against_o oppression_n by_o arbitrary_a power_n in_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o submis_o request_v and_o plead_v for_o reformation_n ix._o in_o this_o present_a juncture_n of_o the_o perplex_a scruple_n of_o many_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o require_v subscribe_v the_o engagement_n there_o be_v some_o eminent_a man_n of_o well_o guide_a counsel_n and_o compose_v temper_n of_o their_o public_a spirit_n who_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o judicious_a consideration_n endevor_v meek_o and_o learned_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a to_o understand_v right_o in_o so_o grand_a a_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v x._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o premise_n be_v effectual_a motive_n some_o commissioner_n have_v be_v design_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o take_v subscription_n to_o the_o engagement_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n unto_o the_o accountant_n have_v declare_v his_o submission_n to_o authority_n to_o declare_v also_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n satisfactory_a unto_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o other_o who_o possible_o may_v wonder_v and_o marvel_n for_o want_v of_o information_n at_o such_o his_o compliance_n sect._n ii_o the_o account_n itself_o true_o state_v and_o clear_o explain_v in_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a sense_n the_o form_n of_o subscription_n to_o the_o engagement_n ordain_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n i_o do_v declare_v and_o promise_n that_o i_o will_v be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n or_o house_n of_o lord_n howbeit_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o form_n of_o word_n have_v a_o most_o easy_a and_o clear_a sense_n to_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n so_o as_o no_o doubt_n nor_o scruple_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o our_o better_a make_v use_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a meaning_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o effectual_a demonstration_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n the_o content_n thereof_o shall_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o four_o part_n or_o branch_n which_o be_v obvious_o remarkable_a and_o each_o of_o they_o explain_v and_o consider_v by_o themselves_o viz._n 1._o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v and_o engage_v 2._o the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v in_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n thereof_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o this_o peculiar_a act_n 4._o the_o modification_n and_o restriction_n of_o the_o object_n in_o its_o limit_n and_o bound_n the_o explanation_n of_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n i_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n engage_v i_o a_o english_a bear_v subject_a receive_v benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o this_o present_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o my_o particular_a call_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n note_n that_o which_o be_v say_v touch_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a person_n in_o his_o call_v and_o capacity_n specify_v have_v the_o same_o sense_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la respect_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o engagement_n of_o what_o call_v state_n degree_n and_o condition_n soever_o whether_o they_o be_v nobleman_n gentleman_n or_o commons_o whether_o they_o be_v subordinate_a magistrate_n judge_n justice_n major_n sheriff_n bailiff_n or_o constable_n whether_o they_o be_v lawyer_n physician_n minister_n schoolmaster_n soldier_n merchant_n mariner_n tradesman_n husbandman_n or_o artificer_n and_o whether_o their_o habitation_n be_v in_o city_n town_n or_o village_n or_o whether_o of_o any_o other_o province_n comprehend_v under_o the_o same_o government_n ii_o the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v in_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v in_o this_o expression_n i_o do_v declare_v and_o promise_n that_o i_o will_v be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o etc._n etc._n expla._n the_o nature_n and_o sum_n of_o this_o act_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o approve_v one_o self_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v in_o no_o wise_a give_v way_n to_o a_o act_n of_o falsehood_n and_o treachery_n against_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o to_o a_o oppose_a or_o undermine_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n under_o the_o present_a government_n by_o any_o mean_n nor_o to_o a_o contrive_n or_o practise_v direct_o or_o indirect_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o disturbance_n thereof_o for_o to_o this_o effect_n the_o very_a preamble_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n hint_v the_o sense_n vid._n ibid._n and_o the_o lawgiver_n themselves_o be_v their_o own_o best_a interpreter_n iii_o the_o object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o declare_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n expla._n touch_v this_o branch_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determinted_a all_o the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n see_v act._n 17._o 24._o 26._o he_o have_v so_o order_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n eph._n 1._o 11._o that_o even_o englishman_n for_o many_o generation_n have_v as_o a_o nation_n live_v national_o in_o england_n and_o be_v combine_v in_o a_o politic_a body_n or_o commonwealth_n according_a to_o the_o right_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o nation_n choose_v and_o consent_v unto_o by_o the_o people_n hereof_o thus_o be_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n to_o be_v estimate_v iv._o the_o modification_n and_o restriction_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v be_v limit_v and_o bound_v in_o this_o expression_n as_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n expla._n concerning_o this_o last_o branch_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n according_a to_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n entitle_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n express_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o late_a proceed_n and_o of_o settle_v the_o present_a government_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o free_a state_n this_o be_v order_v march_n 17._o 1648._o by_o the_o commons_o in_o