the_o christian_a moderator_n three_o part_n or_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n arraign_v by_o the_o common_a law_n and_o common_a sense_n ancient_a and_o modern_a act_n of_o parl._n declaration_n of_o the_o army_n law_n of_o god_n and_o consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n and_o humble_o submit_v to_o receive_v judgement_n from_o this_o honourable_a representative_a isaiah_n 58._o 6._o 8._o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n take_v off_o all_o heavy_a burden_n break_v every_o yoke_n and_o let_v the_o oppress_a go_v free_a then_o shall_v your_o light_n break_v out_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o your_o health_n spring_v forth_o speedy_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v go_v before_o you_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n gather_v you_o up_o london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o richard_n lowndes_n at_o the_o white-lyon_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n arraign_v etc._n etc._n die_fw-la sabbathi_fw-la 19_o augusti_fw-la 1643._o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n that_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v of_o the_o age_n of_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n or_o above_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n hereafter_o express_v which_o oath_n any_o two_o or_o more_o of_o the_o say_a committee_n for_o sequestration_n in_o every_o county_n city_n or_o place_n respective_o or_o any_o two_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o head_n officer_n of_o any_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a shall_v have_v power_n to_o administer_v to_o any_o such_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v forfeit_v as_o papist_n within_o this_o and_o the_o former_a ordinance_n and_o seizure_n and_o sequestration_n of_o two_o three_o part_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o estate_n real_a and_o personal_a and_o sale_n of_o such_o proportion_n of_o their_o good_n so_o seize_v and_o sequester_v shall_v be_v make_v and_o their_o rent_n and_o estate_n dispose_v of_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o proportion_n and_o by_o such_o person_n as_o by_o the_o say_a ordinance_n of_o sequestration_n be_v appoint_v for_o papist_n the_o tenor_n of_o which_o oath_n follow_v the_o oath_n ja_z b._n do_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_a and_o over_o myself_o in_o particular_a and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o transubstantiation_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o in_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n thereof_o by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o consecrate_a host_n crucifix_n or_o image_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v neither_o that_o any_o worship_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o and_o also_o believe_v that_o salvation_n can_v be_v merit_v by_o work_n and_o all_o doctrine_n in_o affirmation_n of_o the_o say_a point_n i_o do_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o secret_a evasion_n whatsoever_o take_v the_o word_n by_o i_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o common_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o they_o so_o help_v i_o god_n my_o tear_n be_v on_o my_o cheek_n 1._o and_o my_o eye_n run_v down_o with_o water_n 1_o because_o the_o comforter_n that_o shall_v relieve_v my_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o i_o 19_o how_o be_v the_o gold_n become_v dim_a and_o the_o most_o fine_a gold_n change_v 19_o how_o have_v we_o look_v for_o the_o time_n of_o heal_v and_o behold_v trouble_n arise_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v four_o thy_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o have_v heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n slight_o they_o have_v still_o leave_v a_o dangerous_a wound_n even_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o liberty_n 22._o be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n be_v there_o no_o physician_n why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o health_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n recover_v why_o be_v these_o oath_n continue_v with_o so_o sharp_a a_o double_a edge_n that_o unavoidable_o they_o either_o cut_v the_o purse_n or_o kill_v the_o conscience_n i_o confess_v my_o own_o weakness_n in_o the_o government_n of_o myself_o i_o confess_v my_o own_o ignorance_n in_o prescribe_v to_o other_o yet_o the_o desire_n of_o prosperity_n to_o this_o nation_n have_v take_v such_o strong_a hold_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o i_o feel_v my_o spirit_n so_o powerful_o draw_v forth_o to_o advance_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o its_o peace_n that_o i_o can_v refrain_v my_o pen_n from_o humble_o and_o earnest_o solicit_v a_o more_o firm_a and_o perfect_a establishment_n of_o the_o two_o principal_a pillar_n of_o all_o flourish_a commonwealth_n mercy_n to_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n and_o impartial_a justice_n to_o all_o man_n as_o these_o consideration_n have_v engage_v i_o once_o