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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d swear_v false_o this_o will_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o not_o
of_o covenant_v the_o particle_n such_o seem_v to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n covenant_v which_o afterward_o be_v particular_o and_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n except_v against_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n suggest_v by_o this_o exception_n to_o be_v false_a do_v relate_v unto_o the_o act_n of_o covenant_v as_o we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o not_o such_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o place_n of_o this_o exception_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o exception_n unto_o the_o preface_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o admit_v not_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o quality_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n moreover_o the_o next_o exception_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o these_o word_n relate_v to_o the_o act_n of_o covenant_v in_o which_o they_o profess_v they_o find_v not_o in_o our_o history_n any_o footstep_n of_o a_o swear_a covenant_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o covenant_v by_o oath_n which_o they_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a proper_a and_o probable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v religion_n from_o ruin_n sure_o then_o sir_n the_o weather_n be_v very_o misty_a about_o oxford_n and_o make_v their_o mind_n very_o muddy_a that_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n dictate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n pursue_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o nation_n and_o by_o israel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o the_o utmost_a of_o humane_a policy_n and_o high_a of_o security_n to_o their_o privilege_n endanger_v as_o a_o method_n detect_v conceal_v enmity_n debar_v fraud_n express_v affection_n engage_v conscience_n and_o animate_v resolution_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a proper_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o security_n if_o it_o be_v good_a and_o safe_a as_o to_o our_o civil_a i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o less_o probable_a in_o our_o religious_a concernment_n if_o sir_n i_o have_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o one_o single_a student_n i_o must_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o start_v this_o exception_n more_o like_o a_o sophistical_a disputant_n than_o a_o conscientious_a dubitant_fw-la four_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n reason_n four_o exception_n in_o the_o oxford_n reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n for_o that_o they_o find_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n in_o our_o history_n of_o a_o swear_a covenant_n ever_o enter_v into_o by_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o nor_o can_v they_o ready_o remember_v any_o commendable_a example_n of_o the_o like_a do_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o be_v rather_o tell_v by_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o the_o world_n never_o see_v the_o like_o before_o whither_o sir_n answer_n will_v not_o prejudice_n carry_v man_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v to_o find_v the_o master_n student_n etc._n etc._n of_o oxford_n so_o much_o unacquainted_a with_o history_n as_o neither_o to_o find_v in_o our_o own_o or_o other_o history_n a_o commendable_a example_n of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n i_o may_v not_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o covenant_n make_v by_o the_o noble_n and_o people_n of_o scotland_n among_o themselves_o and_o with_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o england_n under_z and_o against_o the_o papal_a might_n execute_v by_o the_o then_o queen_n regent_n nor_o of_o the_o netherlands_o confederacy_n and_o covenant_n these_o will_v not_o seem_v commendable_a in_o their_o sight_n now_o though_o so_o judge_v when_o england_n become_v their_o protection_n and_o encourage_v nay_o defend_v they_o in_o they_o let_v i_o therefore_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v israel_n to_o have_v be_v god_n people_n of_o another_o nation_n and_o that_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o day_n of_o joash_n josiah_n hezekiak_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o defection_n in_o their_o civil_a and_o religious_a concernment_n and_o be_v their_o practice_n commendable_a 2._o do_v our_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n never_o find_v any_o footstep_n in_o our_o history_n concern_v the_o baron_n of_o stamford_n anno_fw-la 1225._o assemble_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o king_n consent_n and_o covenant_v each_o with_o other_o to_o demand_v the_o restitution_n of_o their_o liberty_n whereupon_o a_o parliament_n be_v hold_v at_o northampton_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o again_o do_v they_o never_o find_v in_o our_o history_n how_o in_o anno_fw-la 1258._o they_o assemble_v at_o oxford_n agree_v on_o article_n viz._n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o charter_n de_fw-fr foresta_n 2._o the_o establish_n of_o a_o lord_n chief_a justice_n who_o may_v judge_v they_o by_o law_n 3._o the_o drive_v alien_n and_o stranger_n out_o of_o england_n and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o they_o confederate_v by_o oath_n and_o give_v their_o hand_n and_o mutual_a faith_n one_o to_o the_o other_o 653._o matth._n paris_n hist_o aug._n p._n 940_o 941_o 952_o 653._o that_o they_o will_v not_o desist_v to_o prosecute_v their_o purpose_n for_o loss_n of_o money_n or_o land_n nor_o love_n nor_o hate_n no_o nor_o yet_o for_o life_n of_o they_o or_o they_o till_o they_o have_v clear_v england_n of_o stranger_n and_o procure_v laudable_a law_n and_o under_o this_o covenant_n they_o bring_v the_o king_n brother_n richard_z king_n of_o roman_n and_o earl_n of_o cornwall_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o swear_v upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n this_o formal_a covenant_n hear_v all_o man_n that_o i_o richard_n earl_n of_o cornwall_n swear_v upon_o the_o holy_a gosple_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o forward_a with_o you_o to_o reform_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n hitherto_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o wicked_a man_n so_o much_o deform_v and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a coadjutor_n to_o expel_v the_o rebel_n and_o troubler_n out_o of_o the_o same_o both_o these_o our_o history_n say_v be_v in_o the_o time_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3d._n not_o to_o trouble_v our_o reader_n with_o the_o like_a