parliament_n assemble_v to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v and_o thus_o much_o brief_o and_o perspicuous_o for_o the_o sum_n and_o part_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o engagement_n sect._n iii_o reason_n assert_v and_o justify_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o conscionableness_n of_o engagement_n i._n reason_n because_o such_o subscribe_a engagement_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n dictate_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n who_o be_v our_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n isai._n 33._o 22_o even_o the_o one_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v see_v iam._n 4._o 12._o compare_v with_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o ergo_fw-la it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subscribe_v this_o reason_n shall_v be_v evidence_v and_o illustrate_v according_a to_o the_o four_o branch_n and_o part_n observe_v in_o the_o form_n of_o engagement_n 1._o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n subscribe_v even_o one_o who_o be_v a_o subject_a under_o this_o establish_a present_a government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o receive_v benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o same_o give_v good_a evidence_n and_o illustration_n to_o this_o first_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o requisite_a that_o any_o person_n who_o be_v a_o subject_a under_o any_o supreme_a power_n whatsoever_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o the_o power_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v monarchical_a aristocratical_a or_o democratical_a and_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o the_o person_n and_o subject_n be_v it_o be_v necessary_a i_o say_v that_o such_o subject_a person_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o such_o supreme_a power_n this_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_a instance_n viz._n 1._o joseph_n the_o son_n of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n a_o hebrew_n fear_v god_n he_o by_o occasion_n live_v in_o egypt_n have_v be_v sell_v thither_o do_v not_o only_o accept_v employment_n under_o the_o supreme_a power_n there_o but_o also_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a thereunto_o yea_o though_o egypt_n be_v a_o house_n of_o bondage_n unto_o the_o israelite_n see_v gen._n 41._o etc._n etc._n 2._o mordecai_n a_o true_o religious_a jew_n of_o
they_o have_v also_o sundry_a condition_n of_o person_n and_o way_n of_o govern_v namely_o 1._o in_o the_o wilderness_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n see_v psal._n 77._o 20._o 2._o in_o canaan_n by_o judge_n 450._o year_n see_v act._n 13._o 20._o 3._o by_o king_n afterwards_o till_o the_o captivity_n and_o these_o various_o obtain_v their_o regality_n see_v book_n of_o samuel_n king_n and_o chronocles_n 4._o by_o various_o condition_v man_n after_o the_o captivity_n near_o 500_o year_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o from_o moses_n to_o herod_n they_o be_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n see_v luke_n 1._o 5._o 68_o and_o cap._n 2._o 25._o these_o instance_n be_v due_o observe_v there_o be_v just_a cause_n that_o english_a patriot_n in_o their_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o their_o native_a country_n shall_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o government_n be_v establish_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o true_a israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o spirit_n be_v no_o guile_n see_v john_n 1._o 47._o be_v wont_a to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o day_n to_o such_o their_o commonwealth_n let_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o few_o such_o worthy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v remember_v also_o herein_o who_o do_v demean_v themselves_o faithful_o as_o present_a state_n require_v 1._o joshua_n and_o caleb_n encourage_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o many_o other_o discourage_v they_o see_v numb._n 14._o 6_o 7._o 2._o congregation_n of_o israel_n when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n on_o occasion_n of_o the_o horrid_a distemper_n mention_v iudg._n 20._o 1._o etc._n etc._n 3._o david_n a_o private_a man_n when_o goliath_n defy_v the_o host_n f_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 32._o 4._o hushai_n the_o archite_a act_v faithful_o in_o the_o time_n of_o absalon_n unnatural_a rebellion_n 2_o sam._n 15._o 32._o 5._o obediah_n in_o the_o time_n of_o jezabel_n persecute_v malignity_n 1_o king_n 18._o 3_o 4._o 6._o jehonadab_n the_o son_n of_o rechab_n adhere_v to_o jehu_n 2_o king_n 10._o 15._o 7._o shecaniah_n stir_v up_o ezra_n to_o act_v in_o perplex_a time_n ezra_n 10._o 2_o 3._o certain_o such_o example_n ought_v to_o be_v precedent_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o england_n to_o act_v as_o such_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n do_v act_n in_o their_o generation_n 4._o last_o the_o modification_n and_o restriction_n of_o the_o object_n viz_n the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v compare_v with_o such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o by_o just_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o will_v strong_o argue_v its_o establishment_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n the_o lawgiver_n so_o as_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n for_o this_o purpose_n let_v these_o three_o assertion_n imply_v in_o this_o modification_n of_o object_n be_v well_o consider_v 1._o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v so_o establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n 2._o the_o parliament_n that_o have_v declare_v and_o settle_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o a_o free_a state_n without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o england_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n because_o of_o commonwealth_n establishment_n without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n 1._o assertion_n the_o first_o of_o these_o assertion_n may_v be_v manifest_v by_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n march_n 17._o 1648._o express_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n etc._n etc._n of_o settle_v the_o present_a government_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o free_a state_n the_o parliament_n declaration_n contain_v four_o remarkable_a cause_n of_o such_o their_o proceed_n and_o settle_v the_o government_n to_o be_v view_v in_o a_o short_a synopsis_fw-la viz._n 1._o cause_n the_o