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shall_v sincere_o
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branch_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o material_a and_o many_o the_o protestation_n contain_v not_o many_o branch_n and_o those_o few_o seem_v to_o be_v full_o conform_v to_o this_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o particular_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v suppose_v a_o contrariety_n we_o have_v before_o evidence_v only_o a_o dissonancy_n at_o the_o most_o and_o that_o ratione_fw-la not_o re_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n not_o the_o thing_n swear_v they_o than_o protest_v to_o preserve_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o shall_v not_o covenant_v any_o more_o nay_o scarce_o so_o much_o in_o this_o oath_n for_o they_o herein_o promise_v to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v something_o soft_a than_o power_n and_o i_o wonder_v they_o that_o then_o see_v a_o power_n to_o be_v preserve_v can_v not_o now_o see_v a_o right_n i_o will_v only_o inquire_v whether_o they_o think_v the_o parliament_n have_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v that_o oath_n and_o not_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v this_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o assent_v of_o the_o king_n to_o that_o i_o observe_v the_o king_n in_o his_o message_n to_o the_o house_n do_v note_v it_o to_o be_v their_o own_o protestation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o nor_o consent_n unto_o it_o and_o if_o by_o power_n they_o shall_v mean_v natural_a strength_n not_o political_a authority_n it_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o many_o as_o their_o grievance_n and_o by_o these_o gentleman_n themselves_o in_o the_o forego_n exception_n that_o they_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o run_v itself_o on_o contradiction_n in_o action_n as_o well_o as_o assertion_n to_o swear_v as_o lawful_o call_v at_o one_o time_n but_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o swear_v a_o oath_n contain_v the_o same_o matter_n though_o call_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n another_o time_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a doubt_n with_o these_o learned_a man_n be_v 4._o pag._n ibid._n &_o 4._o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n octob._n 9.19_o carol._n have_v express_o forbid_v the_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v void_a the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o interdict_v have_v be_v publish_v by_o his_o late_a majesty_n we_o can_v deny_v 16._o league_n illegal_a p._n 16._o but_o not_o as_o dr._n feat_o his_o ghost_n suppose_v on_o pain_n of_o treason_n for_o no_o proclamation_n of_o the_o king_n of_o england_n do_v claim_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o fasten_v treason_n on_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o what_o be_v thereby_o enjoin_v 2._o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v how_o regular_o his_o majesty_n do_v issue_n forth_o the_o say_a proclamation_n which_o be_v not_o usual_o do_v but_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n who_o be_v veil_v by_o the_o session_n of_o parliament_n and_o all_o proclamation_n then_o usual_o run_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n assemble_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n and_o commons_o or_o either_o of_o they_o during_o their_o session_n give_v out_o order_n not_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o estate_n they_o represent_v but_o to_o any_o other_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n it_o have_v not_o be_v usual_a for_o the_o king_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o proclamation_n to_o thwart_v oppose_v and_o void_a they_o and_o in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o good_a observer_n may_v find_v the_o parliament_n have_v judge_v the_o king_n oppose_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o they_o debate_v or_o order_v before_o it_o be_v regular_o propound_v to_o he_o by_o themselves_o to_o have_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o privilege_n and_o so_o to_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o as_o such_o retract_v by_o his_o late_a majesty_n the_o little_a pleasure_n i_o have_v
αναληÏιÏ_n ανεληÏθη_n the_o fasten_n of_o st._n petrrs_n fetter_n by_o seven_o link_n or_o proposition_n or_o the_o efficacy_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v against_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o dr._n john_n gauden_n anonymous_n questionist_n st._n peter_n bond_n not_o only_o loose_v but_o annihilate_v by_o mr._n john_n russell_n attest_v by_o john_n gauden_n d._n d._n the_o league_n illegal_a false_o father_v on_o dr._n daniel_n featley_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n for_o not_o take_v now_o plead_v to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n by_o zech._n crofton_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o s._n botolph_n algate_n london_n jer._n 34.15_o you_o be_v now_o turn_v and_o have_v do_v right_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o you_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n before_o i_o in_o the_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n ver._n 16._o but_o you_o turn_v and_o pollute_v my_o name_n ver._n 18_o 20._o i_o will_v give_v the_o man_n that_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v before_o i_o i_o will_v even_o give_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n error_n cvi_fw-la non_fw-la resistitur_fw-la approbatur_fw-la &_o veritas_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la defenditur_fw-la opprimitur_fw-la negligere_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la possis_fw-la deturbare_fw-la perversos_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la aliud_fw-la quam_fw-la fovere_fw-la nec_fw-la caret_fw-la scrupulo_fw-la societatis_fw-la occultae_fw-la qui_fw-la manifesto_fw-la facinori_fw-la cum_fw-la potest_fw-la desinit_fw-la obviate_v innocent_n london_n print_v for_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1160._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o the_o season_n of_o their_o publication_n may_v expose_v they_o and_o their_o author_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o discretion_n which_o if_o they_o do_v i_o can_v but_o let_v thou_o know_v this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o time_n i_o have_v fall_v under_o their_o correction_n for_o such_o be_v my_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n in_o his_o late_a unjust_a exile_n and_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o my_o conscience_n that_o my_o preach_v sermon_n and_o print_v paper_n be_v very_o frequent_o under_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o committee_n constitute_v not_o only_o of_o my_o envious_a enemy_n desirous_a to_o discover_v in_o i_o a_o rashness_n which_o may_v prove_v my_o ruin_n but_o also_o my_o tremble_a friend_n and_o timorous_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o think_v any_o who_o step_v before_o they_o in_o duty_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o present_a danger_n and_o yet_o no_o judgement_n can_v pass_v against_o i_o 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expose_v myself_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o singularity_n inconsiderate_a heat_n peevishness_n of_o spirit_n and_o contract_n on_o myself_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n in_o power_n and_o fretting_n of_o my_o comply_a brethren_n and_o fellow-confederates_a and_o fail_v the_o expectation_n of_o my_o own_o preferment_n which_o my_o courage_n and_o constancy_n for_o his_o majesty_n just_a interest_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o oppress_a time_n and_o utmost_a of_o opposition_n wherein_o many_o who_o now_o vilify_v the_o covenant_n dare_v not_o speak_v nay_o do_v base_o comply_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v then_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n have_v heighten_v in_o both_o my_o friend_n and_o foe_n against_o which_o when_o i_o reason_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o consult_v a_o proud_a heart_n within_o and_o numerous_a family_n without_o i_o i_o find_v sufficient_a argument_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n to_o determine_v folly_n against_o myself_o but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n true_a piety_n do_v suggest_v and_o convince_v i_o that_o wisdom_n towards_o god_n be_v folly_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o watchman_n prudence_n be_v to_o proclaim_v a_o approach_a evil_n whilst_o at_o a_o distance_n capable_a of_o diversion_n and_o escape_v and_o that_o the_o most_o wise_a of_o god_n minister_n in_o all_o age_n judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o oppose_v god_n word_n to_o man_n prevail_a lust_n and_o present_a propensity_n unto_o wickedness_n elijah-like_a to_o stand_v alone_o and_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n when_o for_o so_o do_v they_o may_v be_v brand_v as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n when_o indeed_o their_o sin_n not_o the_o preacher_n speech_n do_v cause_n the_o commotion_n with_o micaiah_n to_o denounce_v the_o danger_n of_o ahabs_n design_n though_o 400_o prophet_n encourage_v it_o and_o king_n and_o the_o court_n incline_v to_o it_o and_o with_o jeremiah_n to_o say_v to_o the_o king_n keep_v thy_o oath_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v deliver_v when_o prince_n and_o prophet_n persuade_v the_o breach_n thereof_o and_o himself_o must_v down_o into_o the_o dungeon_n as_o a_o preacher_n of_o sedition_n few_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o roger_n bacon_n in_o his_o plain_a preach_v to_o king_n henry_n 3._o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v his_o malignant_a counsellor_n peter_n bishop_n of_o winchester_n and_z peter_z de_fw-fr rivallis_n he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o quiet_a play_v a_o wise_a part_n than_o do_v the_o bishop_n who_o to_o please_v the_o king_n humour_n preach_v up_o the_o king_n prerogative_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o brought_z himself_o under_o a_o anathema_n from_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o appeal_v to_o rome_n for_o relief_n and_o all_o good_a protestant_n will_v conclude_v cranmer_n be_v much_o wise_a in_o alone_a withstand_v king_n council_z parliament_z lord_n temporal_a &_o spiritual_a in_o the_o case_n of_o k._n henry_n 8._o his_o six_o popish_a article_n than_o in_o that_o court-compliance_n which_o cause_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n this_o my_o unworthy_a right_a hand_n magnanimity_n be_v a_o virtue_n not_o the_o least_o necessary_a to_o a_o man_n but_o most_o necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o a_o minister_n who_o shall_v like_v his_o steeple_n stand_v in_o all_o storm_n raise_v under_o and_o by_o the_o variation_n of_o human_a affair_n and_o not_o like_o the_o wether_n cock_n turn_v with_o every_o wind_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o think_v with_o what_o vigour_n some_o assert_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n when_o the_o civil_a part_n thereof_o be_v cloud_v and_o break_v and_o now_o will_v vindicate_v the_o civil_a part_n thereof_o whilst_o religion_n be_v special_o concern_v like_o wise_a archer_n level_v at_o the_o mark_n because_o of_o spectator_n observation_n but_o resolve_v to_o shoot_v fair_a and_o far_o off_o whilst_z other_o whole_o couch_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v it_o off_o or_o by_o false_a gloss_n and_o frivolous_a interpretation_n evade_v it_o and_o study_v how_o to_o charm_v other_o into_o the_o same_o silence_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v sin_n it_o be_v worth_a remembrance_n that_o religion_n and_o its_o reformation_n never_o be_v nor_o must_v now_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o resolution_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o recite_v the_o boldness_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a father_n against_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o pagan_n alexander_n and_o athanasius_n that_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d against_o the_o arrian_n empire_n in_o promote_a and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o wickliff_n hus_n and_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o the_o conflict_n of_o england_n nonconformist_n against_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n and_o romish_a relic_n in_o our_o church_n
discharge_v of_o these_o then_o particular_o and_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o of_o they_o sectio_fw-la prima_fw-la proposition_n the_o assert_v of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o its_o oblige_a force_n be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o incumbent_a on_o every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n but_o especial_o on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o we_o consider_v this_o proposition_n and_o frame_v this_o link_n of_o our_o chain_n we_o must_v take_v the_o covenant_n in_o its_o abstract_a form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a compact_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n in_o which_o god_n be_v witness_n or_o party_n or_o both_o and_o at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v true_a just_a and_o lawful_a which_o yet_o will_v hereafter_o in_o its_o appoint_a place_n be_v discuss_v and_o as_o such_o i_o say_v the_o assert_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o oblige_a force_n unto_o the_o exact_v of_o performance_n and_o rebuke_v of_o negative_a or_o positive_a breach_n of_o it_o in_o not_o do_v or_o in_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v covenant_v be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o incumbent_a on_o all_o man_n in_o their_o place_n viz._n in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o express_v themselves_o and_o expect_v other_o to_o be_v act_v as_o man_n and_o christian_n by_o the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o they_o bound_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o or_o joint_o to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o divine_a counsel_n must_v be_v their_o compass_n to_o guide_v their_o course_n past_a danger_n and_o destruction_n conform_v hereunto_o be_v the_o commendable_a carriage_n of_o gyth_n the_o young_a brother_n but_o faithful_a counsellor_n to_o harold_n king_n of_o england_n who_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n between_o he_o and_o william_n conqueror_n give_v the_o king_n this_o warning_n 150._o cambd._n brit_n p._n 149_o 150._o in_o case_n you_o have_v make_v promise_n to_o william_n of_o the_o kingdom_n withdraw_v thy_o person_n out_o of_o the_o battle_n for_o sure_o all_o thy_o force_n shall_v not_o secure_v thou_o against_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n who_o will_v require_v punishment_n for_o breach_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n every_o man_n be_v in_o charity_n bind_v to_o be_v a_o angel_n to_o a_o unmindful_a jacob_n in_o point_n of_o his_o vow_n to_o god_n and_o monitor_n to_o his_o backslide_n brother_n but_o it_o especial_o belong_v to_o gospel-minister_n who_o be_v god_n watchman_n against_o sin_n and_o his_o people_n remembrancer_n unto_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o by_o common_a charity_n but_o also_o by_o special_a office_n bind_v to_o give_v warning_n against_o approach_v evil_a contract_a guilt_n and_o impend_a judgement_n of_o god_n 9_o ezek._n 3.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 33.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o that_o as_o they_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o immortal_a soul_n who_o slip_v into_o and_o perish_v by_o their_o sin_n on_o this_o account_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o his_o prophet_n with_o a_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v give_v the_o man_n which_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o have_v not_o perform_v my_o covenant_n even_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o zedekiah_n the_o king_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n jer._n 34.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v contentious_a or_o danger_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n as_o seditious_a and_o lose_v all_o their_o comfort_n must_v not_o deter_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o come_v to_o the_o king_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v deliver_v shall_v he_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o prosper_v and_o escape_v ezek._n 17.15_o for_o in_o case_n of_o silence_n the_o sin_n will_v be_v on_o their_o head_n and_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n will_v cry_v out_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n so_o common_a and_o clear_a god_n the_o duty_n urge_v from_o piety_n towards_o god_n that_o none_o profess_v reason_n or_o religion_n dare_v deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o all_o may_v run_v and_o read_v it_o viz._n the_o covenant_n be_v a_o oath_n the_o high_a appeal_n to_o god_n who_o must_v not_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o make_v a_o witness_n to_o his_o own_o dishonour_n but_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n thereof_o as_o a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n must_v with_o all_o zeal_n exact_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n dependent_a on_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o worship_n remember_v god_n have_v strict_o charge_v that_o if_o a_o man_n vow_v a_o vow_n and_o bind_v his_o soul_n he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o word_n he_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n number_n 30.2_o so_o that_o in_o piety_n to_o god_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v keep_v and_o its_o obligation_n be_v assert_v loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n be_v no_o little_a swasive_a to_o this_o duty_n king_n 2._o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n for_o that_o lead_v to_o all_o fidelity_n in_o discharge_v and_o prevention_n of_o every_o thing_n destructive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o majesty_n perjury_n most_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v abominable_a in_o any_o and_o most_o conspicuous_a in_o a_o prince_n who_o can_v without_o dread_n remember_v the_o fierceness_n of_o god_n fury_n against_o zedekiah_n for_o break_v the_o oath_n into_o which_o he_o be_v force_v by_o the_o straight_a siege_n or_o observe_v the_o odium_n that_o abide_v on_o albert_n the_o emperor_n almerick_n king_n of_o jerusalem_n vladislaus_n king_n of_o hungary_n and_o the_o christian-prince_n for_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o the_o turk_n and_o the_o obloquy_n indelible_a which_o lie_v on_o eugenius_n and_o silvester_n pope_n and_o julian_n cardinal_n of_o s._n angelo_n and_o the_o order_n of_o templar_n for_o abet_v and_o advise_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n urge_v against_o our_o covenant_n the_o breach_n thereof_o can_v any_o true_a englishman_n and_o liege_n subject_a without_o horror_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o perjury_n of_o king_n harold_n which_o let_v in_o william_n conqueror_n to_o our_o land_n and_o how_o king_n john_n be_v make_v odious_a and_o desert_v by_o this_o outcry_n withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o a_o perjure_a king_n and_o not_o in_o sense_n thereof_o be_v stir_v up_o with_o zeal_n to_o assert_v the_o covenant_n which_o break_v will_v load_v with_o shame_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o displeasure_n of_o that_o god_n who_o can_v destroy_v both_o we_o and_o our_o king_n so_o happy_o restore_v to_o each_o other_o true_a loyalty_n be_v no_o less_o studious_a to_o establish_v the_o king_n throne_n in_o righteousness_n than_o obsequious_a to_o the_o royal_a expression_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o to_o such_o as_o centre_n loyalty_n in_o the_o last_o i_o will_v advise_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o honourable_a memory_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o oath_n be_v act_v by_o the_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o interdict_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o its_o oblige_a force_n when_o take_v than_o to_o attempt_v the_o discharge_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o solitude_n he_o advise_v his_o subject_n unto_o the_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a way_n covenant_n the_o contemplation_n on_o the_o covenant_n as_o think_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o the_o taker_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 and_o as_o one_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n charge_v his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n that_o now_o be_v that_o if_o god_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o own_o on_o hard_a cordition_n he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o shall_v promise_v and_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n as_o a_o most_o obedient_a son_n to_o a_o father_n so_o pious_o prudent_a have_v himself_o swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o all_o his_o dominion_n by_o his_o royal_a declaration_n of_o august_n 16._o 1650._o from_o dumfirmling_n profess_v himself_o deep_o humble_v for_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o on_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o the_o article_n thereof_o he_o have_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o solemn_a leagne_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v