in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n john_n king_n richard_z the_o second_o and_o other_o prince_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n to_o tell_v we_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o people_n of_o england_n and_o these_o be_v not_o visible_a foot-mark_n of_o some_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n on_o some_o occasion_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v question_v whether_o they_o be_v commendable_a example_n let_v they_o please_v to_o observe_v the_o commendable_a epithet_n our_o historian_n give_v upon_o the_o last_o of_o these_o covenanter_n call_v they_o angliae_fw-la republicae_fw-la zelatores_fw-la but_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o covenant_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o world_n never_o see_v the_o like_o before_o i_o but_o they_o do_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o covenant_n make_v on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o master_n and_o student_n in_o oxford_n resolve_v into_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o to_o believe_v a_o enemy_n but_o i_o wonder_v these_o master_n of_o reason_n have_v so_o little_a reason_n as_o to_o conclude_v a_o general_n from_o the_o concession_n of_o a_o special_a their_o margin_n explain_v the_o concession_n of_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o these_o term_n such_o a_o oath_n for_o matter_n person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n the_o like_a have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o age_n or_o oath_n we_o read_v of_o in_o sacred_a or_o humane_a story_n know_v they_o not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o general_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n and_o those_o special_a qualification_n which_o may_v circumstance_n it_o and_o that_o a_o dissimilitude_n in_o the_o last_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o swear_a covenant_n on_o any_o occasion_n but_o sit_fw-la verbum_fw-la sit_v sapienti_fw-la thus_o sir_n notwithstanding_o these_o learned_a suggestion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o in_o it_o of_o the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o yet_o continue_v lawful_a because_o true_a and_o be_v our_o encouragement_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o promissory_a part_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o as_o in_o rational_a conclusion_n so_o i_o hope_v in_o religious_a resolution_n we_o shall_v find_v à _fw-fr veris_fw-la vera_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la subsectio_fw-la tertia_fw-la the_o promissory_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o these_o six_o article_n i._o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o
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 peoplâ—â—_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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o beza_n render_v stipulatio_fw-la bâ—nae_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
of_o parliament_n judicious_o defend_v in_o our_o very_a case_n by_o that_o profound_a lawyer_n mr._n william_n prynne_n approve_v no_o less_o loyal_a to_o and_o zealous_a for_o the_o king_n prerogative_n than_o love_v to_o the_o people_n liberty_n i_o see_v not_o how_o we_o can_v avoid_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o vote_n order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n even_o without_o or_o against_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o observe_v last_o when_o i_o observe_v the_o transaction_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o vortiger_n sigebert_n ofred_n beornerde_a edwin_n and_o edgar_n and_o other_o saxon_a king_n deo_fw-la dictante_fw-la &_o annuente_fw-la populo_fw-la the_o power_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n john_n king_n henry_n the_o three_o richard_z the_o second_o and_o other_o king_n of_o england_n refuse_v to_o assemble_v at_o the_o king_n call_v assemble_v without_o the_o king_n writ_n establish_v law_n correct_v vice_n and_o misdemeanour_n execute_v justice_n and_o enter_v into_o oath_n and_o covenant_n without_o and_o against_o the_o king_n consent_n and_o when_o i_o observe_v in_o all_o parliament_n a_o power_n of_o regulate_v the_o king_n court_n and_o council_n of_o restrain_v limit_v and_o enlarge_a the_o king_n power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o prerogative_n nay_o of_o make_v void_a or_o valid_a a_o title_n unto_o the_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o henry_n the_o eight_o in_o case_n of_o his_o many_o marriage_n and_o that_o during_o the_o session_n of_o parliament_n all_o law_n be_v under_o covert_n at_o their_o foot_n to_o be_v by_o they_o establish_v or_o destroy_v and_o be_v by_o any_o vote_n or_o order_n supersede_v before_o a_o formal_a repeal_n and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o on_o all_o side_n it_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n be_v exercise_v in_o all_o vote_n order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o two_o house_n unto_o the_o decision_n of_o present_a controversy_n upon_o appeal_n from_o other_o court_n of_o judicatory_a wherein_o they_o can_v and_o may_v authorise_v examination_n on_o oath_n and_o make_v a_o final_a judgement_n unto_o the_o ease_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o subject_a not_o otherwhere_o relievable_a unto_o the_o enforcement_n of_o any_o act_n to_o be_v at_o present_a do_v and_o execute_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o society_n thereof_o without_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v the_o king_n consent_n and_o concurrence_n and_o if_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v deny_v what_o can_v the_o freuqency_n of_o parliament_n provide_v for_o by_o the_o old_a law_n of_o king_n alfred_n and_o after_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o 4._o ed._n 3.4.36_o edw._n 140._o twice_o or_o at_o least_o once_o every_o year_n on_o this_o very_a ground_n that_o the_o people_n may_v receive_v right_a by_o holy_a judgement_n such_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o parliament_n deem_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n and_o grievance_n which_o daily_o happen_v may_v be_v redress_v if_o need_v be_v on_o which_o account_n proclamation_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o open_a palace_n before_o the_o break_n up_o of_o parliament_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o that_o have_v deliver_v a_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o not_o receive_v answer_n thereunto_o and_o this_o power_n remove_v what_o will_v avail_v the_o triennial_n parliament_n concede_v by_o his_o late_a majesty_n or_o of_o what_o benefit_n be_v the_o continuation_n of_o this_o late_a long_a parliament_n against_o all_o casualty_n whatsoever_o that_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o