be_v count_v blasphemy_n for_o angel_n or_o man_n to_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o the_o say_a honour_n and_o office_n 4_o the_o section_n the_o 23_o the_o on_o the_o sacrament_n popish_a baptism_n be_v deny_v as_o to_o its_o validity_n and_o popish_a priest_n deny_v to_o be_v true_a minister_n which_o expression_n if_o narrow_o scan_v will_v be_v find_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o contradictory_n to_o other_o position_n in_o the_o confession_n itself_o four_o we_o fear_v that_o our_o people_n may_v look_v on_o we_o rather_o as_o countenancer_n and_o incourager_n than_o suppressor_n of_o popery_n see_v by_o the_o act_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o delate_v yearly_a in_o october_n such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o our_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o king_n lawful_a brother_n and_o son_n in_o perpetuum_fw-la be_v exempt_a from_o take_v the_o test_n and_o consequent_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o be_v papist_n or_o protestant_n and_o what_o bad_a influence_n their_o example_n may_v have_v on_o inferior_a people_n may_v easy_o be_v apprehend_v and_o our_o take_v the_o test_n will_v be_v repute_v a_o approve_v of_o that_o exemption_n which_o will_v be_v more_o stumble_v that_o all_o former_a act_n against_o papist_n be_v make_v without_o any_o exemption_n and_o they_o all_o declare_v to_o be_v disloyal_a who_o embrace_v not_o the_o reform_a religion_n particular_o in_o the_o 47_o the_o act_n of_o the_o three_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o five_o i._o and_o the_o 8_o the_o act_n of_o the_o i._o parliament_n of_o charles_n the_o ii_o five_o we_o be_v to_o swear_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o endeavour_v the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n where_o we_o suppose_v we_o be_v swear_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v monarchy_n but_o also_o as_o our_o law_n tie_v we_o in_o the_o present_a line_n and_o in_o the_o near_a in_o kin_n to_o our_o present_a king_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v papist_n although_o we_o judge_v the_o coronation_n oath_n in_o the_o eight_o act_n of_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o vi_o to_o be_v contradictory_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o stand_v unrepealed_a law_n since_o this_o currant_n parliament_n have_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v all_o act_n make_v in_o savour_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o so_o that_o we_o swear_v contradiction_n six_o as_o for_o the_o church_n government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o law_n there_o have_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v yet_o want_v sound_a protestant_n who_o assert_v the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la of_o episcopacy_n such_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n take_v this_o oath_n see_v the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o prerogative_n and_o supremacy_n be_v impower_v by_o law_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o external_n government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o please_v as_o for_o such_o as_o look_v upon_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o notwithstanding_o the_o submission_n that_o we_o give_v to_o it_o or_o have_v engage_v for_o they_o can_v as_o little_a swear_v on_o these_o term_n for_o why_o shall_v they_o swear_v never_o to_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o alterable_a there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n may_v not_o prove_v hurtful_a and_o why_o may_v not_o man_n in_o their_o station_n endeavour_v the_o redress_v by_o fair_a mean_n of_o any_o such_o evil_a and_o advise_v his_o majesty_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o exert_v the_o power_n settle_v on_o he_o by_o the_o law_n for_o free_v the_o church_n from_o any_o inconveniency_n and_o although_o we_o have_v engage_v to_o obey_v bishop_n yet_o we_o ever_o do_v wish_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v aâ—ongst_a we_o in_o a_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n viz._n that_o their_o number_n may_v be_v more_o increase_v that_o they_o may_v by_v call_v by_o the_o church_n allenarly_a to_o that_o office_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v such_o pragmatical_a meddler_n in_o civil_a affair_n and_o that_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n may_v have_v more_o power_n than_o be_v assign_v they_o by_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n from_o the_o seek_v a_o remedy_n in_o any_o of_o which_o thing_n this_o oath_n do_v tie_v we_o up_o seven_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o present_a law_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v popish_a shall_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o protestant_a interest_n for_o by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 2d_o parliament_n of_o charles_n the_o second_o he_o may_v not_o only_o dispose_v of_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n but_o may_v emit_v such_o act_n concern_v the_o person_n employ_v therein_o &_o all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o therein_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o this_o act_n only_o publish_v be_v to_o oblige_v all_o his_o subject_n and_o by_o the_o act_n for_o a_o national_a synod_n no_o doctrinal_a matter_n may_v be_v propose_v debate_v or_o conclude_v without_o his_o express_a allowance_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o divine_a what_o advantage_n the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v have_v for_o the_o overturning_a of_o all_o hoc_fw-la â—thacusvelit_fw-la &_o magno_fw-la mercentur_fw-la atrid_n edinburgh_n the_o sederunt_fw-la of_o the_o council_n sederunt_fw-la vigesimo_fw-la secundo_fw-la die_fw-la septembris_fw-la 1681._o his_o royal_a highness_n etc._n etc._n montrose_n errall_n martial_n marr_n glencarne_n winton_n linlithgow_n perth_n strathmore_n roxburgh_n queensberry_n airley_n kintore_n breadalbane_n lorne_n levingston_n bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n elphinston_n rosse_n dalziel_n treasurer_n deputy_n praeses_fw-la advocate_n justice_n clerk_n collintoun_n tarbet_n haddo_n lundie_n this_o day_n the_o test_n be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o above-written_a privy_a councillor_n and_o by_o the_o earl_n of_o queensberry_n who_o come_v in_o after_o the_o rest_n have_v take_v it_o declare_v that_o he_o take_v it_o with_o the_o explication_n follow_v the_o earl_n of_o queensberrie_n explanation_n of_o the_o test_n when_o he_o take_v it_o his_o lordship_n declare_v that_o by_o that_o part_n of_o the_o test_n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o understand_v himself_o to_o be_v oblige_v against_o alteration_n in_o case_n it_o shall_v please_v his_o majesty_n to_o make_v alteration_n of_o of_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n halyrudehouse_n sederunt_fw-la vigesimo_fw-la primo_fw-la die_fw-la octobris_fw-la 1681._o his_o royal_a highness_n etc._n etc._n winton_n perth_n strathmore_n queensberry_n ancram_fw-la airley_n lorne_n levingston_n bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n treasurer_n deputy_n praeses_fw-la register_n advocate_n collintoun_n this_o day_n the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v draw_v up_o a_o long_a explication_n of_o the_o test_n to_o satisfy_v the_o many_o objection_n and_o scruple_n move_v against_o it_o especial_o by_o the_o conform_a clergy_n present_v it_o to_o the_o council_n for_o their_o lp_n approbation_n which_o be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v but_o the_o paper_n prove_v prolix_a and_o tedious_a his_o highness_n after_o read_v of_o a_o few_o leaf_n interrupt_v say_v very_o witty_o and_o pertinent_o that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o john_n with_o a_o stone_n will_v chase_v away_o a_o dog_n and_o so_o break_v it_o off_o yet_o the_o bishop_n be_v afterward_o allow_v to_o print_v it_o if_o he_o please_v and_o here_o you_o have_v it_o the_o bishop_n of_o edenburgh_n explanatory_a vindication_n of_o the_o test._n the_o last_o session_n of_o this_o currant_n parliament_n consider_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o important_a of_o all_o other_o do_v by_o the_o first_o act_n revive_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v all_o act_n and_o statute_n make_v in_o our_o former_a parliament_n establish_v the_o same_o in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o act_v be_v make_v by_o our_o wise_a ancestor_n when_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n not_o only_o from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o popish_a subject_n in_o this_o kingdom_n many_o whereof_o be_v person_n of_o great_a interest_n power_n and_o influence_n therein_o but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o france_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o pope_n both_o which_o be_v zealous_o bend_v to_o re-establish_a and_o confirm_v the_o setlement_n of_o popery_n in_o its_o jurisdiction_n and_o superstition_n among_o
nane_fw-la shall_v be_v repute_n as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o say_a sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebellar_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o examine_v quhilk_fw-mi shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o all_o sik_n as_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o yet_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n ought_v to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n shall_v be_v admonish_v be_v the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o turn_v to_o their_o dutieful_a obedience_n and_o if_o they_o failzie_a therein_o to_o be_v excommunicate_a and_o seclude_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o rebellious_a and_o corrupt_a member_n betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o jun_n nixt_v to_o come_v and_o that_o always_o before_o sik_n person_n as_o have_v make_v defection_n be_v receive_v to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n mercy_n and_o favour_n they_o shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a and_o promise_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o time_n come_v and_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o sik_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execut_v the_o cruel_a decreit_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n quhilk_n most_o injurious_o be_v call_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o holy_a league_n contrary_a the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o other_o act_n and_o these_o most_o peremptory_a and_o strict_a against_o the_o popish_a religion_n as_o idolatry_n and_o very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o kingdom_n may_v here_o be_v add_v but_o these_o be_v set_v down_o as_o most_o apposite_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v see_v at_o length_n in_o the_o print_a act_n of_o parliament_n act_n ch._n 2._o p._n 2._o c._n 1._o anno_fw-la 1669._o act_n assert_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastik_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n have_v serious_o consider_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o matter_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a be_v more_o clear_o assert_v by_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o parliament_n have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a it_o be_v enact_v assert_v and_o declare_v likeas_n his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v hereby_o enact_v assert_v and_o declare_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o this_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o order_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o successor_n as_o one_fw-mi inherent_a right_a of_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o successor_n may_v settle_v enact_v and_o emit_v such_o constitution_n act_n and_o order_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o same_o and_o concern_v all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v and_o determine_v therein_o as_o they_o in_o their_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v think_v fit_a which_o act_v order_n and_o constitution_n be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n and_o du_o publish_v be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n any_o law_n act_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o likea_n his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_v foresay_a do_v rescind_a and_o annul_v all_o law_n act_n and_o clause_n thereof_o and_o all_o custom_n and_o constition_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v hereby_o assert_v and_o declare_v the_o same_o void_a and_o null_n in_o all_o time_n come_v the_o bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o the_o synod_n explanation_n of_o the_o test._n i._o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o swear_v to_o all_o the_o particular_a assertion_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n mention_v in_o the_o test_n but_o only_o to_o the_o uniform_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n contain_v therein_o ii_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o prejudg_v the_o church_n right_a to_o and_o power_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o say_a confession_n as_o to_o the_o ambiguity_n and_o obscure_a expression_n thereof_o or_o of_o ☞_o make_v a_o more_o unexceptionable_a frame_n iii_o when_o we_o swear_v that_o the_o king_n be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastic_a as_o civil_a and_o when_o we_o swear_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n right_n and_o prerogative_n this_o be_v reserve_v always_o the_o intrinsic_a unalterable_a ☞_o power_n of_o the_o church_n immediate_o derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o wit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ordain_v of_o pastor_n exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o hold_v of_o such_o assembly_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n truth_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o think_v that_o the_o king_n have_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n iv._o when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o subject_n to_o meet_v or_o conveen_v to_o treat_v or_o consult_v etc._n etc._n about_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a this_o be_v except_v meeting_n for_o ordination_n public_a worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n v._o when_o we_o swear_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o etc._n etc._n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o mean_v by_o arm_n or_o any_o seditious_a ☜_o way_n vi_o when_o we_o swear_v that_o we_o take_v the_o test_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v it_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v these_o exception_n ☜_o the_o explanation_n of_o the_o test_n by_o the_o synod_n and_o clergy_n of_o perth_n because_o our_o conscience_n require_v the_o publish_n and_o declare_v of_o that_o express_a meaning_n we_o have_v in_o take_v the_o test_n that_o we_o be_v not_o misinterpret_v to_o swear_v it_o in_o these_o gloss_n which_o man_n uncharitable_a to_o it_o and_o enemy_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o put_v upon_o it_o and_o because_o some_o man_n ill_o affect_v to_o the_o government_n who_o be_v daily_a broacher_n of_o odious_a and_o calumnious_a slander_n against_o our_o person_n and_o ministry_n be_v apt_a to_o deduce_v inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o allege_a ambiguity_n of_o some_o proposition_n of_o the_o ☜_o test_n that_o we_o charitable_o and_o firm_o do_v believe_v be_v never_o intend_v by_o the_o imposer_n nor_o receive_v by_o the_o taker_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o to_o save_v our_o credit_n from_o these_o unjust_a imputation_n we_o express_o declare_v that_o we_o swear_v the_o test_n in_o this_o follow_a meaning_n i._o by_o take_v the_o test_n we_o do_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o proposition_n and_o clause_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o popery_n and_o fanaticism_n ii_o by_o swear_v the_o ecclesiastic_a supremacy_n we_o swear_v it_o as_o we_o have_v do_v former_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o assertory_n act_n we_o also_o reserve_v entire_a unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v own_o intrinsic_a and_o unalterable_a power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o century_n iii_o by_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v etc._n etc._n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a as_o