more_o to_o expose_v the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a thought_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o so_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o last_o appearance_n in_o public_a that_o he_o may_v rest_v secure_a from_o all_o fear_n of_o lose_v his_o time_n upon_o any_o thing_n of_o i_o hereafter_o but_o lest_o i_o offend_v too_o much_o in_o the_o present_a trouble_n i_o give_v he_o i_o shall_v immediate_o apply_v myself_o to_o my_o task_n and_o endeavour_v with_o a_o gentle_a yet_o faithful_a hand_n to_o open_v the_o orifice_n of_o the_o neglect_a wound_n humble_o implore_v the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o govern_v our_o great_a college_n in_o their_o grave_n and_o charitable_a consult_v for_o the_o perfect_a cure_n of_o all_o our_o sorrow_n and_o in_o search_v how_o mortal_a a_o stroke_n such_o oath_n as_o this_o of_o abjuration_n give_v to_o the_o know_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n my_o method_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o these_o head_n that_o they_o be_v fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a law_n and_o ancient_a statute_n of_o this_o nation_n direct_o contrary_a to_o many_o act_n even_o of_o the_o last_o parliament_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o present_a army_n absolute_o prohibit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n magistrate_n be_v original_o institute_v for_o this_o principal_a end_n unoffensive_a to_o maintain_v a_o just_a order_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o outward_a motion_n of_o the_o multitude_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o general_a design_n of_o government_n be_v little_o concern_v what_o note_n we_o make_v in_o our_o single_a self_n if_o we_o be_v in_o tune_n with_o our_o companion_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o land_n direct_v all_o its_o care_n to_o rule_v and_o treat_v we_o as_o we_o be_v consider_v in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o neither_o limit_n our_o private_a expense_n nor_o oblige_v to_o any_o course_n of_o physic_n because_o our_o particular_a fortune_n and_o health_n be_v of_o very_o little_a importance_n to_o the_o public_a and_o of_o very_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a then_o to_o entrust_v those_o with_o the_o managery_n of_o a_o affair_n who_o the_o issue_n most_o concern_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o as_o this_o freedom_n without_o which_o we_o be_v absolute_a slave_n be_v allow_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n so_o our_o soul_n as_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o public_a peace_n ought_v to_o enjoy_v a_o just_a and_o proportionable_a share_n in_o the_o same_o liberty_n much_o less_o do_v the_o law_n either_o punish_v or_o reward_v our_o thought_n because_o they_o neither_o disappoint_v nor_o advance_v its_o end_n the_o intention_n of_o murder_n though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o premeditate_a malice_n be_v no_o way_n subject_a to_o any_o legal_a account_n if_o the_o mischievous_a purpose_n stay_v at_o the_o fancy_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o to_o any_o outward_a attempt_n by_o which_o necessary_a distinction_n betwixt_o divine_a and_o human_a jurisdiction_n the_o law_n religious_o preserve_v its_o reverence_n to_o the_o great_a tribunal_n of_o god_n before_o who_o only_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o private_a error_n and_o secret_a vice_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o open_a crime_n and_o scandalous_a action_n of_o our_o handâ—_z if_o any_o conceive_v it_o just_a to_o enact_v a_o law_n against_o erroneous_a thought_n in_o religion_n with_o a_o oath_n of_o aburation_n to_o make_v the_o suspect_v accuse_v himself_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o impose_v a_o penalty_n upon_o the_o vicious_a thought_n of_o hatred_n revenge_n or_o ambition_n and_o then_o force_v
england_n nor_o this_o neither_o any_o far_a than_o they_o serve_v themselves_o who_o think_v of_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v state_n but_o human_a policy_n and_o believe_v no_o other_o creed_n but_o regi_fw-la aut_fw-la civitati_fw-la imperium_fw-la habenti_fw-la nihil_fw-la injustum_fw-la quod_fw-la utile_fw-la such_o it_o may_v become_v to_o maintain_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o violence_n their_o state-instrument_n religion_n but_o they_o who_o be_v indeed_o servant_n and_o lover_n of_o christ_n know_v that_o to_o no_o state_n any_o thing_n can_v be_v profitable_a which_o be_v unjust_a and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o to_o force_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o who_o run_v into_o extreme_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 7._o they_o who_o put_v down_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o they_o who_o declaim_v against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n and_o themselves_o exercise_v as_o great_a or_o great_a over_o other_o be_v the_o man_n that_o give_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o great_a advantage_n