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order_n bishop_n church_n deacon_n 6,554 5 10.6252 5 true
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A85826 The Covenanters plea against absolvers. Or, A modest discourse, shewing why those who in England & Scotland took the Solemn League and Covenant, cannot judge their consciences discharged from the obligation of it, by any thing heretofore said by the Oxford men; or lately by Dr Featly, Dr. Gauden, or any others. In which also several cases relating to promisory oathes, and to the said Covenant in special, are spoken to, and determined by Scripture, reason, and the joynt suffrages of casuists. Contrary to the indigested notions of some late writers; yet much to the sense of the Reverend Dr. Sanderson. Written by Theophilus Timorcus a well-wisher to students in casuistical divinity. Timorcus, Theophilus.; Gataker, Thomas, 1574-1654, attributed name.; Vines, Richard, 1600?-1656, attributed name.; Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691, attributed name. 1660 (1660) Wing G314; Thomason E1053_13; ESTC R202125 85,431 115

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only_o which_o have_v they_o be_v first_o know_v have_v make_v the_o enter_v into_o such_o sacred_a bond_n unlawful_a 8._o filiucii_n qu._n m._n tr_fw-la 25._o cap._n 8._o ratione_fw-la materiae_fw-la inhabilis_fw-la ad_fw-la producendam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v such_o to_o which_o a_o obligation_n can_v not_o be_v create_v filiucius_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n to_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v because_o he_o who_o swear_v intend_v to_o swear_v only_o that_o which_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o he_o promise_v we_o much_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o depend_v upon_o another_o question_n whether_o a_o oath_n may_v not_o bind_v a_o man_n beyond_o his_o intention_n when_o he_o swear_v undoubted_o a_o oath_n may_v oblige_v a_o man_n beyond_o his_o private_a intention_n and_o in_o this_o we_o think_v all_o protestant_a casuist_n agree_v that_o other_o rule_n therefore_o give_v by_o casuist_n be_v better_a juramenti_fw-la obligatio_fw-la est_fw-la strictè_fw-la juris_fw-la that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v strict_o interpret_v quoad_fw-la materia_fw-la &_o verba_fw-la permiserint_fw-la as_o strict_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n will_v bear_v and_o thus_o filiucius_n agree_v at_o last_o and_o suarez_n with_o he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a shame_n for_o we_o christian_n to_o dispute_v this_o when_o tully_n tell_v we_o 3._o cicero_n de_fw-fr offic._n lib._n 3._o that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v keep_v in_o that_o sense_n sicut_fw-la verbis_fw-la concipitur_fw-la more_fw-it nostro_fw-la yet_o divine_v here_o ordinary_o distinguish_v betwixt_o spontaneous_a arbitrary_a oath_n and_o such_o as_o be_v by_o other_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o concern_v each_o determine_v thus_o 1._o that_o such_o oath_n as_o we_o voluntary_o take_v must_v be_v interpret_v ex_fw-la ipsius_fw-la jurantis_fw-la 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unless_o some_o public_a declaration_n at_o the_o take_n of_o it_o we_o say_v public_a for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o deliberate_a voluntary_a deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o those_o that_o impose_v it_o and_o we_o think_v augustine_n speak_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o he_o to_o who_o he_o swear_v can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o perjure_a person_n which_o passage_n dr._n sanderson_n quote_v out_o of_o he_o §_o 6._o nor_o that_o parliament_n be_v now_o extinct_a can_v we_o imagine_v how_o we_o shall_v better_o conclude_v their_o sense_n then_o by_o consider_v the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o they_o express_v this_o obligation_n and_o take_v a_o view_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v of_o their_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a act_n or_o ordinance_n the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o purpose_n be_v find_v in_o the_o 2_o article_n thus_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o 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prelacy_n as_o this_o ever_o any_o foot_n in_o england_n other_o then_o what_o the_o arrogance_n of_o some_o single_a person_n give_v it_o §_o 9_o we_o call_v that_o a_o paternal_a prelacy_n where_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n have_v a_o prelate_n who_o must_v concur_v with_o they_o ordinary_o in_o ordination_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n this_o say_v the_o most_o sober_a man_n be_v all_o the_o prelacy_n which_o ever_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v all_o for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a authority_n §_o 10._o the_o prelate_n of_o mere_a order_n nothing_o differ_v from_o a_o continue_a moderator_n have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o his_o brethren_n in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n praeside_v among_o they_o §_o 11._o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v against_o the_o first_o the_o question_n only_o remain_v