dissolve_v they_o can_v it_o be_v rational_o imagine_v that_o their_o be_v shall_v be_v continue_v and_o secure_v to_o sit_v within_o those_o wall_n in_o council_n and_o debate_n without_o any_o power_n to_o order_n or_o execute_v the_o emergent_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o s_o y_fw-fr i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o impose_v a_o oath_n can_v be_v a_o assume_v or_o the_o people_n swear_v a_o acknowledge_v of_o a_o great_a power_n than_o have_v in_o former_a time_n be_v challenge_v if_o these_o gentleman_n will_v consult_v our_o own_o history_n in_o the_o case_n before_o touch_v they_o will_v find_v a_o power_n much_o great_a not_o only_o challenge_v but_o assume_v and_o exercise_v the_o which_o the_o season_n and_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n do_v forbid_v i_o to_o recite_v in_o hope_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o rip_v up_o our_o wound_n new_o heal_v and_o these_o general_n may_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o bring_v we_o into_o covenant_n but_o these_o learned_a man_n suggest_v a_o inconsistency_n of_o this_o power_n with_o their_o former_a protestation_n in_o sundry_a material_a branch_n methinks_v sir_n they_o shall_v have_v specify_v those_o 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
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 that_o enmity_n do_v make_v its_o sense_n plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o every_o capacity_n if_o then_o common_a enemy_n have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o object_n assign_v it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la and_o so_o ambiguous_a as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v so_o general_a for_o they_o be_v limit_v with_o this_o possessive_a our_o the_o word_n run_v thus_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n this_o relative_n our_o do_v limit_n and_o explain_v common_a enemy_n and_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v the_o antecedent_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n live_v under_o one_o king_n be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n etc._n 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
perform_v what_o he_o promise_v and_o conclude_v siquis_fw-la volens_fw-la jurare_fw-la obligare_fw-la se_fw-la noluerit_fw-la non_fw-la eo_fw-la minus_fw-la obligatur_fw-la none_o but_o jesuit_n will_v say_v that_o a_o man_n swear_v 218._o grotius_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la &_o pacis_fw-la l._n 2._o p._n 218._o and_o in_o the_o act_n purpose_v not_o to_o bind_v his_o soul_n and_o thereof_o make_v a_o secret_a appeal_n to_o god_n be_v free_a and_o not_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n for_o this_o be_v express_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n who_o obligation_n be_v inseparable_a from_o its_o act._n 160._o saunders_n de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la lec_fw-la 5._o p._n 160._o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o author_n say_v siquis_fw-la deliberato_fw-la protulerit_fw-la verba_fw-la jurantia_fw-la animo_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la jurandi_fw-la obligatur_fw-la and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o oxford_n divinity_n siquis_fw-la ex_fw-la aliqua_fw-la dolosa_fw-la intention_n velit_fw-la putari_fw-la jurasse_fw-la habebit_fw-la apud_fw-la ipsum_fw-la omnem_fw-la obligandi_fw-la effectum_fw-la a_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o action_n of_o swear_v even_o beyond_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o intention_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o joshua_n and_o his_o oath_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n obtain_v by_o fraud_n and_o found_v in_o falsehood_n against_o which_o they_o have_v enter_v a_o express_a caveat_n it_o be_v far_o from_o his_o intention_n to_o make_v a_o league_n with_o a_o canaanite_n yet_o he_o and_o all_o israel_n be_v bind_v by_o it_o as_o in_o the_o former_a proposition_n it_o have_v be_v clear_v but_o why_o do_v i_o stand_v to_o establish_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o promissory_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o assertory_n part_n of_o it_o whilst_o no_o such_o falsehood_n appear_v as_o for_o the_o conclusive_a protest_n it_o lie_v out_o of_o human_a cognizance_n and_o be_v only_o obvious_a to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o i_o he_o must_v be_v strange_o blind_v by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n that_o see_v and_o subscribe_v not_o to_o every_o part_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o true_a yet_o some_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o speak_v out_o be_v willing_a to_o suggest_v a_o lie_n chargeable_a on_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v in_o this_o point_n vindicate_v against_o their_o exception_n pretend_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n urge_v against_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v i_o leave_v a_o little_a to_o weigh_v they_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o vindicate_v the_o assertory_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n vindicate_v be_v the_o anonymus_fw-la doubt_n and_o scruple_n recommend_v to_o the_o world_n by_o dr._n gauden_n and_o offer_v sir_n to_o your_o and_o my_o consideration_n and_o his_o quarrel_n i_o shall_v say_v scruple_n be_v against_o the_o title_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v certain_o no_o part_n of_o it_o which_o he_o thus_o frame_v i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o declaration_n to_o assure_v we_o scruple_n exception_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o commissioner_n of_o each_o kingdom_n respective_o and_o especial_o of_o ireland_n have_v be_v choose_v and_o assemble_v together_o have_v power_n or_o do_v agree_v upon_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n without_o which_o or_o some_o such_o equivalent_a proceed_n we_o can_v possible_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o joint_a consent_n resolution_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o league_n etc._n etc._n answer_n whoever_o sir_n be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o scruple_n he_o sure_o be_v of_o a_o very_a tender_a conscience_n that_o must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o very_a title_n and_o denomination_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o can_v do_v his_o own_o duty_n or_o a_o just_a act_n enjoin_v he_o by_o the_o superior_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o subject_n until_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o to_o who_o it_o may_v extend_v do_v desire_n and_o consent_v thereunto_o 2._o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o declaration_n though_o he_o meet_v not_o with_o it_o must_v