Certain disquisitions and considerations representing to the conscience the unlawfulnesse of the oath, entituled, A solemn League and Covenant for reformation &c. As also the insufficiency of the arguments used in the exhortation for taking the said Covenant. Published by command.
      
       
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             Certain disquisitions and considerations representing to the conscience the unlawfulnesse of the oath, entituled, A solemn League and Covenant for reformation &c. As also the insufficiency of the arguments used in the exhortation for taking the said Covenant. Published by command.
             Barwick, John, 1612-1664.
          
           [2], 49, [1] p.
           
             Printed by Leonard Lichfield printer to the University,
             Oxford [i.e. London] :
             1644.
          
           
             By John Barwick, with the assistance of William Lacey, Isaac Barrow, Seth Ward, Edmund Balders, William Quarles, and Peter Gunning.
             The imprint is false; printed in London (Madan).
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "Said to be written by the Universitie of Cambridge"; "Aprill 17th".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Solemn League and Covenant (1643). -- Early works to 1800.
           Covenanters -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1642-1649 -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A31491  R1967  (Wing C1700A).  civilwar no Certain disquisitions and considerations representing to the conscience the unlawfulnesse of the oath, entituled, A solemn League and Covena Lacey, William 1644    24704 19 135 0 0 0 0 62 D  The  rate of 62 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           CERTAIN
           DISQUISITIONS
           AND
           CONSIDERATIONS
           Representing
           to
           the
           Conscience
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           the
           Oath
           ,
           entituled
           ,
           
             A
             solemn
             League
             and
             Covenant
             for
             Reformation
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           As
           also
           the
           insufficiency
           of
           the
           Arguments
           used
           in
           the
           Exhortation
           for
           taking
           the
           said
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           Published
           by
           command
           .
        
         
           OXFORD
           ,
           Printed
           by
           LEONARD
           LICHFIELD
           Printer
           to
           the
           University
           .
           1644.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           CERTAIN
           DISQUISITIONS
           AND
           CONSIDERATIONS
           Representing
           to
           the
           Conscience
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           the
           Oath
           ,
           entituled
           ,
           A
           solemn
           League
           and
           Covenant
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           We
           Noblemen
           ,
           Barons
           ,
           Knights
           ,
           Gentlemen
           ,
           Citizens
           ,
           Burgesses
           ,
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           Commons
           of
           all
           sorts
           in
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           by
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           living
           under
           one
           King
           ,
           and
           being
           of
           one
           reformed
           Religion
           ,
           having
           before
           our
           eyes
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           advancement
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           honour
           and
           happinesse
           of
           the
           Kings
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           His
           Posterity
           ,
           and
           the
           true
           publique
           Liberty
           ,
           Safety
           and
           Peace
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           ,
           wherein
           every
           ones
           private
           condition
           is
           included
           ,
           and
           calling
           to
           mind
           the
           treacherous
           and
           bloody
           plots
           ,
           conspiracies
           ,
           attempts
           ,
           and
           practices
           of
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           against
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           professours
           thereof
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           especially
           in
           these
           three
           Kingdomes
           ever
           since
           the
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           how
           much
           their
           rage
           ,
           power
           ,
           and
           presumption
           are
           of
           late
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           time
           increased
           and
           exercised
           ;
           whereof
           the
           deplorable
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           the
           distressed
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           the
           dangerous
           estate
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           are
           present
           and
           publique
           testimonies
           ;
           
           We
           have
           now
           at
           last
           ,
           (
           after
           other
           meanes
           of
           Supplication
           ,
           Remonstrance
           ,
           Protestations
           ,
           and
           Sufferings
           )
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           our selves
           and
           our
           Religion
           from
           utter
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           commendable
           practice
           of
           these
           Kingdomes
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           and
           the
           example
           of
           Gods
           people
           in
           other
           Nations
           ,
           after
           mature
           deliberation
           ,
           resolved
           and
           determined
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           mutuall
           and
           solemn
           League
           and
           covenant
           ,
           wherein
           we
           all
           subscribe
           ,
           and
           each
           one
           of
           us
           for
           himself
           ,
           with
           our
           hands
           lifted
           up
           to
           the
           most
           high
           God
           ,
           doe
           swear
           :
        
         
           SEeing
           it
           hath
           pleased
           the
           composers
           of
           this
           Covenant
           to
           set
           it
           forth
           with
           an
           Introduction
           ,
           which
           containes
           that
           which
           (
           it
           seems
           )
           prevailed
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           expect
           should
           work
           upon
           the
           three
           Kingdomes
           to
           take
           the
           following
           Covenant
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           behoofefull
           in
           the
           first
           place
           to
           reduce
           the
           conscience
           to
           a
           cleare
           and
           strict
           examination
           upon
           the
           contents
           of
           this
           Introduction
           ;
           and
           then
           if
           it
           shall
           find
           that
           all
           things
           therein
           be
           true
           ,
           and
           withall
           sufficient
           to
           that
           end
           for
           which
           they
           were
           premised
           ,
           (
           
             viz.
          
           to
           inferre
           a
           necessity
           of
           swearing
           to
           all
           things
           contained
           in
           the
           following
           Articles
           )
           the
           conscience
           will
           be
           directed
           to
           follow
           that
           dictate
           :
           But
           if
           it
           fail
           in
           either
           of
           those
           ,
           we
           must
           betake
           our selves
           to
           other
           considerations
           to
           be
           guided
           by
           .
           We
           will
           therefore
           sincerely
           propound
           the
           contents
           of
           the
           Preface
           ,
           as
           neer
           as
           may
           be
           according
           to
           its
           method
           ,
           joyning
           together
           matters
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           :
           And
           then
           we
           shall
           find
           the
           discourse
           of
           the
           Preface
           to
           be
           resolved
           into
           these
           principles
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             advancement
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             honour
             and
             happinesse
             of
             the
             King
             &c.
             are
             to
             be
             aimed
             at
             and
             endeavoured
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Especially
             when
             they
             are
             endangered
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             meanes
             therefore
             necessary
             towards
             those
             ends
             are
             to
             be
             used
             ,
             which
             are
             either
             Supplication
             ,
             Remonstrance
             &c.
             or
             making
             warre
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             former
             are
             first
             to
             be
             used
             ,
             but
             if
             they
             faile
             ,
             then
             the
             latter
             .
          
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           universall
           Maximes
           ,
           whereon
           (
           by
           application
           to
           the
           present
           condition
           )
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           is
           enforced
           :
           The
           three
           first
           then
           being
           granted
           ,
           they
           subsume
           ,
           that
           having
           used
           the
           former
           ,
           and
           failing
           of
           successe
           ,
           we
           are
           all
           necessitated
           to
           use
           the
           latter
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           To
           swear
           to
           joyn
           with
           the
           Scots
           in
           Armes
           ,
           which
           is
           
           the
           generall
           ,
           and
           to
           those
           particulars
           after
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Articles
           .
        
         
           That
           such
           joyning
           in
           armes
           is
           the
           generall
           end
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           will
           appeare
           by
           comparing
           the
           sixt
           Article
           of
           the
           Covenant
           for
           mutuall
           assistance
           and
           defence
           of
           one
           another
           ,
           with
           the
           14
           Article
           of
           the
           Instructions
           ,
           wherein
           the
           imposers
           of
           this
           Oath
           appoint
           to
           be
           read
           (
           publiquely
           at
           the
           time
           when
           the
           Covenant
           is
           read
           )
           the
           Declaration
           of
           the
           Kingdomes
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Scotland
          
           joyned
           in
           Armes
           for
           the
           vindication
           ,
           &c.
           
           In
           which
           Declaration
           ,
           the
           taking
           this
           Covenant
           is
           made
           one
           of
           the
           grounds
           both
           of
           their
           confidence
           (
           as
           they
           say
           )
           that
           this
           warre
           wherein
           they
           are
           so
           deeply
           engaged
           is
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           their
           resolution
           (
           which
           they
           professe
           )
           with
           courage
           and
           constancy
           unto
           the
           end
           to
           doe
           their
           part
           .
        
         
           Whosoever
           therefore
           is
           not
           perswaded
           in
           his
           conscience
           ,
           either
           that
           all
           these
           meanes
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           such
           like
           have
           been
           used
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           rejected
           ;
           or
           upon
           supposition
           that
           they
           had
           ,
           yet
           doubts
           of
           the
           consequence
           (
           viz.
           that
           such
           an
           Army
           may
           be
           leavied
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           warre
           managed
           )
           cannot
           without
           deadly
           sinne
           (
           though
           disengaged
           from
           oaths
           for
           any
           of
           the
           following
           particulars
           )
           upon
           the
           former
           principles
           take
           this
           Covenant
           .
           But
           not
           to
           insist
           hereon
           ,
           we
           will
           briefly
           run
           over
           the
           severall
           places
           of
           the
           Preface
           ,
           and
           consider
           the
           naturall
           intimations
           from
           them
           ;
           onely
           supposing
           for
           example
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           this
           Covenant
           to
           be
           the
           assistance
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           ,
           consent
           in
           this
           present
           joyning
           in
           armes
           ,
           applying
           it
           to
           men
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             .
          