first_o cause_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o kingly_a government_n set_v up_o in_o our_o nation_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o protection_n and_o better_a government_n according_a to_o such_o law_n as_o they_o consent_v unto_o which_o be_v take_v away_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o reason_n kingly_a power_n be_v pervert_v by_o most_o of_o the_o trustee_n and_o most_o notorious_o by_o the_o late_a king_n who_o by_o many_o degree_n exceed_v the_o rest_n such_o his_o vile_a miscarriage_n be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n by_o about_o fifty_o undeniable_a pregnant_a instance_n needless_a to_o insert_v it_o be_v good_a that_o every_o english_a patriot_n have_v the_o declaration_n by_o he_o in_o these_o confuse_a time_n to_o peruse_v frequent_o 2._o reason_n the_o king_n two_o elder_a son_n appear_v in_o actual_a arm_n against_o the_o parliament_n so_o as_o no_o hope_n of_o future_a security_n can_v be_v expect_v unto_o the_o nation_n from_o they_o 3._o reason_n there_o be_v elder_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n than_o be_v in_o the_o king_n child_n 4._o reason_n if_o any_o right_a or_o title_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n elder_a son_n the_o same_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o father_n treasonable_a act_n as_o in_o other_o case_n even_o in_o office_n of_o inheritance_n it_o be_v wont_a 5._o reason_n the_o king_n young_a child_n equal_o forfeit_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n 6._o reason_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o at_o first_o erect_v a_o king_n for_o common_a good_a and_o afterwards_o find_v he_o to_o pervert_v his_o kingship_n to_o common_a evil_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v continue_v his_o kingly_a power_n or_o change_v it_o to_o a_o better_a 7._o reason_n god_n have_v special_o bless_v free_a state_n who_o former_o be_v oppress_v by_o tyranny_n as_o be_v see_v in_o unite_a netherlands_o and_o other_o 8._o reason_n there_o be_v manifold_a commodious_a advantage_n to_o people_n in_o free-state_n manifold_a oppression_n and_o damage_n be_v under_o monarchy_n vast_a expense_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o court_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n profuse_a donation_n and_o pension_n for_o the_o promote_a tyranny_n yea_o and_o the_o court_n be_v the_o nursery_n of_o vice_n and_o corrupter_n of_o hopeful_a branch_n of_o noble_a family_n prevent_v in_o a_o free_a state_n see_v declarat_fw-la 2._o cause_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o parliament_n proceed_n touch_v on_o in_o the_o declaration_n respect_v the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n for_o just_a reason_n viz._n 1._o reason_n the_o lord_n sit_v in_o a_o house_n by_o themselves_o and_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v well_o spare_v 2._o reason_n they_o exercise_v a_o negative_a vote_n tend_v to_o obstruct_v much_o 3._o reason_n they_o exercise_v a_o juridical_a power_n over_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o all_o the_o commons_o whereof_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n 4._o reason_n their_o power_n do_v special_o depend_v on_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o king_n 5._o reason_n the_o commonwealth_n can_v not_o well_o bear_v their_o delay_n in_o time_n of_o exigency_n 6._o liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o such_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v find_v faithful_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o be_v choose_v representative_n as_o other_o competent_a person_n have_v their_o right_n unto_o see_v declarat_fw-la 3._o cause_n three_o the_o parliament_n give_v satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o obvious_a main_a objection_n against_o their_o proceed_n viz._n anticipat_z 1._o it_o be_v intend_v as_o it_o be_v declare_v april_n 1646._o for_o govern_v the_o nation_n by_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o in_o a_o confidence_n that_o the_o king_n and_o peer_n will_v have_v apply_v themselves_o as_o have_v be_v meet_a but_o they_o whole_o and_o obstinate_o fail_v therein_o and_o there_o be_v no_o stipulation_n on_o both_o side_n it_o can_v not_o be_v esteem_v a_o contract_n so_o that_o the_o commons_o do_v most_o just_o after_o their_o intention_n 2._o although_o some_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o have_v some_o force_n on_o they_o it_o have_v at_o any_o time_n rare_o happen_v in_o time_n of_o parliament_n but_o some_o force_n more_o or_o less_o have_v be_v exercise_v against_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o and_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v parliament_n for_o all_o this_o yet_o no_o breach_n of_o privilege_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o remain_a part_n in_o the_o house_n which_o remain_v part_n do_v far_o exceed_v such_o authorize_a number_n who_o do_v make_v a_o house_n beyond_o all_o exception_n 3._o the_o parliament_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n
a_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a account_n for_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n discuss_v in_o four_o section_n 1._o motive_n for_o just_a expediency_n of_o give_v such_o account_n 2._o the_o account_n true_o state_v and_o explain_v 3._o reason_n justify_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o it_o 4._o objection_n against_o it_o satisfactory_o answer_v gal._n 6._o 4._o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o act._n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n london_n print_v for_o l._n l._n and_o h._n c._n mdcl_o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a mr._n mayor_n alderman_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o shrewsbury_n fear_v god_n and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n together_o with_o my_o ancient_a neighbour_n and_o christian_a acquaintance_n in_o cheshire_n lancashire_n and_o other_o part_n love_n and_o peace_n with_o holiness_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o most_o endear_a father_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n christ_n forasmuch_o as_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n require_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v very_o unworthy_o contradict_v and_o unjust_o censure_v not_o only_o by_o some_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o perverse_a spirit_n but_o also_o by_o some_o eminent_a person_n profess_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n as_o if_o a_o