the_o king_n and_o parliament_n have_v practical_o improve_v the_o say_a distinction_n i_o presume_v in_o order_n to_o such_o brethren_n satisfaction_n and_o have_v indeed_o make_v a_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o say_a government_n by_o take_v off_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la by_o law_n and_o yet_o establish_v the_o government_n itself_o case_n xvi_o whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o sinful_a in_o its_o matter_n resol_n 1._o after_o the_o bishop_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n we_o may_v yet_o respect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dignitaries_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o king_n subject_n and_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o commons_o now_o in_o this_o capacity_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o covenant_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o they_o even_o as_o subject_n and_o freeman_n and_o consequent_o it_o tear_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o one_o society_n threaten_v all_o 2._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o several_a freehold_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v vote_v to_o destroy_v they_o which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v enjoy_v many_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o interruption_n considerable_a 3._o the_o number_n of_o these_o subject_n be_v not_o small_a their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o govern_v in_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n and_o college_n be_v more_o than_o vulgar_a they_o have_v a_o considerable_a interest_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o people_n be_v relate_v to_o they_o and_o more_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o their_o great_a hospitality_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o fall_v with_o they_o 4._o yea_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o the_o state_n of_o prelacy_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n 5._o and_o no_o wonder_n that_o this_o crown_n of_o england_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o the_o king_n of_o england_n at_o their_o coronation_n swear_v they_o will_v grant_v confirm_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o custom_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n grant_v by_o king_n edward_n and_o express_o to_o bishop_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o bishop_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o number_n their_o relation_n their_o freehold_n their_o interest_n and_o continuance_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o royal_a oath_n yet_o be_v their_o extirpation_n swear_v by_o the_o covenant_n impose_v without_o law_n or_o the_o king_n consent_n and_o pass_v in_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o person_n the_o many_o corporation_n in_o the_o land_n concern_v have_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o contrary_a to_o the_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o english_a man_n 7._o thus_o unjust_o have_v they_o suffer_v nigh_o 20._o year_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o yet_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v at_o first_o lay_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o english_a freedom_n to_o prosecute_v their_o ruin_n 8._o especial_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o authority_n the_o current_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o a_o age_n so_o zealous_a to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o dr._n feat_o who_o at_o their_o low_a ask_v this_o question_n how_o know_v you_o whether_o episcopacy_n may_v not_o be_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o again_o by_o future_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o time_n as_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o clergy_n as_o these_o be_v ill_a 9_o for_o the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v again_o confirm_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o they_o that_o have_v place_n therein_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o title_n thereunto_o by_o law_n as_o any_o other_o subject_n have_v to_o his_o temporal_a estate_n and_o how_o can_v a_o covenant_n bind_v we_o to_o injure_v other_o who_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o walk_v honest_o 10._o here_o i_o humble_o offer_v whether_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o destroy_v his_o people_n or_o any_o society_n or_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n especial_o out_o of_o his_o parliament_n and_o when_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o his_o office_n if_o he_o shall_v never_o take_v his_o oath_n bind_v to_o do_v justice_n to_o all_o according_a to_o law_n already_o make_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o all_o man_n right_n salus_fw-la populi_fw-la have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o king_n at_o least_o the_o king_n of_o king_n have_v so_o who_o have_v first_o oblige_v he_o to_o distribute_v justice_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o people_n impartial_o and_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n 11._o we_o be_v sure_a the_o last_o king_n of_o ever_o happy_a memory_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n or_o if_o he_o have_v he_o be_v first_o bind_v express_o to_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n to_o defend_v the_o bishop_n and_o maintain_v their_o canonical_a privilege_n 12._o and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o present_a we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v the_o parliament_n impose_v the_o covenant_n only_o by_o a_o ordinance_n which_o lose_v its_o force_n at_o their_o dissolution_n at_o his_o father_n death_n he_o can_v not_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o without_o a_o parliament_n and_o the_o former_a ordinance_n cease_v with_o the_o former_a parliament_n and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o have_v a_o oath_n impose_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o much_o more_o so_o if_o against_o the_o freehold_n and_o the_o very_o be_v of_o so_o many_o famous_a corporation_n in_o the_o people_n of_o england_n 13._o the_o king_n be_v bind_v to_o right_o but_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o wrong_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n any_o such_o obligation_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o for_o the_o oath_n of_o king_n must_v also_o have_v the_o condition_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v who_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n though_o not_o to_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o good_a of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o who_o they_o have_v swear_v 14._o therefore_o david_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o rash_a oath_n that_o he_o will_v slay_v 32._o 1_o sam._n 25._o 32._o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n rejoice_v when_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v by_o abigail_n to_o break_v