certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n use_v in_o the_o exhortation_n for_o take_v the_o say_a covenant_n publish_a by_o command_n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n 1644._o certain_a disquisition_n and_o consideration_n represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n entitle_v a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizen_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v see_v it_o have_v please_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o with_o a_o introduction_n which_o contain_v that_o which_o it_o seem_v prevail_v with_o they_o and_o they_o expect_v shall_v work_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o take_v the_o follow_a covenant_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reduce_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o clear_a and_o strict_a examination_n upon_o the_o content_n of_o this_o introduction_n and_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o withal_o sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v premise_v viz._n to_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o swear_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a article_n the_o conscience_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o follow_v that_o dictate_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o those_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o other_o consideration_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o will_v therefore_o sincere_o propound_v the_o content_n of_o the_o preface_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o its_o method_n join_v together_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o these_o principle_n 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v 2._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v endanger_v 3._o the_o mean_n therefore_o necessary_a towards_o those_o end_n be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v either_o supplication_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n or_o make_v war_n 4._o the_o former_a be_v first_o to_o be_v use_v but_o if_o they_o fail_v than_o the_o latter_a these_o be_v the_o universal_a maxim_n whereon_o by_o application_n to_o the_o present_a condition_n the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v enforce_v the_o three_o first_o then_o be_v grant_v they_o subsume_v that_o have_v use_v the_o former_a and_o fail_v of_o success_n we_o be_v all_o necessitate_a to_o use_v the_o latter_a viz._n to_o swear_v to_o join_v with_o the_o scot_n in_o arm_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o to_o those_o particular_n after_o mention_v in_o the_o article_n that_o such_o join_n in_o arm_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o one_o another_o with_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n wherein_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v public_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o declaration_n the_o take_v this_o covenant_n be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o their_o confidence_n as_o they_o say_v that_o this_o war_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o courage_n and_o constancy_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o do_v their_o part_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v not_o persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n either_o that_o all_o these_o mean_n mention_v and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v reject_v or_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o army_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o such_o a_o war_n manage_v can_v without_o deadly_a sin_n though_o disengage_v from_o oath_n for_o any_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n upon_o the_o former_a principle_n take_v this_o covenant_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v hereon_o we_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o preface_n and_o consider_v the_o natural_a intimation_n from_o they_o only_o suppose_v for_o example_n the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o assistance_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n in_o this_o present_a join_n in_o arm_n apply_v it_o to_o man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ay_o a._o b._n live_v under_o the_o king_n this_o can_v reasonable_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o war_n but_o obedience_n to_o he_o nor_o a_o motive_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o public_a league_n oath_n and_o covenant_n not_o prescribe_v by_o law_n without_o he_o much_o less_o against_o his_o express_a proclamation_n forasmuch_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n either_o assertory_a or_o promissory_a be_v to_o man_n for_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o a_o public_a oath_n propound_v to_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o public_a strife_n and_o division_n and_o of_o any_o public_a strife_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o nation_n under_o one_o king_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o king_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o and_o to_o we_o moreover_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 24_o h._n 8._o c._n 12._o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n art_n 37._o the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o establishâ—d_fw-mi oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n and_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v enter_v into_o without_o and_o against_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n even_o in_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n itself_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o which_o as_o difference_v from_o popery_n and_o other_o sect_n have_v be_v chief_o that_o it_o have_v always_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n not_o in_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o subject_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n requisite_a towards_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v this_o whether_o by_o this_o war_n consider_v with_o its_o circumstance_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o
