tear_v in_o piece_n the_o king_n prerogative_n who_o consent_n be_v necessary_a invade_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n to_o make_v new_a law_n in_o thing_n lawful_a or_o establish_v the_o old_a break_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o be_v impose_v on_o with_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o have_v so_o many_o society_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n destroy_v plain_o subvert_v 6._o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o oath_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o 2._o 2_o sam._n 21._o 2._o gibeonite_n by_o joshua_n the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n shall_v not_o oblige_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o hatred_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o their_o injury_n and_o ruin_n by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o people_n without_z and_o against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v none_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o either_o house_n nothing_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v why_o such_o a_o covenant_n so_o far_o at_o least_o shall_v bind_v at_o all_o one_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o good_a he_o have_v swear_v so_o be_v joshua_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o gibeonite_n one_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v swear_v as_o the_o covenant_n will_v have_v he_o 7._o israel_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o covenant_n that_o hurt_v none_o but_o themselves_o if_o themselves_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o covenant_n oblige_v they_o england_n that_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v also_o cheat_v pardon_v the_o expression_n into_o a_o covenant_n that_o injure_v the_o taker_n and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o king_n the_o parliament_n that_o make_v it_o all_o future_a parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o taker_n themselves_o by_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o former_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o particular_a have_v before_o appear_v and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o bind_v to_o so_o much_o iniquity_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o or_o other_o instance_n of_o zedekiah_n oath_n etc._n etc._n or_o i_o presume_v to_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o have_v indeed_o engage_v i_o long_o than_o at_o first_o i_o foresee_v a_o general_a conclusion_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o re-ordination_a and_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o law_n require_v of_o minister_n by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n re-ordination_a of_o such_o as_o be_v only_o ordain_v already_o by_o presbyter_n and_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o by_z bishop_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v concern_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o consider_v that_o liberty_n be_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o own_o sense_n whether_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n only_o be_v valid_a or_o not_o also_o that_o the_o act_n make_v itself_o no_o judge_n of_o the_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o foreign_a church_n also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n as_o also_o that_o if_o their_o former_a ordination_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o form_n it_o can_v not_o pass_v for_o legal_a ordination_n in_o this_o church_n or_o nation_n nor_o legal_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o the_o profit_n of_o their_o place_n no_o other_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v appoint_v or_o allow_v by_o our_o governor_n and_o therefore_o their_o submission_n thereunto_o can_v be_v a_o take_n god_n name_n in_o vain_a which_o have_v so_o good_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o end_n but_o especial_o consider_v that_o worthy_a mr._n humphrey_n have_v write_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o large_o already_o upon_o this_o subject_a he_o have_v so_o well_o prevent_v my_o pain_n herein_o i_o have_v only_o to_o refer_v my_o brethren_n to_o his_o book_n for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o concern_v that_o which_o i_o have_v write_v in_o this_o treatise_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o subscribe_v which_o i_o do_v animo_fw-la that_o i_o have_v not_o use_v one_o argument_n but_o i_o real_o judge_v it_o convince_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o either_o answer_v or_o prevent_v by_o any_o thing_n write_v either_o by_o mr._n crofton_n or_o the_o learned_a and_o sober_a author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea._n 3._o neither_o can_v i_o divine_a what_o may_v possible_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v except_o only_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o government_n liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o the_o declaration_n require_v 4._o i_o confess_v i_o take_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o in_o themselves_o for_o grant_v and_o my_o reason_n i_o hint_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n namely_o because_o i_o be_v to_o treat_v such_o only_a or_o chief_o with_o it_o as_o have_v purpose_v to_o conform_v have_v not_o the_o act_n require_v they_o thus_o to_o declare_v such_o i_o conceive_v do_v not_o believe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o office_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n be_v in_o it_o self_n unlawful_a who_o by_o their_o conformity_n intend_v before_o to_o own_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o 5._o however_o let_v i_o humble_o beseech_v my_o brethren_n if_o thus_o they_o scruple_n serious_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o able_a pen_n that_o ever_o engage_v in_o these_o great_a controversy_n have_v hitherto_o find_v it_o a_o task_n too_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o evince_v that_o either_o the_o form_n of_o government_n or_o