bind_v to_o keep_v it_o the_o most_o therefore_o of_o dr._n featly_n and_o the_o oxford_n reason_n against_o the_o covenant_n signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a case_n dr._n gawden_n late_a argument_n signify_v as_o little_a many_o of_o they_o be_v considerable_a before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o argue_v insufficient_o for_o the_o violation_n or_o irritation_n of_o it_o but_o as_o to_o that_o point_n be_v clear_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d §_o 10._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o the_o eminent_o learned_a and_o reverend_a dr._n sanderson_n and_o all_o casuist_n that_o a_o oath_n may_v be_v unlawful_a respectu_fw-la rei_fw-la juratae_fw-la 14._o de_fw-fr jur._n prom_o prael_n 2._o sect._n 14._o or_o respectu_fw-la actus_fw-la jurandi_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o the_o thing_n swear_v i._n e._n the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n of_o swear_v what_o oath_n soever_o a_o man_n take_v unlawful_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n do_v not_o oblige_v but_o a_o oath_n unlawful_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n when_o once_o take_v do_v oblige_v our_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v the_o covenant_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v of_o it_o by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o seal_v up_o their_o soul_n to_o damnation_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n to_o a_o reproach_n before_o the_o world_n for_o perjurii_fw-la poena_fw-la divina_fw-la est_fw-la exitium_fw-la humana_fw-la dedecus_fw-la say_v tully_n §_o 11._o dr._n gawden_n and_o one_o mr._n rowland_n have_v express_o speak_v or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o speak_v to_o the_o true_a question_n but_o with_o what_o success_n the_o first_o have_v do_v it_o will_v be_v discern_v by_o that_o excellent_a answer_n which_o mr._n crofton_n have_v give_v he_o which_o may_v have_v supersede_v any_o further_a pain_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o add_v something_o to_o some_o plea_n make_v or_o further_o improve_v by_o other_o and_o to_o second_o mr._n crofton_n with_o the_o suffrage_n of_o casuist_n and_o especial_o of_o dr._n sanderson_n in_o the_o case_n and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o judge_v he_o not_o worthy_a our_o notice_n §_o 12._o it_o be_v augustine_n opinion_n that_o although_o pelagius_n be_v full_o answer_v yet_o every_o one_o shall_v write_v against_o such_o a_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o bring_v soul_n under_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o swear_v false_o be_v such_o common_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n yea_o to_o mankind_n a_o oath_n be_v the_o common_a security_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o invalidate_v it_o have_v their_o hand_n against_o all_o man_n deserve_v to_o have_v all_o man_n hand_n against_o they_o as_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o man_n §_o 13._o we_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o late_a famous_a sovereign_n ch._n the_o first_o a_o man_n of_o much_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v continual_o suggest_v that_o the_o covenant_a party_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v the_o causer_n of_o they_o though_o indeed_o some_o of_o the_o prelate_n be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n by_o exasperate_a his_o subject_n by_o their_o illegal_a and_o enormous_a action_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o suffering_n he_o be_v find_v thus_o speak_v in_o his_o meditation_n upon_o the_o covenant_n as_o thing_n now_o stand_v 86._o 〈…〉_o pag_n 86._o good_a man_n shall_v least_o offend_v god_n or_o i_o by_o keep_v their_o covenant_n in_o good_a and_o lawful_a way_n since_o i_o have_v the_o charity_n to_o think_v that_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o such_o man_n intention_n be_v to_o preserve_v religion_n in_o purity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n §_o 14._o by_o which_o expression_n not_o only_o your_o honour_n and_o all_o sober_a man_n may_v judge_v what_o a_o insufficient_a plea_n in_o conscience_n they_o bring_v to_o absolve_v we_o from_o the_o covenant_n who_o plead_v his_o majesty_n dissent_n at_o first_o declare_v and_o afterward_o continue_v as_o to_o the_o impose_v of_o it_o upon_o other_o but_o you_o may_v also_o discern_v that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n have_v more_o charity_n for_o those_o of_o your_o honour_n who_o take_v that_o covenant_n than_o our_o late_a absolver_n have_v who_o can_v see_v no_o end_n in_o the_o give_n or_o take_v of_o it_o but_o faction_n and_o rebellion_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o as_o also_o that_o his_o majesty_n have_v more_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v destroy_v by_o perjury_n than_o some_o late_a casuist_n who_o proper_a office_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o watch_v over_o soul_n the_o lord_n lie_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n §_o 15._o but_o right_a honourable_a above_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o talk_v there_o be_v nothing_o consider_v as_o a_o reproach_n more_o intolerable_a unto_o we_o or_o consider_v as_o a_o argument_n more_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o that_o shall_v hear_v of_o it_o than_o what_o they_o urge_v in_o order_n to_o the_o absolution_n of_o their_o credulous_a proselyte_n from_o the_o high_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o we_o so_o horrid_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n etc._n etc._n §_o 16._o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o exile_n be_v please_v in_o his_o instruction_n to_o he_o who_o be_v now_o lord_n chancellor_n when_o he_o be_v send_v ambassador_n for_o he_o into_o spain_n to_o do_v the_o nation_n of_o england_n that_o justice_n as_o to_o declare_v those_o action_n 〈◊〉_d action_n only_o of_o a_o inconsiderable_a faction_n of_o miscreant_n and_o your_o honour_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n in_o it_o as_o likewise_o in_o your_o first_o 〈◊〉_d to_o his_o majesty_n to_o declare_v that_o if_o the_o parliament_n the_o covenant-imposing_a parliament_n have_v not_o be_v break_v by_o a_o mutinous_a army_n those_o thing_n can_v never_o have_v be_v do_v our_o brethren_n know_v that_o divers_a of_o those_o who_o take_v the_o covenant_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n unto_o death_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o violater_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o for_o their_o adherence_n to_o it_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v break_v up_o 200_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o be_v seclude_v that_o of_o those_o who_o remain_v the_o number_n be_v very_o few_o that_o consent_v to_o those_o horrid_a action_n that_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n offer_v their_o life_n and_o liberty_n in_o that_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o england_n open_o declare_v against_o it_o to_o that_o height_n which_o cause_v the_o ruin_n of_o some_o of_o they_o &_o make_v their_o whole_a party_n odious_a to_o the_o usurper_n and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v never_o own_v or_o trust_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o great_a want_n of_o truth_n and_o charity_n in_o our_o brethren_n to_o charge_v those_o thing_n so_o general_o upon_o the_o covenant_a party_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o we_o humble_o conceive_v have_v do_v more_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n relate_v to_o his_o majesty_n concernment_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v plead_v on_o their_o behalf_n than_o any_o of_o those_o do_v who_o now_o be_v so_o free_a to_o lay_v these_o thing_n to_o their_o charge_n §_o 17._o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a divinity_n to_o we_o that_o if_o five_o hundred_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o five_o of_o they_o violate_v it_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o disproportion_n be_v far_o great_a betwixt_o those_o who_o take_v that_o covenant_n and_o those_o who_o so_o violate_v it_o both_z as_o to_o their_o number_n and_o quality_n §_o 18._o the_o oath_n of_o god_n right_a honourable_a be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o be_v afraid_a because_o of_o it_o we_o have_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n if_o this_o oath_n be_v obligatory_a we_o can_v break_v it_o without_o the_o high_a presumption_n of_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v sufferer_n under_o the_o old_a constitution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n in_o england_n if_o it_o be_v restore_v we_o know_v your_o honour_n will_v be_v tender_a of_o enforce_v any_o to_o suffer_v for_o
conscience_n sake_n and_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v that_o you_o will_v weigh_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o slighty_a and_o atheological_a plea_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o covenant_n void_a and_o not_o obligatory_a what_o they_o say_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v against_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a casuist_n and_o we_o believe_v will_v so_o appear_v to_o you_o §_o 19_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o great_a congregation_n of_o england_n right_o honourable_a i._n e._n the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n be_v those_o who_o swear_v and_o who_o engage_v we_o to_o swear_v if_o our_o adversary_n may_v be_v believe_v the_o design_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v to_o engage_v the_o scot_n in_o the_o parliament_n quarrel_n his_o majesty_n then_o live_v as_o we_o say_v before_o have_v more_o charitable_a thought_n sure_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mutual_a stipulation_n between_o the_o scot_n and_o we_o casuist_n say_v that_o my_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v my_o heir_n which_o be_v true_a in_o some_o case_n but_o they_o as_o general_o agree_v the_o real_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o swear_v for_o their_o advantage_n we_o be_v sure_a the_o jew_n which_o be_v punish_v with_o three_o year_n famine_n in_o saul_n time_n be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v personal_o swear_v to_o the_o gibeonite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshuah_n yet_o god_n revenge_v their_o breach_n of_o their_o father_n oath_n upon_o they_o it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o your_o honour_n consideration_n whether_o the_o obligation_n contract_v by_o oath_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n 1643_o 1644._o do_v not_o bind_v the_o noble_a lord_n with_o yourselves_o who_o this_o day_n make_v up_o those_o honourable_a assembly_n though_o personal_o you_o never_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o §_o 20._o however_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o your_o honour_n will_v be_v so_o jealous_a for_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n so_o tender_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n in_o these_o nation_n engage_v in_o that_o sacred_a bond_n and_o so_o afraid_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n against_o those_o who_o have_v make_v other_o sufferer_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o so_o careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o you_o will_v not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o you_o contribute_v to_o any_o of_o these_o end_n which_o will_v all_o be_v the_o certain_a consequent_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o that_o sacred_a oath_n §_o 21._o for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o your_o honour_n authority_n establish_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o oath_n will_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o break_v that_o sacred_a bond_n so_o it_o can_v as_o little_o be_v think_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v many_o thousand_o in_o england_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o nothing_o can_v discharge_v their_o conscience_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o go_v cheerful_o into_o the_o prison_n which_o shall_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o and_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n by_o such_o a_o presumptuous_a transgression_n §_o 22._o beside_o this_o we_o most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o honour_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v restore_v have_v upon_o former_a experience_n prove_v or_o may_v probable_o be_v judge_v like_o to_o prove_v of_o such_o advantage_n either_o to_o the_o civil_a or_o religious_a interest_n of_o england_n as_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o lay_v aside_o so_o many_o hundred_o if_o not_o thousand_o of_o godly_a minister_n and_o the_o suffering_n and_o undo_n of_o so_o many_o peaceable_a and_o godly_a people_n as_o will_v be_v lay_v a_o side_n and_o make_v sufferer_n by_o the_o restore_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n to_o their_o form_n state_n after_o a_o oath_n take_v to_o the_o contrary_n §_o 23._o many_o of_o your_o honour_n we_o know_v have_v not_o yet_o forget_v how_o many_o hard_a thing_n be_v suffer_v in_o former_a time_n by_o many_o godly_a people_n in_o this_o nation_n because_o in_o conscience_n they_o can_v not_o submit_v to_o these_o thing_n how_o many_o of_o the_o king_n subject_n be_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o nation_n drive_v into_o foreign_a land_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n how_o by_o this_o mean_v divers_a mystery_n of_o trade_n of_o manufacture_n in_o which_o the_o wealth_n of_o this_o nation_n much_o lay_v be_v communicate_v to_o other_o people_n all_o which_o thing_n former_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o parliamentary_a consideration_n §_o 24._o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o honour_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o same_o person_n in_o most_o place_n of_o england_n be_v not_o again_o endeavour_v to_o be_v possess_v if_o they_o be_v not_o already_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o power_n and_o whether_o after_o twenty_o year_n suffering_n it_o be_v probable_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o they_o be_v less_o full_a of_o rage_n etc._n let_v enquiry_n be_v make_v at_o oxford_n cambridge_n peterborough_n etc._n etc._n than_o former_o and_o if_o any_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o suffering_n have_v teach_v they_o more_o moderation_n we_o desire_v your_o honour_n will_v inquire_v what_o speciman_n they_o have_v any_o where_o already_o give_v of_o it_o this_o we_o humble_o move_v to_o your_o honour_n that_o you_o may_v represent_v it_o to_o his_o majesty_n who_o royal_a grandfather_n be_v such_o a_o zealous_a defender_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n against_o arminian_o and_o who_o himself_o have_v declare_v such_o a_o zeal_n against_o vicious_a profane_a and_o debauch_a person_n that_o we_o can_v but_o believe_v he_o not_o true_o inform_v either_o concern_v the_o principle_n or_o conversation_n of_o divers_a person_n to_o who_o advantage_n be_v give_v against_o their_o brethren_n §_o 25._o we_o be_v not_o right_o honourable_a against_o the_o use_n of_o a_o unimposed_a lyturgy_n nor_o against_o primitive_a episcopacy_n we_o can_v submit_v to_o both_o we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o covenant_n be_v intend_v against_o either_o of_o these_o but_o we_o be_v against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o archbishop_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o may_v be_v episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la a_o grave_a minister_n precedent_n over_o his_o brethren_n live_v within_o a_o circuit_n proportionate_a to_o his_o ability_n for_o inspection_n and_o that_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v ordinary_o do_v in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o that_o he_o alone_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o either_o we_o utter_o deny_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o archbishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n archdeacon_n we_o be_v against_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n contain_v in_o the_o service-book_n ordinary_a to_o be_v have_v we_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o we_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o book_n for_o that_o purpose_n publish_v make_v evident_a to_o your_o honour_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v lift_v up_o our_o hand_n to_o god_n that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v a_o reformation_n in_o that_o point_n we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v offensive_a in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o godly_a and_o sober_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n not_o to_o be_v justify_v in_o divinity_n we_o be_v not_o against_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o subscribe_v all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o we_o be_v against_o arminianism_n against_o which_o not_o only_o king_n james_n of_o glorious_a memory_n give_v a_o open_a testimony_n but_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n have_v also_o heretofore_o open_o declare_v and_o in_o regard_n the_o patron_n of_o those_o point_n take_v advantage_n of_o some_o doubtful_a term_n in_o those_o article_n as_o patronise_a those_o their_o tenet_n though_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n have_v heretofore_o declare_v their_o detestation_n of_o those_o point_n we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v a_o further_a explanation_n of_o they_o we_o be_v against_o moral_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n cringe_v to_o altar_n etc._n etc._n we_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o scandalous_a and_o unprofitable_a thing_n that_o perish_v with_o the_o use_n but_o also_o