        
         
           
             I
             ,
          
           A.
           B.
           
             living
             under
             the
             King
             .
          
           ]
           This
           cannot
           reasonably
           be
           a
           motive
           
           to
           warre
           ,
           but
           obedience
           to
           him
           ;
           nor
           a
           motive
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           publique
           League
           ,
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           not
           prescribed
           by
           Law
           ,
           without
           him
           ,
           much
           lesse
           against
           his
           expresse
           Proclamation
           ;
           forasmuch
           as
           an
           Oath
           for
           confirmation
           (
           either
           assertory
           or
           promissory
           )
           is
           to
           men
           for
           
             an
             end
             of
             all
             strife
             :
          
           And
           a
           publique
           Oath
           propounded
           to
           a
           Nation
           or
           Nations
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           ending
           of
           publique
           strife
           and
           divisions
           :
           and
           of
           any
           publique
           strife
           of
           a
           Nation
           or
           Nations
           ,
           under
           one
           King
           (
           properly
           so
           called
           )
           
             the
             King
             is
             the
             supreame
             Iudge
             in
             all
             causes
             ,
             as
             well
             Ecclesiasticall
             as
             civill
          
           (
           as
           is
           evident
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           2.
           
           And
           to
           us
           moreover
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           24
           
             H.
          
           8.
           c.
           12.
           by
           the
           doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           Art.
           37.
           the
           book
           of
           Homilies
           ,
           and
           establish●d
           Oaths
           of
           Allegiance
           and
           Supremacy
           .
           )
           And
           therefore
           such
           an
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           may
           not
           be
           entered
           into
           without
           and
           against
           the
           allowance
           of
           the
           King
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           supream
           Judge
           even
           in
           the
           supream
           Judicatory
           it selfe
           .
        
         
         
           
           
             Being
             of
             the
             Reformed
             Religion
          
           ]
           established
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           the
           very
           marke
           and
           Character
           of
           which
           ,
           as
           differenced
           from
           Popery
           and
           other
           Sects
           ,
           hath
           been
           chiefly
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           alwaies
           maintained
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           in
           any
           case
           (
           not
           in
           the
           danger
           of
           their
           Religion
           )
           for
           subjects
           to
           take
           up
           Armes
           against
           their
           lawfull
           Soveraign
           .
        
         
           
           
             Having
             before
             my
             eyes
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             advancement
             of
             the
             kingdome
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             .
          
           ]
           Here
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           mind
           requisite
           towards
           the
           judgement
           of
           conscience
           will
           be
           this
           ;
           whether
           by
           this
           warre
           ,
           considered
           with
           its
           circumstances
           ,
           
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
          
           &c.
           is
           more
           apt
           to
           be
           advanced
           then
           by
           peace
           :
           wherein
           ,
           although
           reason
           might
           easily
           conclude
           ,
           yet
           it
           will
           be
           much
           more
           certainly
           guided
           ,
           if
           we
           shal
           examine
           those
           precepts
           which
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           have
           laid
           down
           ,
           towards
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           those
           ends
           here
           proposed
           ,
           and
           try
           whether
           they
           doe
           suggest
           or
           intimate
           any
           thing
           towards
           such
           a
           warre
           ;
           If
           they
           doe
           not
           (
           or
           if
           the
           contrary
           )
           the
           conscience
           
             having
             before
             its
             eyes
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
          
           &c.
           will
           not
           be
           induced
           to
           take
           this
           course
           for
           the
           advancement
           of
           it
           .
           For
           the
           rectification
           of
           conscience
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           requisite
           to
           consider
           this
           warre
           to
           which
           we
           are
           enjoyned
           to
           contribute
           ,
           by
           whom
           and
           against
           whom
           it
           is
           undertaken
           :
           Where
           ,
           if
           the
           conscience
           finde
           it
           to
           be
           unlawfull
           in
           the
           undertaking
           ,
           it
           cannot
           lawfully
           consent
           or
           assist
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           If
           it
           be
           no
           waies
           lawfull
           for
           such
           as
           we
           are
           moved
           to
           joyne
           with
           ,
           to
           take
           up
           Armes
           against
           such
           as
           we
           should
           be
           sworne
           to
           oppose
           ;
           If
           it
           might
           possibly
           be
           lawfull
           in
           the
           first
           undertaking
           ,
           it
           could
           no
           otherwise
           be
           but
           as
           it
           should
           be
           a
           necessary
           meanes
           to
           procure
           a
           just
           peace
           ;
           and
           the
           determination
           of
           conscience
           in
           this
           case
           will
           depend
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           conjunctures
           of
           things
           at
           the
           undertaking
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           time
           of
           the
           continuance
           of
           this
           warre
           :
           and
           if
           peace
           with
           truth
           might
           have
           been
           ,
           or
           may
           be
           established
           without
           it
           ,
           (
           much
           more
           if
           this
           means
           shall
           be
           found
           opposite
           )
           the
           conscience
           cannot
           without
           sin
           assent
           to
           this
           warre
           :
           Here
           the
           mind
           is
           to
           examine
           the
           severall
           propositions
           ,
           motions
           ,
           overtures
           ,
           &c.
           which
           have
           been
           and
           are
           made
           by
           both
           parties
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           them
           to
           judge
           .
        
         
           
           
             The
             happinesse
             and
             honour
             of
             the
             King
             and
             his
             Posterity
             .
          
           ]
           Here
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           ,
           whether
           ,
           or
           what
           this
           action
           of
           ours
           will
           contribute
           towards
           the
           honour
           and
           happinesse
           of
           the
           King
           and
           his
           posterity
           .
           And
           because
           it
           is
           not
           easie
           to
           discover
           any
           foundation
           of
           such
           
             honour
             and
             happinesse
          
           &c.
           besides
           ,
           that
           the
           managers
           of
           this
           party
           with
           whom
           
           they
           would
           have
           us
           to
           joyne
           ,
           have
           never
           particularly
           declared
           the
           way
           how
           these
           ends
           shall
           be
           or
           are
           advanced
           by
           their
           warre
           (
           although
           it
           is
           one
           of
           their
           most
           common
           expressions
           :
           )
           the
           safest
           way
           (
           at
           least
           the
           most
           naturall
           )
           for
           the
           conscience
           is
           to
           raise
           a
           judgement
           of
           what
           is
           likely
           to
           ensue
           upon
           what
           hath
           preceded
           (
           since
           these
           undertakings
           )
           upon
           the
           same
           Principles
           :
           where
           it
           is
           to
           consider
           ,
           whether
           his
           Honour
           or
           Contumely
           have
           beene
           increased
           by
           and
           since
           these
           warres
           .
           And
           so
           for
           the
           happinesse
           of
           Himselfe
           and
           his
           Posterity
           ,
           consider
           whether
           if
           these
           men
           be
           upon
           the
           same
           designe
           with
           those
           who
           gave
           him
           battell
           at
           
             Edge-Hill
             ,
             Newbery
             &c.
          
           what
           those
           designes
           made
           towards
           the
           happinesse
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           Posterity
           .
        
         
           
             The
             true
             publike
             Liberty
             ,
             Safety
             ,
             and
             Peace
             of
             the
             Kingdome
          
           ]
           If
           
           the
           Scots
           (
           to
           whose
           assistance
           especially
           we
           are
           to
           be
           sworn
           )
           should
           not
           hereby
           be
           able
           to
           conquer
           and
           prevail
           ,
           what
           will
           our
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           advance
           the
           publike
           Liberty
           and
           Peace
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           conceit
           of
           the
           enjoyners
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ?
           If
           they
           should
           ,
           consider
           how
           that
           can
           conduce
           to
           our
           
             Liberty
             ,
          
           unlesse
           thereby
           be
           meant
           freedom
           from
           our
           ancient
           Laws
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           setled
           happy
           government
           of
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           whilst
           we
           may
           fear
           to
           be
           put
           under
           uncertain
           new
           ones
           ?
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Safety
             ,
          
           whether
           the
           danger
           of
           ruine
           doe
           not
           outweigh
           or
           equalize
           the
           hopes
           of
           safety
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             Peace
             ,
          
           whether
           this
           be
           the
           onely
           ,
           the
           likeliest
           ,
           or
           indeed
           any
           probable
           meanes
           of
           procuring
           
             Peace
             ?
          