the_o act_n of_o take_v the_o covenant_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o weaken_v or_o dissolve_v its_o bond_n let_v i_o therefore_o say_v sir_n to_o these_o who_o offer_v to_o your_o and_o my_o consideration_n their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n against_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o scatter_v abroad_o paper_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o they_o manifest_v their_o malice_n and_o profane_a enmity_n against_o the_o covenant_n by_o subject_v it_o to_o vulgar_a scorn_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o nakedness_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o run_v away_o rail_v against_o the_o covenant_n as_o of_o no_o force_n or_o obligation_n as_o void_a and_o null_a on_o a_o mere_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la base-begging_a the_o question_n and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o what_o make_v the_o act_n of_o swear_v sinful_a make_v the_o oath_n void_a and_o suppose_v a_o weight_n which_o be_v very_o little_a in_o their_o exception_n to_o word_n method_n form_n order_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o impose_v it_o on_o the_o people_n which_o may_v have_v keep_v some_o man_n from_o swear_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v all_o that_o be_v swear_v if_o they_o will_v indeed_o batter_v the_o covenant_n they_o shall_v pierce_v into_o the_o body_n of_o it_o and_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o unlawful_a and_o then_o will_v i_o also_o shake_v off_o the_o covenant_n for_o ever_o till_o then_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a to_o my_o own_o enquiry_n in_o saint_n peter_n bond_n abide_v pag._n 13._o to_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o a_o tumultuous_a assembly_n come_v before_o we_o with_o sword_n and_o sceptre_n say_v they_o be_v a_o parliament_n and_o have_v lawful_a constant_a and_o complete_a authority_n and_o therefore_o will_v put_v a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n upon_o we_o and_o silly_a inconsiderate_a we_o be_v not_o so_o well-skilled_a in_o politic_n or_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o country_n to_o detect_v their_o fallacy_n but_o think_v all_o authority_n be_v within_o those_o wall_n and_o obedience_n must_v be_v yield_v to_o what_o be_v there_o command_v and_o so_o we_o be_v beguile_v into_o the_o oath_n nor_o be_v we_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o endure_v their_o violence_n but_o by_o fear_n be_v force_v into_o the_o covenant_n be_v it_o therefore_o void_a for_o we_o have_v open_v our_o mouth_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v go_v back_o sectio_fw-la tertia_fw-la proposition_n 3._o the_o matter_n swear_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o pursue_v that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o covenant_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o it_o be_v partly_o assertory_n and_o partly_o promissory_a assertory_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o it_o viz._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n covenant_n the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v though_o this_o preface_n may_v seem_v and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o swear_v the_o covenant_n by_o all_o that_o swear_v it_o we_o shall_v own_v it_o as_o a_o part_n thereof_o the_o covenant_n be_v further_a assertory_n in_o the_o conclusion_n viz._n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o present_a distress_n and_o danger_n the_o fruit_n thereof_o we_o profess_v and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n our_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o transgression_n so_o much_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o covenant_n we_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o such_o success_n as_o may_v be_v deliverance_n and_o safety_n to_o his_o people_n and_o encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o anti-christian_n tyranny_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_a association_n and_o covenant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n the_o covenant_n be_v promissory_a in_o the_o six_o article_n thereof_o concern_v the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o although_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v unlawful_a because_o untrue_a in_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n pretend_o induce_n to_o it_o and_o so_o hypocritical_a and_o fallacious_a in_o the_o humility_n zeal_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o conclusion_n protest_v whereby_o the_o taker_n in_o deceive_v other_o may_v have_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o that_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o jealousy_n who_o have_v be_v call_v as_o a_o witness_n of_o such_o wickedness_n promise_n falsehood_n in_o the_o preface_n bar_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o this_o fallacy_n will_v not_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o a_o oath_n bind_v according_a to_o expression_n not_o the_o taker_n reserve_v intention_n and_o therefore_o grotius_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o his_o assertory_n oath_n do_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d swear_v false_o this_o will_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o his_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d for_o not_o
purity_n of_o doctrine_n the_o great_a help_n of_o this_o unity_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v that_o with_o the_o doctrine_n the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v by_o little_a and_o little_a together_o receive_v and_o according_a to_o that_o discipline_n so_o near_o as_o may_v be_v the_o whole_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dispose_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v unto_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o to_o all_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v perpetual_o keep_v that_o unity_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n unto_o these_o may_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o arundel_n hutton_n and_o matthews_n three_o english_a archbishop_n approve_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o king_n james_n profess_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1590._o that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o the_o sincere_a church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o may_v have_v bring_v to_o their_o knowledge_n a_o better_a account_n but_o they_o look_v not_o so_o far_o back_o but_o take_v it_o up_o by_o occurrent_n of_o those_o unhappy_a time_n in_o which_o i_o fear_v scotland_n be_v not_o more_o full_a of_o perplexity_n than_o oxford_n of_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n 3._o but_o in_o what_o particular_n be_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n much_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o england_n they_o shall_v specify_v these_o bad_a thing_n for_o generalia_fw-la non_fw-la pungunt_fw-la i_o confess_v in_o a_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n or_o question_n in_o divinity_n the_o say_v so_o of_o a_o university_n be_v of_o some_o authority_n but_o of_o none_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o accusation_n which_o must_v be_v particular_o charge_v and_o plain_o prove_v if_o england_n doctrine_n be_v doudtful_a and_o defective_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n or_o sophisticated_a by_o the_o obtrude_v fancy_n and_o term_n of_o private_a man_n as_o mr._n prynn_n have_v plain_o charge_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o late_a king_n prefix_v to_o his_o quench-coal_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o sundry_a county_n in_o their_o reason_n for_o reformation_n have_v suggest_v and_o mr._n hamâlton_n in_o his_o modest_a answer_n to_o dr._n peirson_n have_v clear_o demonstrate_v it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o much_o better_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sco_n land_n as_o its_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o england_n and_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o one_o be_v as_o good_a though_o nothing_o better_a than_o the_o other_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a scruple_n to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o it_o exception_n 3_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n refer_v to_o the_o five_o section_n of_o this_o treatise_n four_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n but_o to_o proceed_v their_o three_o reason_n be_v a_o suppose_a contradiction_n in_o this_o first_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o shall_v be_v consider_v under_o another_o head_n the_o four_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o scotland_n be_v this_o wherein_o we_o already_o find_v some_o thing_n to_o our_o think_n tend_v towards_o superstition_n and_o schism_n which_o call_v for_o reformation_n here_o sir_n they_o seem_v to_o specify_v what_o in_o the_o 2d_o reason_n they_o have_v suggest_v in_o general_a term_n but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o they_o find_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n any_o formal_a superstition_n or_o schism_n but_o at_o the_o most_o something_a tend_v towards_o they_o i_o imagine_v many_o oxford_n master_n will_v not_o willing_o admit_v a_o reformation_n or_o be_v deny_v a_o preservation_n of_o many_o thing_n apparent_o tend_v towards_o popery_n bua_fw-mi not_o popery_n itself_o 2._o the_o thing_n they_o find_v do_v but_o to_o their_o think_n tend_v towards_o superstition_n or_o shisme_n but_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o it_o must_v conjecture_n stand_v against_o the_o covenant_n and_o conclusion_n of_o other_o methinks_v superstition_n and_o schism_n shall_v be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o the_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v what_o thing_n tend_v thereunto_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o tend_v in_o their_o think_n to_o superstition_n and_o schism_n they_o point_v we_o unto_o the_o margin_n and_o there_o we_o find_v viz._n in_o account_v bishop_n antichristian_a and_o indifferent_a ceremony_n unlawful_a this_o they_o refer_v to_o superstition_n and_o viz._n in_o make_v their_o discipline_n ad_fw-la government_n a_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o set_n up_o thereof_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o they_o refer_v to_o schism_n sure_a sir_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a strait_n that_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o specify_v these_o sad_a corruption_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o where_o they_o find_v these_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n whether_o in_o their_o confession_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n whilst_o in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n they_o give_v unto_o general_a assembly_n authority_n about_o ceremony_n 121._o corpus_fw-la confessi_fw-la conf._n scot._n art_n 20._o p._n 120_o 121._o i_o can_v think_v they_o deem_v indifferent_a ceremony_n unlawful_a nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o they_o as_o england_n have_v do_v do_v any_o where_fw-mi make_v their_o discipline_n a_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o so_o they_o may_v damn_v bishop_n as_o antichristian_a i_o find_v indeed_o 118._o artic._n 8._o p._n 118._o that_o they_o make_v discipline_n right_o administer_v as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o they_o do_v not_o appropriate_v it_o to_o their_o discipline_n and_o government_n as_o these_o learned_a man_n will_v have_v we_o read_v it_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o scotch_a divine_n do_v account_v english_a bishop_n antichristian_a and_o english_a popish_a ceremony_n unlawful_a but_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v indifferent_a but_o these_o be_v special_n and_o far_o from_o the_o general_n charge_v on_o they_o nor_o can_v these_o special_n be_v condemn_v in_o they_o until_o catherwoods_n altar_n damascenum_n and_o mr._n gillespy_v dispute_n against_o the_o english-popish_a ceremony_n which_o have_v pass_v with_o much_o approbation_n through_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o i_o presume_v miss_v not_o oxford_n be_v full_o answer_v 4._o but_o wherein_o lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o these_o principle_n to_o superstition_n and_o schism_n that_o these_o learned_a man_n think_v of_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v negative_a and_o exclusive_a and_o i_o deem_v a_o denial_n of_o any_o of_o god_n appointment_n to_o be_v profaneness_n not_o superstition_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v superstition_n to_o be_v a_o positive_a innovation_n and_o erection_n of_o some_o new_a matter_n and_o action_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o man_n mere_a will_n and_o invention_n without_o god_n institution_n i_o remember_v mr._n blake_n deni_v the_o baptise_v of_o bell_n or_o the_o horse_n in_o huntingtonshire_n to_o be_v superstition_n and_o damn_v it_o as_o a_o profane_a misapplication_n of_o god_n ordinance_n how_o then_o the_o exclusion_n neglect_n or_o profane_a esteem_n of_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n can_v tend_v to_o superstition_n i_o confess_v i_o see_v not_o think_v you_o sir_n the_o learned_a man_n of_o oxford_n do_v deem_v bishop_n and_o indifferent_a ceremony_n to_o be_v such_o immediate_a institution_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o they_o think_v a_o profane_a contempt_n of_o they_o 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her_o government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o
the_o church_n be_v within_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n do_v ever_o make_v or_o institute_v any_o distinction_n or_o difference_n to_o be_v in_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o power_n order_n or_o jurisdiction_n between_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o between_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o difference_n among_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v devise_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n or_o else_o by_o the_o permission_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o time_n rule_v the_o say_a father_n consider_v the_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o christian_n so_o great_o increase_v take_v example_n 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be_v a_o aristocracy_n and_o in_o respect_n the_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v but_o have_v their_o interest_n unto_o exception_n in_o church-matter_n it_o be_v a_o democracy_n if_o then_o these_o man_n will_v take_v down_o the_o tower_a power_n of_o prelate_n and_o turn_v their_o magisterial_a throne_n into_o a_o ministerial_a chair_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o cathedral_n council_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o let_v these_o lofty_a person_n stand_v among_o their_o fellow_n till_o by_o common_a consent_n for_o common_a order_n one_o of_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o chair_n to_o gather_v suffrage_n regulate_v the_o assembly_n declare_v their_o sentence_n and_o see_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o summon_v they_o together_o they_o shall_v constitute_v a_o government_n which_o i_o think_v will_v not_o only_o fair_o pretend_v unto_o but_o plain_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o establishment_n and_o there_o be_v very_o many_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a author_n of_o my_o opinion_n and_o then_o we_o need_v no_o more_o dispute_v the_o matter_n of_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n for_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o covenant_n will_v rather_o establish_v it_o their_o think_v so_o of_o divine_a right_n turn_v into_o a_o assurance_n of_o universal_a uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o this_o form_n of_o government_n in_o all_o kingdom_n that_o have_v be_v call_v christian_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n save_v that_o of_o aerius_n which_o spring_v from_o discontent_n and_o gain_v he_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o heretic_n this_o be_v sir_n the_o old_a only_a and_o usual_a guard_n of_o prelacy_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a reverence_n though_o i_o put_v not_o on_o it_o observe_v the_o antiquity_n of_o england_n prelacy_n observe_v nor_o consent_n unto_o it_o a_o authority_n equal_a with_o or_o as_o the_o papist_n idolise_v it_o above_o the_o scripture_n i_o confess_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o may_v give_v a_o clear_a conviction_n than_o direction_n and_o assert_v thing_n past_o do_v rather_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o continue_v it_o be_v well_o if_o
