every_o one_o to_o swear_v whether_o he_o be_v guilty_a certain_o magistrate_n may_v as_o lawful_o put_v we_o to_o our_o oath_n whether_o we_o have_v assent_v to_o any_o traitorous_a thought_n against_o our_o country_n or_o covet_v our_o neighbour_n good_n or_o wife_n as_o what_o we_o think_v of_o such_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n shall_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n commit_v no_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o mouth_n give_v free_a leave_n to_o think_v what_o we_o will_v if_o we_o swear_v as_o it_o command_v such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o believe_v in_o our_o heart_n contrary_a to_o what_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n nero_n himself_o allow_v such_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v damnable_a hypocrisy_n be_v indeed_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o compulsion_n upon_o the_o conscience_n sure_o by_o this_o glorious_a word_n liberty_n something_o more_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v leave_v we_o than_o what_o no_o tyrant_n can_v take_v from_o we_o sure_o it_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o be_v so_o courteous_o interpret_v that_o by_o this_o kind_a phrase_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v understand_v a_o liberty_n consistent_a with_o conscience_n a_o condition_n wherein_o every_o peaceable_a christian_n may_v follow_v our_o principle_n without_o renounce_v his_o own_o honesty_n yet_o i_o confess_v it_o puzzle_v all_o the_o reason_n i_o be_o owner_n of_o that_o they_o who_o take_v this_o oath_n though_o very_o credible_o against_o their_o conscience_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v it_o because_o against_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o the_o least_o mercy_n provide_v for_o tender_a conscience_n beside_o proof_n this_o dispunishableness_n of_o thought_n arise_v as_o well_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o lawful_a proof_n as_o from_o their_o innocency_n in_o not_o offend_a other_o and_o therefore_o a_o secret_a promise_n though_o most_o serious_o and_o deliberate_o resolve_v on_o if_o reserve_v in_o the_o party_n own_o conscience_n create_v no_o legal_a obligation_n of_o performance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v true_a 104._o if_o the_o law_n do_v allow_v any_o proceed_n whereby_o the_o party_n be_v compellable_a to_o accuse_v himself_o and_o therefore_o even_o in_o chancery_n though_o that_o be_v a_o swear_a court_n if_o a_o bill_n of_o perjury_n be_v sue_v upon_o the_o statute_n 5._o 100_o eliz._n the_o defendant_n shall_v not_o be_v force_v to_o make_v answer_n upon_o oath_n either_o to_o the_o bill_n or_o interrogatory_n so_o if_o a_o juror_n be_v challenge_v for_o partiality_n ground_v upon_o some_o indifferent_a and_o unreproachfull_a objection_n as_o kindred_n to_o one_o of_o the_o party_n etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o clear_v such_o a_o question_n by_o his_o own_o oath_n but_o if_o the_o charge_n be_v either_o ignominous_a or_o dangerous_a as_o bribery_n etc._n etc._n the_o challenger_n must_v maintain_v his_o assertion_n by_o witness_n 193._o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o wise_a and_o moderate_a judgement_n of_o the_o law_n that_o any_o one_o be_v enforce_v to_o become_v his_o own_o accuser_n with_o these_o agree_v many_o other_o authority_n all_o unanimous_o subscribe_v to_o this_o conclusion_n as_o a_o undeniable_a maxim_n of_o law_n 10._o that_o none_o can_v be_v lawful_o examine_v upon_o oath_n concerning_o any_o thing_n that_o sound_v to_o his_o own_o prejudice_n nay_o so_o great_a a_o abhorrence_n have_v the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o party_n be_v force_v to_o prosecute_v and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o it_o employ_v a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v so_o destructive_a a_o abuse_n and_o therefore_o in_o fitzherbert_n natura_fw-la brevium_fw-la if_o any_o have_v be_v cite_v into_o the_o spiritual_a court_n to_o accuse_v himself_o pro_fw-la salute_fw-la animae_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o a_o prohibition_n lie_v at_o the_o common_a law_n to_o stop_v and_o supersede_v their_o proceed_n and_o it_o be_v a_o case_n adjudge_v that_o if_o in_o a_o paenall_a law_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v save_v as_o in_o 1_o eliz._n 657._o 2._o for_o hear_v of_o mass_n the_o party_n shall_v not_o be_v examine_v upon_o oath_n before_o the_o ordinary_a concerning_o that_o point_n because_o it_o may_v become_v a_o evidence_n against_o himself_o 18._o if_o question_v afterwards_o in_o the_o temporal_a court_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a authority_n in_o the_o very_a point_n out_o of_o a_o book_n license_v and_o print_v by_o special_a order_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n 