they_o have_v also_o sundry_a condition_n of_o person_n and_o way_n of_o govern_v namely_o 1._o in_o the_o wilderness_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n see_v psal._n 77._o 20._o 2._o in_o canaan_n by_o judge_n 450._o year_n see_v act._n 13._o 20._o 3._o by_o king_n afterwards_o till_o the_o captivity_n and_o these_o various_o obtain_v their_o regality_n see_v book_n of_o samuel_n king_n and_o chronocles_n 4._o by_o various_o condition_v man_n after_o the_o captivity_n near_o 500_o year_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o from_o moses_n to_o herod_n they_o be_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n see_v luke_n 1._o 5._o 68_o and_o cap._n 2._o 25._o these_o instance_n be_v due_o observe_v there_o be_v just_a cause_n that_o english_a patriot_n in_o their_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o their_o native_a country_n shall_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o government_n be_v establish_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o true_a israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o spirit_n be_v no_o guile_n see_v john_n 1._o 47._o be_v wont_a to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o day_n to_o such_o their_o commonwealth_n let_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o few_o such_o worthy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v remember_v also_o herein_o who_o do_v demean_v themselves_o faithful_o as_o present_a state_n require_v 1._o joshua_n and_o caleb_n encourage_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o many_o other_o discourage_v they_o see_v numb._n 14._o 6_o 7._o 2._o congregation_n of_o israel_n when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n on_o occasion_n of_o the_o horrid_a distemper_n mention_v iudg._n 20._o 1._o etc._n etc._n 3._o david_n a_o private_a man_n when_o goliath_n defy_v the_o host_n f_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 32._o 4._o hushai_n the_o archite_a act_v faithful_o in_o the_o time_n of_o absalon_n unnatural_a rebellion_n 2_o sam._n 15._o 32._o 5._o obediah_n in_o the_o time_n of_o jezabel_n persecute_v malignity_n 1_o king_n 18._o 3_o 4._o 6._o jehonadab_n the_o son_n of_o rechab_n adhere_v to_o jehu_n 2_o king_n 10._o 15._o 7._o shecaniah_n stir_v up_o ezra_n to_o act_v in_o perplex_a time_n ezra_n 10._o 2_o 3._o certain_o such_o example_n ought_v to_o be_v precedent_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o england_n to_o act_v as_o such_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n do_v act_n in_o their_o generation_n 4._o last_o the_o modification_n and_o restriction_n of_o the_o object_n viz_n the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v compare_v with_o such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o by_o just_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o will_v strong_o argue_v its_o establishment_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n the_o lawgiver_n so_o as_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n for_o this_o purpose_n let_v these_o three_o assertion_n imply_v in_o this_o modification_n of_o object_n be_v well_o consider_v 1._o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v so_o establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n 2._o the_o parliament_n that_o have_v declare_v and_o settle_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o a_o free_a state_n without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o england_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n because_o of_o commonwealth_n establishment_n without_o a_o king_n and_o house_n of_o lord_n 1._o assertion_n the_o first_o of_o these_o assertion_n may_v be_v manifest_v by_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n march_n 17._o 1648._o express_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n etc._n etc._n of_o settle_v the_o present_a government_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o free_a state_n the_o parliament_n declaration_n contain_v four_o remarkable_a cause_n of_o such_o their_o proceed_n and_o settle_v the_o government_n to_o be_v view_v in_o a_o short_a synopsis_fw-la viz._n 1._o cause_n the_o first_o cause_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o kingly_a government_n set_v up_o in_o our_o nation_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o protection_n and_o better_a government_n according_a to_o such_o law_n as_o they_o consent_v unto_o which_o be_v take_v away_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o reason_n kingly_a power_n be_v pervert_v by_o most_o of_o the_o trustee_n and_o most_o notorious_o by_o the_o late_a king_n who_o by_o many_o degree_n exceed_v the_o rest_n such_o his_o vile_a miscarriage_n be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o parliament_n declaration_n by_o about_o fifty_o undeniable_a pregnant_a instance_n needless_a to_o insert_v it_o be_v good_a that_o every_o english_a patriot_n have_v the_o declaration_n by_o he_o in_o these_o confuse_a time_n to_o peruse_v frequent_o 2._o reason_n the_o king_n two_o elder_a son_n appear_v in_o actual_a arm_n against_o the_o parliament_n so_o as_o no_o hope_n of_o future_a security_n can_v