private_a person_n suspend_v require_v duty_n until_o they_o meet_v with_o declaration_n of_o the_o regular_a agitation_n of_o state_n affair_n must_v all_o the_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o other_o kingdom_n be_v open_v before_o the_o subject_n give_v his_o faith_n to_o keep_v the_o condition_n conclude_v by_o their_o governor_n 3._o do_v he_o meet_v with_o any_o declaration_n which_o tell_v he_o ireland_n be_v in_o a_o general_a rebellion_n against_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v subjugate_v and_o be_v whole_o dependent_a on_o the_o english_a interest_n for_o its_o rescue_n and_o reduction_n and_o must_v england_n stay_v its_o covenant_n till_o ireland_n rebel_n send_v commissioner_n and_o consent_n or_o may_v they_o not_o without_o their_o consent_n covenant_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o vassal_n kingdom_n which_o they_o must_v again_o recover_v by_o force_n 4._o but_o the_o title_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o doubt_n for_o though_o it_o be_v entitle_v a_o covenant_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v the_o object_n who_o be_v not_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v for_o our_o intention_n and_o endeavour_n of_o good_a to_o they_o let_v they_o bear_v it_o charity_n will_v not_o always_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n or_o desire_v of_o its_o object_n his_o next_o scruple_n be_v like_a unto_o this_o occasion_v by_o those_o word_n scruple_n second_o exception_n out_o of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o he_o doubt_v the_o irish_a papist_n open_a rebel_n against_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o popish_a party_n in_o england_n and_o independent_o may_v not_o be_v of_o one_o religion_n yet_o by_o the_o seven_o instruction_n it_o be_v to_o be_v proffer_v to_o all_o inhabitant_n answer_n but_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proffer_v to_o the_o irish_a papist_n 2._o because_o proffer_a be_v it_o therefore_o take_v the_o word_n be_v profess_v by_o they_o that_o take_v the_o covenant_n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o test_n and_o note_n of_o discrimination_n for_o discovery_n of_o the_o popish_a party_n which_o lie_v lurk_v among_o we_o and_o none_o as_o papist_n or_o indeed_o as_o independent_o can_v take_v the_o covenant_n 3._o may_v not_o the_o majority_n denominate_v the_o whole_a the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a one_o religion_n own_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o nation_n nor_o do_v he_o deny_v the_o independent_o to_o be_v professor_n of_o it_o sir_n must_v not_o dr._n gauden_n commend_v his_o discretion_n in_o commend_v to_o the_o world_n such_o perplex_v scruple_n as_o have_v not_o a_o scruple_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o appear_v as_o wise_a to_o spend_v time_n to_o consider_v they_o if_o of_o weight_n after_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v take_v but_o he_o affirm_v they_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o oxford-reason_n which_o be_v a_o just_a chius_n ad_fw-la choum_fw-la harp_n and_o harrow_n yet_o hereby_o he_o put_v we_o on_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o which_o have_v pass_v thus_o long_o unanswered_a partly_o for_o the_o dread_n of_o their_o name_n no_o private_a person_n be_v a_o fit_a antagonist_n or_o proper_a casuist_n to_o sesolve_v the_o doubt_n of_o a_o university_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o they_o be_v present_v apologetical_o as_o private_a ground_n of_o dissatisfaction_n and_o for_o excuse_v from_o the_o act_n require_v not_o as_o interdiction_n or_o condemnation_n of_o other_o man_n act_n as_o themselves_o profess_v much_o less_o as_o argument_n for_o absolution_n from_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o it_o have_v be_v general_o take_v by_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o which_o end_n they_o be_v now_o reprint_v and_o by_o every_o foolish_a pamphlet_n be_v anew_o urge_v and_o therefore_o necessitate_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o weight_n which_o i_o confess_v i_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o name_n be_v willing_a to_o decline_v but_o by_o the_o worth_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o land_n be_o though_o a_o private_a obscure_a and_o unfit_a person_n constrain_v thereunto_o subsectio_fw-la secunda_fw-la their_o exception_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v no_o positive_a charge_n yet_o sugge_v sundry_a falsehood_n therein_o assert_v which_o they_o witness_v they_o can_v not_o acknowledge_v as_o first_o reason_n 1_o exception_n by_o oxford_n reason_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v that_o the_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n of_o the_o enemy_n
of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n there_o intend_v be_v at_o this_o time_n increase_v to_o which_o sir_n i_o shall_v have_v then_o answer_v 1._o answer_v their_o ability_n to_o say_v it_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n nor_o can_v we_o well_o judge_v it_o for_o whether_o they_o be_v under_o any_o natural_a wilful_a violent_a or_o judicial_a incapacity_n be_v not_o our_o part_n to_o determine_v other_o be_v able_a to_o say_v it_o and_o if_o these_o reverend_a father_n and_o student_n do_v know_v it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o say_v it_o it_o be_v for_o we_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o may_v i_o be_v bold_a further_o to_o inquire_v 2._o whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v the_o whole_a sentence_n express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n who_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v at_o this_o time_n increase_v here_o intend_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o sinte_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v 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 be_v not_o these_o full_a expression_n of_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n who_o raâ—â—_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v increase_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o be_v it_o rational_a or_o religious_a to_o inquire_v after_o and_o suspend_v a_o duty_n on_o jealousy_n of_o a_o sense_n intend_v when_o we_o have_v the_o sense_n plain_o express_v be_v not_o this_o repugnant_a to_o the_o end_n of_o speech_n the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n 3._o be_v the_o master_n scholar_n and_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n such_o stranger_n in_o the_o protestant_a israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o papist_n and_o popish_o affect_v be_v enemy_n of_o god_n against_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n or_o so_o unacquainted_a at_o home_n as_o not_o to_o know_v their_o plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n