have_v determine_v but_o see_v there_o have_v not_o it_o must_v run_v over_o the_o chronicle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v find_v it_o may_v anticipate_v instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o those_o of_o henry_n the_o 8._o when_o there_o be_v more_o just_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o may_v be_v any_o then_o now_o be_v allege_v and_o other_o argument_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o like_a to_o equipoize_v this_o which_o be_v assert_v gratis_o and_o if_o after_o disquisition_n this_o be_v not_o find_v true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o conscience_n will_v be_v according_a to_o those_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a warrant_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscience_n upon_o this_o may_v proceed_v as_o upon_o that_o see_v they_o have_v not_o set_v down_o which_o of_o god_n people_n in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n upon_o the_o like_a cause_n have_v take_v the_o like_a course_n till_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o safe_a way_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v assure_o god_n people_n do_v hold_v and_o practice_n for_o doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o the_o like_a if_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v or_o a_o worse_a case_n they_o be_v prove_v or_o pretend_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o resist_v or_o hold_v it_o lawful_a their_o prince_n in_o the_o great_a persecution_n and_o utmost_a danger_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a unto_o they_o it_o may_v raise_v a_o conclusion_n till_o some_o strong_a reason_n can_v be_v present_v or_o the_o error_n of_o these_o be_v clear_v and_o take_v off_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v require_v to_o assist_v a_o warlike_a entrance_n of_o subject_n with_o all_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v this_o action_n of_o the_o scot_n make_v only_o upon_o a_o believe_a charity_n of_o help_v their_o neighbour_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o if_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o material_n of_o this_o preface_n in_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o premise_n be_v true_a our_o conscience_n can_v assent_v to_o the_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o church_n england_n though_o we_o have_v not_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v to_o some_o particular_n against_o which_o some_o of_o the_o article_n be_v contrive_v to_o assist_v the_o scot_n or_o consent_n to_o they_o in_o this_o war_n which_o assistance_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o this_o covenant_n second_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o member_n which_o do_v conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o conscience_n to_o move_v we_o to_o take_v it_o neither_o in_o the_o complication_n do_v they_o conclude_v three_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consideration_n natural_o suggest_v by_o they_o and_o altogether_o unforced_a prevail_v with_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o till_o every_o one_o of_o these_o obstacle_n and_o scruple_n be_v take_v off_o we_o can_v without_o violence_n to_o our_o conscience_n take_v this_o oath_n that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 1._o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church_n government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o in_o the_o first_o article_n be_v we_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n absolute_o or_o with_o this_o add_v as_o a_o restriction_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n by_o who_o do_v we_o not_o right_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v the_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n that_o those_o word_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v to_o be_v take_v restrictive_o it_o may_v be_v think_v because_o they_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v be_v vain_o add_v and_o that_o by_o common_a enemy_n those_o be_v mean_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n imply_v there_o have_v precede_v no_o other_o division_n to_o which_o this_o community_n can_v refer_v beside_o that_o of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o preface_n so_o that_o the_o word_n our_o must_v refer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o preface_n who_o only_a distribution_n which_o can_v refer_v to_o common_a here_o be_v that_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n this_o viz._n i_o will_v sincere_o real_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o my_o call_n against_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n for_o example_n both_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o scotland_n both_o to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o directory_n for_o worship_n both_o to_o our_o church-government_n and_o to_o presbyterial_a government_n endeavour_v to_o preserve_v their_o article_n manner_n of_o worship_n and_o presbytery_n if_o thus_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v if_o the_o imposer_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v assure_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n can_v infallible_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o will_v they_o have_v we_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preserve_v it_o with_o a_o restriction_n against_o some_o man_n only_o and_o not_o absolute_o and_o indefinite_o whether_o be_v this_o so_o free_a from_o the_o scandal_n of_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o a_o oath_n for_o the_o impartial_a defence_n of_o truth_n do_v require_v if_o they_o doubt_v it_o can_v be_v infallible_o prove_v how_o can_v our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n without_o spiritual_a tyranny_n desire_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o another_o