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ground_n apostle_n church_n time_n 1,642 5 3.9468 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51052 The case of the accommodation lately proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane to the non-conforming ministers examined wherein also the antient Prostasia, or, Episcopus Præses is considered, and the Solemne League and Covenant occasionally vindicat : together with a copy of the two letters herein reviewed : vvhereunto also is subjoined an appendix in ansvver to a narrative of the issue of the treaty anent accommodation. McWard, Robert, 1633?-1687. 1671 (1671) Wing M231; ESTC R5121 109,669 138

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the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
search_n anent_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o thing_n anent_o which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o covenant_v they_o be_v more_o hesitant_n and_o after_o discovery_n to_o reject_v even_o that_o which_o former_o they_o think_v more_o probable_a it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o doubt_v in_o england_n anent_o moderate_a episcopacy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o these_o engagement_n do_v nothing_o impede_fw-la why_o both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o our_o respective_a station_n be_v not_o still_o oblige_v to_o reform_v that_o church_n from_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o extirpate_v it_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o that_o england_n latitude_n as_o to_o this_o point_n be_v rather_o apparent_a then_o real_a and_o our_o obligation_n in_o order_n to_o both_o kingdom_n be_v in_o effect_n objectiuè_fw-la the_o same_o i_o grant_v the_o author_n cite_v do_v understand_v the_o thing_n otherwise_o but_o not_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o proposal_n mention_v be_v neither_o make_v nor_o approven_v by_o all_o nor_o belike_o by_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n that_o mr_n baxter_n be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o only_a subject_n and_o that_o timorcus_n who_o have_v do_v very_o well_o in_o his_o main_a subject_n may_v have_v do_v better_a in_o this_o particular_a one_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v down_o viz._n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o by_o the_o covenant_n particular_o abjure_v be_v most_o fallacious_a in_o asmuch_o as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o experience_n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v repugnant_a thereto_o and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v and_o it_o have_v be_v by_o i_o assay_v its_o non-abjuration_n in_o special_a do_v nothing_o militat_fw-la against_o the_o import_n of_o the_o other_o general_a article_n as_o for_o the_o other_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o author_n citation_n viz._n the_o agreeablenesse_n of_o this_o presidencie_n to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o kirk-session_n they_o be_v already_o answer_v &_o what_o mr_n baxter_n add_v anent_o the_o superintendent_o &_o visitor_n which_o we_o have_v in_o scotland_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v as_o easy_o remove_v by_o the_o then_o infancy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o extreme_a penury_n of_o pastor_n as_o his_o other_o argument_n from_o the_o temporary_a moderator_n choose_v by_o synod_n for_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o they_o accountable_a be_v concludent_fw-la as_o to_o the_o fix_a precedent_n now_o under_o question_n to_o these_o authority_n the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o though_o we_o have_v the_o name_n of_o dean_n chapter_n and_o commissary_n yet_o that_o none_o of_o these_o under_o that_o name_n exerce_fw-la any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v by_o any_o other_o have_v delegation_n from_o the_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n of_o prelacy_n to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o this_o with_o we_o who_o will_v not_o pity_v such_o folly_n who_o know_v not_o that_o england_n prelacy_n be_v ever_o different_a from_o any_o episcopacy_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n although_o by_o the_o way_n i_o must_v remind_v my_o reader_n how_o much_o by_o the_o late_a restitution_n it_o be_v advance_v but_o if_o by_o the_o particular_a obligation_n to_o extirpate_v contain_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o extirpate_v england_n prelacy_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o notwitstanding_n of_o the_o obligement_n to_o preserve_v presbytery_n then_o settle_v in_o scotland_n and_o in_o general_a to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o especial_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o abjuration_n make_v by_o we_o of_o our_o former_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n that_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o dissent_v from_o &_o oppose_v the_o late_a restitution_n whereby_o presbyterian_a govern._n be_v overturn_v the_o same_o yea_o a_o worse_a bond_n of_o episcopacy_n then_o what_o we_o abjure_v be_v restore_v real_o these_o insinuation_n be_v so_o raw_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o meddle_v with_o they_o &_o yet_o the_o author_n fancy_n which_o all_o that_o know_v he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o a_o very_a overrul_a faculty_n be_v once_o lese_v with_o this_o mistake_n anent_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o even_o of_o minister_n in_o scotland_n