his_o oath_n and_o though_o he_o swear_v to_o shimei_n that_o he_o will_v save_v 23._o 2_o sam._n 19_o 23._o his_o life_n yet_o as_o if_o upon_o better_a advice_n he_o have_v find_v that_o that_o person_n have_v deserve_v to_o die_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o god_n that_o justice_n shall_v be_v do_v he_o command_v his_o son_n solomon_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o herod_n to_o have_v save_v john_n baptist_n though_o he_o have_v break_v his_o oath_n and_o lose_v his_o reputation_n in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o people_n 15._o especial_o if_o through_o fear_n or_o any_o other_o temptation_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v thus_o prevail_v with_o to_o promise_v or_o swear_v to_o injure_v his_o subject_n the_o case_n than_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n under_o threat_n of_o a_o robber_n shall_v swear_v to_o bring_v he_o his_o neighbour_n horse_n 16._o now_o whether_o the_o thing_n swear_v in_o fear_n and_o under_o temptation_n be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a or_o not_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o party_n swear_v 17._o whence_o may_v issue_v two_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v but_o one_o answer_n do_v serve_v they_o both_o for_o when_o the_o conscience_n dictate_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o will_v rule_v the_o case_n if_o a_o man_n swear_v for_o fear_n against_o his_o conscience_n his_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n within_o he_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n in_o swear_v god_n by_o his_o conscience_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v perform_v his_o oath_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o fin_n twice_o first_o by_o do_v evil_a and_o second_o by_o keep_v his_o evil_a oath_n for_o as_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n sanderson_n conclude_v this_o very_a case_n such_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v against_o conscience_n 18._o the_o author_n
these_o nothing_o prevail_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o conform_v declare_v wherein_o if_o not_o but_o some_o small_a matter_n hinder_v we_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v then_o that_o he_o that_o die_v of_o the_o bite_v of_o a_o weasel_n lament_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lion_n i_o speak_v as_o unto_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o amen_n the_o grand_a case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v as_o be_v require_v by_o the_o late_a act_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o public_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n resol_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o that_o question_v the_o very_a lawfulness_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n so_o few_o sheet_n of_o paper_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o attempt_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o their_o satisfaction_n yet_o hear_v that_o many_o moderate_a brethren_n do_v now_o check_v who_o have_v resolve_v to_o conform_v have_v not_o these_o declaration_n be_v require_v out_o of_o my_o tender_a affection_n to_o they_o as_o also_o my_o desire_n of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v may_v be_v much_o advance_v through_o their_o conformity_n i_o have_v take_v this_o encouragement_n to_o offer_v my_o reason_n why_o i_o conceive_v that_o such_o minister_n as_o can_v otherwise_o have_v conform_v may_v lawful_o declare_v in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v require_v that_o we_o may_v distinct_o and_o thorough_o judge_v of_o this_o weighty_a point_n we_o shall_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n both_o the_o declaration_n in_o their_o own_o word_n for_o there_o be_v two_o of_o they_o the_o first_o we_o have_v in_o page_n 73._o and_o the_o other_o in_o page_n 77._o of_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v now_o print_v they_o be_v as_o follow_v the_o first_o be_v thus_o i_o a._n b._n do_v here_o declare_v my_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n together_o with_o the_o psalter_n or_o psalm_n of_o david_n point_v as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v or_o say_v in_o church_n and_o the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o make_v ordain_v and_o consecrate_v of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n the_o second_o be_v thus_o i_o a._n b._n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o i_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o on_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n commonl_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n these_o be_v the_o declaration_n we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a branch_n touch_v the_o first_o the_o case_n be_v case_n i._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o declaration_n resol_n this_o declaration_n have_v two_o branch_n the_o first_o be_v about_o the_o liturgy_n the_o last_o about_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n 1._o touch_v the_o liturgy_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v here_o declare_v my_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o preseribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o say_a book_n entitle_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n 2._o touch_v the_o book_n of_o ordination_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o make_v ordain_v and_o consecrate_v of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n 3._o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o ask_v what_o can_v possible_o render_v it_o unlawful_a for_o such_o as_o can_v conform_v without_o it_o for_o such_o i_o deal_v with_o thus_o to_o declare_v 4._o as_o for_o the_o latter_a branch_n touch_v the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o make_v ordain_v and_o conseerate_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n this_o most_o that_o have_v live_n have_v subscribe_v already_o at_o their_o ordination_n and_o read_v their_o allowance_n of_o open_o to_o their_o several_a congregation_n upon_o their_o induction_n beside_o have_v not_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o act_n who_o know_v not_o that_o no_o conformity_n without_o subscribe_v and_o read_v the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n in_o one_o of_o which_o we_o declare_v the_o same_o can_v legal_o suffice_v yea_o who_o see_v not_o the_o weakness_n of_o such_o a_o pretence_n of_o future_a conformity_n if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o declaration_n have_v not_o be_v require_v which_o indeed_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o such_o as_o any_o one_o without_o self-abuse_n or_o self-delusion_n can_v possible_o expect_v shall_v not_o still_o be_v require_v or_o true_o i_o think_v without_o dissimulation_n or_o abuse_n of_o the_o world_n can_v say_v they_o intend_v to_o have_v conform_v have_v not_o this_o be_v require_v 5._o but_o i_o perceive_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o liturgy_n bear_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o exception_n the_o word_n be_v