it_o with_o their_o hand_n according_a to_o that_o expression_n esay_n 44_o 38._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o 5._o or_o as_o in_o nehemiahs_n time_n they_o set_v to_o their_o seal_n and_o this_o they_o have_v publish_v partly_o for_o our_o consolation_n partly_o for_o our_o imitation_n and_o have_v we_o not_o in_o this_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v may_v not_o israel_n rejoice_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o parliament_n who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n 2._o this_o may_v show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n that_o as_o this_o covenant_n be_v already_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n nationall_n representative_a so_o it_o may_v be_v nationall_n collective_a by_o the_o act_n of_o every_o subject_n in_o particular_a ought_v we_o not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o godly_a if_o it_o be_v so_o bad_a to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a sad_a and_o of_o the_o wicked_a glad_a eze._n 13_o 22._o be_v it_o not_o very_o good_a to_o make_v the_o godly_a glad_a and_o damp_n the_o wicked_a our_o enter_v into_o covenant_n will_v do_v it_o nehem._n 10_o 28_o 29._o when_o the_o noble_n go_v before_o all_o that_o be_v of_o understanding_n enter_v into_o covenant_n after_o they_o our_o noble_n have_v go_v before_o both_o noble_a in_o blood_n and_o in_o office_n and_o ought_v not_o we_o now_o to_o follow_v he_o that_o joy_v not_o at_o the_o covenant_n be_v condemn_v by_o this_o text_n and_o he_o that_o joy_n and_o join_v not_o will_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n may_v scruple_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o present_a bond_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n these_o argument_n follow_v may_v suffice_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o approve_a example_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o famous_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o may_v lawful_o be_v undertake_v by_o christian_a people_n but_o such_o be_v this_o protestation_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o asa_n 2_o chro._n 15_o 12._o and_o of_o josiah_n 2_o chro._n 34_o 31_o 32._o of_o ezra_n cap_n 10.3_o and_z 5_o of_o nehemia_n 9_o 38._o in_o all_o these_o time_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o purity_n according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n 1680_o and_o 81._o so_o in_o our_o kingdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la therefore_o this_o present_a bond_n have_v good_a ground_n for_o it_o ob._n the_o covenant_n of_o scripture_n flow_v from_o the_o king_n ans_fw-fr not_o all_o as_o that_o in_o ezra_n time_n and_o nehemiah_n when_o they_o be_v under_o foreign_a power_n yet_o they_o covenant_v his_o inconsultis_fw-la second_o num._n 30._o we_o read_v vow_n may_v be_v make_v by_o those_o under_o authority_n only_a superior_n have_v power_n at_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o they_o to_o reverse_v they_o but_o their_o silence_n be_v consent_n so_o our_o sovereign_n suffering_n be_v approve_v and_o confirm_v beside_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o unanimous_o consent_v to_o by_o both_o house_n shall_v not_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o protestation_n itself_o be_v print_v by_o the_o king_n printer_n 2._o a_o covenant_n or_o vow_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o help_n of_o humane_a frailty_n to_o keep_v we_o fast_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n which_o we_o have_v or_o be_v prone_a to_o recede_v from_o whence_o thus_o i_o argue_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n undertake_v by_o fit_a person_n on_o just_a occasion_n be_v lawful_a but_o such_o be_v this_o vow_n or_o protestation_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a person_n fit_a for_o a_o vow_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la that_o be_v free_a or_o at_o lest_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n vow_v ob._n but_o here_o the_o doubt_n arise_v how_o subject_n that_o be_v under_o a_o king_n can_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o so_o be_v free_a to_o covenant_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v possibility_n that_o their_o king_n may_v be_v their_o opponent_n by_o such_o evil_a advice_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v give_v ans_fw-fr one_o may_v be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o free_a in_o one_o respect_v which_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o as_o a_o servant_n that_o have_v a_o estate_n free_a to_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v not_o svi_fw-la iuris_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o his_o person_n and_o so_o can_v make_v a_o vow_n to_o engage_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la free_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o may_v by_o vow_n engage_v that_o now_o though_o we_o be_v subject_n we_o be_v free_a subject_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o law_n which_o measure_n our_o subjection_n and_o our_o sovereign_n dominion_n according_a to_o which_o the_o king_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n and_o equity_n to_o govern_v receive_v his_o crown_n on_o these_o term_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la absolute_o yet_o be_v they_o so_o in_o what_o the_o law_n tie_v they_o not_o to_o subjection_n now_o in_o this_o protestation_n we_o covenant_n only_o to_o maintain_v thing_n establish_v by_o law_n and_o that_o in_o legal_a way_n and_o to_o ressi_v illegal_a pressure_n and_o therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v free_a to_o make_v a_o vow_n or_o covenant_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v by_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n the_o high_a court_n in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v power_n to_o consult_v and_o decree_v what_o ever_o be_v according_a to_o law_n for_o public_a weal_n and_o by_o they_o we_o be_v though_o not_o command_v yet_o permit_v yea_o invite_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o have_v freedom_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o as_o the_o person_n be_v fit_a so_o be_v the_o occasion_n just_a for_o what_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n of_o a_o vow_n or_o covenant_n to_o performance_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o humane_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n manifest_v in_o former_a violation_n as_o in_o hezekiah_n and_o josiahs_n time_n the_o apostasy_n to_o idolatry_n occasion_v the_o covenant_n against_o it_o so_o likewise_o in_o ezra_n and_o nehemiahs_n time_n former_a