           Seeing
           there
           are
           but
           two
           wayes
           obvious
           by
           which
           this
           course
           should
           procure
           it
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           Victory
           ,
           or
           reducing
           the
           King
           to
           yeeld
           to
           their
           desires
           .
           Here
           the
           judgement
           of
           conscience
           will
           be
           grounded
           upon
           this
           ,
           Whether
           the
           King
           be
           no
           way
           but
           by
           force
           inclinable
           to
           a
           just
           
             Peace
             ?
          
        
         
           
             Wherein
             every
             ones
             private
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           This
           is
           subordinate
           to
           the
           former
           
           immediately
           preceding
           .
        
         
           
             Calling
             to
             minde
             the
             practices
             of
             the
             enemies
             of
             God
             against
             the
             true
             
             Religion
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           Here
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           and
           reckon
           up
           ,
           who
           and
           of
           what
           sorts
           are
           the
           enemies
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           of
           which
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           which
           is
           established
           by
           Law
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           subscribed
           ,
           and
           what
           party
           in
           this
           quarrell
           is
           openly
           professed
           for
           it
           ,
           hath
           equally
           declared
           against
           all
           sorts
           of
           its
           enemies
           ,
           and
           which
           is
           not
           ;
           and
           accordingly
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             Whereof
             the
             deploreable
             estate
             of
             Ireland
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           Consider
           whether
           
           the
           true
           cause
           of
           this
           is
           to
           be
           referred
           (
           both
           in
           the
           rise
           and
           progresse
          
           
           
           
           of
           it
           )
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           or
           the
           malice
           of
           the
           Papists
           stirred
           up
           by
           those
           who
           (
           they
           say
           )
           had
           declared
           an
           intention
           of
           their
           utter
           extirpation
           ?
           and
           secondly
           ,
           where
           afterward
           the
           impediment
           of
           succour
           to
           those
           of
           our
           Religion
           lay
           ?
        
         
           
           
             The
             distressed
             estate
             of
             England
          
           ]
           whether
           that
           profession
           which
           is
           established
           by
           Law
           ,
           be
           distressed
           by
           the
           King
           or
           by
           Sectaries
           ?
        
         
           
           
             The
             dangerous
             estate
             of
             Scotland
          
           ]
           Wherein
           was
           their
           danger
           after
           all
           things
           were
           setled
           with
           them
           and
           who
           brought
           them
           into
           that
           danger
           ?
           that
           party
           which
           we
           should
           swear
           against
           ,
           or
           themselves
           ?
        
         
           
           
             After
             other
             meanes
             of
             Supplication
             ,
             Remonstrance
             ,
             Protestation
             ,
             and
             Suffering
          
           ]
           This
           which
           is
           here
           di●joyned
           from
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           motives
           ,
           and
           cast
           into
           a
           Parenthesis
           ,
           is
           indeed
           made
           the
           onely
           foundation
           of
           this
           way
           of
           proceeding
           ,
           and
           puts
           the
           onely
           case
           wherein
           such
           a
           way
           of
           covenanting
           ,
           &c.
           can
           be
           imagined
           to
           be
           lawfull
           :
           So
           that
           if
           these
           meanes
           have
           not
           beene
           both
           before
           ,
           and
           ever
           since
           the
           undertaking
           of
           this
           designe
           sincerely
           and
           effectually
           endeavoured
           (
           by
           the
           intimation
           of
           this
           introduction
           it selfe
           )
           this
           course
           is
           not
           warrantable
           ;
           and
           there
           are
           other
           principles
           of
           Scripture
           and
           our
           Religion
           which
           are
           to
           be
           examined
           if
           they
           have
           beene
           used
           such
           as
           inferre
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           in
           any
           case
           whatsoever
           to
           resist
           with
           Arms
           the
           lawfull
           power
           by
           God
           set
           over
           us
           .
           Now
           whether
           these
           means
           have
           been
           and
           are
           to
           used
           ,
           it
           will
           best
           appear
           by
           considering
           who
           hath
           sent
           the
           Messages
           for
           Treaty
           towards
           
             Peace
             ,
          
           what
           hath
           been
           declared
           by
           both
           parties
           of
           certainty
           ,
           and
           particularly
           touching
           Religion
           ,
           Law
           ,
           and
           Proviso's
           for
           tender
           Consciences
           ;
           and
           comparing
           together
           the
           severall
           Remonstrances
           ,
           Protestations
           ,
           and
           Sufferings
           .
           Though
           all
           hitherto
           had
           beene
           used
           and
           rejected
           ,
           consider
           if
           the
           overture
           now
           lately
           made
           by
           the
           Kings
           party
           ,
           might
           not
           (
           by
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           )
           be
           a
           meanes
           to
           produce
           Peace
           &c.
           if
           the
           businesse
           be
           managed
           as
           it
           ought
           .
           And
           according
           to
           the
           results
           of
           these
           the
           conscience
           must
           conclude
           .
        
         
           
           
             For
             the
             preservation
             of
             our selves
             and
             our
             Religion
          
           ]
           The
           Religion
           wherein
           we
           are
           grounded
           and
           to
           which
           the
           Clergy
           hath
           subscribed
           ,
           in
           the
           Religion
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           comprised
           in
           the
           Liturgy
           ,
           Articles
           ,
           Book
           of
           Ordination
           ,
           and
           Homilies
           of
           our
           Church
           ,
           confirmed
           by
           our
           35.
           
           Article
           :
           consider
           whether
           the
           Covenant
           be
           a
           meanes
           ordered
           in
           reason
           to
           preserve
           these
           from
           ruine
           .
        
         
           
           
             According
             to
             the
             commondable
             practice
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           If
           this
           Kingdome
           have
           done
           so
           ,
           that
           cannot
           resolve
           the
           conscience
           :
           But
           consider
           
           whether
           ever
           in
           the
           like
           case
           the
           like
           warre
           was
           commenced
           ;
           if
           any
           one
           had
           been
           propounded
           ,
           the
           conscience
           would
           the
           more
           easily
           have
           determined
           ;
           but
           seeing
           there
           hath
           not
           ,
           it
           must
           run
           over
           the
           Chronicles
           .
           In
           the
           meane
           time
           in
           such
           cases
           as
           are
           found
           ,
           it
           may
           anticipate
           instances
           to
           the
           contrary
           (
           as
           in
           Queen
           
             Maries
          
           dayes
           and
           those
           of
           
             Henry
          
           the
           8.
           when
           there
           was
           more
           just
           reason
           in
           respect
           of
           Religion
           ,
           if
           there
           might
           be
           any
           ,
           then
           now
           is
           alleaged
           )
           and
           other
           Arguments
           ,
           such
           as
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           ever
           since
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           to
           equipoize
           this
           which
           is
           asserted
           
             gratis
             ;
          
           and
           if
           after
           disquisition
           this
           be
           not
           found
           true
           ,
           the
           conclusion
           of
           the
           conscience
           will
           be
           according
           to
           those
           premisses
           .
        
         
           
             According
             to
             the
             example
             of
             Gods
             people
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           This
           is
           of
           the
           same
           
           nature
           with
           the
           former
           warrant
           ,
           and
           therefore
           the
           conscience
           upon
           this
           may
           proceed
           as
           upon
           that
           ,
           seeing
           they
           have
           not
           set
           downe
           which
           of
           Gods
           people
           in
           any
           age
           or
           place
           ,
           upon
           the
           like
           causes
           have
           taken
           the
           like
           course
           ;
           till
           this
           be
           represented
           to
           the
           conscience
           ,
           the
           safest
           way
           will
           be
           to
           examine
           what
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           ,
           and
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           primitive
           Christians
           (
           who
           were
           assuredly
           Gods
           people
           )
           did
           hold
           and
           practice
           for
           doctrine
           and
           example
           in
           the
           like
           (
           if
           there
           have
           ever
           been
           )
           or
           a
           worse
           case
           them
           is
           proved
           or
           pretended
           .
           And
           if
           they
           have
           not
           resisted
           (
           or
           held
           it
           lawfull
           )
           their
           Princes
           in
           the
           greatest
           persecutions
           and
           utmost
           danger
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           could
           be
           dear
           unto
           them
           ,
           it
           may
           raise
           a
           conclusion
           ,
           (
           till
           some
           stronger
           reasons
           can
           be
           presented
           ,
           or
           the
           errour
           of
           these
           be
           cleared
           and
           taken
           off
           )
           what
           is
           to
           be
           done
           when
           we
           are
           required
           to
           assist
           a
           warlike
           entrance
           of
           Subjects
           (
           with
           all
           the
           other
           circumstances
           which
           attend
           this
           action
           of
           the
           Scots
           )
           made
           onely
           upon
           a
           beleeved
           charity
           of
           helping
           their
           neighbours
           .
        