175._o clear_o prove_v that_o as_o the_o papist_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v by_o witness_n case_n and_o not_o themselves_o examine_v upon_o oath_n concerning_o their_o go_n to_o mass_n so_o much_o less_o concerning_o their_o inward_a belief_n especial_o when_o such_o ruin_n attend_v they_o in_o their_o estate_n if_o they_o dare_v refuse_v to_o swear_v against_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o common_a law_n in_o some_o personal_a action_n the_o defendant_n be_v admit_v not_o compel_v to_o his_o oath_n as_o in_o case_n of_o wager_n of_o law_n 10._o etc._n etc._n 33._o h._n 6._o 10._o of_o non_fw-la summons_n in_o a_o praecipe_n quod_fw-la reddat_fw-la and_o of_o garnishment_n upon_o a_o scire_fw-la facias_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o oath_n be_v either_o voluntary_o offer_v by_o the_o party_n himself_o not_o enforce_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o judge_n and_o go_v in_o discharge_n not_o condemnation_n of_o he_o or_o else_o concern_v only_o some_o collateral_a passage_n of_o little_a importance_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o main_a controversy_n nor_o be_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o such_o practice_n to_o be_v see_v in_o any_o penal_a law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a point_n we_o dispute_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v a_o proceed_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o our_o law_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o inform_v against_o himself_o and_o so_o become_v his_o own_o executioner_n upon_o this_o ground_n sir_n thomas_n moor_n a_o person_n complete_o learn_v in_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o universal_o famous_a for_o courage_n and_o resolution_n according_a to_o his_o principle_n refuse_v the_o then_o new_a oath_n concerning_o the_o king_n supreamacy_n and_o divorce_n allege_v for_o his_o defence_n at_o the_o bar_n that_o he_o never_o speak_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o statute_n and_o upon_o this_o plea_n he_o rely_v as_o a_o evident_a justification_n in_o law_n which_o never_o say_v he_o be_v strain_v so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v our_o thought_n and_o for_o his_o inward_a judgement_n he_o free_o profess_v that_o oath_n to_o be_v against_o it_o offer_v before_o the_o judge_n to_o swear_v that_o the_o unsatisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n therein_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o refusal_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o command_n and_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o time_n behind_o we_o we_o shall_v often_o see_v the_o outward_a word_n and_o action_n censure_v by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o never_o the_o least_o attempt_n upon_o the_o a_o reformation_n inward_a belief_n though_o the_o principle_n heretofore_o entertain_v concerning_o the_o use_n of_o force_n in_o religion_n have_v general_o be_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o those_o we_o now_o profess_v therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o 5._o hen._n 2._o 5._o and_o 2._o hen._n 4._o 14._o and_o 2._o hen._n 5._o 1._o make_v even_o in_o popish_a time_n which_o we_o so_o much_o condemn_v for_o cruelty_n those_o that_o begin_v new_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a religion_n of_o the_o nation_n 1._o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v public_o any_o doctrine_n destructive_a of_o the_o establish_a law_n or_o by_o their_o subtle_a sermon_n to_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o they_o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o force_v to_o swear_v the_o contrary_a they_o be_v forbid_v to_o write_v book_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o singularity_n or_o make_v unlawful_a conventicle_n to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o renounce_v what_o they_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o statute_n of_o 31._o reformation_n hen._n 8._o 14._o lay_v a_o forfeiture_n upon_o any_o that_o by_o word_n write_v print_v publish_v preach_v or_o teach_v shall_v maintain_v any_o of_o the_o opinion_n in_o six_o article_n therein_o prohibit_v but_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o abjure_v their_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o what_o the_o lord_n herbert_n in_o his_o history_n of_o henry_n the_o 8._o 448._o say_v concerning_o this_o statute_n be_v worth_a consideration_n his_o word_n be_v these_o the_o six_o article_n be_v now_o publish_v give_v no_o little_a occasion_n of_o murmur_n since_o to_o revoke_v the_o conscience_n not_o only_o from_o its_o own_o court_n but_o from_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o resolve_v controversy_n to_o such_o a_o