we_o do_v not_o evacuate_v our_o natural_a liberty_n whereby_o we_o be_v in_o freedom_n innocent_o without_o reflection_n upon_o or_o derogation_n to_o authority_n or_o person_n entrust_v with_o it_o to_o discourse_v in_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o exclude_v not_o those_o other_o meeting_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o well-being_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o by_o our_o swear_n it_o unlawful_a to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n we_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v unlawfal_n for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v ☜_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o specific_a government_n of_o monarchy_n in_o the_o true_a and_o lineal_a descent_n and_o episcopacy_n v._o when_o we_o swear_v in_o the_o genuine_a and_o literal_a sense_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v it_o so_o far_o as_o ☜_o it_o be_v not_o opposite_a or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o foresay_a exception_n they_o be_v allow_v to_o insert_v after_o the_o oath_n before_o their_o subscription_n these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o under-written_a do_v take_v this_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o explanation_n make_v by_o the_o council_n approve_v by_o his_o majesty_n letter_n and_o we_o declare_v we_o be_v no_o further_o bind_v by_o this_o oath_n a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o test_n emit_v by_o one_o of_o the_o conform_a clergy_n i_o a._n b._n solemn_o swear_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o i_o invocate_v as_o judge_v and_o witness_v of_o my_o sincere_a intention_n of_o this_o my_o oath_n that_o i_o a._n b._n be_v full_o assure_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o assert_v and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o promise_v do_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n swear_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o i_o here_o call_v upon_o to_o witness_v against_o i_o in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o i_o if_o i_o affirm_v any_o thing_n by_o this_o my_o oath_n of_o the_o certainty_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o full_o assure_v or_o promise_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o have_v any_o scruple_n and_o which_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o perform_v viz._n that_o i_o own_o and_o sincere_o profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o vi_o etc._n etc._n that_o i_o cordial_o own_o &_o without_o any_o dissimulation_n profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n that_o pass_v under_o that_o name_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o i_o do_v mean_a by_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o own_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n the_o vi_o as_o the_o true_a test_n and_o standard_n thereof_o and_o that_o i_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o just_a standard_n if_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v take_v and_o other_o leave_v unless_o these_o part_n that_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o be_v express_o condescend_v on_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v arbitrary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o pitch_v on_o these_o part_n of_o it_o he_o please_v as_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v useless_a for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v adduce_v therefore_o i_o embrace_v the_o whole_a confession_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o same_o solemn_a oath_n that_o i_o believe_v every_o article_n and_o every_o proposition_n therein_o to_o be_v true_a as_o be_v evident_o found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n art_n 3._o i_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o adam_n transgression_n be_v common_o call_v original_a sin_n and_o art_n 12._o that_o man_n have_v as_o little_a hand_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n as_o they_o have_v in_o their_o creation_n and_o redemption_n and_o art_n 14._o that_o to_o suppress_v tyranny_n be_v one_o of_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o second_o table_n most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o himself_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n most_o odious_a which_o always_o displease_v and_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n that_o be_v when_o the_o civil_a mastrate_n come_v to_o act_v arbitrary_o and_o against_o law_n when_o he_o invade_v the_o establish_a religion_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n or_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o subject_n he_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v and_o resist_v or_o when_o our_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o behave_v themselves_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o require_v absolute_a obedience_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n they_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o article_n i_o swear_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o resistance_n of_o these_o who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v a_o sin_n when_o they_o do_v not_o pass_v over_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o office_n but_o if_o they_o pass_v over_o these_o bound_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o resist_v they_o which_o be_v evident_a be_v compare_v with_o the_o former_a proposition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o who_o compose_v the_o confession_n and_o in_o the_o same_o article_n i_o swear_v and_o believe_v all_o these_o to_o be_v evil_a work_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o the_o invention_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n though_o only_o for_o decency_n if_o they_o can_v show_v it_o to_o be_v clear_o found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o evil_a work_n and_o i_o swear_v i_o shall_v so_o reckon_v it_o art_n 16._o i_o swear_v that_o i_o think_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v that_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o moral_a equity_n shall_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o eternal_a felicity_n so_o that_o i_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o pagan_n and_o papist_n to_o hell_n fire_n but_o i_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o i_o think_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n and_o art_n 18._o i_o believe_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n right_o administer_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v be_v as_o essential_a a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o other_o church_n that_o have_v not_o discipline_n right_o administer_v though_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a want_v a_o essential_a note_n of_o a_o true_a a_o church_n and_o art_n 21._o i_o declare_v that_o i_o perfect_o understand_v this_o proposition_n and_o do_v solemn_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v so_o make_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o as_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n have_v give_v to_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o of_o its_o own_o condition_n and_o nature_n be_v mortal_a and_o corruptible_a life_n and_o immortality_n so_o do_v christ_n jesus_n his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n eat_v and_o drunken_a by_o we_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o same_o prerogative_n and_o art_n 22._o i_o declare_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o true_a sacrament_n so_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n have_v both_o their_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o we_o have_v neither_o among_o we_o true_o baptize_v person_n nor_o right_o ordain_v minister_n and_o art_n 24_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o resist_a the_o supreme_a power_n do_v that_o which_o appertain_v to_o his_o charge_n be_v to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o resist_v when_o he_o go_v beyond_o his_o charge_n be_v not_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o to_o repress_v tyranny_n according_a to_o art_n 14_o and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v adhere_v thereto_o during_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n &_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o educate_v my_o
god_n subject_n may_v take_v up_o arm_n against_o he_o 2._o they_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o these_o the_o principle_n that_o embroil_v these_o kingdom_n that_o raise_v a_o combustion_n and_o that_o turn_v all_o thing_n upside_o down_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o be_v not_o these_o principle_n plain_o teach_v in_o this_o confession_n it_o be_v reckon_v art_n 15_o a_o duty_n to_o repress_v tyranny_n and_o to_o disobey_v and_o resist_v king_n be_v a_o sin_n with_o this_o caution_n and_o limitation_n while_o they_o pass_v not_o over_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o office_n or_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o assistance_n we_o owe_v they_o be_v caution_v and_o limit_v while_o they_o vigilant_o travel_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v any_o but_o read_v spotswood_n history_n of_o the_o resormation_n anno_fw-la 1558_o 1559_o 1560._o among_o other_o how_o subject_n do_v bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o assist_v one_o another_o for_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n how_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o minister_n they_o deprive_v the_o queen_n regent_n of_o her_o government_n and_o this_o very_a year_n this_o confession_n be_v compile_v and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v remain_v no_o doubt_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o this_o point_n but_o to_o render_v the_o matter_n beyond_o exception_n it_o be_v declare_v rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a by_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o subject_n to_o put_v limitation_n on_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n and_o for_o the_o other_o principle_n about_o divine_a worship_n the_o confession_n affirm_v these_o to_o be_v evil_a work_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o the_o invention_n and_o opinion_n man_n in_o this_o principle_n they_o condemn_v very_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o church_n as_o sing_v the_o doxology_n and_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a ceremony_n for_o decency_n and_o help_v for_o devotion_n call_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a title_n of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n but_o be_v these_o principle_n true_a or_o false_a in_o themselves_o certain_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o these_o other_o clause_n in_o the_o test_n that_o assert_v it_o unlawful_a on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o invest_v he_o with_o such_o a_o supremacy_n as_o empower_n he_o to_o erect_v such_o constitution_n and_o order_n about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o his_o majesty_n think_v fit_a and_o in_o this_o also_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n that_o the_o test_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o change_n contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n and_o by_o and_o by_o enjoin_v to_o swear_v what_o be_v flat_o contradictory_n to_o it_o we_o can_v take_v this_o test_n unless_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o swear_v and_o forswear_v under_o oath_n protest_v onething_a and_o forthwith_o under_o oath_n protest_v the_o quite_o contrary_a it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v we_o shall_v with_o our_o utmost_a power_n defend_v assist_v and_o maintain_v all_o the_o king_n right_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o swear_v we_o know_v not_o what_o or_o be_v it_o not_o to_o swear_v we_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o concernedness_n whatsoever_o the_o king_n challenge_v or_o the_o parliament_n vote_n to_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o may_v not_o a_o prince_n come_v to_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o act_v arbitrary_o and_o may_v not_o iniquity_n happen_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n nay_o do_v not_o the_o king_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la challenge_n and_o have_v not_o the_o parliament_n declare_v supremacy_n to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o which_o his_o majesty_n may_v settle_v and_o emit_v such_o act_n and_o order_n as_o he_o please_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o avow_v we_o hold_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o king_n believe_v and_o so_o ere_o long_o the_o right_n jurisdiction_n prerogative_n privilege_n preeminence_n and_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v v_o t_v to_o belong_v to_o our_o prince_n may_v come_v to_o swallow_v up_o religion_n liberty_n property_n and_o all_o our_o privilege_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o conscience_n can_v swear_v this_o clause_n in_o so_o great_a a_o latitude_n and_o so_o illimited_a term_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o unlawful_a without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastik_a the_o clause_n except_v ordinary_a judgement_n which_o be_v add_v in_o all_o such_o convocate_a conveen_a and_o assemble_v which_o be_v declare_v unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1661._o 1._o par._n char._n 2._o act_n 21._o be_v leave_v out_o here_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o all_o such_o session_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v discharge_v there_o be_v no_o special_a command_n or_o express_v for_o they_o that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o these_o meeting_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o curb_v of_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n and_o for_o settle_v and_o entertain_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v swear_v to_o forbear_v hold_v of_o they_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o king_n we_o acknowledge_v prince_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o inhibit_v their_o subject_n to_o meet_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n but_o we_o can_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v they_o against_o such_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v on_o his_o church_n this_o be_v a_o privilege_n the_o church_n ever_o enjoy_v since_o it_o be_v found_v and_o erect_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o age_n use_v as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v so_o we_o can_v devoid_a ourselves_o of_o it_o without_o prove_v betrayer_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o condemn_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o without_o special_a command_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a edict_n of_o prince_n do_v convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o convention_n to_o treat_v consult_v and_o determine_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v no_o less_o commend_v and_o admire_v for_o loyalty_n and_o peaceableness_n than_o for_o piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o see_v that_o in_o the_o present_a juncture_n its_o notour_n that_o there_o be_v cabal_n and_o engine_n form_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o undermine_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o to_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o as_o so_o many_o depositary_n can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrid_a guilt_n and_o the_o black_a infamy_n swear_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meet_v two_o or_o three_o of_o we_o together_o till_o we_o have_v the_o king_n warrant_n perhaps_o never_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n soul_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n be_v not_o this_o to_o swear_v what_o no_o man_n live_a can_v assure_o know_v and_o be_v there_o not_o indeed_o many_o tie_n on_o we_o as_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o pastor_n to_o procure_v as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o we_o discern_v and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o the_o government_n may_v be_v better_v by_o enact_v wholesome_a new_a law_n and_o abrogate_a corrupt_a old_a one_o may_v we_o not_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o our_o station_n endeavour_v such_o a_o alteration_n the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a synod_n e._n g._n give_v the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrew_n a_o negative_a when_o the_o whole_a clergy_n be_v contrary_a so_o that_o be_v all_o our_o bishop_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n man_n of_o apostolic_a sanctity_n and_o zeal_n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v