any_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a 6._o yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n that_o very_o few_o that_o have_v be_v learned_a and_o sober_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o point_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o late_a trouble_n but_o though_o they_o have_v much_o scruple_v at_o first_o have_v argue_v themselves_o at_o length_n into_o a_o conviction_n at_o least_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o 7._o i_o hope_v my_o brethren_n will_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v to_o remember_v they_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o regula_n regulans_fw-la in_o the_o first_o consideration_n though_o so_o in_o the_o second_o but_o regula_n regulata_n and_o that_o she_o have_v a_o rule_n above_o she_o that_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o she_o and_o the_o very_a synterisis_n and_o proposition_n from_o which_o alone_o she_o must_v draw_v and_o conclude_v all_o her_o definition_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 8._o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o our_o own_o not_o our_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o our_o will_n so_o that_o what_o he_o command_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o duty_n what_o he_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v a_o sin_n and_o what_o he_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v must_v be_v hold_v indifferent_a that_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v neither_o a_o duty_n nor_o a_o sin_n by_o every_o well_o enlighten_v right_o rule_v and_o indifferent_a conscience_n 9_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n to_o any_o man_n conscience_n what_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n indifferent_a that_o be_v what_o he_o have_v neither_o commdnded_a and_o make_v a_o duty_n nor_o forbid_v and_o make_v a_o sin_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o god_n mind_n 10._o if_o yet_o the_o doubt_n continue_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o suffer_v i_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o better_a help_n under_o heaven_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o beside_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o reform_a church_n 11._o let_v the_o person_n then_o that_o desire_v satisfaction_n indeed_o bring_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o question_n first_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v see_v they_o condemn_v there_o as_o true_o i_o can_v let_v he_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n after_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o prosecute_v his_o full_a
both_o sin_n to_o which_o no_o covenant_n can_v possible_o oblige_v for_o than_o it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o against_o god_n himself_o 2._o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o article_n be_v against_o many_o former_a oath_n whereby_o the_o nation_n stand_v oblige_v before_o the_o covenant_n be_v impose_v or_o take_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o be_v first_o oblige_v by_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o not_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o natural_a allegiance_n in_o which_o all_o subject_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n be_v bear_v oblige_v when_o they_o be_v bear_v subject_n unto_o our_o lawful_a prince_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n superad_v re-enforceth_a we_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o lawful_a command_n 2._o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n above_o mention_v whether_o this_o oath_n be_v actual_o take_v before_o the_o covenant_n or_o after_o we_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o king_n law_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o against_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o against_o his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n whatsoever_o be_v hitherto_o urge_v to_o enervate_a the_o same_o 3._o especial_o if_o we_o add_v the_o direct_a obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n wherein_o we_o all_o own_o and_o recognize_v the_o king_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a supreme_a governor_n for_o how_o can_v the_o oath_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n and_o destroy_v his_o officer_n against_o his_o will_n and_o his_o know_a law_n consist_v with_o his_o swear_a supremacy_n or_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n how_o do_v those_o ecclesiastical_a person_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o supreme_a governor_n while_o they_o resist_v he_o against_o his_o express_a law_n in_o this_o very_a cause_n even_o with_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v his_o government_n 4._o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a ministry_n stand_v more_o immediate_o oblige_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o subscription_n to_o thirty_o nine_o article_n wherein_o they_o have_v set_v their_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o superstitious_a or_o ungodly_a in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o make_v consecrate_v â—nd_n ordain_v of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o also_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o very_a ordination_n as_o deacon_n and_o as_o presbyter_n in_o which_o they_o solemn_o promise_v to_o obey_v their_o ordinary_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o godly_a judgement_n which_o they_o also_o bind_v with_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n 5._o last_o the_o general_a protestation_n take_v some_o year_n before_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o effect_v the_o discharge_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a 6._o that_o the_o protestation_n be_v as_o legal_a as_o the_o covenant_n as_o yet_o none_o ever_o question_v it_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o same_o power_n at_o least_o it_o be_v never_o proclaim_v against_o by_o the_o king_n as_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n argue_v