abrupt_a decision_n of_o the_o common_a law_n as_o be_v there_o set_v down_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o deturn_n of_o religion_n from_o its_o right_n and_o usual_a course_n since_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v teach_v not_o force_v without_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v handle_v rough_o as_o be_v of_o so_o delicate_a a_o temper_n as_o though_o it_o suffer_v a_o edge_n to_o be_v put_v on_o who_o do_v more_o diminish_v or_o break_v it_o beside_o to_o make_v the_o contravening_a of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v capital_a before_o they_o be_v full_o prove_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o that_o liberty_n without_o which_o none_o can_v justify_v himself_o before_o god_n or_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v death_n and_o sequestration_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o death_n to_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o we_o be_v command_v how_o unsafe_a will_v it_o be_v to_o make_v exact_a enquiry_n and_o without_o it_o who_o can_v say_v his_o religion_n be_v best_a beside_o the_o example_n be_v dangerous_a for_o if_o infidel_n and_o heathen_n to_o retain_v their_o people_n in_o obedience_n shall_v do_v the_o like_a who_o will_v ever_o turn_v christian_a therefore_o cranmer_n for_o three_o day_n together_o in_o the_o open_a assembly_n oppose_v these_o article_n bold_o etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o this_o learned_a historian_n the_o statute_n of_o 1_o edw._n 6._o 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n continue_v the_o same_o stile_n of_o punish_v only_o the_o outward_a act_n whilst_o it_o declare_v if_o any_o shall_v deprave_v despise_v or_o contemn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n so_o call_v in_o the_o act_n according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n he_o shall_v suffer_v imprisonment_n and_o make_v fine_a and_o ransom_n at_o the_o king_n pleasure_n reformation_n in_o the_o statute_n of_o 1._o eliz._n 1._o and_o 8._o eliz._n 10._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v by_o write_v 10._o print_v teach_v or_o preach_v extol_v etc._n etc._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o by_o any_o speech_n deed_n or_o open_a act_n attribute_v any_o authority_n here_o in_o england_n to_o the_o say_a bishop_n he_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n mention_v in_o that_o statute_n agreeable_a to_o the_o former_a statute_n be_v 13_o eliz._n 12_o c._n 12._o be_v the_o act_n make_v for_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n then_o new_o model_v into_o a_o public_a form_n of_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n be_v these_o if_o any_o such_o ecclesiastical_a person_n shall_v advise_o maintain_v or_o affirm_v any_o doctrine_n direct_o contrary_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a 39_o article_n and_o shall_v persist_v therein_o and_o not_o revoke_v his_o error_n such_o maintain_v or_o affirm_v and_o persist_v shall_v be_v just_a cause_n to_o deprive_v such_o person_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n upon_o which_o statute_n these_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o these_o subscription_n be_v concerning_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o scholar_n and_o divine_n upon_o their_o pretence_n to_o church_n preferment_n not_o of_o lay_v person_n to_o dispossess_v they_o of_o their_o temporal_a inheritance_n second_o they_o must_v maintain_v or_o affirm_v some_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o these_o article_n to_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o law_n so_o that_o the_o believe_v only_o of_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o sufficient_a three_o such_o maintain_v or_o affirm_v be_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o draw_v out_o of_o they_o by_o the_o rack_n of_o a_o oath_n four_o it_o be_v make_v a_o cause_n of_o deprivation_n must_v be_v by_o witness_n and_o not_o by_o the_o enforce_a abjuration_n of_o the_o party_n five_o they_o be_v to_o lose_v only_o their_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o temporal_a estate_n not_o one_o of_o these_o so_o rational_a and_o necessary_a caution_n be_v at_o all_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o modern_a proceed_n against_o papist_n but_o the_o most_o unlearned_a tradesman_n and_o ignorant_a woman_n among_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o accuse_v themselves_o their_o judge_n never_o ask_v after_o witness_n and_o this_o under_o forfeiture_n of_o full_a two_o three_o of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o land_n and_o even_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n many_o ordinance_n have_v follow_v the_o same_o way_n of_o prohibit_v external_a disorder_n itself_o occasion_v from_o difference_n in_o opinion_n but_o not_o precise_o for_o the_o bare_a