we_o be_v judge_v by_o all_o both_o in_o article_n and_o parliament_n and_o that_o after_o long_o and_o strenuous_a application_n and_o endeavour_n in_o contrive_v one_fw-mi new_a act_n for_o these_o end_n not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o the_o best_a security_n for_o our_o religion_n against_o all_o hazard_n and_o contingency_n in_o which_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o parliament_n acquiesce_v till_o the_o importunity_n and_o repeat_v clamour_n of_o some_o who_o needs_o will_v appear_v more_o warm_o concern_v in_o this_o mater_fw-la than_o other_o they_o offer_v new_a overture_n to_o the_o article_n for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n of_o which_o they_o often_o receive_v a_o account_n in_o open_a parliament_n do_v awaken_v a_o more_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o this_o more_o concern_v affair_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o far_a security_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o rebellion_n and_o fanatical_a schism_n on_o the_o other_o do_v judge_n it_o necessary_a that_o one_fw-mi act_n shall_v be_v pass_v disable_n papist_n and_o fanatic_n from_o any_o power_n or_o capacity_n to_o subvert_v or_o overthrow_v it_o which_o in_o their_o deep_a wisdom_n they_o find_v can_v never_o be_v so_o effectual_o do_v as_o by_o keep_v all_o such_o out_o of_o place_n of_o public_a trust_n and_o employment_n civil_a ecclesiastik_a or_o military_a and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n and_o the_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a execution_n thereof_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o firm_a human_a security_n of_o religion_n therefore_o such_o wise_a provision_n be_v pious_o make_v by_o that_o act_n as_o may_v bar_v all_o disaffect_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n from_o elect_v or_o be_v elect_a member_n of_o parliament_n wherein_o the_o law_n make_v power_n be_v lodge_v or_o from_o creep_v into_o any_o office_n or_o trust_n whereby_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n be_v manage_v so_o that_o our_o establish_a religion_n may_v never_o be_v endanger_v or_o subvert_v by_o evil_a or_o corrupt_a law_n or_o by_o the_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a execution_n of_o good_a one_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o best_a of_o human_a constitution_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o pious_o intend_v or_o prudent_o contrive_v but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n misprision_n or_o mistake_n it_o may_v be_v misrepresent_v misconstrue_v and_o many_o groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a jealousy_n by_o scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la entertain_v against_o it_o as_o be_v but_o too_o clear_o instance_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a oath_n and_o test_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n have_v enact_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n employ_v in_o office_n of_o public_a trust_n as_o the_o best_a fence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o the_o invasion_n and_o encroachment_n they_o stand_v in_o danger_n of_o from_o the_o restless_a adversary_n some_o of_o the_o regular_a and_o orthodox_n clergy_n and_o other_o well-meaning_a subject_n have_v entertain_v ☜_o some_o jealousy_n which_o far_o exceed_v their_o cause_n and_o vent_v some_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o which_o be_v most_o part_v found_v on_o mistake_n and_o unnecessary_a not_o to_o say_v uncharitable_a stretch_n and_o extend_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o far_o beyond_o either_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o frame_v and_o enjoin_v that_o test_n tenderness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o these_o conform_a and_o loyal_a person_n who_o may_v either_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o stumble_v at_o or_o by_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o misapprehension_n may_v be_v lead_v into_o mistake_n of_o the_o meaning_n and_o design_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n for_o secure_v our_o church_n and_o religion_n have_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o endeavour_v a_o short_a essay_n for_o vindicate_v this_o oath_n and_o test_n from_o all_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n by_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o move_v against_o it_o and_o that_o thereby_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n in_o which_o this_o oath_n be_v require_v by_o authority_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n in_o trust_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o apparent_a pursuant_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o oath_n or_o test_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o last_o session_n of_o this_o currant_n parliament_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o rank_v up_o the_o doubt_n and_o objection_n move_v against_o it_o in_o their_o several_a head_n and_o class_n and_o to_o resolve_v and_o answer_v they_o according_o in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o order_n of_o these_o scruple_n and_o objection_n some_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o foresay_a oath_n other_o arise_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o assert_v therein_o of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n some_o be_v take_v from_o that_o part_n of_o the_o test_n wherein_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n or_o convention_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o mater_fw-la of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastik_a without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n and_o licence_n have_v thereto_o be_v assert_v and_o swear_v and_o final_o other_o arise_z from_o the_o clause_n assert_v that_o no_o obligation_n lie_v from_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o the_o same_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o that_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o tender_a thing_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o oath_n be_v of_o the_o strict_a force_n and_o obligation_n and_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o sound_a casuist_n juramenti_fw-la obligatio_fw-la est_fw-la stricti_fw-la juris_fw-la yet_o this_o strictum_fw-la jus_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o do_v exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o interpret_n of_o it_o ☞_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o mere_o to_o make_v clear_a and_o plain_a any_o word_n or_o sentence_n therein_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v dark_a doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a it_o be_v excellent_o say_v by_o that_o judicious_a casuist_n doctor_n sandersone_n prel_n 2._o de_fw-fr juramenti_fw-la obligatione_fw-la p._n 8._o de_fw-fr lege_fw-la charitatis_fw-la aliena_fw-la dicta_fw-la &_o facta_fw-la praesertim_fw-la principum_fw-la parentum_fw-la aliorumque_fw-la rectorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la benignae_fw-la interpretationis_fw-la juxta_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la dici_fw-la solet_fw-la dubia_fw-la esse_fw-la interpretanda_fw-la in_o meliorem_fw-la partem_fw-la that_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n the_o word_n and_o deed_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o our_o prince_n parent_n and_o other_o governor_n ☞_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v by_o a_o favourable_a interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a maxim_n that_o thing_n doubtful_a be_v to_o be_v interpret_v to_o the_o best_a sense_n this_o be_v premise_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la arise_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v first_o consider_v and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o full_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o other_o heresy_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o among_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o can_v challenge_v this_o perfection_n to_o itself_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v defective_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v hasty_o compile_v in_o the_o short_a space_n of_o four_o day_n by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o baron_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o our_o reformation_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n common_o ascribe_v to_o john_n knox_n print_v at_o london_n in_o the_o year_n 1644_o in_o fol._n p._n 252._o do_v inform_v nor_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o foresay_a confession_n so_o prositive_a as_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o therein_o contain_v as_o infallible_a or_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o preface_n prefix_v thereto_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n
&c_n &c_n be_v contradiction_n but_o to_o deny_v aid_n counsel_n etc._n etc._n while_o prince_n and_o ruler_n vigilant_o travel_v and_o to_o deny_v aid_n counsel_n etc._n etc._n to_o prince_n and_o ruler_n upon_o no_o pretence_n whatsoever_o imply_v nothing_o of_o a_o contradiction_n 3._o when_o it_o be_v tell_v that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o enact_v of_o the_o test_n this_o confession_n be_v represent_v to_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o absolute_a unlawfulness_n of_o resist_v the_o sovereign_a magistrate_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o agreeable_o to_o the_o peaceable_a and_o loyal_a protestant_n doctrine_n something_o may_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o test_n to_o make_v that_o point_n more_o clear_a full_a and_o perspicuous_a which_o according_o be_v do_v and_o whatever_o bad_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o 25_o article_n the_o scruple_n itself_o not_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o wrest_n of_o unlearned_a and_o perverse_a man_n for_o serve_v ill_a design_n and_o purpose_n by_o some_o busâ—ie_n and_o seditious_a spirit_n to_o introduce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o conditional_a allegiance_n which_o be_v open_o advance_v by_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n yet_o the_o assertion_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o article_n be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o certain_a viâ—_n that_o the_o lawful_a magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v while_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o travel_n vigilant_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n though_o it_o be_v not_o full_a enough_o or_o sufficient_o extensive_a but_o be_v more_o clear_o and_o full_o supply_v and_o assert_v in_o the_o oath_n or_o test_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o resistance_n assert_v in_o the_o test_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a and_o full_a but_o no_o way_n contrary_a or_o contradictory_n thereto_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v most_o impious_a uncharitableness_n for_o any_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o person_n and_o authority_n which_o assert_v and_o determine_v the_o absolute_a unlawfulness_n of_o resist_v in_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v in_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o oath_n allow_v of_o conditional_a resistance_n especial_o while_o they_o proceed_v grave_o and_o deliberate_o after_o a_o plain_a representation_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o this_o very_a point_n of_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o framer_n and_o imposer_n thereof_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o light_v that_o the_o late_a session_n of_o parliament_n which_o injoin_v this_o oath_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o resistance_n in_o the_o simple_a and_o absolute_a sense_n supply_v and_o express_v in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o â—est_n that_o thereby_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n may_v be_v vindicate_v from_o all_o imputation_n of_o disloyalty_n in_o seem_v to_o countenance_v any_o pretence_n of_o resist_v and_o rebel_n against_o the_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v over_o they_o the_o 3d._a head_n or_o classis_fw-la of_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o of_o assert_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o convocate_a or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n etc._n etc._n to_o consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n etc._n etc._n whence_o some_o object_n and_o say_v that_o this_o cut_v off_o intrinsic_a power_n from_o the_o church_n of_o hold_v religious_a assembly_n and_o church_n court_v for_o give_v ordination_n and_o for_o spiritual_a censure_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o reply_v already_o by_o show_v that_o the_o spiritual_a and_o intrinsic_a power_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v no_o way_n hurt_v and_o damnify_v by_o make_v church_n meeting_n as_o to_o their_o external_a and_o coercive_a power_n depend_v upon_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n his_o allowance_n and_o regulation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o test_n do_v sufficient_o clear_v up_o this_o mistake_n which_o do_v not_o bar_v christian_a subject_n from_o godly_a communication_n or_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a meeting_n for_o religious_a worship_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n by_o ordination_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n censure_v offender_n and_o absolve_v penitent_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v