be_v expect_v unto_o the_o nation_n from_o they_o 3._o reason_n there_o be_v elder_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n than_o be_v in_o the_o king_n child_n 4._o reason_n if_o any_o right_a or_o title_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n elder_a son_n the_o same_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o father_n treasonable_a act_n as_o in_o other_o case_n even_o in_o office_n of_o inheritance_n it_o be_v wont_a 5._o reason_n the_o king_n young_a child_n equal_o forfeit_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n 6._o reason_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o at_o first_o erect_v a_o king_n for_o common_a good_a and_o afterwards_o find_v he_o to_o pervert_v his_o kingship_n to_o common_a evil_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v continue_v his_o kingly_a power_n or_o change_v it_o to_o a_o better_a 7._o reason_n god_n have_v special_o bless_v free_a state_n who_o former_o be_v oppress_v by_o tyranny_n as_o be_v see_v in_o unite_a netherlands_o and_o other_o 8._o reason_n there_o be_v manifold_a commodious_a advantage_n to_o people_n in_o free-state_n manifold_a oppression_n and_o damage_n be_v under_o monarchy_n vast_a expense_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o court_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n profuse_a donation_n and_o pension_n for_o the_o promote_a tyranny_n yea_o and_o the_o court_n be_v the_o nursery_n of_o vice_n and_o corrupter_n of_o hopeful_a branch_n of_o noble_a family_n prevent_v in_o a_o free_a state_n see_v declarat_fw-la 2._o cause_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o parliament_n proceed_n touch_v on_o in_o the_o declaration_n respect_v the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n for_o just_a reason_n viz._n 1._o reason_n the_o lord_n sit_v in_o a_o house_n by_o themselves_o and_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v well_o spare_v 2._o reason_n they_o exercise_v a_o negative_a vote_n tend_v to_o obstruct_v much_o 3._o reason_n they_o exercise_v a_o juridical_a power_n over_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o all_o the_o commons_o whereof_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n 4._o reason_n their_o power_n do_v special_o depend_v on_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o king_n 5._o reason_n the_o commonwealth_n can_v not_o well_o bear_v their_o delay_n in_o time_n of_o exigency_n 6._o liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o such_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v find_v faithful_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o be_v choose_v representative_n as_o other_o competent_a person_n have_v their_o right_n unto_o see_v declarat_fw-la 3._o cause_n three_o the_o parliament_n give_v satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o obvious_a main_a objection_n against_o their_o proceed_n viz._n anticipat_z 1._o it_o be_v intend_v as_o it_o be_v declare_v april_n 1646._o for_o govern_v the_o nation_n by_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o in_o a_o confidence_n that_o the_o king_n and_o peer_n will_v have_v apply_v themselves_o as_o have_v be_v meet_a but_o they_o whole_o and_o obstinate_o fail_v therein_o and_o there_o be_v no_o stipulation_n on_o both_o side_n it_o can_v not_o be_v esteem_v a_o contract_n so_o that_o the_o commons_o do_v most_o just_o after_o their_o intention_n 2._o although_o some_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o have_v some_o force_n on_o they_o it_o have_v at_o any_o time_n rare_o happen_v in_o time_n of_o parliament_n but_o some_o force_n more_o or_o less_o have_v be_v exercise_v against_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o and_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v parliament_n for_o all_o this_o yet_o no_o breach_n of_o privilege_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o remain_a part_n in_o the_o house_n which_o remain_v part_n do_v far_o exceed_v such_o authorize_a number_n who_o do_v make_v a_o house_n beyond_o all_o exception_n 3._o the_o parliament_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n
the_o child_n of_o the_o captivity_n do_v witness_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n by_o his_o ingenuous_a discovery_n of_o the_o treasonable_a and_o murderous_a design_n of_o bigthan_n and_o teresh_a two_o of_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n against_o king_n ahashuerus_n reign_v in_o persia_n at_o that_o time_n see_v esther_n 2._o 21_o 22._o 3._o nehemiah_n a_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n serve_v artaxerxes_n the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a unto_o the_o supreme_a power_n both_o in_o submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v of_o his_o direction_n and_o appointment_n see_v neh._n 2._o 6._o and_o cap._n 13._o 6._o 4._o our_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n declare_v his_o mind_n touch_v faithfulness_n to_o tiberius_n caesar_n the_o roman_a emperor_n be_v at_o that_o time_n supreme_a commander_n over_o the_o jewish_a nation_n so_o far_o as_o do_v concern_v that_o his_o supreme_a power_n whatever_o difficulty_n