several_a indeed_o suppose_v it_o that_o a_o oath_n so_o direct_v and_o impose_v do_v not_o oblige_v against_o such_o a_o pretend_a imperfect_a legal_a establishment_n be_v we_o confess_v a_o piece_n of_o divinity_n the_o depth_n of_o which_o we_o can_v fathom_v nor_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o earnest_n think_v otherwise_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o bring_v forth_o their_o strong_a reason_n or_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o one_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a be_v of_o their_o mind_n till_o that_o time_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o out_o of_o a_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n to_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o this_o notion_n prove_v as_o yet_o by_o no_o scripture_n no_o reason_n nor_o any_o creditable_a authority_n §_o 39_o for_o what_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o covenant_n be_v against_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la the_o petition_n of_o right_n etc._n etc._n they_o appear_v to_o 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the_o absolver_n plea_n from_o schism_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n no_o guilt_n of_o schism_n by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n their_o plea_n also_o from_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o former_a oath_n particular_o the_o coronation_n oath_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o canonical_a obedience_n answer_v and_o find_v vain_a §_o 1._o our_o absolver_n foresee_v these_o easy_a answer_n to_o their_o aforementioned_a plea_n or_o at_o least_o be_v aware_a that_o if_o prelacy_n be_v leave_v to_o stand_v only_o upon_o a_o parliamentary_a foundation_n it_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o extirpation_n by_o succeed_a parliament_n have_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o raise_v their_o plea_n high_o tell_v we_o that_o episcopacy_n have_v no_o original_a but_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v very_o like_o a_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n either_o preceptive_a and_o explicit_a or_o tacit_n and_o exemplary_a so_o that_o to_o abjure_v it_o run_v we_o upon_o a_o rock_n of_o schism_n and_o dash_v we_o both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n till_o of_o late_a day_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n with_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v communion_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o so_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o universal_a observation_n in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o sense_n they_o speak_v all_o §_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o this_o plea_n it_o will_v not_o only_o conclude_v all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n holland_n geneva_n scotland_n n._n england_n most_o part_n of_o germany_n schismatic_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v but_o it_o will_v also_o supersede_n all_o civil_a power_n be_v think_v for_o ever_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n 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time_n meet_v in_o a_o perfect_a general_n council_n and_o determine_v this_o inalterable_a form_n or_o by_o a_o universal_a practice_n have_v keep_v to_o such_o a_o form_n there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n to_o charge_v we_o but_o neither_o shall_v our_o brethren_n prove_v this_o to_o we_o §_o 7._o we_o challenge_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n to_o make_v it_o good_a from_o any_o authentic_a record_n that_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o such_o creature_n know_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o archbishop_n archdeacon_n prebend_n commissary_n chancellor_n pope_n stephen_n indeed_o in_o the_o 3_o century_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o fabulous_a decretal_a epistle_n but_o cyprian_n write_v to_o he_o call_v he_o no_o more_o than_o his_o colleague_n in_o the_o 4_o century_n we_o read_v of_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ambrose_n mention_n they_o dionysius_n and_o optatus_n mention_v no_o more_o in_o this_o age_n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o nepotianus_n tell_v we_o sacerdot_n l._n the_o dign_a sacerdot_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o only_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o young_a man_n ambrose_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ordination_n indeed_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 4_o century_n which_o be_v 400_o year_n after_o christ_n they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n than_o come_v in_o reader_n and_o exorcist_n subdeacons_n archdeacon_n and_o archbishop_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o