majesty_n choose_v the_o 32_o person_n to_o view_v the_o old_a canon_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o king_n edward_n do_v not_o do_v it_o king_n hen._n 8._o be_v dead_a till_o a_o new_a act_n be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o which_o latter_a act_n k._n edw._n 6._o in_o his_o letter_n patent_n refer_v not_o to_o that_o of_o 25_o hen._n 8._o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o determine_v whether_o a_o king_n confirmation_n of_o canon_n make_v they_o law_n according_a to_o that_o statute_n of_o 25_o hen._n 8._o suppose_v that_o k._n hen._n 8._o his_o heir_n and_o successor_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o statute_n any_o long_a than_o his_o majesty_n person_n live_v who_o so_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o we_o may_v adventure_v the_o violation_n of_o a_o oath_n upon_o it_o that_o we_o have_v this_o day_n any_o canon_n or_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a of_o force_n either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nation_n §_o 24._o but_o admit_v this_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v any_o such_o canon_n as_o this_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o england_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n arch-deacon_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a either_o for_o the_o people_n of_o england_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o place_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n or_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n to_o move_v for_o or_o to_o vote_n the_o alteration_n of_o it_o and_o to_o engage_v people_n against_o it_o by_o a_o oath_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o such_o a_o canon_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v no_o law_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n give_v power_n to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n to_o repeal_v or_o alter_v any_o law_n statute_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o canon_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v aforehand_o declare_v void_a and_o null_a by_o the_o statute_n 25_o hen._n 8._o §_o 25._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v appear_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o plea_n who_o plead_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v null_a and_o void_a because_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o speak_v more_o sense_n or_o truth_n who_o pretend_v it_o be_v void_a because_o contrary_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n §_o 26._o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o former_a discourse_n that_o there_o be_v no_o canon-law_n of_o england_n in_o any_o force_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o compose_n impose_v and_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n the_o question_n only_o lie_v concern_v the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o according_a to_o the_o statute_n 25_o hen._n 8._o must_v give_v all_o the_o obligatory_a virtue_n which_o any_o ecclesiastical_a deliberation_n can_v have_v among_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v usual_o distinguish_v into_o the_o common_a law_n and_o the_o statute_n law_n the_o first_o be_v not_o write_v and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uncertain_a as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o different_a sense_n of_o judge_n in_o their_o book-case_n its_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n which_o have_v be_v retain_v for_o many_o year_n have_v be_v so_o familiarize_v with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o by_o a_o common_a consent_n they_o have_v pass_v and_o do_v pass_v for_o law_n till_o they_o be_v cotrol_v by_o statute_n our_o statute_n law_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o several_a act_n of_o about_o 260_o parliament_n and_o yet_o be_v capable_a of_o daily_a augmentation_n §_o 27._o if_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n mean_v the_o common_a law_n of_o england_n their_o sense_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o by_o the_o constant_a usage_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o england_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n have_v be_v by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n dean_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o oath_n impose_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o legal_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n take_v by_o the_o people_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o ancient_a usage_n be_v void_a and_o null_a yea_o though_o the_o king_n of_o england_n dislike_a the_o first_o impose_v of_o it_o yet_o afterward_o approve_v his_o subject_n take_v of_o it_o and_o himself_o join_v with_o they_o and_o also_o take_v it_o yet_o neither_o will_v this_o evidence_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o law_n for_o in_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n etc._n etc._n the_o law_n which_o must_v be_v contrary_a to_o this_o must_v say_v you_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v etc._n etc._n now_o we_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o england_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o piece_n of_o the_o common_a law_n of_o england_n which_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o a_o legal_a parliament_n or_o to_o the_o people_n of_o england_n concern_v any_o custom_n or_o usage_n in_o the_o english_a nation_n you_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v in_o your_o calling_n and_o place_n the_o extirpation_n and_o alteration_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v the_o statute_n 25_o hen._n 8.21_o do_v control_v it_o declare_v a_o full_a power_n in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n with_o his_o majesty_n consent_n to_o dispense_v abrogate_v null_n diminish_v amplify_v any_o law_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v allege_v §_o 28._o so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o contrariety_n to_o the_o common_a law_n here_o be_v only_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n by_o his_o majesty_n writ_n legal_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n among_o we_o according_a to_o a_o long_a usage_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n viz._n from_o about_o the_o year_n 600._o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hen._n 8._o and_o since_o that_o time_n after_o some_o regulation_n of_o it_o by_o statute_n be_v upon_o experience_n find_v at_o least_o very_a disconvenient_a to_o the_o reform_a state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o and_o have_v power_n in_o they_o with_o the_o king_n consent_n to_o be_v afterward_o have_v to_o abrogate_v null_n diminish_v or_o amplify_v any_o english_a law_n usage_n etc._n etc._n agree_v to_o extirpate_v this_o usage_n and_o swear_v and_o cause_v the_o people_n of_o england_n to_o swear_v with_o they_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o calling_n and_o place_n endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o whether_o the_o king_n please_v to_o consent_n or_o no_o certain_o they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o place_n to_o endeavour_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o covenant_n engage_v no_o further_o we_o can_v understand_v any_o contrariety_n in_o this_o to_o the_o common_a law_n of_o england_n §_o 29._o for_o the_o statute-law_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o the_o statute-law_n which_o must_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n must_v speak_v to_o this_o effect_n the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n upon_o a_o legal_a summons_n shall_v not_o swear_v themselves_o nor_o make_v other_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n i._n e._n the_o church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n where_o to_o find_v such_o a_o law_n we_o can_v tell_v no_o nor_o yet_o such_o a_o statute_n as_o positive_o determine_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a we_o often_o in_o the_o statute_n meet_v with_o these_o name_n and_o we_o find_v the_o statute_n suppose_v they_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o king_n of_o england_n former_o found_v this_o church_n in_o prelacy_n what_o kind_n of_o prelacy_n and_o with_o what_o circumstance_n they_o say_v not_o but_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o other_o save_o this_o implicit_a establishment_n by_o any_o statute_n law_n and_o we_o further_o believe_v that_o the_o spiritual_a lord_n before_o the_o time_n of_o k._n hen._n the_o 8_o will_v have_v take_v it_o in_o foul_a scorn_n that_o any_o secular_a power_n shall_v have_v go_v about_o by_o a_o civil_a law_n to_o establish_v
unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o such_o against_o which_o we_o be_v high_o engage_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v take_v §_o 26._o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o honour_n to_o compassionate_v the_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n in_o england_n who_o must_v be_v sufferer_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o their_o person_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v restore_v again_o among_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o your_o act_n passive_o to_o obey_v and_o rather_o to_o seek_v our_o bread_n in_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n than_o any_o way_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o civil_a authority_n prayer_n and_o tear_n be_v our_o only_a weapon_n but_o oh_o let_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o innocent_n be_v against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n because_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o help_v they_o if_o our_o brethren_n think_v that_o no_o government_n may_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o england_n but_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o which_o we_o plead_v and_o themselves_o be_v not_o personal_o engage_v in_o it_o let_v they_o enjoy_v their_o humour_n but_o oh_o let_v they_o not_o by_o your_o honour_n be_v clothe_v with_o power_n to_o suspend_v silence_n excommunicate_a deprive_v godly_a minister_n and_o people_n who_o be_v faithful_a subject_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o pray_v daily_o for_o he_o and_o for_o your_o honour_n because_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n express_o contrary_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o §_o 27._o we_o here_o lay_v at_o your_o honour_n foot_n our_o answer_n to_o their_o pitiful_a plea_n against_o we_o by_o which_o they_o will_v cajole_v we_o into_o perjury_n if_o our_o brethren_n have_v any_o more_o strong_a argument_n let_v they_o bring_v they_o forth_o only_o let_v we_o say_v with_o dr._n feat_o audiamus_fw-la non_fw-la phalerata_fw-la sed_fw-la fortia_fw-la we_o have_v have_v enough_o gay_a word_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v our_o brethren_n by_o misrepresentation_n to_o his_o majesty_n or_o to_o your_o honour_n shall_v obtain_v any_o power_n against_o we_o and_o shall_v make_v their_o old_a furnace_n yet_o seven_o time_n hot_a in_o which_o we_o yet_o trust_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o your_o honour_n will_v fail_v their_o expectation_n we_o know_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o but_o whether_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o we_o dare_v not_o deal_v false_o in_o our_o covenant_n with_o he_o §_o 28._o but_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o plead_v with_o your_o honour_n as_o sometime_o the_o psalmist_n do_v with_o god_n psal_n 30.9_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o our_o blood_n suppose_v we_o shall_v with_o our_o wife_n and_o family_n be_v drive_v from_o our_o possession_n and_o country_n to_o seek_v our_o bread_n in_o other_o land_n suppose_v that_o the_o prison_n erect_v for_o thief_n and_o murderer_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o conscientious_a christian_n lie_v there_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o forswear_v themselves_o what_o profit_n will_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n or_o your_o honour_n have_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n what_o pleasure_n in_o the_o ruin_n and_o undo_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o soul_n only_o because_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o god_n they_o differ_v from_o some_o man_n sense_n what_o loss_n will_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n have_v by_o please_v all_o the_o more_o sober_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n by_o a_o new_a unimposed_a form_n of_o prayer_n void_a of_o all_o offence_n by_o multiply_v the_o bishop_n of_o england_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v their_o work_n by_o restrain_v they_o from_o their_o sole_a jurisdiction_n not_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o any_o scripture_n reason_n antiquity_n or_o the_o example_n of_o any_o reform_a church_n §_o 28._o we_o humble_o leave_v our_o groan_n before_o your_o honour_n beg_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o government_n for_o every_o soul_n in_o your_o great_a assembly_n profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o hear_v any_o strong_a argument_n which_o our_o brethren_n have_v yet_o to_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o covenant_n not_o obligatory_a and_o humble_o desire_v that_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o assembly_n where_o hitherto_o not_o obstreperous_a clamour_n but_o religion_n and_o reason_n have_v rule_v we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v we_o dare_v not_o do_v because_o of_o that_o bond_n wherewith_o at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n we_o be_v bind_v unto_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v my_o name_n in_o vain_a cippus_fw-la titulus_fw-la perjurium_fw-la carmen_fw-la steliteuticum_n cromwellii_fw-la carmen_fw-la protrepticum_fw-la patriae_fw-la o_o faedus_fw-la o_o fides_fw-la sacra_fw-la o_o nomen_fw-la &_o numen_fw-la dei_fw-la rerum_fw-la columna_fw-la publicarum_fw-la tutela_n pacis_fw-la militum_fw-la concordia_fw-la regumque_fw-la civiumque_fw-la nuptialis_fw-la arrha_fw-la et_fw-la hostium_fw-la studentium_fw-la diversa_fw-la par_fw-fr metus_fw-la quem_fw-la nemo_fw-la fecit_fw-la irritum_fw-la aut_fw-la facturus_fw-la est_fw-la te_fw-la pactus_fw-la ille_fw-la victor_n ille_fw-la dux_fw-la ducum_fw-la dextrâ_fw-la ter_z ad_fw-la coelos_fw-la levatâ_fw-la quid_fw-la non_fw-la patravit_fw-la arduum_fw-la post_fw-la haec_fw-la sed_fw-la idem_fw-la conscio_fw-la sub_fw-la aethere_fw-la dextrâ_fw-la ter_z in_o scotos_fw-gr levata_fw-la rem_fw-la gessit_fw-la haud_fw-la bonam_fw-la benè_fw-la septembris_fw-la 3._o septembris_fw-la et_fw-la imperavit_fw-la &_o obiit_fw-la diem_fw-la suum_fw-la an_fw-mi ideo_fw-la fortis_fw-la &_o vafer_fw-la lusit_fw-la deum_fw-la te_fw-la sprevit_fw-la a_o te_fw-la spretus_fw-la est_fw-la te_fw-la rupit_fw-la a_o te_fw-la ruptus_fw-la est_fw-la pessundedit_fw-la te_fw-la pessum_fw-la &_o est_fw-la a_o te_fw-la datus_fw-la cum_fw-la stirpe_fw-la totâ_fw-la oliva_n putris_fw-la perfidus_fw-la cromwellius_n infame_n nomen_fw-la in_o futura_fw-la secula_fw-la gentes_fw-la per_fw-la have_v &_o exteras_fw-la injusta_fw-la vota_fw-la iustùs_fw-la improbat_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o vota_fw-la justa_fw-la seu_fw-la vocetur_fw-la jupiter_n seu_fw-la mahomates_n sive_fw-la belus_n &_o nebo_n adest_fw-la jehova_n poscit_fw-la &_o ratam_fw-la fidem_fw-la hinc_fw-la sedeciam_fw-la cepit_fw-la assyrius_n levem_fw-la templumque_fw-la mundi_fw-la sedit_fw-la in_o cineres_fw-la decus_fw-la hoc_fw-la fulminantem_fw-la vertit_fw-la annibalem_fw-la retro_fw-la nec_fw-la pejeratus_fw-la jupiter_n lapis_fw-la tulit_fw-la hoc_fw-la vngarorum_fw-la fregit_fw-la infidam_fw-la manum_fw-la regnique_fw-la florem_fw-la turca_fw-la falce_fw-la messuit_fw-la ducente_fw-la christo_fw-la non_fw-la suos_fw-la contra_fw-la suos_fw-la nec_fw-la vis_fw-la nec_fw-la art_n numen_fw-la eludent_fw-la sagax_fw-la quodcunque_fw-la christo_fw-la testae_fw-la pactum_fw-la sanximus_fw-la missum_fw-la per_fw-la auras_fw-la carpit_fw-la irredux_fw-la iter_fw-la et_fw-la implet_fw-la aures_fw-la invocati_fw-la judicis_fw-la noctes_fw-la diesque_fw-la murmur_n aeternum_fw-la ciens_fw-la ut_fw-la nec_fw-la subintrent_n bis_fw-la ter_z horarum_fw-la preces_fw-la ah_o nequis_fw-la in_o se_fw-la vertat_fw-la have_v iras_n nocens_fw-la neu_n tam_fw-la tremendo_fw-la fulmini_fw-la subdat_fw-la caput_fw-la an_fw-mi laedat_fw-la idem_fw-la reddat_fw-la &_o surdum_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o pejerante_n queis_fw-la cubat_fw-la sub_fw-la pectore_fw-la alenda_fw-la vulpes_fw-la ipsa_fw-la vel_fw-la clementia_n preceptum_fw-la clementia_n iii_o decalogi_fw-la preceptum_fw-la diras_fw-la minatur_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la exorabilis_fw-la miseris_fw-la supersunt_fw-la vota_fw-la felices_fw-la probant_fw-la suscepta_fw-la curis_fw-la saepè_fw-la sollicitos_fw-la levant_a neglecta_fw-la rursus_fw-la saepè_fw-la securos_fw-la premunt_fw-la sol_fw-la ante_fw-la liquidi_fw-la jura_fw-la dediscet_fw-la poli_fw-fr facemque_fw-la nocti_fw-la commodabit_fw-la mutuam_fw-la nos_fw-la quà m_fw-la negemus_fw-la carolis_fw-la pactam_fw-la fidem_fw-la satis_fw-la superque_fw-la vidimus_fw-la fraud_n pias_fw-la ut_fw-la trojae_fw-la laomedonta_fw-la perjurum_fw-la luit_fw-la cromwellium_fw-la sceleris_fw-la insons_fw-la anglia_fw-it poenas_fw-la tributo_fw-la duodecennali_fw-la dedit_fw-la tangamus_fw-la aras_n sanctius_fw-la plebs_fw-la &_o patres_fw-la profana_fw-la regni_fw-la si_fw-la qua_fw-la pars_fw-la adhuc_fw-la manet_fw-la at_o nulla_fw-la regni_fw-la pars_fw-la soluta_fw-la foedere_fw-la est_fw-la tenemur_fw-la omnis_fw-la ordo_fw-la pastor_n &_o greges_fw-la et_fw-la nasciturum_fw-la spes_fw-la in_o aureas_fw-la genus_fw-la juremus_fw-la omnes_fw-la quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la juravimus_fw-la sacrae_fw-la potentem_fw-la vindicem_fw-la fidei_fw-la deum_fw-la qui_fw-la regis_fw-la uncti_fw-la texit_fw-la augustum_fw-la caput_fw-la semper_fw-la daturos_fw-la caesari_n quae_fw-la caesaris_fw-la ut_fw-la &_o daturos_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la dei_fw-la deo_fw-la the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o ancient_a and_o just_a reverence_n of_o oath_n evince_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n the_o contempt_n of_o perjury_n argue_v atheism_n worse_o than_o that_o of_o pagan_n page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o the_o