their_o certain_a assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v any_o better_o bottom_v than_o their_o think_v so_o in_o point_n of_o divine_a right_n i_o know_v not_o what_o may_v be_v their_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o ancient_a record_n and_o late_a history_n for_o they_o mention_v none_o and_o therein_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v unto_o themselves_o but_o by_o such_o ancient_a or_o modern_a history_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v this_o form_n of_o government_n which_o must_v relate_v unto_o that_o to_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o have_v be_v either_o universal_a or_o uninterrupted_a in_o all_o kingdom_n that_o have_v be_v call_v christian_n for_o half_a fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o if_o they_o account_v backward_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o writing_n they_o will_v find_v a_o violent_a interruption_n and_o indeed_o extirpation_n of_o this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o christian_a the_o king_n of_o denmark_n in_o the_o year_n 1537._o as_o contrary_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n and_o then_o they_o will_v lose_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n without_o interruption_n and_o that_o in_o a_o kingdom_n call_v christian_n and_o this_o sir_n be_v to_o sense_n whatever_o it_o be_v to_o reason_n a_o more_o considerable_a opposition_n than_o that_o of_o aerius_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o interruption_n and_o extirpation_n in_o scotland_n which_o i_o presume_v may_v be_v to_o they_o of_o little_a weight_n that_o people_n in_o their_o eye_n scarce_o appear_v christian_n and_o if_o they_o will_v account_v forward_o from_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o lord_n their_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n of_o universal_a uninterrupted_a episcopal_a government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n will_v rise_v very_o heavy_o for_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o division_n and_o distribution_n of_o church_n into_o parish_n and_o diocese_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n for_o more_o than_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o year_n 9_o polid._n virg._n invent_v l._n 4._o c._n 9_o and_o until_o that_o time_n small_a town_n and_o village_n have_v their_o bishop_n and_o all_o bishop_n be_v before_o and_o after_o that_o choose_a by_o the_o people_n not_o by_o their_o prince_n and_o so_o long_o there_o can_v be_v no_o metropolitan_a portavit_fw-la archiepiscopi_fw-la vero_fw-la su_fw-es hibernia_n nulli_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la se_fw-la inuicem_fw-la episcopi_fw-la consecrabant_fw-la donec_fw-la johannes_n papyrio_fw-la romanae_fw-la sedis_fw-la legatus_fw-la ad_fw-la venit_fw-la hic_fw-la 4._o pallia_fw-la in_o hiberniam_fw-la portavit_fw-la archiepiscopal_a seat_n nor_o cathedral_n episcopal_a diocese_n and_o will_v they_o give_v a_o irish_a man_n leave_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o saint_n patrick_n send_v into_o ireland_n by_o eleuth_n rius_fw-la more_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n do_v consecrate_v as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v constitute_v church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n three_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o five_o of_o each_o and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n to_o the_o come_n in_o of_o johannes_n papyrio_n the_o pope_n legate_n anno_fw-la 1152._o 58._o girald_n cambr._n topograph_n hiber_n destinct_n 3._o cap._n 17._o vid._n the_o religion_n profess_v by_o the_o ancient_a irish_a in_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o late_a primate_n usher_n by_o sir_n christopher_n sipthorpe_n knight_n pag._n 58._o there_o be_v no_o archbishoprics_a in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v call_v christian_a and_o if_o the_o instance_n may_v not_o offend_v they_o i_o will_v mind_v they_o that_o bishop_n usher_n the_o late_a primate_n of_o armagh_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr primordiis_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la britannicarum_fw-la pag._n 800._o do_v affirm_v out_o of_o john_n major_n de_fw-fr gestis_fw-la scotorum_fw-la that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o scot_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o priest_n and_o monk_n and_o have_v no_o bishop_n before_o the_o come_n of_o palladius_n into_o their_o country_n and_o after_o that_o palladius_n make_v bishop_n they_o have_v no_o diocese_n until_o malcolme_n the_o three_o king_n of_o scotland_n but_o every_o bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopal_a function_n wherever_o he_o come_v who_o cit_v also_o john_n fordon_n scotichronicon_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o on_o the_o same_o account_n so_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v this_o form_n of_o government_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n cathedral_n church_n and_o by_o archbishop_n to_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o some_o kingdom_n half_a fifteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o assurance_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n moreover_o though_o the_o opposition_n of_o aerius_n seem_v in_o their_o eye_n on_o inconsiderable_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v such_o as_o state_v a_o principle_n which_o be_v once_o admittee_n as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o obtain_v but_o liberty_n to_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o government_n to_o be_v practise_v will_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o superiority_n of_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o all_o minister_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n office_n and_o authority_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v who_o be_v you_o that_o advance_v yourselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n it_o over_o your_o brethren_n and_o god_n heritage_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v cloud_v by_o the_o occasion_n on_o which_o it_o be_v divulge_v by_o he_o the_o man_n discontent_n we_o must_v say_v that_o discontent_n be_v a_o better_a dictator_n than_o judge_n and_o god_n know_v how_o to_o make_v man_n grudge_n grind_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n mind_n and_o will_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v deem_v but_o a_o poor_a defence_n of_o the_o pope_n supreamacy_n in_o england_n to_o say_v that_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o in_o a_o discontent_a humour_n do_v cast_v it_o off_o and_o be_v for_o it_o excommunicate_v and_o here_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v and_o advantage_n take_v that_o aerius_n be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n for_o affirm_v the_o parity_n of_o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n and_o yet_o sir_n it_o will_v be_v well_o note_v by_o who_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o heretic_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o council_n or_o primitive_a father_n but_o by_o one_o only_a man_n epiphanius_n though_o to_o be_v reverence_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o this_o administer_v little_a cause_n of_o regard_n i_o think_v many_o in_o oxford_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o have_v arminian_n notion_n more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o aerius_n notion_n to_o good_a order_n public_o damn_v as_o heresy_n which_o yet_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o though_o that_o be_v not_o a_o general_a council_n it_o win_v more_o authority_n than_o the_o censure_n of_o epiphanius_n saint_n augustine_n therefore_o repeat_v the_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n as_o recite_v by_o epiphanius_n do_v more_o modest_o denominate_v it_o proprium_fw-la dogma_fw-la 53._o august_n de_fw-fr haeresibus_fw-la cap._n 53._o and_o other_o repeat_v the_o heresy_n of_o aerius_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o this_o among_o they_o nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o reason_n if_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n michael_n of_o medina_n be_v deserve_o chide_v for_o say_v 591._o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 591._o hierom_n and_o austin_n fall_v into_o the_o heresy_n of_o aerius_n and_o affirm_v the_o degree_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o priest_n i_o hope_v that_o be_v not_o heresy_n in_o aerius_n which_o be_v orthodox_n in_o austin_n jerom_n and_o other_o true_o sir_n i_o think_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n may_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v consider_v and_o indeed_o public_o contradict_v titus_n contradict_v collect_v by_o mr._n william_n prynne_n as_o a_o appendix_n to_o his_o unbishoping_a timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o catalogue_n of_o testimony_n in_o all_o age_n evidence_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o equal_a and_o the_o same_o in_o jurisdiction_n dignity_n order_n and_o degree_n whereby_o in_o five_o several_a squadron_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ignatius_n policarpus_fw-la anacletus_fw-la justin_n martyr_n and_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n peter_n lombard_n gratian_n hugo_n cardinalis_fw-la and_o many_o other_o canonist_n and_o schoolman_n the_o waldenses_n alphonsus_n castro_n gersomus_n bucer_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o foreign_a divine_n and_o church_n our_o own_o sedulus_fw-la anselme_n beda_n occam_n fulk_n jewel_n reynolds_n whitaker_n and_o almost_o who_o not_o in_o every_o place_n and_o age_n be_v produce_v as_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o in_o aârius_n be_v call_v heresy_n for_o certain_o so_o general_a a_o consent_n to_o a_o
conclusion_n so_o weighty_a be_v a_o very_a considerable_a opposition_n direct_o repugnant_a to_o their_o confidence_n of_o a_o universal_a uninterrupted_a exercise_n of_o this_o form_n of_o government_n for_o now_o have_v epiphanius_n more_o warrantable_o and_o on_o better_a ground_n call_v this_o a_o heresy_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o regard_n it_o nor_o will_v their_o assurance_n of_o this_o argument_n avail_v to_o establish_v this_o kind_n of_o prelacy_n or_o to_o anticipate_v the_o promise_n on_o oath_n of_o a_o due_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v it_o we_o see_v sir_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o weight_n in_o the_o government_n either_o on_o the_o suppose_a apostolical_a institution_n or_o ancient_a universal_a uninterrupted_a practice_n that_o can_v bar_v from_o take_v much_o less_o bind_v unto_o the_o break_n of_o this_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n covenant_n oxford_z four_o exception_n to_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v bind_v the_o perpetuation_n of_o this_o government_n or_o be_v of_o force_n to_o bar_v the_o extirpation_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o their_o four_o exception_n to_o this_o article_n wherein_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o can_v swear_v to_o extirpate_v this_o government_n for_o three_o reason_n 1._o the_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v all_o change_n in_o government_n and_o in_o this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v great_a it_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o law_n and_o of_o strong_a influence_n on_o the_o civil_a state_n 2._o repugnant_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commonsin_a parliament_n 3._o and_o a_o strike_n at_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o famous_a church_n of_o england_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o brief_o say_v that_o the_o two_o first_o seem_v in_o my_o thought_n very_o little_a to_o respect_v the_o church_n for_o the_o alteration_n which_o may_v ensue_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n may_v consist_v with_o and_o conduce_v unto_o the_o being_n and_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o declare_a purpose_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o may_v be_v contradict_v without_o any_o great_a reflection_n on_o the_o church_n 2._o jealousy_n of_o inconvenient_a effect_n must_v not_o intercept_v a_o duty_n these_o effect_n may_v be_v accidental_a the_o duty_n positive_a and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o legislator_n to_o foresee_v and_o prepare_v against_o such_o incovenience_n as_o may_v happen_v on_o the_o alteration_n of_o law_n and_o form_n of_o government_n i_o question_v how_o far_o the_o care_n thereof_o lie_v on_o private_a person_n or_o society_n and_o if_o these_o jealousy_n be_v of_o weight_n for_o continuation_n of_o episcopacy_n now_o why_o not_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o monastery_n and_o abbey_n and_o exclusion_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o be_v the_o root_n to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n since_o continue_v in_o conjunction_n with_o and_o influence_n on_o the_o civil_a state_n by_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la the_o grant_n of_o the_o glorious_a king_n saint_n edward_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a law_n from_o which_o this_o government_n do_v at_o this_o day_n draw_v its_o sap_n and_o strength_n 3._o the_o declaration_n of_o parliament_n plead_v as_o a_o bar_n to_o this_o extirpation_n do_v offer_v reason_n for_o its_o alteration_n which_o i_o think_v be_v of_o weight_n viz._n its_o strenuous_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v a_o conjunction_n between_o papist_n and_o protestant_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v before_o agree_v in_o judgement_n its_o tyrannical_a impose_v a_o liturgy_n in_o scotland_n and_o enforce_v it_o after_o a_o happy_a pacification_n by_o his_o late_a serene_a majesty_n with_o the_o bellum_n episcopale_v its_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n to_o religion_n and_o religious_a man_n in_o the_o star_n chamber_n and_o high_a commission_n court_v and_o what_o themselves_o observe_v its_o influence_n on_o the_o civil_a state_n which_o make_v this_o prelacy_n odious_a in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v a_o very_a likely_a provocation_n to_o its_o extirpation_n in_o england_n as_o in_o denmark_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o please_v to_o consider_v that_o sinful_a superiority_n over_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o anima_fw-la animans_fw-la very_a form_n of_o it_o and_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o remedy_n but_o by_o its_o ruin_n all_o which_o have_v be_v publish_v in_o print_n by_o many_o petition_n to_o speech_n in_o and_o declaration_n from_o the_o parliament_n may_v have_v offer_v reason_n for_o the_o extirpation_n to_o counterpoise_v nay_o weigh_v down_o all_o fear_a inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v have_v these_o learned_a man_n please_v to_o have_v observe_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o do_v any_o way_n declare_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v from_o their_o indulgence_n and_o willingness_n by_o all_o fair_a mean_n if_o possible_a to_o regulate_v it_o rather_o than_o any_o merit_n of_o the_o government_n itself_o 4._o but_o the_o suppose_a repugnancy_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o be_v not_o to_o i_o so_o visible_a these_o gentleman_n refer_v we_o unto_o the_o remonstrance_n of_o december_n the_o five_o 1641._o and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o remonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o their_o purpose_n or_o desire_n to_o abolish_v the_o church-government_n but_o rather_o that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v regulate_v by_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n which_o word_n by_o the_o variation_n of_o the_o character_n i_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n but_o on_o search_n and_o second_o read_v of_o the_o remonstrance_n i_o find_v no_o such_o sentence_n in_o the_o same_o some_o part_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n themselves_o have_v transcribe_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o it_o be_v this_o they_o infuse_v into_o the_o people_n that_o we_o mean_v to_o abolish_v all_o church-government_n which_o text_n will_v not_o justify_v or_o allow_v their_o inference_n for_o it_o proclaim_v not_o the_o parliament_n purpose_n but_o malignant_n policy_n not_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o their_o purpose_n or_o desire_v to_o extirpate_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n but_o that_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n do_v infuse_v they_o will_v abolish_v all_o government_n sure_o sir_n prejudice_n be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o these_o learned_a man_n of_o oxford_n which_o make_v they_o read_v instead_o of_o a_o complaint_n of_o grievance_n a_o declaration_n of_o purpose_n and_o from_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o general_a charge_n to_o intend_v to_o abolish_v all_o government_n to_o infer_v a_o purpose_n of_o preservation_n of_o this_o specifical_a government_n as_o if_o all_o government_n be_v include_v in_o it_o have_v they_o please_v to_o have_v read_v the_o whole_a sentence_n they_o will_v have_v see_v that_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o general_a abolish_v all_o government_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o they_o may_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n and_o late_o episcopal_a government_n of_o england_n no_o marvel_n that_o this_o mistake_n make_v they_o imagine_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o reason_n a_o rather_o that_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v regulate_v etc._n etc._n which_o desire_n be_v not_o therein_o express_v but_o only_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o his_o majesty_n be_v under_o god_n entrust_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n to_o regulate_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n i_o think_v sir_n a_o profession_n of_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o a_o parliamentary_a proportion_v of_o the_o prelate_n pre-eminence_n and_o the_o king_n supremacy_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o the_o bishop_n be_v degrade_v and_o set_v among_o their_o proper_a peer_n and_o now_o sir_n this_o repugnancy_n between_o the_o covenant_v extirpation_n and_o parliament_n purpose_v of_o perpetuation_n appear_v a_o think_v so_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o this_o episcopacy_n and_o it_o will_v be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o malignity_n to_o suggest_v to_o the_o people_n a_o purpose_n in_o the_o parliament_n by_o they_o never_o declare_v and_o so_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o self-contradiction_n or_o infuse_v into_o the_o people_n the_o verity_n and_o plainness_n of_o their_o meaning_n not_o to_o abolish_v all_o government_n but_o to_o extirpate_v this_o kind_n which_o through_o the_o whole_a