do_v sufficient_o ratify_v it_o it_o be_v take_v by_o the_o same_o person_n general_o and_o indeed_o by_o thousand_o more_o than_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o that_o be_v doubtless_o enough_o by_o mr._n croftons_n logic_n to_o conclude_v it_o national_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o to_o be_v violate_v or_o make_v void_a by_o any_o future_a power_n or_o obligation_n or_o covenant_n whatsoever_o 7._o but_o wherein_o be_v the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o protestation_n 1._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o promise_v to_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o by_o our_o stand_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n notwithstanding_o its_o establishment_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o by_o supersede_v parliamentary_a power_n for_o ever_o enjoin_v our_o subjection_n to_o it_o be_v sufficient_o violate_v 2._o in_o the_o protestation_n we_o also_o promise_v to_o defend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a these_o be_v also_o violent_o seize_v on_o by_o this_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n herein_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n be_v have_v their_o freehold_n swear_v against_o and_o their_o power_n and_o office_n threaten_v with_o utter_a extirpation_n notwithstanding_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n yea_o when_o neither_o their_o king_n that_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n nor_o any_o to_o represent_v they_o have_v liberty_n to_o vindicate_v their_o cause_n or_o speak_v in_o their_o behalf_n in_o the_o parliament_n when_o destruction_n be_v contrive_v by_o this_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v hint_v before_o and_o unanswerable_o handle_v by_o other_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o way_n of_o preobligation_n mention_v viz._n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o our_o generation_n when_o i_o have_v seal_v that_o from_o our_o oath_n and_o promise_n now_o speak_v to_o with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o dr._n ames_n never_o yet_o acquaint_v with_o doubt_n juramentum_fw-la posterius_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la promissionem_fw-la antecedentem_fw-la &_o honestam_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la a_o latter_a oath_n that_o be_v against_o a_o former_a honest_a oath_n or_o but_o a_o promise_n do_v not_o bind_v 3._o three_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n can_v bind_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o duty_n or_o discharge_v we_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o office_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n before_o ever_o the_o covenant_n be_v think_v on_o 1._o i_o acknowledge_v that_o my_o lord_n of_o lincoln_n teach_v that_o the_o seem_a hinder_v of_o some_o good_a do_v not_o simple_o or_o precise_o always_o discharge_v we_o from_o our_o oath_n except_o there_o be_v other_o circumstance_n concur_v which_o evince_n it_o non_fw-la oblige_v 2._o but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o question_n here_o when_o our_o place_n and_o duty_n require_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v be_v hinder_v for_o then_o the_o discharge_n result_v also_o yea_o and_o principal_o from_o a_o former_a obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n 3._o a_o man_n swear_v he_o will_v never_o come_v near_o such_o a_o river_n more_o because_o he_o have_v like_a to_o have_v be_v drown_v there_o but_o at_o a_o distance_n he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o same_o hazard_n at_o the_o same_o place_n now_o certain_o notwithstanding_o his_o oath_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o help_v his_o brother_n out_o and_o to_o save_v his_o life_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o there_o be_v a_o prior_n obligation_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o 4._o dr._n jacob_n the_o casuist_n put_v a_o hard_a case_n by_o far_o than_o this_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o another_o that_o he_o will_v do_v he_o no_o hurt_n yet_o if_o by_o the_o law_n he_o kill_v he_o afterward_o he_o do_v not_o break_v his_o oath_n his_o reason_n be_v quia_fw-la illa_fw-la promissio_fw-la non_fw-la occidendi_fw-la subintelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la lege_fw-la permittente_fw-la imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o preobligation_n upon_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n indeed_o the_o thing_n swear_v must_v be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o or_o at_o least_o of_o weak_a necessity_n than_o the_o good_a that_o will_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o keep_n our_o oath_n and_o then_o all_o casuist_n i_o think_v concur_v with_o jacob_n and_o sylvester_n qui_fw-la indifferens_fw-la aliquid_fw-la jurat_fw-la ut_fw-la ite_z ad_fw-la villam_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la militem_fw-la etc._n etc._n dato_n casu_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la vivere_fw-la nequeat_fw-la nisi_fw-la veniat_fw-la contra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la illud_fw-la seruare_fw-la non_fw-la tenetur_fw-la &_o propriâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la contravenire_fw-la potest_fw-la 5._o now_o if_o to_o endeavour_v extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o sinful_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v non-necessary_a and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o so_o though_o man_n have_v swear_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o keep_v their_o oath_n will_v hinder_v the_o do_n of_o their_o natural_a duty_n both_o to_o the_o king_n in_o break_v his_o law_n &_o cast_v off_o his_o government_n and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o several_a congregation_n in_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o incapacity_n according_a to_o law_n to_o serve_v any_o long_o in_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v so_o far_o discharge_v of_o our_o oath_n