whereas_o man_n of_o more_o moderate_a spirit_n such_o as_o require_v of_o christian_n to_o believe_v only_o in_o christ_n upon_o such_o as_o these_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o fasten_v 100_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n advantageous_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n that_o man_n without_o warrant_n from_o god_n shall_v usurp_v a_o tyranny_n over_o other_o man_n conscience_n and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o without_o reason_n and_o sometime_o against_o reason_n 179._o what_o they_o shall_v believe_v we_o therefore_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v all_o man_n to_o their_o liberty_n provide_v they_o improve_v it_o not_o to_o a_o tyranny_n over_o other_o this_o presumptuous_a impose_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 180._o and_o the_o special_a sense_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o general_a word_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o upon_o man_n conscience_n together_o under_o severe_a penalty_n the_o deify_n of_o man_n own_o interpretation_n and_o tyrannical_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o the_o restrain_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n wherein_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v they_o free_a be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o church_n take_v away_o this_o persecute_n of_o man_n for_o not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n only_o to_o believe_v christ_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o support_v error_n and_o restore_v christian_n to_o their_o just_a and_o full_a liberty_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v by_o god_n blessing_n that_o universal_a liberty_n thus_o moderate_v may_v quick_o reduce_v christendom_n to_o truth_n and_o unity_n the_o contrary_a effect_n whereof_o happen_v by_o the_o tyrannous_a imposition_n of_o opinion_n upon_o other_o man_n conscience_n 198._o whereby_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v grievos_o exulcerate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v neither_o fit_a to_o convince_v nor_o able_a to_o compel_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n indeed_o worldly_a terror_n may_v prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v man_n profess_v a_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v not_o such_o man_n who_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n provide_v for_o martyr_n and_o a_o hell_n for_o those_o that_o dissemble_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v profess_v but_o to_o force_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o know_v not_o or_o any_o honest_a man_n to_o dissemble_v what_o he_o do_v believe_v if_o god_n command_v he_o to_o profess_v it_o or_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o world_n be_v too_o weak_a with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o assist_v they_o 16._o it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o man_n to_o profess_v a_o error_n against_o his_o conscience_n though_o the_o error_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o damnable_a nay_o the_o profession_n not_o only_o of_o a_o error_n but_o of_o a_o truth_n if_o not_o believe_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n unless_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o if_o a_o papist_n be_v convince_v or_o persuade_v in_o conscience_n 19_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v irroneous_a the_o profession_n of_o it_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o true_a will_v be_v to_o he_o damnable_a see_v his_o reason_n fol._n 132._o thus_o in_o a_o full_a speed_n i_o have_v run_v over_o all_o that_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o satisfy_v my_o spirit_n concerning_o the_o illegality_n of_o this_o oath_n in_o common_a law_n or_o common_a reason_n in_o ancient_a or_o modern_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o army_n when_o success_n have_v leave_v they_o no_o employment_n but_o their_o piety_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a reform_a divine_n and_o above_o all_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o charity_n i_o owe_v my_o afflict_a brethren_n have_v force_v i_o to_o communicate_v this_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o religious_a that_o they_o may_v with_o compassion_n reflect_v on_o those_o who_o eat_v their_o bread_n moisten_v with_o their_o tear_n and_o weep_v over_o their_o house_n become_v desolate_a because_o they_o will_v keep_v up_o their_o conscience_n from_o ruin_n i_o have_v collect_v this_o for_o information_n of_o such_o who_o have_v bowel_n and_o disdain_v a_o glory_n or_o benefit_n that_o may_v rise_v by_o tread_v on_o their_o neck_n who_o suffer_v only_o for_o religion_n who_o if_o they_o err_v err_v to_o their_o own_o temporal_a prejudice_n and_o can_v in_o their_o error_n have_v no_o design_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o discover_v to_o have_v any_o conspiracy_n against_o government_n i_o will_v have_v most_o severe_o punish_v and_o who_o quiet_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o