remonstrance_n they_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o oppressive_a and_o dangerous_a if_o they_o will_v evade_v the_o influence_n compass_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o four_o article_n of_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o first_o case_n i_o dare_v secure_v they_o from_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o second_o 5._o but_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v her_o foundation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v what_o shall_v the_o righteous_a do_v and_o these_o serious_a casuist_n do_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o england_n be_v found_v in_o the_o state_n of_o prelacy_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o law_n for_o gospel_n without_o doubt_n they_o have_v none_o to_o prove_v it_o that_o lay_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o the_o foundation_n and_o christ_n a_o enemy_n to_o prelacy_n the_o corner_n stone_n and_o in_o their_o margin_n they_o cite_v the_o statute_n of_o carlisle_n 25._o ed._n 1._o recite_v 25._o ed_n 3._o on_o which_o they_o profess_v they_o dare_v not_o by_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o uphold_v true_o sir_n their_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o foundation_n be_v commendable_a but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n by_o they_o to_o who_o scotland_n make_n their_o discipline_n and_o government_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n do_v seem_v so_o much_o tend_v to_o schism_n must_v the_o government_n of_o england_n be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a esse_fw-la of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v not_o scotland_n make_v her_o government_n a_o note_n of_o distinction_n turpe_fw-la est_fw-la doctori_fw-la etc._n etc._n sir_n we_o can_v deny_v the_o proof_n cite_v and_o declare_v the_o holy_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o prelacy_n but_o i_o can_v but_o stand_v amaze_v to_o find_v man_n make_v apology_n propound_v doubt_n profess_v a_o serious_a desire_n to_o have_v conscience_n satisfy_v so_o much_o to_o content_v themselves_o and_o cozen_v their_o reader_n with_o plain_a fallacy_n such_o sophism_n as_o better_a beseem_v the_o logic_n than_o divinity_n school_n and_o common_a hall_n than_o the_o regent_n house_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o holy_a church_n and_o what_o foundation_n this_o be_v to_o which_o the_o statute_n relate_v these_o learned_a man_n well_o know_v that_o by_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o that_o age_n and_o of_o those_o very_a act_n the_o statute_n of_o edward_n the_o first_o at_o carlisle_n and_o the_o statute_n of_o edward_n the_o three_o be_v mean_v the_o pompous_a popish_a ecclesiastical_a state_n whereof_o abbey_n and_o priory_n be_v no_o small_a member_n as_o in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o other_o grant_n of_o king_n which_o have_v then_o such_o influence_n on_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o that_o no_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v bind_v or_o be_v deem_v valid_a without_o the_o ratify_a censure_n of_o holy_a church_n who_o manner_n be_v by_o her_o authority_n to_o curse_v all_o that_o shall_v not_o keep_v such_o law_n as_o be_v agree_v i_o wish_v the_o master_n and_o scholar_n will_v speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o uphold_v this_o holy_a church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o yea_o do_v not_o subsist_v in_o england_n now_o holy_a church_n be_v drive_v out_o the_o church_n simple_o christian_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o pompous_a popish_a holy_a church_n again_o sir_n the_o foundation_n mention_v in_o these_o statute_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o fabric_n 22._o fox_n his_o act_n and_o monument_n p._n 22._o holy_a church_n viz._n the_o temporal_a endowment_n whereby_o she_o be_v make_v so_o pompous_a the_o land_n manor_n and_o large_a revenue_n give_v by_o the_o king_n or_o noble_n of_o the_o land_n as_o the_o question_n occasion_v the_o same_o do_v plain_o evidence_n which_o be_v whether_o the_o exaction_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o church_n and_o abbey_n and_o all_o benefice_n in_o england_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o vacancy_n by_o pope_n clement_n be_v just_a and_o as_o the_o very_a word_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o statute_n of_o 25._o edward_n 3d._n do_v plain_o declare_v provide_v for_o the_o advousance_n and_o disposal_n of_o all_o benefice_n and_o the_o profit_n thereof_o in_o manner_n as_o the_o founder_n that_o be_v first_o donor_n have_v establish_v and_o so_o the_o prelacy_n in_o which_o it_o be_v found_v be_v a_o independency_n as_o to_o rome_n and_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o prerogative_n which_o england_n have_v free_a and_o within_o herself_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o statute_n themselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurp_v the_o seigniores_fw-la of_o such_o possession_n and_o benefice_n do_v give_v and_o grant_v the_o same_o to_o alien_n which_o do_v not_o and_o cardinal_n which_o may_v not_o dwell_v in_o england_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v patron_n or_o advowe_v of_o the_o say_a benefice_n as_o he_o be_v not_o of_o right_a after_o the_o law_n of_o england_n so_o that_o this_o prelacy_n be_v pure_o political_a and_o the_o foundation_n more_o profitable_a than_o pious_a can_v these_o learned_a man_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o make_v the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n to_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n be_v there_o not_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o patron_n possesson_n and_o presentation_n and_o may_v they_o not_o be_v when_o these_o large_a endowment_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v this_o prelacy_n will_v determine_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o monastery_n to_o have_v be_v shake_v 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like_o the_o petrae_fw-la and_o rupes_fw-la as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henery_n the_o three_o have_v ever_o be_v such_o swell_a foundation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o state_n that_o they_o have_v constrain_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n to_o exercise_v a_o high_a prelacy_n over_o they_o by_o strict_a law_n and_o severe_a exaction_n to_o keep_v they_o within_o their_o bound_n and_o at_o last_o to_o covenant_n the_o extirpation_n thereof_o wherein_o the_o oxford_n reason_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v we_o not_o only_o pull_v a_o old_a house_n about_o our_o ear_n but_o destroy_v the_o very_a church_n if_o we_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o see_v how_o they_o will_v cozen_v we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n instead_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o false_a gloss_n on_o fair_a word_n have_v find_v so_o little_a weight_n in_o what_o be_v urge_v from_o the_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n of_o 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one_o viz._n the_o 36._o which_o relate_v to_o the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o it_o affirm_v that_o book_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o find_v not_o in_o either_o the_o latin_a or_o english_a copy_n of_o these_o article_n which_o i_o have_v see_v these_o learned_a man_n sure_o read_v these_o article_n with_o the_o parliament_n remonstrance_n before_o mention_v and_o so_o misread_v they_o both_o but_o suppose_v the_o article_n have_v so_o affirm_v it_o have_v lay_v no_o bar_n to_o the_o alteration_n or_o extirpation_n of_o this_o government_n for_o it_o may_v be_v as_o indeed_o all_o our_o stattue_n do_v suggest_v a_o mere_a political_n civil_a constitution_n and_o so_o though_o a_o adiaphoron_n not_o contrary_a any_o more_o than_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o alterable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o england_n parliament_n and_o then_o sir_n with_o whatever_o 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elizabeth_n will_n nos_fw-la be_v produce_v as_o their_o warrant_n for_o subscription_n to_o this_o article_n for_o the_o article_n thereby_o enjoin_v 13._o 13._o eliz._n 13._o do_v only_o concern_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o particle_n only_o be_v exclusive_a to_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o by_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o our_o law_n be_v conclude_v to_o be_v political_a in_o their_o nature_n &_o only_o ecclesiastical_a ratione_fw-la objecti_fw-la &_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v make_v a_o article_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o leave_v this_o article_n out_o of_o their_o creed_n shall_v not_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o sir_n be_v there_o any_o force_n in_o this_o exception_n to_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v advise_v that_o subscription_n to_o be_v take_v into_o second_o 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expression_n of_o their_o affection_n only_o wish_v it_o may_v have_v its_o dependence_n on_o right_a reason_n yet_o confess_v petition_v be_v every_o man_n liberty_n and_o for_o the_o four_o and_o five_o that_o they_o hold_v their_o livelyhood_n by_o such_o title_n and_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o immunity_n liberty_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o same_o i_o only_o say_v they_o hold_v they_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o parliament_n who_o power_n be_v over_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o person_n and_o public_a much_o more_o particular_a society_n against_o who_o law_n no_o domestic_a law_n or_o oath_n can_v bind_v and_o so_o their_o plea_n in_o this_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o monastery_n and_o abbey_n which_o i_o presume_v they_o will_v not_o say_v be_v wicked_o demolish_v unless_o they_o prove_v archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o better_a foundation_n which_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v they_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o carlisle_n repeat_v in_o the_o 25._o edw._n 3_o d._n in_o which_o they_o be_v conjoin_v their_o five_o exception_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o obligation_n by_o oath_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n covenant_n oxford_z reasins_z five_o exception_n to_o the_o 2d_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therein_o their_o dissatisfaction_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n coronation_n oath_n the_o benefit_n this_o government_n bring_v unto_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o estate_n the_o agreeableness_n of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o which_o i_o answer_v brief_o that_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o over_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o five_o of_o may_n they_o and_o we_o 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in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o methodiet_n majestatis_fw-la causa_fw-la apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o under_o the_o title_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n no_o regular_a man_n will_v deny_v and_o that_o he_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o exhibition_n and_o administration_n of_o justice_n so_o that_o the_o judge_n be_v by_o and_o from_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o all_o submission_n honour_n and_o acquiescency_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n be_v to_o he_o no_o good_a statist_n or_o civilian_n will_v deny_v and_o that_o he_o be_v supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a ratione_fw-la objecti_fw-la or_o circa_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la the_o executive_a administration_n about_o not_o in_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o papal_a and_o foreign_a power_n no_o freeborn_a subject_n good_a christian_n or_o protestant_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o supreme_a as_o to_o have_v in_o himself_o sole_a legislation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n political_a but_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o public_a national_a profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o such_o a_o form_n and_o method_n of_o article_n such_o a_o national_a uniform_a and_o public_a method_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n and_o such_o a_o national_a discipline_n and_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n within_o his_o realm_n so_o as_o that_o the_o people_n in_o parliament_n assemble_v may_v not_o debate_v consult_v conclude_v concern_v they_o and_o sedente_fw-la parliamââto_fw-la put_v in_o execution_n by_o present_a supersedeas_fw-la of_o former_a act_n and_o by_o present_a vote_n and_o order_n of_o restriction_n and_o regulation_n as_o in_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o nation_n i_o think_v no_o loyal_a subject_n wise_a politician_n good_a statesman_n or_o trueborn_a englishman_n will_v affirm_v for_o that_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o king_n be_v affix_v by_o the_o power_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o all_o writ_n of_o summons_n they_o be_v call_v to_o consult_v the_o ardent_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n form_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v claim_n to_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n of_o december_n 1641._o own_v and_o cite_v by_o these_o learned_a man_n do_v declare_v the_o king_n entrust_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n to_o regulate_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n and_o the_o very_a statute_n enjoin_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o the_o admonition_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n in_o her_o injunction_n appoint_v by_o statute_n to_o be_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o do_v oppose_v the_o king_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o primo_fw-la and_o that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o god_n to_o have_v the_o sove_n aignty_n and_o rule_n over_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n bear_v within_o her_o majesty_n dominion_n or_o country_n of_o what_o estate_n soever_o ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a as_o no_o foreign_a power_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o superiority_n over_o they_o admon_n enact_v to_o expound_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n quinto_fw-la elizab._n primo_fw-la foreign_a power_n not_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o make_v he_o the_o executor_n of_o all_o jurisdiction_n superiority_n and_o preeminence_n by_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o authority_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v which_o be_v always_o direct_v by_o power_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o i_o remember_v the_o lord_n chief_a baron_n bridgeman_n in_o his_o late_a learned_a speech_n concern_v the_o king_n supremacy_n unto_o the_o late_a condemn_a traitor_n at_o the_o old_a bailie_n do_v declare_v the_o king_n to_o be_v supreme_a that_o be_v beyond_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o his_o people_n but_o not_o to_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n so_o as_o to_o rule_v at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o know_a estate_n of_o england_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o the_o coronation_n oath_n bind_v the_o king_n according_o in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n by_o such_o law_n quas_fw-la populus_fw-la elegerit_fw-la as_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v so_o that_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n be_v not_o deny_v when_o his_o prerogative_n amplify_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o 1_o elizabethae_fw-la ca._n 1._o be_v contract_v and_o abridge_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o caroli_n 17._o or_o when_o the_o parliament_n do_v see_v good_a by_o their_o vote_n resolve_n order_n or_o impose_v oath_n to_o alter_v or_o extirpate_v the_o government_n which_o the_o king_n be_v empower_v to_o execute_v and_o administer_v his_o supremacy_n be_v pure_o executive_a and_o that_o subject_a to_o the_o legislation_n of_o parliament_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o people_n oath_n of_o maintain_v the_o honour_n estate_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n may_v be_v void_v as_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a mode_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o the_o parliament_n not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o absolve_v the_o people_n from_o that_o obedience_n they_o owe_v under_o god_n unto_o the_o king_n nor_o be_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o supremacy_n as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a and_o in_o this_o or_o that_o species_n inconsistent_a with_o or_o destructive_a to_o the_o king_n supremacy_n right_o understand_v and_o on_o these_o consideration_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o king_n coronation_n oath_n to_o grant_v keep_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 saint_n edward_n and_o preserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n their_o church_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n which_o
these_o learned_a man_n do_v cite_v be_v limit_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o the_o people_n in_o parliament_n assemble_v shall_v choose_v according_a to_o which_o the_o king_n be_v bind_v to_o rule_n for_o otherwise_o this_o coronation_n oath_n will_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o perpetuation_n of_o this_o government_n by_o prelacy_n but_o also_o to_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o abbey_n and_o monastery_n demolish_v and_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n expel_v all_o which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o glorious_a king_n st._n edward_n 2._o but_o admit_v we_o these_o learned_a man_n the_o sense_n they_o seem_v to_o put_v upon_o the_o king_n supremacy_n methinks_v the_o modest_a expression_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v have_v anticipate_v this_o exception_n it_o only_o bind_v we_o within_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n which_o may_v be_v by_o humble_a advice_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a authority_n to_o effect_v it_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o this_o prelacy_n that_o be_v the_o government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n and_o the_o like_a but_o such_o be_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v nay_o they_o can_v not_o but_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o king_n to_o assent_v thereunto_o which_o affection_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o abate_v until_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o benefit_n which_o do_v redound_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o collation_n of_o bishopric_n and_o deanery_n by_o their_o first_o fruit_n and_o yearly_o ten_o and_o profit_n in_o vacancy_n though_o some_o question_n the_o king_n propriety_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o that_o only_o say_v that_o the_o constant_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o they_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a revenue_n and_o maintain_v to_o the_o king_n a_o great_a honour_n and_o estate_n than_o the_o first_o fruit_n ten_o and_o profit_v of_o vacancy_n although_o such_o vacancy_n as_o the_o king_n of_o england_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o argument_n continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 5_o 10_o 15_o 20._o or_o sometime_o thirty_o year_n together_o take_v the_o profit_n to_o themselves_o or_o bestow_v they_o on_o their_o attendant_n and_o undoubted_o there_o be_v the_o same_o capacity_n to_o extirpate_v the_o whole_a government_n as_o some_o episcopal_a sea_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o revenue_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o reversion_n of_o all_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o abolishment_n thereof_o as_o to_o continue_v so_o long_a vacancy_n moreover_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n more_o prevalent_a for_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o their_o cathedral_n church_n than_o for_o abbot_n and_o prior_n their_o monastery_n and_o house_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o only_o say_v that_o i_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n will_v allow_v or_o do_v appoint_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o square_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v hardly_o reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o regal_a power_n and_o faithful_a administration_n in_o his_o house_n and_o i_o must_v have_v a_o better_a comment_n on_o the_o text_n than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v withal_o if_o it_o be_v not_o prohibit_v in_o these_o term_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o be_v great_a and_o exercise_v authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o m_n nister_v and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n matth._n 20.25.29_o 27._o mark_v 10.42_o 43_o 44._o luke_n 22.23_o 24._o the_o sense_n whereof_o make_v pope_n gregory_n write_v himself_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei_fw-la whitehead_n and_o other_o refuse_v coverdalle_n and_o many_o other_o decline_v their_o bishopric_n as_o have_v in_o they_o aliquid_fw-la common_a eum_fw-la antichristo_fw-la i_o think_v the_o clown_n his_o question_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o cullen_n be_v worth_a consider_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o bishop_n when_o the_o duke_n be_v damn_v yet_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o prelacy_n with_o england_n ill_a government_n have_v not_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o