and_o confusion_n the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v involve_v into_o in_o those_o day_n see_v mat._n 22._o 19_o 20_o 21._o 5._o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n approve_v his_o apostleship_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o become_v he_o instruct_v the_o christian_n at_o rome_n to_o submit_v faithful_o and_o conscientious_o to_o the_o present_a supreme_a power_n there_o though_o the_o emperor_n in_o those_o time_n be_v monstrous_a and_o bloody_a usurp_a emperor_n see_v rom._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o great_a apostle_n peter_n see_v just_a cause_n that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o dispersion_n throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n shall_v submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o present_a power_n they_o be_v under_o in_o those_o several_a territory_n what_o ever_o the_o power_n be_v for_o its_o kind_n and_o this_o for_o the_o argue_v their_o faithfulness_n unto_o those_o power_n and_o their_o christian_a faithfulness_n in_o so_o do_v see_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o instance_n may_v beyond_o all_o exception_n vindicate_v the_o person_n who_o be_v a_o english_a subject_n and_o have_v his_o subsistence_n and_o livelihood_n in_o england_n for_o his_o engage_n unto_o the_o now_o establish_a commonwealth_n of_o england_n the_o tie_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v more_o natural_a and_o fundamental_a than_o those_o before_o mention_v hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v of_o how_o good_a report_n it_o be_v philip_n 4._o 8._o that_o in_o case_n any_o prisoner_n among_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o go_v abroad_o upon_o their_o parole_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o their_o gaoler_n and_o keeper_n to_o faithfulness_n that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o they_o therein_o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n in_o the_o form_n of_o engagement_n be_v the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v in_o its_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n i_o declare_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o peculiar_a act_n do_v afford_v another_o ground_n to_o argue_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o engagement_n according_a to_o scriptural_a reason_n sith_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o any_o person_n in_o any_o concernment_n do_v hear_v well_o on_o all_o hand_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a falsehood_n and_o treachery_n do_v hear_v ill_o this_o may_v be_v manifest_v and_o evince_v in_o these_o ensue_a assertion_n 1_o god_n himself_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o attribute_n of_o faithfulness_n deut._n 7._o 9_o psal._n 36._o 5._o 2._o christ_n style_v himself_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n apocal._n 3._o 14._o 3._o god_n gracious_a respect_n be_v unto_o faithful_a one_o heb._n 3._o 2._o 5._o mat._n 25._o 21._o 23._o 4._o faithfulness_n be_v a_o character_n of_o approve_a one_o see_v instance_n viz._n 1._o a_o faithful_a man_n fear_v god_n above_o many_o neh._n 7._o 2._o 2._o a_o faithful_a priest_n do_v according_a to_o god_n heart_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 35._o 3._o faithful_a with_o the_o saint_n rule_v with_o god_n hos._n 11._o â—2_a 4._o a_o faithful_a ambassador_n be_v health_n prov._n 13._o 17._o 5._o it_o be_v require_v of_o steward_n to_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o 6._o a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n mat._n 24._o 45._o 7._o a_o faithful_a martyr_n apocal._n 2._o 13._o etc._n etc._n 5._o falsehood_n and_o unfaithfulness_n be_v a_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a psal._n 5._o 9_o as_o be_v 1._o prohibit_v exod._n 23._o 7_o 2._o reprove_v psal._n 1_o 20._o 3._o 3._o punishable_a deut._n 19_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n these_o particular_a assertion_n be_v due_o weigh_v be_v ground_n and_o motive_n to_o attract_v and_o persuade_v evermore_o to_o act_v true_o and_o faithful_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n do_v also_o further_o require_v next_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n do_v give_v yet_o further_o ground_n of_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o first_o scriptural_a reason_n viz._n i_o declare_v and_o promise_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n sith_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o england_n be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n that_o it_o have_v be_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o generation_n successive_o as_o it_o may_v appear_v divers_a way_n 1._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o english_a language_n and_o native_a mother_n tongue_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o same_o continent_n and_o have_v the_o same_o border_n and_o bound_n 3._o it_o have_v the_o same_o great_a charter_n of_o its_o law_n magna_fw-la charta_fw-la 4._o it_o act_v in_o the_o do_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o open_a court_n