difference_n in_o opinion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o 11_o aug._n 1645._o make_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o 1645._o wherein_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o what_o person_n soever_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o directory_n into_o contempt_n or_o raise_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o or_o shall_v practise_v write_v or_o print_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v write_v or_o print_v any_o thing_n in_o derogation_n or_o deprave_v of_o the_o say_a directory_n shall_v lose_v and_o forfeit_v for_o such_o offence_n such_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o shall_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conviction_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o he_o by_o he_o before_o who_o he_o shall_v have_v his_o trial_n conformable_a to_o this_o be_v a_o order_n make_v in_o parliament_n decemb._n 1646._o 22._o 1646._o the_o parliament_n take_v into_o consideration_n that_o some_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o sectary_n have_v disturb_v the_o minister_n and_o congregation_n in_o some_o church_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o law_n statute_n and_o government_n thereof_o do_v order_n that_o the_o constable_n and_o headborough_n within_o their_o several_a parish_n etc._n etc._n shall_v arrest_v the_o body_n of_o all_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v disturb_v any_o minister_n in_o holy_a order_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o place_n of_o exercise_v his_o public_a call_v by_o speak_v to_o he_o or_o use_v irreverent_a gesture_n or_o action_n and_o that_o they_o carry_v the_o body_n of_o such_o offender_n before_o some_o justice_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o same_o county_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o to_o justice_n shall_v appertain_v so_o likewise_o 9_o 1650._o aug._n 1650._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v presume_v avow_o by_o word_n to_o profess_v or_o shall_v by_o writing_n proceed_v to_o affirm_v any_o blasphemous_a atheistical_a or_o execrable_a opinion_n derogatory_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n such_o person_n so_o avow_o profess_v maintain_v or_o publish_v the_o say_a opinion_n or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o say_a statute_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o the_o last_o parliament_n think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o punish_v any_o for_o erroneous_a opinion_n though_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n if_o the_o party_n shall_v only_o believe_v they_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o his_o own_o breast_n last_o as_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o this_o point_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o objection_n which_o some_o make_v against_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o ordinance_n it_o be_v enact_v 17_o car._n by_o the_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o that_o no_o person_n whatsoever_o exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a much_o less_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n shall_v tender_v any_o oath_n to_o any_o person_n either_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la or_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o any_o whosoever_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v charge_v to_o confess_v or_o accuse_v himself_o of_o any_o crime_n and_o so_o expose_v himself_o to_o punishment_n than_o which_o no_o clear_a or_o more_o definitive_a sentence_n can_v be_v imagine_v and_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a never_o in_o former_a time_n be_v any_o abjuration_n require_v but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v first_o legal_o convict_v of_o heresy_n never_o till_o these_o time_n be_v the_o abjuration_n itself_o make_v the_o conviction_n 15_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o statute_n of_o 2_o hen._n 4._o 15._o these_o two_o condition_n be_v punctual_o express_v that_o in_o case_n of_o abjuration_n the_o opinion_n to_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o know_a heresy_n and_o the_o party_n to_o abjure_v be_v legal_o find_v guilty_a before_o they_o proceed_v to_o exact_v his_o abjuration_n according_a to_o this_o tenor_n run_v many_o other_o statute_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a which_o my_o design_n of_o brevity_n enforce_v i_o to_o omit_v and_o the_o full_a sufficiency_n of_o the_o law_n already_o cite_v render_v altogether_o unnecessary_a only_o i_o shall_v desire_v leave_n to_o extract_v these_o few_o sound_n and_o excellent_a word_n out_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n 3_o car._n that_o no_o free_a man_n be_v compel_v to_o take_v any_o oath_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o be_v then_o conclude_v that_o thought_n be_v free_a from_o all_o human_a law_n and_o self_n accusation_n contrary_a to_o the_o english_a law_n it_o be_v