other_o as_o these_o gentleman_n suppose_v the_o vigilant_a eye_n and_o strong_a hand_n wherewith_o in_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v these_o petrae_fw-la and_o rupes_fw-la winchester_n and_o rivallo_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3d._n be_v judge_v very_o dangerous_a when_o they_o constrain_v a_o covenant_n without_o and_o against_o the_o king_n consent_n to_o remove_v they_o as_o evil_a counselor_n matthew_z paris_z our_o old_a historian_n note_n bishop_n to_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o makebate_n between_o the_o king_n and_o people_n screw_v up_o the_o king_n prerogative_n beyond_o thou_o onstitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o liberty_n yea_o safety_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o charge_v all_o the_o war_n broil_n mischief_n and_o evil_n of_o the_o baron_n war_n to_o have_v spring_v from_o and_o be_v act_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o when_o ngki_n philip_n lie_v on_o his_o deathbed_n he_o charge_v his_o son_n if_o he_o will_v rule_v by_o his_o noble_n he_o must_v keep_v his_o bishop_n low_a the_o premuniry_n by_o which_o they_o have_v ever_o be_v awe_v and_o their_o late_a high_a commission_n authorise_v they_o to_o act_v any_o appellation_n provocation_n privilege_n exemption_n proclamation_n law_n statute_n whatsoever_o notwithstanding_o and_o their_o bold_a usurpation_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o under_o their_o own_o seal_n to_o issue_v forth_o process_n excommunication_n censure_n and_o other_o judgement_n and_o their_o imperial_a canon_n in_o 1640._o do_v bespeak_v they_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o i_o think_v a_o private_a society_n shall_v with_o very_o much_o of_o modesty_n affirm_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o this_o government_n after_o the_o parliament_n on_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o debate_n as_o most_o proper_a judge_n june_n vote_n of_o the_o 10_o of_o june_n have_v vote_v this_o government_n to_o have_v be_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o these_o kingdom_n now_o sir_n as_o to_o the_o so_o often_o cant_a aphorism_n of_o king_n james_n no_o bishop_n no_o king_n with_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o priest_n do_v too_o much_o strive_v to_o rivet_v their_o government_n unto_o the_o crown_n i_o must_v be_v free_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o politic_a than_o pious_a and_o of_o no_o more_o warrant_n or_o authority_n than_o the_o spaniard_n one_o universal_a emperor_n and_o one_o pope_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o when_o the_o scot_n loyal_a adherence_n to_o and_o advancement_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o kingdom_n loss_n of_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n exile_n and_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o noble_n and_o conquest_n of_o their_o land_n together_o with_o the_o uncessant_a struggle_n of_o the_o covenant_n interest_n under_o sequestration_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o death_n of_o many_o not_o cease_v till_o they_o have_v by_o god_n blessing_n effect_v the_o happy_a and_o honourable_a restitution_n of_o king_n and_o kingdom_n be_v well_o consider_v i_o hope_v these_o learned_a master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n will_v see_v some_o proceed_n that_o may_v at_o least_o weaken_v their_o belief_n in_o this_o political_a maxim_n we_o have_v see_v sir_n the_o strength_n of_o these_o learned_a exception_n unto_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o great_a eyesore_n of_o our_o age_n and_o find_v little_a or_o nothing_o therein_o to_o charge_v the_o matter_n thereof_o with_o falsehood_n or_o injustice_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o grudge_n of_o proud_a and_o profane_a man_n it_o stand_v in_o this_o respect_n establish_v they_o have_v herein_o be_v long_o and_o constrain_v i_o to_o stay_v too_o long_o in_o consideration_n of_o what_o they_o urge_v but_o as_o they_o so_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a and_o contract_v in_o their_o follow_a exception_n wherein_o they_o suggest_v many_o to_o be_v great_a one_o but_o profess_v to_o take_v up_o with_o few_o which_o we_o must_v needs_o imagine_v not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o least_o weight_n unto_o the_o three_o article_n they_o except_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n 14._o subjectio_fw-la quinta_fw-la
he_o thus_o breathe_v against_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o preposterous_a order_n in_o set_v down_o the_o part_n of_o this_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v a_o double_a solecism_n for_o in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n precede_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v set_v before_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n of_o the_o prince_n sir_n admit_v we_o this_o be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a crime_n and_o bespeak_v it_o not_o a_o sober_a serious_a spirit_n in_o dr._n feat_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o by_o a_o motion_n may_v have_v have_v this_o order_n invert_v as_o easy_o as_o he_o obtain_v to_o have_v prelacy_n specify_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n after_o it_o be_v past_a to_o pick_v a_o quarrel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n although_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o such_o a_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a evidence_n of_o fidelity_n be_v the_o covenant_n that_o matter_n manner_n phrase_n and_o order_n ought_v to_o have_v as_o i_o presume_v they_o be_v be_v mature_o advise_v yea_o i_o wish_v line_n and_o period_n word_n and_o syllable_n which_o may_v be_v the_o printer_n errata_fw-la have_v be_v so_o scan_v that_o a_o captious_a momus_n may_v not_o find_v a_o colon_n or_o comma_n at_o which_o he_o may_v boggle_v and_o please_v his_o humour_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a advantage_n from_o the_o punctilio_n of_o order_n and_o honour_n to_o argue_v against_o matter_n of_o moment_n duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o misplace_a word_n to_o make_v a_o oath_n or_o solemn_a league_n illegal_a i_o but_o do_v i_o not_o run_v too_o fast_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v not_o take_v the_o advantage_n a_o honest_a man_n be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n but_o i_o can_v trust_v he_o for_o his_o nine_o argument_n this_o covenant_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n 28._o page_n 28._o be_v thus_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v before_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o like_v not_o that_o man_n grace_n that_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n will_v remit_v and_o retort_v a_o indiscretion_n yet_o sir_n i_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o the_o prefer_n of_o the_o pompous_a gay-cloathed_a church_n of_o england_n before_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o scotland_n look_v not_o like_o a_o species_n of_o that_o impious_a partiality_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o can_v we_o think_v this_o dr._n have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n or_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n no_o this_o language_n be_v speak_v after_o he_o be_v dead_a 2._o but_o these_o solecism_n be_v not_o to_o i_o so_o obvious_a i_o stand_v still_o and_o can_v read_v they_o though_o i_o read_v the_o covenant_n with_o all_o observation_n and_o regard_n yet_o i_o confess_v i_o find_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n set_v before_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n but_o they_o be_v propound_v with_o relation_n to_o different_a act_n the_o reform_a religion_n of_o scotland_n to_o be_v preserve_v of_o england_n to_o be_v reform_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o solecism_n to_o put_v the_o factum_fw-la before_o the_o fieri_fw-la and_o to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o good_a acquire_v before_o a_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o or_o better_a or_o to_o prefix_v the_o pattern_n to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v thereunto_o confirm_v when_o this_o author_n second_o thought_n have_v observe_v this_o salvo_fw-la to_o his_o suggest_a 29._o suggest_a page_n 29._o solecism_n he_o grudge_v that_o scotland_n shall_v be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o reformation_n to_o england_n for_o which_o he_o have_v little_a reason_n if_o venerable_a beda_n speak_v true_a in_o that_o he_o report_v that_o 23._o that_o mira_n divinae_fw-la factum_fw-la constat_fw-la dispensatione_fw-la pietatis_fw-la quod_fw-la gens_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la noverat_fw-la scientiam_fw-la divinae_fw-la cognitionis_fw-la libenter_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la inuidia_fw-la populo_fw-la anglorum_fw-la communicare_fw-la curavit_fw-la bed_n eccl._n he_o gen._n ang._n l._n 5._o c._n 23._o that_o nation_n do_v at_o first_o communicate_v the_o science_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n without_o grudge_n or_o envy_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o england_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o solecism_n to_o propound_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o reformation_n who_o have_v first_o obtain_v it_o and_o from_o who_o christianity_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o to_o we_o transmit_v the_o second_o suppose_a solecism_n be_v no_o more_o visible_a than_o this_o first_o for_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o end_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n as_o all_o wise_a statist_n and_o politician_n do_v affirm_v he_o sure_o will_v admit_v to_o be_v the_o first_o in_o intention_n and_o endeavour_n although_o the_o last_o in_o execution_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o it_o be_v so_o direct_v and_o dictate_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o his_o late_a glorious_a majesty_n declare_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n the_o people_n liberty_n strengthen_v the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v to_o defend_v the_o peoplââ_n liberty_n i_o be_o sure_o more_o serious_a and_o public_a statesman_n than_o he_o or_o i_o shall_v ever_o make_v have_v judge_v it_o a_o solecism_n in_o parliament_n to_o support_v the_o king_n prerogative_n by_o supply_n of_o money_n before_o the_o oppression_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v relieve_v and_o their_o liberty_n secure_v and_o i_o believe_v i_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o covenant_n make_v in_o england_n prefer_v the_o people_n liberty_n before_o the_o king_n prerogative_n without_o which_o the_o king_n may_v tyrannize_v over_o slave_n not_o rule_n over_o freement_a which_o last_o be_v and_o will_v be_v his_o great_a honour_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v blemish_v and_o reproach_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v it_o 3._o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o name_n of_o the_o covenant_n vindicate_v oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 2._o pag._n 3._o relate_v unto_o the_o nature_n thereof_o and_o the_o name_n be_v the_o noration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n against_o which_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n do_v except_v stumble_v at_o the_o name_n covenant_n they_o be_v learned_a man_n and_o must_v a_o little_a stand_n on_o the_o propriety_n of_o word_n they_o therefore_o except_v against_o this_o denomination_n because_o impose_v with_o a_o penalty_n which_o imposition_n say_v they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o contract_n impli_v a_o voluntary_a mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o contracter_n whereunto_o man_n be_v to_o be_v induce_v by_o persuasion_n not_o compel_v by_o power_n pactum_fw-la est_fw-la duorum_fw-la pluriumve_fw-la in_o idem_fw-la placitum_fw-la consensus_fw-la to_o this_o sir_n i_o grant_v that_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o strict_a acceptation_n of_o it_o must_v be_v a_o agreement_n by_o mutual_a consent_n yet_o i_o must_v inquire_v of_o these_o learned_a man_n whether_o the_o magisterial_a impose_v of_o absolute_a duty_n or_o action_n otherwise_o indifferent_a by_o superior_n upon_o their_o inferior_n and_o that_o under_o a_o penalty_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n what_o think_v they_o of_o that_o injunction_n to_o mankind_n in_o adam_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o stalt_a not_o eat_v for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o stipulation_n in_o adam_n and_o divine_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o proper_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o accept_v the_o condition_n his_o creator_n will_v put_v upon_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v general_o judge_v a_o covenant_n and_o that_o we_o common_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n again_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n adult_n person_n do_v answer_v certain_a queftion_n propound_v as_o bredis_fw-la credo_fw-la abrenuncias_fw-la abrenuncio_fw-la loc._n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o beza_n in_o loc._n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n be_v though_o to_o refer_v his_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d which_o beza_n render_v stipulatio_fw-la bânae_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la and_o from_o this_o order_n tertullian_n conclude_v anima_fw-la non_fw-la lavatione_fw-la sed_fw-la responsione_n sancitur_fw-la do_v these_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n think_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o
the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o their_o baptism_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o consent_n and_o stipulation_n but_o be_v dedicate_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o be_v confirmation_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o necessary_a supplement_n of_o baptism_n i_o find_v a_o like_a case_n in_o scripture_n call_v a_o covenant_n gen._n 17.13_o my_o covenant_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o flesh_n the_o stipulation_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n will_v not_o relieve_v the_o case_n unless_o they_o be_v depute_v by_o the_o infant_n though_o they_o be_v which_o do_v not_o appear_v commission_v by_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o some_o covenant_n be_v impose_v and_o pass_v without_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o may_v not_o a_o agreement_n between_o two_o different_a nation_n pass_v by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o body_n politic_a be_v for_o further_a security_n sake_n impose_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o each_o nation_n on_o the_o individual_a subject_n thereof_o and_o that_o under_o a_o penalty_n which_o may_v be_v a_o good_a persuasion_n against_o their_o peevishness_n and_o pertinacy_n who_o by_o their_o private_a interest_n may_v obstruct_v the_o more_o general_a and_o public_a good_a and_o yet_o be_v proper_o denominate_v a_o covenant_n as_o suppose_v between_o england_n and_o spain_n which_o the_o merchant_n of_o both_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v and_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o swear_v i_o hope_v the_o case_n will_v not_o differ_v between_o scotland_n and_o england_n who_o be_v distinct_a nation_n though_o under_o the_o same_o king_n it_o be_v sir_n no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o these_o learned_a man_n do_v except_v against_o the_o authority_n enjoin_v the_o covenant_n vindicated_n 3._o the_o authority_n impose_v the_o covenant_n vindicated_n which_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v the_o covenant_n suppose_v to_o be_v miscarry_v and_o herein_o dr._n featlie_n ghost_n do_v follow_v they_o but_o so_o very_o weak_o and_o with_o such_o palpable_a contradiction_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v time_n and_o paper_n in_o observe_v the_o same_o but_o special_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o oxford_n reason_n from_o which_o he_o borrow_v his_o strength_n here_o sir_n i_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v the_o authority_n to_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a but_o to_o have_v be_v lawful_a and_o sufficient_a to_o impose_v a_o oath_n and_o thereby_o bind_v the_o people_n wherein_o notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v defective_a and_o fallacious_a yet_o this_o will_v not_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n lay_v as_o i_o have_v in_o my_o analepsis_n pag._n 13._o and_o before_o in_o 23.21_o pag._n 23.21_o this_o tract_n observe_v against_o it_o therefore_o as_o such_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o weigh_v the_o exception_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v 3._o oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 2._o pag._n 3._o that_o this_o impose_v of_o this_o oath_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a express_v in_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n to_o which_o liberty_n the_o imposition_n of_o a_o new_a oath_n other_o than_o be_v establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v thereby_o declare_v contrary_a unto_o this_o sir_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n act_v these_o learned_a man_n in_o make_v to_o themselves_o these_o doubt_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o covenant_n which_o lead_v they_o almost_o throughout_o their_o book_n to_o infer_v general_n from_o special_n as_o i_o have_v before_o note_v in_o our_o argument_n so_o in_o this_o the_o word_n themselves_o do_v quote_v out_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n be_v these_o whereas_o many_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o oath_n administer_v unto_o they_o not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o do_v humble_o pray_v that_o no_o man_n hereafter_o be_v compel_v to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n according_a to_o which_o word_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v some_o special_a oath_n that_o be_v complain_v of_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o relative_a do_v refer_v the_o which_o if_o they_o will_v please_v to_o observe_v the_o connexion_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v a_o particular_a and_o specifical_a oath_n the_o word_n in_o the_o plaint_n run_v thus_o right_n petition_v of_o right_n by_o mean_n whereof_o your_o people_n have_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n assemble_v and_o require_v to_o lend_v certain_a money_n unto_o your_o majesty_n and_o of_o they_o upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v have_v have_v a_o oath_n administer_v unto_o they_o not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o oath_n of_o discovery_n of_o their_o estate_n upon_o refusal_n to_o lend_v money_n or_o some_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la unto_o self-accusation_n beyond_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 25_o henry_n the_o three_o which_o be_v in_o this_o point_n complain_v of_o as_o violate_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o that_o petition_n do_v no_o less_o specify_v this_o oath_n by_o the_o relative_n such_o which_o refer_v unto_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n complain_v against_o so_o do_v also_o the_o concatenation_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o proportional_o to_o the_o plaint_n be_v that_o no_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o make_v gift_n or_o loan_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v to_o make_v answer_n or_o take_v such_o oath_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o oath_n to_o make_v answer_n unto_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o man_n own_o estate_n life_n