may_v have_v understand_v that_o article_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o if_o he_o will_v credit_v truth_n he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v viz._n that_o though_o the_o generality_n may_v very_o well_o by_o the_o whole_a complexed_a tenor_n of_o that_o article_n understand_v all_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v swear_v against_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o still_o understand_v their_o principal_a bind_a engagement_n against_o it_o to_o flow_v from_o their_o abjuration_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o their_o oath_n in_o both_o the_o national_a and_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v and_o adhere_v to_o presbyterian_a parity_n then_o estabished_a and_o therefore_o the_o new_a discovery_n here_o pretend_a as_o if_o the_o covenant_n do_v admit_v in_o our_o church_n a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o our_o obligement_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n with_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a ●atle_n ensue_v concern_v the_o genuine_a consistencie_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n with_o such_o a_o qualify_a and_o distinctive_a sense_n and_o also_o the_o meaning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o composer_n and_o imposer_n for_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o prelacy_n be_v but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o delusion_n but_o now_o i_o hope_v to_o awaken_v this_o dreamer_n who_o add_v that_o unless_o we_o make_v it_o appeare●_n that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o the_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o fi●st_a mistake_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o ●his_n i_o hearty_o close_a and_o therefore_o see_v not_o to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n w●at_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v viz_o that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o among_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n or_o true_a ecclesiastick-government●_a but_o mere_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n over_o the_o hou●e_n of_o god_n which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o abhor_v i_o say_v tha●_n see_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n in_o debate_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o impertinent_a mitigation_n offer_v of_o the_o article_n to_o extirpate_v no_o way_n proper_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o ●ational_a covenant_n and_o our_o abjuration_n therein_o contain_v and_o ●he_v first_o article_n of_o the_o league_n as_o above_o declare_v i_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v cease_v to_o accuse_v we_o of_o want_n of_o charity_n &_o of_o inflexibilitie_n but_o rat●er_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n special_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n which_o our_o author_n have_v hitherto_o very_o fatal_o and_o foolish_o forget_v and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v the_o bishop_n receive_v better_a information_n of_o our_o ground_n will_v at_o least_o cease_v from_o his_o presumptuous_a confidence_n until_o ●e_v find_v out_o for_o we_o a_o more_o colourable_a solution_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v in_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o aversion_n of_o some_o in_o england_n against_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a ravery_n and_o therefore_o misregarding_a both_o the_o objection_n and_o solution_n i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o passage_n wherein_o the_o author_n cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n reverence_n to_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a assembly_n that_o ever_o sit_v in_o britain_n respect_v due_a to_o as_o wise_a and_o honourable_a parliament_n as_o ever_o these_o nation_n behold_v the_o good_a opinion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o man_n and_o christian_n true_o such_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n be_v once_o far_o engage_v in_o these_o way_n proceed_v without_o the_o least_o
religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o ●_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o inco●herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o sel●_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o wo●k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a lo●d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o
of_o mere_a fact_n but_o to_o a_o certain_a duty_n either_o general_o or_o special_o express_v and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o clear_o intimate_v the_o antecedent_n rule_n whereby_o it_o be_v determine_v than_o this_o oath_n be_v thus_o safe_o caution_v and_o in_o effect_n only_o a_o accessary_a engagement_n exciting_a and_o intend_v former_a obligation_n but_o no_o way_n extend_v they_o beyond_o their_o limit_n the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o general_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a knowledge_n to_o fit_v the_o person_n to_o bind_v his_o soul_n by_o such_o a_o oath_n for_o example_n he_o who_o know_v no_o more_o than_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n may_v no_o doubt_v lawful_o swear_v to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n although_o for_o the_o time_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v its_o common_a astract_n precept_n let_v be_v the_o particular_a concrete_a deed_n that_o may_v thereon_o depend_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o