church_n to_o endeavour_v sincere_o real_o etc._n etc._n in_o our_o call_n viz._n by_o preach_v dispute_v or_o otherwise_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o second_o how_o can_v we_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v as_o it_o now_o stand_v nor_o be_v tell_v in_o any_o declaration_n or_o exhortation_n to_o we_o nor_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v or_o search_v no_o opportunity_n offer_v itself_o how_o then_o can_v this_o oath_n be_v by_o we_o take_v in_o judgement_n or_o since_o we_o doubt_v thus_o though_o in_o general_a how_o can_v it_o not_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v other_o than_o sin_n whether_o be_v we_o not_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o we_o hereafter_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scotland_n contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v it_o and_o by_o the_o first_o to_o preserve_v it_o as_o for_o their_o discipline_n and_o government_n so_o much_o as_o we_o understand_v of_o it_o though_o otherwise_o we_o never_o interpose_v yet_o be_v now_o call_v to_o give_v our_o consent_n to_o it_o or_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o endeavour_v its_o preservation_n constant_o and_o indefinite_o for_o all_o time_n to_o come_v till_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o time_n before_o until_o this_o our_o last_o age_n if_o it_o shall_v here_o be_v reply_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n only_o against_o our_o common_a enemy_n that_o be_v of_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n and_o so_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o only_o so_o
far_o as_o we_o all_o agree_v this_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o adequate_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o imposer_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v that_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v not_o only_o they_o who_o be_v adversary_n to_o we_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o all_o three_o do_v agree_v but_o those_o also_o who_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o be_v yet_o by_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o we_o all_o our_o common_a enemy_n against_o who_o therefore_o by_o this_o oath_n we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v to_o each_o that_o also_o wherein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o moreover_o that_o that_o sense_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a sense_n intend_v by_o the_o imposer_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v because_o if_o so_o restrain_v our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n in_o favour_n of_o who_o we_o conceive_v this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n to_o have_v be_v propose_v will_v be_v no_o whit_n secure_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o innovation_n from_o england_n if_o we_o be_v only_o swear_v to_o preserve_v unto_o they_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v at_o the_o enter_v this_o present_a league_n and_o covenant_n three_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n shall_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o oath_n to_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o have_v be_v say_v since_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o yet_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v she_o own_o know_a article_n but_o have_v testify_v her_o moderation_n to_o all_o in_o that_o she_o have_v require_v subscription_n only_o of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v admit_v into_o holy_a order_n or_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n or_o to_o degree_n in_o the_o university_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v late_o judge_v since_o the_o sit_n of_o this_o parliament_n to_o be_v too_o harsh_a a_o imposition_n upon_o young_a student_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o degree_n and_o the_o urge_n of_o it_o suspend_v and_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o use_n before_o this_o age_n even_o in_o any_o not_o corrupt_v church_n to_o command_v man_n to_o swear_v the_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n much_o less_o their_o discipline_n and_o church_n government_n as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n in_o this_o first_o article_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o swear_v how_o can_v any_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o vanity_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v late_o protest_v to_o defend_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o how_o can_v any_o who_o reverent_o believe_v this_o church_n to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o law_n no_o less_o perfect_a than_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v its_o reformation_n in_o all_o those_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o article_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o nothing_o in_o they_o of_o scotland_n to_o be_v reform_v moreover_o the_o best_a direction_n for_o conscience_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o reformation_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v those_o instance_n wherein_o in_o the_o follow_a article_n be_v declare_v the_o reformation_n and_o then_o if_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n there_o express_v as_o instance_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o much_o more_o if_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o take_v this_o part_n of_o the_o oath_n at_o least_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n as_o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n a_o endeavour_n of_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n the_o consideration_n for_o direction_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o second_o for_o we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v a_o uniformity_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reformation_n before_o mention_v and_o after_o that_o reformation_n