declare_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now-establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v unlawful_a it_o have_v therefore_o seem_v good_a unto_o i_o who_o be_o concern_v herein_o as_o well_o as_o other_o prudent_a and_o pious_o conscientious_a christian_n throughout_o the_o nation_n to_o give_v a_o just_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n persuade_v and_o sway_v to_o engage_v this_o my_o undertake_n be_v also_o the_o rather_o in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o people_n i_o be_v desirous_a according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n serve_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o albeit_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n because_o some_o be_v viz._n 1._o malignant_a adversary_n who_o cease_v not_o to_o withstand_v and_o calumniate_v just_a way_n and_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o that_o walk_v therein_o as_o evil_a doer_n even_o these_o enemy_n of_o righteousness_n have_v notwithstanding_o some_o office_n of_o heighbourly_a love_n and_o christian_a duty_n owe_v to_o they_o from_o christ_n disciple_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v see_v mat._n 5._o 44._o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o make_v ashamed_a and_o their_o ignorance_n may_v be_v put_v to_o silence_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o and_o 3._o 16._o if_o peradventure_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o obtain_v paidon_n of_o their_o sin_n see_v act._n 8._o 22._o 2._o sullen_a malcontent_n and_o refractory_a despiser_n of_o present_a government_n transport_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n who_o unavoidable_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v upon_o the_o sun_n i_o e_o probable_o on_o a_o eminent_a nominal_a protestant_a prince_n but_o adhere_v fix_o to_o romish_a hierarchy_n root_v in_o popery_n so_o as_o they_o be_v scorch_v with_o heat_n and_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n for_o pain_n and_o think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a even_o to_o death_n not_o repent_v of_o their_o deed_n nor_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v yet_o please_v god_n that_o these_o may_v not_o harken_v to_o that_o divine_a exhortation_n zech._n 2._o 13._o be_v silent_a o_o all_o flesh_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v raise_v up_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a habitation_n yea_o and_o take_v up_o the_o acclamation_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o water_n rev._n 16._o 5_o 6_o 7._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v thus_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v for_o they_o be_v worthy_a and_o of_o another_o angel_n even_o so_o lord_n god_n almighty_a true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n 3._o novice_n and_o unskilful_a person_n new_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v as_o child_n and_o have_v not_o so_o full_o attain_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n of_o power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n nor_o yet_o be_v of_o capacity_n by_o use_n to_o exercise_v their_o sense_n in_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a heb._n 5._o 13._o 14._o such_o aught_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o respective_o and_o tender_o and_o by_o some_o manuduction_n guide_v in_o their_o way_n even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v her_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n see_v isa_n 66._o 12_o 13._o hos._n 11._o 3._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 7._o 4._o scrupulous_a questionist_n and_o conflict_a christian_n in_o the_o school_n and_o field_n of_o spiritual_a warfare_n who_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o lustful_a device_n of_o their_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o also_o by_o satan_n and_o his_o agent_n co-operate_v suggestion_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o brotherly_a and_o fellow_n soldierly_a assistance_n and_o mutual_a encouragement_n see_v gal._n 5._o 17._o 1_o john_n 2._o 13_o 14._o even_o as_o the_o brave_a captain_n general_n joab_n do_v most_o prudent_o in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n advertise_v his_o brother_n abishai_n in_o the_o war_n against_o the_o syrian_n and_o ammonite_n 2_o sam_n 10._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 5._o father_n and_o grow_v man_n in_o christianity_n establish_v in_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 4._o 13._o even_o these_o may_v be_v excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o behold_v the_o unanimity_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o their_o act_n according_a to_o the_o uncontrollable_a principle_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n see_v exod._n 20._o 12._o rom._n 13._o 1._o compare_v with_o galat._n 1._o 23._o 24._o 6._o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o father_n of_o our_o native_a country_n may_v hence_o take_v knowledge_n for_o their_o great_a encouragement_n who_o have_v enact_v parliamentary_o the_o subscribe_n of_o the_o engagement_n in_o their_o well-governing_n that_o the_o christian_n subject_a to_o their_o authority_n do_v with_o good_a reason_n submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o due_a compliance_n therein_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v just_a ground_n of_o their_o so_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n see_v mat._n 22._o 21._o titus_n 3._o 1._o this_o my_o plain_a and_o upright-hearted_a endeavour_n i_o do_v humble_o offer_v and_o dedicate_v to_o your_o prudent_a and_o impartial_a censure_n and_o patronage_n who_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n you_o have_v experience_v of_o my_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n among_o you_o be_v most_o able_a and_o meet_a to_o judge_v what_o i_o say_v and_o in_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o indeed_o you_o ought_v see_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 15._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o my_o reciprocal_a and_o oblige_a engagement_n mutual_o i_o choose_v to_o express_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n paul_n even_o as_o he_o testify_v his_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n see_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 12_o 13._o my_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o have_v have_v my_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n for_o i_o write_v none_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v or_o acknowledge_v and_o i_o trust_v you_o shall_v acknowledge_v even_o to_o the_o end_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n so_o pray_v your_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o jesus_n sake_n thomas_n paget_n a_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a account_n for_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n