that_o they_o will_v be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o safeguard_n and_o custody_n of_o all_o public_a and_o private_a interest_n 23_o october_n 1642._o they_o further_o declare_v that_o they_o must_v own_v it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n that_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o birthright_n freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v equal_o entitle_v thereunto_o with_o the_o great_a subject_n november_n 1642._o 694._o they_o further_o declare_v that_o slavery_n must_v be_v the_o people_n condition_n if_o the_o two_o house_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o property_n of_o every_o man_n estate_n 26._o 78._o may_n 1642._o if_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o law_n without_o due_a process_n the_o subject_n have_v a_o very_a poor_a defence_n and_o a_o very_a small_a if_o any_o proportion_n of_o property_n thereby_o 17_o april_n 1646._o 878_o the_o parliament_n declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o nor_o any_o by_o colour_n of_o any_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o shall_v interrupt_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n the_o parliament_n declare_v 1647._o that_o they_o will_v preserve_v unto_o the_o people_n their_o law_n and_o will_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o before_o and_o after_o they_o several_a time_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v the_o undoubted_a birthright_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o mean_a subject_n by_o a_o special_a act_n 1648._o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o and_o concerning_o the_o property_n of_o the_o people_n with_o all_o thing_n incident_a thereunto_o now_o after_o all_o these_o ordinance_n who_o can_v be_v so_o undutiful_a as_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o fear_n of_o be_v ever_o hereafter_o force_v to_o accuse_v himself_o upon_o these_o so_o many_o so_o solemn_a declaration_n who_o can_v have_v excuse_v the_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n of_o his_o heart_n if_o he_o dare_v to_o doubt_v of_o their_o observance_n especial_o since_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o proclaim_v to_o we_o its_o sense_n by_o bare_a word_n but_o advance_v far_o to_o severe_a execution_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n strict_o prohibit_v the_o introducement_n of_o any_o novelty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o the_o parliament_n in_o their_o three_o article_n bring_v this_o charge_n that_o he_o have_v proceed_v summary_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n mont-norris_n and_o in_o the_o six_o article_n his_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o have_v dispossess_v the_o lord_n mont-norris_n of_o his_o land_n by_o a_o summary_a process_n contrary_a to_o law_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o article_n the_o like_a charge_n be_v again_o repeat_v that_o he_o have_v deprive_v the_o lady_n hibbot_n of_o her_o possession_n by_o a_o summary_a way_n of_o proceed_v these_o misdemeanour_n though_o not_o the_o only_a crime_n of_o which_o he_o be_v accuse_v yet_o add_v such_o a_o weight_n to_o his_o other_o offence_n that_o altogether_o they_o sink_v he_o into_o his_o grave_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o who_o trial_n i_o meet_v with_o nothing_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v stay_v upon_o than_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o so_o much_o urge_v against_o he_o the_o illegality_n as_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o his_o proceed_n nor_o condemn_v he_o bare_o for_o want_n of_o a_o commission_n or_o authority_n but_o because_o his_o action_n be_v in_o themselves_o tyrannical_a and_o dangerous_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o fundamental_a liberty_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o he_o examine_v witness_n but_o after_o a_o fashion_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o leave_v the_o common_a road_n of_o trial_n by_o the_o verdict_n of_o a_o jury_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o summary_a process_n then_o to_o accuse_v any_o who_o we_o suspect_v of_o a_o crime_n and_o unless_o he_o immediate_o swear_v himself_o unguilty_a immediate_o condemn_v he_o as_o guilty_a can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o quick_a and_o cut_a dispatch_n then_o in_o half_a a_o hour_n to_o turn_v a_o just_a owner_n out_o of_o his_o ancient_a possession_n because_o he_o will_v not_o swear_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o compendious_a if_o not_o preposterous_a way_n than_o first_o to_o seize_v upon_o