will_v have_v pity_v and_o relieve_v and_o this_o i_o serious_o desire_v all_o religious_a spirit_n to_o weigh_v in_o their_o most_o godly_a and_o most_o prudent_a thought_n that_o look_v back_o on_o the_o last_o hundred_o year_n they_o shall_v find_v every_o subversion_n of_o government_n in_o this_o nation_n either_o papal_a prelatical_a or_o presbyterian_a to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o too_o rigorous_a coercion_n of_o the_o conscience_n religion_n ever_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o dust_n when_o it_o lean_v too_o much_o on_o the_o weak_a treacherous_a prop_n of_o human_a policy_n or_o endeavour_n to_o stand_v only_o by_o punishment_n of_o their_o brethren_n modest_o dissent_v in_o some_o opinion_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n lie_v down_o these_o observation_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n now_o sit_v at_o westminster_n why_o may_v i_o not_o solicit_v their_o mercy_n by_o contemplate_v what_o a_o series_n of_o providence_n have_v fettle_v they_o in_o the_o present_a power_n and_o redeem_v their_o conscience_n from_o a_o design_a slavery_n to_o take_v into_o their_o first_o consideration_n the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o the_o most_o oppress_v people_n in_o the_o world_n why_o may_v not_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o eternal_a justice_n execute_v on_o former_a government_n instruct_v they_o to_o meekness_n towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o such_o a_o sad_a forlorn_a affliction_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o a_o continue_a blessing_n by_o that_o hand_n which_o shake_v down_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o proud_a and_o uncompassionate_a and_o out_o of_o their_o rubbish_n build_v up_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o humble_a and_o merciful_a nor_o can_v i_o at_o any_o distance_n how_o remote_a soever_o though_o we_o squint_v on_o carnal_a interest_n discover_v whence_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n can_v reach_v the_o government_n in_o not_o offer_v violence_n by_o oath_n to_o the_o conscience_n unless_o we_o reckon_v on_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o rent_n be_v annual_o extort_a by_o violence_n from_o the_o conscience_n and_o how_o unhandsome_a and_o above_o that_o unchristian_a will_n it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v tender_o maintain_v every_o congregation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o not_o protect_v which_o be_v for_o our_o temporal_a emolument_n and_o supply_n of_o the_o treasury_n in_o recompense_n whereof_o we_o may_v bring_v in_o the_o universal_a comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n when_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v so_o general_a that_o in_o that_o harmony_n no_o one_o string_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o tune_n
very_o suitable_a to_o our_o method_n to_o consider_v next_o what_o provision_n our_o commonwealth_n have_v make_v for_o discovery_n and_o conviction_n of_o offender_n wherein_o after_o i_o have_v slight_o touch_v some_o of_o the_o argument_n mention_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o moderator_n i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o those_o aditional_a reason_n i_o have_v since_o collect_v and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o indictment_n and_o conviction_n of_o witness_n and_o jury_n be_v the_o only_a proceed_v own_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o land_n be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o chief_a author_n and_o sure_a defender_n of_o all_o our_o liberty_n magna_fw-la carta_fw-la so_o often_o confirm_v in_o our_o ancient_a parliament_n so_o reverent_o upon_o all_o occasion_n cite_v by_o the_o last_o where_o every_o english_a man_n may_v read_v with_o joy_n these_o precious_a word_n no_o free_a man_n may_v be_v arrest_v or_o imprison_v but_o by_o due_a process_n of_o law_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o freehold_n by_o either_o the_o king_n himself_o 46._o or_o any_o commissioner_n but_o every_o one_o right_a to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o jury_n of_o his_o equal_n of_o which_o happy-freedom_n the_o papist_n who_o long_o since_o procure_v it_o for_o this_o nation_n enjoy_v not_o now_o the_o least_o shadow_n 5_o ed._n 3._o 9_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o no_o man_n from_o hence_o forth_o shall_v be_v attach_v upon_o any_o occasion_n nor_o his_o land_n tenement_n good_n or_o chattel_n seize_v against_o the_o form_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o this_o regular_a form_n of_o proceed_v thief_n and_o robber_n have_v a_o clear_a and_o allow_v right_a only_a papist_n upon_o the_o single_a account_n of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o exclude_v 25._o ed._n 3._o c._n 4._o none_o be_v to_o be_v convict_v of_o any_o offence_n unless_o by_o indictment_n or_o presentment_n of_o good_a and_o lawful_a man_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v do_v this_o justice_n every_o murderer_n can_v claim_v and_o no_o judge_n