or_o liberty_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o nature_n and_o herein_o aggravate_v as_o not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n a_o more_o full_a description_n whereof_o these_o gentleman_n may_v have_v receive_v in_o the_o statute_n 17._o caroli_n concern_v commissioner_n for_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a now_o sir_n from_o this_o special_a to_o argue_v against_o all_o oath_n that_o pass_v not_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v a_o plain_a non_fw-la seuquitur_fw-la and_o unjust_a inference_n the_o company_n in_o london_n or_o it_o may_v be_v some_o college_n in_o oxford_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o king_n charter_n or_o patent_n and_o the_o master_n and_o warden_n of_o the_o one_o or_o precedent_n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o other_o give_v a_o oath_n to_o all_o that_o become_v member_n thereof_o and_o expect_v to_o participate_v in_o their_o privilege_n will_v these_o learned_a man_n say_v that_o these_o oath_n not_o impose_v or_o prescribe_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n which_o never_o complain_v of_o or_o pray_v against_o such_o oath_n i_o do_v not_o think_v these_o man_n will_v have_v have_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o oath_n &_o caetera_fw-la enjoin_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o 1640._o be_v against_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n which_o certain_o will_v bespeak_v the_o bishop_n something_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o pass_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n moreover_o these_o learned_a man_n subscribe_v and_o swear_v to_o the_o protestation_n of_o may_n 1641._o they_o do_v not_o sure_a then_o think_v that_o submit_v to_o swear_v that_o oath_n they_o do_v violate_v or_o betray_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n express_v in_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o act_n i_o do_v not_o say_v authority_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v establish_v i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o oath_n of_o exaction_n self-discovery_n or_o accusation_n which_o be_v wicked_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o more_o wicked_a when_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o law_n and_o a_o oath_n for_o establishment_n of_o public_a and_o general_a good_a impose_v by_o the_o authority_n though_o not_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v not_o the_o simple_a take_v a_o oath_n without_o consent_n of_o parliament_n but_o the_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n as_o may_v impeach_v the_o person_n or_o endanger_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o subject_a which_o be_v the_o people_n grievance_n not_o be_v it_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o act_n but_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o parliament_n make_v a_o oath_n lawful_a and_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n in_o the_o impose_v of_o it_o but_o these_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n fear_n ibid._n ibid._n by_o own_v this_o covenant_n they_o shall_v own_v a_o power_n in_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o then_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o they_o have_v be_v challenge_v in_o former_a time_n or_o can_v consist_v with_o
their_o former_a protestation_n if_o right_o understand_v in_o sundry_a the_o most_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o sir_n i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o challenge_v in_o former_a time_n only_o unto_o i_o and_o many_o other_o it_o do_v appear_v not_o to_o he_o the_o mere_a natural_a power_n of_o the_o people_n preposterous_o and_o in_o a_o tumultuous_a manner_n assemble_v who_o yet_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v on_o themselves_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o who_o i_o find_v sovereignty_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o with_o due_a reverence_n in_o some_o measure_n subject_v and_o its_o obligation_n supersede_v if_o not_o make_v void_a clear_o bar_v from_o execution_n if_o but_o by_o the_o impossibility_n put_v thereon_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o jonathans_n rescue_n which_o i_o shall_v only_o report_v in_o the_o word_n of_o bishop_n hall_n saul_n have_v swear_v jonathans_n death_n the_o people_n contrary_o swear_v his_o preservation_n 1038._o hall_n contem._n p._n 1038._o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_a yet_o more_o absolute_a than_o england_n that_o he_o can_v run_v away_o with_o so_o unmerciful_a a_o justice_n their_o oath_n which_o savour_v of_o disobedience_n prevail_v against_o his_o oath_n which_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o cruelty_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o false_a to_o his_o oath_n he_o can_v not_o be_v sorry_a jonathan_n shall_v live_v i_o do_v not_o in_o any_o case_n justify_v the_o preposterous_a and_o tumultuous_a assembling_n and_o assumption_n of_o the_o people_n whereby_o they_o lie_v on_o themselves_o bond_n which_o must_v not_o be_v break_v and_o can_v well_o without_o much_o difficulty_n be_v keep_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v many_o time_n whereby_o the_o vox_fw-la populi_fw-la be_v vox_fw-la dei_fw-la as_o in_o the_o very_a change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o israel_n on_o which_o dr._n hall_n note_n it_o be_v god_n ancient_a purp_v see_v to_o raise_v up_o a_o king_n to_o his_o people_n 10.24_o page_n 10.24_o how_o do_v he_o take_v occasion_n to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o unruly_a desire_n of_o israel_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o imposer_n do_v not_o assemble_v on_o their_o own_o head_n and_o by_o violence_n and_o disorder_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o unusual_a power_n the_o power_n impose_v this_o covenant_n be_v a_o parliament_n the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n due_o summon_v regular_o elect_v and_o return_v right_o constitute_v and_o ready_o embrace_v by_o king_n and_o kingdom_n and_o animate_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a parliamentary_a power_n by_o the_o bill_n for_o their_o continuance_n against_o all_o casualty_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v prorogue_v adjourn_v or_o dissolve_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o can_v any_o trueborn_a english_a man_n in_o any_o 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their_o superiority_n unto_o he_o in_o all_o point_n and_o particular_n and_o when_o sir_n i_o consider_v the_o power_n even_o over_o and_o against_o their_o king_n in_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n record_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o make_v war_n josh_n 22._o judg._n 20._o change_a the_o government_n 1_o sam_n 8._o choose_v and_o establish_v not_o only_o their_o first_o but_o succeed_a king_n though_o immediate_o appoint_v and_o sometime_o anoint_v by_o god_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n and_o other_o in_o remove_v from_o the_o king_n favourite_n and_o counsellor_n as_o david_n be_v against_o the_o mind_n of_o achish_a the_o king_n dismiss_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistine_n 1_o sam._n 29._o in_o restrain_v the_o king_n purpose_n of_o destruction_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n once_o and_o again_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o jonathan_n or_o of_o protection_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n concern_v who_o zedekiah_n the_o king_n say_v he_o be_v in_o your_o hand_n the_o king_n be_v not_o he_o that_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o you_o jer._n 38.5_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n josephus_n tell_v we_o 18._o joseph_n antiq._n jud._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 18._o the_o king_n may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o or_o against_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o senate_n or_o congregation_n methinks_v a_o divine_a defence_n may_v be_v well_o make_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o this_o case_n act_v and_o admit_v though_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o be_v dogmatical_o assert_v by_o politician_n and_o no_o mean_a lawyer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o general_a council_n and_o convention_n of_o kingdom_n in_o general_a 616._o fox_n act_n and_o monument_n p._n 616._o as_o of_o england_n parliament_n in_o particular_a as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o basil_n against_o the_o pope_n the_o whole_a realm_n have_v more_o authority_n than_o the_o king_n the_o same_o assert_v by_o marius_n salamonius_n who_o by_o many_o argument_n do_v defend_v it_o 18._o de_fw-fr principatu_fw-la lib._n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o he_o be_v a_o roman_a lawyer_n and_o philosopher_n holinshed_n and_o vowel_n in_o their_o description_n of_o england_n declare_v concern_v the_o parliament_n that_o this_o court_n have_v the_o most_o high_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o king_n by_o it_o offender_n be_v punish_v and_o corrupt_a religion_n reform_v or_o disannul_v and_o that_o whatever_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n may_v do_v centuriatis_fw-la comitiis_fw-la or_o tribunitiis_fw-la 173._o vot_o 1._o cap._n 1._o p._n 173._o which_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v to_o impose_v a_o oath_n the_o same_o be_v and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o parliament_n unto_o which_o may_v be_v add_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n by_o sir_n thomas_n smith_n secretary_n of_o state_n to_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o and_z queen_n elizabeth_z and_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n in_o his_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n and_o horn_n a_o eminent_a lawyer_n in_o edward_n the_o first_o his_o reign_n in_o his_o mirror_n of_o justice_n cap._n 1._o p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o fortescue_n lord_n chancellor_n to_o henry_n the_o six_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr laud._n leg._n angl._n cap._n 9_o and_o bracton_n quote_v by_o these_o learned_a man_n who_o certain_o affirm_v more_o than_o they_o can_v approve_v rex_fw-la habet_fw-la superiorem_fw-la deum_fw-la item_n legem_fw-la per_fw-la quam_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la rex_fw-la item_n curiaem_v svam_fw-la viz._n comites_fw-la &_o barones_n &c._n &c._n et_fw-la ideo_fw-la si_fw-la rex_fw-la fuerit_fw-la sine_fw-la fraeno_fw-la debent_fw-la ei_fw-la fraenum_fw-la imponere_fw-la and_o above_o all_o the_o sovereign_a power_n
very_a manner_n of_o make_v this_o covenant_n be_v no_o less_o justifiable_a than_o the_o matter_n therein_o swear_v and_o be_v serious_o consider_v will_v not_o avail_v to_o reproach_n much_o less_o to_o discharge_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n sectio_fw-la quinta_fw-la five_o prop._n the_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v imagine_v not_o real_a so_o sacred_a be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o so_o strict_a the_o obligation_n thereof_o that_o i_o free_o confess_v simplicity_n of_o expression_n and_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n shall_v continual_o attend_v it_o and_o ambiguous_a or_o contradictory_n term_n do_v destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o deceive_v man_n and_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o make_v he_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o fallacy_n yet_o these_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n must_v be_v real_a and_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o in_o the_o fancy_n or_o imagination_n of_o such_o as_o in_o prejudice_n do_v decline_v the_o oath_n nor_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v bind_v for_o if_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o their_o proper_a signification_n or_o vulgar_a acceptation_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o confederate_n or_o the_o due_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o oath_n the_o oath_n oblige_v 195._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prael_n 6._o sect._n 22.11_o p._n 173_o 195._o and_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v as_o dr_n sanderson_n grotius_n and_o many_o other_o in_o this_o case_n do_v teach_v some_o there_o be_v who_o charge_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o ambiguity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o its_o term_n and_o therefore_o have_v decline_v to_o swear_v it_o these_o have_v have_v a_o care_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v confess_v that_o whilst_o they_o but_o seem_v such_o to_o their_o imagination_n they_o may_v well_o be_v a_o remora_fw-la to_o their_o act_n of_o swear_v and_o spur_n unto_o the_o study_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v swear_v but_o other_o plead_v they_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o make_v void_a the_o oath_n and_o such_o have_v need_n to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o understand_v the_o term_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n and_o make_v they_o to_o agree_v among_o themselves_o lest_o they_o be_v find_v student_n unto_o perjury_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o last_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o seem_v to_o the_o one_o and_o be_v since_o allege_v by_o the_o other_o to_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o the_o other_o acquit_v if_o find_v real_a or_o both_o condemn_v if_o find_v imagine_v 27._o 1._o ambiguity_n oxford_z reasins_z sect._n 6_o p._n 17._o league_n illegal_a p._n 27._o the_o ambiguity_n that_o be_v urge_v be_v these_o 1._o those_o word_n in_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o common_a enemy_n the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n do_v charge_n with_o ambiguity_n but_o assign_v no_o cause_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o same_o and_o dr._n featley_n his_o ghost_n follow_v their_o exception_n enquire_v whether_o by_o common_a enemy_n be_v mean_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n enemy_n to_o all_o true_a religion_n or_o papist_n and_o independent_o enemy_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o scotch_a church_n unto_o this_o exception_n sir_n i_o answer_v the_o word_n common_a enemy_n be_v word_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o signification_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o be_v understand_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v darken_v by_o any_o variety_n of_o acceptation_n they_o be_v indeed_o relative_a term_n to_o be_v specify_v or_o particular_o assign_v by_o their_o object_n thing_n or_o person_n so_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n or_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v annex_v to_o common_a enemy_n as_o object_n of_o 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etc._n and_o man_n describe_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a quality_n and_o in_o special_a by_o one_o that_o be_v full_o exegetical_a to_o these_o term_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v all_o imaginable_a ambiguity_n in_o they_o viz._n call_v to_o mind_v the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n and_o conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n but_o especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o will_v find_v that_o a_o ordinary_a grammarian_n will_v easy_o read_v this_o riddle_n and_o tell_v they_o common_a enemy_n limit_v by_o this_o possessive_a our_o must_v mean_v the_o enemy_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n as_o live_v under_o one_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o reform_a religion_n wherein_o some_o have_v make_v a_o progress_n to_o be_v preserve_v other_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o reformation_n but_o all_o oppose_a by_o the_o plot_n conspiracy_n etc._n etc._n of_o know_a enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n especial_o the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n now_o whilst_o this_o enmity_n be_v not_o see_v by_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o imagine_v a_o ambiguity_n in_o these_o word_n common_a enemy_n and_o dr._n featley_n his_o ghost_n may_v hereby_o have_v assure_v himself_o that_o both_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v enemy_n to_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o so_o to_o reformation_n and_o papist_n profess_v enemy_n to_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v here_o intend_v and_o independent_o though_o scarce_o then_o know_v by_o that_o name_n by_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o scotland_n part_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n may_v be_v accidental_o account_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n so_o far_o as_o the_o qualification_n before_o mention_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o antecedent_n object_n of_o this_o common_a enmity_n will_v include_v they_o and_o so_o sir_n the_o word_n can_v be_v of_o no_o very_a dark_a or_o doubtful_a construction_n to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o real_a ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o next_o word_n charge_v with_o ambiguity_n covenant_n the_o second_o ambiguity_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o same_o article_n the_o best_a reform_a church_n concern_v which_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n of_o oxford_n inquire_v which_o they_o be_v but_o by_o their_o leave_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v resolve_v in_o or_o before_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o plain_a and_o clear_a construction_n make_v this_o sense_n obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n in_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o many_o church_n be_v reform_v some_o more_o and_o better_a some_o worse_a and_o less_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n shall_v be_v our_o pattern_n so_o that_o the_o covenant_n assert_v not_o which_o be_v the_o best_a reform_a church_n but_o bind_v the_o covenanter_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o whatever_o church_n shall_v appear_v and_o be_v find_v the_o best_a reform_a as_o the_o example_n to_o which_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v england_n may_v be_v conform_v the_o next_o word_n imagine_v to_o be_v so_o ambiguous_a as_o to_o impede_fw-la the_o swear_n the_o covenant_n in_o judgement_n be_v in_o the_o second_o article_n 27._o the_o three_o ambiguity_n charge_v on_o the_o covenant_n league_n illegal_a p._n 27._o and_o profound_o state_v by_o dr._n featley_n ghost_n who_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o particular_o specify_v that_o every_o ordinary_a