so_o that_o in_o whatsoever_o sense_n or_o kind_n the_o reformation_n by_o they_o mention_v and_o after_o describe_v be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v in_o the_o same_o our_o endeavour_n for_o uniformity_n be_v not_o lawful_a last_o in_o the_o take_n of_o this_o first_o article_n we_o shall_v as_o we_o conceive_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a either_o of_o rash_a swear_n or_o of_o perjury_n and_o that_o from_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o complication_n of_o these_o two_o clause_n wherein_o first_o we_o shall_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n and_o second_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o those_o particular_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o endeavour_v in_o our_o calling_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n wherein_o our_o enemy_n be_v they_o also_o though_o therein_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o we_o commit_v perjury_n because_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o to_o effect_v therefore_o the_o near_a uniformity_n in_o those_o particular_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o other_o two_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o how_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o regulate_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o to_o reform_v by_o a_o form_n which_o we_o full_o know_v not_o and_o much_o less_o know_v to_o be_v a_o fit_a rule_n or_o form_n without_o rash_a swear_n sure_o we_o be_v we_o can_v swear_v it_o in_o judgement_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v not_o in_o righteousness_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o like_o manner_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n 2._o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n that_o be_v church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch-deacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n how_o can_v we_o swear_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n be_v a_o act_n utter_o unlawful_a for_o all_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o especial_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o land_n and_o to_o swear_v it_o much_o more_o sinful_a and_o be_v we_o not_o here_o bid_v to_o covenant_n and_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n to_o we_o either_o the_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o to_o ambiguity_n we_o may_v not_o swear_v or_o rather_o for_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o charge_v the_o word_n with_o ambiguity_n the_o grammatical_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o the_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v speak_v so_o for_o as_o to_o what_o we_o hear_v by_o some_o say_a that_o only_o our_o church-government_n in_fw-la aggregato_fw-la by_o all_o those_o governor_n together_o in_o a_o collective_a sense_n take_v formal_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o not_o each_o there_o mention_v first_o such_o interpretation_n give_v out_o be_v private_a only_o and_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o second_o those_o word_n and_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n do_v manifest_a that_o all_o the_o former_o mention_v particular_n in_o the_o parenthesis_n be_v to_o be_v construe_v distributive_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o to_o omit_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n there_o interpret_v more_o proper_o agree_v to_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n then_o to_o the_o rest_n there_o mention_v and_o a_o prelacy_n they_o will_v be_v without_o they_o because_o prefer_v before_o presbyter_n and_o if_o it_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v to_o ejure_v bishop_n than_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n since_o as_o well_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n make_v up_o part_n of_o
mark_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o prooem._n in_o matth._n who_o die_v six_o year_n before_o saint_n peter_n or_o s._n paul_n say_v saint_n hierom._n though_o therein_o he_o dissent_v from_o irenaeus_n lib._n 3._o 35._o year_n before_o saint_n james_n the_o apostle_n beside_o therefore_o nine_o record_v as_o bishop_n in_o holy_a scripture_n timothy_n and_o titus_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n and_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n beside_o two_o apostle_n bishop_n viz._n james_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o 2._o peter_n of_o antioch_n b_o 37._o and_o one_o evangelist_n mark_v of_o alexandria_n c_o 371_o there_o be_v also_o nine_o other_o in_o all_o 21._o record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o except_o two_o of_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v there_o register_v for_o saint_n who_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o credible_a record_n of_o christian_n as_o any_o other_o human_a record_n whatsoever_o be_v bishop_n before_o they_o die_v viz._n clemens_n d_o 165._o and_o e_o 165._o linus_n make_v bishop_n of_o rome_n successive_o by_o peter_n and_o paul_n evodius_n f_o name_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n by_o peter_n and_o paul_n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n bishop_n of_o athens_n g_o 4._o archippus_n h_o 7._o bishop_n of_o the_o colossian_n epaphroditus_n i_o sympronian_n bishop_n of_o the_o philippian_n epaphras_n k_o 4._o bishop_n of_o the_o colossian_n gaius_n l_o 16._o also_o bishop_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n trophimus_n m_o leon_n bishop_n of_o arles_n to_o which_o you_o may_v add_v the_o two_o and_o twenty_o antipas_n bishop_n of_o pergamus_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v paraeus_n in_o apoc._n 2._o prove_v it_o out_o of_o arethas_n caesariensis_n in_o apoc._n 1._o and_o onesimus_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n n_o 35._o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o forementioned_a angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o saint_n john_n