and_o secure_v the_o estate_n and_o then_o hear_v the_o party_n speak_v for_o himself_o 40_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o express_a instruction_n to_o the_o committee_n for_o sequestration_n in_o the_o year_n 1643._o that_o where_o they_o find_v any_o doubt_n concerning_o any_o person_n whether_o he_o be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o say_a ordinance_n for_o sequestration_n they_o be_v to_o certify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o for_o that_o service_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o secure_v the_o estate_n of_o such_o person_n until_o they_o receive_v further_a instruction_n and_o now_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o office_n of_o a_o parliament_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n that_o time_n conspire_v with_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n bring_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o law_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n profess_v so_o scrupulous_a and_o precise_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o ancient_a liberty_n i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v from_o what_o cause_n this_o unhappy_a effect_n shall_v flow_v by_o which_o a_o freeborn_a englishman_n be_v compel_v to_o be_v his_o own_o accuser_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o tender_a a_o nature_n as_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o so_o high_a a_o concernment_n as_o the_o utter_a impoverishment_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n but_o after_o a_o little_a range_n about_o i_o soon_o discover_v the_o fountain_n head_n in_o a_o dark_a hollow_a place_n where_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o spring_n of_o fresh_a water_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o channel_n of_o which_o some_o have_v pass_v through_o hot_a and_o sulphurous_a vein_n quite_o change_v the_o taste_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o stormy_a weather_n of_o that_o season_n quick_o raise_v the_o whole_a stream_n into_o a_o fierce_a and_o violent_a current_n who_o fury_n soon_o break_v the_o common_a bank_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o like_o a_o deluge_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o metaphor_n be_v as_o easy_o prove_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o understand_v be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o introducer_n of_o this_o cruel_a oath_n be_v a_o ordinance_n hasty_o huddle_v up_o in_o the_o destroy_a time_n of_o presbytery_n and_o war_n for_o than_o it_o be_v 1643._o that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v throw_v in_o their_o ring_n and_o jewel_n there_o come_v forth_o the_o golden_a covenant_n before_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n 1643_o then_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter-divine_n petition_v both_o house_n for_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n and_o settle_n of_o the_o kirk_n discipline_n and_o classical_a government_n then_o it_o be_v that_o penalty_n begin_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o refuser_n of_o the_o covenant_n oâ—din_n and_o none_o to_o bear_v office_n but_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n 1643._o nay_o all_o be_v punish_v as_o spy_n that_o deny_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n 1643._o not_o long_o after_o be_v publish_v the_o directory_n or_o new_a almanac_n to_o pray_v by_o take_v out_o of_o the_o ephemerides_n of_o scotland_n and_o calculate_v for_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o new_a kirk_n of_o england_n by_o the_o assembly_n of_o well_o wisher_n to_o divinity_n 404._o not_o long_o after_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a elder_n bring_v in_o 802._o and_o tyrannical_a class_n erect_v 1644._o both_o the_o house_n declare_v their_o intention_n to_o settle_v religion_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n 809._o which_o sure_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o printer_n to_o say_v covenant_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o plain_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a star_n or_o comet_n rather_o by_o the_o shortness_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o blaze_n reign_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o our_o state_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o this_o unlucky_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o long_o after_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o task_n i_o undertake_v be_v that_o these_o sudden_a and_o sharp_a proceed_n of_o sequester_v upon_o the_o bare_a refusal_n of_o a_o oath_n without_o any_o legal_a process_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o war_n a_o assertion_n most_o full_o and_o evident_o prove_v by_o the_o first_o ordinance_n against_o delinquent_n and_o papist_n 1643_o in_o the_o