only_o which_o have_v they_o be_v first_o know_v have_v make_v the_o enter_v into_o such_o sacred_a bond_n unlawful_a 8._o filiucii_n qu._n m._n tr_fw-la 25._o cap._n 8._o ratione_fw-la materiae_fw-la inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la producendam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v such_o to_o which_o a_o obligation_n can_v not_o be_v create_v filiucius_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n to_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v because_o he_o who_o swear_v intend_v to_o swear_v only_o that_o which_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o he_o promise_v we_o much_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o depend_v upon_o another_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n may_v not_o bind_v a_o man_n beyond_o his_o intention_n when_o he_o swear_v undoubted_o a_o oath_n may_v oblige_v a_o man_n beyond_o his_o private_a intention_n and_o in_o this_o we_o think_v all_o protestant_a casuist_n agree_v that_o other_o rule_n therefore_o give_v by_o casuist_n be_v better_a juramenti_fw-la obligatio_fw-la est_fw-la strictè_fw-la juris_fw-la that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v strict_o interpret_v quoad_fw-la materia_fw-la &_o verba_fw-la permiserint_fw-la as_o strict_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n will_v bear_v and_o thus_o filiucius_n agree_v at_o last_o and_o suarez_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a shame_n for_o we_o christian_n to_o dispute_v this_o when_o tully_n tell_v we_o 3._o cicero_n de_fw-fr offic._n lib._n 3._o that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o that_o sense_n sicut_fw-la verbis_fw-la concipitur_fw-la more_fw-it nostro_fw-la yet_o divine_v here_o ordinary_o distinguish_v betwixt_o spontaneous_a arbitrary_a oath_n and_o such_o as_o be_v by_o other_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o concern_v each_o determine_v thus_o 1._o that_o such_o oath_n as_o we_o voluntary_o take_v must_v be_v interpret_v ex_fw-la ipsius_fw-la jurantis_fw-la ment_fw-la by_o ourselves_o best_o judge_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o but_o such_o as_o be_v impose_v by_o other_o must_v be_v by_o we_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o that_o impose_v they_o upon_o we_o thus_o dr._n sanderson_n right_o determine_v and_o quote_v augustine_n in_o the_o case_n ep._n 224_o 225._o he_o add_v this_o irrefragable_a reason_n because_o the_o end_n of_o impose_v oath_n upon_o other_o be_v to_o create_v or_o beget_v to_o the_o imposer_n a_o assurance_n from_o he_o or_o those_o that_o take_v they_o that_o they_o will_v fulfil_v what_o they_o swear_v or_o promise_n which_o assurance_n none_o can_v have_v who_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o another_o if_o he_o that_o take_v the_o oath_n have_v a_o latitude_n of_o interpretation_n leave_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o liberty_n to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n §_o 4._o yet_o both_o these_o rule_n must_v be_v limit_v so_o that_o neither_o our_o private_a sense_n of_o our_o spontaneous_a oath_n nor_o yet_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o that_o impose_v oath_n upon_o other_o must_v be_v other_o than_o will_v comport_v with_o the_o just_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n or_o phrase_n in_o the_o oath_n vow_n or_o covenant_n for_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o simplicity_n necessary_a to_o every_o oath_n and_o indeed_o not_o to_o interpret_v but_o to_o coin_v a_o oath_n or_o new_a obligation_n §_o 5._o we_o must_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o other_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o their_o security_n that_o we_o will_v do_v as_o we_o there_o promise_v must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o comport_v with_o the_o significancy_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v conceive_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o then_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n concern_v it_o and_o from_o a_o strict_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o their_o sense_n we_o see_v nothing_o can_v discharge_v the_o soul_n unless_o some_o public_a declaration_n at_o the_o take_n of_o it_o we_o say_v public_a for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o deliberate_a voluntary_a deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o those_o that_o impose_v it_o and_o we_o think_v augustine_n speak_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o he_o to_o who_o he_o swear_v can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o perjure_a person_n which_o passage_n dr._n sanderson_n quote_v out_o of_o he_o §_o 6._o nor_o that_o parliament_n be_v now_o extinct_a can_v we_o imagine_v how_o we_o shall_v better_o conclude_v their_o sense_n then_o by_o consider_v the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o they_o express_v this_o obligation_n and_o take_v a_o view_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v of_o their_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a act_n or_o ordinance_n the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o purpose_n be_v find_v in_o the_o 2_o article_n thus_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n i.e._n church-government_n by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n archdeacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v upon_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n §_o 7._o the_o thing_n here_o covenant_v for_o be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o prelacy_n they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n archdeacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v upon_o that_o hierarchy_n certain_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v and_o here_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o a_o interpreter_n we_o have_v not_o covenant_v against_o bishop_n every_o minister_n be_v a_o bishop_n but_o against_o the_o prelacy_n of_o bishop_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o prelacy_n of_o bishop_n be_v of_o several_a kind_n there_o possible_o may_v remain_v a_o question_n what_o prelacy_n the_o lord_n and_o commons_o intend_v in_o the_o covenant_n §_o 8._o there_o be_v a_o 1_o prelacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o 2_o a_o prelacy_n of_o mere_a order_n the_o prelacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o may_v call_v the_o first_o pontifical_a the_o second_o paternal_a the_o first_o be_v such_o a_o prelacy_n where_o the_o single_a prelate_n assume_v to_o himself_o a_o sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o compliment_n he_o call_v in_o a_o presbyter_n or_o two_o to_o his_o assistance_n yet_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la what_o he_o judge_v not_o himself_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o parliament_n intend_v only_o the_o extirpation_n of_o this_o prelacy_n 13._o bilson_n de_fw-fr gub._n eccl._n cap._n 13._o for_o although_o bilson_n and_o some_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o presbyter_n join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o impose_v hand_n upon_o presbyter_n be_v rather_o add_v consensum_fw-la than_o consecrationem_fw-la 56._o field_n of_o the_o church_n l._n 5._o cap._n 56._o yet_o dr._n field_n speak_v more_o sober_o and_o tell_v we_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o minister_n hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n in_o ordination_n they_o have_v a_o equal_a ministry_n and_o power_n of_o order_n with_o he_o nor_o have_v any_o such_o prelacy_n as_o this_o ever_o any_o foot_n in_o england_n other_o then_o what_o the_o arrogance_n of_o some_o single_a person_n give_v it_o §_o 9_o we_o call_v that_o a_o paternal_a prelacy_n where_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n have_v a_o prelate_n who_o must_v concur_v with_o they_o ordinary_o in_o ordination_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n this_o say_v the_o most_o sober_a man_n be_v all_o the_o prelacy_n which_o ever_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v all_o for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a authority_n §_o 10._o the_o prelate_n of_o mere_a order_n nothing_o differ_v from_o a_o continue_a moderator_n have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o his_o brethren_n in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n praeside_v among_o they_o §_o 11._o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v against_o the_o first_o the_o question_n only_o remain_v
divine_a providence_n nor_o yet_o each_o with_o other_o but_o also_o to_o discharge_v they_o from_o their_o useless_a employment_n in_o seek_v knot_n in_o so_o even_o a_o rush_n by_o prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v find_v so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o cut_v this_o gordian_a knot_n because_o it_o can_v be_v untie_v §_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o material_a cause_n the_o matter_n of_o every_o oath_n of_o covenant_n be_v either_o necessary_a unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a and_o each_o of_o these_o again_o be_v possible_a or_o certain_a or_o impossible_a or_o uncertain_a if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v be_v necessary_a as_o command_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o indifferent_a where_o god_n word_n have_v leave_v we_o at_o a_o liberty_n except_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o our_o oath_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o divine_n that_o we_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o from_o whence_o every_o conscientious_a christian_n by_o the_o way_n must_v needs_o conclude_v thus_o 1._o if_o the_o officer_n as_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o no_o church_n under_o heaven_n nor_o any_o other_o power_n can_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o they_o but_o only_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v what_o god_n have_v there_o appoint_v then_o unless_o we_o can_v find_v that_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n archdeacon_n be_v the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o god_n word_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v most_o certain_o oblige_v by_o our_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v their_o extirpation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o although_o we_o have_v not_o swear_v yet_o we_o be_v bind_v as_o christian_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n that_o the_o church_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v have_v in_o it_o no_o plant_n which_o be_v not_o of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n plant_v and_o according_a to_o our_o former_a rule_n what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n we_o be_v much_o more_o have_v swear_v oblige_v to_o 2._o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o external_a administrator_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o church_n to_o add_v some_o officer_n not_o there_o mention_v or_o to_o choose_v what_o form_n they_o please_v yet_o we_o have_v swear_v against_o this_o form_n of_o government_n and_o against_o these_o officer_n we_o can_v set_v they_o up_o nor_o own_v they_o but_o must_v if_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o suffer_v under_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v indifferent_a &_o libera_fw-la and_o juramentum_fw-la tollit_fw-la libertatem_fw-la we_o have_v swear_v it_o be_v to_o we_o no_o long_o free_a §_o 4._o no_o one_o can_v challenge_v the_o covenant_n as_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n at_o least_o not_o as_o to_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o what_o we_o swear_v to_o be_v not_o the_o general_n will_v of_o another_o nor_o the_o unknown_a right_n statute_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n yet_o many_o oath_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v judge_v lawful_a by_o casuist_n and_o general_o judge_v obligatory_a though_o not_o without_o some_o exception_n but_o the_o thing_n in_o this_o oath_n be_v express_v prelacy_n and_o the_o particular_a species_n of_o prelacy_n set_v down_o as_o plain_o as_o can_v be_v imagine_v so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o escape_n for_o any_o soul_n that_o fear_v a_o oath_n §_o 5._o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o non-obligation_n of_o this_o oath_n and_o have_v set_v up_o this_o new_a trade_n of_o absolve_a soul_n from_o it_o must_v assert_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o unlawful_a either_o primary_o or_o secondary_o either_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o accident_n §_o 6._o dr._n sanderson_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o oath_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n primary_o when_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n secondary_o when_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o any_o community_n in_o which_o we_o be_v involve_v that_o a_o oath_n may_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a ex_fw-la accidenti_fw-la when_o it_o hinder_v some_o good_a or_o occasion_v some_o evil_n to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o other_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n judge_v it_o unlawful_a other_o add_v when_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o some_o former_a oath_n etc._n etc._n §_o 7._o but_o the_o casuist_n general_o agree_v that_o every_o unlawful_a oath_n be_v not_o present_o void_a if_o once_o take_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a therefore_o not_o only_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o unlawful_a that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o be_v take_v oblige_v which_o unquestionable_o it_o be_v if_o as_o some_o pretend_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o no_o soul_n can_v be_v by_o a_o oath_n bind_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n according_a to_o that_o know_a rule_n juramentum_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la esse_fw-la vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la §_o 8._o but_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o this_o account_n null_a will_v easy_o understand_v that_o they_o will_v stand_v concern_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n have_v somewhere_o determine_v that_o either_o his_o church_n catholic_n or_o his_o particular_a church_n in_o england_n shall_v inalterable_o be_v govern_v by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n arch-deacon_n etc._n etc._n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v we_o will_v free_o grant_v they_o that_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o point_n do_v not_o oblige_v but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o task_n as_o none_o we_o have_v meet_v with_o dare_v undertake_v §_o 9_o that_o therefore_o which_o they_o chief_o insist_v upon_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v