write_v his_o revelation_n to_o omit_v to_o speak_v here_o of_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v scholar_n and_o auditor_n of_o the_o apostle_n ignatius_n of_o saint_n john_n o_o zenonem_fw-la make_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n by_o saint_n peter_n papias_n p_o 39_o saint_n john_n scholar_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n publius_n and_o qâ—adratus_n q_o 23._o bishop_n of_o athens_n disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophâ—â—_z r_o 11._o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o james_n and_o the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o lord_n this_o order_n of_o bishop_n which_o begin_v though_o the_o first_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o saint_n james_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o saint_n mark_v of_o alexandria_n continue_v throughout_o all_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o bishop_n have_v be_v the_o most_o reverend_a martyr_n such_o as_o ignatius_n polycarp_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n cyprian_n of_o carthage_n and_o more_o than_o 30._o of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n successive_o both_o in_o episcopacy_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o bishop_n also_o especial_o do_v consist_v the_o first_o four_o general_a counsel_n receive_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o confounder_n of_o the_o main_a heresy_n touch_v the_o second_o and_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o eliz._n cap._n 10._o next_o to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_v heresy_n who_o also_o in_o council_n give_v judgement_n for_o the_o inviolable_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o order_n the_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a provide_v ne_fw-la in_fw-la unâ_fw-la civitate_fw-la duo_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopi_fw-la cant._n 8._o the_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n adjudge_v to_o bishop_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n can._n 2._o and_o can._n 4._o in_o the_o case_n of_o maximus_n the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n can._n 7._o and_o confirm_v the_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n can._n 5._o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n determine_v can._n 29._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o in_o the_o first_o article_n we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n sure_o we_o may_v not_o in_o the_o second_o article_n swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o church-government_n by_o bishop_n and_o so_o to_o forsake_v the_o government_n ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o forsake_v the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o which_o we_o conceive_v no_o late_a reform_a church_n will_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o to_o who_o example_n they_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v themselves_o but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v ejure_v only_o as_o it_o interpret_v prelacy_n which_o word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v regimen_fw-la tyranicum_fw-la the_o translation_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o truth_n of_o grammar_n as_o the_o prelate_n be_v accuse_v to_o have_v exceed_v their_o lawful_a power_n forasmuch_o as_o prelacy_n in_o its_o original_n and_o acception_n of_o ancient_a author_n praelati_fw-la we_o say_v not_o elati_fw-la import_v but_o lawful_a pre-eminence_n and_o power_n so_o be_v timothy_n call_v by_o gregory_n de_fw-fr cura_fw-la pastor_fw-la p._n 2._o c._n 11._o praelatus_fw-la gregi_fw-la and_o the_o word_n prelate_n be_v often_o honourable_o mention_v in_o our_o law_n 9_o ed._n 2._o and_o 24_o hen._n 8._o and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o title_n praepositi_fw-la mention_v also_o with_o honour_n by_o st._n cyprian_n epist._n 10._o and_o 55._o and_o 65._o augustin_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 20._o c._n 9_o or_o antistites_fw-la s._n cypr._n ep._n 69._o and_o sancti_fw-la antistites_fw-la s._n august_n ep._n 162._o and_o divers_a word_n in_o scripture_n use_v signify_v equivalent_o such_o pre-eminence_n but_o let_v it_o not_o be_v tell_v indeed_o in_o other_o church_n that_o any_o other_o be_v here_o abjure_v than_o regimen_fw-la tyrannicum_fw-la but_o be_v we_o warrant_v by_o the_o follow_a stile_n of_o hierarchy_n do_v that_o word_n import_v original_o and_o ancient_o any_o other_o than_o a_o sacred_a government_n be_v it_o not_o accept_v and_o approve_v in_o itself_o by_o mr._n calvin_n lib._n de_fw-fr necessitate_fw-la eccl._n reformandae_fw-la talem_fw-la si_fw-la nobis_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la exhibeant_fw-la in_fw-la quâ_fw-la sic_fw-la emineant_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ut_fw-la christo_fw-la subesse_fw-la non_fw-la recusent_fw-la etc._n etc._n ut_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la uno_fw-la capite_fw-la pendeant_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la ipsum_fw-la referantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n tum_fw-la verò_fw-la nullo_fw-la non_fw-la anathemate_fw-la dignos_fw-la fateor_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la eam_fw-la reverentèr_fw-la summâque_fw-la obedientiâ_fw-la observent_fw-la moreover_o how_o can_v we_o in_o the_o same_o article_n abjure_v church-government_n by_o bishop_n with_o heresy_n schism_n and_o profaneness_n as_o there_o it_o follow_v yea_o prelacy_n even_o before_o schism_n and_o heresy_n etc._n etc._n when_o as_o bishop_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o chief_a confounder_n of_o heresy_n and_o heretic_n such_o be_v athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n of_o the_o nestorian_a heresy_n celestine_n bishop_n of_o rome_n augustine_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n prosper_v bishop_n of_o rhegium_n fulgentius_n bishop_n of_o ruspi_n of_o the_o palagian_a heresy_n and_o many_o