the_o child_n of_o the_o captivity_n do_v witness_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n by_o his_o ingenuous_a discovery_n of_o the_o treasonable_a and_o murderous_a design_n of_o bigthan_n and_o teresh_a two_o of_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n against_o king_n ahashuerus_n reign_v in_o persia_n at_o that_o time_n see_v esther_n 2._o 21_o 22._o 3._o nehemiah_n a_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n serve_v artaxerxes_n the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a unto_o the_o supreme_a power_n both_o in_o submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v of_o his_o direction_n and_o appointment_n see_v neh._n 2._o 6._o and_o cap._n 13._o 6._o 4._o our_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n declare_v his_o mind_n touch_v faithfulness_n to_o tiberius_n caesar_n the_o roman_a emperor_n be_v at_o that_o time_n supreme_a commander_n over_o the_o jewish_a nation_n so_o far_o as_o do_v concern_v that_o his_o supreme_a power_n whatever_o difficulty_n and_o confusion_n the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v involve_v into_o in_o those_o day_n see_v mat._n 22._o 19_o 20_o 21._o 5._o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n approve_v his_o apostleship_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o become_v he_o instruct_v the_o christian_n at_o rome_n to_o submit_v faithful_o and_o conscientious_o to_o the_o present_a supreme_a power_n there_o though_o the_o emperor_n in_o those_o time_n be_v monstrous_a and_o bloody_a usurp_a emperor_n see_v rom._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o great_a apostle_n peter_n see_v just_a cause_n that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o dispersion_n throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n shall_v submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o present_a power_n they_o be_v under_o in_o those_o several_a territory_n what_o ever_o the_o power_n be_v for_o its_o kind_n and_o this_o for_o the_o argue_v their_o faithfulness_n unto_o those_o power_n and_o their_o christian_a faithfulness_n in_o so_o do_v see_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o instance_n may_v beyond_o all_o exception_n vindicate_v the_o person_n who_o be_v a_o english_a subject_n and_o have_v his_o subsistence_n and_o livelihood_n in_o england_n for_o his_o engage_n unto_o the_o now_o establish_a commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o tie_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v more_o natural_a and_o fundamental_a than_o those_o before_o mention_v hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v of_o how_o good_a report_n it_o be_v philip_n 4._o 8._o that_o in_o case_n any_o prisoner_n among_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o go_v abroad_o upon_o their_o parole_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o their_o gaoler_n and_o keeper_n to_o faithfulness_n that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o they_o therein_o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n in_o the_o form_n of_o engagement_n be_v the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v in_o its_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n i_o declare_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o peculiar_a act_n do_v afford_v another_o ground_n to_o argue_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o engagement_n according_a to_o scriptural_a reason_n sith_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o any_o person_n in_o any_o concernment_n do_v hear_v well_o on_o all_o hand_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a falsehood_n and_o treachery_n do_v hear_v ill_o this_o may_v be_v manifest_v and_o evince_v in_o these_o ensue_a assertion_n 1_o god_n himself_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o attribute_n of_o faithfulness_n deut._n 7._o 9_o psal._n 36._o 5._o 2._o christ_n style_v himself_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n apocal._n 3._o 14._o 3._o god_n gracious_a respect_n be_v unto_o faithful_a one_o heb._n 3._o 2._o 5._o mat._n 25._o 21._o 23._o 4._o faithfulness_n be_v a_o character_n of_o approve_a one_o see_v instance_n viz._n 1._o a_o faithful_a man_n fear_v god_n above_o many_o neh._n 7._o 2._o 2._o a_o faithful_a priest_n do_v according_a to_o god_n heart_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 35._o 3._o faithful_a with_o the_o saint_n rule_v with_o god_n hos._n 11._o â—2_a 4._o a_o faithful_a ambassador_n be_v health_n prov._n 13._o 17._o 5._o it_o be_v require_v of_o steward_n to_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o 6._o a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n mat._n 24._o 45._o 7._o a_o faithful_a martyr_n apocal._n 2._o 13._o etc._n etc._n 5._o falsehood_n and_o unfaithfulness_n be_v a_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a psal._n 5._o 9_o as_o be_v 1._o prohibit_v exod._n 23._o 7_o 2._o reprove_v psal._n 1_o 20._o 3._o 3._o punishable_a deut._n 19_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n these_o particular_a assertion_n be_v due_o weigh_v be_v ground_n and_o motive_n to_o attract_v and_o persuade_v evermore_o to_o act_v true_o and_o faithful_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n do_v also_o further_o require_v next_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n do_v give_v yet_o further_o ground_n of_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o first_o scriptural_a reason_n viz._n i_o declare_v and_o promise_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n sith_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o england_n be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n that_o it_o have_v be_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o generation_n successive_o as_o it_o may_v appear_v divers_a way_n 1._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o english_a language_n and_o native_a mother_n tongue_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o same_o continent_n and_o have_v the_o same_o border_n and_o bound_n 3._o it_o have_v the_o same_o great_a charter_n of_o its_o law_n magna_fw-la charta_fw-la 4._o it_o act_v in_o the_o do_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o open_a court_n at_o westminster_n and_o in_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o