in_o ancient_a time_n of_o infidelity_n and_o persecution_n but_o only_o oblige_v not_o to_o hold_v meeting_n or_o assembly_n for_o treat_v consult_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n relate_v to_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o peace_n order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o meet_v nor_o form_v themselves_o in_o judicatories_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o invade_v or_o overturn_v the_o settle_a estate_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n without_o the_o king_n express_a warrant_n or_o consent_n which_o every_o sound_n and_o loyal_a protestant_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o endeavour_v unless_o he_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o son_n of_o peace_n be_v by_o the_o most_o peaceful_a institution_n of_o the_o word_n oblige_v to_o turn_v son_n of_o thunder_n to_o disturb_v and_o inflame_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o mankind_n 3._o when_o we_o assert_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o meeting_n and_o convention_n it_o be_v understand_v except_o in_o ordinary_a judgement_n which_o clause_n be_v express_o insert_v in_o the_o four_o act_n 1_o sess._n 1._o par._n char._n 2d_o whereby_o his_o majesty_n royal_a prerogative_n be_v recognize_v and_o which_o prerogative_n be_v swear_v in_o the_o test_n to_o be_v maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o hold_v of_o green_a table_n and_o church_n assembly_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a fatal_a rebellion_n against_o our_o late_a bless_a king_n and_o martyr_n without_o and_o against_o his_o majesty_n warrant_n and_o licence_n do_v sufficient_o discover_v the_o danger_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o church_n convocation_n and_o illegal_a meeting_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n discover_v himself_o too_o forward_o to_o commence_v new_a tumult_n and_o insurrection_n he_o will_v beware_v to_o entertain_v such_o principle_n which_o tend_v so_o open_o to_o advance_v and_o promote_v they_o the_o 4._o and_o last_o classis_fw-la of_o objection_n which_o militate_v against_o the_o oath_n and_o test_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o clause_n which_o assert_n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o covenant_n or_o solemn_a league_n or_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whence_o some_o object_n and_o say_v that_o no_o policy_n or_o government_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o perfect_a as_o not_o in_o something_o to_o need_v correction_n and_o amendment_n which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o management_n thereof_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v and_o in_o his_o proper_a station_n to_o reform_v and_o better_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v never_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastik_a and_o see_v endeavour_n here_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o forementioned_a mean_n of_o league_n covenant_n council_n convention_n and_o assembly_n relate_v to_o state-affair_n ecelesiastik_a or_o civil_a or_o of_o take_v up_o of_o arm_n which_o no_o pious_a or_o loyal_a subject_n will_v decline_v to_o renounce_v without_o the_o king_n express_a licence_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o by_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n nothing_o else_o can_v be_v reasonable_o understand_v but_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o specifik_a establish_a government_n or_o of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o not_o of_o every_o circumstance_n ☜_o or_o unnecessary_a part_n thereof_o as_o be_v clear_v beyond_o doubt_n by_o the_o same_o parliament_n which_o form_v and_o enjoin_v this_o oath_n and_o test._n wherein_o many_o excellent_a act_n be_v make_v for_o better_v and_o secure_v the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o by_o this_o clause_n any_o regular_a endeavour_n to_o rectify_v or_o better_v the_o establish_a government_n of_o both_o be_v renounce_v but_o only_o such_o impious_a and_o ☜_o irregular_a endeavour_n and_o attempt_n as_o intend_v to_o shake_v or_o subvert_v the_o substance_n species_n and_o body_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitution_n
arm_n all_o collector_n sub_fw-la collector_n and_o fermer_n of_o his_o majesty_n custom_n and_o excise_n all_o magistrate_n dean_n of_o gilled_a councillor_n and_o clerk_n of_o borough_n royal_a &_o regality_n all_o deacon_n of_o trade_n and_o deâ—con-conveeners_a in_o the_o say_v burgh_n all_o master_n and_o doctor_n in_o university_n college_n or_o school_n all_o chaplan_n in_o family_n pedagogue_n to_o child_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o soldiers_z in_o army_n fort_n or_o militia_n and_o all_o other_o person_n in_o any_o public_a trust_n or_o office_n within_o this_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v public_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a oath_n as_o follow_v viz._n archbishop_n chief_a commander_n of_o the_o force_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o state_n and_o councillor_n before_o the_o secret_a council_n all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n and_o all_o member_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n the_o lord_n of_o lustitiary_a and_o all_o these_o depend_v upon_o that_o court_n in_o the_o justice-court_n the_o lord_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o exchequer_n before_o the_o exchequer_n all_o bishop_n before_o the_o archibishop_n all_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n commisary_n master_n &_o doctor_n of_o university_n &_o school_n chaiplan_n &_o pedagogue_n before_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o respective_a diocese_n sheriff_n steward_n baylies_n of_o royalty_n and_o regality_n and_o these_o depend_v on_o these_o jurisdiction_n before_o their_o respective_a court_n all_o provost_n baylies_n and_o other_o of_o the_o borough_n before_o the_o town-council_n all_o collector_n and_o fermer_n of_o the_o king_n custom_n and_o excise_n before_o the_o exchequer_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o border_n before_o the_o privy-council_n all_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n before_o the_o conveener_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o mint_n before_o the_o general_n of_o the_o mint_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o force_n before_o the_o commander_n in_o chief_a and_o common_a soldier_n before_o their_o respective_a officer_n the_o lion_n before_o the_o privy_a council_n and_o herald_n pursuivant_n and_o messenger_n at_o arm_n before_o the_o lyon_n and_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n foresay_a statute_n and_o ordain_v that_o all_o these_o who_o present_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v any_o of_o the_o foresay_a office_n public_a trust_n and_o employment_n shall_v take_v and_o subscribe_v the_o follow_a oath_n in_o one_o of_o the_o foresay_a office_n in_o manner_n before_o prescribe_v betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o january_n next_o which_o be_v to_o be_v record_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o respective_a court_n and_o extract_v thereof_o under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n to_o be_v report_v to_o his_o majesty_n privy-council_n betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 1682._o and_o hereafter_o in_o any_o other_o court_n whereof_o they_o be_v judge_n or_o member_n the_o first_o time_n they_o shall_v sit_v or_o exercise_v in_o any_o of_o these_o respective_a court_n and_o ordain_v that_o all_o who_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v promote_v to_o or_o employ_v in_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a office_n trust_n or_o employment_n shall_v at_o their_o entry_n into_o and_o before_o their_o exercise_v thereof_o take_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a oath_n in_o manner_n foresay_a to_o be_v record_v in_o the_o register_n of_o their_o respective_a court_n and_o report_v to_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n within_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n after_o their_o take_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o of_o the_o faid_a office_n or_o employment_n or_o any_o public_a office_n or_o trust_n within_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n brother_n and_o son_n only_o except_v until_o they_o take_v the_o oath_n foresay_a and_o subscribe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v record_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o respective_a court_n they_o shall_v be_v declare_v incapable_a of_o all_o public_a trust_n thereafter_o and_o be_v further_o punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o moveable_n and_o liferent-escheats_a the_o one_o half_a whereof_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o informer_n and_o the_o other_o half_a to_o belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n foresay_a recommend_v to_o his_o privy-council_n to_o see_v this_o act_n put_v to_o due_a and_o vigorous_a execution_n the_o test_n contain_v the_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n in_o public_a trust._n i_o solemn_o swear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o i_o invoke_v as_o judge_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o this_o my_o oath_n that_o i_o own_o and_o sincere_o profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n the_o vi_o and_o that_o i_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v adhere_v thereunto_o during_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life-time_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o educate_v my_o child_n therein_o and_o shall_v never_o consent_v to_o any_o change_n ☜_o or_o alteration_n contrary_a thereto_o and_o that_o i_o disoun_n and_o renounce_v all_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n or_o practice_n whether_o popish_a or_o fanatical_a which_o be_v contrare_fw-la unto_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o say_a protestant_n religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o testification_n of_o my_o obedience_n â—o_o my_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n charles_n the_o ii_o i_o do_v affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a governor_n of_o this_o realm_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a and_o that_o no_o foreign_a prince_n person_n pope_n prelate_n state_n or_o potentate_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o jurisdiction_n power_n superiority_n preeminency_n or_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a within_o this_o realm_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v utter_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v all_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n power_n superiority_n and_o authority_n and_o do_v promise_n that_o from_o henceforth_o i_o shall_v bear_v faith_n and_o true_a allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o lawful_a successor_n and_o to_o my_o power_n shall_v assist_v and_o defend_v all_o right_n jurisdiction_n prerogative_n privilege_n preferment_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o lawful_a successor_n and_o i_o further_o affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o i_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o subject_n upon_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n or_o league_n or_o to_o convocar_n conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a without_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n or_o express_v licence_n have_v thereto_o or_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n or_o these_o commissionate_a by_o he_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o so_o rise_v in_o arm_n or_o enter_v into_o such_o covenant_n or_o assembly_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o i_o from_o the_o national_a covenant_n or_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n common_o so_o call_v or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v with_o my_o utmost_a power_n defend_v assist_v and_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n jurisdiction_n foresay_v against_o all_o deadly_a and_o i_o shall_v never_o decline_v his_o majesty_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o i_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o final_o i_o affirm_v and_o swear_v that_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n be_v give_v in_o the_o plain_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o manner_n of_o evasion_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o accept_v or_o use_v any_o dispensation_n from_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o so_o help_v i_o god_n act_n j._n 6._o p._n 1._o c._n 3._o anno_fw-la 1567._o anent_o the_o annul_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o god_n his_o word_n and_o for_o maintenance_n of_o idolatry_n in_o any_o time_n bypass_v item_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o dear_a regent_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o act_n under-written_a make_v in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o day_n of_o august_n the_o year_n of_o god_n anâ—_n thousand_o five_o hundred_o threescore_o year_n and_o
child_n therein_o &_o shall_v never_o consent_v to_o any_o change_n contrary_a thereto_o and_o that_o i_o disow_v all_o such_o doctrine_n whether_o popish_a or_o fanatical_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o &_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n &_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o these_o proposition_n and_o every_o thing_n contain_v therein_o i_o firm_o believe_v and_o embrace_v and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v without_o ever_o change_v my_o opinion_n about_o they_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v careful_o educate_v my_o child_n according_a to_o they_o i._n e._n i_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o repress_v tyranny_n and_o if_o the_o authority_n shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o any_o of_o the_o proposition_n therein_o i_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v never_o consent_v thereto_o and_o i_o swear_v also_o that_o i_o shall_v renounce_v all_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o popish_a or_o fanatical_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n of_o the_o foresay_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o testification_n of_o my_o obedience_n to_o my_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n charles_n the_o second_o i_o do_v affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a governor_n over_o this_o realm_n over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastic_a as_o civil_a and_o that_o no_o foreign_a prince_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o have_v declare_v my_o faith_n towards_o god_n so_o now_o to_o testify_v that_o i_o be_o a_o good_a subject_n to_o the_o king_n i_o affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n not_o only_o civil_a but_o also_o ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o i_o understand_v that_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n which_o the_o parliament_n by_o act_n nou._n 1669._o have_v declare_v to_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o his_o majesty_n and_o successor_n may_v dispose_v of_o the_o external_a government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o please_v i._n e._n of_o all_o church-government_n there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o that_o they_o may_v settle_v enact_v and_o emit_v any_o constitution_n act_n or_o order_n concern_v the_o government_n or_o person_n employ_v therein_o and_o concern_v all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v