secondary_o unlawful_a as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state-community_n in_o which_o we_o be_v involve_v where_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o do_v 1._o to_o examine_v whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v truth_n and_o 2._o to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v conclusive_a §_o 10._o the_o church_n be_v either_o catholic_n and_o universal_a or_o particular_a either_o entitive_a ministerial_a or_o organical_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o make_v law_n oblige_v other_o we_o must_v understand_v a_o organnical_a representative_a church_n either_o catholic_n or_o national_a or_o provincial_a §_o 11._o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o sense_n must_v consist_v of_o a_o due_a proportion_n of_o member_n send_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o meet_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v or_o have_v determine_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o we_o do_v confess_v though_o we_o dare_v not_o assert_v such_o law_n universal_o oblige_v to_o all_o christian_a people_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o we_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o such_o constitution_n but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o a_o assembly_n meet_v upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o do_v we_o believe_v the_o world_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o convene_v such_o a_o one_o we_o have_v indeed_o read_v of_o some_o council_n call_v general_a council_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o find_v no_o such_o law_n make_v by_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o believe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v such_o assembly_n strict_o consider_v §_o 12._o they_o must_v therefore_o understand_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v be_v take_v as_o we_o say_v before_o entitive_o or_o organical_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o england_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n make_v law_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v church_n in_o this_o notion_n but_o must_v understand_v it_o consider_v as_o organical_a and_o then_o their_o power_n of_o make_v constitution_n or_o canon_n obligatory_a to_o other_o must_v be_v derive_v either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n what_o power_n can_v be_v pretend_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v bottom_v upon_o act_n 15._o from_o whence_o all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v conclude_v be_v this_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o
christian_n have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v fit_v messenger_n which_o be_v so_o choose_v and_o meet_v together_o may_v consult_v and_o determine_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a case_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o national_a convention_n in_o england_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o inquire_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o such_o decree_n how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o do_v oblige_v either_o present_a or_o future_a generation_n §_o 13._o the_o power_n which_o any_o synod_n convocation_n or_o convention_n meet_v at_o any_o time_n in_o england_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v have_v must_v be_v either_o from_o the_o pope_n before_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n hen._n the_o 8_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o that_o time_n §_o 14._o our_o absolver_n talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o son_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v the_o hierarchy_n though_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o interpret_n the_o church_n in_o that_o notion_n to_o answer_v the_o papist_n ask_v they_o where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v no_o protestant_a prelacy_n before_o that_o time_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o this_o notion_n and_o consider_v what_o power_n she_o have_v and_o from_o who_o derive_v to_o make_v any_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o shall_v be_v this_o day_n so_o obligatory_a that_o a_o oath_n take_v against_o they_o must_v be_v forthwith_o void_a §_o 15._o we_o be_v indeed_o tell_v by_o some_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n of_o king_n lucius_n who_o about_o the_o year_n 170._o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o plant_v the_o gospel_n in_o england_n and_o that_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o paganish_a arch-flamin_n and_o flamen_n establish_v 28_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o feeble_a that_o we_o find_v few_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o it_o much_o less_o be_v the_o nation_n so_o early_o christianize_v so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v any_o synod_n so_o full_a as_o to_o make_v law_n oblige_v the_o whole_a nation_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o authentic_a record_n of_o any_o considerable_a english_a synod_n till_o near_o the_o year_n 600_o then_o pope_n gregory_n send_v over_o augustine_n the_o monk_n to_o convert_v the_o britain_n and_o he_o make_v haste_n in_o his_o work_n baptise_v 10000_o in_o a_o day_n this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o man_n who_o first_o found_v prelacy_n in_o england_n himself_n be_v the_o first_o archbishop_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n whence_o he_o come_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o when_o he_o come_v her_z find_v here_o one_o archbishop_n and_o seven_o bishop_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v in_o his_o letter_n not_o be_v their_o name_n or_o place_n of_o residence_n express_v §_o 16._o this_o augustine_n by_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o pope_n appoint_v bishop_n call_v a_o synod_n and_o enact_v law_n etc._n etc._n from_o that_o time_n which_o be_v the_o year_n 586._o to_o the_o year_n 1205._o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a law_n make_v in_o england_n the_o christian_n here_o be_v doubtless_o govern_v by_o the_o popish_a canon_n law_n although_o in_o that_o time_n there_o be_v 43_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v chronologer_n yet_o have_v we_o no_o record_n of_o any_o obligatory_a canon_n be_v make_v by_o they_o §_o 17._o betwixt_o 1205._o and_o 1414._o be_v 14_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n beginning_z with_o steph._n langton_n and_o end_v with_o h._n checkly_n these_o all_o make_v some_o provincial_a law_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o put_v into_o some_o method_n by_o lindwood_n within_o that_o time_n the_o pope_n send_v over_o two_o legate_n otho_n in_o the_o year_n 1226._o 11_o hen._n 3._o and_o othobonus_fw-la in_o the_o year_n 1248._o which_o be_v the_o 32_o hen._n 3._o they_o also_o each_o of_o they_o make_v parcel_n of_o canon_n which_o be_v after_o collect_v by_o johannes_n de_fw-fr aton_n and_o be_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o in_o force_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o more_o do_v till_o the_o 25_o hen._n 8._o which_o be_v the_o year_n 1533._o till_o this_o time_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o popish_a rubbish_n according_a to_o our_o brethren_n sense_n of_o church_n for_o the_o prelate_n there_o be_v none_o other_o no_o not_o one_o §_o 18._o in_o that_o year_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v begin_v by_o parliament_n who_o make_v a_o act_n print_v in_o our_o statute_n book_n forbid_v any_o of_o the_o clergy_n from_o that_o time_n to_o presume_v to_o attempt_v allege_v claim_v or_o to_o put_v in_o ure_n any_o constitution_n or_o ordinance_n provincial_a or_o synodal_n or_o any_o other_o canon_n or_o to_o enact_v promulge_v or_o execute_v any_o such_o canon_n etc._n etc._n or_o assemble_v to_o enact_v they_o without_o the_o king_n writ_n call_v they_o together_o and_o the_o king_n highness_n his_o consent_n ratify_v they_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o from_o that_o day_n no_o law_n make_v by_o the_o church_n can_v oblige_v we_o unless_o k._n hen._n 8._o first_o call_v the_o churchman_n together_o and_o then_o ratify_v what_o they_o decree_v §_o 19_o as_o to_o all_o former_a church-law_n the_o parliament_n in_o that_o act_n give_v power_n to_o k._n hen._n 8._o to_o call_v together_o 32_o person_n to_o review_v all_o old_a canon_n and_o to_o collect_v a_o body_n of_o canon_n out_o of_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v k._n hen._n 8._o be_v to_o confirm_v they_o and_o immediate_o upon_o the_o review_n of_o the_o old_a canon_n they_o be_v all_o by_o than_o act_n abrogate_a and_o null_v and_o so_o all_o canon_n also_o after_o to_o be_v make_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n etc._n etc._n §_o 20._o before_o these_o 32_o person_n can_v be_v call_v and_o meet_v and_o finish_v their_o work_n k._n hen._n 8._o die_v the_o former_a act_n not_o give_v power_n to_o the_o king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n to_o call_v the_o 32_o person_n k._n edw._n 11._o 3_o 4_o ed._n 6._o cap._n 11._o do_v not_o do_v it_o till_o the_o parliament_n meet_v in_o the_o 3_o and_z 4_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o a_o new_a act_n give_v he_o also_o power_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n within_o three_o year_n to_o name_v the_o 32_o person_n which_o his_o father_n shall_v have_v name_v §_o 21._o king_n edw._n the_o 6._o by_o his_o letter_n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 11_o nou._n in_o the_o 5_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n authorize_v the_o 32_o person_n who_o name_n and_o power_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o copy_n of_o those_o letter_n patent_n prefix_v to_o a_o book_n call_v reformatio_fw-la legum_n ecclesiasticarum_fw-la they_o meet_v and_o within_o the_o three_o year_n time_n review_v all_o and_o compile_v that_o book_n call_v as_o aforesaid_a upon_o which_o according_a to_o the_o statute_n 25_o hen._n 8._o the_o old_a canon_n law_n be_v utter_o abrogate_a but_o before_o king_n edward_n have_v confirm_v this_o new_a book_n he_o die_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n leave_v in_o any_o force_n §_o 22._o q._n mary_n succeed_v she_o revive_v the_o old_a popish_a canon_n law_n q._n eliz._n after_o she_o revive_v the_o reformation_n in_o her_o time_n several_a injunction_n and_o canon_n be_v make_v after_o her_o time_n k._n james_n summon_v a_o synod_n anno_fw-la 1603._o which_v make_v 141_o canon_n but_o as_o qu._n elizabeth_n to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v never_o confirm_v so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o royal_a assent_n so_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o yet_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o our_o conscience_n can_v be_v oblige_v be_v perfect_a law_n §_o 23._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o statute_n 25_o hen._n 8._o authorise_v such_o canon_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v make_v in_o convocation_n assemble_v by_o the_o king_n writ_n be_v first_o confirm_v by_o the_o king_n it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n or_o successor_n though_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o same_o act_n those_o word_n be_v add_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o want_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o act_n concern_v his_o
they_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o heavy_a stir_n in_o king_n john_n time_n when_o the_o king_n of_o england_n do_v but_o pretend_v to_o the_o nomination_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o to_o what_o a_o base_a degree_n of_o condescension_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o child_n here_o in_o england_n humble_v their_o sovereign_n for_o that_o offer_n §_o 30._o the_o truth_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v engage_v in_o prudence_n to_o drive_v no_o further_o nor_o fast_o in_o reformation_n than_o the_o lamb_n can_v go_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o nation_n can_v bear_v which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v but_o very_o little_a the_o popish_a party_n be_v then_o the_o great_a by_o far_a the_o reform_a party_n such_o as_o do_v but_o see_v man_n like_o tree_n imperfect_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v in_o religion_n be_v please_v to_o proportion_v the_o reformation_n according_o so_o as_o neither_o the_o new_o reform_a party_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o too_o much_o seem_a innovation_n nor_o the_o remain_a popish_a party_n exasperate_v too_o far_o hence_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nothing_o be_v agree_v till_o the_o year_n 1562._o which_o be_v the_o 4_o of_o eliz._n not_o ratify_v by_o parliament_n till_o 1571._o viz._n 13_o eliz._n near_a thirt_n year_n after_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n hence_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n the_o same_o lyturgy_n be_v continue_v which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o popish_a mass_n only_o leave_v out_o the_o prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o second_o edition_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n anno_fw-la 5_o &_o 6_o edw._n 6._o be_v much_o amend_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o that_o 2_o edw._n only_o in_o the_o business_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n didoclavius_n observe_v it_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o common-prayer-book_n 2_o edw._n but_o command_v in_o the_o edition_n of_o it_o 5_o &_o 6_o edw._n 6._o yet_o not_o without_o a_o excellent_a rubric_n to_o expound_v the_o usage_n of_o it_o still_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n edit_n 5_o &_o 6_o edw._n 6._o viz._n anno_fw-la 1552._o but_o left_a out_o in_o our_o ordinary_a book_n for_o what_o reason_n let_v any_o one_o read_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n the_o reform_a parliament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hen._n 8._o find_v one_o in_o be_v and_o the_o person_n exercise_v it_o in_o great_a power_n they_o therefore_o think_v fit_a not_o to_o dispute_v that_o point_n only_o to_o regulate_v that_o power_n which_o the_o former_a usage_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o canon-law_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o require_v they_o to_o seal_v with_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o their_o seal_n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o his_o writ_n 23._o v._o stat._n 5_o eliz._n 23._o etc._n etc._n other_o parliament_n since_o have_v deny_v they_o any_o assistance_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o back_v their_o censure_n but_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o administer_v any_o oath_n to_o fine_a amerce_v car._n 17_o car._n or_o imprison_v any_o of_o the_o king_n subject_n remove_v the_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o parliamenthouse_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v all_o the_o establishment_n we_o can_v find_v that_o the_o ancient_a hierarchy_n of_o england_n have_v by_o any_o law_n of_o england_n §_o 31._o but_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o establish_v do_v our_o brethren_n take_v it_o for_o such_o a_o undoubted_a gospel-maxim_n that_o a_o oath_n take_v against_o the_o law_n of_o a_o nation_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o write_v or_o not_o write_v consonant_n to_o or_o dissonant_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v forthwith_o incumbent_a and_o void_a and_o no_o way_n oblige_v do_v they_o believe_v this_o such_o a_o truth_n that_o man_n may_v venture_v the_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o it_o and_o venture_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n cleave_v to_o their_o house_n till_o it_o have_v consume_v the_o timber_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o zech._n 5.3_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o may_v talk_v thus_o in_o drollery_n to_o their_o friend_n or_o credulous_a proselyte_n they_o may_v to_o show_v their_o grandiloquence_n and_o liberty_n of_o phrase_n in_o lax_n discourse_v thus_o speak_v in_o pamphlet_n but_o we_o be_v so_o well_o persuade_v of_o some_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o of_o their_o other_o learning_n too_o that_o we_o believe_v they_o know_v that_o no_o scripture_n no_o reason_n no_o creditable_a authority_n will_v justify_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a that_o their_o crime_n in_o these_o swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v ensnare_v shall_v be_v expiate_v by_o that_o slight_a penance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o stand_a two_o or_o three_o day_n in_o any_o of_o our_o school_n to_o defend_v such_o a_o atheological_a maxim_n against_o what_o argument_n will_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o nor_o will_v we_o desire_v fair_a play_n in_o our_o case_n §_o 32._o 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o will_v certain_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v false_a