more_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n before_o and_o since_o nor_o be_v there_o find_v any_o one_o christian_a throughout_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o above_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o abolish_v church_n government_n by_o bishop_n much_o less_o to_o ejâ—re_n it_o save_v only_o one_o heretic_n aerius_n so_o censure_v by_o epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la 75._o and_o by_o saint_n augustine_n haeres_fw-la 53._o who_o speech_n savour_v of_o madness_n say_v epiphanius_n for_o he_o have_v say_v what_o be_v a_o bishop_n differ_v from_o a_o presbyter_n a_o {non-roman}_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o saint_n augustine_n let_v we_o know_v lib._n de_fw-fr haeres_fw-la c._n in_fw-la aerium_fw-la aerius_n be_v a_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v vex_v because_o he_o can_v not_o get_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n and_o thence_o arise_v his_o envy_n epiphanius_n witness_v as_o much_o haeres_fw-la 75._o second_o as_o to_o schism_n saint_n hierom_n the_o one_o and_o only_a father_n allege_v as_o deny_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o bishop_n yet_o hold_v they_o necessary_a to_o repress_v schism_n and_o then_o sure_o most_o necessary_a when_o schism_n do_v as_o in_o these_o our_o day_n most_o abound_v for_o avoid_v of_o schism_n saint_n hierom_n witness_v episcopacy_n be_v
personal_a consent_n and_o both_o house_n alter_v and_o change_v second_o we_o demand_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o be_v here_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o son_n hereby_o engage_v to_o betray_v his_o father_n the_o wife_n her_o husband_n the_o servant_n his_o master_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o as_o malignant_n and_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n if_o so_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o the_o land_n ever_o command_v it_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o high_a treason_n where_o god_n enjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o discovery_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o serve_v other_o god_n a_o sin_n sure_o as_o detestable_a and_o heinous_a as_o to_o be_v such_o as_o here_o be_v to_o be_v account_v malignant_n etc._n etc._n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o read_v deut._n 13._o 6._o if_o thy_o brother_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o mother_n or_o thy_o son_n or_o thy_o daughter_n or_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o bosom_n or_o thy_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o thy_o own_o soul_n entice_v thou_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o conceal_v he_o but_o thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v first_o upon_o he_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o person_n there_o by_o god_n so_o particular_o recount_v in_o the_o text_n not_o to_o be_v conceal_v they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o collateral_a equal_a degree_n as_o the_o brother_n not_o to_o conceal_v his_o brother_n the_o friend_n his_o friend_n or_o of_o some_o inferiority_n as_o the_o husband_n his_o wife_n the_o father_n his_o son_n but_o there_o be_v express_v no_o such_o injunction_n that_o the_o son_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o father_n or_o the_o wife_n her_o husband_n so_o tender_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n of_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o those_o by_o who_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o our_o be_v life_n and_o livelihood_n or_o who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o head_n to_o other_o that_o he_o do_v not_o command_v inferior_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o accusation_n against_o such_o their_o superior_n even_o in_o crime_n which_o the_o law_n judge_v shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n three_o whereas_o we_o have_v in_o the_o late_a protestation_n vow_v to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o also_o be_v require_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v the_o same_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n include_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n yet_o contrary_a hereunto_o as_o we_o conceive_v we_o shall_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o endeavour_v that_o our_o fellow-subject_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o punishment_n either_o such_o as_o their_o offence_n shall_v deserve_v or_o such_o as_o not_o only_o the_o supreme_a indicatory_n of_o both_o kingdom_n but_o any_o other_o also_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a by_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v power_n arbitrary_a sure_o since_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o land_n in_o some_o other_o than_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n viz._n some_o depute_a from_o they_o who_o may_v judge_v it_o convenient_a if_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v convenient_a may_v be_v their_o rule_n as_o well_o sometime_o to_o exceed_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n make_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n as_o otherwhile_o to_o mitigate_v it_o yea_o who_o may_v proceed_v against_o such_o malignant_n where_o the_o law_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o neither_o have_v give_v name_n to_o their_o fault_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o punishment_n and_o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n deny_v in_o former_a time_n to_o our_o progenitor_n 5._o be_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v be_v late_o conclude_v and_o settle_v by_o both_o parliament_n we_o shall_v each_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o interest_n endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n concerning_o the_o happy_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n late_o conclude_v we_o earnest_o pray_v and_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v