assize_n and_o session_n and_o inferior_a judicatory_n and_o these_o transaction_n be_v manage_v by_o the_o learned_a judge_n justice_n of_o peace_n steward_n jury_n and_o witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v ancient_o accustom_v 5._o it_o profess_v and_o establish_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 6._o and_o principal_o it_o enact_v law_n by_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o it_o only_o enact_v some_o new_a law_n and_o repeal_n some_o old_a law_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la as_o occasion_v and_o cause_n require_v and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o herein_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n consist_v yea_o and_o howbeit_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v various_a condition_n of_o person_n and_o also_o of_o way_n of_o govern_v by_o briton_n saxon_n dane_n and_o norman_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n unto_o this_o day_n refine_v and_o reform_v law_n and_o government_n as_o need_n have_v require_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o variation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o abrogate_v or_o disannul_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o as_o in_o some_o part_n heretofore_o so_o in_o the_o late_a time_n very_o much_o that_o be_v amiss_o have_v be_v amend_v not_o only_o in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o antichrist_n in_o the_o branch_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n but_o also_o in_o the_o root_n by_o this_o present_a parliament_n as_o also_o much_o good_a have_v be_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o suppress_v of_o arbitrary_a power_n take_v away_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n star-chamber_n hierarchy_n and_o superstitious_a monument_n of_o popish_a idolatry_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n still_o yea_o and_o english_a blood_n and_o spirit_n be_v yet_o remain_v among_o we_o it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n with_o we_o in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n chronichle_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n they_o be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o first_o establishment_n to_o be_v a_o national_a commonwealth_n in_o sinai_n exod._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n until_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n foretell_v and_o prophesy_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n mat._n 24._o and_o afterwards_o effect_v by_o vespasian_n the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v all_o along_o of_o the_o same_o hebrew_n language_n 2._o they_o have_v the_o same_o great_a charter_n of_o moses_n law_n both_o for_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n 3._o they_o have_v the_o same_o border_n and_o bound_n still_o reckon_v on_o albeit_o sometime_o more_o or_o less_o extend_v or_o restrain_v 4._o they_o reform_v amiss_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o their_o condition_n do_v admit_v as_o occasion_n be_v and_o their_o heart_n bend_v thereto_o 5._o and_o although_o
be_v to_o be_v continue_v as_o also_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o judicature_n in_o a_o due_a way_n see_v declaration_n cause_n last_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n show_v their_o just_a and_o well-grounded_a end_n in_o the_o establish_v the_o commonwealth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v without_o king_n and_o lord_n let_v the_o declaration_n itself_o be_v exact_o skan_v in_o its_o full_a and_o effectual_a expression_n and_o it_o may_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o force_v on_o some_o without_o the_o parliament_n door_n but_o the_o force_n of_o right_a reason_n on_o the_o member_n within_o the_o house_n which_o have_v so_o declare_v how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n see_v job_n 6._o 25._o ii_o assertion_n the_o second_o assertion_n touch_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o english_a parliament_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v not_o only_o by_o the_o parliament_n themselves_o ground_o demonstrate_v in_o their_o declaration_n above_o mention_v in_o the_o first_o assertion_n and_o likewise_o in_o their_o exercise_n of_o supreme_a power_n in_o issue_v out_o commission_n both_o to_o subordinate_a magistrate_n for_o the_o do_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o the_o soldiery_n for_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a war_n but_o also_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o other_o rational_a man_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n who_o have_v act_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o this_o from_o year_n to_o year_n of_o late_a while_o the_o king_n live_v as_o well_o as_o this_o present_a year_n 1649._o yea_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v publish_v their_o mind_n touch_v this_o matter_n this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o mr._n prynne_n though_o now_o a_o adversary_n hereunto_o in_o four_o voluminous_a part_n of_o one_o of_o his_o book_n with_o a_o large_a appendix_n thereunto_o entitle_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o parliament_n whither_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v refer_v only_o i_o do_v observe_v hereabout_o that_o god_n the_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o sovereign_a king_n of_o king_n and_o all_o supreme_a power_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o preserve_v unto_o we_o in_o england_n the_o substance_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n hitherto_o sure_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o continue_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n contain_v in_o the_o decalogue_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o our_o several_a capacity_n of_o inferiority_n and_o superiority_n whether_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a as_o well_o in_o civil_a government_n as_o in_o church_n and_o family_n yea_o to_o have_v a_o magistracy_n to_o be_v keeper_n of_o both_o the_o table_n see_v rom._n 13._o 4._o compare_v with_o exod._n 19_o 6._o and_o cap._n 20._o 1._o and_o 12._o and_o therefore_o our_o transaction_n in_o england_n touch_v our_o law_n and_o the_o execute_n of_o they_o areby_o lawful_a commission_a person_n of_o several_a sort_n otherwise_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n feem_v to_o fail_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v lawful_o administer_v by_o they_o oh_o that_o all_o man_n fear_v