se_fw-la olbigande_fw-la p_o r_o se_fw-fr aut_fw-la per_fw-la majorem_fw-la svi_fw-la partem_fw-la thus_o be_v israel_n bind_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o prince_n pass_v unto_o the_o gibeonite_n so_o that_o although_o the_o people_n know_v it_o mutter_v and_o murmur_v against_o the_o oath_n no_o one_o dare_v offer_v violence_n unto_o a_o gibeonite_n and_o when_o saul_n in_o a_o well_o mean_v zeal_n do_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o the_o faith_n of_o israel_n be_v violate_v and_o avenge_v by_o a_o famine_n in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n a_o innocent_a person_n until_o expiate_v by_o the_o hang_a saul_n son_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o when_o many_o generation_n who_o consent_v not_o unto_o it_o have_v return_v 3._o or_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o any_o single_a person_n as_o the_o king_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o as_o king_n of_o such_o a_o kingdom_n he_o make_v the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n and_o so_o oblige_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o so_o the_o people_n be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o become_v personal_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n at_o si_fw-la cum_fw-la rege_fw-la contractum_fw-la sit_fw-la non_fw-la statim_fw-la personale_fw-la erit_fw-la censendum_fw-la foedus_fw-la plerumque_fw-la persona_fw-la pactum_fw-la inseritur_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la personale_fw-la pactum_fw-la fiat_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la cum_fw-la quo_fw-la pactum_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la if_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o king_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o personal_a for_o a_o person_n may_v be_v insert_v to_o show_v with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v as_o a_o covenant_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n of_o england_n to_o declare_v england_n be_v bind_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o rrman_n empire_n imperator_fw-la foedus_fw-la percussit_fw-la videtur_fw-la populus_fw-la percussisse_fw-la romaws_fw-la &_o 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the_o same_o body_n politic_a do_v yet_o continue_v unto_o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o death_n of_o person_n to_o make_v void_a the_o covenant_n i_o will_v tell_v they_o what_o livy_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n they_o swear_v when_o p._n valerius_n be_v consul_n they_o will_v assemble_v at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o consul_n he_o be_v dead_a l._n quintius_n be_v make_v consul_n and_o call_v the_o assembly_n they_o begin_v to_o cavil_v and_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o oath_n he_o be_v dead_a to_o who_o they_o make_v it_o et_fw-la nondum_fw-la haec_fw-la quae_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la seculum_fw-la negligentia_fw-la deum_fw-la venerat_fw-la nec_fw-la interpretandi_fw-la sibi_fw-la cuique_fw-la jus_o jurandum_fw-la &_o leges_fw-la aptas_fw-la faciebant_fw-la sed_fw-la suos_fw-la potius_fw-la mores_fw-la ad_fw-la ea_fw-la accommodabant_fw-la this_o negligence_n of_o god_n have_v not_o long_o possess_v this_o christian_a world_n that_o man_n shall_v make_v unto_o themselves_o the_o interpretation_n or_o rule_v of_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v rather_o square_v their_o conversation_n while_o if_o it_o be_v a_o real_a public_a and_o national_a oath_n the_o person_n swear_v and_o swear_v unto_o may_v pass_v away_o and_o yet_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n the_o obligation_n pass_v to_o all_o posterity_n sir_n i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o if_o private_a man_n and_o individual_a person_n who_o have_v swear_v the_o covenant_n will_v make_v conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o probability_n of_o a_o return_n and_o re-stablishment_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o age_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v swear_v to_o extirpate_v they_o be_v lock_v under_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o readmission_n or_o continuance_n by_o that_o public_a parliamentary_a capacity_n into_o which_o many_o who_o have_v swear_v the_o covenant_n be_v at_o this_o time_n resolve_v and_o in_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n with_o all_o sincerity_n reality_n and_o constancy_n to_o extirpate_v the_o same_o and_o for_o that_o other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o same_o in_o their_o capacity_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o ministerial_a rebuke_n and_o confutation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o public_a parliamentary_a debate_n of_o the_o other_o will_v lay_v a_o very_a great_a remora_fw-la unto_o their_o return_n and_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o speak_v it_o with_o due_a dread_n be_v in_o his_o place_n bind_v from_o his_o royal_a assent_n thereunto_o i_o presume_v will_v not_o only_a awe_n from_o propose_v to_o he_o any_o law_n that_o may_v restore_v any_o of_o they_o but_o put_v a_o absolute_a moral_a impossibility_n on_o the_o present_a pass_v of_o any_o law_n to_o that_o purpose_n yet_o sir_n when_o i_o 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politic_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o sir_n on_o second_o thought_n and_o a_o
serious_a survey_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o see_v clear_o that_o first_o the_o matter_n therein_o covenant_v be_v public_a and_o national_a relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n under_o its_o civil_a religious_a and_o reform_a consideration_n or_o capacity_n be_v the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o national_a profession_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o like_a concernment_n no_o way_n proper_a for_o personal_a and_o individual_a private_a oath_n 2._o these_o matter_n and_o this_o form_n of_o security_n to_o they_o were_z consul_z ed_z agitate_a debate_v determine_v conclude_v and_o agree_v unto_o by_o two_o distinct_a nation_n agree_v in_o the_o general_a capacity_n which_o do_v relate_v unto_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o their_o most_o public_a capacity_n and_o by_o the_o indisputable_a most_o full_a and_o formal_a collective_a body_n of_o both_o kingdom_n the_o parliament_n though_o defective_a in_o that_o part_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o law_n then_o indent_v a_o covenant_n which_o do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v in_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n 3._o the_o term_n show_v the_o capacity_n in_o which_o it_o be_v swear_v be_v general_a and_o national_a as_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o preface_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n so_o that_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n however_o dignify_v or_o distinguish_v among_o themselves_o yet_o unite_v in_o this_o public_a capacity_n the_o subject_n of_o one_o king_n and_o of_o one_o reform_a religion_n and_o in_o that_o union_n universal_o swear_v the_o covenant_n 4._o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v real_a national_a and_o public_a and_o only_o personal_a in_o relation_n thereunto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o profess_a ground_n thereof_o as_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o true_a public_a liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o deplorable_a distress_a &_o dangerous_a estate_n in_o which_o the_o kingdom_n than_o be_v and_o by_o the_o end_v propound_v almost_o in_o every_o article_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o can_v be_v secure_v if_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o national_a as_o in_o article_n the_o first_o that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o article_n the_o second_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o article_n the_o three_o that_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o by_o the_o six_o article_n it_o be_v declare_v to_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o cause_n which_o much_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o sense_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n distinct_a from_o our_o own_o sin_n the_o which_o do_v loud_o proclaim_v the_o scope_n and_o intent_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v nationall_n and_o public_a 5._o this_o covenant_n be_v swear_v by_o the_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n 1._o collective_o by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n regular_o assemble_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o complete_a assembly_n that_o can_v and_o ever_o do_v represent_v the_o same_o in_o all_o act_n and_o agâtations_n true_o real_a and_o national_a viz._n the_o parliament_n consist_v of_o lord_n and_o commons_o &_o that_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n as_o a_o parliament_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o assemble_v in_o their_o house_n &_o in_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o their_o speaker_n before_o they_o go_v unto_o st._n margaret_n church_n in_o westminster_n and_o there_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n imaginable_a 1643._o ordinance_n of_o feb._n 5._o 1643._o do_v as_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n swear_v this_o covenant_n which_o as_o a_o further_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n they_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v with_o their_o name_n subscribe_v and_o to_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o all_o church_n and_o in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o a_o compass_n whereby_o in_o conformity_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n to_o steer_v their_o then_o debate_n and_o to_o dictate_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v into_o that_o place_n and_o capacity_n what_o obligation_n do_v before_o god_n lie_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o this_o nation_n 2._o it_o be_v universal_o swear_v by_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n solemn_o assemble_v in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o convention_n all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n all_o manner_n of_o person_n from_o eighteen_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o that_o not_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o giddy_a humour_n but_o at_o the_o command_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n covenant_n vid._n ordinance_n enjoin_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o in_o their_o place_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v judge_v it_o a_o fit_a and_o excellent_a mean_n to_o acquire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o three_o kingdom_n do_v order_v it_o to_o be_v universal_o swear_v and_o certain_o whosoever_o will_v but_o well_o weigh_v the_o direction_n give_v and_o due_o execute_v in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o county_n and_o parish_n by_o every_o individual_a minister_n to_o every_o individual_a congregation_n and_o take_v by_o all_o person_n religious_a military_a or_o civil_a enforce_v with_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v conscience_n in_o the_o ingenuous_a or_o constrain_v the_o act_n from_o the_o peevish_a or_o perverse_a and_o accompany_v with_o the_o great_a extension_n concomitant_a imaginable_a he_o can_v but_o see_v a_o much_o more_o than_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v swear_v the_o covenant_n if_o the_o several_a roll_n within_o the_o several_a parish_n and_o precinct_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o several_a name_n of_o such_o as_o do_v swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v engross_v may_v be_v produce_v it_o will_v be_v find_v notwithstanding_o the_o many_o singular_n who_o may_v now_o renounce_v and_o say_v they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n it_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v judge_v a_o free_a people_n tie_v by_o no_o bond_n but_o such_o as_o we_o lie_v upon_o ourselves_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o oath_n 256._o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n ex_fw-la par_fw-fr 256._o and_o so_o make_v it_o real_a and_o national_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o grotius_n si_fw-la quidem_fw-la populo_fw-la liberto_fw-la actum_fw-la sit_fw-la dubium_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quin_fw-la quod_fw-la promittitur_fw-la svi_fw-la natura_fw-la real_n sit_fw-la 3._o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n have_v be_v ratify_v and_o render_v national_a by_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n unto_o all_o such_o who_o apprehend_v the_o constitution_n of_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v merum_fw-la imperium_fw-la a_o absolute_a monarchy_n wherein_o the_o king_n have_v supremam_fw-la protestatem_fw-la &_o who_o profess_a loyalty_n lead_v they_o to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n his_o majesty_n concession_n and_o conclusion_n and_o that_o by_o a_o series_n of_o multiply_a act_n as_o his_o majesty_n agreement_n with_o the_o scot_n at_o breda_n where_o he_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o his_o subject_n by_o solemn_a oath_n to_o publish_v &_o testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o at_o his_o first_o arrival_n into_o scotland_n be_v please_v to_o subject_n unto_o the_o same_o bond_n in_o which_o his_o subject_n be_v engage_v and_o to_o swear_v the_o same_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o again_o at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n at_o scoon_n in_o scotland_n on_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1651._o be_v gracious_o please_v over_o and_o above_o the_o ordinary_a and_o solemn_a oath_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o king_n of_o scotland_n in_o his_o most_o public_a capacity_n 77._o the_o history_n of_o charles_n the_o second_o 75_o 76_o 77._o to_o swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o this_o oath_n in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n i_o charles_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n do_v
unto_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o their_o extirpation_n zeal_n courage_n and_o constancy_n suit_v not_o any_o act_n so_o well_o as_o the_o assert_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o sacred_a oath_n to_o which_o king_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o subject_n and_o of_o which_o god_n be_v object_n and_o avenger_n so_o that_o in_o hanc_fw-la arenam_fw-la descendere_fw-la to_o enter_v a_o controversy_n in_o defence_n thereof_o be_v pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la certare_fw-la to_o fight_v for_o god_n and_o our_o country_n that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o dishonour_v or_o the_o other_o destroy_v by_o perjury_n dr._n sanderson_n note_v courage_n as_o a_o necessary_a bar_n to_o the_o swear_n of_o a_o force_a oath_n 123._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prael_n 4._o sect._n 14._o pag._n 123._o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o more_o such_o to_o the_o break_n of_o it_o when_o swear_v he_o make_v it_o essential_a to_o piety_n viro_fw-la forti_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la pio_fw-la pius_fw-la enim_fw-la esse_fw-la nequit_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la fortis_fw-la to_o he_o i_o must_v needs_o subscribe_v whilst_o solomon_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v his_o dictator_n the_o righteous_a be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n but_o the_o sluggard_n cry_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n and_o fool_n wait_v wind_n and_o weather_n to_o the_o lose_a seedtime_n and_o harvest_n i_o deny_v not_o wisdom_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v opportunity_n of_o action_n but_o that_o general_a distaste_n and_o dissent_v direct_v contradiction_n or_o declare_v inhibition_n of_o some_o lukewarm_a declension_n of_o other_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n unto_o a_o improbability_n of_o effect_n shall_v demur_v to_o a_o positive_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v ministerial_a exaction_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a folly_n and_o to_o divert_v it_o be_v praedominate_a iniquity_n ob_fw-la dubia_fw-la quae_fw-la se_fw-la offerunt_fw-la nemo_fw-la à _fw-la bene_fw-la faciendo_fw-la cessare_fw-la debeat_fw-la be_v a_o divine_a rule_n most_o fit_a for_o divine_n to_o practise_v in_o religious_a discharge_v 404_o cicero_n de_fw-fr officiis_n lib._n 3._o p._n 404_o regulus_n be_v no_o little_a renown_v for_o his_o fidelity_n to_o his_o force_a oath_n cum_fw-la vigilando_fw-la necabatur_fw-la erat_fw-la in_o meliore_fw-la causa_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la domi_fw-la senex_fw-la captivus_fw-la perjurus_fw-la &_o consularis_fw-la remanisset_fw-la and_o methinks_v the_o die_a profession_n of_o mr._n christopher_n love_n scaffold_n speech_n on_o the_o scaffold_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o very_a covenant_n i_o have_v rather_o die_v a_o covenant-keeper_n than_o live_v a_o covenant-breaker_n shall_v yet_o have_v some_o influence_n on_o london-minister_n let_v man_n count_v i_o fool_n and_o firebrand_n or_o what_o they_o please_v my_o record_n be_v above_o and_o witness_n be_v on_o high_a i_o must_v tell_v thou_o as_o no_o persuasion_n of_o my_o friend_n threat_n of_o foe_n loss_n of_o estate_n danger_n of_o liberty_n declension_n of_o brethren_n can_v constrain_v my_o silence_n in_o the_o civil_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o concern_v caesar_n so_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v unto_o the_o religious_a part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o thing_n therein_o swear_v to_o be_v extirpate_v be_v general_o evil_a and_o the_o best_a viz._n 31._o answer_v to_o the_o remonstrant_a p._n 30_o 31._o episcopacy_n which_o smectymnus_n tell_v we_o in_o its_o best_a and_o primitive_a institution_n be_v of_o diabolical_a occasion_n and_o mere_a humane_a not_o apostolical_a prescription_n a_o remedy_n uneffectual_a to_o its_o design_a end_n and_o only_o become_v a_o stirrup_n to_o antichrist_n which_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o hold_v be_v only_o good_a in_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o government_n and_o not_o divine_a or_o necessary_a but_o within_o human_a power_n to_o be_v discharge_v or_o continue_v and_o in_o conscience_n of_o its_o obligation_n i_o have_v this_o once_o and_o again_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n whereby_o if_o i_o may_v do_v god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n any_o service_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a like_a unto_o alexander_n soldier_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o fashion_n of_o a_o fool_n be_v resolve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o seek_v dignity_n according_a to_o old_a strato_n direction_n by_o turn_v my_o back_n on_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o withstand_v s._n peter_n temporize_v to_o the_o stumble_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o wicked_a unto_o his_o very_a face_n for_o he_o will_v be_v find_v worthy_a to_o be_v blame_v let_v man_n spirit_n be_v compose_v the_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v candid_o discuss_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v by_o right_n and_o religious_a reason_n discharge_v none_o shall_v more_o cheerful_o submit_v than_o myself_o but_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v slight_v as_o of_o no_o use_n by_o jesuitical_a sophism_n make_v void_a by_o violence_n violate_v or_o by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n evade_v faithfulness_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o minister_n bind_v to_o speak_v in_o god_n name_n that_o his_o anger_n may_v be_v silent_a and_o love_v and_o loyalty_n to_o king_n and_o kingdom_n studious_a of_o what_o may_v profit_v more_o than_o please_v will_v constrain_v a_o outcry_n and_o constant_a call_n oh_o regard_v the_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o degree_n of_o reformation_n obtain_v before_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n and_o ground_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n but_o not_o of_o content_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n whilst_o high_a degree_n be_v desirable_a and_o to_o be_v pursue_v and_o though_o we_o now_o shall_v obtain_v another_o step_n to_o what_o we_o then_o have_v but_o yet_o not_o only_o short_a of_o but_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o degree_n covenant_v or_o swear_v i_o deny_v it_o not_o to_o be_v material_o good_a yet_o can_v but_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o formal_a evil_n i_o fear_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n unless_o we_o can_v find_v a_o medium_n between_o perjury_n and_o non-performance_n quoad_fw-la capio_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n swear_v to_o god_n i_o can_v cheerful_o embrace_v every_o degree_n of_o good_a but_o not_o triumph_v in_o that_o good_a which_o fall_v short_a of_o engagement_n unto_o god_n reformation_n be_v not_o more_o joyous_a than_o the_o retrogradation_n thereof_o be_v grievous_a to_o a_o serious_a spirit_n that_o the_o child_n stick_v in_o the_o birth_n be_v dangerous_a but_o its_o return_n into_o the_o womb_n be_v so_o apparent_a a_o hazard_n to_o mother_n and_o child_n it_o admit_v no_o moderation_n in_o midwife_n or_o assistant_n but_o provoke_v earnest_a and_o utmost_a diligence_n for_o delivery_n i_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o may_v yet_o become_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n if_o england_n reformation_n after_o so_o long_a and_o sad_a a_o travel_n be_v return_v backward_o and_o that_o against_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n i_o pray_v god_n we_o be_v not_o court_v into_o the_o cassandrian_a accommodation_n into_o which_o england_n prelate_n can_v not_o cudgel_v we_o it_o bode_v no_o good_a when_o sacred_a oath_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v court-complement_n state-stratagem_n to_o be_v once_o use_v to_o effect_v a_o present_a design_n &_o so_o lay_v aside_o to_o be_v no_o more_o regard_v or_o like_o rider_n knot_n with_o which_o man_n at_o pleasure_n play_v fast_o and_o lose_v i_o be_o not_o so_o rigorous_a as_o to_o extort_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o oath_n beyond_o what_o its_o genuine_a construction_n will_v bear_v nor_o can_v i_o allow_v a_o signification_n more_o lax_n than_o the_o scope_n grammatical_a exposition_n and_o logical_a resolution_n of_o the_o word_n will_v admit_v some_o wit_n can_v find_v or_o rather_o fancy_v startinghole_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o plough_a bond_n proteus-like_a turn_v any_o thing_n into_o any_o shape_n thereby_o think_v to_o speak_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o oath_n they_o show_v themselves_o notorious_o wicked_a mille_fw-mi add_v catenas_fw-la effugiet_fw-la tamen_fw-la haec_fw-la sceleratus_fw-la vincula_fw-la proteus_n 3._o hor._n lib._n 2._o satyr_n 3._o but_o the_o word_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a to_o every_o common_a capacity_n and_o in_o no_o part_n more_o clear_a than_o in_o that_o under_o present_a controversy_n viz._n refo_n mation_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o lantern_n to_o direct_v our_o course_n and_o best_a reform_a church_n our_o launch_v boigh_n to_o detect_v our_o danger_n in_o every_o time_n of_o doubt_n in_o the_o evil_n to_o be_v remove_v that_o which_o may_v occasion_v the_o great_a doubt_n be_v make_v most_o plain_a by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o object_n and_o denomination_n of_o the_o act_n the_o object_n be_v express_v by_o a_o term_n prelacy_n though_o general_a in_o its_o