effect_n such_o a_o oath_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n bind_v to_o endeavour_v more_o distinct_a and_o full_a knowledge_n and_o so_o can_v not_o rational_o be_v think_v to_o suppose_v it_o 3._o that_o in_o oath_n assertorie_n which_o be_v o●_n a_o mix_a nature_n as_o condescend_v indeed_o on_o certain_a particular_n but_o yet_o only_o bind_v to_o their_o observance_n under_o the_o notion_n and_o in_o the_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a although_o because_o of_o the_o condescendence_n it_o do_v no_o doubt_n prerequire_v knowledge_n yet_o righteousness_n be_v its_o determine_n and_o regulate_v object_n it_o allow_v upon_o a_o better_a discovery_n not_o only_o a_o rectification_n of_o the_o same_o particular_n without_o perjury_n but_o also_o a_o extension_n of_o the_o oath_n to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o the_o time_n unknown_a do_v afterward_o fall_v within_o its_o rule_n and_o line_n thus_o if_o upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n i_o swear_v to_o my_o neighbour_n to_o maintain_v his_o right_n as_o it_o do_v indeed_o bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o definite_a defence_n of_o these_o which_o occasion_v the_o oath_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o alteration_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v afterward_o find_v not_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o consequent_o no_o right_a so_o no_o doubt_n as_o to_o all_o his_o supervenient_a right_n though_o afterward_o only_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o same_o oath_n do_v very_o just_o extend_v its_o obligation_n 4._o as_o the_o forego_n rule_n do_v abundant_o explain_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n with_o what_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n it_o both_o suppose_v and_o import_v so_o the_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n to_o the_o ingagers_n place_n and_o calling_n do_v make_v it_o in_o such_o sort_n accessary_a to_o the_o former_a duty_n incumbent_a to_o he_o that_o in_o effect_n both_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o performance_n whereto_o it_o bind_v it_o rather_o intend_v than_o ampliat_v their_o predetermined_a obligation_n i_o may_v have_v add_v in_o this_o place_n that_o every_o affirmative_a oath_n whether_o particular_a or_o general_a do_v undoubted_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o most_o obvious_o bind_v nega●iuè_a that_o be_v that_o the_o person_n swear_v shall_v do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o nor_o obstruct_v that_o whereunto_o he_o be_v positive_o bind_v but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o so_o evident_a that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o explication_n in_o hand_n yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v observe_v its_o omission_n and_o further_a both_o for_o illustration_n and_o application_n i_o shall_v adduce_v no_o other_o example_n than_o the_o thing_n object_v and_o first_o pass_v the_o mention_n here_o make_v of_o thing_n religious_a and_o civil_a which_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v very_o consistent_o both_o command_v and_o engage_v unto_o together_o the_o swear_n of_o the_o people_n to_o church_n discipline_n and_o government_n be_v instance_a but_o if_o christ_n have_v in_o his_o church_n appoint_v both_o and_o if_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o be_v thereto_o call_v i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o to_o oblige_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o call_v thereto_o by_o oath_n can_v be_v disprove_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o people_n become_v oblige_v to_o a_o particular_a species_n of_o government_n of_o which_o in_o probability_n they_o can_v not_o know_v all_o the_o part_n let_v be_v to_o know_v their_o warrant_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o corruption_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v have_v such_o a_o universal_o grievous_a influence_n upon_o all_o rank_n and_o these_o with_o the_o opposite_a true_a form_n of_o presbytery_n have_v be_v so_o express_o and_o plain_o lay_v open_a and_o abjure_v in_o the_o year_n 1637._o 16●8_n and_o 1639._o as_o the_o people_n ought_v in_o duty_n to_o have_v have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o it_o be_v very_o assure_v that_o their_o knowledge_n therein_o be_v abundant_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o the_o very_a considerable_a remain_v of_o it_o to_o this_o day_n do_v evince_n the_o second_o instance_n be_v make_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n but_o see_v the_o king_n authority_n to_o the_o defence_n whereof_o the_o covenant_n do_v also_o bind_v bind_o do_v undoubted_o include_v all_o the_o righteous_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n which_o be_v as_o far_o if_o not_o more_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o common_a people_n than_o the_o other_o head_n mention_v wherefore_o be_v they_o omit_v in_o the_o condescendence_n be_v it_o not_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o allegiance_n bind_v unto_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o whereunto_o certain_o all_o may_v lawful_o swear_v be_v in_o effect_n liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n 2._o although_o this_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n be_v not_o mere_o indefinite_a bind_v to_o righteous_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n in_o general_a to_o which_o no_o doubt_n every_o on_o may_v lawful_o swear_v