dare_v deny_v only_o the_o papist_n who_o we_o can_v accuse_v of_o no_o other_o crime_n then_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o religion_n be_v force_v to_o convict_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o oath_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o any_o legal_a indictment_n so_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o ancient_a liberty_n of_o this_o nation_n 28._o ed._n 3._o c._n 3._o no_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n or_o estate_n soever_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o land_n or_o tenement_n without_o be_v bring_v to_o answer_v by_o due_a process_n of_o law_n this_o privilege_n the_o most_o trivial_a fellow_n that_o have_v but_o a_o cottage_n to_o hide_v his_o head_n in_o may_v uncontrollable_o challenge_v and_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v refuse_v he_o but_o then_o how_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o recusant_n many_o of_o they_o person_n of_o very_o considerable_a quality_n be_v dispossess_v of_o so_o great_a estate_n upon_o their_o own_o enforce_a oath_n without_o any_o due_a process_n of_o law_n 42._o ed._n 3._o cap._n 1._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o great_a charter_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o keep_v in_o all_o point_n and_o if_o any_o statute_n be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o shall_v be_v void_a nay_o so_o great_a account_n have_v our_o wise_a ancestor_n make_v of_o this_o magna_fw-la carta_fw-la so_o careful_o provide_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o universal_a observance_n that_o it_o have_v no_o less_o than_o 30_o time_n be_v solemn_o confirm_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n as_o be_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o sir_n ed._n coke_n 5._o report_n fol._n 64._o b._n and_o in_o his_o 8._o report_n fol._n 19_o b_o 42._o ed._n 3._o cap._n 3._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o answer_v without_o presentment_n before_o justice_n or_o matter_n of_o record_n or_o by_o due_a process_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n from_o henceforth_o be_v do_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o shall_v be_v void_a in_o law_n and_o hold_v for_o error_n no_o court_n disallow_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o traitor_n no_o committee_n allow_v it_o to_o the_o quiet_a of_o recusant_n all_o these_o so_o excellent_a law_n such_o as_o no_o people_n under_o heaven_n enjoy_v be_v make_v when_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v absolute_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o papist_n all_o these_o privilege_n so_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o they_o deserve_v the_o name_n rather_o of_o the_o people_n prerogative_n then_o their_o liberty_n the_o papist_n obtain_v and_o establish_a in_o their_o time_n and_o careful_o transmit_v to_o their_o posterity_n all_o these_o wise_a and_o prudent_a caution_n which_o so_o safe_o fence_v and_o preserve_v our_o common_a freedom_n from_o the_o encroachment_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n be_v provident_o contrive_v by_o the_o papist_n and_o from_o they_o be_v happy_o descend_v upon_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o now_o have_v reform_v their_o faith_n forget_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o deprive_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o law_n which_o their_o father_n make_v only_o because_o they_o resemble_v they_o most_o in_o religion_n shall_v we_o so_o far_o yield_v to_o passion_n as_o utter_o deny_v they_o the_o immmunity_n of_o their_o ancestor_n or_o can_v we_o possible_o arrive_v at_o this_o degree_n of_o partiality_n as_o not_o permit_v the_o great_a malefactor_n to_o be_v his_o own_o accuser_n and_o yet_o enforce_v the_o most_o peaceable_a recusant_n to_o be_v his_o own_o condemner_n nay_o though_o the_o thief_n arraign_v at_o the_o bar_n confess_v his_o guilt_n our_o judge_n merciful_o decline_v to_o condemn_v he_o without_o some_o testimony_n of_o witness_n but_o if_o a_o recusant_n will_v not_o voluntary_o both_o arraign_v and_o condemn_v himself_o the_o practice_n of_o haberdasher_n hall_n be_v without_o think_v of_o further_a proof_n immediate_o to_o proceed_v to_o execution_n nor_o be_v this_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n regard_v only_o in_o those_o old_a day_n but_o we_o have_v fresh_a example_n of_o a_o great_a zeal_n and_o jealousy_n than_o ever_o those_o time_n be_v acquaint_v with_o for_o in_o the_o great_a petition_n of_o right_n 3._o car._n all_o these_o statute_n be_v particular_o recite_v and_o earnest_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o parliament_n then_o assemble_v and_o yet_o a_o fresh_a instance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o last_o parliament_n who_o in_o their_o act_n for_o regulation_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n and_o abolition_n of_o the_o star-chamber_n do_v punctual_o repeat_v again_o all_o those_o statute_n and_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o fundamental_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o