at_o westminster_n and_o in_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o assize_n and_o session_n and_o inferior_a judicatory_n and_o these_o transaction_n be_v manage_v by_o the_o learned_a judge_n justice_n of_o peace_n steward_n jury_n and_o witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v ancient_o accustom_v 5._o it_o profess_v and_o establish_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 6._o and_o principal_o it_o enact_v law_n by_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o it_o only_o enact_v some_o new_a law_n and_o repeal_n some_o old_a law_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la as_o occasion_v and_o cause_n require_v and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o herein_o the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n consist_v yea_o and_o howbeit_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v various_a condition_n of_o person_n and_o also_o of_o way_n of_o govern_v by_o briton_n saxon_n dane_n and_o norman_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n unto_o this_o day_n refine_v and_o reform_v law_n and_o government_n as_o need_n have_v require_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o variation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o abrogate_v or_o disannul_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o as_o in_o some_o part_n heretofore_o so_o in_o the_o late_a time_n very_o much_o that_o be_v amiss_o have_v be_v amend_v not_o only_o in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o antichrist_n in_o the_o branch_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n but_o also_o in_o the_o root_n by_o this_o present_a parliament_n as_o also_o much_o good_a have_v be_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o suppress_v of_o arbitrary_a power_n take_v away_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n star-chamber_n hierarchy_n and_o superstitious_a monument_n of_o popish_a idolatry_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n still_o yea_o and_o english_a blood_n and_o spirit_n be_v yet_o remain_v among_o we_o it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n with_o we_o in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n chronichle_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n they_o be_v the_o same_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o first_o establishment_n to_o be_v a_o national_a commonwealth_n in_o sinai_n exod._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n until_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n foretell_v and_o prophesy_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n mat._n 24._o and_o afterwards_o effect_v by_o vespasian_n the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v all_o along_o of_o the_o same_o hebrew_n language_n 2._o they_o have_v the_o same_o great_a charter_n of_o moses_n law_n both_o for_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n 3._o they_o have_v the_o same_o border_n and_o bound_n still_o reckon_v on_o albeit_o sometime_o more_o or_o less_o extend_v or_o restrain_v 4._o they_o reform_v amiss_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o their_o condition_n do_v admit_v as_o occasion_n be_v and_o their_o heart_n bend_v thereto_o 5._o and_o although_o
of_o those_o in_o supreme_a authority_n that_o have_v require_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n to_o submit_v unto_o the_o take_n and_o subscribe_v of_o they_o 3._o conclusion_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o parliament_n party_n who_o order_v the_o protestation_n first_o and_o the_o covenant_n afterwards_o to_o be_v take_v do_v apprehend_v and_o judge_v that_o the_o say_a protestation_n and_o covenant_n do_v not_o contradict_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n neither_o yet_o do_v the_o covenantier_n understand_v any_o contrariness_n therein_o however_o the_o malignant_a cavalier_n and_o royalist_n may_v possible_o think_v otherwise_o but_o rather_o that_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a consistency_n and_o agreement_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n inasmuch_o as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o occasion_n require_v there_o be_v a_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n notwithstanding_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n of_o charles_n stuart_n that_o be_v swear_v unto_o but_o his_o kingly_a legal_a office_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o he_o according_a to_o law_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n because_o any_o man_n person_n and_o therefore_o the_o king_n also_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o occasional_a accident_n and_o incident_a condition_n as_o may_v just_o disfit_v and_o disable_v not_o only_o for_o govern_v but_o also_o from_o be_v prefer_v alive_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o just_a reason_n of_o swear_v fealty_n simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o according_a to_o law_n now_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o legal_a consistency_n and_o agreement_n with_o the_o engagement_n and_o with_o the_o protestation_n and_o