renew_v and_o be_v sorry_a hearty_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o pacification_n make_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o both_o parliament_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o solemn_a faith_n give_v there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n a_o miserable_a war_n begin_v again_o between_o a_o army_n of_o that_o kingdom_n enter_v we_o without_o and_o against_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o declaration_n and_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o we_o have_v hear_v have_v much_o deprecate_v their_o enter_n in_o allege_v vehement_o that_o their_o late_a solemn_a faith_n and_o pacification_n so_o that_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v in_o we_o also_o protestatis_fw-la contraria_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o bind_v ourselves_o in_o this_o article_n as_o willing_o we_o will_v to_o endeavour_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n and_o in_o the_o next_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v those_o who_o declare_v that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o covenant_n they_o now_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n with_o a_o army_n which_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o late_a act_n of_o pacification_n and_o may_v for_o ourselves_o judge_v and_o discern_v what_o it_o be_v since_o we_o be_v require_v to_o swear_v thereto_o appear_v in_o its_o self_n a_o action_n as_o contrary_a thereto_o as_o war_n to_o peace_n so_o that_o this_o covenant_n will_v bindus_fw-la to_o endeavour_v that_o which_o it_o make_v we_o to_o abjure_v we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n 6._o liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_v and_o pursue_v thereof_o and_o shall_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o shall_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v or_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whereas_o we_o be_v in_o the_o six_o article_n require_v to_o covenant_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o first_o article_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n that_o we_o will_v assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o that_o in_o the_o close_a it_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v whatsoever_o opposition_n we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o all_o primitive_a christian_n who_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o esteem_v for_o bless_a saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o last_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n to_o which_o we_o here_o shall_v swear_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n against_o the_o supreme_a magistrat_n consent_n second_o may_v we_o swear_v never_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o persuasion_n from_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n since_o the_o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a demonstrative_a what_o if_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v see_v better_a reason_n and_o strong_a motive_n to_o forsake_v it_o than_o we_o have_v now_o to_o take_v it_o or_o shall_v have_v then_o to_o keep_v it_o will_v not_o then_o our_o conscience_n better_o inform_v force_n we_o to_o break_v our_o oath_n a_o argument_n that_o we_o sin_v in_o take_v it_o or_o our_o oath_n bind_v
so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v then_o so_o to_o swear_v it_o he_o that_o so_o swear_v swear_v with_o judgement_n against_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o unrighteousness_n without_o truth_n and_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v three_o to_o swear_v save_v all_o former_a oath_n to_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o former_a lawful_a oath_n be_v to_o delude_v both_o our_o former_a and_o present_a oath_n to_o warrant_v that_o we_o may_v without_o scandal_n abjure_v in_o word_n not_o in_o heart_n what_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v because_o we_o have_v swear_v before_o to_o keep_v and_o never_o to_o abjure_v it_o to_o make_v vain_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n the_o wholesome_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n and_o particular_o to_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a covenant_n if_o the_o taker_n intend_v not_o what_o the_o oath_n intendâ—_z and_o may_v also_o hereafter_o save_v this_o present_a oath_n swear_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o present_a be_v it_o consider_v that_o whereas_o this_o oath_n be_v a_o league_n for_o unity_n if_o each_o may_v take_v it_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n its_o end_n will_v be_v none_o and_o we_o as_o far_o from_o joint_a union_n of_o assistance_n as_o before_o for_o swear_v to_o assist_v all_o who_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o assist_v oâ—ely_o the_o taker_n in_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o we_o may_v happy_o be_v tie_v to_o assist_v none_o hereby_o for_o perhaps_o our_o own_o sense_n be_v peculiar_a and_o different_a from_o all_o other_o and_o probable_o from_o most_o for_o most_o take_v it_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n last_o if_o one_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o it_o succeed_v it_o may_v be_v encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o like_o case_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o association_n and_o covenant_n we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o admonish_v ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o if_o in_o this_o we_o offend_v we_o also_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n of_o offence_n before_o the_o face_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n now_o and_o hereafter_o who_o be_v here_o invite_v to_o follow_v our_o example_n shall_v we_o not_o therefore_o sad_o consider_v who_o example_n in_o this_o action_n we_o follow_v before_o we_o give_v and_o invite_v other_o to_o follow_v our_o example_n ought_v we_o not_o wise_o to_o