be_v especial_o against_o these_o three_o kingdom_n the_o most_o public_a and_o potent_a professor_n of_o true_a religion_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v they_o no_o notion_n of_o the_o rebellion_n against_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o of_o the_o treason_n plot_n conspiracy_n roar_v bull_n and_o rage_a spanish_a armado_n against_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o the_o gunpowder-treason_n and_o other_o plot_n against_o king_n james_n of_o the_o college_n of_o propagator_n of_o the_o catholic_n cause_n erect_v in_o rome_n under_o the_o government_n of_o cardinal_n barbarin_n and_o design_v against_o these_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o grand_a plot_n agitate_a by_o con_n or_o cuneus_n the_o pope_n nuncio_n in_o england_n discover_v by_o andrea_n ab_fw-la habernefield_n first_o to_o sir_n william_n boswel_o his_o majesty_n resident_n in_o flanders_n and_o by_o he_o unto_o laud_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o since_o full_o clear_v and_o lay_v open_a by_o mr._n william_n prynn_n in_o his_o rome_n masterpiece_n publish_v in_o 1643._o four_o year_n before_o their_o reason_n and_o may_v have_v be_v profitable_a to_o their_o eyesight_n 4._o do_v not_o this_o learned_a university_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o high_a increase_n of_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n to_o distribute_v their_o jesuit_n into_o such_o several_a order_n as_o shall_v be_v capable_a in_o any_o place_n or_o profession_n to_o propagate_v their_o plot_n to_o press_v upon_o the_o late_a king_n and_o archbishop_n for_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o union_n with_o rome_n to_o boast_v open_o of_o england_n return_v to_o popery_n to_o tender_v a_o cardinal_n hat_n to_o the_o late_a archbishop_n to_o poison_v our_o fountain_n the_o university_n and_o our_o very_a people_n with_o arminian_n and_o popish_a doctrine_n public_o preach_v and_o print_v and_o popish_a picture_n public_o sell_v and_o bind_v up_o with_o our_o testament_n and_o bibles_n to_o provoke_v the_o high-commission_n cruelty_n and_o puritan_n discontent_n to_o plot_v a_o plain_a popish_a service-book_n with_o very_o little_a variation_n oâ—_n from_o the_o mass-book_n and_o procure_v it_o to_o be_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n impose_v on_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o raise_n mutiny_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o bellum_n episcopale_v with_o pretence_n to_o yoke_v they_o and_o intention_n to_o destroy_v the_o king_n and_o protestant_n cause_n to_o rebel_v open_o in_o ireland_n and_o with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n to_o murder_v and_o massacre_v the_o protestant_n to_o divide_v between_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o england_n and_o possess_v themselves_o of_o his_o majesty_n garrison_n and_o army_n as_o under_o their_o command_n to_o abet_v advise_v and_o effect_v the_o most_o barbarous_a murder_n of_o his_o late_a majesty_n and_o our_o since_o confusion_n all_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o achievement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o true_a religion_n he_o that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n observant_a of_o our_o affair_n can_v run_v and_o read_v and_o be_v not_o these_o expression_n of_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n let_v right_n reason_n judge_n 2._o exception_n oxford_z reasins_z second_o exception_n they_o can_v true_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v use_v or_o give_v consent_n to_o any_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o purpose_n therein_o express_v to_o this_o sir_n consider_v that_o although_o they_o can_v affirm_v it_o yet_o other_o can_v do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o joy_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o purpose_n therein_o express_v not_o as_o before_o intend_v shall_v we_o judge_v it_o from_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n the_o 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 for_o the_o end_n be_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v to_o enforce_v the_o constancy_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o article_n the_o six_o it_o be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a purpose_n express_v in_o these_o particular_a act_n propound_v for_o the_o production_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v the_o gentleman_n of_o oxford_n to_o have_v be_v so_o void_a of_o piety_n towards_o god_n love_v to_o their_o country_n or_o loyalty_n towards_o their_o king_n as_o not_o to_o have_v use_v or_o give_v consent_n to_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o these_o purpose_n therein_o express_v must_v we_o think_v they_o so_o speechless_a as_o not_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n nor_o speak_v to_o man_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o purpose_n express_v no_o i_o will_v rather_o presume_v they_o modest_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o publish_v their_o piety_n and_o zeal_n to_o good_a purpose_n or_o passionate_o prejudice_v against_o some_o one_o expedient_a propound_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o purpose_n express_v and_o thereby_o act_v to_o confound_v the_o purpose_n and_o pursue_a mean_n but_o 3._o have_v not_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n representees_n in_o parliament_n if_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v be_v they_o violent_o exclude_v or_o do_v they_o give_v their_o no_o to_o the_o supplication_n or_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o purpose_n express_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v be_v not_o these_o supplication_n and_o remonstrance_n carry_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o vote_n and_o be_v not_o the_o negative_a so_o swallow_v therein_o that_o all_o person_n and_o body_n corporate_a through_o the_o nation_n do_v thereunto_o consent_n when_o we_o find_v oxford_n except_v we_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o true_o affirm_v they_o give_v consent_v but_o three_o exception_n oxford_z reasins_z three_o exception_n they_o do_v not_o conceive_v the_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a proper_a and_o probable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o this_o sir_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o these_o gentleman_n and_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o relate_v unto_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o act_n