be_v enough_o that_o such_o as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v alter_v much_o less_o extirpated_a without_o the_o change_n of_o the_o law_n very_o many_o law_n that_o much_o concern_v if_o not_o establish_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v to_o be_v a_o grand_a part_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n that_o no_o law_n be_v make_v or_o alter_v without_o his_o fiat_fw-la much_o less_o then_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v himself_o so_o near_o as_o the_o change_n not_o his_o commissioner_n only_o but_o his_o government_n itself_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o apparent_a that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o take_v that_o the_o covenanter_n do_v intend_v either_o to_o force_v his_o consent_n to_o change_v those_o law_n or_o else_o to_o root_v out_o the_o government_n by_o prelacy_n against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o law_n too_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v fair_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o king_n shall_v please_v or_o if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o change_v the_o law_n or_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o we_o have_v discover_v in_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelacy_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o remember_v how_o the_o covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o as_o if_o the_o plot_n be_v lay_v to_o down_o with_o the_o bishop_n whether_o the_o king_n will_v consent_v or_o not_o or_o what_o ere_o come_v on_o it_o case_n ix_o whether_o to_o endeavour_v thus_o against_o the_o king_n right_n as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v sinful_a resol_n without_o question_v it_o be_v for_o to_o covenant_n or_o swear_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o any_o be_v material_o sinful_a and_o void_a of_o itself_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v vow_v he_o will_v steal_v his_o neighbour_n horse_n in_o all_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o inferior_n must_v except_v the_o right_n of_o their_o superior_n otherwise_o if_o a_o oath_n will_v discharge_v from_o subjection_n how_o soon_o may_v all_o government_n totter_v and_o dissolve_v no_o covenant_n can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n more_o than_o of_o six_o seven_o eight_o or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v by_o all_o casuist_n that_o in_o iis_fw-la rebus_fw-la quae_fw-la superioris_fw-la potestati_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la in_o all_o thing_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o superior_a this_o condition_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o covenant_n oath_n and_o promise_n si_fw-la ipsi_fw-la etiam_fw-la placuerit_fw-la if_o it_o shall_v also_o please_v he_o that_o be_v our_o superior_a now_o nothing_o can_v possible_o intercept_v the_o conclusion_n but_o that_o either_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lie_v under_o the_o king_n or_o that_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o power_n or_o that_o he_o give_v his_o consent_n either_o to_o the_o covenant_n or_o to_o the_o alter_a of_o this_o government_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v true_a first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o under_o the_o king_n or_o swear_v by_o we_o all_o to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a and_o indeed_o as_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n political_o consider_v be_v the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a line_n of_o subordination_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v take_v from_o he_o or_o indeed_o on_o purpose_n oppose_v or_o disobey_v without_o apparent_a injury_n to_o the_o supremacy_n if_o not_o with_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o special_a commission_n second_o neither_o may_v this_o government_n be_v alter_v or_o any_o thing_n change_v therein_o or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n elsethat_o can_v be_v alter_v without_o law_n but_o by_o the_o king_n own_o act_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o law_n be_v a_o thing_n subject_n also_o to_o the_o king_n power_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n without_o all_o dispute_n three_o neither_o do_v the_o king_n consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v proclaimêd_v his_o dissent_n against_o it_o which_o very_a thing_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o void_a it_o datur_fw-la juritatio_fw-la juramenti_fw-la aliquando_fw-la per_fw-la superiores_fw-la si_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la ipsa_fw-la materiâ_fw-la 219._o amese_n de_fw-fr consc_fw-fr p._n 219._o sint_fw-la superiores_fw-la circa_fw-la quam_fw-la juramentum_fw-la versatur_fw-la sic_fw-la parent_n so_o parent_n husband_n master_n prince_n may_v pronounce_v say_v dr._n ames_n either_o oath_n or_o vow_n make_v by_o child_n wife_n servants_z subject_n without_o their_o consent_n to_o be_v void_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o power_n therefore_o so_o far_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o by_o law_n it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n at_o least_o not_o to_o alter_v it_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a upon_o both_o house_n and_o consequent_o his_o proclamation_n have_v pronounce_v the_o covenant_n long_o ago_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v good_a which_o i_o think_v none_o do_v question_n at_o least_o so_o far_o void_a i_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o king_n so_o many_o year_n after_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v immediate_o upon_o its_o very_a birth_n crush_v by_o his_o proclamation_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o his_o proclamation_n can_v pronounce_v it_o void_a and_o destroy_v it_o i_o think_v it_o may_v well_o be_v a_o problem_n whether_o the_o king_n future_a consent_n can_v revive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v indeed_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v so_o many_o year_n before_o but_o in_o what_o