         
           The
           summe
           of
           all
           is
           ,
           That
           if
           all
           and
           every
           of
           the
           materials
           of
           this
           Preface
           (
           in
           as
           much
           as
           concernes
           the
           Premisses
           )
           were
           true
           ,
           our
           consciences
           cannot
           assent
           to
           the
           consequence
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           lawfull
           for
           us
           as
           Subjects
           of
           the
           Church
           
             England
          
           (
           though
           we
           had
           not
           sworn
           or
           subscribed
           to
           some
           particulars
           ,
           against
           which
           some
           of
           the
           Articles
           are
           contrived
           )
           to
           assist
           the
           Scots
           ,
           or
           consent
           to
           them
           in
           this
           warre
           ,
           which
           assistance
           is
           the
           generall
           end
           of
           this
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           any
           one
           member
           which
           doth
           conclude
           any
           thing
           to
           our
           consciences
           to
           move
           us
           to
           take
           it
           ,
           neither
           in
           the
           complication
           doe
           they
           conclude
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           any
           particular
           member
           of
           it
           which
           doth
           not
           
           either
           directly
           ,
           or
           by
           considerations
           naturally
           suggested
           by
           them
           and
           altogether
           unforced
           ,
           prevaile
           with
           us
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
           So
           that
           till
           every
           one
           of
           these
           obstacles
           and
           scruples
           be
           taken
           off
           ,
           we
           cannot
           without
           violence
           to
           our
           consciences
           take
           this
           Oath
           :
        
         
           That
           we
           shall
           sincerely
           ,
           really
           ,
           and
           constantly
           ,
           through
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           
           endeavour
           in
           our
           severall
           places
           and
           callings
           ,
           the
           preservation
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Religion
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           Discipline
           and
           Government
           ,
           against
           our
           common
           Enemies
           ;
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           in
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           in
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           Discipline
           and
           Government
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Example
           of
           the
           best
           Reformed
           Churches
           :
           And
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           bring
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           in
           the
           three
           Kingdoms
           ,
           to
           the
           neerest
           conjunction
           and
           uniformity
           in
           Religion
           ,
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Form
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           Directory
           for
           Worship
           and
           Catechizing
           ;
           That
           we
           and
           our
           posterity
           after
           us
           may
           as
           brethren
           live
           in
           Faith
           and
           Love
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           may
           delight
           to
           dwell
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           us
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           first
           Article
           are
           we
           to
           be
           sworne
           
             to
             endeavour
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             and
             Discipline
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
          
           absolutely
           ,
           or
           with
           this
           added
           as
           a
           restriction
           ,
           
             against
             our
             common
             Enemies
             ?
          
           By
           whom
           doe
           we
           not
           rightly
           conceive
           to
           be
           meant
           the
           common
           Enemies
           to
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ?
          
           That
           those
           words
           ,
           [
           
             against
             our
             common
             enemies
          
           ]
           are
           to
           be
           taken
           restrictively
           it
           may
           be
           thought
           ,
           because
           they
           otherwise
           should
           have
           been
           vainly
           added
           ;
           and
           that
           by
           
             common
             Enemies
          
           those
           are
           meant
           ,
           the
           necessity
           of
           the
           Grammaticall
           sense
           implies
           ;
           there
           having
           preceded
           no
           other
           division
           ,
           to
           which
           this
           community
           can
           referre
           ,
           besides
           that
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           in
           the
           Preface
           .
           So
           that
           the
           word
           
             Our
          
           must
           referre
           to
           
             We
          
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Preface
           ,
           whose
           onely
           distribution
           which
           can
           referre
           to
           
             common
          
           here
           ,
           is
           that
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             .
          
           Is
           not
           therefore
           the
           true
           sense
           of
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Article
           this
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           I
           will
           sincerely
           ,
           really
           ,
           constantly
           ,
           through
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           my
           calling
           against
           those
           who
           are
           enemies
           (
           for
           example
           )
           both
           to
           the
           Articles
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           those
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           both
           to
           our
           Liturgy
           and
           their
           directory
           for
           worship
           ,
           both
           to
           our
           Church-Government
           and
           to
           Presbyteriall
           Government
           ,
           endeavour
           to
           preserve
           their
           Articles
           ,
           manner
           of
           worship
           and
           Presbytery
           ?
           If
           thus
           it
           be
           ,
           these
           things
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           ;
           If
           the
           imposers
           of
           this
           Oath
           are
           assured
           in
           
           their
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           the
           
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             &c.
          
           of
           the
           
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             ,
          
           can
           infallibly
           be
           proved
           out
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           why
           would
           they
           have
           us
           sweare
           to
           endeavour
           (
           in
           our
           calling
           of
           the
           Ministery
           )
           to
           preserve
           it
           with
           a
           restriction
           against
           some
           men
           onely
           ,
           and
           not
           absolutely
           and
           indefinitely
           ?
           Whether
           is
           this
           so
           free
           from
           the
           scandall
           of
           respect
           of
           Persons
           ,
           as
           an
           oath
           for
           the
           impartiall
           defence
           of
           Truth
           doth
           require
           ?
           If
           they
           doubt
           it
           cannot
           be
           infallibly
           proved
           ,
           how
           can
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           without
           spirituall
           Tyranny
           ,
           desire
           an
           Oath
           to
           be
           imposed
           upon
           us
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Gospell
           of
           another
           Church
           ,
           
             to
             endeavour
             sincerely
             ,
             really
             &c.
             in
             our
             calling
          
           (
           viz.
           by
           preaching
           ,
           disputing
           ,
           or
           otherwise
           )
           the
           preservation
           of
           it
           thus
           far
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           take
           an
           Oath
           to
           endeavour
           the
           preservation
           of
           that
           Doctrine
           which
           we
           neither
           know
           what
           it
           is
           (
           as
           it
           now
           stands
           )
           nor
           are
           told
           in
           any
           Declaration
           or
           Exhortation
           to
           us
           ?
           nor
           were
           bound
           to
           know
           or
           search
           (
           no
           opportunity
           offering
           it self
           ?
           )
           How
           then
           can
           this
           Oath
           be
           by
           us
           taken
           in
           judgement
           ?
           Or
           since
           we
           doubt
           thus
           ,
           though
           in
           generall
           ,
           how
           can
           it
           (
           not
           being
           of
           Faith
           )
           be
           other
           then
           Sinne
           ?
           Whether
           are
           we
           not
           ,
           if
           any
           thing
           shall
           be
           by
           us
           hereafter
           found
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           contrary
           to
           sound
           Doctrine
           ,
           bound
           to
           endeavour
           by
           the
           second
           Article
           to
           extirpate
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           first
           to
           preserve
           it
           ?
           As
           for
           their
           Discipline
           and
           Government
           ,
           so
           much
           as
           we
           understand
           of
           it
           (
           though
           otherwise
           we
           never
           interposed
           ,
           yet
           being
           now
           called
           to
           give
           our
           consent
           to
           it
           ,
           or
           reason
           to
           the
           contrary
           )
           we
           professe
           it
           to
           be
           such
           as
           that
           we
           dare
           not
           binde
           our selves
           by
           Oath
           to
           endeavour
           its
           preservation
           constantly
           and
           indefinitely
           ,
           for
           all
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           evidenced
           unto
           us
           that
           it
           hath
           been
           in
           any
           time
           before
           untill
           this
           our
           last
           age
           .
           If
           it
           shall
           here
           be
           replyed
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           required
           
             to
             endeavour
             the
             preservation
             of
             their
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             and
             Government
             ,
          
           onely
           
             against
             our
             common
             enemies
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           us
           of
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             England
             ,
             Scotland
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           and
           so
           the
           preservation
           of
           it
           onely
           so
           farre
           as
           we
           all
           agree
           ;
           this
           we
           cannot
           conceive
           to
           be
           the
           adequate
           sense
           of
           those
           words
           ,
           especially
           according
           to
           the
           intention
           of
           the
           imposers
           .
           For
           it
           is
           clear
           (
           as
           we
           have
           already
           touched
           )
           that
           our
           common
           Enemies
           are
           not
           onely
           they
           who
           are
           adversaries
           to
           us
           in
           that
           wherein
           we
           all
           three
           doe
           agree
           ,
           but
           those
           also
           who
           in
           such
           things
           wherein
           we
           differ
           amongst
           our selves
           ,
           are
           yet
           by
           opposing
           themselves
           to
           us
           all
           ,
           our
           common
           Enemies
           ;
           against
           whom
           therefore
           by
           this
           Oath
           we
           should
           be
           bound
           to
           preserve
           to
           each
           that
           also
           wherein
           we
           differ
           amongst
           our selves
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           
           that
           that
           Sense
           is
           neither
           the
           onely
           ,
           nor
           the
           chief
           Sense
           intended
           by
           the
           Imposers
           ,
           we
           have
           cause
           to
           think
           :
           because
           if
           so
           restrained
           ,
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           (
           in
           favour
           of
           whom
           we
           conceive
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Article
           to
           have
           been
           proposed
           )
           would
           be
           no
           whit
           secured
           against
           the
           fears
           of
           innovations
           from
           