if_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o which_o a_o oath_n pretend_a contrariant_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n be_v to_o set_v up_o one_o high_a than_o the_o high_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n prebend_n archdeacon_n chancellor_n commissary_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n or_o be_v so_o establish_v the_o oath_n do_v bind_v against_o the_o law_n and_o certain_o if_o god_n word_n establish_v any_o form_n it_o be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o ne_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quidem_fw-la of_o dean_n prebend_n archbishop_n chancellor_n etc._n etc._n §_o 33._o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n our_o brethren_n will_v certain_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n the_o king_n have_v immediate_o consent_v with_o his_o parliament_n and_o impose_v the_o covenant_n though_o it_o have_v be_v express_o apert_o positive_o against_o any_o law_n or_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o the_o oath_n have_v oblige_v because_o they_o altogether_o have_v a_o power_n to_o suspend_v annul_v and_o abrogate_v any_o law_n it_o be_v true_a this_o oath_n be_v only_o impose_v by_o lord_n and_o commons_o the_o king_n at_o present_a not_o consent_v we_o be_v no_o lawyer_n nor_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o extend_v as_o to_o the_o suspending_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o law_n or_o give_v of_o oath_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o 2_o part_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o england_n lie_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o that_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o give_v oath_n in_o many_o case_n in_o what_o case_n we_o know_v not_o after_o this_o his_o majesty_n declare_v that_o those_o who_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n shall_v least_o offend_v god_n and_o he_o in_o keep_v of_o it_o his_o majesty_n that_o now_o be_v take_v the_o same_o oath_n declare_v his_o approbation_n etc._n etc._n shall_v it_o yet_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v void_a because_o against_o the_o law_n when_o all_o 3_o state_n to_o who_o the_o legislative_a power_n belong_v have_v approve_v of_o it_o certain_o they_o must_v have_v a_o easy_a faith_n that_o part_n with_o it_o to_o such_o kind_n of_o assertion_n §_o 34._o 3._o but_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o oath_n have_v be_v mere_o spontaneous_a our_o brethren_n speak_v without_o their_o book_n in_o discharge_v man_n soul_n upon_o this_o plea_n dr._n sanderson_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o if_o the_o law_n be_v penal_a and_o have_v in_o it_o a_o election_n either_o of_o do_v the_o thing_n or_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n a_o oath_n will_v bind_v against_o the_o active_a part_n fortassis_fw-la possunt_fw-la dari_fw-la casus_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la juramentum_fw-la quod_fw-la videtur_fw-la alicui_fw-la legi_fw-la communitatis_fw-la aut_fw-la vocationis_fw-la adversari_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la debuerit_fw-la suscipi_fw-la 9_o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prom_fw-la prael_n 3._o §._o 9_o susceptum_fw-la tamen_fw-la potest_fw-la obligare_fw-la ut_fw-la exempli_fw-la causa_fw-la in_fw-la lege_fw-la poenali_fw-la disjunctiuâ_fw-la he_o put_v the_o case_n concern_v the_o law_n of_o a_o city_n that_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v mayor_n by_o the_o freeman_n shall_v hold_v in_o case_n he_o refuse_v he_o shall_v pay_v 100_o lb._n suppose_v such_o a_o law_n and_o this_o law_n respect_v this_o city_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n a_o particular_a citizen_n have_v take_v a_o private_a
oath_n that_o he_o will_v never_o bear_v the_o office_n of_o mayoralty_n in_o that_o city_n this_o man_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o freeman_n what_o shall_v he_o do_v not_o hold_v say_v dr._n sanderson_n but_o pay_v his_o money_n his_o oath_n will_v bind_v here_o against_o the_o active_a part_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v 40._o penal_a law_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o establish_v the_o hierarchy_n against_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v direct_v the_o covenant_n will_v bind_v we_o against_o they_o all_o thus_o far_o viz_o to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n annex_v for_o not_o own_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o but_o yet_o further_o §_o 35._o 4._o let_v we_o examine_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o bind_v against_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o pretend_a but_o the_o dominion_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o superior_n over_o their_o inferior_n so_o that_o if_o this_o which_o we_o call_v law_n be_v not_o clear_o a_o establishment_n of_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o legistative_a power_n belong_v which_o mere_a usage_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o argue_v no_o more_o than_o permission_n of_o superior_n or_o if_o the_o law_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o dominion_n in_o thing_n ubi_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la dominium_fw-la where_o god_n word_n allow_v they_o no_o such_o dominion_n a_o oath_n will_v certain_o bind_v against_o such_o pretend_a law_n hence_o azorius_fw-la well_o note_v that_o boni_fw-la mores_fw-la sunt_fw-la varii_fw-la i.e._n 6._o azor._fw-la mor._n qu._n l._n 11._o cap._n 6._o good_a manner_n or_o custom_n be_v various_a some_o command_v by_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n some_o by_o the_o write_a canon_n law_n some_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o say_v he_o that_o maxim_n that_o juramentum_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v non_fw-la obligat_fw-la a_o oath_n against_o good_a manner_n custom_n law_n do_v not_o oblige_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v if_o it_o be_v contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v juris_fw-la naturalis_fw-la vel_fw-la divini_fw-la scripti_fw-la vel_fw-la canonici_fw-la secus_fw-la autem_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sit_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v jure_fw-la civili_fw-la institutos_fw-la i._n e._n against_o good_a law_n or_o manner_n command_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o god_n write_v or_o by_o the_o canon_n law_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o those_o good_a manner_n be_v only_o command_v by_o civil_a law_n 6._o sanches_n l._n 3._o cap._n 9_o suarez_n l._n 2._o the_o jur_n cap._n 21._o layman_n tract_n mor._n l._n 4._o cap._n 6._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n determine_v sanchis_n layman_n and_o many_o other_o casuist_n the_o reason_n why_o they_o add_v the_o canon-law_n be_v because_o they_o believe_v their_o church_n can_v err_v so_o that_o a_o oath_n against_o their_o church_n canon_n be_v to_o they_o equivalent_a with_o a_o oath_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n §_o 36._o 5._o yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o oath_n in_o some_o case_n against_o civil_a law_n may_v be_v void_a but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a truth_n abbas_n sylvester_n azorius_fw-la molina_n lessius_fw-la layman_n sanches_n suarez_n all_o agree_v that_o a_o oath_n will_v bind_v against_o any_o civil_a law_n if_o the_o law_n do_v obligare_fw-la ad_fw-la paenam_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la culpam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la i._n e._n oblige_v not_o necessary_o to_o sin_n in_o case_n of_o refusal_n but_o to_o punishment_n which_o be_v what_o we_o say_v before_o nay_o the_o most_o of_o they_o add_v further_o that_o it_o will_v bind_v against_o they_o ubi_fw-la materia_fw-la legibus_fw-la opposita_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la sieri_fw-la potest_fw-la i.e._n where_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o can_v without_o sin_n be_v perform_v be_v not_o contra_fw-la jus_o naturale_fw-la aut_fw-la divinum_fw-la 6._o bartolus_n jussor_n bartolus_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la jussor_n the_o great_a lawyer_n give_v several_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n 1._o he_o say_v a_o oath_n take_v against_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v chief_o for_o a_o public_a good_a will_v not_o oblige_v which_o rule_n yet_o azorius_fw-la do_v not_o think_v prove_v by_o covarruvias_n or_o imolas_n the_o friend_n of_o bartolus_n in_o the_o case_n 2._o a_o oath_n take_v to_o confirm_v a_o bargain_n which_o bargain_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n will_v say_v he_o bound_v till_o the_o church_n absolve_v as_o if_o one_o swear_v to_o pay_v a_o usurer_n more_o than_o the_o law_n allow_v the_o usurer_n to_o take_v or_o to_o pay_v a_o thief_n a_o sum_n of_o money_n to_o redeem_v his_o life_n suppose_v a_o law_n to_o make_v such_o a_o contract_n void_a yet_o the_o oath_n will_v bind_v 13._o sayri_fw-la claevis_fw-la regius_fw-la l._n 11._o ca._n 13._o upon_o this_o case_n gregor_n sayrus_n determine_v that_o suppose_v a_o law_n that_o all_o contract_n for_o the_o payment_n of_o money_n win_v by_o play_n shall_v be_v void_a yet_o if_o one_o have_v swear_v to_o pay_v his_o fellow-gamester_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v it_o he_o quote_v with_o he_o in_o this_o opinion_n navarrus_n bannez_fw-fr salon_n lopez_n med_n na_o etc._n etc._n a_o three_o rule_n he_o give_v be_v this_o 3._o if_o the_o oath_n be_v only_a contrariant_n to_o a_o civil_a law_n make_v only_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v the_o oath_n will_v bind_v against_o the_o law_n we_o dare_v not_o justify_v all_o these_o rule_n but_o we_o will_v put_v a_o case_n or_o two_o to_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v so_o free_a of_o their_o pardon_n and_o absolution_n in_o this_o case_n all_o know_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o england_n that_o a_o woman_n under_o covert_a baron_n shall_v dispose_v of_o her_o estate_n which_o she_o have_v in_o jointure_n suppose_v now_o her_o husband_n prove_v a_o bankrupt_a or_o be_v imprison_v for_o debt_n or_o suppose_v the_o woman_n herself_o want_v money_n and_o she_o to_o furnish_v herself_o or_o deliver_v her_o husband_n borrow_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n swear_v to_o he_o of_o who_o she_o borrow_v it_o that_o if_o god_n let_v she_o live_v to_o enjoy_v her_o jointure_n some_o deed_n which_o she_o make_v against_o law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o creditor_n shall_v be_v make_v good_a though_o against_o law_n shall_v not_o her_o oath_n bound_v she_o the_o law_n of_o england_n express_o forbid_v give_v above_o 6_o per_fw-la cent_n for_o interest_n suppose_v one_o swear_v in_o his_o necessity_n to_o give_v 8_o per_fw-mi cent_n will_v not_o this_o oath_n bind_v think_v we_o in_o short_a azorius_fw-la determine_v blunt_o quando_fw-la contractus_fw-la est_fw-la solum_fw-la jure_fw-la civili_fw-la interdictus_fw-la jurejurando_fw-la confirmatur_fw-la that_o a_o oath_n will_v bind_v to_o fulfil_v a_o contract_n only_o forbid_v by_o a_o civil_a law_n §_o 37._o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v in_o the_o popish_a casuist_n reason_n for_o this_o determination_n we_o judge_v this_o question_n can_v be_v well_o resolve_v without_o the_o resolution_n of_o another_o very_a weighty_a question_n viz._n how_o far_o humane_a law_n bound_v the_o conscience_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o such_o humane_a law_n as_o do_v necessary_o tend_v to_o preserve_v the_o government_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o civil_a state_n because_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n reveal_v do_v apert_o bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o that_o a_o oath_n take_v against_o they_o be_v forthwith_o void_a but_o for_o law_n not_o plain_a and_o certain_a and_o express_v nor_o have_v such_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a state_n nor_o be_v so_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o write_v law_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o lie_v such_o a_o hold_n on_o the_o conscience_n as_o to_o make_v void_a a_o oath_n we_o think_v deserve_v our_o absolver_n second_o thought_n possible_o the_o take_n of_o such_o oath_n may_v be_v at_o first_o inadvised_a and_o unlawful_a but_o be_v take_v that_o they_o be_v void_v by_o second_o thought_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v against_o law_n we_o can_v but_o a_o little_a doubt_n and_o believe_v our_o brethren_n have_v few_o casuist_n or_o other_o divine_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o case_n §_o 38._o nor_o yet_o be_v this_o our_o case_n where_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o legal_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n to_o who_o though_o not_o sole_o the_o legislative_a power_n belong_v do_v themselves_o take_v and_o require_v other_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o a_o form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o apprehend_v inconvenient_a which_o it_o be_v true_a be_v establish_v by_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n but_o no_o positive_a law_n be_v existent_a direct_v it_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n though_o
several_a indeed_o suppose_v it_o that_o a_o oath_n so_o direct_v and_o impose_v do_v not_o oblige_v against_o such_o a_o pretend_a imperfect_a legal_a establishment_n be_v we_o confess_v a_o piece_n of_o divinity_n the_o depth_n of_o which_o we_o can_v fathom_v nor_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o earnest_n think_v otherwise_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o bring_v forth_o their_o strong_a reason_n or_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o one_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a be_v of_o their_o mind_n till_o that_o time_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o out_o of_o a_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n to_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o this_o notion_n prove_v as_o yet_o by_o no_o scripture_n no_o reason_n nor_o any_o creditable_a authority_n §_o 39_o for_o what_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o covenant_n be_v against_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la the_o petition_n of_o right_n etc._n etc._n they_o appear_v to_o we_o scarce_o to_o have_v read_v either_o the_o latter_a say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a there_o be_v only_o this_o general_a article_n we_o have_v grant_v to_o god_n 1._o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la cap._n 1._o and_o by_o this_o our_o present_a charter_n have_v confirm_v for_o we_o and_o our_o heir_n for_o ever_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o have_v all_o her_o whole_a right_n and_o liberty_n inviolable_a and_o may_v she_o not_o be_v so_o though_o prelacy_n by_o extirpated_a be_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n &c._n &c._n more_o concern_v in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la than_o abbot_n and_o prior_n yet_o what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o liberty_n be_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o sanctuary_n of_o make_v canon_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o those_o right_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o take_v away_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n sure_o so_o may_v the_o church-governor_n mention_v in_o the_o covenant_n chap._n vii_o the_o absolver_n plea_n from_o schism_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n no_o guilt_n of_o schism_n by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n their_o plea_n also_o from_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o former_a oath_n particular_o the_o coronation_n oath_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o canonical_a obedience_n answer_v and_o find_v vain_a §_o 1._o our_o absolver_n foresee_v these_o easy_a answer_n to_o their_o aforementioned_a plea_n or_o at_o least_o be_v aware_a that_o if_o prelacy_n be_v leave_v to_o stand_v only_o upon_o a_o parliamentary_a foundation_n it_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o extirpation_n by_o succeed_a parliament_n have_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o raise_v their_o plea_n high_o tell_v we_o that_o episcopacy_n have_v no_o original_a but_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v very_o like_o a_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n either_o preceptive_a and_o explicit_a or_o tacit_n and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o to_o abjure_v it_o run_v we_o upon_o a_o rock_n of_o schism_n and_o dash_v we_o both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n till_o of_o late_a day_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n with_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v communion_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o so_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o universal_a observation_n in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o sense_n they_o speak_v