but_o also_o assertory_n of_o such_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n as_o be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o arbitrarie_a course_n of_o adversary_n more_o especial_o draw_v in_o question_n yet_o be_v these_o privilege_n then_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n general_o know_v as_o concern_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a be_v of_o parliament_n and_o just_a freedom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o such_o manner_n engage_v unto_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o righteous_a &_o what_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ingagers_n place_n and_o calling_n that_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o this_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v both_o righteousness_n for_o its_o formal_a &_o regulate_a object_n and_o also_o that_o it_o neither_o suppose_v nor_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o more_o knowledge_n then_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la he_o have_v before_o or_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v by_o the_o antecedent_n duty_n of_o his_o particular_a vocation_n so_o that_o the_o import_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v plain_o the_o same_o with_o that_o either_o of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n or_o of_o every_o citizen_n to_o the_o corporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n viz_o that_o we_o all_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o prerogative_n &_o right_n which_o in_o our_o station_n we_o know_v or_o aught_o to_o know_v to_o be_v such_o and_o to_o be_v righteous_o such_o the_o absurdity_n here_o endeavour_v to_o be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o covenant_n as_o tie_v either_o to_o know_v simple_o or_o to_o contend_v blindfold_a be_v but_o a_o empty_a pitiful_a vanity_n 3._o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n it_o be_v abundant_o explicable_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o man_n so_o term_v have_v by_o their_o mischief_n make_v themselves_o but_o too_o well_o know_v and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o discovery_n only_o as_o righteous_a &_o in_o our_o place_n &_o calling_n it_o be_v as_o little_a possible_a to_o tax_v this_o or_o any_o other_o the_o like_a obligement_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o excess_n for_o its_o generality_n as_o a_o oath_n to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n wherein_o no_o doubt_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v include_v &_o which_o without_o question_n all_o man_n may_v lawful_o make_v albeit_o they_o be_v neither_o bound_n to_o know_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o deed_n than_o such_o as_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n do_v require_v of_o they_o which_o ground_n adduce_v with_o what_o may_v be_v further_o her_o allege_a from_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n both_o of_o man_n &_o nation_n wherein_o they_o lawful_o engage_v both_o offensive_o &_o defensive_o to_o maintain_v other_o right_n without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o
particular_a inquiry_n thereinto_o for_o the_o time_n do_v without_o all_o peradventure_o most_o convince_o redargue_v these_o weak_a quibling_n bo●h_o of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o calumny_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o t●e_v folly_n and_o bitterness_n of_o these_o reproach_n whereby_o this_o author_n upon_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o what_o do_v equal_o militat_fw-la against_o all_o our_o general_a obligation_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v please_v to_o asperse_v the_o covenant_n as_o a_o hodge_n podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a what_o can_v not_o these_o thing_n lie_v easy_o enough_o together_o in_o a_o oath_n which_o yet_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o church_n true_a government_n the_o righteous_a privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o call_v that_o evil_a do●rs_n may_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o rebel_n purge_v out_o of_o the_o land_n upon_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v both_o of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n thing_n either_o impertinent_a to_o any_o or_o in_o themselves_o incompatible_a or_o be_v it_o because_o that_o our_o author_n have_v by_o confound_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o betray_v at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n government_n unto_o the_o supremacy_n as_o former_o under_o the_o usurper_n he_o little_o regard_v either_o the_o subject_n liberty_n or_o his_o prince_n his_o authority_n and_o be_v know_v to_o have_v always_o his_o pretend_a charity_n as_o contract_v towards_o zealous_a godly_a protestant_n as_o dilate_a unto_o irreligious_a papist_n and_o prelatist_n pollute_v his_o own_o conscience_n and_o render_v it_o unclean_a that_o therefore_o even_o this_o sacred_a oath_n be_v become_v unclean_a and_o nauseat_v unto_o he_o what_o can_v he_o reply_v to_o these_o thing_n or_o can_v he_o assign_v we_o a_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o assertion_n he_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n of_o they_o but_o will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v any_o concernment_n in_o or_o obligation_n to_o they_o no_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o inference_n no_o less_o nay_o more_o absurd_a then_o to_o allege_v that_o none_o be_v bind_v or_o