i_o do_v here_o declare_v my_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n 6._o but_o do_v you_o indeed_o intend_v to_o have_v form_v have_v not_o this_o declaration_n be_v require_v what_o can_v hinder_v you_o thus_o to_o declare_v viz._n that_o you_o do_v assent_n and_o consent_n to_o that_o which_o yourselves_o do_v intend_v to_o practice_n and_o that_o this_o your_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o your_o own_o intend_a practice_n be_v not_o hypocritical_a but_o unfeigned_a certain_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o require_v 7._o perhaps_o the_o long_a title_n of_o the_o book_n affright_v we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o in_o the_o book_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o for_o we_o be_v only_o to_o declare_v for_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o we_o that_o embrace_v the_o substance_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o shadow_n or_o to_o scruple_n at_o that_o in_o the_o title_n which_o we_o can_v use_v in_o the_o book_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v several_a expression_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n that_o though_o we_o can_v safe_o read_v they_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o so_o hearty_o like_a and_o approve_v they_o as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v answ_n 1._o do_v not_o force_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o wound_v yourselves_o look_v well_o upon_o the_o declaration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o object_n of_o your_o assent_n and_o consent_n be_v not_o the_o word_n but_o thing_n not_o every_o word_n but_o every_o thing_n not_o every_o thing_n as_o there_o express_v but_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o expression_n and_o prescribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n 2._o yet_o if_o you_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o book_n i_o hope_v you_o can_v read_v the_o word_n and_o if_o so_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v assent_v and_o consent_v unfeigned_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o yourselves_o perform_v and_o this_o be_v all_o as_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v show_v present_o that_o be_v here_o require_v of_o you_o to_o declare_v object_n 2._o but_o though_o we_o can_v use_v the_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o because_o we_o will_v choose_v or_o can_v absolute_o approve_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o answ_n we_o may_v approve_v a_o thing_n absolute_o as_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o objection_n and_o comparative_o or_o respective_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v absolute_o approve_v of_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n as_o that_o which_o we_o will_v choose_v above_o all_o other_o and_o as_o best_a in_o itself_o we_o
against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o according_o there_o arise_v two_o case_n case_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n resol_n 1._o either_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o declare_v it_o when_o by_o law_n as_o now_o we_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v lawful_a i_o must_v demand_v by_o what_o law_n it_o be_v but_o a_o subterfuge_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n while_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v undertake_v the_o case_n 3._o now_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n sure_o it_o give_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o encouragement_n for_o it_o except_o obedience_n and_o submission_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n and_o the_o lord_n sake_n be_v take_v arms._n 4._o again_o if_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v think_v too_o general_n let_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v examine_v i_o question_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n before_o yet_o now_o certain_o they_o be_v above_o all_o contradiction_n or_o doubt_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o late_a act_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n where_o we_o may_v learn_v in_o the_o plain_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n and_o unlawful_a enough_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n 5._o such_o as_o i_o now_o deal_v with_o do_v at_o the_o most_o only_a doubt_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o two_o house_n be_v not_o a_o power_n coordinate_a with_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n and_o his_o two_o house_n be_v at_o variance_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o side_n with_o the_o parliament_n even_o to_o the_o take_a arm_n against_o the_o king_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o doubt_n before_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v remain_v so_o still_o all_o colour_n of_o it_o be_v wipe_v away_o and_o that_o controversy_n as_o perfect_o determine_v as_o a_o act_n of_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o can_v possible_o do_v it_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n forementioned_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n case_n iu._n whether_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o the_o king_n authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o answ_n 1._o if_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o traitorous_a position_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o every_o true_a subject_n be_v bind_v to_o abhor_v it_o and_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o so_o to_o declare_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o than_o what_o i_o just_a now_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o case_n namely_o that_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v dispute_v before_o it_o be_v now_o plain_o determine_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o say_a act_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o law_n to_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n it_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v repute_v and_o by_o this_o law_n also_o it_o be_v so_o require_v of_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v declare_v against_o and_o abhor_v according_o 3._o so_o much_o may_v brief_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o general_n in_o this_o declaration_n the_o second_o touch_v conformity_n offer_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v this_o we_o shall_v pass_v with_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o we_o may_v hasten_v to_o our_o main_a design_n the_o discharge_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o case_n about_o conformity_n in_o short_a be_v this_o case_n v._n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v resol_n 1._o first_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o ground_n of_o doubt_n whether_o the_o liturgy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n i._n e._n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 2._o second_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n see_v our_o brethren_n