all_o §_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o this_o plea_n it_o will_v not_o only_o conclude_v all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n holland_n geneva_n scotland_n n._n england_n most_o part_n of_o germany_n schismatic_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v but_o it_o will_v also_o supersede_n all_o civil_a power_n be_v think_v for_o ever_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o fear_v of_o violate_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o be_v post_v up_o for_o schismatic_n §_o 3._o but_o be_v it_o so_o indeed_o or_o be_v this_o the_o noise_n of_o those_o who_o thunder_n thus_o because_o they_o can_v hope_v with_o any_o solid_a argument_n to_o do_v much_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v these_o big_a phrase_n and_o see_v what_o they_o signify_v the_o papist_n have_v so_o enure_v we_o to_o this_o suffering_n under_o the_o reproach_n of_o schismatic_n for_o break_v off_o from_o the_o order_n of_o their_o catholic_n church_n that_o we_o begin_v not_o so_o much_o to_o regard_v the_o charge_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o who_o call_v out_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o say_v §_o 4._o schism_n proper_o signify_v a_o rent_n or_o breach_n which_o when_o it_o be_v from_o or_o in_o the_o community_n of_o a_o church_n be_v very_o sinful_a both_o because_o against_o the_o command_n of_o god_n direct_o and_o interpretative_o but_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n deviation_n especial_o be_v great_a there_o be_v no_o great_a fear_n of_o any_o guilt_n by_o schism_n in_o depart_v from_o it_o §_o 5._o if_o indeed_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v any_o where_o appoint_v that_o the_o government_n of_o his_o universal_a church_n shall_v be_v by_o archbishop_n bishop_n archdeacon_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n have_v always_o walk_v in_o that_o order_n we_o confess_v then_o that_o out_o oath_n against_o it_o be_v schismatical_a but_o we_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o prove_v this_o §_o 6._o nay_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n to_o its_o liberty_n to_o set_v up_o what_o form_n of_o government_n she_o please_v and_o the_o universal_a church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n meet_v in_o a_o perfect_a general_n council_n and_o determine_v this_o inalterable_a form_n or_o by_o a_o universal_a practice_n have_v keep_v to_o such_o a_o form_n there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n to_o charge_v we_o but_o neither_o shall_v our_o brethren_n prove_v this_o to_o we_o §_o 7._o we_o challenge_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n to_o make_v it_o good_a from_o any_o authentic_a record_n that_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o such_o creature_n know_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o archbishop_n archdeacon_n prebend_n commissary_n chancellor_n pope_n stephen_n indeed_o in_o the_o 3_o century_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o fabulous_a decretal_a epistle_n but_o cyprian_n write_v to_o he_o call_v he_o no_o more_o than_o his_o colleague_n in_o the_o 4_o century_n we_o read_v of_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ambrose_n mention_n they_o dionysius_n and_o optatus_n mention_v no_o more_o in_o this_o age_n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o nepotianus_n tell_v we_o sacerdot_n l._n the_o dign_a sacerdot_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o only_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o young_a man_n ambrose_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ordination_n indeed_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 4_o century_n which_o be_v 400_o year_n after_o christ_n they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n than_o come_v in_o reader_n and_o exorcist_n subdeacons_n archdeacon_n and_o archbishop_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o have_v already_o forsake_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v woeful_o decline_v from_o its_o primitive_a purity_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o go_v a_o little_a further_o §_o 7._o we_o say_v before_o that_o we_o find_v in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n early_a mention_n of_o bishop_n but_o not_o of_o such_o as_o we_o be_v in_o england_n our_o bishop_n 1._o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o sole_a and_o single_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n nor_o clergy_n 3._o they_o be_v attend_v with_o dean_n and_o prebend_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o execute_v their_o power_n by_o lay_v chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o have_v use_v to_o exercise_v a_o power_n in_o deprive_v minister_n suspend_v silence_v excommunicate_v for_o trivial_a case_n not_o pay_v a_o tithe_n goose_n or_o pig_n etc._n etc._n let_v our_o brethren_n show_v we_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n before_o antichrist_n be_v up_o in_o his_o throne_n if_o they_o can_v if_o not_o they_o vain_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n in_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o such_o a_o prelacy_n for_o which_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o practice_n either_o of_o the_o primitive_a or_o any_o reform_a church_n §_o 8._o we_o be_v further_o tell_v how_o true_o
argument_n for_o the_o absolution_n of_o any_o the_o question_n be_v here_o viz._n whether_o he_o that_o have_v subscribe_v that_o the_o form_n of_o consecration_n of_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n express_v in_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o have_v promise_v obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_n and_o swear_v to_o it_o may_v not_o after_o this_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o his_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n by_o arch-bishop_n etc._n etc._n §_o 14._o first_o suppose_v that_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n the_o minister_n that_o subscribe_v and_o take_v that_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n find_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n or_o subscription_n as_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n only_o oblige_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o their_o rash_a subscription_n and_o take_n of_o that_o oath_n and_o their_o second_o oath_n against_o they_o will_v hold_v valid_a nay_o second_o suppose_v that_o that_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n be_v impose_v without_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o parliament_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o declare_v their_o dissent_n to_o it_o and_o to_o all_o oath_n impose_v without_o their_o authority_n certain_o this_o shall_v go_v far_o with_o they_o who_o make_v the_o like_a plea_n against_o we_o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n §_o 15._o but_o three_o we_o will_v for_o once_o suppose_v the_o oath_n material_o good_a and_o lawful_a as_o to_o the_o efficient_a cause_n yet_o certain_o the_o oath_n be_v irritate_v and_o make_v void_a by_o the_o parliament_n take_v away_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o understand_v how_o any_o person_n by_o a_o promise_n or_o a_o oath_n to_o be_v obedient_a in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a to_o this_o or_o that_o governor_n do_v oblige_v himself_o whatever_a evil_n he_o see_v in_o such_o a_o governor_n either_o through_o want_n of_o just_a title_n or_o maladministration_n of_o his_o trust_n never_o to_o endeavour_v to_o free_v himself_o from_o that_o servitude_n if_o indeed_o we_o have_v swear_v in_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n never_o to_o have_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o government_n then_o to_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n have_v be_v to_o have_v swear_v to_o contradiction_n and_o the_o first_o oath_n will_v have_v make_v the_o latter_a void_a unless_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o first_o oath_n have_v be_v vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la but_o we_o shall_v need_v add_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o plea_n which_o if_o it_o be_v good_a can_v absolve_v very_o few_o §_o 16._o the_o next_o oath_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v contradictive_a be_v the_o oath_n which_o the_o king_n of_o england_n take_v at_o their_o coronation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v to_o this_o be_v no_o lawyer_n only_a thus_o much_o at_o first_o offer_v its_o self_n 1._o that_o his_o majesty_n who_o now_o be_v have_v not_o take_v it_o as_o yet_o but_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n 2._o we_o can_v find_v that_o the_o king_n do_v swear_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n and_o never_o to_o consent_v to_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o there_o be_v certain_o no_v such_o thing_n ah_o but_o he_o swear_v to_o defend_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v say_v and_o episcopacy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n the_o oxford_n man_n quote_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o coronation_n oath_n which_o they_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n contradict_v thus_o he_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v keep_v grant_v and_o confirm_v the_o law_n custom_n and_o franchise_n grant_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o glorious_a king_n geree_n see_v this_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o the_o king_n coronation_n oath_n excellent_o resolve_v by_o m_n john_n geree_n st._n edward_n and_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v and_o preserve_v unto_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n due_a law_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o he_o will_v protect_v and_o defend_v they_o as_o every_o good_a king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n ought_v to_o be_v protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n under_o their_o government_n §_o 17._o we_o doubt_v whether_o both_o these_o clause_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o coronation_n oath_n which_o our_o prince_n have_v take_v if_o mr._n prin_fw-mi gives_z we_o a_o true_a relation_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v promise_v by_o edw._n 6._o we_o find_v they_o indeed_o both_o the_o first_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o king_n james_n take_v at_o his_o coronation_n in_o england_n the_o second_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o take_v in_o scotland_n they_o may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v put_v together_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o take_v in_o england_n where_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n late_o use_v some_o be_v add_v which_o be_v omit_v ever_o since_o hen._n 6._o time_n 20._o reign_v of_o king_n charles_n p._n 20._o say_v mr._n le-strange_a the_o same_o gentleman_n avow_v there_o be_v no_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o oath_n 2._o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n shall_v put_v the_o king_n to_o swear_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o right_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n by_o edward_n the_o confessor_n many_o of_o which_o be_v before_o take_v away_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o compare_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o the_o time_n of_o hen._n 8._o with_o the_o record_n of_o those_o grant_n of_o edw._n the_o confessor_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o sir_n h._n spilmans_fw-mi concilia_fw-la pambrittanica_fw-la §_o 18._o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o one_o thing_n which_o the_o king_n also_o swear_v be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v so_o that_o his_o oath_n for_o confirm_v the_o church_n right_n and_o privilege_n must_v be_v interpret_v as_o to_o those_o right_n which_o be_v and_o shall_v continue_v ratify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n in_o the_o oath_n as_o to_o those_o two_o passage_n §_o 19_o for_o the_o king_n oath_n to_o maintain_v the_o bishop_n and_o their_o church_n it_o contradict_v not_o the_o covenant_n which_o strike_v at_o nothing_o but_o prelacy_n of_o bishop_n archbishop_n chancellor_n dean_n prebend_n etc._n etc._n bishop_n and_o their_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o england_n though_o these_o be_v extirpated_a but_o no_o more_o need_n be_v say_v as_o to_o our_o present_a case_n for_o the_o oath_n which_o any_o former_a king_n of_o england_n take_v concern_v only_o himself_o obligatio_fw-la juramenti_fw-la est_fw-la personalis_fw-la non_fw-la realis_fw-la as_o i_o think_v all_o casuist_n agree_v his_o majesty_n that_o now_o be_v be_v oblige_v by_o no_o such_o oath_n §_o 20._o for_o the_o contradiction_n which_o doctor_n feat_o assign_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o protestation_n by_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o subject_n out_o of_o which_o number_n arch-bishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v except_v it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o answer_n for_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n after_o that_o protestation_n take_v the_o parliament_n can_v not_o have_v question_v any_o one_o minister_n of_o state_n or_o any_o other_o person_n at_o least_o not_o annul_v their_o office_n which_o certain_o none_o will_v assert_v since_o their_o liberty_n as_o subject_n may_v be_v preserve_v sure_a and_o yet_o their_o liberty_n as_o prelate_n abridge_v chap._n viii_o the_o absolver_n plea_n for_o the_o irritation_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n in_o itself_o confute_v and_o the_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n prove_v valid_a and_o obligatory_a §_o 1._o have_v reconcile_v the_o covenant_n to_o former_a oath_n it_o be_v time_n that_o we_o shall_v reconcile_v it_o to_o itself_o for_o as_o through_o its_o fight_v with_o its_o elder_n and_o better_n it_o be_v possible_a a_o oath_n may_v so_o lose_v its_o strength_n that_o it_o can_v hold_v a_o soul_n so_o by_o hard_a conflicting_n within_o itself_o too_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v contract_v
that_o weakness_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v thing_n contradictory_n which_o indeed_o be_v impossible_a at_o least_o in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o have_v before_o we_o and_o this_o seem_v a_o task_n reasonable_a for_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v arraign_v it_o of_o this_o before_o the_o world_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o it_o §_o 2._o i_o shall_v only_o premise_v this_o that_o where_o a_o man_n by_o a_o oath_n vow_n covenant_n oblige_v himself_o unwary_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n though_o afterward_o he_o find_v that_o two_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v contradictory_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o they_o discharge_v his_o observance_n yet_o he_o will_v stand_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o that_o bond_n a_o oath_n may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o some_o part_n and_o yet_o obligatory_a unlawful_a as_o to_o some_o part_n and_o yet_o obligatory_a as_o to_o other_o part_n 89._o dr._n sanderson_n de_fw-fr jur._n prom_fw-la prael_n 3._o sect_n 5._o aq._n 22._o q._n 89._o aquinas_n of_o old_a and_o dr._n sanderson_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o case_n a_o man_n have_v swear_v to_o thing_n which_o he_o find_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v yet_o he_o be_v oblige_v ad_fw-la faciendum_fw-la quantum_fw-la potest_fw-la to_o perform_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v so_o that_o those_o who_o will_v discharge_v people_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n must_v show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o covenant_n contradictory_n to_o that_o particular_a or_o else_o they_o say_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n by_o reason_n of_o other_o allegation_n the_o first_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v unlawful_a but_o be_v take_v as_o to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v find_v oblige_v §_o 3._o both_o for_o this_o and_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o must_v confess_v ourselves_o to_o have_v so_o much_o reverence_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o then_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o parliament_n and_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o judicious_a christian_n in_o england_n who_o so_o free_o take_v the_o covenant_n that_o we_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o oath_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n can_v have_v be_v swallow_v and_o impose_v by_o they_o guilty_a of_o so_o palpable_a a_o fault_n as_o contradict_v itself_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a which_o be_v only_o our_o concern_n to_o examine_v those_o that_o plead_v this_o must_v produce_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o oppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n by_o prelacy_n