and_o determine_v therein_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a so_o that_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o successor_n may_v alter_v change_n or_o abolish_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n now_o establish_v by_o law_n that_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v present_o profess_v in_o this_o realm_n that_o he_o may_v discharge_v all_o meeting_n of_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n for_o ever_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o continue_v they_o that_o he_o may_v choose_v one_o delegated_a or_o depute_v by_o himself_o to_o propose_v and_o determine_v allmatter_n therein_o as_o he_o think_v â—it_a that_o he_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n iuhibit_fw-la church-officer_n to_o meet_v or_o meddle_v in_o any_o matter_n eisher_n doctrine_n or_o discipline_n without_o his_o special_a order_n to_o pursue_v or_o process_n any_o delinquent_n or_o to_o consider_v of_o mean_n to_o prevent_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o never_o so_o great_a hazard_n except_o only_o as_o he_o shall_v determine_v and_o appoint_v therein_o all_o which_o he_o may_v do_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o council_n without_o any_o new_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o i_o affirm_v &_o swear_v that_o though_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n successor_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n as_o god_n forbid_v yet_o all_o this_o ecclesiastical_a power_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n in_o the_o crown_n and_o so_o not_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o christian_a or_o protestant_a magistrate_n but_o as_o a_o magistrate_n precise_o and_o to_o my_o power_n i_o shall_v defend_v all_o right_n jurisdiction_n prerogative_n privilege_n preeminency_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o lawful_a successor_n and_o also_o i_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v assist_v and_o defend_v his_o majesty_n right_n and_o prerogative_n which_o because_o i_o do_v not_o know_v therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n or_o king_n and_o council_n shall_v declare_v to_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o right_n jurisdiction_n and_o prerogative_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n either_o concern_v religion_n liberty_n or_o property_n by_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n i_o swear_v i_o shall_v own_v and_o approve_v assist_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o further_o i_o affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o i_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o subject_n upon_o pretext_n of_o reformation_n or_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n or_o league_n or_o to_o convocate_v convene_v or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convocation_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a without_o his_o majesty_n special_a licence_n or_o express_v warrant_n have_v thereto_o or_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n or_o those_o commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o so_o rise_v in_o arm_n nor_o enter_v into_o such_o covenant_n or_o assembly_n &c_n &c_n and_o i_o further_o swear_v that_o i_o think_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a for_o any_o subject_a of_o whatsoever_o quality_n or_o condition_n many_o or_o few_o for_o whatsoever_o cause_n not_o only_o to_o make_v any_o covenant_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o kind_n of_o meet_v to_o hear_v see_v or_o consult_v about_o any_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n without_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n and_o express_v licence_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o corruption_n or_o abuse_n may_v be_v in_o the_o civil_a government_n through_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o king_n or_o council_n or_o whatsoever_o hazard_n or_o danger_n the_o true_a religion_n and_o church_n of_o god_n within_o this_o land_n may_v be_v in_o i_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o subject_a whether_o pastor_n or_o other_o to_o meet_v together_o that_o they_o may_v consider_v what_o way_n to_o remedy_n or_o prevent_v the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v only_o by_o humble_a address_n and_o petition_n and_o i_o sâ—ear_v that_o there_o can_v never_o fall_v out_o a_o case_n wherein_o subject_n may_v rise_v in_o arm_n against_o their_o king_n or_o any_o commissionated_a by_o he_o even_o though_o it_o be_v mere_o to_o defend_v themselves_o though_o never_o so_o cruel_o persecute_v and_o invade_v by_o any_o who_o pretend_v his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o if_o any_o shall_v rise_v in_o arm_n or_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n for_o the_o end_v foresay_v that_o i_o shall_v never_o join_v with_o they_o and_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o i_o from_o the_o national_a covenant_n or_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n so_o common_o call_v or_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o also_o affirm_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o oath_n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o i_o either_o by_o the_o national_a or_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o way_n imaginable_a whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o be_v now_o establish_v so_o that_o i_o be_o never_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n not_o only_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n but_o also_o in_o the_o govern._n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v never_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n to_o his_o majesty_n service_n or_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o country_n yea_o whatever_o corruption_n may_v come_v to_o be_v in_o either_o of_o the_o govern._n i_o swear_v that_o i_o be_o oblige_v never_o to_o endeavour_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o particular_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a govern._n it_o be_v establish_v by_o
doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o themselves_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n inconsistent_a one_o with_o another_o 4._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o this_o oath_n can_v be_v take_v without_o several_a gloss_n and_o explication_n and_o these_o which_o be_v common_o offer_v can_v be_v admit_v for_o divers_a reason_n 1._o because_o they_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n 2._o because_o in_o the_o oath_n we_o swear_v that_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o plain_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o evasion_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o although_o these_o gloss_n shall_v be_v conceive_v in_o the_o plain_a term_n and_o we_o suffer_v to_o write_v they_o down_o under_o our_o hand_n and_o so_o can_v come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n yet_o that_o can_v but_o be_v consider_v as_o evasion_n it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o they_o that_o we_o pretend_v to_o escape_v the_o fearful_a crime_n of_o perjury_n 3_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n that_o can_v give_v we_o explication_n but_o the_o same_o who_o have_v impose_v the_o oath_n that_o be_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o though_o the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n be_v consider_v as_o interpreter_n and_o explainer_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o right_a or_o wrong_v to_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o submit_v but_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v only_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o we_o be_v require_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o to_o swear_v to_o it_o no_o explication_n give_v by_o any_o other_o but_o by_o he_o or_o they_o who_o give_v we_o the_o oath_n can_v secure_v or_o quiet_a our_o conscience_n 4._o these_o explication_n though_o give_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n who_o impose_v the_o oath_n seem_v both_o useless_a and_o unsafe_a unless_o publish_v and_o record_v as_o the_o oath_n itself_o otherways_o the_o explication_n will_v soon_o be_v forget_v whereas_o the_o oath_n stand_v still_o as_o it_o be_v 5._o it_o must_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o though_o man_n take_v this_o test_n it_o seem_v it_o will_v not_o secure_v they_o in_o their_o place_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o alteration_n be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n the_o supreme_a power_n and_o prerogative_n be_v alike_o over_o both_o and_o though_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o small_a force_n unto_o some_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v its_o own_o weight_n unto_o other_o 6._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o divers_a article_n and_o part_n of_o the_o test_n be_v assert_v and_o enact_v by_o former_a law_n as_o partly_o that_o against_o meeting_n conveen_a or_o assemble_v to_o treat_v consult_v etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v not_o only_o by_o act._n 4._o sess_z 1_o par._n 1_o char._n 2._o but_o also_o by_o a_o old_a law_n act._n 31._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n therein_o in_o those_o act_n viz._n that_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n be_v except_v and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o this_o clause_n be_v leave_v out_o here_o and_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o law_n another_o to_o swear_v it_o 7._o but_o some_o may_v say_v that_o we_o have_v already_o swear_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n to_o which_o they_o who_o take_v it_o before_o the_o year_n 1669._o have_v little_a or_o no_o ground_n of_o scruple_n but_o by_o the_o act_n assertory_n the_o supremacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v understand_v before_o there_o be_v many_o conscientious_a man_n and_o the_o best_a friend_n to_o episcopacy_n who_o can_v take_v that_o oath_n now_o though_o that_o alone_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o test_n as_o for_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v taâ—en_v it_o since_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o administer_v it_o to_o they_o that_o the_o assertory_n act_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o oath_n and_o therefore_o they_o give_v it_o they_o only_o in_o the_o old_a sense_n whereby_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v it_o but_o now_o the_o matter_n be_v put_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n for_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o act_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o we_o swear_v in_o the_o test_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n right_n and_o prerâ—gatives_n we_o do_v clear_o swear_v to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o supremacy_n as_o itis_fw-la there_o assert_v and_o declare_v 8._o but_o we_o be_v tell_v we_o shall_v not_o oppose_v our_o sentiment_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v our_o superior_n submit_v to_o their_o law_n and_o live_v peaceable_o under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v willing_o grant_v but_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o test_n be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o they_o say_v blind_o swear_v whatever_o they_o bid_v we_o this_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o infallible_a chair_n in_o the_o state_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o new_a unheard_a of_o piece_n of_o popery_n but_o if_o we_o stand_v out_o and_o refuse_v the_o test_n how_o shall_v the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o authority_n be_v save_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o do_v consult_v its_o own_o credit_n more_o before_o the_o make_n of_o any_o law_n and_o edict_n for_o there_o can_v be_v too_o great_a deliberation_n use_v in_o enact_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a nation_n at_o present_a and_o their_o posterity_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o much_o more_o heed_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v in_o appoint_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o if_o our_o ecclesiastik_a superior_n have_v be_v so_o kind_a and_o just_a to_o themselves_o and_o their_o clergy_n as_o to_o have_v consult_v the_o wise_a of_o their_o presbyter_n within_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v like_o it_o may_v have_v prevent_v much_o of_o this_o inconveniency_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v do_v all_o who_o can_v take_v this_o oath_n with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n let_v they_o take_v it_o and_o much_o good_a may_v it_o do_v they_o but_o as_o for_o these_o who_o can_v take_v it_o let_v they_o suffer_v patient_o the_o penaltly_a inflict_v by_o the_o law_n and_o let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o orderly_o and_o peaceable_o without_o make_v any_o rent_n in_o the_o state_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o without_o reflect_v on_o their_o governor_n yeâ—_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v by_o all_o man_n they_o be_v act_v by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o be_v now_o leave_v for_o salve_v the_o credit_n of_o authority_n and_o yet_o many_o wise_a man_n think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o reflection_n on_o authority_n if_o his_o majesty_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n find_v how_o great_a a_o grievance_n the_o urge_n of_o the_o test_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v to_o his_o best_a and_o most_o loyal_a subject_n which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v till_o it_o be_v try_v shall_v suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n till_o further_a advice_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o confession_n record_v in_o the_o 1._o par._n james_n 6._o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n now_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a proposition_n in_o that_o confession_n either_o false_a or_o dubious_a not_o express_v in_o or_o clear_o deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n can_v we_o sweaâ—_n it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n surely_n whoever_o read_v it_o with_o understanding_n will_v find_v many_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a at_o least_o but_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v particular_o remark_v that_o it_o contain_v doctrine_n which_o manifest_o cross_v the_o many_o end_n of_o the_o test_n this_o be_v certain_o design_v to_o guard_n and_o engage_v man_n against_o fanatical_a principle_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o oblige_v all_o that_o swear_v it_o to_o own_o the_o most_o capital_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fanatik_n they_o maintain_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o
