certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
apt_a to_o be_v advance_v then_o by_o peace_n wherein_o although_o reason_n may_v easy_o conclude_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o certain_o guide_v if_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o precept_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n here_o propose_v and_o try_v whether_o they_o do_v suggest_v or_o intimate_v any_o thing_n towards_o such_o a_o war_n if_o they_o do_v not_o or_o if_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o take_v this_o course_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rectification_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v this_o war_n to_o which_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o contribute_v by_o who_o and_o against_o who_o it_o be_v undertake_v where_o if_o the_o conscience_n find_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o undertake_n it_o can_v lawful_o consent_v or_o assist_v viz._n if_o it_o be_v no_o way_n lawful_a for_o such_o as_o we_o be_v move_v to_o join_v with_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v swear_v to_o oppose_v if_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o first_o undertake_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o procure_v a_o just_a peace_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o conjuncture_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o undertake_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o war_n and_o if_o peace_n with_o truth_n may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v establish_v without_o it_o much_o more_o if_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v find_v opposite_a the_o conscience_n can_v without_o sin_n assent_n to_o this_o war_n here_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o several_a proposition_n motion_n overture_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v by_o both_o party_n and_o according_a to_o they_o to_o judge_v the_o happiness_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o or_o what_o this_o action_n of_o we_o will_v contribute_v towards_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o discover_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o honour_n and_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n beside_o that_o the_o manager_n of_o this_o party_n with_o who_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o join_v have_v never_o particular_o declare_v the_o way_n how_o these_o end_n shall_v be_v or_o be_v advance_v by_o their_o war_n although_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o most_o common_a expression_n the_o safe_a way_n at_o least_o the_o most_o natural_a for_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o raise_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v upon_o what_o have_v precede_v since_o these_o undertaking_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n where_o it_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o his_o honour_n or_o contumely_n have_v be_v increase_v by_o and_o since_o these_o war_n and_o so_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n consider_v whether_o if_o these_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o same_o design_n with_o those_o who_o give_v he_o battle_n at_o edge-hill_n newberry_n etc._n etc._n what_o those_o design_n make_v towards_o the_o happiness_n of_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o the_o scot_n to_o who_o assistance_n especial_o we_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v shall_v not_o hereby_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v and_o prevail_v what_o will_v our_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n advance_v the_o public_a liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n according_a to_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o enjoiner_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o they_o shall_v consider_v how_o that_o can_v conduce_v to_o our_o liberty_n unless_o thereby_o be_v mean_v freedom_n from_o our_o ancient_a law_n and_o from_o the_o settle_a happy_a government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whilst_o we_o may_v fear_v to_o be_v put_v under_o uncertain_a new_a one_o second_o safety_n whether_o the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n do_v not_o outweigh_v or_o equalise_v the_o hope_n of_o safety_n three_o peace_n whether_o this_o be_v the_o only_a the_o likely_a or_o indeed_o any_o probable_a mean_n of_o procure_v peace_n see_v there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n obvious_a by_o which_o this_o course_n shall_v procure_v it_o viz._n victory_n or_o reduce_v the_o king_n to_o yield_v to_o their_o desire_n here_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v ground_v upon_o this_o whether_o the_o king_n be_v no_o way_n but_o by_o force_n inclinable_a to_o a_o just_a peace_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o former_a immediate_o precede_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o reckon_v up_o who_o and_o of_o what_o sort_n be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n to_o which_o we_o have_v subscribe_v and_o what_o party_n in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v open_o profess_v for_o it_o have_v equal_o declare_v against_o all_o sort_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o which_o be_v not_o and_o according_o etc._n etc._n whereof_o the_o deploreable_a estate_n of_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n consider_v whether_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v both_o in_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o it_o to_o the_o king_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o papist_n stir_v up_o by_o those_o who_o they_o say_v have_v declare_v a_o intention_n of_o their_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o second_o where_o afterward_o the_o impediment_n of_o succour_n to_o those_o of_o our_o religion_n lay_v the_o distress_a estate_n of_o england_n whether_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n be_v distress_v by_o the_o king_n or_o by_o sectary_n the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o scotland_n wherein_o be_v their_o danger_n after_o all_o thing_n