of_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v find_v but_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o so_o neither_o by_o any_o just_a consequence_n to_o be_v conclude_v §_o 4._o whereas_o doctor_n feat_o assign_v this_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o that_o the_o first_o branch_n bind_v we_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n the_o second_o branch_n bind_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o schism_n as_o well_o as_o prelacy_n and_o the_o three_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o just_a power_n and_o greatness_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o bilson_n downham_n armagh_n and_o other_o never_o answer_v by_o any_o have_v prove_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o prelacy_n be_v a_o mean_n if_o not_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o extirpate_v schism_n and_o three_o that_o the_o government_n of_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v comprise_v with_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o in_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n the_o two_o great_a record_n of_o english_a liberty_n the_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o we_o think_v be_v very_o easy_a §_o 5._o to_o the_o first_o what_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o answer_v bilson_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o world_n know_v there_o have_v be_v many_o have_v call_v their_o write_n answer_v to_o they_o however_o bilson_n and_o the_o other_o argument_n have_v be_v answer_v many_o time_n over_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v episcopacy_n against_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o direct_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o assert_v that_o our_o english_a prelacy_n be_v if_o any_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o latter_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n most_o conformable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o direct_v we_o to_o any_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o a_o scriptural_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o dare_v undertake_v he_o shall_v be_v answer_v or_o the_o covenant_n by_o all_o sober_a man_n confess_v null_a and_o void_a but_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n §_o 6._o suppose_v prelacy_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o extirpate_v schism_n which_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o never_o yet_o see_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a or_o inexpedient_a mean_n and_o there_o be_v better_a may_v be_v use_v and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o may_v as_o well_o swear_v against_o that_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o schism_n as_o against_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n if_o it_o be_v among_o we_o which_o yet_o will_v knock_v down_o schism_n by_o as_o good_a club-law_n as_o ever_o prelacy_n do_v as_o to_o our_o case_n now_o the_o advance_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o make_v as_o great_a a_o schism_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o church_n and_o those_o judge_v schismatic_n must_v live_v with_o it_o or_o else_o the_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o innocent_a soul_n must_v follow_v that_o ever_o any_o christian_a nation_n know_v the_o assert_v of_o prelacy_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n by_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o only_o gratis_o dictum_fw-la not_o prove_v at_o all_o but_o most_o false_o say_v witness_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o under_o presbytery_n have_v have_v few_o schism_n than_o we_o in_o england_n under_o prelacy_n have_v have_v or_o be_v like_a to_o have_v §_o 7._o for_o the_o last_o allegation_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v swear_v to_o defend_v his_o majesty_n right_n the_o parliament_n privilege_n and_o the_o subject_n liberty_n but_o 1._o sure_o they_o must_v be_v judge_n we_o mean_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n both_o of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o also_o of_o our_o liberty_n 2._o they_o have_v also_o power_n to_o disclaim_v their_o right_n and_o give_v away_o our_o liberty_n we_o be_v include_v in_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v please_v to_o give_v away_o or_o part_n with_o their_o own_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o to_o disclaim_v for_o some_o of_o we_o some_o particular_a liberty_n and_o then_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o we_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v we_o be_v bind_v up_o by_o such_o oath_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o contradiction_n to_o be_v find_v here_o nor_o can_v we_o find_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n archdeacon_n either_o in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la or_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n assert_v as_o piece_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o england_n nor_o be_v they_o such_o liberty_n certain_a it_o be_v dr._n layton_n dr._n bastwick_n mr._n prin_fw-mi and_o many_o other_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v so_o no_o more_o have_v any_o other_o person_n indeed_o witness_v the_o proceed_n in_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o starchamber_n their_o frequent_a excommunication_n of_o person_n for_o not_o pay_v a_o tithe_n goose_n etc._n see_v the_o oath_n prefix_v to_o dr._n wren_n and_o to_o dr._n montagnes_n article_n etc._n etc._n not_o appear_v at_o their_o court_n their_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la their_o churchwarden_n oath_n impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v by_o any_o that_o take_v it_o with_o many_o other_o thing_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o england_n if_o these_o horrid_a thing_n be_v appurtenance_n to_o their_o liberty_n if_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o their_o desire_n so_o often_o renew_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n but_o let_v those_o who_o make_v this_o plea_n write_v out_o the_o word_n
will_v not_o be_v plead_v in_o bar_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o endeavour_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o endeavour_v if_o the_o contrary_n shall_v by_o a_o law_n be_v establish_v for_o it_o be_v never_o think_v yet_o unlawful_a lawful_o to_o endeavour_v the_o annul_n and_o regular_a repeal_n of_o a_o law_n which_o be_v find_v grievous_a to_o the_o subject_n outward_a concern_v much_o less_o to_o his_o conscience_n as_o any_o law_n must_v be_v after_o a_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v foreprize_v our_o brethren_n and_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o to_o this_o limitation_n and_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v either_o active_o to_o do_v what_o law_n require_v or_o like_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n which_o they_o inflict_v than_o which_o nothing_o more_o be_v ever_o plead_v as_o the_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n §_o 4._o we_o do_v therefore_o conclude_v profess_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o conscientious_a private_a christian_a who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n when_o once_o he_o have_v endeavour_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o at_o last_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o see_v all_o his_o endeavour_n frustrate_v and_o to_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o worst_a which_o we_o hope_v will_v never_o be_v he_o shall_v at_o last_o see_v popery_n set_v up_o i._o e._n the_o high_a corruption_n in_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o resistance_n to_o the_o lawful_a magistrate_n because_o he_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o own_o popery_n or_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o but_o he_o be_v unquestionable_o bind_v to_o suffer_v as_o a_o wel-doer_n rather_o than_o to_o disturb_v the_o civil_a peace_n what_o have_v peter_n to_o do_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o so_o high_a a_o case_n every_o one_o will_v conclude_v we_o we_o hope_v of_o that_o mind_n in_o case_n of_o the_o old_a prelacy_n which_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v the_o great_a bar_n to_o popery_n whatever_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o it_o chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v a_o sleighty_a notice_n take_v of_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n write_v by_o one_o mr._n russel_n call_v the_o covenant_n discharge_v and_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o his_o find_v the_o snare_n break_v as_o be_v say_v he_o have_v but_o resolve_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n and_o to_o cast_v the_o cord_n behind_o he_o §_o 1._o we_o have_v think_v our_o work_n have_v be_v do_v and_o sufficient_a answer_n give_v not_o only_o to_o what_o our_o absolver_n have_v say_v but_o also_o to_o what_o they_o reasonable_o can_v say_v but_o while_o these_o sheet_n be_v in_o the_o press_n we_o have_v see_v a_o new_a pamphlet_n qualem_fw-la proculdubio_fw-la mundus_fw-la literatus_fw-la nunquam_fw-la prius_fw-la vidit_fw-la nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la posthac_fw-la visurus_fw-la est_fw-la the_o author_n have_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v write_v from_o his_o study_n at_o chinkford_n in_o essex_n we_o shall_v else_o have_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o have_v think_v it_o have_v come_v from_o some_o other_o place_n but_o he_o have_v neglect_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o book_n be_v in_o that_o study_n for_o we_o can_v in_o any_o of_o our_o study_n find_v any_o write_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o gentile_n greek_n or_o barbarian_n who_o divinity_n will_v agree_v with_o the_o author_n position_n §_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o beholden_a to_o the_o author_n for_o his_o promise_a forbearance_n of_o passion_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o now_o and_o then_o bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o profane_a scoff_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o faculty_n that_o way_n as_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o remove_v and_o settle_v mountain_n be_v two_o gift_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o we_o want_v etc._n etc._n in_o very_a deed_n the_o author_n have_v consult_v himself_o in_o not_o be_v too_o free_a with_o his_o passion_n according_a to_o the_o poet_n caution_n carpere_fw-la vel_fw-la noli_fw-la nostra_fw-la vel_fw-la ede_fw-mi tua_fw-la intend_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o piece_n as_o this_o to_o the_o world_n he_o stand_v concern_v to_o take_v heed_n what_o measure_n he_o mete_v to_o other_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v mete_v to_o he_o again_o we_o think_v he_o be_v liable_a enough_o to_o have_v it_o even_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o §_o 3._o in_o divers_a thing_n we_o confess_v he_o have_v speak_v truth_n 1._o as_o to_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o say_v p._n 57_o intend_v to_o batter_v the_o covenant_n he_o have_v make_v his_o approach_n at_o a_o reasonable_a indeed_o unreasonable_a distance_n such_o a_o distance_n that_o no_o shot_n have_v come_v near_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o matter_n as_o where_o he_o say_v 1._o that_o none_o can_v release_v a_o civil_a contract_n but_o the_o party_n with_o who_o it_o be_v contract_v that_o where_o a_o oath_n be_v make_v to_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v judge_n and_o party_n only_a god_n can_v absolve_v it_o p._n 14._o and_o p._n 15._o he_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o plead_v for_o a_o papal_a power_n in_o any_o to_o discharge_v man_n from_o oath_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v enough_o for_o we_o who_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v sponsio_fw-la facta_fw-la deo_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la dei_fw-la a_o vow_n make_v though_o at_o the_o command_n of_o other_o to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v god_n and_o give_v unto_o god_n a_o right_a to_o exact_v the_o performance_n from_o we_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mutual_a stipulation_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n with_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o according_a to_o mr._n russel_n own_o doctrine_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o vow_n in_o it_o yet_o all_o party_n must_v release_v so_o that_o what_o he_o say_v more_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n because_o he_o argue_v ex_fw-la ignoratione_n elenchi_fw-la and_o lamentable_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v §_o 4._o but_o because_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o grant_v this_o yet_o up_o and_o down_o his_o book_n he_o scatter_v suggestion_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o indeed_o maintain_v such_o position_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a dr._n gawden_n dare_v not_o justify_v and_o run_v into_o so_o abominable_a mistake_n as_o if_o once_o believe_v by_o other_o will_v make_v all_o oath_n no_o strong_a than_o straw_n we_o will_v add_v a_o few_o animadversion_n upon_o what_o he_o say_v entreat_v our_o brethren_n hereafter_o to_o bring_v forth_o other_o champion_n who_o may_v bring_v more_o credit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o we_o conceive_v this_o author_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o leonem_fw-la ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la §_o 5._o as_o to_o our_o brother_n crofton_n who_o he_o mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n we_o conceive_v he_o of_o age_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n can_v produce_v no_o vote_n of_o parliament_n in_o his_o term_n viz._n that_o the_o king_n concession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v a_o wellgrounded_n peace_n the_o vote_n pass_v die_n martis_n 5_o dec._n 1648_o in_o these_o term_n resolve_v upon_o the_o question_n that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o king_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o both_o house_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o the_o house_n to_o proceed_v upon_o for_o the_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n what_o be_v this_o to_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v but_o suppose_v this_o sin-absolver_n have_v not_o stumble_v here_o but_o the_o vote_n have_v be_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o why_o then_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o the_o same_o power_n that_o establish_v the_o covenant_n tacit_o discharge_v it_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o bishop_n be_v include_v in_o those_o concession_n we_o suppose_v this_o be_v again_o a_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n for_o the_o king_n in_o term_n grant_v as_o follow_v and_o we_o will_v likewise_o for_o three_o year_n confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o form_n of_o church-government_n you_o have_v present_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n 2._o the_o king_n concession_n print_v 1648._o pag._n 2._o provide_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o those_o of_o his_o judgement_n or_o any_o