have_v already_o forsake_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v woeful_o decline_v from_o its_o primitive_a purity_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o go_v a_o little_a further_o §_o 7._o we_o say_v before_o that_o we_o find_v in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n early_a mention_n of_o bishop_n but_o not_o of_o such_o as_o we_o be_v in_o england_n our_o bishop_n 1._o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o sole_a and_o single_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n nor_o clergy_n 3._o they_o be_v attend_v with_o dean_n and_o prebend_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o execute_v their_o power_n by_o lay_v chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o have_v use_v to_o exercise_v a_o power_n in_o deprive_v minister_n suspend_v silence_v excommunicate_v for_o trivial_a case_n not_o pay_v a_o tithe_n goose_n or_o pig_n etc._n etc._n let_v our_o brethren_n show_v we_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n before_o antichrist_n be_v up_o in_o his_o throne_n if_o they_o can_v if_o not_o they_o vain_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n in_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o such_o a_o prelacy_n for_o which_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o practice_n either_o of_o the_o primitive_a or_o any_o reform_a church_n §_o 8._o we_o be_v further_o tell_v how_o true_o
it_o be_v so_o or_o no._n so_o that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v contract_v by_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o retain_v this_o conscience_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o §_o 10._o we_o presume_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o very_a few_o in_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n they_o will_v find_v their_o oath_n oblige_v notwithstanding_o the_o error_n of_o their_o conscience_n if_o any_o only_a pretend_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o get_v quit_v of_o their_o oath_n let_v not_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n let_v not_o our_o honour_n be_v unite_v chap_n x._o the_o absolver_n plea_n against_o the_o covenant_n as_o impeditivum_fw-la boni_fw-la false_a and_o if_o true_a not_o conclusive_a according_a to_o casuist_n §_o 1._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o pretence_n for_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n from_o which_o some_o will_v infer_v the_o non-obligation_n of_o it_o some_o late_a absolver_n have_v confident_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o oath_n further_o than_o till_o they_o see_v that_o their_o observance_n will_v hinder_v some_o good_a which_o may_v accrue_v from_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v once_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o principle_n it_o be_v but_o tell_v their_o proselyte_n that_o their_o persist_v in_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n archdeacon_n will_v hinder_v the_o great_a good_a settlement_n order_n communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v present_o discharge_v all_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o think_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v no_o dangerous_a matter_n we_o think_v to_o grant_v their_o principle_n and_o to_o challenge_v all_o of_o they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a piece_n of_o good_a which_o the_o restore_n of_o this_o government_n will_v put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o more_o than_o any_o other_o government_n will_v do_v be_v it_o conformity_n to_o the_o apostolical_a or_o primitive_a church_n we_o challenge_v they_o all_o to_o prove_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n either_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o be_v it_o conformity_n with_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v there_o any_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scotland_n holland_n france_n be_v there_o any_o archbishop_n or_o any_o single_a person_n challenge_v sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o other_o reform_a church_n whatsoever_o be_v there_o any_o dean_n prebend_n chancellor_n commissary_n archdeacon_n &c._n &c._n to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o indeed_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n there_o be_v no_o where_o else_o we_o think_v be_v the_o good_a they_o talk_v of_o order_n suppression_n of_o schism_n and_o error_n will_v not_o presbytery_n do_v the_o same_o think_v we_o if_o not_o what_o hinder_v certain_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v without_o it_o prelacy_n can_v do_v nothing_o §_o 3._o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o what_o be_v past_a we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o any_o such_o eminent_a good_a by_o prelacy_n under_o that_o government_n it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o godly_a learned_a and_o able_a minister_n be_v silence_v suspend_v imprison_v banish_a so_o many_o thousand_o of_o godly_a