covenant_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o consistency_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o covenant_n with_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n and_o albeit_o 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the_o covenant_n former_o take_v have_v in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o end_n of_o they_o a_o obligatory_a force_n still_o even_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v 5._o conclusion_n subscribe_v the_o engagement_n have_v it_o be_v legal_a consistency_n and_o agreement_n with_o former_a oath_n of_o supremacy_n and_o allegiance_n and_o also_o with_o the_o protestation_n and_o covenant_n do_v engage_v to_o perform_v and_o fulfil_v what_o â—n_v the_o main_a of_o the_o say_a oath_n protestation_n and_o covenant_n be_v engage_v even_o the_o approve_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n whereas_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n argue_v a_o breach_n at_o least_o a_o disposition_n unto_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o oath_n protestation_n and_o covenant_n these_o five_o conclusion_n as_o they_o have_v be_v lay_v open_a be_v a_o sufficient_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o make_v good_a our_o second_o reason_n let_v we_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o lord_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n for_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heh._n 12._o 28_o 29._o iii_o reason_n because_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n may_v most_o probable_o by_o god_n blessing_n be_v much_o every_o way_n see_v this_o in_o some_o instance_n 1._o prevention_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v and_o cause_v through_o disagreement_n and_o distance_n in_o point_n of_o just_a and_o requisite_a compliance_n for_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v see_v mat._n 12._o 25._o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o god_n great_a controversy_n when_o he_o set_v egyptian_n against_o egyptian_n to_o fight_v every_o one_o against_o his_o brother_n and_o every_o one_o against_o his_o neighbour_n city_n against_o city_n and_o kingdom_n against_o kingdom_n see_v isa._n 19_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a and_o perplex_a state_n of_o time_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n when_o civil_a war_n be_v betwixt_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n 2_o sam._n 2._o and_o 3._o cap._n but_o better_v and_o more_o happy_a when_o matter_n be_v compose_v and_o a_o league_n make_v 2_o sam._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a distemper_a state_n of_o time_n of_o late_a in_o england_n for_o some_o year_n together_o when_o their_o just_a liberty_n be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o parliament_n and_o their_o force_n protest_v and_o covenant_v thereunto_o that_o than_o other_o of_o the_o nation_n be_v up_o in_o arm_n for_o tyranny_n and_o protest_v for_o it_o but_o the_o most_o infinite_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n have_v now_o be_v please_v to_o grant_v deliverance_n from_o tyranny_n unto_o the_o nation_n by_o the_o parliament_n and_o their_o force_n why_o shall_v not_o people_n come_v in_o and_o engage_v together_o as_o do_v the_o israelite_n above_o mention_v 2_o sam._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o oh_o that_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v affect_v as_o david_n be_v most_o probable_o on_o that_o occasion_n to_o say_v or_o sing_v hearty_o psal._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o settle_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n which_o religious_o affect_v commonwealths-man_n ought_v to_o pray_v and_o seek_v for_o see_v psal._n 122._o 6_o 7_o 8._o be_v like_a to_o be_v effect_v and_o promote_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o otherwise_o so_o by_o mutual_a engage_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a thereunto_o for_o hence_o good_a and_o special_a encouragement_n may_v be_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o exercise_v husbandry_n trade_n merchandise_n building_n plant_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v in_o such_o case_n opportunity_n to_o live_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v even_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o flourish_a commonwealth_n of_o israel_n at_o such_o time_n when_o they_o have_v rest_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n albeit_o they_o then_o have_v no_o king_n see_v iudg._n 3._o 11._o 30._o 3._o welfare_n of_o church_n state_n which_o consist_v singular_o in_o special_a unite_a combination_n of_o single_a congregation_n in_o their_o presbytery_n and_o of_o presbytery_n combine_v in_o synod_n lesser_a or_o great_a see_v act_n 2._o 47._o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o act_n 15._o 2._o 4._o 6._o etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v notable_o and_o effectual_o accomplish_v by_o such_o engagement_n for_o thereby_o such_o as_o be_v church-officer_n and_o likewise_o such_o as_o be_v church-member_n shall_v be_v dispose_v in_o their_o