word_n do_v the_o king_n seem_v to_o consent_v he_o say_v it_o shall_v least_o displease_v he_o that_o man_n do_v keep_v their_o covenant_n these_o word_n do_v not_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n much_o less_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v episcopacy_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o but_o rather_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o king_n word_n to_o preserve_v not_o to_o extirpate_v religion_n in_o purity_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n indeed_o thus_o some_o will_v wrest_v one_o plea._n coven_n plea._n modest_a expression_n against_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o king_n book_n frame_v by_o he_o on_o set_v purpose_n to_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o his_o death_n as_o any_o impartial_a reader_n thereof_o may_v satisfy_v himself_o four_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v nor_o true_o be_v it_o by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o the_o king_n do_v ever_o consent_v to_o the_o alteration_n much_o less_o the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n he_o be_v indeed_o at_o last_o content_v upon_o a_o very_a hard_a bargain_n to_o give_v it_o a_o suspension_n for_o three_o year_n but_o the_o sword_n cut_v off_o that_o precede_a and_o the_o objection_n with_o it_o case_n x._o whether_o the_o govenant_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopal_a government_n be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a resol_n to_o swear_v absolute_o without_o submismision_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v either_o according_a to_o scripture_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o act_n this_o transport_v the_o subject_n beyond_o his_o place_n it_o invade_v the_o soveraingty_n and_o carry_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v though_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a especial_o when_o such_o covenant_n be_v public_o impose_v and_o take_v for_o no_o public_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o can_v proceed_v without_o tumult_n if_o not_o consent_v unto_o by_o the_o king_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fright_v to_o do_v it_o by_o his_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o rise_v up_o against_o he_o by_o public_a oath_n this_o be_v to_o hurt_v majesty_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v swear_v to_o do_v it_o in_o their_o place_n the_o form_n of_o their_o swear_n contradict_v the_o matter_n swear_v for_o they_o can_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n 3._o much_o more_o when_o the_o thing_n swear_v against_o be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o nor_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n therefore_o mr._n crofton_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o covenanter_n plea_n
this_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o how_o then_o can_v the_o law_n of_o man_n make_v afterward_o take_v that_o off_o answ_n this_o be_v prevent_v in_o the_o very_a rule_n itself_o for_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o covenant_n about_o such_o mutable_a thing_n without_o this_o condition_n be_v understand_v and_o whatever_o we_o think_v we_o give_v unto_o he_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o bond_n from_o we_o without_o this_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o none_o much_o less_o of_o superior_n 2._o and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o must_v needs_o effect_v to_o authority_n if_o a_o oath_n take_v by_o subject_n about_o thing_n mutable_a shall_v have_v power_n to_o suspend_v all_o future_a law_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o 3._o indeed_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o we_o mistake_v wherein_o not_o by_o the_o covenant_n mention_v by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v as_o christian_n that_o we_o will_v honour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n and_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o high_a power_n 4._o this_o be_v such_o a_o preobligation_n as_o no_o future_a covenant_n can_v possible_o dissolve_v so_o that_o such_o as_o make_v a_o covenant_n that_o shall_v bind_v they_o against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o authority_n do_v thereby_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o if_o they_o desire_v to_o renew_v again_o they_o have_v no_o course_n leave_v but_o to_o break_v off_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o unlawful_a covenant_n by_o timely_a repentance_n 5._o serious_o consider_v that_o we_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n that_o which_o we_o have_v now_o at_o least_o no_o power_n to_o do_v we_o have_v not_o the_o leave_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o take_v and_o we_o see_v their_o law_n and_o right_n will_v be_v manifest_o violate_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o we_o offer_v that_o which_o be_v not_o our_o own_o which_o authority_n alone_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o thus_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n what_o we_o steal_v from_o our_o neighbour_n or_o rather_o affront_v and_o mock_v he_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v he_o more_o than_o we_o have_v for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o will_v do_v that_o for_o god_n which_o afterward_o we_o can_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o law_n and_o offence_n to_o authority_n 7._o certain_o the_o first_o table_n be_v never_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o god_n will_v not_o be_v right_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o our_o brother_n or_o glorify_v by_o dishonour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n our_o unrighteousness_n can_v work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o fear_v god_n by_o dishonour_v the_o king_n 8._o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o present_a objection_n and_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n god_n unalterable_a law_n be_v to_o obey_v our_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a