to_o understand_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o exce_n 〈…〉_z of_o we_o in_o the_o parliament_n which_o be_v its_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n i_o take_v it_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o any_o scruple_n make_v by_o any_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o parliament_n sense_n and_o their_o true_a meaning_n which_o be_v present_a i_o be_o sure_a be_v own_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o secure_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n record_v i_o 6_o p._n 1._o c._n 4._o and_o not_o out_o of_o scruple_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o test_n do_v import_v the_o contrary_a but_o to_o clear_v myself_o from_o all_o cavil_n as_o if_o thereby_o i_o be_v bind_v up_o further_o than_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o by_o that_o part_n of_o the_o test_n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o in_o my_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n still_o disclaim_v all_o unlawful_a endeavour_n to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o think_v according_a to_o my_o conscience_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n and_o by_o my_o loyalty_n i_o understand_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n plain_o bear_v to_o wit_v the_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n of_o all_o loyal_a subject_n and_o this_o explanation_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n not_o of_o the_o test_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o as_o a_o qualify_a part_n of_o my_o oath_n that_o i_o be_o to_o swear_v and_o with_o it_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o take_v the_o test_n if_o your_o royal_a highness_n and_o your_o lordship_n allow_v i_o or_o otherwise_o in_o submission_n to_o your_o highness_n and_o the_o council_n pleasure_n i_o be_o content_a to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o refuser_n at_o present_a the_o council_n letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n concern_v their_o have_v commit_v the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n may_v it_o please_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o last_o parliament_n have_v make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o advantageous_a act_n for_o secure_v the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o your_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n who_o god_n almighty_a long_o preserve_v and_o have_v for_o the_o last_o and_o as_o the_o best_a way_n for_o secure_v all_o these_o appoint_v a_o test_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n which_o bear_v express_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v ☜_o very_o careful_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o test_n with_o their_o own_o gloss_n or_o explication_n but_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n have_v after_o some_o delay_n come_v to_o council_n to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n as_o a_o privy-councillor_n speak_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o then_o hear_v nor_o advert_v to_o and_o when_o his_o lordship_n at_o his_o next_o offering_n to_o take_v it_o in_o council_n as_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o your_o majesty_n tresury_n be_v command_v to_o take_v it_o simple_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o but_o give_v in_o a_o paper_n show_v the_o only_a sense_n in_o which_o he_o will_v take_v it_o which_o paper_n we_o all_o consider_v as_o that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a reflection_n upon_o that_o excellent_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v it_o to_o contain_v thing_n contradictory_n ☜_o and_o inconsistent_a and_o thereby_o deprave_v your_o majesty_n law_n misrepresent_v your_o parliament_n and_o teach_v your_o subject_n to_o evacuate_v and_o disappoint_v all_o law_n and_o security_n that_o can_v be_v enact_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n suitable_a to_o which_o his_o lordship_n declare_v in_o that_o paper_n that_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o himself_o from_o make_v any_o alteration_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o which_o paper_n he_o desire_v may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o oath_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o legislator_n and_o able_a to_o add_v a_o part_n to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o which_o paper_n we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o send_v the_o say_a earl_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o to_o to_o transmit_v the_o paper_n to_o your_o majesty_n be_v express_o oblige_v to_o both_o these_o by_o your_o majesty_n express_a law_n and_o we_o have_v command_v your_o majesty_n advocate_n to_o raise_v a_o pursuit_n against_o the_o say_a earl_n forbeing_n author_n and_o have_v give_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o for_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o all_o relate_n to_o this_o affair_n we_o expect_v your_o majesty_n command_n which_o shall_v be_v most_o humble_o and_o faithful_o obey_v by_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o faithful_a and_o most_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n edinburgh_n nou._n 8._o 1681._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la glencairne_n winton_n linlithgow_n perth_n roxburgh_n ancram_fw-la airlie_n levingstoun_n io._n edinburgen_n ross_n geo._n gordoun_n ch._n maitland_n g._n m_o ckenzie_n ja._n foulis_n i._o drumond_n the_o king_n answer_n to_o the_o council_n letter_n c._n r._n novemb_n 15._o 1681._o most_o dear_a etc._n etc._n have_v in_o one_o of_o your_o letter_n direct_v unto_o we_o of_o the_o 8._o instant_a receive_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o take_v the_o test_n simple_o and_o of_o your_o proceed_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o give_v in_o a_o paper_n show_v the_o only_a sense_n in_o which_o he_o will_v take_v it_o which_o have_v in_o it_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a reflection_n upon_o that_o excellent_a late_a act_n of_o our_o parliament_n there_o by_o which_o the_o say_a test_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v take_v we_o have_v now_o think_v fit_a to_o let_v you_o know_v that_o as_o we_o do_v hereby_o approve_v these_o your_o proceed_n particular_o your_o send_v the_o say_a earl_n to_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o your_o command_v our_o advocate_n to_o raise_v a_o pursuit_n against_o he_o for_o be_v author_n of_o and_o have_v give_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n so_o we_o do_v also_o authorise_v you_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o all_o relate_n to_o this_o affair_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v our_o express_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o before_o any_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v against_o he_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o process_n you_o send_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o to_o the_o end_n that_o after_o our_o be_v full_o inform_v thereof_o we_o may_v signify_v our_o further_a pleasure_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o do_v whereof_o etc._n etc._n but_o as_o notwithstanding_o the_o council_n demand_v by_o their_o letter_n his_o majesty_n be_v allowance_n for_o prosecute_a the_o earl_n they_o before_o any_o return_n cause_v his_o majesty_n be_v advocate_n exhibit_v one_fw-mi indictment_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o slander_v and_o deprave_v as_o have_v be_v already_o remark_v so_o after_o have_v receive_v his_o majesty_n be_v answer_n the_o design_n grow_v and_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o order_v a_o new_a indictment_n contain_v beside_o the_o former_a point_n the_o crime_n of_o treason_n and_o perjury_n which_o according_o be_v exhibit_v and_o be_v here_o subjoin_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o indictment_n be_v only_o in_o the_o particular_n above_o note_a the_o copy_n of_o the_o indictment_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n archibald_n earl_n of_o argyle_n you_o be_v indict_v and_o accuse_v that_o albeit_o by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o all_o well-governed_a nation_n and_o by_o the_o municipal_a law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o 21_o and_o by_o the_o 43d_o act_n par._n 2_o james_n 1._o and_o by_o the_o 83d_o act_n par._n 6._o james_n 5._o and_o by_o the_o 34th_o act_n par._n 8._o james_n 6._o and_o the_o 134th_o act_n par_n 8_o james_n 6._o and_o the_o 205th_o act_n par._n 14._o james_n 6._o all_o leasing-maker_n and_o teller_n of_o they_o be_v punishable_a with_o tinsel_n of_o life_n and_o good_n like_v as_o by_o the_o 107th_o act._n par._n 7._o james_z 1_o it_o be_v statute_v that_o no_o man_n interpret_v the_o king_n statute_n otherwise_o than_o the_o statute_n bear_v and_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o effect_n that_o they_o be_v make_v for_o and_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o they_o understand_v and_o
whoso_o do_v in_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v punish_v at_o the_o king_n will_v and_o by_o the_o 10_o act_n par._n 10._o james_n 6._o it_o be_v statute_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o he_o public_o to_o declare_v or_o private_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o purpose_n of_o reproach_n or_o slander_v of_o his_o majesty_n person_n estate_n or_o government_n or_o to_o deprave_v his_o law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o mistconstrue_v his_o proceed_n whereby_o any_o mistake_n may_v be_v move_v betwixt_o his_o highness_n his_o nobility_n and_o love_a subject_n in_o time_n come_v under_o pain_n of_o death_n certify_v they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o seditious_a and_o wicked_a instrument_n enemy_n to_o his_o highness_n and_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o say_a pain_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o with_o all_o rigour_n to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o by_o the_o second_o act_n ses._n 2._o par._n 1_o char._n 2._o it_o be_v statute_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v by_o writing_n libel_v remonstrate_v express_v publish_v or_o declare_v any_o word_n or_o sentence_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o the_o dislike_n of_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n and_o supremacy_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastik_a or_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o settle_a by_o law_n be_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v declare_v incapable_a to_o exercise_v any_o office_n civil_a ecclesiastik_a or_o military_a within_o this_o kingdom_n in_o any_o time_n come_v like_o as_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o nation_n by_o the_o 130th_o act_n par_n 8._o james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n presume_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o to_o procure_v innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o treason_n in_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v law_n already_o make_v or_o to_o make_v new_a law_n or_o to_o add_v any_o part_n to_o any_o law_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n that_o be_v to_o assume_v the_o legislative_a power_n to_o themselves_o with_o his_o majesty_n high_a and_o most_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n yet_o true_a it_o be_v that_o albeit_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n do_v not_o only_o bestow_v on_o you_o the_o say_v archibald_n earl_n of_o argyle_n those_o vast_a land_n jurisdicton_n and_o superiority_n just_o for_o fault_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o crime_n of_o your_o decease_a father_n prefer_v your_o family_n to_o those_o who_o have_v serve_v his_o majesty_n against_o it_o in_o the_o late_a rebellion_n but_o also_o pardon_v and_o remit_v to_o you_o the_o crime_n of_o lease_v make_v and_o misconstrue_v his_o majesty_n and_o his_o parliament_n proceed_n against_o the_o very_a law_n above_o write_v whereof_o you_o be_v find_v guilty_a and_o condemn_v to_o die_v therefore_o by_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o 25._o of_o august_n 1662._o and_o raise_v you_o to_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o earl_n and_o be_v a_o member_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n judicature_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o favour_n you_o the_o say_v archibald_n earl_n of_o argyle_n be_v put_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy-council_n to_o take_v the_o test_n appoint_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n in_o public_a trust_n you_o instead_o of_o take_v the_o say_a test_n and_o swear_v the_o same_o in_o the_o plain_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o evasion_n whatsoever_o you_o do_v declare_v against_o and_o defame_v the_o say_a act_n and_o have_v to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v corrupt_v other_o by_o your_o pernicious_a sense_n draw_v the_o same_o in_o a_o libel_n of_o which_o libel_n you_o disperse_v and_o give_v abroad_o copy_n whereby_o ill_a impression_n be_v give_v of_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n proceed_n at_o a_o time_n especial_o when_o his_o majesty_n subject_n be_v expect_v what_o submission_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o say_a test_n and_o be_v desire_v the_o next_o day_n to_o take_v the_o same_o as_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o his_o majesty_n treasury_n you_o do_v give_v in_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy-council_n and_o own_a twice_o in_o plain_a judgement_n before_o they_o the_o say_a defamatory_n libel_v against_o the_o say_a test_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o saidâ—est_n â—est_z and_o be_v desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n as_o far_o as_o you_o can_v whereby_o you_o clear_o insinuate_v that_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v full_a obedience_n in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o which_o libel_n you_o declare_v that_o you_o be_v confident_a the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n thereby_o to_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o a_o belief_n that_o the_o parliament_n have_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o real_o and_o actual_o to_o have_v impose_v contradictory_n oath_n and_o so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o have_v make_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v most_o deliberate_a of_o all_o humane_a action_n quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o intention_n after_o which_o you_o subsume_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n abovecited_a that_o every_o man_n must_v explain_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o take_v it_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n by_o which_o not_o only_o that_o excellent_a law_n and_o the_o oath_n therein_o specify_v which_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v a_o fence_n to_o the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o all_o other_o oath_n and_o law_n shall_v be_v render_v altogether_o useless_a to_o the_o government_n if_o every_o man_n take_v the_o oath_n impose_v by_o law_n in_o his_o own_o sense_n than_o the_o oath_n impose_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o legislator_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o oath_n impose_v by_o he_o will_v bind_v the_o taker_n according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intent_n for_o which_o he_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v take_v from_o the_o imposer_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o so_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o legislator_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o open_a and_o violent_a deprave_v of_o his_o majesty_n law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o be_v likewise_o a_o settle_n of_o the_o legistative_a power_n on_o private_a subject_n who_o be_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o that_o paper_n you_o declare_v that_o you_o take_v the_o test_n in_o so_o far_o only_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n by_o which_o you_o malicious_o intimate_v to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o say_a oath_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o downright_a deprave_v of_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o