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 in_o the_o foundation_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o political_a prelacy_n the_o king_n of_o england_n have_v give_v the_o possession_n of_o bishopric_n to_o their_o chancellor_n treasurer_n secretary_n kinsman_n mere_a lay-person_n for_o increase_v of_o their_o mean_n 18._o pryn_n catalogue_n of_o testimony_n for_o the_o parity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n p._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o have_v keep_v the_o episcopal_a and_o archiepiscopal_a sea_n void_a for_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 10_o 15_o 20._o and_o sometime_o 30._o year_n together_o by_o what_o loadstone_n do_v these_o learned_a man_n think_v the_o holy_a church_n do_v subsist_v when_o her_o prelate_n her_o foundation_n in_o their_o sense_n be_v want_v or_o can_v they_o make_v we_o believe_v denmark_n or_o scotland_n have_v lose_v or_o the_o reform_a church_n never_o have_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o never_o have_v or_o have_v expel_v their_o episcopal_a prelacy_n ecclesiastical_a prelacy_n 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 the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v not_o expect_v much_o in_o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o themselves_o against_o their_o covenant_v to_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n yet_o that_o little_a we_o shall_v consider_v and_o it_o relate_v unto_o their_o personal_a capacity_n in_o their_o three_o exception_n or_o more_o public_a obigation_n in_o their_o five_o exception_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o personal_a capacity_n they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o justice_n ingenuity_n or_o humanity_n to_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o this_o government_n prelacy_n oxford_z reasins_z three_o exception_n against_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v unlawful_a what_o sir_n if_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v inexpedient_a it_o will_v have_v be_v consistent_a with_o saint_n paul_n justice_n humanity_n and_o
by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prelacy_n will_v it_o not_o bespeak_v that_o government_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n which_o condemn_v conventicle_n in_o act_n of_o piety_n but_o admit_v family_n the_o subject_n house_n the_o place_n and_o natural_a affection_n to_o be_v the_o protection_n of_o treasonable_a seditious_a conspiracy_n but_o they_o add_v against_o this_o article_n that_o it_o bind_v to_o suffer_a punishment_n by_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n without_o law_n or_o merit_n contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a declare_v for_o by_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o let_v we_o sir_n but_o read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o will_v evidence_n a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o word_n be_v these_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o public_a trial_n and_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n shall_v deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o both_o kingdom_n respective_o or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a if_o sir_n condign_a punishment_n on_o public_a trial_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v without_o law_n or_o merit_n and_o judicatory_a supreme_a judicatory_a be_v arbitrary_a high_a court_n of_o justice_n and_o their_o proceed_n will_v be_v just_a and_o regular_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a for_o i_o think_v they_o to_o be_v more_o opposite_n than_o the_o protestation_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n unto_o the_o five_o article_n of_o this_o covenant_n covenant_n oxford_n exception_n to_o the_o five_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o profess_v a_o readiness_n to_o confederate_n but_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o double_a remora_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o the_o three_o kingdom_n ireland_n be_v at_o war_n within_o itself_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o gentleman_n where_o be_v your_o eye_n and_o what_o obstruct_v your_o sight_n when_o you_o swear_v the_o protestation_n you_o swear_v by_o all_o just_a and_o honourable_a way_n to_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n be_v not_o ireland_n then_o at_o war_n within_o itself_o or_o have_v you_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n now_o conclude_v by_o both_o parliament_n and_o confirm_v by_o this_o covenant_n a_o great_a happiness_n of_o settlement_n than_o be_v then_o obtain_v sure_o some_o strong_a passion_n act_v these_o learned_a man_n to_o make_v mountain_n against_o the_o covenant_n what_o be_v molehill_n wssen_v they_o swear_v the_o protestation_n but_o their_o second_o remora_n be_v that_o no_o peace_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o wellgrounded_n which_o be_v not_o bottom_v on_o justice_n who_o proper_a and_o adequate_a act_n be_v jus_o suum_fw-la cuique_fw-la unless_o the_o respective_a authority_n power_n and_o liberty_n of_o king_n parliament_n and_o subject_n be_v preserve_v full_a and_o entire_a to_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o specify_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o to_o these_o particular_n for_o i_o can_v read_v or_o understand_v if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o secure_v by_o the_o same_o suggestion_n without_o plain_a demonstration_n do_v proclaim_v jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n but_o make_v no_o argument_n or_o good_a apology_n against_o require_a duty_n unto_o the_o six_o and_o last_o article_n covenant_n oxford_n exception_n to_o the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o obligation_n of_o adherence_n to_o this_o covenant_n against_o all_o opposition_n they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o must_v be_v expect_v that_o until_o they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o premise_n state_v in_o the_o forego_n article_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o can_v not_o sum_o scribe_n to_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o admit_v they_o hope_v that_o a_o more_o cool_a &_o serious_a survey_n of_o the_o covenant_n &_o second_o thought_n on_o their_o exception_n thereunto_o may_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o bewail_v their_o unhappiness_n in_o throw_v such_o stumble_a block_n before_o their_o weak_a brethren_n under_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o famous_a and_o learned_a university_n and_o for_o their_o groundless_a dissent_n and_o refusal_n of_o a_o enjoy_a duty_n relate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n reformation_n and_o defenct_n of_o religion_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o sir_n we_o find_v notwithstanding_o these_o so_o much_o admire_v exception_n approve_v itself_o lawful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v or_o pursue_v and_o will_v the_o better_o stand_v under_o all_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o point_n