be_v settle_v with_o they_o and_o who_o bring_v they_o into_o that_o danger_n that_o party_n which_o we_o shall_v swear_v against_o or_o themselves_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffer_v this_o which_o be_v here_o diâ—joyned_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o cast_v into_o a_o parenthesis_n be_v indeed_o make_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o put_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o such_o a_o way_n of_o covenant_v etc._n etc._n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v lawful_a so_o that_o if_o these_o mean_n have_v not_o be_v both_o before_o and_o ever_o since_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o design_n sincere_o and_o effectual_o endeavour_v by_o the_o intimation_n of_o this_o introduction_n itself_o this_o course_n be_v not_o warrantable_a and_o there_o be_v other_o principle_n of_o scripture_n and_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v such_o as_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o resist_v with_o arm_n the_o lawful_a power_n by_o god_n set_v over_o we_o now_o whether_o these_o mean_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o use_v it_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o consider_v who_o have_v send_v the_o message_n for_o treaty_n towards_o peace_n what_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o both_o party_n of_o certainty_n and_o particular_o touch_v religion_n law_n and_o proviso_n for_o tender_a conscience_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o several_a remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n though_o all_o hitherto_o have_v be_v use_v and_o reject_v consider_v if_o the_o overture_n now_o late_o make_v by_o the_o king_n party_n may_v not_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o produce_v peace_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o business_n be_v manage_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o according_a to_o the_o result_v of_o these_o the_o conscience_n must_v conclude_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n the_o religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v ground_v and_o to_o which_o the_o clergy_n have_v subscribe_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n comprise_v in_o the_o liturgy_n article_n book_n of_o ordination_n and_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n confirm_v by_o our_o 35._o article_n consider_v whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o mean_n order_v in_o reason_n to_o preserve_v these_o from_o ruin_n according_a to_o the_o commondable_a practice_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o kingdom_n have_v do_v so_o that_o can_v resolve_v the_o conscience_n but_o consider_v whether_o ever_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o like_a war_n be_v commence_v if_o any_o one_o have_v be_v propound_v the_o conscience_n will_v the_o more_o easy_o
our_o church-government_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v in_o aggregate_n whether_o may_v this_o oath_n be_v take_v have_v they_o also_o be_v include_v last_o be_v not_o their_o practice_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o covenant_n shall_v be_v take_v a_o trâ—â—_z add_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speak_v or_o understand_v such_o speech_n evidence_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v take_v this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n unless_o we_o will_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o swear_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o direct_o contradict_v the_o oath_n of_o their_o sovereign_n at_o his_o coronation_n as_o this_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n for_o that_o our_o sovereign_n have_v take_v as_o contradictory_a oath_n be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o the_o king_n of_o england_n take_v at_o their_o coronation_n when_o after_o many_o other_o gracious_a promise_n which_o the_o king_n make_v to_o his_o people_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n read_v to_o the_o king_n before_o the_o people_n concerning_o the_o canonical_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n under_o their_o government_n the_o king_n answer_v in_o these_o word_n with_o a_o willing_a and_o devout_a heart_n i_o promise_v and_o grant_v my_o pardon_n and_o that_o i_o will_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v to_o you_o and_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o your_o charge_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o due_a law_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o i_o will_v be_v your_o protector_n and_o defender_n to_o my_o power_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n as_o every_o good_a king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n in_o right_a aught_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n under_o their_o government_n then_o the_o king_n arise_v and_o at_o the_o communion_n table_n make_v a_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n to_o observe_v the_o premise_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o book_n say_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v before_o promise_v i_o shall_v perform_v and_o keep_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n how_o can_v this_o oath_n then_o for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n or_o honour_n of_o our_o sovereign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o solemn_o protest_v to_o defend_v in_o the_o late_a protestation_n how_o can_v we_o with_o a_o solemn_a oath_n enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n to_o which_o we_o may_v neither_o swear_v without_o our_o sovereign_n consent_n nor_o yet_o can_v lawful_o desire_v nor_o have_v his_o consent_n how_o sad_a be_v our_o condition_n be_v the_o king_n willing_a of_o himself_o to_o violate_v this_o oath_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v to_o answer_v shall_v we_o by_o take_v such_o a_o covenant_n this_o way_n necessitate_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o violate_v his_o oath_n so_o solemn_o swear_v at_o his_o inauguration_n second_o that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o