be_v likewise_o a_o misconstrue_v of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o parliament_n proceed_n and_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n &_o in_o the_o tender_a point_n they_o can_v be_v concern_v and_o imply_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o parliament_n have_v do_v thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o secure_v of_o which_o that_o test_n be_v particular_o intend_v in_o the_o four_o article_n you_o do_v express_o declare_v that_o you_o mean_v not_o by_o take_v the_o say_a test_n to_o bind_v up_o yourself_o from_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n that_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o advance_v 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libel_v do_v not_o at_o all_o import_n all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a libel_n so_o by_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o law_n where_o a_o person_n do_v emit_v word_n for_o the_o clear_n and_o exoneration_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n although_o there_o be_v any_o ambiguity_n or_o unclearness_n or_o involvedness_n in_o the_o tenor_n or_o import_n of_o the_o expression_n or_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v interpret_v interpretatione_n benigna_fw-la &_o favorab_n ili_fw-la according_a to_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n and_o it_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v refuse_v to_o any_o person_n to_o interpret_v and_o put_v a_o congruous_a sense_n upon_o his_o own_o word_n especial_o the_o panel_n be_v a_o person_n of_o eminent_a quality_n and_o who_o have_v give_v great_a demonstration_n and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n interest_n and_o service_n and_o at_o 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be_v impossible_a to_o elicit_v any_o such_o thing_n from_o the_o oath_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o parliament_n that_o person_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o oath_n may_v concur_v in_o their_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n in_o any_o law_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o no_o rational_a man_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v take_v the_o oath_n in_o other_o term_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o allegiance_n and_o duty_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o prince_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o say_a expression_n which_o do_v in_o the_o least_o point_n at_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a word_n and_o meaning_n rather_o for_o its_o perpetuity_n stability_n and_o security_n the_o expression_n be_v caution_v to_o the_o utmost_a scrupulosity_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o with_o his_o loyalty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n of_o all_o faithful_a subject_n and_o which_o he_o have_v signal_o and_o eminent_o express_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o that_o how_o such_o a_o expression_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o import_v all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n libel_v pass_v all_o natural_a understanding_n and_o as_o to_o the_o last_o word_n and_o this_o i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n which_o be_v libel_v to_o be_v a_o treasonable_a invasion_n and_o assume_v of_o the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a and_o a_o party_n declare_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o he_o be_v free_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n do_v not_o at_o all_o respect_n or_o invade_v the_o legislative_a power_n of_o which_o the_o panel_n 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explanation_n no_o addition_n or_o extension_n of_o the_o oath_n so_o that_o for_o all_o this_o explanation_n the_o oath_n be_v neither_o broad_a nor_o long_o than_o it_o be_v and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o bind_v up_o myself_o in_o my_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o think_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n how_o this_o clause_n can_v be_v draw_v in_o question_n as_o treasonable_a when_o it_o may_v with_o better_a reason_n be_v allege_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o say_v it_o and_o albeit_o the_o word_n to_o endeavour_v in_o my_o station_n be_v word_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o two_o word_n in_o the_o covenant_n may_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o another_o very_a good_a and_o loyal_a sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n either_o to_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o council_n or_o any_o other_o judicature_n or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o parliament_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o loyalty_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v never_o a_o clause_n more_o cautious_o express_v for_o the_o word_n run_v to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o shall_v think_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o though_o that_o be_v sufficient_a yet_o the_o clause_n be_v so_o cautious_o conceive_v that_o it_o contain_v another_o restriction_n not_o repugnant_a to_o religion_n and_o his_o loyalty_n so_o that_o except_o it_o can_v be_v allege_v that_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a mean_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n and_o state_n consistent_a with_o his_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n can_v make_v treasonable_a alteration_n and_o invasion_n upon_o the_o government_n and_o monarchy_n which_o be_v the_o high_a contradiction_n imaginable_a there_o can_v be_v nothing_o against_o the_o panel_n and_o albeit_o the_o clause_n any_o alteration_n might_n without_o the_o restriction_n and_o qualification_n aforesaid_a be_v general_o extend_v yet_o the_o precede_a word_n of_o lawful_a way_n and_o the_o rational_a interpretation_n of_o the_o emission_n of_o word_n especial_o before_o a_o solemn_a judicatory_a leave_v no_o place_n or_o shadow_n to_o doubt_v that_o these_o alteration_n be_v no_o fundamental_a or_o treasonable_a alteration_n but_o such_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o constitution_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n do_v constant_o require_v in_o the_o most_o exact_a constitution_n under_o heaven_n and_o the_o clause_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o present_a necessity_n of_o alteration_n but_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o rational_a prospect_n that_o albeit_o at_o present_a all_o thing_n under_o heaven_n have_v be_v do_v to_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o government_n yet_o there_o may_v occur_v case_n that_o will_v require_v new_a help_n alteration_n and_o remedy_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o panel_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o alleviate_v or_o take_v off_o word_n true_o treasonable_a or_o have_v a_o ill_a design_n by_o the_o mix_n of_o fair_a and_o safe_a dutiful_a and_o submissive_a expression_n which_o indeed_o be_v protestation_n contrary_a facto_fw-la for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o his_o explanation_n that_o either_o in_o his_o design_n or_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v rational_o and_o natural_o interpret_v can_v infer_v the_o crime_n libel_v or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o the_o pannel_n know_a principle_n and_o know_v practice_n do_v not_o only_o clear_v that_o loyalty_n that_o he_o have_v profess_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o justiciary_a and_o instruct_v by_o unquestionable_a document_n but_o they_o put_v he_o far_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o these_o damnable_a principle_n relate_v in_o the_o reply_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v a_o entire_a evidence_n of_o his_o abhorrency_n and_o detestation_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o be_v think_v strange_a why_o that_o shall_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o affront_n or_o disgrace_n to_o the_o government_n that_o the_o parliament_n impose_v a_o test_n which_o the_o panel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v simple_o and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v defame_v write_v or_o speak_v against_o the_o test_n itself_o or_o for_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o but_o only_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v the_o good_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v simple_o take_v and_o this_o be_v to_o condemn_v he_o for_o want_n of_o sight_n or_o sense_n when_o the_o law_n have_v punish_v no_o man_n for_o not_o take_v the_o test_n but_o only_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o government_n and_o it_o be_v as_o strange_a a_o inference_n that_o because_o the_o panel_n declare_v he_o believe_v the_o parliament_n mean_v no_o contradiction_n and_o will_v take_v the_o test_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a that_o therefore_o he_o say_v the_o parliament_n impose_v contradiction_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o rational_a induction_n that_o the_o contradiction_n of_o these_o subsumption_n in_o all_o congruity_n of_o language_n and_o sense_n be_v necessary_o true_a and_o therefore_o the_o last_o part_n of_o that_o clause_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a be_v a_o consequence_n infer_v upon_o the_o former_a viz._n i_o believe_v the_o parliament_n design_v to_o impose_v no_o contradiction_n ergo_fw-la i_o take_v the_o test_n as_o consistent_a and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o must_v be_v consistent_a if_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o impose_v contradiction_n as_o certain_o they_o have_v not_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o in_o this_o sense_n this_o explanation_n be_v receivable_a it_o be_v propose_v in_o council_n and_o allow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o high_a reflection_n it_o can_v now_o be_v quarrel_v sir_n george_n lockhart'_v second_o plea_n for_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n by_o way_n of_o reply_n upon_o the_o king_n advocate_n sir_n george_n lockhart_n duply_v that_o the_o defender_n repeat_v and_o oppones_fw-la his_o former_a defence_n which_o be_v no_o way_n elide_v nor_o satisfy_v by_o the_o reply_v make_v by_o his_o majesty_n advocate_n and_o although_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o king_n advocate_n out_o of_o his_o zeal_n to_o pretend_v and_o argue_v crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n upon_o inference_n and_o consequence_n neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o pannel_n design_n nor_o with_o his_o word_n and_o expression_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o security_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o security_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o subject_n than_o that_o crime_n shall_v be_v infer_v but_o from_o clear_a evident_a and_o express_v law_n and_o plain_a palpable_a contravention_n of_o these_o law_n it_o be_v both_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n and_o especial_o for_o expression_n which_o according_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o panel_n viz._n as_o a_o member_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy-council_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o his_o royal_a highness_n and_o the_o member_n of_o council_n and_o when_o require_v to_o take_v the_o test_n be_v safe_a and_o innocent_a and_o it_o be_v against_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o panel_n either_o do_v or_o design_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v or_o do_v import_v the_o crime_n libel_v against_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o oath_n require_v and_o impose_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o government_n and_o that_o the_o panel_n by_o his_o explication_n do_v evade_v the_o oath_n by_o take_v it_o only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o his_o own_o loyalty_n whereof_o he_o be_v judge_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o pretence_n be_v most_o unwarrantable_a and_o the_o security_n of_o his_o majesty_n government_n be_v not_o at_o all_o endanger_v as_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v though_o the_o panel_n and_o a_o thousand_o more_o have_v simple_o refuse_v the_o test_n or_o have_v take_v it_o in_o a_o sense_n which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v the_o law_n it_o be_v competent_a to_o public_a authority_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o panel_n oath_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o explication_n wherein_o he_o do_v take_v it_o do_v satisfy_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o not_o and_o if_o not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a consequence_n infer_v thereupon_o but_o
and_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v but_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o give_v full_a obedience_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n that_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a they_o do_v intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v explain_v it_o but_o for_o himself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o man_n may_v take_v it_o in_o any_o sense_n he_o please_v to_o devise_v and_o thereby_o render_v this_o law_n and_o also_o all_o other_o law_n though_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o this_o affair_n useless_a and_o so_o make_v himself_o a_o legislator_n and_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o i_o take_v it_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n whereby_o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o consistent_a with_o either_o nor_o be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o parliament_n it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a and_o i_o declare_v that_o by_o take_v this_o test_n i_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o in_o my_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n to_o wish_v or_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o think_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n whereby_o i_o declare_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o free_a from_o all_o obligation_n to_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o from_o the_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n of_o good_a subject_n resolve_v of_o myself_o to_o alter_v all_o the_o fundamental_o both_o of_o law_n and_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o this_o i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n that_o be_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o which_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o and_o usurp_v the_o royal_a legislative_a power_n which_o sense_n and_o explanation_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o the_o advocat_n own_o word_n and_o be_v indeed_o every_o word_n necessary_a to_o infer_v these_o horrible_a crime_n contain_v in_o the_o indictment_n so_o to_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o modesty_n that_o truth_n will_v allow_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v so_o violent_a false_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n must_v be_v to_o believe_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v allege_v far_o more_o receive_v and_o sustain_v in_o judgement_n by_o man_n profess_v only_a reason_n far_o less_o religion_n but_o three_o if_o neither_o the_o earl_n true_a genuine_a and_o honest_a sense_n nor_o this_o violent_a corrupt_a and_o false_a sense_n will_v satisfy_v let_v we_o try_v what_o transprose_a the_o earl_n explanation_n will_v do_v and_o see_v how_o the_o just_a