of_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o make_v it_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v sectio_fw-la quarta_fw-la proposition_n 4._o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o make_v the_o solemn_a leagne_n and_o covenant_n be_v good_a and_o allowable_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o position_n i_o intend_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o form_n constitute_v it_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v evident_a and_o know_v to_o all_o to_o have_v be_v a_o solemn_a call_v to_o god_n to_o witness_v and_o avenge_v the_o violation_n or_o neglect_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o its_o obligation_n be_v establish_v against_o whatever_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n do_v attend_v the_o agitation_n thereof_o from_o which_o nevertheless_o i_o will_v desire_v it_o as_o much_o may_v be_v acquit_v for_o it_o be_v pity_v so_o good_a matter_n shall_v be_v blemish_v by_o the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v it_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o a_o historical_a narration_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v the_o solemnity_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o person_n the_o parliament_n both_o lord_n and_o commons_o the_o commissioner_n of_o scotland_n the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n make_v the_o first_o assembly_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o nor_o the_o order_n by_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o serious_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n which_o attend_v it_o nor_o the_o universal_a alacrity_n joy_n and_o content_v of_o the_o most_o serious_a in_o england_n and_o scotland_n which_o accompany_v this_o first_o act_n of_o make_v the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o after_o particular_a solemnity_n both_o for_o number_n quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o person_n and_o religious_a compose_a order_n in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o several_a county_n and_o congregation_n of_o england_n than_o which_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v no_o public_a act_n ever_o pass_v by_o and_o among_o the_o people_n of_o england_n more_o solemn_o or_o more_o religious_o which_o though_o it_o be_v now_o darken_v and_o despise_v do_v set_v a_o lustre_n on_o this_o covenant_n to_o abide_v under_o the_o great_a contempt_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o and_o will_v most_o strong_o bind_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o my_o intention_n be_v to_o defend_v those_o action_n as_o good_a i_o do_v not_o say_v necessary_a and_o allowable_a which_o be_v and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o sin_n or_o any_o debilitation_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o which_o i_o find_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o enemy_n to_o the_o covenant_n most_o strong_o bend_v that_o thereby_o they_o may_v represent_v it_o vile_a if_o not_o render_v it_o void_a and_o these_o be_v either_o 1._o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 3._o authority_n which_o enjoin_v it_o 4._o or_o the_o action_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n use_v in_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o may_v well_o suit_v so_o solemn_a a_o act_n as_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n yet_o i_o find_v some_o late_a opposition_n thereunto_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o oxford_n reason_n and_o the_o league_n illegal_a i_o shall_v brief_o try_v their_o strength_n 1._o sir_n as_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n i_o find_v dr._n 14._o 1._o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n vindicate_v against_o dr._n featliey_n league_n illegal_a pag._n 14._o featlies_n ghost_n in_o the_o league_n illegal_a like_o some_o hellish_a fury_n represent_v the_o dr._n to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n so_o haughty_o devote_v to_o the_o punctilio_n of_o order_n and_o honour_n as_o not_o to_o brook_v or_o keep_v his_o hand_n from_o tear_v a_o list_n catalogue_n or_o register_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v below_o he_o shall_v be_v rank_v above_o and_o name_v before_o he_o in_o sense_n whereof_o
church_n the_o very_a transcription_n of_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n who_o can_v read_v it_o and_o not_o run_v and_o read_v a_o most_o malicious_a heart_n vent_v itself_o by_o a_o most_o weak_a head_n sound_v not_o this_o argument_n like_o dr._n featley_n sure_o his_o executor_n think_v his_o name_n enough_o to_o make_v acceptable_a the_o dull_a notion_n can_v drop_v from_o his_o own_o brain_n i_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v necessary_a and_o appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n have_v choose_v what_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n to_o they_o seem_v good_a to_o declare_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o hallow_v of_o the_o thigh_n our_o country_n ordinary_o use_v the_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v the_o book_n but_o other_o country_n the_o hold_v up_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n may_v not_o the_o magistrate_n prescribe_v a_o oath_n prescribe_v what_o gesture_n seem_v he_o good_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v eager_a bent_n who_o will_v fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 2._o be_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n a_o gesture_n peculiar_a to_o a_o angel_n only_o use_v in_o menace_v and_o when_o he_o stand_v on_o sea_n and_o land_n at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v this_o man_n never_o read_v nor_o hear_v it_o use_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o on_o other_o occasion_n or_o be_v it_o the_o vehemency_n or_o verity_n of_o the_o threaten_a and_o doom_n denounce_v which_o be_v witness_v by_o it_o what_o think_v he_o of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n 14.