divine_a law_n all_o those_o argument_n and_o authority_n convince_v which_o prove_v that_o bishop_n be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o unalterable_a and_o consequent_o divine_a which_o we_o shall_v unfold_v in_o these_o proposition_n first_o that_o their_o institution_n stand_v ground_v upon_o our_o saviour_n own_o action_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o apostle_n appoint_v bishop_n three_o that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n afterward_o confirm_v and_o approve_a bishop_n and_o their_o commission_n and_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v their_o institution_n be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n own_o institute_v and_o ordain_v twelve_o apostle_n above_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o say_v to_o these_o his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o a_o locum_fw-la st._n joh._n 20._o 21._o as_o in_o other_o end_n of_o his_o mission_n so_o how_o not_o in_o this_o which_o we_o know_v they_o do_v according_a to_o his_o pattern_n as_o he_o be_v send_v by_o his_o father_n therefore_o to_o ordain_v one_o order_n of_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n superior_a to_o another_o which_o we_o know_v because_o he_o do_v so_o ordain_v so_o also_o send_v he_o his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v which_o according_o they_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v by_o christ_n example_n therein_o they_o do_v by_o his_o commission_n here_o 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apostolical_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o their_o institution_n part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v make_v good_a in_o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o the_o word_n be_v now_o take_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o those_o two_o famous_a church-governor_n timothy_n and_o titus_n particular_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o take_v contradistinct_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n in_o these_o text_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2._o tim._n 1._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 11._o tit._n 3._o 9_o 10_o and_o some_o other_o and_o these_o text_n thus_o interpret_v by_o antiquity_n d_o locum_fw-la and_o as_o the_o office_n prescribe_v there_o be_v episcopal_a so_o these_o two_o appoint_v to_o this_o prescribe_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n by_o st._n paul_n himself_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 5._o yea_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v chrysost._n theophyl_n oecumenius_n by_o divine_a revelation_n say_v theodoret_n of_o timothy_n and_o that_o these_o two_o be_v bishop_n according_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n now_o use_v ancient_a father_n plentiful_o witness_v b_o tit._n moreover_o this_o superiority_n to_o office_n episcopal_a to_o have_v be_v fix_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o church-history_n so_o also_o from_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 14._o where_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v the_o same_o with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la the_o beginning_n of_o the_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 18._o and_o include_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a charge_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n in_o this_o epistle_n c_o scribo_fw-la from_o which_o text_n also_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o his_o office_n prescribe_v be_v not_o personal_a only_o but_o to_o descend_v by_o succession_n unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n d_o 6._o three_o this_o office_n and_o power_n episcopal_a that_o it_o be_v afterward_o approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v be_v prove_v from_o revel._n c._n 1._o and_o 2._o and_o 3._o where_o by_o the_o seven_o star_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o all_o reason_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n e_o note_n be_v seven_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n understand_v which_o ecclesiastical_a story_n mention_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o this_o time_n as_o so_o many_o angel_n and_o apostle_n f_o sympronian_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v polycarp_n the_o angel_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n make_v bishop_n of_o that_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o thirteen_o
we_o contrary_a to_o our_o conscience_n so_o inform_v which_o be_v impossible_a what_o if_o as_o now_o the_o king_n so_o future_a parliament_n disallow_v this_o covenant_n and_o oppose_v it_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v therein_o and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o so_o continue_v against_o all_o opposition_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v contradict_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v now_o impose_v upon_o we_o three_o where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o never_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n whether_o by_o the_o contrary_a part_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v all_o that_o be_v against_o this_o covenant_n if_o so_o will_v not_o these_o word_n follow_v against_o all_o opposition_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o include_v his_o majesty_n opposition_n and_o then_o as_o we_o have_v say_v we_o be_v in_o the_o close_a impliedly_o suppose_v that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v any_o part_n whatsoever_o of_o the_o contrary_a part_n oppose_v itself_o which_o since_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o except_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n how_o will_v this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 5_o h._n 4._o 25_o edw._n 3_o second_o how_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 13._o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v the_o high_a power_n shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n and_o in_o case_n of_o contrary_a conflict_n of_o these_o high_a power_n among_o themselves_o