spirit_n and_o compose_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o think_v and_o act_v humble_o and_o sober_o as_o become_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n see_v rom._n 12._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o whereas_o when_o division_n do_v take_v place_n then_o unavoidable_a offence_n and_o scandal_n be_v occasion_v to_o the_o church_n very_o great_a damage_n rom._n 16._o 17._o alas_o alas_o how_o can_v it_o be_v much_o expect_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v general_o settle_v throughout_o england_n when_o so_o many_o as_o do_v pretend_v to_o affect_v and_o desire_v it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a mind_a to_o their_o brethren_n who_o shall_v combine_v together_o in_o several_a association_n but_o do_v also_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n who_o be_v the_o church_n nurse_v father_n and_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o establish_v and_o patronize_v church_n government_n see_v rom._n 13._o 4._o 4._o silence_v the_o mouth_n of_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a profane_a man_n who_o be_v corrupt_a and_o forward_o to_o be_v clamorous_o talkative_a
subscribe_v attestation_n implicit_o both_o in_o london_n province_n in_o lancashire_n in_o shropshire_n in_o cheshire_n and_o in_o other_o county_n touch_v several_a opinion_n and_o book_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o scarce_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o very_a title_n much_o less_o read_v and_o weigh_v by_o they_o i_o speak_v what_o i_o know_v of_o several_a of_o they_o but_o be_v draw_v and_o persuade_v thereunto_o by_o a_o few_o chief_a stickler_n and_o promoter_n in_o those_o affair_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v far_o the_o less_o considerable_a that_o a_o multitude_n be_v pretend_v unto_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 5._o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a notwithstanding_o that_o very_o many_o faithful_a pres_n 〈…〉_z erian_n and_o conscientious_a covenantier_n do_v subscribe_v the_o eâ—gagement_n thovoh_o some_o other_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la 〈…〉_z age_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyteri_fw-la 〈…〉_z 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z tier_n argumentative_o who_o subscribe_v the_o en_fw-fr 〈…〉_z 〈◊〉_d â—t_fw-la be_v probable_a enough_o that_o many_o such_o may_v have_v b_o 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z er_o sway_v thereunto_o a_o estimate_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o just_a reason_n and_o not_o by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n iii_o object_n some_o of_o the_o good_a old_a non-conformist_n do_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n answ._n 1._o and_o some_o of_o the_o old_a non-conformist_n who_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v some_o of_o the_o article_n canonical_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o but_o then_o refuse_v not_o to_o subscribe_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n provide_v in_o such_o case_n see_v eliz._n 1â—_z 12._o even_o those_o non-subscriber_n can_v with_o good_a conscience_n subscribe_v the_o engagement_n 2._o it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o good_a old_a non-conformist_n who_o as_o judah_n in_o evil_a time_n rule_v with_o god_n and_o be_v faithful_a among_o the_o saint_n when_o ephraim_n compass_v he_o about_o with_o lie_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n with_o deceit_n see_v hos._n 11._o 12._o be_v man_n subject_a to_o passion_n and_o error_n as_o well_o as_o other_o humanum_fw-la est_fw-la errare_fw-la let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n etc._n etc._n see_v rom._n 3._o 4._o it_o be_v a_o know_v and_o lament_a case_n how_o temptation_n prevail_v too_o much_o with_o sundry_a profess_a non-conformist_n in_o thetimes_o of_o episcopacy_n occasion_v they_o to_o shrink_v and_o give_v in_o either_o through_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o for_o serve_v the_o time_n after_o they_o have_v some_o way_n profess_v otherwise_o yea_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n come_v to_o pass_v through_o divine_a permission_n for_o their_o humble_v and_o that_o they_o may_v better_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v be_v with_o some_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v due_o affect_v to_o presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a principle_n and_o yet_o by_o occasion_n sometime_o faâ—â—ed_v to_o walk_v even_o therein_o viz._n the_o apostle_n peter_n at_o antioch_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o gentile_n howbeit_o the_o synodical_a decree_n be_v otherwise_o act_n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o david_n dickson_n interpret_v in_o case_n in_o hand_n on_o galat._n 2._o 11._o yea_o and_o other_o jew_n dissemble_v likewise_o insomuch_o as_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n adhere_v to_o the_o synodical_a dec_fw-la 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z stand_v peter_n