accuser_n and_o consequent_o compel_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o his_o own_o punishment_n this_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n with_o infinite_a applause_n as_o a_o most_o unsufferable_a tyranny_n but_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n far_o exceed_v it_o even_o in_o its_o two_o worst_a quality_n cruelty_n and_o illegality_n every_o recusant_n who_o conscience_n can_v down_o with_o the_o oath_n be_v unavoidable_o necessitate_v either_o to_o ruin_v his_o soul_n by_o take_v it_o against_o conscience_n or_o his_o estate_n by_o loss_n of_o two_o three_o if_o he_o refuse_v it_o wherein_o there_o be_v one_o circumstance_n practise_v that_o raise_v this_o oath_n to_o a_o most_o exorbitant_a unconscionableness_n for_o as_o to_o those_o who_o judgement_n take_v any_o other_o road_n as_o antinomian_n socinian_o or_o even_o jew_n their_o course_n be_v smooth_a and_o free_a but_o if_o we_o espy_v one_o who_o we_o guess_v to_o be_v a_o papist_n and_o who_o conscience_n we_o think_v be_v not_o pliant_a and_o nimble_a enough_o to_o leap_v over_o the_o block_n then_o present_o this_o break-neck_n oath_n of_o abjuration_n be_v clap_v in_o his_o way_n against_o which_o our_o own_o heart_n if_o we_o but_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o he_o must_v necessary_o either_o stumble_v into_o a_o desperate_a poverty_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o fall_v downright_o into_o a_o damnable_a perjury_n the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v aver_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a alien_n introduce_v by_o the_o prelate_n upon_o pretext_n of_o purge_v their_o province_n of_o seduce_a people_n but_o indeed_o to_o maintain_v their_o hierarchy_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o dissenter_n contrary_a to_o law_n and_o equity_n this_o of_o abjuration_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n never_o hear_v of_o till_o 1643_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a faction_n think_v it_o a_o fit_a engine_n to_o screw_v up_o their_o intend_a kirk-tyranny_n by_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la man_n be_v examine_v upon_o captious_a question_n concerning_o their_o very_a thought_n to_o the_o sift_v and_o ransack_v of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v therein_o subject_v to_o a_o far_o great_a tyranny_n than_o that_o of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n which_o extend_v to_o word_n and_o action_n only_o this_o of_o abjuration_n compel_v even_o woman_n and_o illiterate_a person_n positive_o to_o renounce_v by_o mere_a adventure_n or_o implicit_a faith_n many_o controversial_a doctrine_n about_o which_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o europe_n have_v so_o long_o dispute_v and_o be_v like_o perhaps_o never_o to_o agree_v nor_o be_v this_o oath_n content_v with_o a_o modest_a and_o simple_a profess_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n but_o absolute_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o swear_v down_o right_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o last_o period_n of_o the_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o abjure_v and_o renounce_v all_o doctrine_n in_o affirmation_n of_o the_o say_a point_n for_o my_o part_n as_o i_o think_v it_o a_o wild_a conceit_n to_o hold_v there_o be_v a_o new_a world_n in_o the_o moon_n so_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o desperate_a presumption_n positive_o to_o swear_v the_o contrary_a that_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v common_o tender_v to_o such_o as_o be_v suspect_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n whereof_o they_o be_v to_o clear_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o oath_n or_o otherwise_o to_o undergo_v a_o penalty_n must_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a perjury_n to_o the_o loss_n not_o only_o of_o many_o soul_n but_o to_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o of_o abjuration_n expose_v man_n to_o the_o same_o danger_n and_o god_n to_o the_o same_o dishonour_n and_o beside_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o ever_o gain_v any_o true_a convert_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o it_o have_v make_v many_o swear_v away_o that_o little_a religion_n they_o have_v and_o ever_o after_o profess_v none_o for_o such_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a papist_n as_o take_v this_o oath_n usual_o say_v they_o will_v rather_o trust_v god_n with_o their_o soul_n then_o the_o commonwealth_n with_o their_o estate_n whence_o certain_o it_o be_v that_o the_o famous_a judge_n 95._o sir_n edward_n coke_n break_v out_o into_o this_o complaint_n experience_n now_o prove_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v grow_v so_o large_a