from_o the_o reason_n include_v in_o the_o object_n the_o damnation_n will_v be_v without_o repentance_n to_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o high_a and_o among_o the_o high_a power_n if_o st._n peter_n may_v interpret_v st._n paul_n the_o king_n be_v supreme_a and_o all_o other_o governor_n be_v send_v by_o he_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 14._o a_o possunt_fw-la for_o ourselves_o therefore_o if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v use_v the_o sword_n commit_v to_o he_o unjust_o we_o must_v take_v up_o st._n ambrose_n word_n conc._n 1._o contra_fw-la auxentium_fw-la dolere_fw-la potero_fw-la flere_fw-la potero_fw-la potero_fw-la gemere_fw-la adversus_fw-la arma_fw-la milites_fw-la gothos_fw-la quoque_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la miae_fw-la arma_fw-la sunt_fw-la talia_fw-la sunt_fw-la munimenta_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la aliter_fw-la nec_fw-la debâ—o_fw-la nec_fw-la possumresistere_fw-la four_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o this_o land_n forbid_v we_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n to_o enter_v a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o join_v in_o this_o covenant_n since_o we_o be_v require_v here_o not_o only_o to_o join_v with_o one_o another_o but_o with_o the_o scot_n also_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n to_o who_o if_o by_o a_o law_n of_o their_o land_n all_o such_o covenant_n and_o league_n be_v forbid_v as_o seditious_a we_o if_o we_o know_o covenant_v to_o assist_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o such_o a_o league_n contract_n to_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n of_o sedition_n now_o to_o the_o scot_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n hold_v at_o linlithgow_n anno_fw-la 1585._o be_v forbid_v all_o league_n or_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n which_o be_v make_v without_o the_o privity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v hold_v and_o execute_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o unquietness_n this_o we_o read_v object_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdeen_n but_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o satisfy_a answer_n make_v thereunto_o five_o whether_o will_v not_o man_n think_v themselves_o bind_v by_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n to_o continue_v so_o far_o zealous_o unite_v against_o the_o contrary_a part_n as_o to_o reject_v all_o overture_n of_o accommodation_n and_o reconciliation_n till_o they_o be_v suppress_v or_o overcome_v and_o so_o our_o wound_n become_v incurcable_a six_o this_o covenant_n as_o we_o conceive_v under_o correction_n can_v be_v wise_o take_v by_o any_o man_n affect_v to_o this_o cause_n for_o shall_v they_o not_o here_o swear_v never_o to_o yield_v themselves_o though_o debel_v and_o unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o common_a enemy_n viz._n the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n nor_o ever_o to_o lay_v down_o arm_n or_o cease_v active_a resistance_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v the_o foresay_a contrary_a part_n power_n of_o conquest_n and_o consequent_o ius_fw-la victory_n shall_v they_o not_o bind_v themselves_o by_o this_o covenant_n never_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n will_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o so_o exclude_v all_o christian_a patience_n and_o suffering_n in_o affliction_n and_o tie_v themselves_o though_o unable_a active_o to_o resist_v plot_n disturb_v and_o overthrow_v all_o such_o who_o shall_v so_o have_v power_n over_o they_o hereafter_o all_o such_o governor_n and_o government_n which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o least_o to_o place_n over_o they_o which_o thing_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n reason_n and_o nation_n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o conclusion_n concl._n suggest_v we_o have_v also_o consider_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o necessary_a humble_n of_o ourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n though_o in_o a_o public_a set_a form_n and_o prescribe_v such_o as_o we_o conceive_v this_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 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answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o trust_v our_o just_a refusal_n will_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a interpret_v even_o by_o the_o imposer_n themselves_o than_o those_o man_n detestable_a hypocrisy_n who_o enter_v this_o league_n and_o make_v this_o oath_n with_o mental_a reservation_n other_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o may_v and_o save_v all_o former_a oath_n yet_o other_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n or_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preacher_n scandalize_v thus_o our_o christian_a and_o reform_a religion_n with_o jesuitical_a mental_a reservation_n reserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o their_o word_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o signify_v our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o imposer_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n sufficient_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o indeed_o mentem_fw-la injuratam_fw-la gerunt_fw-la reserve_v this_o popery_n in_o thus_o swear_v while_o they_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v popery_n we_o profess_v to_o know_v no_o other_o legitimate_a sense_n of_o our_o oath_n but_o mens_fw-la deferentis_fw-la a_o alipium_fw-la and_o that_o declare_v before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n not_o in_o a_o post-declaration_n and_o the_o grammatical_a common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n without_o limitation_n other_o then_o what_o be_v express_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o st._n augustin_n juramentum_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la pressum_fw-la and_o expressum_fw-la by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v how_o also_o can_v any_o lawful_o take_v a_o oath_n the_o matter_n whereof_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o far_o as_o lawfally_o he_o may_v be_v we_o not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v may_v we_o swear_v to_o lie_v steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v be_v it_o more_o sinful_a to_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o