             England
             ,
          
           if
           we
           were
           onely
           sworn
           to
           preserve
           unto
           them
           those
           things
           wherein
           we
           all
           agree
           at
           the
           entring
           this
           present
           League
           and
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           know
           why
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           should
           desire
           it
           to
           be
           imposed
           upon
           us
           by
           Oath
           to
           maintain
           the
           Articles
           of
           their
           Religion
           ,
           so
           far
           forth
           as
           hath
           been
           said
           ,
           since
           our
           Mother
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           never
           yet
           hath
           imposed
           upon
           us
           by
           Oath
           to
           preserve
           her
           own
           known
           Articles
           ,
           but
           hath
           testified
           her
           moderation
           to
           all
           ,
           in
           that
           she
           hath
           required
           subscription
           onely
           of
           all
           men
           which
           were
           admitted
           into
           holy
           Orders
           ,
           or
           Ecclesiasticall
           Benefice
           ,
           or
           to
           degrees
           in
           the
           University
           ?
           And
           yet
           this
           was
           lately
           judged
           ,
           since
           the
           sitting
           of
           this
           Parliament
           ,
           to
           be
           too
           harsh
           an
           imposition
           upon
           younger
           Students
           at
           their
           admission
           to
           degrees
           ,
           and
           the
           urging
           of
           it
           suspended
           .
           And
           we
           know
           not
           whether
           ever
           it
           was
           in
           use
           before
           this
           age
           ,
           even
           in
           any
           not
           corrupted
           Church
           ,
           to
           command
           men
           to
           swear
           the
           maintaining
           the
           Articles
           of
           their
           Religion
           ,
           much
           lesse
           their
           Discipline
           and
           Church
           government
           .
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           second
           thing
           in
           this
           first
           Article
           to
           which
           we
           are
           to
           swear
           ,
           How
           can
           any
           who
           are
           perswaded
           that
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           which
           is
           not
           consonant
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           vanity
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           Reformation
           of
           it
           according
           to
           the
           VVord
           of
           God
           ?
           especially
           since
           we
           have
           lately
           protested
           to
           defend
           that
           
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             ?
          
           And
           how
           can
           any
           who
           reverently
           beleeve
           this
           Church
           to
           be
           in
           respect
           of
           her
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Government
           established
           by
           Law
           ,
           no
           lesse
           perfect
           then
           any
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ,
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           its
           reformation
           in
           all
           those
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           example
           of
           the
           best
           reformed
           Churches
           ?
           And
           here
           by
           the
           way
           we
           cannot
           but
           take
           notice
           that
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Article
           is
           so
           framed
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           nothing
           in
           the
           
             Doctrine
             &c.
             of
             the
             Churches
             of
             England
             and
             Ireland
          
           to
           be
           preserved
           ,
           and
           nothing
           in
           theirs
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           to
           be
           reformed
           .
        
         
           Moreover
           ,
           the
           best
           direction
           for
           Conscience
           in
           examining
           what
           is
           here
           meant
           by
           Reformation
           ,
           will
           be
           to
           consider
           those
           instances
           wherein
           in
           the
           following
           Articles
           is
           declared
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           then
           if
           perswaded
           that
           there
           is
           any
           thing
           there
           exprest
           (
           as
           instances
           
           of
           reformation
           )
           which
           is
           not
           according
           to
           (
           much
           more
           if
           against
           )
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           take
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Oath
           ,
           at
           least
           in
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           Imposers
           ?
        
         
           As
           touching
           the
           third
           thing
           ,
           
             an
             endeavour
             of
             Uniformity
             &c.
          
           the
           considerations
           for
           direction
           of
           conscience
           will
           be
           the
           same
           with
           the
           second
           :
           For
           we
           are
           required
           to
           swear
           
             to
             endeavour
             an
             uniformity
             ,
          
           and
           that
           in
           the
           reformation
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           after
           that
           reformation
           ;
           so
           that
           in
           whatsoever
           sense
           or
           kind
           the
           reformation
           by
           them
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           after
           described
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           be
           undertaken
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           our
           endeavour
           for
           uniformity
           is
           not
           lawfull
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           in
           the
           taking
           of
           this
           first
           Article
           ,
           we
           should
           (
           as
           we
           conceive
           )
           make
           our selves
           guilty
           either
           of
           rash
           swearing
           ,
           or
           of
           perjury
           ;
           and
           that
           from
           the
           necessary
           consequence
           of
           the
           complication
           of
           these
           two
           clauses
           ,
           wherein
           first
           we
           should
           swear
           to
           preserve
           
             the
             reformed
             Religion
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             ,
             in
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             Government
             against
             our
             common
             enemies
             .
          
           And
           secondly
           ,
           
             to
             bring
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             three
             Kingdoms
             ,
             to
             the
             neerest
             conjunction
             and
             uniformity
          
           in
           those
           particulars
           among
           ourselves
           :
           If
           we
           endeavour
           in
           our
           callings
           (
           but
           by
           prayer
           )
           to
           alter
           any
           thing
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           wherein
           our
           enemies
           are
           theirs
           also
           (
           though
           therein
           we
           differ
           amongst
           our selves
           )
           we
           commit
           perjury
           ,
           because
           we
           swear
           to
           preserve
           it
           .
           To
           effect
           therefore
           the
           neerest
           uniformity
           in
           those
           particulars
           in
           the
           three
           Kingdoms
           ,
           we
           are
           sworn
           to
           endeavour
           to
           bring
           the
           other
           two
           Kingdoms
           to
           the
           neerest
           conformity
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Scotland
             .
          
           Now
           how
           can
           we
           swear
           to
           regulate
           by
           a
           rule
           ,
           and
           to
           reform
           by
           a
           form
           ,
           which
           we
           fully
           know
           not
           ,
           (
           and
           much
           lesse
           know
           to
           be
           a
           fit
           rule
           or
           form
           )
           without
           rash
           swearing
           ?
           sure
           we
           are
           ,
           we
           cannot
           swear
           it
           in
           judgement
           ,
           and
           for
           ought
           we
           know
           ,
           not
           in
           righteousnesse
           .
        
         
           That
           we
           shall
           in
           like
           manner
           ,
           without
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Popery
           ,
           Prelacy
           ,
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           Church-government
           by
           Archbishops
           ,
           Bishops
           ,
           their
           Chancellours
           and
           Commissaries
           ,
           Deans
           ,
           Deans
           and
           Chapters
           ,
           Arch-deacons
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           Ecclesiasticall
           Officers
           depending
           on
           that
           Hierarchy
           )
           Superstition
           ,
           Heresie
           ,
           Schisme
           ,
           Prophanenesse
           ,
           and
           whatsoever
           shall
           be
           found
           to
           be
           contrary
           to
           sound
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           Godlinesse
           ;
           lest
           we
           partake
           in
           other
           men
           sins
           ,
           and
           thereby
           be
           in
           danger
           to
           receive
           of
           their
           plagues
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Lord
           may
           be
           one
           ,
           and
           his
           Name
           one
           in
           the
           three
           Kingdoms
           .
        
         
           How
           can
           we
           swear
           to
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           who
           doe
           believe
           
           that
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Church-government
           by
           Bishops
           is
           an
           act
           utterly
           unlawfull
           for
           all
           severall
           places
           and
           callings
           (
           and
           especially
           ours
           )
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           and
           this
           Land
           ,
           and
           to
           swear
           it
           much
           more
           sinfull
           .
           And
           are
           we
           not
           here
           bidden
           to
           covenant
           and
           swear
           to
           
             endeavour
             the
             extirpation
             of
             Church-government
             by
             Bishops
             ?
          