fear_v lest_o by_o this_o we_o expose_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o provocation_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n wherewith_o prince_n in_o prevention_n of_o what_o be_v here_o suggest_v to_o their_o subject_n if_o not_o declare_v against_o by_o they_o may_v aggrieve_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o also_o have_v we_o not_o cause_v to_o question_v with_o ourselves_o how_o the_o example_n of_o enter_v a_o covenant_n mutual_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v one_o another_o when_o there_o be_v declare_v a_o join_n in_o arm_n without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o this_o example_n we_o say_v will_v make_v as_o be_v here_o say_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n now_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n himself_o give_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n peace_n always_o by_o all_o mean_n amen_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o solid_a reason_n if_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v intimate_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o 14_o article_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o express_v that_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o satisfy_n of_o such_o scruple_n as_o may_v arise_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v it_o can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n either_o so_o much_o licence_n to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n with_o strictness_n and_o severity_n or_o so_o much_o satisfaction_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o examination_n see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o end_n of_o write_v which_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o discourse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o outward_a encouragement_n to_o the_o conscience_n towards_o satisfaction_n as_o when_o it_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v examine_v a_o exhortation_n and_o a_o defence_n the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v be_v choose_v the_o work_n appoint_v and_o after_o the_o performance_n twice_o public_o read_v and_o consider_v and_o last_o order_v to_o be_v publish_v by_o they_o who_o be_v the_o manager_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o exhortation_n and_o defence_n be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v the_o declare_a end_n and_o those_o the_o author_n it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o man_n towards_o the_o cause_n itself_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o clear_a and_o firm_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o enforce_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o those_o they_o have_v here_o express_v and_o consequent_o if_o upon_o just_a examination_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v their_o conclusion_n they_o may_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o their_o endeavour_n persist_v in_o their_o opinion_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v a_o degree_n of_o adhesion_n to_o it_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o will_v infer_v be_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o general_a end_n of_o that_o as_o express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o declaration_n which_o concern_v the_o same_o be_v in_o our_o call_n the_o assistance_n of_o those_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n join_v in_o arm_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o a_o word_n to_o assist_v or_o comply_v with_o those_o english_a and_o scottish_a force_n against_o the_o force_n raise_v by_o the_o king_n personal_a command_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scruple_n by_o they_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v remove_v that_o their_o argument_n to_o that_o end_n may_v be_v effectual_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o end_n that_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v have_v be_v clear_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o consider_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o strong_a and_o not_o doubt_v presumption_n and_o supposal_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v defend_v though_o it_o may_v produce_v a_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v though_o not_o so_o strong_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o in_o reason_n be_v repute_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o scruple_n from_o a_o rational_a adversary_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o itself_o for_o a_o true_a and_o thorough_a resolution_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o their_o discourse_n be_v imperfect_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v err_v in_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a and_o esteem_v of_o the_o adverse_a party_n as_o of_o people_n bewitch_v and_o besot_v hoodwink_v and_o blind_v etc._n etc._n nay_o as_o the_o dregs_o and_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o affirm_v the_o name_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o be_v captivate_v and_o prostitute_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o such_o man_n and_o in_o set_v in_o opposition_n the_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o land_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o case_n may_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v without_o any_o great_a damage_n be_v omit_v in_o a_o discourse_n make_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o will_v concern_v the_o conscience_n however_o impartial_o to_o set_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o present_a question_n and_o then_o to_o examine_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o exhortation_n upon_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o conscience_n will_v natural_o follow_v to_o propound_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n impartial_o though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v make_v