so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v then_o so_o to_o swear_v it_o he_o that_o so_o swear_v swear_v with_o judgement_n against_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o unrighteousness_n without_o truth_n and_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v three_o to_o swear_v save_v all_o former_a oath_n to_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o former_a lawful_a oath_n be_v to_o delude_v both_o our_o former_a and_o present_a oath_n to_o warrant_v that_o we_o may_v without_o scandal_n abjure_v in_o word_n not_o in_o heart_n what_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v because_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v and_o never_o to_o abjure_v it_o to_o make_v vain_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n the_o wholesome_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n and_o particular_o to_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a covenant_n if_o the_o taker_n intend_v not_o what_o the_o oath_n intendâ—_z and_o may_v also_o hereafter_o 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express_v that_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o satisfy_n of_o such_o scruple_n as_o may_v arise_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v it_o can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n either_o so_o much_o licence_n to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n with_o strictness_n and_o severity_n or_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o examination_n see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o end_n of_o write_v which_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o discourse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o outward_a encouragement_n to_o the_o conscience_n towards_o satisfaction_n as_o when_o it_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v examine_v a_o exhortation_n and_o a_o defence_n the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v be_v choose_v the_o work_n appoint_v and_o after_o the_o performance_n twice_o public_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o last_o order_v to_o be_v publish_v by_o they_o who_o be_v the_o manager_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o exhortation_n and_o defence_n be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v the_o declare_a end_n and_o those_o the_o author_n it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o man_n towards_o the_o cause_n itself_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o clear_a and_o firm_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o enforce_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o those_o they_o have_v here_o express_v and_o consequent_o if_o upon_o just_a examination_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n they_o may_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o their_o endeavour_n persist_v in_o their_o opinion_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v a_o degree_n of_o adhesion_n to_o it_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o will_v infer_v be_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o general_a end_n of_o that_o as_o express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o declaration_n which_o concern_v the_o same_o be_v in_o our_o call_n the_o assistance_n of_o those_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o a_o word_n to_o assist_v or_o comply_v with_o those_o english_a and_o scottish_a force_n against_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scruple_n by_o they_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v remove_v that_o their_o argument_n to_o that_o end_n may_v be_v effectual_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o end_n that_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v have_v be_v clear_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o consider_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o strong_a and_o not_o doubt_v presumption_n and_o supposal_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v defend_v though_o it_o may_v produce_v a_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v though_o not_o so_o strong_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o in_o reason_n be_v repute_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o scruple_n from_o a_o rational_a adversary_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o itself_o for_o a_o true_a and_o thorough_a resolution_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o their_o discourse_n be_v imperfect_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v err_v in_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a and_o esteem_v of_o the_o adverse_a party_n as_o of_o people_n bewitch_v and_o besot_v hoodwink_v and_o blind_v etc._n etc._n nay_o as_o the_o dregs_o and_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o affirm_v the_o name_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o be_v captivate_v and_o prostitute_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o such_o man_n and_o in_o set_v in_o opposition_n the_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o land_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o case_n may_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v without_o any_o great_a damage_n be_v omit_v in_o a_o discourse_n make_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o will_v concern_v the_o conscience_n however_o impartial_o to_o set_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o present_a question_n and_o then_o to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o exhortation_n upon_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n will_v natural_o follow_v to_o propound_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n impartial_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v make_v