who_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v suppose_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o will_v have_v conform_v unto_o it_o have_v not_o these_o declaration_n be_v require_v which_o i_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o what_o then_o can_v obstruct_v this_o part_n of_o the_o declaration_n with_o brethren_n so_o well_o prepare_v for_o it_o this_o only_o call_v they_o to_o pass_v their_o former_a intention_n to_o conform_v into_o a_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o and_o to_o declare_v that_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n they_o will_v do_v that_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o can_v do_v with_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o which_o also_o they_o confess_v they_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o they_o receive_v this_o dissatisfaction_n from_o the_o declaration_n which_o yet_o we_o see_v vanish_v before_o we_o of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o but_o the_o great_a mountain_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v remove_v some_o say_v they_o be_v call_v to_o declare_v against_o and_o to_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n or_o as_o some_o that_o will_v scare_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o conformity_n to_o abjure_v and_o to_o unswear_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o they_o complain_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o they_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a tender_a point_n yet_o such_o i_o hope_v as_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n need_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v prick_v with_o it_o if_o wary_o handle_v i_o mean_v if_o we_o be_v not_o fright_v awat_o from_o it_o or_o stand_v not_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n but_o with_o a_o sound_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n draw_v near_o unto_o it_o and_o look_v well_o upon_o it_o and_o consider_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o word_n we_o be_v indeed_o require_v to_o declare_v against_o the_o covenant_n 2._o under_o this_o head_n there_o be_v three_o member_n of_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o covenant_n something_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v against_o its_o obligation_n something_o against_o its_o lawfullness_n in_o itself_o and_o something_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o its_o imposition_n 3._o we_o proceed_v to_o weigh_v they_o one_o by_o one_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o fidelity_n in_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o three_o case_n that_o offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o declaration_n the_o first_o touch_v the_o obligatory_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o declaration_n apparent_o limit_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o government_n and_o be_v this_o case_n vi._n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o on_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n resol_n methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a venture_n to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o they_o hold_v that_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o any_o person_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o be_v agree_v in_o three_o thing_n and_o so_o far_o i_o shall_v not_o create_v a_o controversy_n first_o that_o a_o covenant_n both_o illegal_o impose_v and_o illegal_o take_v may_v bind_v the_o taker_n second_o that_o the_o covenant_n in_o question_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o endeavour_n to_o alter_v or_o meddle_v with_o the_o state-government_n three_o that_o the_o alteration_n or_o extirpation_n as_o the_o word_n be_v of_o church-government_n be_v the_o main_a business_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n have_v grant_v if_o this_o main_a business_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v lawful_a it_o do_v so_o far_o bind_v those_o that_o have_v take_v it_o if_o not_o lawful_a they_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o discharge_v and_o not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v according_o therefore_o in_o plain_a term_n again_o and_o again_o grant_v we_o both_o by_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o concur_v with_o all_o casuist_n that_o if_o we_o can_v discover_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o the_o matter_n especial_o this_o main_a
will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n be_v so_o but_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v ever_o prove_v it_o 4._o neither_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o either_o lawful_a authority_n may_v not_o establish_v what_o government_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a if_o not_o against_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n public_o to_o swear_v that_o without_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v such_o government_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o 5._o much_o less_o can_v it_o bind_v the_o people_n against_o such_o government_n if_o lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o such_o also_o as_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o change_n of_o the_o law_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o do_v without_o the_o king_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n swear_v against_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n 6._o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a as_o mr._n perkins_n conscience_n case_n of_o conscience_n have_v decide_v it_o that_o a_o covenant_n take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v put_v the_o declaration_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o mr._n crofton_n and_o especial_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenantter_n plea_n upon_o a_o task_n impossible_a viz._n to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o practice_n in_o england_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n i_o shall_v labour_v on_o purpose_n to_o satisfy_v this_o doubt_n present_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o present_a turn_n be_v apparent_o serve_v with_o a_o plain_a distinction_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o endeavour_v against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o swear_v against_o they_o two_o way_n either_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o be_v express_o establish_v by_o plain_a law_n or_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v against_o can_v be_v abolish_v without_o the_o alteration_n or_o abolition_n of_o law_n 8._o now_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a law_n appoint_v this_o form_n of_o government_n covenant_v against_o yet_o how_o do_v this_o clear_a the_o covenanter_n from_o swear_v against_o law_n when_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o can_v be_v extirpate_v without_o the_o violation_n and_o alteration_n of_o many_o very_o many_o law_n so_o that_o this_o evasion_n i_o think_v be_v perfect_o obstruct_v 9_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o