may_v swear_v to_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n authority_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o all_o his_o prerogative_n or_o rather_o that_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v his_o person_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v his_o picture_n to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o all_o man_n have_v undoubted_o a_o interest_n more_o or_o less_o remote_a in_o these_o matters●_n so_o they_o either_o real_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o knowledge_n proportionable_a to_o their_o engagement_n thereto_o to_o which_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v most_o proper_o accessary_a the_o author_n add'_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o o_o how_o desirable_a be_v it_o that_o this_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a be_v indeed_o the_o special_a and_o main_a care_n of_o all_o man_n but_o to_o offer_v to_o confine_v poor_a people_n knowledge_n and_o obligation_n to_o their_o soul_n interest_n alone_o with_o a_o aim_n so_o palpable_a to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n abandon_v to_o lust_n and_o tyranny_n according_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o these_o adversary_n against_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v engage_v in_o savour_v more_o of_o hypocrisy_n then_o true_a spirituality_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n of_o god_n house_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o have_v be_v experiment_a to_o be_v of_o such_o important_a influence_n as_o to_o the_o promove_v the_o great_a work_n and_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n glory_n and_o wherein_o no_o doubt_n the_o interest_n of_o all_o soul_n be_v involve_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v in_o this_o pretence_n of_o abstraction_n and_o self_n confinement_n yet_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o very_a gallio_n temper_n that_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o although_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n have_v no_o such_o direct_a tendency_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o only_o assure_v that_o in_o the_o then_o juncture_n of_o affair_n their_o defence_n be_v of_o notable_a subservience_n to_o the_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n principal_o covenant_v but_o that_o of_o themselves_o and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o their_o import_n they_o be_v so_o much_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o sense_n let_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n that_o to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o concernment_n therein_o and_o engagement_n thereto_o by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o their_o soul_n true_a interest_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o all_o ingenuous_a person_n a_o very_a cunning_a and_o deceitful_a impertinency_n now_o from_o the_o premise_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o author_n conclude_v in_o these_o term_n so_o that_o to_o thy_fw-mi they_o viz._n the_o common_a people_n by_o a_o religious_a &_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n &_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o etc._n etc._n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o oath_n do_v neither_o tie_n to_o know_v all_o these_o nor_o yet_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a but_o be_v enter_v into_o from_o the_o universal_a feel_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o the_o invasion_n make_v and_o threaten_v both_o against_o religion_n and_o liberty_n do_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o such_o assertory_n and_o accessary_a covenant_n only_o bind_v every_o on_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o suitable_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o he_o either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o such_o general_a and_o important_a concern_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n the_o ignorance_n and_o insolence_n of_o this_o inference_n do_v in_o deep_a astonishment_n only_o prompt_v i_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v the_o o_o adversary_n the_o lord_n who_o have_v choose_v this_o poor_a church_n rebuke_v thou_o be_v not_o the_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o a_o brand_n pluck_v out_o of_o t●e_v fire_n but_o behold_v how_o he_o wipe_v his_o mouth_n certain_o say_v he_o they_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o no_o all_o pious_a holy_a tender_a soul_n but_o see_v i_o have_v remove_v the_o calumny_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o comparison_n i_o will_v not_o recriminat_fw-la yet_o we_o must_v hear_v a_o little_a of_o the_o man_n praise_n viz._n that_o whatever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n they_o neither_o require_v subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n but_o 1._o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a distinguish_a reason_n give_v for_o this_o practice_n we_o must_v conclude_v policy_n to_o be_v the_o only_a motive_n of_o this_o pretend_a moderation_n 2._o the_o oath_n with_o the_o act_n 1612._o prescribe_v to_o be_v take_v of_o intrant_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o true_o chargeable_a with_o a_o lax_n dubious_a and_o ensnare_a generality_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o of_o these_o who_o conform_v to_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v the_o author_n 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