design_n he_o have_v to_o send_v he_o for_o a_o wife_n for_o his_o son_n and_o for_o security_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o oath_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o canaanite_n but_o one_o of_o abraham_n kindred_n the_o servant_n fear_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n desire_v before_o he_o swear_v full_o to_o know_v his_o sense_n that_o he_o may_v not_o swear_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o unlawful_a it_o may_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v she_o without_o her_o consent_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o two_o word_n must_v go_v to_o make_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o bargain_n abraham_n tell_v he_o that_o in_o that_o case_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o oath_n i_o e._n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o engage_v thou_o in_o such_o a_o case_n nor_o indeed_o can_v he_o engage_v he_o after_o this_o the_o servant_n take_v the_o oath_n §_o 12._o now_o reader_n what_o do_v thou_o think_v this_o shall_v prove_v that_o which_o it_o natural_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o a_o oath_n do_v not_o oblige_v contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n before_o it_o be_v take_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n it_o be_v bring_v by_o this_o casuist_n to_o prove_v that_o abraham_n have_v power_n to_o discharge_v his_o servant_n of_o his_o oath_n when_o he_o have_v take_v it_o yea_o and_o this_o be_v again_o and_o again_o and_o again_o repeat_v and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o discourse_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o author_n quodlibetical_a ability_n when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o the_o text_n look_v this_o way_n the_o passage_n be_v only_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o it_o be_v take_v we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o either_o the_o printer_n or_o the_o author_n have_v abuse_v the_o world_n in_o tell_v it_o that_o such_o lamentable_a stuff_n as_o this_o be_v be_v attest_v by_o dr._n gawden_n we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v what_o opinion_n will_v by_o such_o scribble_n as_o these_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v need_v say_v no_o more_o we_o hope_v to_o any_o thing_n he_o urge_v upon_o this_o foundation_n he_o tell_v we_o jacob_n may_v have_v discharge_v esau_n too_o of_o his_o oath_n nor_o though_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v it_o will_v we_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v only_o make_v to_o a_o man_n and_o for_o his_o advantage_n which_o be_v nothing_o as_o to_o our_o case_n he_o promise_v we_o more_o example_n but_o p._n he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v none_o yet_o p._n 7._o he_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v and_o tell_v we_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o believe_v he_o good_a reader_n that_o mr._n crofton_n say_v that_o we_o have_v our_o first_o precedent_n for_o the_o covenant_n from_o the_o holy_a league_n he_o that_o will_v read_v a_o little_a in_o grimstons_n translation_n of_o the_o french_a history_n p._n 823_o 824._o will_v quick_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a league_n and_o though_o this_o gentleman_n betray_v no_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n yet_o we_o know_v our_o brother_n crofton_n be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o league_n make_v by_o a_o pack_n of_o popish_a noble_n not_o lawful_o convene_v and_o that_o for_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o war_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o whoever_o else_o shall_v oppose_v their_o ungodly_a design_n and_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n make_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o legal_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o his_o instance_n in_o scotland_n his_o question_n how_o the_o scot_n come_v to_o be_v release_v needs_o no_o answer_n till_o he_o have_v prove_v they_o be_v release_v at_o all_o §_o 13._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o argue_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o abolish_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v abuse_v he_o shall_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o abolish_n of_o a_o vow_n take_v because_o some_o that_o take_v it_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o than_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o his_o quibble_v about_o the_o unblest_a effect_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o have_v have_v some_o bless_a effect_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o his_o talk_n of_o abolish_n the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n lawful_a as_o to_o its_o matter_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o parcel_n of_o unblest_a divinity_n if_o it_o be_v good_a sense_n §_o 14._o for_o his_o next_o argument_n fetch_v from_o eccl._n 7.16_o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v understand_v that_o scripture_n with_o the_o context_n he_o will_v have_v spare_v that_o instance_n where_o solomon_n have_v institute_v a_o dialogue_n between_o his_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n bring_v in_o the_o flesh_n give_v he_o that_o save_a advice_n we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v how_o any_o can_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o solomon_n tell_v we_o there_o what_o his_o heart_n say_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o vanity_n not_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n §_o 15._o we_o see_v nothing_o more_o in_o his_o tract_n till_o he_o come_v to_o his_o notion_n in_o which_o he_o high_o triumph_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o bond_n where_o be_v party_n and_o a_o witness_n the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n he_o say_v p._n 14._o be_v a_o bring_n of_o the_o trial_n into_o god_n court_n here_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o some_o oath_n god_n be_v a_o party_n and_o a_o judge_n too_o and_o from_o such_o oath_n he_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o none_o but_o god_n can_v release_v we_o but_o he_o will_v have_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v such_o a_o oath_n where_o god_n be_v only_o a_o judge_n he_o forget_v his_o be_v a_o witness_n too_o not_o a_o party_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o he_o say_v so_o for_o he_o add_v not_o a_o word_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o omit_v his_o impertinent_a discourse_n of_o assertory_n oath_n p._n 15._o which_o be_v wild_a enough_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 16._o that_o in_o promisory_a oath_n such_o as_o he_o confess_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o party_n swear_v stand_v continual_o in_o god_n court_n and_o be_v upon_o continual_a trial_n till_o he_o or_o they_o that_o put_v he_o upon_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o withdraw_v and_o so_o he_o say_v we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n release_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n question_v how_o do_v this_o appear_v the_o same_o power_n that_o impose_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v we_o upon_o no_o further_a trial_n p._n 18._o he_o distinguish_v between_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o god_n and_o with_o god_n and_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n now_o of_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n 1._o in_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o by_o vow_n p._n 19_o he_o distinguish_v betwixt_o take_v a_o oath_n willing_o and_o take_v it_o spontaneous_o p._n 19_o 20._o to_o resolve_v the_o question_n how_o the_o parliament_n man_n who_o have_v take_v it_o shall_v be_v release_v he_o wipe_v the_o enquirer_n mouth_n with_o a_o egg_n shell_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o parliament_n man_n have_v a_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a capacity_n and_o if_o the_o parliament_n repeal_v the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v then_o void_a and_o conscience_n be_v discharge_v etc._n etc._n to_o all_o which_o a_o short_a answer_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n §_o 16._o casuist_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v lex_fw-la privata_fw-la a_o private_a law_n which_o creature_n lay_v upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o one_o another_o the_o transgression_n of_o which_o be_v indeed_o high_o cognoscible_a before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n who_o in_o every_o oath_n be_v invoke_v as_o a_o witness_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o our_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n 2._o in_o oath_n which_o be_v mere_o to_o assert_v truth_n or_o confirm_v contract_n between_o man_n and_o man_n wherein_o we_o make_v no_o bargain_n with_o god_n to_o do_v aught_o which_o immediate_o concern_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n god_n indeed_o be_v only_o invoke_v as_o a_o swift_a witness_n and_o as_o a_o severe_a judge_n but_o be_v not_o a_o party_n we_o only_o promise_v to_o man_n for_o their_o advantage_n 3._o we_o deny_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v mere_o such_o it_o be_v partly_o a_o vow_n partly_o a_o covenant_n and_o that_o both_o with_o god_n
come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v void_a because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o contradict_v former_a oath_n they_o mention_v four_o of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o that_o take_v by_o the_o king_n of_o england_n at_o their_o coronation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v unquestionable_o void_a for_o juramentum_fw-la prius_fw-la prejudicate_v posteriori_fw-la but_o consider_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v agree_v and_o take_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o grave_a convention_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o so_o many_o reverend_a divine_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v whether_o of_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o that_o if_o we_o find_v it_o true_a both_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o people_n may_v all_o do_v obeisance_n to_o prelacy_n as_o have_v unwary_o suffer_v their_o grave_n and_o sacred_a ear_n to_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o door_n of_o its_o house_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o be_v its_o servant_n for_o ever_o §_o 9_o as_o to_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n in_o it_o we_o have_v only_o swear_v faith_n and_o allegiance_n to_o his_o majesty_n which_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v give_v and_o yet_o endeavour_v in_o our_o calling_n to_o extirpate_v popery_n and_o prelacy_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o one_o say_v what_o if_o he_o shall_v command_v the_o set_n of_o it_o up_o we_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o brethren_n what_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o popery_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o by_o any_o prince_n command_v but_o to_o speak_v direct_o 1._o we_o believe_v that_o prelacy_n have_v no_o just_a foot_n in_o england_n but_o what_o it_o have_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n 2._o we_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o suspend_v or_o abrogate_v any_o law_n and_o to_o engage_v people_n by_o oath_n for_o ever_o oblige_v against_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o 3._o we_o know_v both_o king_n and_o parliament_n by_o their_o act_n 17_o car._n do_v take_v away_o much_o of_o the_o prelate_n jurisdiction_n 4._o we_o know_v that_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n do_v suspend_v all_o other_o power_n of_o arch-bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o engage_v the_o people_n of_o england_n by_o oath_n against_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o narration_n it_o we_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o no_o further_a than_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o print_a narration_n which_o oath_n his_o sacred_a majesty_n afterward_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v for_o ever_o we_o believe_v none_o can_v absolve_v we_o from_o a_o oath_n but_o god_n only_o our_o allegiance_n therefore_o can_v only_o in_o case_n of_o such_o command_n be_v show_v in_o our_o patient_n humble_a submission_n to_o such_o penalty_n as_o shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o for_o not_o yield_v active_a obedience_n contrary_a to_o our_o oath_n §_o 10._o so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v and_o may_v bear_v faith_n and_o true_a allegiance_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o yet_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o calling_n the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o prelacy_n in_o two_o case_n 1._o in_o case_n our_o allegiance_n to_o god_n require_v such_o a_o endeavour_n of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n 2._o in_o case_n his_o majesty_n command_n of_o submission_n to_o that_o prelacy_n come_v after_o my_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_n ratify_v by_o himself_o and_o i_o can_v find_v no_o more_o in_o that_o oath_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v as_o contradictory_n to_o the_o covenant_n §_o 11._o the_o next_o oath_n which_o they_o mention_v be_v that_o of_o supremacy_n this_o oath_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o statute_n 1_o eliz._n 1._o be_v devise_v to_o secure_v the_o subject_n of_o england_n to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n of_o england_n from_o acknowledge_v the_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o pope_n what_o can_v be_v fetch_v from_o this_o oath_n must_v be_v either_o from_o the_o first_o part_n where_o have_v declare_v that_o we_o do_v in_o conscience_n believe_v the_o king_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a governor_n in_o england_n as_o well_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a in_o opposition_n to_o any_o foreign_a prince_n person_n prelate_n state_n or_o potentate_n and_o thereupon_o we_o renounce_v such_o pretend_a foreign_a jurisdiction_n and_o promise_v faith_n and_o allegiance_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o latter_a clause_n where_o we_o promise_v to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o england_n for_o the_o former_a part_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o in_o the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o the_o covenant_n allow_v the_o king_n the_o supreme_a moderation_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a cause_n if_o god_n word_n will_v allow_v it_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o any_o can_v pretend_v against_o it_o except_o they_o plead_v that_o then_o our_o reformation_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v very_o false_a the_o covenant_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o any_o foreign_a prince_n prelate_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o latter_a part_n where_o we_o promise_v to_o assist_v and_o defend_v the_o jurisdiction_n and_o privilege_n annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n so_o say_v the_o covenant_n his_o majesty_n person_n honour_n and_o authority_n ah_o but_o the_o second_o article_n must_v be_v contrary_a to_o this_o oath_n because_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n to_o choose_v bishop_n etc._n etc._n how_o this_o plea_n will_v stand_v with_o their_o episcopacy_n of_o apostolical_a right_n let_v they_o consider_v i_o will_v fain_o to_o make_v the_o business_n short_a know_v whether_o some_o of_o these_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n may_v not_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n be_v part_v with_o and_o whether_o his_o majesty_n when_o he_o take_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o part_n with_o they_o we_o have_v before_o only_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o all_o our_o calling_n by_o lawful_a mean_n and_o way_n such_o now_o as_o petition_v the_o king_n etc._n etc._n his_o majesty_n that_o now_o be_v at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o his_o subject_n in_o scotland_n part_n with_o this_o right_n by_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v those_o officer_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o which_o he_o before_o have_v a_o right_a may_v not_o we_o now_o keep_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o the_o covenant_n too_o nor_o can_v that_o general_a term_n oblige_v we_o any_o further_a than_o to_o a_o defence_n and_o maintain_v all_o such_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n and_o right_n annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v urge_v against_o this_o vain_a plea_n especial_o consider_v that_o very_o few_o man_n in_o england_n of_o those_o that_o take_v the_o covenant_n have_v ever_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n graduate_n in_o university_n and_o public_a officer_n which_o do_v not_o make_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o those_o who_o take_v the_o covenant_n in_o england_n §_o 12._o the_o three_o oath_n to_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a be_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n which_o concern_v no_o more_o than_o such_o as_o be_v make_v minister_n before_o 1641._o or_o at_o least_o very_a few_o so_o that_o much_o need_v not_o be_v say_v to_o it_o now_o indeed_o all_o those_o or_o at_o the_o least_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n twenty_o year_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v do_v promise_v reverent_o to_o obey_v their_o ordinary_n and_o after_o this_o by_o what_o law_n i_o can_v tell_v do_v swear_v at_o least_o when_o they_o have_v institution_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o bishop_n to_o any_o live_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a and_o also_o do_v subscribe_v the_o 39_o article_n where_o the_o 36._o article_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o form_n of_o consecration_n of_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n here_o now_o be_v 1._o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o ordinary_a 2._o a_o oath_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 3._o a_o subscription_n that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o arch-bishop_n etc._n etc._n contain_v in_o it_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o take_v the_o covenant_n bind_v himself_o in_o a_o contrary_a bond_n which_o latter_a bond_n by_o that_o reason_n be_v void_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la §_o 13._o but_o beside_o that_o this_o plea_n will_v absolve_v very_o few_o as_o we_o say_v before_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o