ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o destroy_v man_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v of_o our_o faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ireland_n what_o thought_n they_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n i_o can_v reach_v but_o think_v be_v my_o duty_n if_o they_o walk_v honest_o and_o peaceable_o not_o to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o 5._o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v patient_o and_o in_o love_n towards_o they_o to_o see_v if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v they_o another_o or_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o then_o governor_n of_o rosse_n in_o ireland_n 1649._o his_o excellency_n speak_v of_o religion_n say_v he_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o man_n private_a conscience_n the_o army_n further_o declare_v 1649._o that_o they_o do_v not_o empower_v or_o intrust_v their_o representative_n to_o continue_v in_o force_n or_o make_v any_o law_n oath_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o to_o compel_v by_o penalty_n or_o otherwise_o any_o person_n to_o any_o thing_n 5._o in_o or_o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n religion_n or_o god_n worship_n or_o to_o restrain_v any_o person_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o excercise_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o punish_v any_o person_n for_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o question_n in_o criminal_a cause_n these_o declaration_n of_o the_o army_n be_v second_v by_o a_o petition_n from_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n 1648._o and_o burrow_n of_o southwark_n to_o the_o parliament_n in_o these_o word_n that_o they_o will_v exempt_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n worship_n from_o the_o compulsive_a and_o restrictive_a power_n of_o any_o authority_n upon_o earth_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n will_v not_o proceed_v in_o make_v ordinance_n or_o law_n or_o in_o appoint_v punishment_n concerning_o opinion_n wherein_o themselves_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v etc._n etc._n on_o all_o opportunity_n thus_o have_v the_o army_n declare_v what_o be_v the_o light_n they_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o dark_a thorny_a way_n of_o their_o precedent_a danger_n and_o in_o the_o endeavour_n that_o every_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o comfortable_a repose_n they_o continue_v constant_a still_o and_o vigorous_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o stray_v from_o these_o religious_a principle_n have_v for_o their_o guide_n his_o excellency_n who_o have_v fight_v his_o enemy_n as_o much_o into_o confusion_n by_o a_o unexampled_a regularity_n of_o manner_n and_o holy_a encourage_n to_o piety_n by_o frequent_a exhortation_n tear_n and_o prayer_n as_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o sword_n and_o a_o courage_n ever_o invincible_a our_o next_o progress_n shall_v be_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o army_n against_o the_o enforce_n of_o oath_n and_o coercion_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v clear_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a foundation_n the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o which_o three_o word_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n than_o three_o thousand_o volume_n of_o man_n discourse_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o and_o hope_v to_o content_v my_o reader_n with_o the_o citation_n of_o these_o few_o text_n one_o witness_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o a_o man_n for_o any_o iniquity_n 15._o fault_n etc._n etc._n much_o less_o shall_v a_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o himself_o but_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v which_o rule_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v and_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o woman_n accuse_v of_o adultery_n 11._o where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n if_o they_o condemn_v thou_o not_o neither_o do_v i_o in_o the_o proceed_n upon_o this_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n there_o be_v no_o accuser_n no_o witness_n the_o party_n himself_o must_v be_v both_o against_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o scripture_n than_o such_o enforcement_n and_o that_o carnal_a man_n and_o they_o who_o build_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o academic_a learning_n may_v see_v how_o abhor_v to_o truth_n all_o force_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o conscience_n be_v let_v their_o patience_n go_v a_o little_a forward_a and_o find_v what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n 94._o by_o imprisonment_n or_o loss_n of_o good_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o force_v no_o man_n to_o subscribe_v article_n concerning_o religion_n 428._o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o every_o one_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v the_o magistrate_n misuse_v his_o power_n 33._o if_o he_o impose_v law_n upon_o our_o conscience_n for_o paul_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o human_a law_n 18._o but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n man_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n 1638._o not_o compel_v thereunto_o by_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n allow_v not_o the_o law_n of_o compulsion_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o conscience_n 118._o but_o only_o of_o council_n and_o exhortation_n the_o scripture_n command_v that_o they_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o until_o the_o lord_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v not_o punish_v 7._o all_o man_n err_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o fatherly_a exhortation_n 65._o hear_v the_o word_n and_o good_a instruction_n not_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n the_o lord_n have_v definitive_o declare_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o fit_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 161._o and_o therefore_o have_v interdict_v they_o all_o use_n of_o such_o jurisdiction_n and_o reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o angel_n shall_v separate_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n 477._o god_n alone_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n beside_o his_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o so_o that_o to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n or_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n out_o of_o conscience_n be_v to_o betray_v our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o require_n of_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n be_v to_o destroy_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n also_o faith_n have_v no_o relation_n unto_o 270._o nor_o dependency_n at_o all_o upon_o compulsion_n and_o commandment_n but_o only_o upon_o certainty_n and_o probability_n of_o argugument_n draw_v from_o reason_n or_o from_o something_o which_o man_n believe_v already_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v any_o for_o not_o believe_v 271._o since_o paul_n himself_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n 2._o faith_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o assent_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o man_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o by_o promise_n of_o reward_n nor_o menace_n of_o torture_n 26â—_z there_o be_v no_o coercive_a power_n leave_v by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o power_n to_o proclaim_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o by_o precept_n and_o good_a counsel_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o have_v submit_v what_o to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o it_o come_v etc._n etc._n q._n elâ—z_o eliz._n in_o her_o own_o private_a judgement_n often_o declare_v that_o she_o never_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o subject_n ought_v to_o be_v enforce_v 11._o albeit_o the_o bishop_n prevail_v with_o she_o against_o her_o own_o judgement_n to_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o against_o religion_n â—hâ—llâ—ngworth_n then_o to_o force_v religion_n for_o as_o paul_n say_v the_o weapon_n of_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a 167._o human_a violence_n may_v make_v man_n counterfeit_a but_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o and_o infinite_a prejudice_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v follow_v thereby_o such_o who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o serve_v no_o high_a state_n then_o
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
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