           To
           us
           either
           the
           words
           are
           ambiguous
           ,
           (
           and
           to
           ambiguities
           we
           may
           not
           swear
           )
           or
           rather
           (
           for
           we
           are
           loath
           to
           charge
           the
           words
           with
           ambiguitie
           )
           the
           Grammatical
           sense
           (
           according
           to
           which
           the
           Oath
           is
           to
           be
           taken
           )
           speaks
           so
           :
           for
           as
           to
           what
           we
           hear
           by
           some
           said
           ,
           that
           onely
           our
           Church-government
           
             in
             aggregato
             ,
          
           by
           all
           those
           Governours
           together
           in
           a
           collective
           sense
           taken
           formally
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           endeavoured
           to
           be
           extirpated
           ,
           and
           not
           each
           there
           mentioned
           :
           first
           ,
           Such
           interpretation
           given
           out
           is
           private
           onely
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           imposers
           ;
           and
           secondly
           ,
           those
           words
           [
           
             and
             all
             other
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
           do
           manifest
           that
           all
           the
           formerly
           mentioned
           particulars
           (
           in
           the
           parenthesis
           )
           are
           to
           be
           construed
           distributively
           ,
           so
           farre
           forth
           as
           to
           the
           extirpation
           of
           them
           .
           To
           omit
           that
           the
           word
           
             Prelacy
          
           there
           interpreted
           more
           properly
           agreeth
           to
           
             Arch-bishops
          
           and
           
             Bishops
             ,
          
           then
           to
           the
           rest
           there
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           a
           Prelacy
           they
           would
           be
           without
           them
           ,
           because
           preferred
           before
           Presbyters
           :
           and
           if
           it
           no
           more
           were
           meant
           to
           ejure
           Bishops
           then
           Presbyters
           or
           Deacons
           ,
           since
           as
           well
           Presbyters
           and
           Deacons
           make
           up
           part
           of
           our
           Church-government
           ,
           as
           it
           now
           stands
           
             in
             aggregate
             ,
          
           whether
           might
           this
           Oath
           be
           taken
           ,
           had
           they
           also
           been
           included
           ?
           Lastly
           ,
           is
           not
           their
           practise
           for
           whose
           satisfaction
           this
           Covenant
           should
           be
           taken
           
             a
          
           (
           added
           to
           the
           common
           sense
           of
           mankind
           in
           the
           like
           manner
           of
           speaking
           or
           understanding
           such
           speeches
           )
           evidence
           enough
           to
           us
           that
           we
           cannot
           take
           this
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           unlesse
           we
           will
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Church-government
           by
           Bishops
           .
        
         
           If
           this
           be
           so
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           know
           ,
           first
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           lawfull
           for
           subjects
           to
           swear
           such
           a
           Covenant
           as
           directly
           contradicts
           the
           oath
           of
           their
           Soveraigne
           at
           his
           Coronation
           ,
           as
           this
           second
           branch
           of
           the
           Covenant
           doth
           ,
           binding
           us
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           the
           government
           of
           our
           Church
           by
           Bishops
           ?
           For
           that
           our
           Soveraign
           hath
           taken
           as
           contradictory
           Oath
           is
           evidently
           manifest
           by
           the
           last
           clause
           of
           the
           oath
           which
           the
           Kings
           of
           
             England
          
           take
           at
           their
           Coronation
           :
           when
           after
           many
           other
           gracious
           promises
           wch
           the
           King
           makes
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           one
           of
           the
           Bishops
           reading
           to
           the
           King
           before
           the
           people
           concerning
           the
           Canonicall
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           beseeching
           him
           that
           he
           
           would
           be
           the
           Protectour
           and
           Defender
           of
           the
           Bishops
           &
           the
           Churches
           under
           their
           government
           ,
           the
           King
           answereth
           in
           these
           words
           [
           
             With
             a
             willing
             and
             devout
             heart
             I
             promise
             and
             grant
             my
             pardon
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             will
             preserve
             and
             maintain
             to
             you
             and
             the
             Churches
             committed
             to
             your
             charge
             ,
             all
             canonicall
             priviledges
             ,
             and
             due
             Law
             and
             Iustice
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             will
             be
             your
             Pretectour
             and
             Defender
             ,
             to
             my
             power
             ,
             by
             the
             assistance
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             every
             good
             King
             in
             his
             Kingdom
             in
             right
             ought
             to
             protect
             and
             defend
             the
             Bishops
             ,
             and
             Churches
             under
             their
             government
             .
          
           ]
           Then
           the
           King
           ariseth
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           Communion
           Table
           makes
           a
           solemn
           Oath
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           to
           observe
           the
           premisses
           ,
           and
           laying
           his
           hand
           upon
           the
           book
           saith
           [
           
             The
             things
             which
             I
             have
             before
             promised
             ,
             I
             shall
             perform
             and
             keep
             ,
             so
             help
             me
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             contents
             of
             this
             Book
             .
          
           ]
           How
           can
           this
           Oath
           then
           for
           the
           
             extirpation
             of
             Church-government
             by
             Bishops
          
           be
           consistent
           with
           the
           Oath
           or
           Honour
           of
           our
           Soveraign
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           so
           solemnly
           protested
           to
           defend
           in
           the
           late
           Protestation
           ?
           How
           can
           we
           with
           a
           solemn
           Oath
           enter
           into
           such
           a
           Covenant
           to
           which
           we
           may
           neither
           swear
           without
           our
           Soveraigns
           consent
           ,
           nor
           yet
           can
           lawfully
           desire
           nor
           have
           his
           consent
           ?
           How
           sad
           were
           our
           condition
           ,
           were
           the
           King
           willing
           of
           himselfe
           to
           violate
           this
           Oath
           ?
           But
           what
           should
           we
           have
           to
           answer
           ,
           should
           we
           by
           taking
           such
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           this
           way
           necessitate
           (
           so
           far
           as
           in
           us
           lies
           )
           His
           sacred
           Majesty
           to
           violate
           his
           Oath
           so
           solemnly
           sworn
           at
           his
           Inauguration
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           
             to
             endeavour
             the
             extirpation
             of
             Church-government
             by
             Bishops
             ,
          
           is
           a
           sin
           against
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           all
           those
           Arguments
           and
           Authorities
           convince
           ,
           which
           prove
           that
           Bishops
           are
           of
           Apostolicall
           institution
           ,
           and
           unalterable
           ,
           and
           consequently
           Divine
           ;
           which
           we
           shall
           unfold
           in
           these
           Propositions
           :
           First
           ,
           that
           their
           institution
           stands
           grounded
           upon
           our
           Saviours
           own
           Action
           and
           Institution
           of
           the
           Apostles
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           Christ
           and
           his
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           his
           Apostles
           appointed
           Bishops
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           that
           Christ
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           afterward
           confirmed
           and
           approved
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           their
           Commission
           and
           power
           which
           the
           Apostles
           had
           appointed
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           first
           ,
           we
           say
           their
           institution
           is
           grounded
           upon
           our
           Lords
           own
           instituting
           and
           ordaining
           twelve
           Apostles
           ,
           above
           seventy
           Disciples
           ;
           who
           saith
           to
           these
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           
             As
             my
             Father
             hath
             sent
             me
             ,
             even
             so
             send
             I
             you
             .
          
           
             a
          
           St.
           Joh.
           20.
           21.
           
           As
           in
           other
           ends
           of
           his
           mission
           so
           how
           not
           in
           this
           ,
           which
           we
           know
           they
           did
           according
           to
           his
           pattern
           ?
           As
           he
           was
           sent
           by
           his
           Father
           therefore
           to
           ordain
           one
           order
           of
           
           Teachers
           of
           the
           Gospell
           superiour
           to
           another
           ,
           (
           which
           we
           know
           ,
           because
           he
           did
           so
           ordain
           .
           )
           So
           also
           sent
           he
           his
           Apostles
           to
           ordain
           (
           which
           accordingly
           they
           did
           ,
           and
           whatsoever
           they
           did
           by
           Christs
           example
           therein
           ,
           they
           did
           by
           his
           Commission
           here
           given
           )
           in
           an
           imparity
           ,
           Bishops
           succeeding
           the
           Apostles
           above
           Presbyters
           subordinate
           ,
           as
           the
           seventy
           
             a
          
           .
        
         
           That
           Bishops
           succeeded
           the
           Apostles
           in
           the
           ordinary
           part
           of
           their
           function
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           most
           ancient
           godly
           Fathers
           ,
           
             b
          
           that
           Bishops
           ,
           we
           say
           as
           contradistinct
           to
           Presbyters
           were
           the
           successours
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           manifest
           from
           Scripture
           ,
           since
           power
           Episcopall
           ,
           (
           as
           it
           is
           now
           taken
           in
           this
           dispute
           )
           which
           we
           shall
           prove
           to
           have
           been
           given
           by
           the
           Apostles
           to
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           to
           them
           onely
           after
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           was
           undeniably
           in
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           while
           held
           in
           their
           own
           hands
           without
           communicating
           it
           to
           others
           .
           That
           the
           Bishops
           were
           afterwards
           instituted
           by
           the
           Apostles
           themselves
           ,
           which
           so
           many
           ancient
           Authous
           have
           averred
           .
           
             c
          
           And
           namely
           by
           the
           Apostolicall
           Authority
           of
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           their
           institution
           ,
           part
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           is
           made
           good
           ,
           in
           that
           the
           power
           and
           Office
           of
           a
           Bishop
           (
           as
           the
           word
           is
           now
           taken
           in
           the
           Ecclesiasticall
           notion
           )
           is
           prescribed
           in
           the
           three
           Epistles
           of
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           to
           those
           two
           famous
           Church-governours
           
             Timothy
          
           and
           
             Titus
             ,
          
           particularly
           the
           Office
           and
           power
           of
           a
           Bishop
           (
           as
           it
           is
           now
           taken
           contradistinctly
           to
           the
           Office
           of
           a
           Presbyter
           )
           in
           these
           Texts
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           3.
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           19
           ,
           20
           ,
           21
           ,
           22.
           2.
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           6.
           