see_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o strength_n in_o this_o argument_n to_o weaken_v yea_o to_o void_a the_o covenant_n obligation_n in_o this_o particular_a 10._o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v church-government_n as_o be_v covenant_v be_v against_o the_o law_n both_o antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o subsequent_a such_o law_n as_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o such_o law_n as_o by_o full_a and_o just_a authority_n be_v enact_v since_o and_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o against_o the_o law_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n they_o be_v plain_o sinful_a and_o no_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v hold_v we_o to_o they_o first_o then_o let_v the_o question_n be_v put_v case_n xi_o whether_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o england_n before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n resol_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o insight_n into_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o very_a surface_n of_o they_o for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n that_o as_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o doubt_n so_o i_o be_o easy_o encourage_v to_o encounter_v it_o 2._o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o fallacious_a use_n and_o too_o weak_a improvement_n that_o i_o find_v make_v of_o this_o expression_n establish_v by_o law_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v legal_a or_o oppose_v as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o positive_o appoint_v in_o some_o statute_n on_o purpose_n if_o this_o be_v heed_v the_o advantage_n hence_o which_o at_o most_o be_v small_a utter_o fail_v the_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o to_o what_o poor_a satisfaction_n have_v the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n run_v through_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o civil_a law_n the_o statute_n law_n and_o the_o common_a law_n to_o find_v such_o a_o establishment_n with_o so_o much_o industry_n while_o i_o think_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o question_n but_o this_o form_n be_v legal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o law_n though_o no_o express_a statute_n be_v find_v appoint_v it_o and_o so_o much_o allow_v so_o far_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n as_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v any_o way_n engage_v against_o it_o do_v so_o far_o engage_v against_o know_v law_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o subdue_v by_o prejudice_n to_o question_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n when_o episcopacy_n have_v so_o long_o even_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o as_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n observe_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o establish_v yea_o make_v the_o law_n itself_o 5._o true_o methinks_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v before_o the_o law_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o parliament_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o before_o our_o norman_a law_n i_o mean_v as_o we_o and_o see_v also_o that_o they_o be_v still_o a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o power_n or_o their_o office_n or_o their_o government_n from_o they_o or_o that_o the_o child_n shall_v beget_v the_o father_n that_o beget_v it_o 6._o however_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o venture_v a_o little_a without_o my_o line_n and_o to_o offer_v a_o distinction_n or_o two_o that_o haply_o may_v cause_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o scruple_n to_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o their_o word_n and_o to_o take_v a_o better_a course_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n then_o by_o such_o a_o wild_a adventure_n to_o disturb_v every_o thing_n 1._o the_o law_n may_v establish_v a_o thing_n two_o way_n either_o by_o appoint_v it_o the_o novo_fw-la or_o by_o allow_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o have_v its_o foundation_n sufficient_o lay_v before_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o the_o law_n do_v sufficient_o establish_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o by_o those_o special_a law_n that_o relate_v unto_o it_o but_o indeed_o in_o every_o law_n which_o express_v the_o consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a 2._o church-government_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n either_o in_o its_o office_n thus_o we_o need_v not_o say_v the_o present_a form_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n for_o its_o office_n be_v before_o ever_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n meddle_v with_o church-government_n or_o second_o in_o its_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o present_a government_n none_o can_v doubt_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n where_o we_o may_v read_v many_o time_n over_o the_o several_a legal_a name_n with_o their_o distinct_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o crime_n punishable_a by_o they_o and_o authority_n allow_v they_o so_o to_o punish_v and_o the_o fee_n of_o their_o court_n yea_o and_o the_o very_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o consecrate_v the_o bishop_n establish_v by_o law_n 3._o three_o church-government_n be_v establishable_a by_o law_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o immediate_o when_o by_o a_o express_a statute_n such_o a_o form_n be_v appoint_v mediate_o when_o a_o statute_n empower_n a_o person_n or_o person_n to_o commissionate_a governor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o he_o or_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o power_n do_v settle_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_o 7._o suppose_v the_o present_a government_n be_v not_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o so_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n there_o be_v statute_n law_n declare_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o there_o be_v statute_n law_n that_o give_v he_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o my_o lord_n cook_n declare_v he_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v and_o empower_v his_o commissioner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o we_o know_v church-governor_n derive_v their_o political_a power_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o