galat._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z erward_o make_v mention_n by_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 〈…〉_z le_o he_o belove_v brother_n paul_n and_o commend_v his_o wise_a and_o faithful_a dâ—portment_n see_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16._o so_o well_o can_v the_o bless_a apostle_n act_v and_o submit_v and_o agree_v in_o presbyterian_a way_n according_a to_o 〈…〉_z ripture_n when_o they_o be_v themselves_o oh_o that_o we_o can_v due_o observe_v and_o become_v advertise_v hereby_o who_o approve_v ourselves_o conscientious_a non-conformist_n under_o prelatical_a trial_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o answer_n more_o near_o after_o this_o short_a digression_n let_v it_o be_v take_v notice_n that_o albeit_o some_o weakness_n do_v break_v on_o it_o from_o some_o old_a non-conformist_n yet_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o hitherto_o escape_v such_o temptation_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v by_o scripture_n rule_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o watchful_a in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o approve_v the_o goodness_n of_o our_o conscience_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o see_v heb._n 13._o 18._o four_o object_n a_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o ancient_a nonconformist_n be_v now_o grow_v age_v above_o sixty_o year_n howbeit_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o approve_v himself_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n hitherto_o not_o only_o in_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o in_o withstand_v prelatical_a subscription_n and_o superstitious_a conformity_n unto_o suspension_n and_o exile_n etc._n etc._n yet_o now_o through_o infirmity_n of_o age_n may_v fail_v and_o so_o consent_v to_o subscribe_v the_o engagement_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o probable_a and_o sure_o also_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n psa._n â—2_a 13_o 14._o as_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a see_v heb._n 5._o 14._o let_v wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o praise_v likewise_o for_o free_a grace_n yea_o and_o for_o confidence_n therein_o 2._o albeit_o god_n sometime_o take_v away_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o age_a jobâ—2_n 20._o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o always_o understand_v judgement_n job_n 32._o 9_o yet_o sometime_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o age_a one_o may_v have_v natural_a vigour_n and_o part_n for_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o in_o their_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v young_a iosh._n 14._o 11._o yea_o â—nd_v ordinary_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o chaleng_v respect_n unto_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v when_o it_o come_v from_o the_o age_a the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o plead_v a_o matter_n with_o philemon_n use_v this_o argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o rather_o because_o even_o paul_n the_o age_a do_v move_v therein_o philem_n 9_o ver._n 3._o in_o the_o year_n 1614_o a_o age_a minister_n of_o a_o hoary_a head_n and_o silver_n hair_n m._n tilecoat_n by_o name_n of_o b._n m._n and_o myself_o then_o a_o young_a man_n do_v both_o of_o we_o together_o receive_v a_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n for_o our_o refuse_v hierarchical_a subscription_n and_o conformity_n to_o ceremony_n declare_v against_o we_o by_o the_o than_o chancellor_n of_o chester_n under_o which_o we_o remain_v for_o a_o time_n who_o add_v to_o that_o our_o suffering_n his_o mock_n and_o jeer_v of_o we_o that_o the_o one_o of_o we_o be_v very_o age_v and_o the_o other_o very_o young_a as_o if_o therefore_o our_o witness-bearing_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o yet_o that_o which_o the_o chancellor_n utter_v reproachful_o become_v unto_o i_o for_o confirmation_n and_o encouragement_n have_v the_o good_a and_o grave_a old_a father_n to_o be_v exemplary_a as_o other_o of_o good_a note_n in_o cheshire_n do_v then_o also_o judge_v it_o well_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o i_o whatever_o now_o some_o do_v prejudicial_o conceit_n of_o the_o age_a 4._o it_o be_v the_o less_o marvel_n that_o some_o do_v detract_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o age_a and_o hoar-headed_a whenas_o the_o same_o person_n be_v also_o self-willed_a and_o presumptuous_a in_o despise_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o government_n and_o supreme_a power_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 10._o whereas_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o see_v levit._n 19_o 32._o rom._n 13._o 7._o v._n object_n it_o be_v doubt_v that_o a_o ensnare_a danger_n may_v lurk_v in_o the_o promise_n declare_v of_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n faithful_a may_v peradventure_o be_v strain_v afterwards_o to_o entangle_v the_o subscriber_n ans._n 1._o one_o will_v scarce_o have_v think_v that_o any_o man_n of_o common_a capacity_n to_o understand_v english_a much_o less_o