people_n force_v to_o leave_v their_o country_n imprison_v hunt_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o they_o and_o their_o family_n undo_v and_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o allow_v humane_a imposition_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n who_o require_v to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o leu._n 10.3_o and_o have_v reveal_v his_o wrath_n of_o old_a against_o the_o jew_n for_o do_v or_o allow_v that_o in_o his_o sanctuary_n which_o he_o command_v not_o this_o be_v the_o good_a england_n have_v former_o have_v by_o they_o for_o dean_n and_o prebend_n all_o the_o good_a they_o do_v be_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n enjoy_v profit_n and_o great_a revenue_n for_o no_o considerable_a service_n at_o all_o §_o 4._o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o our_o apprehend_v the_o observance_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o hinder_v some_o good_a which_o may_v accrue_v by_o the_o violation_n will_v discharge_v we_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o observe_v it_o indeed_o gregor_n sayrus_n resolve_n that_o every_o private_a person_n have_v a_o power_n to_o commute_v a_o oath_n for_o something_o better_o but_o sylvester_n and_o other_o 15._o greg._n sayri_fw-la clavis_fw-la reg_fw-la l._n 5._o ca._n 8._o n._n 15._o oppose_v he_o and_o think_v the_o pope_n must_v first_o determine_v the_o good_a to_o be_v better_o soto_n sanches_n cajetan_n panormitane_n arragon_n and_o other_o do_v allow_v some_o case_n wherein_o they_o say_v a_o oath_n hinder_v some_o other_o good_a be_v void_a but_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o several_a limitation_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a good_a which_o be_v hinder_v 2._o this_o great_a good_n must_v be_v no_o otherwise_o attaineable_a than_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o oath_n for_o if_o we_o can_v keep_v our_o oath_n and_o obtain_v the_o good_a too_o unquestionable_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o 3._o that_o melius_fw-la bonum_fw-la that_o great_a good_n must_v be_v certain_a not_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a and_o only_o possible_a 4._o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o oath_n thus_o irritate_v and_o make_v void_a must_v be_v only_o make_v to_o god_n for_o say_v they_o if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o our_o brother_n also_o for_o his_o advantage_n much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o upon_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n his_o consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o commutation_n before_o the_o oath_n can_v be_v make_v void_a now_o when_o our_o absolver_n shall_v have_v show_v we_o a_o good_a certain_o great_a than_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o this_o good_a can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v attain_v than_o by_o break_v our_o covenant_n and_o that_o if_o we_o break_v it_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n mutual_o engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n have_v consent_v to_o the_o violation_n they_o shall_v have_v say_v something_o and_o till_o that_o time_n this_o plea_n consist_v of_o nothing_o but_o aery_a nonsignificant_a word_n §_o 5._o to_o return_v to_o our_o eminent_a dr._n sanderson_n he_o determine_v this_o case_n more_o like_o a_o divine_a than_o some_o other_o thus_o juramentum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la illicitum_fw-la aut_fw-la obligandi_fw-la vim_o amittere_fw-la praecisè_fw-la ob_fw-la hoc_fw-la quod_fw-la videatur_fw-la esse_fw-la impeditivum_fw-la majoris_fw-la boni_fw-la 12._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la prom_fw-la prael_n 3._o §._o 12._o i._n e._n a_o oath_n be_v not_o unlawful_a nor_o do_v it_o lose_v its_o obligatory_a virtue_n precise_o for_o this_o because_o it_o seem_v a_o obstacle_n to_o a_o great_a good_a unless_o say_v he_o other_o circumstance_n also_o concur_v as_o usual_o there_o do_v which_o either_o evince_n it_o unlawful_a or_o non-obliging_a he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v what_o be_v best_a so_o that_o our_o brethren_n must_v desert_v this_o plea_n and_o find_v out_o something_o else_o to_o prove_v the_o oath_n unlawful_a or_o non-obligatory_a and_o indeed_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o great_a good_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o oath_n will_v discharge_v we_o from_o its_o observance_n be_v to_o open_v such_o a_o gap_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o perjury_n as_o all_o may_v creep_v out_o at_o and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o manner_n of_o security_n which_o either_o god_n can_v have_v of_o his_o creature_n or_o man_n of_o his_o brother_n by_o any_o verbal_a obligation_n whatsoever_o but_o we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o have_v be_v say_v against_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o either_o unlawful_a or_o void_a and_o not_o obligatory_a chap._n xi_o the_o covenant_n clear_v from_o any_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o efficient_a cause_n whether_o external_a or_o internal_a sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o void_a be_v once_o take_v the_o plea_n from_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulnesse_n of_o