this_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o how_o then_o can_v the_o law_n of_o man_n make_v afterward_o take_v that_o off_o answ_n this_o be_v prevent_v in_o the_o very_a rule_n itself_o for_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o covenant_n about_o such_o mutable_a thing_n without_o this_o condition_n be_v understand_v and_o whatever_o we_o think_v we_o give_v unto_o he_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o bond_n from_o we_o without_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o none_o much_o less_o of_o superior_n 2._o and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o must_v needs_o effect_v to_o authority_n if_o a_o oath_n take_v by_o subject_n about_o thing_n mutable_a shall_v have_v power_n to_o suspend_v all_o future_a law_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o 3._o indeed_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o we_o mistake_v wherein_o not_o by_o the_o covenant_n mention_v by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v as_o christian_n that_o we_o will_v honour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n and_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o high_a power_n 4._o this_o be_v such_o a_o preobligation_n as_o no_o future_a covenant_n can_v possible_o dissolve_v so_o that_o such_o as_o make_v a_o covenant_n that_o shall_v bind_v they_o against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o authority_n do_v thereby_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o renew_v again_o they_o have_v no_o course_n leave_v but_o to_o break_v off_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o unlawful_a covenant_n by_o timely_a repentance_n 5._o serious_o consider_v that_o we_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n that_o which_o we_o have_v now_o at_o least_o no_o power_n to_o do_v we_o have_v not_o the_o leave_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o take_v and_o we_o see_v their_o law_n and_o right_n will_v be_v manifest_o violate_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o we_o offer_v that_o which_o be_v not_o our_o own_o which_o authority_n alone_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o thus_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n what_o we_o steal_v from_o our_o neighbour_n or_o rather_o affront_v and_o mock_v he_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v he_o more_o than_o we_o have_v for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o will_v do_v that_o for_o god_n which_o afterward_o we_o can_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o law_n and_o offence_n to_o authority_n 7._o certain_o the_o first_o table_n be_v never_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o god_n will_v not_o be_v right_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o our_o brother_n or_o glorify_v by_o dishonour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n our_o unrighteousness_n can_v work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o fear_v god_n by_o dishonour_v the_o king_n 8._o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o present_a objection_n and_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n god_n unalterable_a law_n be_v to_o obey_v our_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a thing_n that_o be_v now_o lawful_a may_v be_v forbid_v we_o by_o authority_n and_o then_o those_o thing_n that_o before_o be_v lawful_a become_v unlawful_a the_o state_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v mutable_a and_o how_o they_o will_v change_v we_o know_v not_o only_o this_o we_o know_v we_o must_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o submit_v to_o authority_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 9_o therefore_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v unalterable_a no_o promise_n or_o oath_n aftwards_o can_v discharge_v we_o from_o that_o and_o consequent_o all_o promise_n and_o covenant_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o mutable_a may_v be_v make_v or_o if_o make_v can_v bind_v no_o further_o then_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o thing_n so_o continue_v and_o no_o command_n from_o authority_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o i_o have_v something_o behind_o that_o i_o hope_v may_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n 10._o there_o be_v a_o famous_a case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o jesuit_n much_o dispute_v in_o king_n james_n his_o day_n that_o do_v full_o in_o all_o due_a circumstance_n answer_v we_o 11._o it_o be_v usual_a then_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o controversy_n for_o jesuit_n to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o take_v a_o oath_n at_o rome_n according_a to_o a_o certain_a constitution_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o will_v return_v into_o england_n and_o public_o preach_v the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o 12._o now_o because_o that_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o take_v this_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n prohibit_v this_o practice_n be_v make_v and_o some_o after_o there_o arise_v into_o controversy_n two_o notable_a case_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o respect_v such_o person_n as_o take_v such_o oath_n against_o the_o law_n before_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_n be_v this_o whether_o that_o oath_n to_o preach_v public_o the_o romish_a faith_n do_v bind_v the_o person_n so_o swear_v against_o the_o law_n before_o in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o second_o respect_v such_o as_o take_v that_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v be_v this_o whether_o the_o law_n make_v against_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v do_v not_o render_v the_o oath_n though_o make_v before_o to_o the_o contrary_a void_a 13._o both_o these_o case_n be_v so_o parallel_a to_o we_o they_o just_o require_v we_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n how_o they_o be_v decide_v 14._o and_o in_o earnest_n what_o do_v our_o best_a divine_n conclude_v about_o they_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o law_n prohibit_v that_o which_o they_o swear_v to_o do_v be_v antecedent_n to_o their_o oath_n the_o oath_n be_v unjust_a from_o the_o beginning_n 7._o sair_n thes_n case_n cons_n c._n 7._o for_o which_o be_v quote_v those_o word_n of_o their_o own_o casuist_n a_o law_n which_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o loss_n of_o good_n death_n banishment_n or_o such_o like_a bind_v a_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o thence_o our_o divine_n conclude_v that_o no_o vow_n can_v justify_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o 15._o but_o suppose_v the_o oath_n be_v first_o take_v what_o say_v they_o then_o here_o also_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitancy_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n can_v bind_v against_o a_o law_n though_o the_o law_n be_v make_v after_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v thus_o say_v a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o to_o this_o case_n if_o these_o law_n which_o take_v hold_v of_o you_o when_o you_o return_v hither_o have_v be_v make_v between_o the_o time_n of_o your_o vow_n and_o your_o return_v yet_o natural_o they_o will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o this_o vow_n of_o you_o that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o vow_n and_o make_v it_o void_a he_o also_o add_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o which_o before_o we_o have_v use_v because_o say_v he_o something_o be_v now_o interpose_v which_o may_v just_o yea_o ought_v to_o change_v your_o purpose_n 16._o but_o the_o jesuit_n seem_v to_o complain_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o