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5
           ,
           11.
           
           
             Tit.
          
           3.
           9.
           10
           
           :
           (
           and
           some
           others
           )
           and
           these
           Texts
           thus
           interpreted
           by
           Antiquity
           
             d
          
           .
           And
           as
           the
           office
           prescribed
           there
           is
           Episcopall
           ,
           so
           these
           two
           appointed
           to
           this
           prescribed
           office
           of
           a
           Bishop
           by
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           himselfe
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           3.
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           6.
           
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5.
           
           
             Yea
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
          
           say
           
             Chrysost.
             
             Theophyl
             ,
             Oecumenius
             :
             by
             divine
             Revelation
          
           saith
           
             Theodoret
          
           of
           
             Timothy
             .
          
           And
           that
           these
           two
           were
           Bishops
           according
           to
           the
           Ecclesiasticall
           notion
           of
           the
           word
           now
           used
           ,
           ancient
           Fathers
           
           plentifully
           witnesse
           .
           
             b
          
           Moreover
           this
           superiority
           to
           office
           Episcopall
           to
           have
           been
           fixed
           and
           continued
           to
           the
           day
           of
           death
           is
           evident
           ,
           as
           from
           Church-history
           ,
           so
           also
           from
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           6.
           14.
           where
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           is
           the
           same
           with
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Epistle
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           1.
           18.
           and
           includes
           in
           it
           the
           whole
           charge
           given
           by
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           to
           
             Timothy
          
           in
           this
           Epistle
           .
           
             c
          
           From
           which
           Text
           also
           it
           is
           manifested
           ,
           that
           his
           Office
           prescribed
           was
           not
           personall
           onely
           ,
           but
           to
           descend
           by
           succession
           unto
           the
           comming
           of
           Christ
           
             d
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           this
           Office
           and
           power
           Episcopall
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           afterward
           approved
           and
           confirmed
           by
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           himselfe
           immediately
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           will
           be
           proved
           from
           
             Revel.
          
           c.
           1.
           
           &
           .
           2.
           
           &
           3.
           
           Where
           by
           the
           
             seven
             Stars
             ,
             the
             Angels
             of
             the
             seven
             Churches
             ,
          
           according
           to
           all
           reason
           ,
           from
           the
           Text
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           testimony
           of
           Antiquity
           
             e
          
           are
           seven
           Bishops
           of
           those
           seven
           Churches
           understood
           (
           which
           Ecclesiasticall
           story
           mentions
           to
           have
           been
           in
           the
           Church
           long
           before
           this
           time
           )
           as
           so
           many
           Angels
           and
           Apostles
           
             f
          
           of
           the
           Churches
           ;
           such
           as
           was
           
             Polycarp
             ,
          
           the
           
             Angell
             ,
          
           the
           Bishop
           
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Smyrna
             ,
          
           made
           Bishop
           of
           that
           place
           by
           the
           Apostles
           themselves
           thirteen
           yeers
           before
           this
           book
           of
           the
           Revelation
           of
           St.
           
             John
          
           was
           written
           :
           and
           
             Onesimus
          
           probably
           the
           then
           Bishop
           ,
           
             the
             Angell
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Ephesus
             .
          
           Their
           Office
           ,
           Power
           ,
           and
           Commission
           are
           there
           intimated
           to
           have
           been
           Episcopall
           ,
           and
           charged
           upon
           them
           by
           Christ
           ,
           in
           that
           five
           of
           the
           Angels
           are
           charged
           as
           blameable
           ,
           and
           accomptable
           for
           the
           faults
           of
           both
           Presbyters
           and
           people
           ;
           and
           therefore
           surely
           were
           trusted
           with
           authority
           over
           Presbyters
           and
           people
           ,
           to
           have
           corrected
           and
           censured
           them
           .
           Particularly
           ,
           Episcopall
           power
           is
           intimated
           there
           ,
           chap.
           2.
           of
           the
           
             Revel.
             vers.
          
           20.
           and
           that
           power
           of
           excommunication
           is
           sufficiently
           grounded
           on
           the
           14
           verse
           ,
           Mr.
           
             Perkins
             in
             locum
             ,
          
           affirmeth
           .
           Their
           mission
           to
           that
           office
           also
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           there
           confirmed
           by
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           :
           So
           also
           ,
           to
           have
           been
           at
           first
           from
           God
           is
           in
           their
           title
           implied
           :
           For
           Angels
           sent
           forth
           for
           the
           Churches
           sake
           are
           never
           said
           in
           holy
           Scripture
           to
           be
           any's
           Messengers
           but
           Gods
           ;
           and
           if
           his
           Messengers
           or
           Angels
           ,
           then
           sent
           by
           him
           .
           That
           
           their
           superiority
           was
           fixed
           ,
           not
           weekly
           ,
           or
           annuall
           ,
           is
           clear
           ,
           as
           from
           the
           Ecclesiasticall
           History
           of
           
             Polycarp
             ,
          
           and
           
             Onesimus
             ,
          
           so
           also
           from
           the
           Text
           it self
           ,
           c.
           2.
           10.
           
           Where
           the
           
             Angell
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Smyrna
             ,
          
           as
           Angell
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           is
           bidden
           
             to
             be
             faithfull
          
           (
           in
           his
           Office
           surely
           )
           
             untill
             death
          
           
             b
          
           .
           Nor
           was
           it
           personall
           onely
           but
           describing
           the
           Office
           of
           the
           Angell
           of
           any
           Church
           (
           in
           like
           laudable
           or
           blame-worthy
           state
           )
           unto
           the
           comming
           of
           Christ
           (
           as
           it
           is
           implied
           v.
           24.
           
           &
           25.
           of
           the
           second
           chapter
           .
           )
           For
           what
           is
           said
           to
           them
           ,
           so
           long
           as
           there
           is
           any
           that
           
             hath
             an
             eare
             to
             hear
             ,
          
           he
           must
           hear
           ,
           c.
           2.
           v.
           3.
           
           Nor
           did
           the
           personall
           blameworthy
           carriage
           of
           the
           
             Angell
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Sardis
             ,
          
           c.
           3.
           v.
           1
           ,
           &c.
           or
           of
           
             the
             Angell
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             Laodiceans
             ,
          
           v.
           14.
           16.
           hinder
           Christs
           approbation
           of
           their
           Office
           ,
           who
           are
           in
           regard
           of
           their
           Office
           (
           not
           of
           their
           personall
           Excellency
           )
           stiled
           
             the
             Angels
             of
             the
             seven
             Churches
             ,
             and
             the
             Stars
             in
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             man
             :
          
           both
           which
           stiles
           that
           they
           are
           there
           singularly
           appropriated
           to
           these
           successours
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           ought
           not
           to
           seem
           strange
           ,
           since
           the
           twelve
           Apostles
           are
           confessedly
           meant
           by
           
             the
             crown
             of
             twelve
             Stars
             ,
          
           Apoc.
           12.
           1.
           
           And
           St
           
             Paul
          
           the
           Apostle
           of
           us
           Gentiles
           ,
           speaks
           of
           himself
           
             received
             as
             an
             Angell
             of
             God
             ,
             Galat.
          
           4.
           14.
           
           Summarily
           therefore
           out
           of
           holy
           Scriptures
           thus
           we
           reason
           ,
           Many
           Presbyters
           and
           Preachers
           in
           one
           Church
           ,
           and
           one
           chief
           ,
           having
           eminency
           and
           power
           over
           all
           Presbyters
           and
           people
           therein
           ,
           proveth
           the
           Office
           of
           a
           Bishop
           ;
           but
           so
           holy
           Scripture
           witnesseth
           were
           in
           
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           many
           Presbyters
           ,
           Act.
           20.
           17.
           