concern_v the_o two_o latter_a whether_o together_o with_o the_o popish_a prelacy_n of_o sole_a and_o single_a jurisdiction_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o then_o assemble_v to_o oblige_v the_o people_n of_o england_n to_o extirpate_v also_o that_o paternal_a prelacy_n for_o which_o some_o plead_v yea_o both_o the_o name_n and_o thing_n of_o prelacy_n though_o mere_o respect_v order_n in_o ecclesiastical_a convention_n that_o we_o may_v make_v up_o a_o just_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o their_o precede_a and_o subsequent_a acts._n §_o 12._o anno_fw-la 1641._o they_o have_v by_o a_o act_n wherein_o the_o king_n join_v with_o they_o take_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n all_o power_n of_o inflict_a penalty_n fine_n amercement_n imprisonment_n or_o any_o corporal_a punishment_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o king_n subject_n for_o any_o matter_n or_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o also_o all_o power_n of_o administer_a oath_n to_o any_o person_n in_o any_o case_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a cognisance_n in_o the_o year_n 1643._o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o impose_v in_o the_o term_n before_o express_v in_o the_o year_n 1646._o they_o first_o establish_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o three_o year_n by_o their_o ordinance_n which_o 1648._o they_o renew_v again_o and_o make_v it_o sine_fw-la die_v in_o the_o year_n 1646._o they_o by_o their_o ordinance_n abolish_v the_o name_n title_n style_n and_o dignity_n of_o all_o bishop_n within_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o inclinable_a to_o have_v judge_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o parliament_n impose_v the_o covenant_n be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o prelacy_n and_o that_o they_o design_v no_o less_o than_o the_o engage_v of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o the_o high_a security_n imaginable_a to_o endeavour_v the_o total_a extirpation_n of_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o have_v we_o not_o be_v inform_v that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o scruple_n be_v make_v by_o some_o member_n in_o parliament_n and_o resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n that_o it_o be_v only_o intend_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o then_o establish_v in_o england_n which_o give_v we_o a_o latitude_n for_o a_o prelacy_n of_o mere_a order_n as_o a_o civil_a constitution_n §_o 13._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o covenant_n apert_o oblige_v we_o against_o arch-bishop_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch-deacon_n chancellor_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o ambiguity_n in_o those_o term_n and_o 2._o against_o all_o such_o exercise_n of_o prelacy_n as_o be_v by_o any_o single_a person_n arrogate_a to_o himself_o sole_a and_o single_a jurisdiction_n or_o sole_a and_o single_a power_n in_o ordination_n 3._o against_o all_o such_o exercise_n of_o prelatical_a power_n as_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o 17_o caroli_n for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o high-commission-court_n as_o to_o all_o these_o the_o parliament_n sense_n be_v clear_a enough_o and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o rigid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o favourable_a as_o the_o word_n of_o it_o can_v bear_v or_o reason_n allow_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v to_o evince_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n §_o 14._o we_o conclude_v then_o that_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v the_o high_a security_n wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o eternal_a god_n can_v have_v we_o engage_v to_o he_o or_o which_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o then_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n or_o our_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n can_v then_o take_v of_o we_o that_o we_o will_v in_o our_o calling_n and_o place_n endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o that_o prelatical_a form_n and_o exercise_v of_o church-government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o england_n by_o archbishop_n tyrannical_a bishop_n their_o chancellor_n arch-deacon_n commissary_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o every_o reasonable_a christian_a must_v conclude_v that_o if_o we_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n by_o establish_v that_o government_n again_o or_o desire_v the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o promove_v own_v or_o countenance_v of_o what_o we_o have_v thus_o solemn_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v