interrupt_v and_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o to_o make_v they_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o hence_o a_o three_o notable_a case_n issue_v viz._n 17._o whether_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o law_n namely_o to_o make_v man_n previous_a oath_n void_a do_v not_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o such_o law_n as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o oath_n the_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o consist_v of_o two_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o evil_a intention_n in_o the_o legislators_a but_o clear_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o provoke_v these_o law_n 2._o however_o though_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o preclude_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o vow_n yet_o will_v they_o natural_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o void_a the_o vow_n urge_v that_o 1._o alphon._n castr._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la leg_n doc._n 1._o their_o own_o man_n teach_v that_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o therefore_o necessary_o unjust_a and_o void_a because_o the_o prince_n have_v a_o ill_a intention_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o all_o this_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n if_o easy_a vid._n dr._n don_n pseudomartyr_n p._n 156_o 157_o the_o application_n be_v too_o easy_a the_o law_n be_v just_a be_v evident_a and_o
tear_v in_o piece_n the_o king_n prerogative_n who_o consent_n be_v necessary_a invade_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n to_o make_v new_a law_n in_o thing_n lawful_a or_o establish_v the_o old_a break_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o be_v impose_v on_o with_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o have_v so_o many_o society_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n destroy_v plain_o subvert_v 6._o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o oath_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o 2._o 2_o sam._n 21._o 2._o gibeonite_n by_o joshua_n the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n shall_v not_o oblige_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o hatred_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o their_o injury_n and_o ruin_n by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o people_n without_z and_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o either_o house_n nothing_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v why_o such_o a_o covenant_n so_o far_o at_o least_o shall_v bind_v at_o all_o one_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o good_a he_o have_v swear_v so_o be_v joshua_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o gibeonite_n one_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v swear_v as_o the_o covenant_n will_v have_v he_o 7._o israel_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o covenant_n that_o hurt_v none_o but_o themselves_o if_o themselves_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o covenant_n oblige_v they_o england_n that_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v also_o cheat_v pardon_v the_o expression_n into_o a_o covenant_n that_o injure_v the_o taker_n and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o king_n the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o all_o future_a parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o taker_n themselves_o by_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o former_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o particular_a have_v before_o appear_v and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o bind_v to_o so_o much_o iniquity_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o or_o other_o instance_n of_o zedekiah_n oath_n etc._n etc._n or_o i_o presume_v to_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o have_v indeed_o engage_v i_o long_o than_o at_o first_o i_o foresee_v a_o general_a conclusion_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o re-ordination_a and_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o law_n require_v of_o minister_n by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n re-ordination_a of_o such_o as_o be_v only_o ordain_v already_o by_o presbyter_n and_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o by_z bishop_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v concern_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o consider_v that_o liberty_n be_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o own_o sense_n whether_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n only_o be_v valid_a or_o not_o also_o that_o the_o act_n make_v itself_o no_o judge_n of_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o foreign_a church_n also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n as_o also_o that_o if_o their_o former_a ordination_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o form_n it_o can_v not_o pass_v for_o legal_a ordination_n in_o this_o church_n or_o nation_n nor_o legal_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o the_o profit_n of_o their_o place_n no_o other_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v appoint_v or_o allow_v by_o our_o governor_n and_o therefore_o their_o submission_n thereunto_o can_v be_v a_o take_n god_n name_n in_o vain_a which_o have_v so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o end_n but_o especial_o consider_v that_o worthy_a mr._n humphrey_n have_v write_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o large_o already_o upon_o this_o subject_a he_o have_v so_o well_o prevent_v my_o pain_n herein_o i_o have_v only_o to_o refer_v my_o brethren_n to_o his_o book_n for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o concern_v that_o which_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o treatise_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o subscribe_v which_o i_o do_v animo_fw-la that_o i_o have_v not_o use_v one_o argument_n but_o i_o real_o judge_v it_o convince_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o either_o answer_v or_o prevent_v by_o any_o thing_n write_v either_o by_o mr._n crofton_n or_o the_o learned_a and_o sober_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea._n 3._o neither_o can_v i_o divine_a what_o may_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v except_o only_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o government_n liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o the_o declaration_n require_v 4._o i_o confess_v i_o take_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o for_o grant_v and_o my_o reason_n i_o hint_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n namely_o because_o i_o be_v to_o treat_v such_o only_a or_o chief_o with_o it_o as_o have_v purpose_v to_o conform_v have_v not_o the_o act_n require_v they_o thus_o to_o declare_v such_o i_o conceive_v do_v not_o believe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o office_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n be_v in_o it_o self_n unlawful_a who_o by_o their_o conformity_n intend_v before_o to_o