that_o the_o respect_n of_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o commodity_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n induce_v they_o to_o perjury_n according_a to_o which_o he_o there_o set_v it_o down_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o to_o swear_v in_o a_o man_n own_o case_n be_v frequent_o in_o this_o age_n the_o devil_n precipice_n whereby_o to_o throw_v man_n headlong_o into_o hell_n and_o yet_o to_o these_o strait_n which_o my_o heart_n even_o bleed_v to_o think_v have_v this_o cruel_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n drive_v all_o recusant_n live_v they_o never_o so_o peaceable_o and_o unoffensive_o this_o dangerous_a snare_n for_o it_o deserve_v no_o mild_a name_n since_o we_o never_o think_v of_o endeavour_v by_o any_o rational_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o error_n lie_v continual_o before_o their_o foot_n to_o entrap_v they_o where_o be_v our_o charity_n to_o christian_n profess_v the_o same_o saviour_n and_o believe_v the_o same_o scripture_n with_o ourselves_o where_o be_v our_o justice_n to_o neighbour_n equal_o entitle_v by_o their_o birthright_n to_o the_o same_o freedom_n with_o ourselves_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a liberty_n we_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o the_o world_n shrink_v into_o this_o narrowness_n that_o any_o peaceable_a person_n who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o some_o thing_n mistake_v shall_v by_o we_o be_v compel_v to_o this_o sad_a necessity_n either_o of_o absolute_a forswear_n himself_o or_o utter_v impoverish_v his_o family_n which_o in_o plain_a english_a signify_v i_o tremble_v to_o utter_v it_o either_o devil_n take_v his_o soul_n or_o sequestrator_n his_o estate_n i_o acknowledge_v this_o a_o very_a harsh_a expression_n but_o he_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o general_a proceed_n hitherto_o with_o recusant_n that_o we_o appoint_v no_o godly_a and_o gift_a man_n to_o convert_v they_o but_o only_a committeeman_n to_o ruin_v they_o will_v i_o fear_v find_v too_o much_o truth_n in_o my_o word_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la 314._o a_o learned_a member_n move_v in_o parliament_n december_n 1640._o that_o the_o law_n may_v punish_v not_o make_v offender_n that_o word_n and_o action_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o law_n 347_o but_o thought_n be_v free_a another_o of_o the_o same_o learning_n and_o dignity_n in_o a_o speech_n in_o parliament_n against_o the_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la set_v upon_o it_o this_o public_a brand_n 1640._o that_o it_o be_v grow_v monstrous_a and_o become_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o carnificina_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la upon_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v build_v the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o charge_n against_o the_o bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n 319_o that_o he_o question_v one_o master_n james_n a_o minister_n of_o his_o diocese_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o outward_a fact_n but_o likewise_o concerning_o secret_a thought_n all_o which_o extreme_a and_o unsufferable_a inconvenience_n i_o confess_v be_v so_o evident_o appliable_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n that_o you_o need_v but_o only_o change_v name_n to_o make_v they_o exact_o true_a of_o either_o except_o that_o in_o the_o one_o both_o far_o more_o difficult_a question_n be_v require_v and_o far_o great_a penalty_n impose_v whereas_o in_o the_o other_o the_o point_n in_o doubt_n be_v very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v whether_o you_o have_v sleep_v with_o your_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o the_o punishment_n a_o little_a piece_n of_o money_n to_o repair_v paul_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v with_o reflection_n upon_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n 378._o that_o the_o learned_a master_n hobbs_n say_v there_o be_v another_o error_n to_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o action_n only_o to_o the_o bare_a thought_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o examination_n and_o inquisition_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o punish_v for_o their_o very_a thought_n or_o constrain_v to_o answer_v a_o untruth_n for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v force_v to_o accuse_v themselves_o of_o their_o opinion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n extort_v the_o secret_a thought_n only_o but_o compel_v the_o renounce_n of_o some_o position_n which_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o divers_a venerable_a writer_n be_v more_o receivable_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o avow_a protestant_n i_o instance_n in_o the_o point_n of_o