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o god_n i_o will_v not_o take_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v thou_o he_o be_v no_o angel_n nor_o threaten_v any_o judgement_n nor_o do_v he_o stand_v on_o sea_n and_o land_n at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o what_o think_v he_o of_o ezek._n 20.5_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n god_n be_v not_o a_o angel_n nor_o then_o menace_v any_o fatal_a doom_n but_o promise_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o israel_n can_v enjoy_v if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o consult_v any_o expositor_n on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a text_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n be_v the_o usual_a gesture_n in_o swear_v any_o oath_n and_o covenant_n he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v the_o covenanter_n be_v in_o a_o hard_a strait_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o gesture_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o fly_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n 3._o have_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o here_o sugge_v viz._n the_o preservation_n of_o two_o nation_n have_v this_o no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n do_v he_o never_o read_v therein_o of_o two_o nation_n join_v in_o one_o covenant_n for_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o but_o further_a have_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n and_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v there_o no_o historical_a relation_n of_o covenant_n of_o this_o matter_n have_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n have_v unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o these_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v any_o thing_n but_o horrid_a impudence_n say_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o covenant_n have_v no_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o that_o book_n this_o author_n may_v have_v well_o forbear_v this_o charge_n who_o himself_o concede_v that_o punctilio_fw-la in_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v this_o covenant_n which_o many_o and_o himself_o will_v deny_v to_o have_v ground_n in_o scripture_n viz._n the_o make_v it_o without_o the_o king_n consent_n for_o he_o grant_v that_o a_o covenant_n to_o remove_v a_o scandal_n 20._o league_n illegal_a p._n 20._o and_o fulfil_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n if_o this_o covenant_n fall_v not_o under_o one_o of_o these_o nay_o both_o these_o qualification_n i_o have_v lose_v my_o reason_n 4._o with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o fury_n say_v the_o purport_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o his_o church_n whilst_o its_o profess_a inscription_n be_v a_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n answerable_a whereunto_o be_v the_o ground_n induce_v to_o make_v it_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o according_o promise_v the_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n whatever_o may_v have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o wicked_a man_n who_o swear_v this_o covenant_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n honour_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v the_o purport_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o the_o violent_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n before_o the_o horrid_a violence_n do_v unto_o his_o late_a majesty_n be_v a_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o protest_v of_o the_o covenant_v seclude_v member_n of_o parliament_n and_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o london_n against_o those_o perjurious_a proceed_n as_o likewise_o the_o public_a testimony_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o county_n in_o england_n do_v declare_v it_o and_o the_o divastation_n and_o captivity_n of_o scotland_n the_o sequestration_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n of_o many_o in_o england_n and_o contest_v with_o all_o zeal_n faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n unto_o the_o very_a effect_n of_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o that_o in_o conscience_n of_o this_o very_a covenant_n do_v loud_o sound_v it_o through_o the_o world_n if_o the_o same_o malice_n do_v not_o deafen_v the_o ear_n in_o hear_v the_o comment_n that_o darken_v the_o eye_n in_o read_v the_o text._n now_o sir_n i_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o lifting_z up_o of_o the_o hand_n may_v be_v a_o most_o proper_a gesture_n to_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n not_o only_o as_o a_o gesture_n usual_a in_o swear_v and_o expedient_a because_o expeditious_a in_o a_o oath_n universal_o swear_v by_o whole_a assembly_n but_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o special_a suit_n and_o earnest_a supplication_n for_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n lam._n 2.19_o of_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n praise_v his_o goodness_n that_o have_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o people_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o covenant_n neh._n 8.6_o or_o of_o joy_n and_o alacrity_n in_o so_o sacred_a a_o bond_n unto_o such_o absolute_a duty_n tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o safety_n of_o true_a religion_n ps_n 119.48_o and_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v a_o gesture_n no_o less_o suitable_a to_o man_n than_o angel_n and_o the_o stand_n on_o earth_n not_o sea_n and_o earth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n perform_v a_o duty_n and_o promise_a thing_n require_v in_o scripture_n and_o pray_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n not_o menace_v a_o fatal_a doom_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o imprecate_v god_n direful_a judgement_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v this_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v accomplish_v on_o such_o as_o slight_v its_o obligation_n in_o the_o civil_a part_n thereof_o and_o i_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o must_v needs_o attend_v such_o as_o not_o only_o slight_a but_o set_v against_o and_o violent_o break_v through_o these_o holy_a bond_n in_o that_o part_n which_o immediate_o concern_v god_n and_o true_a religion_n whilst_o we_o see_v the_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 agâ—tations_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 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france_n and_o ireland_n do_v
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and_o it_o be_v condemn_v sir_n this_o man_n be_v sure_a half_n a_o arminian_n and_o think_v god_n command_n to_o adam_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n be_v he_o not_o rather_o half_a a_o heathen_a that_o in_o all_o tumult_n earthquake_n and_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o christianos_n ad_fw-la leones_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o let_v any_o of_o they_o specify_v that_o evil_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n unto_o these_o unblessed_a or_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o curse_a effect_n and_o i_o will_v damn_v it_o as_o a_o accurse_a thing_n but_o sir_n mr._n crofton_n do_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o drs._n logic_n in_o this_o argument_n as_o at_o his_o little_a reason_n or_o religion_n in_o give_v his_o attestation_n to_o such_o a_o irrational_a atheological_a wild_a and_o wicked_a discourse_n as_o this_o be_v whilst_o he_o fear_v the_o covenanter_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o i_o will_v 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