not_o only_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v a_o action_n in_o the_o case_n against_o we_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o truth_n to_o they_o but_o the_o righteous_a god_n will_v also_o have_v a_o just_a action_n against_o we_o for_o the_o irreverence_n show_v to_o his_o most_o sacred_a name_n and_o if_o ever_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n with_o who_o we_o be_v engage_v who_o possible_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a so_o easy_o to_o obtain_v a_o discharge_n of_o their_o conscience_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o suffer_a state_n by_o those_o who_o we_o contrary_a to_o our_o solemn_a oath_n shall_v help_v to_o set_v up_o they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o prefer_v a_o sad_a bill_n of_o complaint_n against_o we_o to_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n who_o use_v to_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o whatsoever_o we_o may_v now_o think_v or_o talk_v in_o the_o distemper_n of_o our_o mind_n &_o in_o the_o ranting_n of_o our_o foolish_a passion_n whensoever_o the_o day_n of_o god_n vengeance_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o according_a to_o his_o word_n zech._n 5.3_o 4._o or_o whensoever_o we_o shall_v have_v recover_v our_o wit_n again_o and_o we_o can_v give_v our_o conscience_n awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n leave_v to_o speak_v free_o to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o relieve_v they_o unless_o we_o can_v assign_v such_o a_o error_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o too_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n swear_v as_o will_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o sufficient_a discharge_n as_o to_o our_o observance_n and_o leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o humble_v our_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o our_o take_n of_o it_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v the_o just_a concernment_n of_o every_o soul_n bind_v in_o that_o sacred_a bond_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o advise_o think_v before_o they_o resolve_v upon_o the_o violation_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n and_o if_o those_o who_o think_v they_o have_v find_v they_o will_v avoid_v the_o infamy_n which_o else_o will_v fall_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v stand_v concern_v to_o set_v down_o these_o error_n and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n in_o plain_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n not_o in_o the_o insignificant_a figure_n of_o wanton_a rhetoric_n woeful_o blur_v too_o with_o foolish_a passion_n which_o may_v possible_a satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v before_o resolve_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o make_v a_o bumble_n sufficient_a for_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o silly_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o people_n opportunity_n to_o make_v themselves_o merry_a but_o can_v never_o stop_v the_o mouth_n or_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o a_o waky_a and_o well-informed_n conscience_n chap._n vi_o the_o absolver_n pretend_a error_n in_o the_o covenant_n examine_v in_o part_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o respect_v prelacy_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o plea_n of_o its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n examine_v and_o prove_v insufficient_a for_o the_o irritation_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o we_o say_v before_o that_o whoso_o fanci_v a_o escape_n for_o his_o soul_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n once_o take_v must_v be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_n to_o assign_v some_o error_n sufficient_a to_o discharge_v he_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o must_v be_v also_o judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o from_o that_o a_o oath_n derive_v its_o obligatory_a virtue_n that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o error_n in_o oath_n that_o we_o have_v take_v be_v grant_v whether_o in_o this_o oath_n there_o be_v or_o no_o be_v the_o question_n if_o there_o be_v any_o we_o must_v find_v it_o either_o in_o the_o formal_a or_o material_a or_o efficient_a or_o final_a cause_n for_o we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o in_o any_o appendant_a circumstance_n which_o will_v be_v of_o such_o force_n §_o 2._o and_o very_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n find_v out_o relate_v to_o the_o three_o latter_a cause_n by_o such_o as_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n to_o seek_v they_o they_o have_v seek_v false_a witness_n against_o the_o covenant_n to_o put_v it_o to_o death_n but_o we_o hope_v before_o we_o have_v do_v to_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o they_o have_v find_v none_o for_o their_o testimony_n have_v neither_o agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o