thing_n that_o be_v now_o lawful_a may_v be_v forbid_v we_o by_o authority_n and_o then_o those_o thing_n that_o before_o be_v lawful_a become_v unlawful_a the_o state_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v mutable_a and_o how_o they_o will_v change_v we_o know_v not_o only_o this_o we_o know_v we_o must_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o submit_v to_o authority_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 9_o therefore_o god_n have_v the_o first_o obligation_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v unalterable_a no_o promise_n or_o oath_n aftwards_o can_v discharge_v we_o from_o that_o and_o consequent_o all_o promise_n and_o covenant_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o mutable_a may_v be_v make_v or_o if_o make_v can_v bind_v no_o further_o then_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o thing_n so_o continue_v and_o no_o command_n from_o authority_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o i_o have_v something_o behind_o that_o i_o hope_v may_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n 10._o there_o be_v a_o famous_a case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o jesuit_n much_o dispute_v in_o king_n james_n his_o day_n that_o do_v full_o in_o all_o due_a circumstance_n answer_v we_o 11._o it_o be_v usual_a then_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o controversy_n for_o jesuit_n to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o take_v a_o oath_n at_o rome_n according_a to_o a_o certain_a constitution_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o will_v return_v into_o england_n and_o public_o preach_v the_o catholic_n faith_n here_o 12._o now_o because_o that_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o take_v this_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n prohibit_v this_o practice_n be_v make_v and_o some_o after_o there_o arise_v into_o controversy_n two_o notable_a case_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o respect_v such_o person_n as_o take_v such_o oath_n against_o the_o law_n before_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_n be_v this_o whether_o that_o oath_n to_o preach_v public_o the_o romish_a faith_n do_v bind_v the_o person_n so_o swear_v against_o the_o law_n before_o in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o second_o respect_v such_o as_o take_v that_o oath_n before_o the_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v be_v this_o whether_o the_o law_n make_v against_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v do_v not_o render_v the_o oath_n though_o make_v before_o to_o the_o contrary_a void_a 13._o both_o these_o case_n be_v so_o parallel_a to_o we_o they_o just_o require_v we_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n how_o they_o be_v decide_v 14._o and_o in_o earnest_n what_o do_v our_o best_a divine_n conclude_v about_o they_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o law_n prohibit_v that_o which_o they_o swear_v to_o do_v be_v antecedent_n to_o their_o oath_n the_o oath_n be_v unjust_a from_o the_o beginning_n 7._o sair_n thes_n case_n cons_n c._n 7._o for_o which_o be_v quote_v those_o word_n of_o their_o own_o casuist_n a_o law_n which_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o loss_n of_o good_n death_n banishment_n or_o such_o like_a bind_v a_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o thence_o our_o divine_n conclude_v that_o no_o vow_n can_v justify_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o 15._o but_o suppose_v the_o oath_n be_v first_o take_v what_o say_v they_o then_o here_o also_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitancy_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n can_v bind_v against_o a_o law_n though_o the_o law_n be_v make_v after_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v thus_o say_v a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o jesuit_n as_o to_o this_o case_n if_o these_o law_n which_o take_v hold_v of_o you_o when_o you_o return_v hither_o have_v be_v make_v between_o the_o time_n of_o your_o vow_n and_o your_o return_v yet_o natural_o they_o will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o this_o vow_n of_o you_o that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o vow_n and_o make_v it_o void_a he_o also_o add_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o which_o before_o we_o have_v use_v because_o say_v he_o something_o be_v now_o interpose_v which_o may_v just_o yea_o ought_v to_o change_v your_o purpose_n 16._o but_o the_o jesuit_n seem_v to_o complain_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o interrupt_v and_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o to_o make_v they_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o hence_o a_o three_o notable_a case_n issue_v viz._n 17._o whether_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o law_n namely_o to_o make_v man_n previous_a oath_n void_a do_v not_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o such_o law_n as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o oath_n the_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o consist_v of_o two_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o evil_a intention_n in_o the_o legislators_a but_o clear_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o provoke_v these_o law_n 2._o however_o though_o the_o law_n have_v be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o preclude_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o vow_n yet_o will_v they_o natural_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o void_a the_o vow_n urge_v that_o 1._o alphon._n castr._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la leg_n doc._n 1._o their_o own_o man_n teach_v that_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o therefore_o necessary_o unjust_a and_o void_a because_o the_o prince_n have_v a_o ill_a intention_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o all_o this_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n if_o easy_a vid._n dr._n don_n pseudomartyr_n p._n 156_o 157_o the_o application_n be_v too_o easy_a the_o law_n be_v just_a be_v evident_a and_o