contrary_n will_v look_v and_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o test_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o all_o desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v i_o be_o confident_a the_o parliament_n intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v every_o man_n can_v explain_v it_o for_o other_o as_o well_o as_o for_o himself_o and_o take_v it_o without_o reconcile_n it_o either_o to_o itself_o or_o his_o own_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o i_o do_v take_v it_o though_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o i_o declare_v that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o never_o either_o in_o my_o station_n or_o in_o any_o lawful_a way_n whatsoever_o to_o wish_n or_o endeavour_v in_o the_o least_o any_o alteration_n though_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o though_o never_o so_o suitable_a and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o express_a quality_n of_o my_o swear_n yet_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n now_o whether_o this_o contradictory_n conversion_n be_v not_o treason_n or_o high_o criminal_a at_o best_a i_o leave_v all_o the_o world_n to_o judge_n and_o to_o make_v both_o sâ—â—es_n of_o a_o contradiction_n that_o be_v both_o the_o affirmative_a and_o negative_a of_o the_o same_o proposition_n treason_n be_v beyond_o ordinary_a logik_n escobar_n find_v two_o contrary_a way_n may_v both_o be_v probable_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o neither_o he_o nor_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v hitherto_o adventure_v to_o declare_v two_o contradictory_n proposition_n both_o damnable_a and_o either_o of_o they_o a_o just_a cause_n to_o take_v away_o man_n life_n honour_n and_o fortune_n but_o where_o the_o disease_n be_v in_o the_o will_v it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o apply_v remedy_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o must_v not_o this_o be_v indeed_o either_o the_o odd_a treason_n or_o strange_a discovery_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n see_v it_o not_o witness_v his_o vindication_n say_v the_o same_o and_o more_o nor_o many_o of_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n witness_v their_o explanation_n nor_o his_o royal_a highness_n in_o private_a nor_o at_o first_o in_o council_n nor_o all_o the_o councillor_n when_o together_o at_o the_o council-board_n nor_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o then_o precedent_n of_o the_o session_n now_o chancellor_n though_o he_o rise_v from_o his_o seat_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o hear_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a lawyer_n witness_v their_o sign_a opinion_n nor_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o judge_n on_o the_o bench_n nor_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o know_a person_n either_o in_o scotland_n or_o england_n wonderful_a treason_n one_o day_n see_v by_o none_o another_o day_n see_v by_o so_o many_o a_o stander-by_n hear_v the_o trial_n and_o the_o sentence_n say_v he_o believe_v the_o earl_n word_n be_v by_o popish_a magik_n transsubstantiat_fw-la for_o he_o see_v they_o the_o same_o as_o before_o another_o answer_v that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v so_o for_o he_o be_v confident_a none_o can_v see_v treason_n in_o the_o word_n that_o will_v not_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a time_n ready_o also_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o he_o believe_v many_o that_o profess_v both_o believe_v neither_o the_o second_o head_n of_o the_o earl_n additional_a defence_n contain_v the_o impertinency_n &_o absurdity_n of_o the_o advocat_n arguing_n and_o here_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v any_o solid_a debate_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o deny_v principle_n so_o as_o little_a with_o those_o who_o heap_v up_o fantastical_a and_o inconsequential_a inference_n without_o all_o shadow_n of_o reason_n if_o a_o stone_n be_v throw_v though_o it_o may_v do_v hurt_v yet_o have_v some_o weight_n it_o may_v be_v throw_v back_o with_o equal_a or_o more_o force_n but_o if_o a_o man_n trig_n up_o a_o feather_n and_o fling_v it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o throw_v it_o back_o and_o the_o more_o strength_n the_o less_o success_n it_o shall_v therefore_o serve_v by_o acursoâ—y_a discourse_n to_o expose_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n easy_o answer_v then_o understand_v and_o without_o any_o serious_a argue_v which_o they_o can_v bear_v rather_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n then_o by_o too_o much_o empty_a talk_n hazard_v to_o be_v like_o he_o he_o allege_v first_o that_o the_o earl_n instead_o of_o take_v the_o test_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n as_o he_o ought_v do_v declare_v against_o and_o defame_v the_o act_n that_o enjoin_v it_o which_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a crime_n but_o how_o in_o as_o much_o say_v the_o advocate_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o test_n which_o i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v say_v be_v his_o great_a crime_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v take_v it_o with_o a_o profound_a and_o devout_a ignorance_n as_o some_o of_o our_o most_o inventive_a politician_n boast_v they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o earl_n say_v that_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v whereby_o say_v the_o aducat_n he_o insinuat_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v full_a obedience_n this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v and_o that_o indeed_o he_o can_v not_o have_v not_o thousand_o give_v no_o obedience_n yet_o even_o in_o law_n be_v guiltless_a and_o ought_v not_o that_o to_o please_v his_o highness_n and_o the_o council_n that_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n almighty_n and_o be_v all_o any_o mortal_a can_v perform_v but_o the_o earl_n say_v the_o advocate_n go_v on_o that_o he_o be_v confident_a the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n whereby_o say_v the_o advocate_n he_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o a_o belief_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v intend_v to_o impose_v such_o
for_o a_o honest_a expression_n of_o a_o commendable_a tenderness_n without_o any_o imputation_n of_o reproach_n against_o either_o king_n or_o parliament_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v his_o part_n clear_a and_o innocent_a when_o albeit_o so_o many_o think_v the_o contradiction_n to_o be_v undeniable_a yet_o such_o be_v his_o well_o temper_a respect_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n that_o before_o and_o not_o after_o the_o take_z of_o this_o oath_n to_o clear_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o exception_n and_o scruple_n raise_v of_o all_o ambiguity_n in_o swear_v he_o first_o apply_v himself_o for_o a_o satisfy_a explanation_n to_o the_o parliament_n the_o prime_a imposer_n their_o true_a intention_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o then_o gather_v it_o very_o rational_o from_o the_o oath_n consistency_n with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o parliament_n aim_v and_o scope_n and_o so_o assert_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n truth_n and_o honour_n he_o place_v the_o relief_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o his_o take_v the_o test_n with_o this_o explanation_n and_o in_o declare_v its_o congruity_n with_o his_o oath_n and_o duty_n of_o allegiance_n the_o three_o head_n of_o the_o earl_n additional_a defence_n be_v the_o further_o clear_v and_o improve_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n above_o adduce_v and_o repel_v which_o be_v first_o that_o before_o the_o earl_n do_v offer_v his_o explanation_n to_o the_o council_n a_o great_a many_o paper_n be_v spread_v abroad_o by_o some_o of_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n charge_v the_o test_n with_o contradiction_n &_o inconsistency_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v a_o paper_n pen_v by_o a_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o present_v and_o read_v in_o council_n and_o by_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v print_v which_o do_v contain_v the_o same_o and_o far_o more_o important_a thing_n than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o earl_n explanation_n and_o consequent_o far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o his_o majesty_n advocat_n accusation_n 3_o that_o the_o explanation_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v indict_v be_v public_o by_o himself_o declare_v in_o council_n and_o by_o the_o council_n allow_v so_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v administrat_fw-la to_o he_o and_o he_o receive_v to_o sit_v in_o council_n and_o vote_n by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n with_o and_o under_o this_o express_a qualification_n but_o to_o all_o urge_v for_o the_o earl_n exculpation_n the_o advocate_n make_v one_o short_a answer_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o earl_n paper_n do_v infer_v the_o crime_n charge_v on_o it_o a_o thousand_o the_o like_a offence_n can_v excuse_v it_o and_o his_o majesty_n be_v free_a to_o pursue_v the_o offender_n when_o and_o in_o what_o order_n he_o think_v fit_a which_o answer_n do_v indeed_o leave_v the_o council_n and_o all_o concern_v in_o his_o majesty_n mercy_n but_o that_o it_o do_v no_o way_n satisfy_v the_o earl_n plea_n be_v manifest_a for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n viz._n that_o before_o the_o earl_n do_v offer_v his_o explanation_n a_o great_a many_o paper_n write_v by_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n and_o other_o be_v abroad_o charge_v the_o test_n with_o contradiction_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o allege_v by_o the_o earl_n mere_o to_o justify_v his_o explanation_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o like_a paper_n and_o so_o to_o provide_v for_o a_o escape_n in_o the_o crowd_n but_o the_o earl_n have_v most_o rational_o plead_v that_o his_o explanation_n be_v give_v in_o by_o he_o after_o these_o many_o scruple_n and_o objection_n raise_v by_o other_o be_v abroad_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plea_n from_o a_o most_o pregnant_a circumstance_n clear_v both_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n from_o the_o soul_n aspersion_n of_o reproach_v and_o deprave_v throw_v upon_o they_o see_v the_o word_n speak_v by_o he_o under_o the_o motive_n of_o such_o a_o circumstance_n by_o all_o fair_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n instead_o of_o be_v judge_v misconstrue_v and_o deprave_v can_v only_o be_v understand_v as_o a_o seasonable_a assert_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o parliament_n intention_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o earl_n conscience_n which_o argument_n be_v in_o reason_n unanswerable_a it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o advocat_n return_n to_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v neither_o sufficient_a nor_o pertinent_a and_o that_o therefore_o the_o exculpation_n be_v unjust_o repel_v but_o next_o the_o second_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o advocate_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o understand_v for_o the_o earl_n argument_n be_v that_o word_n allow_v &_o approven_v by_o the_o council_n can_v never_o fall_v under_o the_o accusation_n either_o of_o leasing-making_a or_o slander_v his_o majesly_n proceed_n or_o deprave_a law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o and_o grant_v by_o the_o advocate_n where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o explanation_n though_o reflect_v on_o the_o king_n and_o government_n which_o the_o earl_n be_v not_o yet_o if_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n be_v to_o be_v sustain_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o council_n have_v allow_v the_o word_n contain_v in_o this_o explanation_n controvert_v both_o in_o themselves_o and_o also_o in_o their_o equivalent_a and_o far_o more_o important_a expression_n as_o for_o instance_n not_o only_o by_o accept_v the_o earl_n explanation_n as_o shall_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o next_o place_n but_o by_o give_v warrant_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n his_o vindication_n wherein_o first_o for_o obviate_a the_o contradiction_n object_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n he_o positive_o assert_n that_o by_o the_o test_n man_n do_v not_o swear_v to_o own_o every_o article_n of_o that_o confession_n and_o yet_o the_o test_n bind_v express_o to_o believe_v that_o confession_n to_o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o never_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o alteration_n contrary_a thereto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o so_o that_o he_o give_v both_o the_o test_n and_o the_o parliament_n the_o lye_n and_o then_o for_o remove_v another_o scruple_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o test_n man_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o from_o regular_a endeavour_n to_o rectify_v or_o better_v the_o establish_a government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v clear_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o not_o so_o well_o caution_v with_o that_o which_o in_o the_o earl_n case_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o treason_n from_o which_o it_o unquestionable_o follow_v that_o the_o earl_n word_n have_v be_v allow_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o council_n can_v never_o in_o law_n or_o reason_n be_v thereafter_o make_v a_o ground_n of_o accusation_n by_o any_o much_o less_o by_o themselves_o now_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o the_o advocate_n in_o all_o his_o plea_n do_v so_o much_o as_o notice_n far_o less_o answer_n this_o defence_n or_o what_o his_o tell_v we_o a_o thousand_o offence_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v not_o excuse_v one_o either_o do_v or_o can_v signify_v see_v this_o argument_n for_o the_o farle_z instead_o of_o plead_v excuse_n do_v justify_v the_o matter_n and_o for_o ever_o purge_v all_o shadow_n of_o offence_n or_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o apparent_a when_o you_o shall_v add_v to_o this_o the_o three_o ground_n of_o the_o earl_n exculpation_n viz._n that_o the_o explanation_n whereupon_o the_o earl_n be_v indict_v be_v public_o by_o himself_o declare_v in_o council_n and_o by_o the_o council_n allow_v and_o accept_v in_o so_o much_o as_o after_o he_o have_v give_v his_o explanation_n as_o the_o sense_n wherein_o he_o be_v free_a to_o swear_v the_o test_n the_o oath_n be_v thereupon_o administrat_fw-la to_o he_o and_o he_o receive_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o a_o counsellor_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o this_o allowance_n and_o acceptance_n the_o earl_n explanation_n become_v the_o council_n as_o much_o as_o if_o after_o the_o earl_n pronounce_v the_o word_n they_o have_v verbatim_o repeat_v they_o and_o tell_v he_o they_o be_v satisfy_v he_o shall_v swear_v the_o test_n in_o these_o term_n and_o whether_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exoneration_n to_o the_o earl_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v the_o advocate_n make_v a_o noise_n that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n require_v the_o taker_n ought_v to_o swear_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o none_o doubt_v and_o then_o run_v out_o that_o the_o earl_n in_o place_n of_o take_v it_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n do_v unwarrantable_o intend_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o elude_a and_o frustrate_v of_o the_o