the_o land_n beside_o whereas_o copyhold_n estate_n by_o the_o ancient_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v never_o comprehend_v within_o the_o general_a word_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o alter_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o land_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o manor_n to_o the_o prejudice_n either_o of_o lord_n or_o tenant_n as_o be_v resolve_v in_o sir_n edw._n coke_n second_o report_n fol._n 8._o sir_n fran._n more_n report_n 199._o 428_o etc._n etc._n because_o no_o stranger_n can_v become_v tenant_n of_o any_o copyhold_n estate_n without_o the_o lord_n special_a assent_n and_o admission_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o copyhold_n be_v ever_o liable_a to_o any_o execution_n of_o statute_n or_o recognisance_n in_o debt_n or_o formdon_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o statute_n of_o 2_o hen._n 5._o cap._n 15._o for_o heresy_n nor_o be_v seizable_a within_o the_o statute_n 29_o eliz._n cap._n 6._o nor_o 3._o jac._n cap._n 4._o for_o recusancy_n yet_o contrary_a to_o this_o ancient_a fundamental_a law_n the_o copyhold_n estate_n of_o every_o suspect_a recusant_n be_v seize_v upon_o and_o sequester_v although_o there_o be_v no_o ordinance_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n express_o warrant_v any_o such_o proceed_n thus_o have_v we_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o only_a course_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n for_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n be_v the_o ordinary_a process_n by_o writ_n in_o civil_a cause_n and_o by_o indictment_n in_o criminal_a and_o in_o both_o by_o witness_n and_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n where_o the_o scene_n of_o the_o question_n lie_v and_o now_o we_o shall_v full_o satisfy_v our_o undertake_n if_o we_o can_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o late_a parliament_n often_o engage_v by_o solemn_a act_n and_o declaration_n to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o that_o can_v read_v english_a to_o retain_v the_o least_o doubt_n when_o he_o have_v peruse_v these_o few_o citation_n 26_o may_n 660_o 1642._o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o declare_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
preamble_n whereof_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o recite_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o war_n declare_v that_o all_o the_o sequester_a estate_n shall_v be_v apply_v towards_o the_o supportation_n of_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o first_o instruction_n to_o the_o committee_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o use_v their_o best_a care_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o speedy_a execution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o sequestration_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o importance_n for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o army_n 511._o and_o observe_v some_o slowness_n in_o the_o committee_n the_o earl_n of_o manchester_n a_o commander_n in_o chief_a be_v empower_v to_o execute_v that_o ordinance_n and_o the_o sequestrator_n command_v to_o pay_v the_o money_n they_o raise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o army_n one_o other_o argument_n there_o be_v that_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o parliament_n intend_v this_o ordinance_n only_o as_o a_o provision_n in_o those_o distract_a time_n and_o not_o as_o a_o stand_a law_n for_o ever_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v put_v into_o their_o commission_n so_o slight_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o bailiff_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v it_o handsome_a that_o the_o mayor_n of_o rising_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o thatch_v some_o trivial_a alehouse_n to_o tender_v the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o arundel_n or_o indeed_o how_o shall_v a_o common_a tradesman_n who_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n we_o may_v presume_v can_v neither_o write_v nor_o read_v know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o command_v other_o to_o forswear_v such_o hard_a long_a word_n as_o supremacy_n purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n what_o shall_v we_o that_o accuse_v the_o papist_n of_o blind_a obedience_n say_v to_o ourselves_o when_o our_o very_a leader_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o fair_a and_o just_a exception_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o this_o 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represent_v even_o to_o the_o high_a power_n our_o reason_n for_o a_o repeal_v if_o we_o carry_v our_o address_n with_o such_o regard_n that_o they_o appear_v to_o intend_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o error_n not_o correction_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o which_o respect_n never_o do_v any_o parliament_n give_v such_o high_a hope_n of_o a_o thorough_a redress_n as_o that_o which_o late_o sit_v by_o erect_v so_o careful_o those_o two_o