own_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o 5._o however_o let_v i_o humble_o beseech_v my_o brethren_n if_o thus_o they_o scruple_n serious_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o able_a pen_n that_o ever_o engage_v in_o these_o great_a controversy_n have_v hitherto_o find_v it_o a_o task_n too_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o evince_v that_o either_o the_o form_n of_o government_n or_o any_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a 6._o yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n that_o very_o few_o that_o have_v be_v learned_a and_o sober_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o point_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n but_o though_o they_o have_v much_o scruple_v at_o first_o have_v argue_v themselves_o at_o length_n into_o a_o conviction_n at_o least_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o 7._o i_o hope_v my_o brethren_n will_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v to_o remember_v they_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o regula_n regulans_fw-la in_o the_o first_o consideration_n though_o so_o in_o the_o second_o but_o regula_n regulata_n and_o that_o she_o have_v a_o rule_n above_o she_o that_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o very_a synterisis_n and_o proposition_n from_o which_o alone_o she_o must_v draw_v and_o conclude_v all_o her_o definition_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 8._o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o our_o own_o not_o our_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o our_o will_n so_o that_o what_o he_o command_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o duty_n what_o he_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o sin_n and_o what_o he_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v indifferent_a that_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v neither_o a_o duty_n nor_o a_o sin_n by_o every_o well_o enlighten_v right_o rule_v and_o indifferent_a conscience_n 9_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n to_o any_o man_n conscience_n what_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n indifferent_a that_o be_v what_o he_o have_v neither_o commdnded_a and_o make_v a_o duty_n nor_o forbid_v and_o make_v a_o sin_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o god_n mind_n 10._o if_o yet_o the_o doubt_n continue_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o suffer_v i_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o better_a help_n under_o heaven_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o beside_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o reform_a church_n 11._o let_v the_o person_n then_o that_o desire_v satisfaction_n indeed_o bring_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o question_n first_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v see_v they_o condemn_v there_o as_o true_o i_o can_v let_v he_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n after_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o prosecute_v his_o full_a
premise_n laus_fw-la deo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pax._fw-la the_o content_n the_o grand_a case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v as_o be_v require_v by_o the_o late_a act_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o uniformity_n of_o public_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n page_n 1_o case_n i._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o declartion_n case_n ii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o second_o declaration_n 13_o case_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n 15_o case_n iu._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o the_o king_n authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o those_o that_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o 17_o case_n v._o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v 19_o case_n vi_o whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n common_o call_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n 22_o case_n vii_o whether_o any_o private_a or_o single_a person_n can_v lawful_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o church-government_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n 26_o case_n viii_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o king_n 28_o case_n ix_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v thus_o against_o the_o king_n right_n as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a 32_o case_n x._o whether_o the_o covenant_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a 37_o case_n xi_o whether_o the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o england_n before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n 41_o case_n xii_o whether_o a_o covenant_n take_v first_o can_v oblige_v we_o against_o a_o future_a law_n 47_o case_n xiii_o whether_o a_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n annex_v be_v a_o due_a fulfil_n or_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n 60_o case_n fourteen_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o the_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o against_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a 67_o case_n xv._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 74_o case_n xvi_o whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o sinful_a in_o its_o matter_n 89_o 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 98_o 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 116_o case_n xix_o whether_o the_o two_o house_n without_o the_o king_n can_v bind_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n of_o these_o kingdom_n with_o a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o church-government_n 120_o case_n xx._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n 127_o case_n xxi_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 130_o a_o general_a conclusion_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o re-ordination_a and_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 136_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o first_o impression_n by_o way_n of_o supplement_n to_o the_o two_o great_a case_n touch_v the_o inexpediency_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o thing_n impose_v 143_o a_o supplement_n to_o the_o case_n touch_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unlawful_a 156_o finis_fw-la recensui_fw-la tractatum_fw-la hunc_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o grand_a case_n grande_n quidem_fw-la opus_fw-la si_fw-la quod_fw-la intendit_fw-la efficiat_a m._n frank._n s._n t._n p._n r._n p._n d._n epo._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v sextilis_fw-la 11o._o 1662._o there_o be_v extant_a a_o excellent_a piece_n entitle_v some_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n brief_o yet_o faithful_o state_v and_o resolve_v wherein_o the_o just_a bound_n of_o impose_v on_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o obey_v on_o the_o other_o be_v true_o fix_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n sell_v by_o tho_n dring_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o clifford_n inn_n 1662._o