up_o of_o truth_n confess_v and_o undeniable_a 1._o scot_n and_o english_a be_v subject_n to_o the_o king_n 2._o of_o the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n the_o professor_n whereof_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o fundamental_n 3._o their_o join_n in_o arm_n as_o be_v allege_v be_v for_o the_o vindication_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o religiâ—n_n liberty_n and_o law_n 4._o against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n 5._o by_o these_o be_v mean_v the_o soldier_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n on_o the_o other_o side_n 1._o the_o king_n be_v our_o lawful_a sovereign_n 2._o of_o the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n 3._o he_o have_v protest_v and_o engage_v himself_o with_o all_o solemnity_n as_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o parliament_n 4._o that_o he_o have_v send_v many_o message_n for_o treaty_n towards_o peace_n both_o 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may_v judge_v of_o his_o proceed_n in_o it_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o be_v here_o express_v the_o next_o labour_n for_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v whether_o any_o argument_n in_o this_o exhortation_n upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o all_o be_v truth_n in_o themselves_o do_v infer_v a_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n to_o covenant_n in_o our_o case_n all_o thing_n consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o may_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o composer_n of_o it_o whosoever_o they_o be_v in_o particular_a and_o to_o procure_v a_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o action_n wherein_o they_o may_v possible_o see_v that_o they_o have_v not_o either_o in_o their_o own_o action_n or_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o other_o proceed_v so_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o although_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o exhortation_n any_o one_o argument_n which_o the_o assembly_n itself_o will_v undertake_v so_o to_o contrive_v as_o that_o it_o shall_v conclude_v for_o a_o necessity_n or_o a_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v such_o a_o covenant_n in_o such_o a_o case_n all_o thing_n consider_v and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a business_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n for_o vindication_n of_o ourselves_o from_o sottishness_n etc._n etc._n be_v already_o do_v yet_o that_o it_o may_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o prejudice_n or_o error_n appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o a_o presumption_n as_o we_o have_v except_v against_o in_o they_o we_o will_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v examine_v their_o whole_a discourse_n and_o evident_o unless_o indeed_o we_o be_v bewitch_v to_o think_v so_o discover_v what_o be_v untrue_a or_o uncertain_a if_o any_o thing_n of_o those_o kind_n shall_v occur_v and_o what_o be_v insufficient_a in_o their_o exhortation_n after_o we_o have_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n premise_v that_o we_o will_v not_o all_o answer_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v as_o we_o hope_v prevail_v against_o those_o affection_n which_o may_v have_v arise_v upon_o those_o expression_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o though_o with_o far_o great_a difficulty_n against_o that_o indignation_n which_o follow_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o not_o so_o very_o reverent_a expression_n and_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v our_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o a_o just_a and_o mere_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v see_v in_o they_o that_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n however_o they_o be_v excellent_a affection_n in_o those_o who_o be_v sufficient_o ground_v in_o a_o unfallible_a truth_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o no_o measure_n help_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n or_o a_o removal_n of_o scruple_n in_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o consist_v of_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n of_o scruple_n and_o be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o a_o introduction_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n as_o for_o the_o introduction_n it_o contain_v a_o collection_n of_o many_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o composer_n thereof_o presume_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v this_o league_n may_v be_v enforce_v but_o see_v it_o carry_v not_o clear_o in_o itself_o any_o discovery_n of_o the_o consequence_n it_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v premise_v to_o any_o other_o discourse_n than_o such_o as_o in_o the_o process_n shall_v clear_v that_o which_o be_v there_o presume_v and_o see_v the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v no_o way_n order_v to_o a_o clear_n of_o those_o inference_n so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o he_o who_o make_v the_o introduction_n be_v no_o further_o prosecute_v we_o may_v here_o indeed_o observe_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o variance_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n but_o be_v no_o way_n help_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a intention_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o resolution_n of_o our_o scruple_n which_o by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n here_o reckon_v up_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v be_v exceed_o strengthen_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o by_o such_o inference_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v if_o not_o clear_o see_v by_o this_o ensue_a parallel_n if_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n describe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o express_v in_o the_o most_o heroical_a action_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n or_o if_o solid_a reason_n inform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o assist_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o by_o a_o perfect_a information_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o proceed_n