god_n among_o we_o special_o such_o as_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o parliament_n after_o the_o king_n his_o leave_v the_o house_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o will_v consider_v sober_o and_o serious_o hereof_o and_o so_o take_v heed_n of_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o act_n against_o those_o in_o authority_n lest_o they_o do_v incur_v god_n fierce_a displeasure_n see_v numb._n 12._o cap._n 2_o pet._n 2._o 10._o psal._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act_n 9_o 5._o and_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 2._o iii_o assertion_n the_o three_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n it_o may_v be_v argue_v as_o otherwise_o so_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o practice_n who_o do_v profess_v our_o due_a respect_n to_o parliament_n viz._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o take_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a as_o they_o be_v style_v be_v cashier_v and_o expel_v out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n albeit_o they_o have_v be_v call_v by_o writ_n and_o have_v former_o and_o very_o ancient_o be_v esteem_v and_o repute_a member_n of_o that_o house_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o infringe_v the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o parliament_n that_o the_o king_n after_o a_o time_n withdraw_v himself_o total_o from_o the_o house_n 3._o the_o parliament_n do_v retain_v its_o perfect_a constitution_n and_o be_v when_o very_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o very_a many_o of_o the_o commons_o withdraw_v themselves_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o parliament_n at_o oxford_n sith_o a_o competent_a number_n remain_v still_o in_o the_o house_n 4._o it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o approve_a antiquary_n that_o in_o case_n all_o the_o lord_n after_o a_o due_a summons_n shall_v fail_v to_o appear_v and_o sit_v in_o the_o house_n that_o their_o total_a absence_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v hinder_v or_o nullify_v the_o due_a parliamentary_a proceed_n whereas_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o being_n of_o the_o parliament_n if_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o commons_o constitute_v to_o make_v up_o a_o house_n be_v absent_a sith_o the_o commons_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o people_n see_v prynne_n sovereign_a power_n of_o parliament_n part_n 1._o pag._n 43._o edit._n 2._o 5._o it_o be_v resolve_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n that_o the_o king_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a vote_n these_o five_o particular_a instance_n be_v due_o mark_v together_o with_o that_o which_o the_o parliament_n have_v declare_v march_n 17._o 1648._o as_o above_o may_v abundant_o convince_v that_o according_a to_o this_o three_o assertion_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o just_a refusal_n to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v and_o so_o the_o first_o argument_n justify_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o conscionableness_n of_o the_o subscription_n be_v full_o conclude_v ii_o reason_n because_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n have_v its_o due_a consistency_n and_o agreement_n with_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intention_n of_o former_a oath_n protestation_n and_o covenant_n prae-ingage_v in_o national_o unto_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o england_n approve_v most_o on_o all_o hand_n so_o that_o as_o right_a reason_n do_v then_o require_v the_o take_n of_o they_o in_o their_o just_a sense_n so_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n now_o require_v to_o take_v the_o engagement_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a argue_v the_o case_n by_o this_o reason_n these_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v open_v and_o consider_v viz._n 1_o conclusion_n it_o be_v presume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n the_o protestation_n and_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v make_v of_o lawful_a thing_n lawful_o and_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o sacred_a and_o divine_a rule_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n ier._n 4._o 2._o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a nullity_n of_o they_o ipse_fw-la facto_fw-la sith_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o perform_v what_o be_v irrational_o swear_v and_o be_v in_o itself_o unrighteous_a and_o unlawful_a of_o this_o sinful_a nature_n have_v be_v the_o unlawful_a and_o unrighteous_a oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o many_o many_o minister_n in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prevail_a episcopacy_n and_o superstitious_a conformity_n for_o which_o thing_n sake_n the_o land_n mourn_v ier._n 23._o 10._o and_o therefore_o the_o swearer_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n of_o the_o etc._n etc._n oath_n and_o the_o subscriber_n willing_o and_o ex_fw-la animo_fw-la to_o the_o article_n by_o cannon_n require_v to_o be_v subscribe_v unto_o have_v cause_n to_o set_v themselves_o to_o sorrow_n godly_a so_o as_o they_o may_v evidence_n their_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o which_o will_v produce_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n mention_v 2_o cor._n 7._o 11._o for_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v they_o guiltless_a that_o have_v take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a exod._n 20._o 7._o 2._o conclusion_n the_o main_a and_o chief_a scope_n and_o end_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n former_o and_o of_o the_o protestation_n and_o covenant_n late_o and_o likewise_o of_o the_o engagement_n at_o the_o present_a be_v and_o be_v the_o just_a safety_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n against_o illegal_a and_o violent_a usurpation_n and_o attempt_n whether_o of_o foreigner_n or_o native_n of_o any_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n in_o what_o kind_n or_o notion_n soever_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o statute_n act_n declaration_n and_o order_n