gloucester_n 57_o in_o the_o county_n of_o salop_n and_o 73_o in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n who_o give_v their_o testimony_n and_o call_v it_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o national_a obligation_n they_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o thus_o plead_v we_o find_v the_o covenant_n be_v antiquate_v and_o banish_v as_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o force_n during_o the_o time_n of_o our_o intestine_a war_n we_o confess_v we_o be_v amaze_v at_o this_o quirk_n we_o pray_v the_o war_n may_v cease_v for_o ever_o which_o yet_o there_o be_v fear_n may_v too_o soon_o be_v recall_v by_o god_n 27._o pag._n 27._o for_o this_o treacherous_a deal_n in_o his_o covenant_n but_o we_o believe_v no_o honest_a understanding_n heart_n can_v be_v persuade_v the_o covenant_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o truce_n make_v with_o god_n for_o three_o or_o four_o year_n but_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o stop_v this_o gap_n with_o some_o few_o strong_a stake_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a article_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o advise_v those_o term_n may_v be_v view_v constant_o 29._o pag._n 28_o 29._o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n our_o posterity_n the_o lord_n may_v dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o conclude_v these_o be_v not_o for_o a_o few_o year_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o to_o the_o nation_n oh_o england_n turn_v not_o harlot_n break_v not_o covenant_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n keep_v england_n from_o this_o covenant-breaking_a and_o his_o vengeance_n from_o his_o people_n unto_o this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o yorkshire_n minister_n it_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o the_o church_n abroad_o 8._o pag._n 8._o that_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n stand_v engage_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n swear_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n i_o shall_v sir_n add_v but_o one_o more_o and_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v being_n little_a else_o but_o a_o concurrence_n with_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o own_o city_n of_o london_n and_o they_o profess_v thus_o 26._o pag._n 26._o in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n within_o these_o three_o kingdom_n we_o shall_v never_o forget_v how_o solemn_o and_o cheerful_o the_o sacred_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v swear_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n wherein_o the_o three_o kingdom_n stand_v engage_v joint_o and_o several_o etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v and_o be_v daily_o neglect_v slight_v vilify_v reproach_v and_o oppose_v even_o by_o too_o many_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o and_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v whole_o to_o evade_v it_o and_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_o violate_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n the_o sadn_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n and_o pull_v down_o his_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n sir_n i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o 28._o pag._n 28._o but_o i_o pray_v god_n london_n minister_n may_v retain_v or_o recover_v their_o first_o love_n and_o england_n watchman_n may_v remember_v the_o loud_a alarm_n they_o have_v sometime_o sound_v and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o sectio_fw-la semptima_fw-la prop._n 7._o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v permanent_a and_o abide_v never_o by_o any_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n to_o be_v absolve_v or_o discharge_v sir_n by_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o mean_v the_o continuance_n of_o its_o bond_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v and_o for_o ever_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o pursue_v and_o perform_v the_o thing_n and_o matter_n therein_o promise_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n or_o humane_a authority_n to_o release_v acquit_v or_o discharge_v they_o from_o the_o same_o but_o that_o when_o and_o howsoever_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v slight_v lay_v aside_o or_o violate_v by_o any_o the_o subject_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a unto_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n in_o the_o breach_n thereof_o this_o permanency_n of_o obligation_n and_o impossibility_n of_o discharge_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o double_a cause_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o and_o invocation_n of_o god_n as_o witness_n and_o avenger_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o subject_a swear_n so_o as_o in_o case_n of_o dissimulation_n falsehood_n or_o non-performance_n of_o the_o thing_n covenant_v we_o shall_v be_v liable_a unto_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o perjury_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o god_n who_o judge_v righteous_o and_o 2_o from_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o without_o a_o condition_n which_o may_v at_o any_o time_n fail_v and_o so_o cause_v a_o cessation_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n thereupon_o dependent_a and_o be_v express_o exclusive_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o discharge_n or_o release_v by_o any_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o by_o a_o express_a protest_n that_o this_o covenant_n we_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o that_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o by_o a_o peculiar_a provision_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v or_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v as_o i_o have_v before_o assert_v good_a and_o lawful_a because_o just_a and_o possible_a if_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n any_o power_n or_o person_n entrust_v with_o that_o divine_a prerogative_n to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o it_o be_v actual_o and_o express_o disclaim_v we_o sir_n live_v among_o protestant_n who_o by_o their_o very_a profession_n do_v protest_v against_o all_o papal_a dispensation_n and_o jesuitical_a commutation_n thereupon_o dependent_a and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v any_o defence_n in_o this_o cause_n against_o the_o same_o which_o will_v be_v to_o suggest_v some_o protestant_a divine_n to_o be_v so_o popish_o affect_v as_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o rome_n for_o relief_n against_o st._n peter_n restraint_n i_o presume_v sir_n england_n bishop_n will_v not_o be_v repute_v popish_a and_o other_o way_n to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v none_o save_o the_o release_n of_o superior_n which_o always_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o proper_a to_o their_o cognizance_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a that_o some_o suppose_v to_o themselves_o and_o suggest_v to_o other_o a_o nullity_n or_o non-obliging_a force_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o reason_n that_o his_o late_a majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n do_v interdict_v the_o act_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n law_n of_o nation_n or_o rule_n of_o scripture_n the_o prince_n the_o political_a parent_n have_v such_o full_a complete_a parental_a authority_n over_o his_o kingdom_n collective_o or_o distributive_o consider_v as_o by_o his_o interdict_v to_o make_v void_a the_o oath_n they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o 2._o whether_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n both_o or_o either_o house_n
can_v order_v determine_v direct_v and_o by_o parliamentary_a authority_n enforce_v a_o present_a execution_n of_o those_o determination_n and_o order_n direct_v to_o the_o subject_a as_o we_o know_v be_v and_o ordinary_o have_v be_v practise_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n and_o whether_o the_o people_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o as_o be_v parliamentary_a authority_n before_o they_o formal_o pass_v into_o law_n or_o act_n to_o be_v establish_v rule_n when_o their_o be_v a_o parliament_n cease_v and_o so_o whether_o a_o act_n do_v sedente_fw-la parliamento_fw-la at_o their_o appointment_n and_o by_o their_o present_a order_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n permanent_a and_o abide_v never_o to_o be_v discharge_v as_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o valid_a though_o it_o never_o pass_v into_o a_o formal_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o stand_a statute_n 3._o whether_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a proclamation_n of_o the_o king_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n be_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n a_o full_a and_o formal_a supersedeas_fw-la to_o any_o act_n require_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v 4._o whether_o his_o late_a majesty_n in_o his_o proclamation_n of_o the_o 9th_o of_o octob._n 19_o carol._n do_v by_o his_o royal_a authority_n declare_v void_a and_o null_a the_o obligation_n which_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o any_o of_o his_o people_n against_o his_o consent_n or_o by_o his_o parental_a care_n only_o admonish_v his_o subject_n of_o its_o evil_n and_o the_o danger_n he_o conceive_v in_o it_o and_o so_o warn_v a_o forbearance_n of_o it_o for_o parental_a admonition_n and_o authoritative_a annul_v inhibition_n be_v distinct_a act_n and_o the_o last_o be_v in_o this_o case_n necessary_a because_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v swear_v this_o covenant_n on_o the_o 25_o of_o september_n before_o 5._o whether_o the_o king_n after-assent_a and_o admonition_n unto_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o religious_a keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o establish_v it_o and_o make_v its_o obligation_n unavoidable_a and_o whether_o after_o the_o interdiction_n of_o the_o act_n his_o majesty_n declaration_n that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v good_a man_n shall_v least_o offend_v god_n and_o i_o by_o keep_v their_o covenant_n by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a way_n since_o i_o have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v 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 be_v not_o a_o subsequent_a allowance_n suitable_a to_o the_o equity_n of_o that_o law_n in_o numb_a 30._o and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o covenant_n valid_a and_o a_o indispensable_a vow_n 6._o whether_o a_o endeavour_n in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v not_o so_o far_a svi_fw-la juris_fw-la to_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o swear_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o shall_v bind_v the_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o his_o declare_a dissent_n thereunto_o last_o whether_o the_o approbation_n of_o his_o most_o gracious_a majesty_n that_o now_o be_v unto_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o assent_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o same_o declare_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o public_a declaration_n be_v not_o a_o full_a complete_a and_o formal_a authority_n supply_v all_o suppose_a defect_n and_o fasten_v its_o obligation_n by_o a_o full_a theological_n if_o not_o formal_o political_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o so_o have_v vary_v the_o case_n and_o all_o fancy_n of_o the_o non-obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n occasion_v by_o the_o unhappy_a dispute_n concern_v the_o authority_n conversant_a about_o it_o when_o sir_n these_o inquiry_n be_v serious_o and_o on_o solid_a reason_n resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a we_o shall_v confess_v there_o may_v be_v some_o doubt_n of_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o until_o then_o it_o lie_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o must_v be_v careful_o regard_v and_o perform_v lest_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n now_o sir_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v just_a and_o possible_a the_o authority_n establish_v it_o full_a and_o sufficient_a and_o dispensation_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n conclude_v to_o be_v a_o popish_a vanity_n what_o can_v hinder_v our_o conclusion_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v permanent_a never_o to_o be_v discharge_v yet_o sir_n dr_n john_n gauden_n notwithstanding_o his_o ill_a success_n in_o lose_v st._n peter_n bond_n have_v make_v a_o essay_n for_o his_o full_a release_n though_o not_o immediate_o by_o himself_o who_o can_v say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o say_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o say_v it_o over_o again_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n before_o note_v yet_o by_o his_o profound_a allowance_n and_o judicious_a testimony_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o mr._n john_n russel_n of_o chinkford_n in_o essex_n the_o which_o be_v make_v authentic_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o good_a casuistical_a divinity_n and_o a_o clear_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o stamp_n on_o the_o title_n page_n attest_v by_o john_n gauden_n d._n d._n so_o that_o sir_n i_o shall_v be_v dis-respective_a to_o my_o antagonist_n if_o i_o make_v not_o a_o little_a stay_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v by_o his_o learned_a chaplain_n though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v so_o simple_a and_o shatter_v a_o discourse_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a read_n much_o less_o the_o least_o of_o answer_n but_o i_o remember_v my_o promise_n at_o the_o beginning_n that_o i_o will_v weigh_v what_o he_o can_v allege_v to_o void_a the_o covenant_n which_o be_v his_o aim_n and_o profess_a end_n and_o therefore_o his_o title_n page_n affirm_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n discharge_v or_o st._n peter_n bond_n not_o only_o loose_v but_o annihilate_v a_o honourable_a design_n a_o high_a undertake_n a_o hard_a enterprise_n to_o release_v the_o conscience_n from_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o attempt_n give_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o see_v fronti_fw-la nulla_fw-la fides_fw-la and_o that_o the_o title_n be_v stuff_v with_o proud_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n yet_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n with_o some_o agility_n as_o if_o accustom_a to_o evade_v holy_a bond_n and_o with_o ease_n to_o resolve_v the_o most_o weighty_a case_n of_o conscience_n i_o will_v not_o say_v by_o a_o nimble_a profaneness_n to_o break_v religious_a prison_n and_o therefore_o in_o page_n 2_o of_o his_o book_n he_o state_v the_o question_n and_o tell_v we_o i_o shall_v grant_v by_o way_n of_o supposition_n we_o will_v be_v content_a with_o such_o a_o grant_n all_o that_o the_o most_o rigid_a covenanter_n can_v desire_v of_o i_o except_v one_o point_n i_o shall_v suppose_v the_o same_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o complete_a and_o lawful_a authority_n to_o be_v no_o way_n defective_a in_o circumstance_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o free_a from_o ambiguity_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o form_n to_o be_v sound_a and_o lawful_a in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v pious_a in_o the_o end_n fair_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o impose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o fraud_n or_o violence_n use_v but_o that_o all_o man_n take_v it_o with_o due_a deliberation_n and_o free_a consent_n by_o all_o which_o mean_v it_o become_v a_o very_a strong_a bond_n and_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n sir_n this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a fair_a grant_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o can_v discharge_v the_o covenant_n by_o my_o consent_n he_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v bring_v into_o durance_n but_o what_o be_v that_o one_o point_n he_o deni_v to_o grant_v we_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v such_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o it_o can_v be_v release_v by_o any_o humane_a act_n or_o power_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o same_o specifical_a power_n or_o a_o high_a than_o that_o which_o impose_v this_o vow_n upon_o we_o may_v release_v we_o from_o the_o same_o either_o tacit_o or_o express_o this_o sir_n be_v easy_o affirm_v with_o confidence_n but_o so_o simple_o and_o slender_o prove_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v show_v we_o little_a of_o judgement_n in_o his_o attestation_n to_o this_o work_n as_o in_o his_o own_o analysis_n and_o must_v needs_o make_v man_n observe_v his_o desire_n of_o release_n be_v so_o fervent_a as_o to_o allow_v and_o approve_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v but_o pretend_v to_o discharge_v the_o