grand_a committee_n for_o regulate_v the_o law_n and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n by_o invite_v so_o solemn_o all_o that_o will_v offer_v their_o proposal_n to_o come_v into_o their_o assistance_n and_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n remain_v infinite_o bind_v to_o the_o solicitude_n of_o the_o army_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n both_o those_o committee_n be_v establish_v so_o be_v we_o all_o no_o less_o oblige_v to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o general_n by_o who_o personal_a presence_n every_o day_n at_o that_o of_o religion_n it_o receive_v so_o great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o these_o few_o thought_n of_o i_o shall_v beget_v any_o offence_n since_o they_o aim_v only_o to_o propose_v the_o unsuitableness_n of_o this_o new_a uncharitable_a oath_n of_o abjuration_n to_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a law_n of_o the_o land_n even_o the_o pope_n admit_v his_o subject_n when_o they_o apprehend_v some_o error_n in_o the_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v from_o himself_o misinform_v to_o himself_o better_o inform_v and_o yet_o we_o call_v his_o absolute_a ness_n a_o tyranny_n and_o their_o obedience_n blindness_n how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v those_o true_a lover_n of_o their_o country_n happiness_n promise_v themselves_o security_n if_o not_o acceptance_n from_o the_o parliament_n who_o either_o by_o humble_a petition_n or_o other_o modest_a and_o untumultuous_a way_n represent_v to_o their_o consideration_n any_o mis-practiseor_n inconvenience_n which_o in_o time_n may_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a precedent_n to_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o country_n what_o ever_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o absolute_a prerogative_n command_n yet_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o this_o have_v always_o disclaim_v such_o arbitrary_a dominion_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o often_o engage_v by_o most_o solemn_a declaration_n for_o the_o perpetual_a continuance_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o among_o which_o as_o there_o be_v none_o more_o fundamental_a and_o singular_a to_o the_o nation_n then_o the_o ancient_a trial_n by_o witness_n and_o verdict_n so_o we_o shall_v still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v more_o evident_a so_o important_a a_o truth_n by_o propose_v a_o short_a parallel_n between_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n and_o that_o ex_fw-la officio_fw-la in_o the_o grand_a petition_n sign_v by_o the_o 9_o 1640._o lord_n and_o present_v to_o the_o late_a king_n at_o york_n we_o find_v this_o record_v as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a grievance_n that_o many_o innovation_n in_o oath_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v late_o impose_v upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n subject_n etc._n etc._n in_o redress_n of_o which_o mischievous_a encroachment_n upon_o our_o just_a liberty_n caroli_fw-la the_o late_a long_a parliament_n enact_v that_o no_o person_n exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o authority_n shall_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la or_o at_o the_o instance_n or_o promotion_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o urge_v enforce_v tender_a give_v or_o minister_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o any_o oath_n whereby_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v charge_v to_o confess_v or_o accuse_v himself_o of_o any_o crime_n offence_n delinquency_n misdemeanour_n matter_n or_o thing_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o penalty_n or_o punishment_n whatsoever_o before_o which_o statute_n viz._n 1607._o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o illegality_n of_o that_o oath_n have_v be_v clear_o convince_v by_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o oath_n purposely_o write_v against_o it_o as_o also_o by_o m._n fuller_n in_o his_o argument_n at_o the_o than_o king_n bench_n against_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n both_o which_o pursue_v their_o point_n so_o efficacious_o that_o the_o grievance_n they_o oppose_v be_v unanimous_o condemn_v as_o intolerable_a abuse_n and_o certain_o no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n can_v bear_v a_o high_a and_o clear_a evidence_n then_o that_o the_o principal_a reason_n which_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v out_o of_o both_o those_o treatise_n against_o that_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la be_v more_o strong_o appiable_a to_o this_o of_o abjuration_n thus_o than_o they_o begin_v their_o just_a charge_n upon_o that_o unjust_a oath_n first_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o nation_n the_o party_n examine_v be_v thereby_o force_v to_o swear_v against_o himself_o in_o a_o criminal_a cause_n before_o he_o know_v his_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 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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