of_o our_o present_a misery_n and_o of_o the_o stand_v know_v law_n of_o the_o land_n if_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n and_o piety_n to_o their_o native_a covatry_n or_o love_n to_o themselves_o and_o natural_a affection_n to_o their_o posterity_n if_o the_o example_n of_o man_n touch_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o all_o these_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o clergy_n for_o piety_n and_o learning_n the_o instrument_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v use_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o all_o its_o enemy_n who_o with_o many_o other_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o laity_n have_v cheerful_o and_o constant_o be_v spoil_v of_o their_o good_n and_o suffer_v a_o long_a and_o tedious_a imprisonment_n and_o be_v and_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o present_a cause_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n or_o if_o extraordinary_a success_n from_o god_n thereupon_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v his_o majesty_n from_o a_o state_n of_o despise_a weakness_n to_o a_o power_n able_a to_o resist_v and_o probable_o able_a to_o debell_v all_o the_o force_n which_o his_o enemy_n of_o three_o kingdom_n can_v procure_v if_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o can_v awaken_v a_o nation_n hitherto_o stupefy_v and_o blind_v and_o thereupon_o imbroil_v in_o the_o misery_n which_o have_v attend_v upon_o this_o war_n to_o see_v and_o embrace_v the_o sovereign_a and_o only_a mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o fear_n that_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o those_o who_o have_v lift_v up_o under_o what_o pretence_n soever_o their_o hand_n against_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o former_a disobedience_n endeavour_v to_o reduce_v their_o brethren_n to_o a_o labour_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o pardon_n from_o his_o majesty_n at_o least_o to_o
scotland_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n moreover_o in_o that_o we_o protest_v absolute_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n according_a to_o our_o allegiance_n which_o here_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o swear_v to_o to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o only_o to_o defend_v one_o another_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v which_o here_o be_v omit_v many_o other_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v if_o yet_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o this_o which_o be_v not_o in_o that_o or_o nothing_o of_o moment_n which_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n if_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n at_o all_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o desire_v with_o leave_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o renew_v that_o protestation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o excuse_v from_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n after_o the_o proposal_n of_o 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there_o be_v more_o take_v away_o in_o it_o than_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o this_o we_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o declaration_n aug._n 12._o and_o whether_o that_o act_n be_v pen_v with_o that_o wariness_n and_o animadversion_n that_o there_o be_v not_o more_o determine_v by_o it_o than_o the_o major_a part_n of_o both_o house_n intend_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o it_o let_v themselves_o judge_v 3._o however_o that_o be_v we_o can_v conceive_v it_o reasonable_a that_o their_o temporal_a lurisdiction_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o as_o be_v suggest_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o intend_v their_o spiritual_a and_o then_o a_o argument_n make_v to_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o their_o government_n also_o because_o the_o former_a be_v already_o part_v from_o they_o three_o that_o their_o whole_a government_n be_v at_o best_o but_o a_o human_a constitution_n if_o there_o be_v no_o fallacy_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o whole_a be_v take_v material_o as_o it_o include_v each_o several_a part_n and_o not_o formal_o only_a and_o then_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o government_n so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v at_o least_o of_o apostolical_a constitution_n as_o be_v prove_v in_o our_o reason_n against_o the_o second_o article_n and_o consequent_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v take_v away_o four_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o a_o great_a hindrance_n also_o to_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n yea_o who_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v the_o danger_n and_o if_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o parliament_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o 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which_o we_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n enjoy_v have_v be_v bishop_n some_o of_o which_o be_v martyr_n as_o bishop_n cranmer_n ridley_n hooper_n latimer_n ferrer_n jewel_n bilson_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v see_v to_o what_o reformation_n episcopacy_n can_v be_v a_o hindrance_n unless_o to_o such_o a_o form_n as_o suppose_v that_o episcopacy_n must_v be_v extirpate_v which_o move_v the_o well-affected_a throughout_o this_o kingdom_n long_o since_o to_o petition_v this_o parliament_n as_o have_v be_v desire_v before_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n for_o a_o total_a abolition_n of_o the_o same_o in_o this_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o proof_n the_o four_o argument_n see_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o who_o have_v petition_v for_o the_o abolition_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v and_o have_v be_v well_o affect_v for_o a_o judgement_n of_o that_o we_o do_v only_o represent_v that_o the_o same_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o renown_a prince_n by_o 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