that_o any_o know_a christian_a and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v have_v such_o a_o scruple_n sith_o neither_o its_o notation_n nor_o the_o obvious_a use_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v full_a of_o it_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o ordinary_a speech_n and_o acception_n among_o man_n can_v give_v any_o rise_v for_o such_o a_o groundless_a scrupulous_a fancy_n 2._o a_o dote_v about_o strife_n of_o word_n produce_v no_o profit_n but_o strife_n envy_n rail_n evil_a surmise_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n even_o to_o the_o subvert_n of_o the_o hearer_n see_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 4_o 5._o and_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 14._o let_v therefore_o the_o godly_a wise_a christian_n and_o minister_n avoid_v such_o question_n about_o word_n clear_a in_o themselves_o study_v to_o show_v themselves_o approve_v unto_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o 3._o let_v such_o wordy_a questionist_n remember_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a contriver_n of_o the_o directory_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n throughout_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n establish_v by_o our_o parliament_n in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o direct_v about_o the_o solemnization_n of_o marriage_n they_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v marry_v together_o shall_v promise_v mutual_o to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o one_o another_o in_o the_o directory_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n it_o be_v order_v that_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v ordain_v do_v declare_v a_o promise_n of_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o duty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n i_o do_v hence_o demand_v whether_o person_n to_o be_v marry_v or_o minister_n to_o be_v ordain_v shall_v the_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o scruple_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o marriage_n or_o the_o other_o sort_n scruple_n their_o ordination_n because_o of_o the_o engagement_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o relative_a condition_n and_o whether_o they_o shall_v surcease_v rather_o therefrom_o upon_o a_o fantastical_a conceit_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n faithful_a may_v be_v strain_v to_o some_o ensnare_a afterwards_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o as_o in_o domestical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a relation_n there_o be_v a_o requisiteness_n of_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o relation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o engagement_n of_o faithfulness_n thereunto_o if_o any_o man_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v touch_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o mention_a relation_n in_o family_n church_n and_o commonwealth_n sure_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v ground_n of_o just_a jealousy_n that_o he_o mean_v not_o fair_o that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o vi_o object_n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n grant_v and_o direct_v by_o order_n of_o parliament_n that_o preacher_n in_o give_v of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v explain_v it_o and_o according_o the_o preacher_n explain_v it_o in_o such_o sense_n as_o he_o apprehend_v stand_v not_o with_o his_o freedom_n of_o conscience_n to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n ans._n 1._o the_o liberty_n allow_v and_o direct_v unto_o preacher_n for_o explain_v the_o covenant_n aught_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o explain_v it_o as_o stand_v with_o the_o just_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v if_o any_o preacher_n take_v a_o liberty_n otherwise_o they_o do_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o collusion_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o preacher_n whoever_o he_o be_v to_o put_v a_o sense_n thereon_o of_o his_o own_o not_o agree_v thereto_o frustrate_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o take_n of_o it_o 2._o they_o that_o thus_o object_n do_v not_o speak_v out_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preacher_n be_v that_o he_o give_v of_o the_o covenant_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o engagement_n so_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n shall_v be_v make_v thereto_o his_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a may_v be_v repute_v a_o act_n of_o darkness_n albeit_o confuse_a and_o uncertain_a speech_n be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o street_n at_o noon_n day_n 3._o this_o objection_n give_v occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o some_o person_n yea_o some_o who_o pretend_v for_o presbytery_n but_o be_v loose_o mind_v thereunto_o sith_o such_o do_v thus_o object_v do_v make_v a_o advantage_n to_o put_v the_o covenant_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o free_v themselves_o thereby_o from_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o it_o in_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o meaning_n 4._o let_v such_o objecter_n be_v please_v for_o the_o undeceive_a themselves_o and_o their_o adherent_n plain_o and_o punctual_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o conference_n with_o their_o associate_n answer_v these_o demand_n without_o any_o tergiversation_n for_o argue_v their_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n about_o the_o covenant_n 1._o whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o obligatory_a in_o its_o due_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o every_o article_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o branch_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n more_o special_o affect_v 2._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o main_a thing_n primary_o and_o other_o thing_n subservient_o covenant_v and_o what_o those_o main_a thing_n and_o what_o the_o subservient_n thing_n be_v that_o thus_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v be_v discern_v hereabout_o 3._o whether_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n 4._o whether_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n be_v absolute_o covenant_v albeit_o he_o shall_v remain_v obstinate_a in_o his_o tyranny_n and_o in_o other_o unnatural_a capital_a crime_n unto_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v temporal_a death_n 5._o whether_o the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o parliament_n unto_o which_o other_o be_v subservient_n be_v not_o that_o above_o forty_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o act_v free_o in_o the_o house_n do_v continue_v the_o being_n of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o house_n of_o commons_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o parliamentary_a supreme_a power_n finis_fw-la