           (
           or
           if
           they
           were
           Bishops
           in
           the
           sense
           now
           disputed
           ,
           some
           of
           them
           at
           least
           ,
           as
           
             Irenaeus
          
           thought
           ,
           l.
           3.
           c.
           14.
           we
           need
           go
           no
           further
           in
           the
           argument
           )
           and
           more
           afterwards
           surely
           ,
           and
           yet
           one
           chiefe
           Pastor
           or
           Bishop
           over
           all
           ,
           such
           as
           was
           
             Timothy
          
           in
           his
           time
           ,
           and
           the
           Angel
           of
           that
           Church
           (
           whosoever
           he
           was
           )
           mentioned
           
             Rev.
          
           2.
           1.
           
           So
           also
           in
           the
           
             Church
             of
             Pergamus
             ,
          
           there
           were
           divers
           Teachers
           ,
           true
           and
           false
           ,
           c.
           2.
           v.
           13
           ,
           15.
           one
           Angel
           Governour
           in
           chief
           ,
           v.
           1.
           
           For
           be
           it
           that
           all
           the
           Presbyters
           of
           each
           of
           the
           Churches
           might
           well
           have
           been
           called
           Angels
           
             c
          
           ,
           yet
           that
           one
           among
           them
           (
           in
           each
           Church
           )
           in
           such
           a
           compatible
           community
           of
           name
           is
           so
           called
           by
           way
           of
           eminency
           ,
           proves
           an
           eminency
           in
           the
           one
           so
           called
           :
           which
           must
           either
           be
           of
           personall
           excellency
           above
           all
           the
           rest
           (
           and
           this
           who
           can
           shew
           us
           in
           
             the
             Angel
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Sardis
             ,
             Laodicea
             ,
          
           or
           
             Thyatira
             ?
          
           )
           or
           else
           (
           and
           rather
           )
           of
           Office
           and
           power
           ,
           so
           as
           
             Iohn
             Baptist
          
           was
           called
           
             an
             Angel
             ,
             Malac
             :
          
           3.
           who
           was
           
             more
             then
             a
             Prophet
             ;
          
           and
           St.
           
             Paul
             received
             as
             an
             Angell
             ,
             Gal.
          
           4.
           14.
           who
           was
           more
           then
           a
           Minister
           ,
           and
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           is
           called
           
           
             Michael
             ,
          
           Apoc.
           12.
           7.
           
             with
             his
             Angels
          
           fighting
           under
           him
           .
           One
           objection
           more
           we
           shall
           take
           notice
           of
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           the
           pretended
           necessity
           of
           understanding
           by
           each
           of
           the
           
             Angels
          
           there
           a
           collective
           body
           ,
           from
           c.
           2.
           v.
           10.
           
           &
           24.
           
           But
           this
           is
           manifestly
           clear
           to
           be
           no
           necessity
           at
           all
           from
           the
           like
           manner
           of
           speaking
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           28.
           1.
           
           &
           to
           the
           5.
           
           Compare
           and
           judge
           .
           And
           therefore
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           without
           any
           necessary
           reason
           ,
           to
           depart
           from
           the
           literall
           and
           determinate
           individuation
           of
           one
           chief
           spirituall
           Church-governour
           ,
           in
           each
           of
           the
           seven
           Churches
           :
           for
           otherwise
           ,
           as
           
             Tertullian
          
           speaks
           
             lib.
             de
             carne
             Christi
             ,
             cap.
             13.
             
             Omnia
             periclitabuntur
             alitèr
             accipi
             quàm
             sunt
             ,
             &
             amittere
             quod
             sunt
             ,
             dum
             alitèr
             accipiuntur
             .
          
           Yea
           there
           is
           not
           onely
           no
           necessity
           ,
           but
           much
           in
           the
           Text
           which
           doth
           resist
           such
           an
           interpretation
           of
           a
           collective
           body
           :
           for
           it
           should
           be
           either
           an
           Angel
           put
           for
           the
           whole
           particular
           Church
           ;
           and
           this
           cannot
           be
           ,
           seeing
           the
           Angels
           and
           the
           Churches
           are
           accurately
           distinguished
           c.
           
           1.
           v.
           20.
           
           Or
           an
           Angel
           put
           for
           the
           whole
           collection
           of
           the
           Presbyters
           ;
           but
           neither
           may
           this
           be
           admitted
           ,
           inasmuch
           as
           in
           the
           same
           20
           verse
           the
           
             Angels
          
           are
           called
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           seven
           ,
           no
           more
           ;
           and
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           not
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           stars
           ,
           not
           constellations
           ,
           as
           
             Suidas
          
           distinguisheth
           the
           words
           .
           You
           have
           our
           reasons
           from
           these
           Scriptures
           ,
           why
           to
           us
           it
           seems
           that
           to
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Church-government
           by
           Bishops
           is
           to
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           that
           whose
           Root
           is
           in
           holy
           Scripture
           ;
           and
           to
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           (
           which
           we
           tremble
           to
           think
           of
           )
           to
           wrest
           these
           Stars
           out
           of
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           the
           Sonne
           of
           man
           ,
           who
           is
           also
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           .
           For
           
             in
             his
             right
             hand
             are
             they
             held
             ,
             the
             Angels
             of
             the
             Churches
             ,
             Revel.
          
           1.
           16
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           As
           Church-government
           by
           Bishops
           hath
           been
           evidenced
           by
           holy
           Scripture
           ,
           so
           was
           it
           also
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           ancient
           godly
           Fathers
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           
             an
             institution
             Apostolicall
             and
             Divine
             ;
          
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           saith
           
             Theodoret
             ,
          
           l.
           4.
           c.
           18.
           by
           St.
           
             Cyprian
             ,
          
           ep.
           55.
           the
           power
           of
           Episcopacy
           is
           exegetically
           called
           ,
           
             Ecclesiae
             gubernande
             sublimis
             &
             divina
             potestas
             :
             &
             epist.
             27.
             
             Dominus
             noster
             Episcopi
             honorem
             disponens
             in
             Evangelic
             .
          
           And
           anon
           after
           ,
           
             ut
             omnis
             actus
             Ecclesiae
             per
             Episcopos
             gubernetur
             :
             cum
             hoc
             itaque
             divina
             lege
             fundatum
             sit
             ,
             miror
             quosdam
             audaci
             temeritate
             &c.
             &
             epist.
             65.
             
             Episcopos
             &
             Praepositos
             Dominus
             elegit
             :
          
           And
           anon
           after
           ,
           
             Deus
             Episcopos
             facit
             .
             Athanasius
             epist.
             ad
             Dracontium
          
           saith
           ,
           that
           
             he
             who
             contemns
             the
             function
             of
             a
             Bishop
             ,
          
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           and
           that
           the
           Office
           is
           of
           those
           things
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           &c.
           
           
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           :
           
             Ignat.
             epist.
             ad
             Magnes
             .
          
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           
             Idem
             Ignat
             ,
             epist
             ,
             ad
             Ephes.
             Oecumen.
             c.
             9.
             in
             Tim.
             4.
             
          
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           
             Theophylact.
          
           and
           
             Oecumenius
          
           found
           Bishops
           upon
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.11
           .
           and
           on
           
             Hebr.
          
           13.17
           .
           
             Oecumenius
          
           and
           
             Nazianzen
          
           in
           
             Apologet
             .
          
           in
           1
           
             Pet.
             5.
             vide
             Hegesippum
             apud
             Euseb.
             lib.
          
           4.
           
             cap.
          
           22.
           and
           
             Chrysostom
             .
             in
             Tit.
          
           1.
           
             Hom.
          
           2.
           
           Saint
           
             Ambrose
             de
             dignitate
             Sacerdot
             .
             c.
             2.
             
             &
             6.
             
             Isidor
             .
             Pelusiot
             .
             lib.
             2.
             ep.
             125.
             
          
        
         
           Further
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           holy
           Scripture
           we
           might
           alledge
           according
           to
           Saint
           
             Hieroms
          
           interpretation
           ,
           that
           this
           distinction
           between
           the
           Bishops
           and
           his
           Presbyters
           was
           signified
           in
           
             Moses
          
           and
           the
           70.
           
           So
           
             Hierom
          
           in
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           the
           distinction
           of
           Presbyters
           and
           Deacons
           ,
           to
           be
           that
           which
           was
           under
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           
             high
             Priest
             ,
             Priests
          
           and
           
             Levites
             .
          
           So
           
             S.
             Hieron.
             Ep.
             2.
             ad
             Nepotianum
             &
             Ep.
             ad
             Evagrium
             ;
          
           and
           before
           him
           
             Ignat.
             ad
             Philadelph
             .
             Clement
             .
             ep.
             ad
             .
             Corinth
             .
             Chrysost.
             Hom.
             20.
             ad
             pop.
             Antioch
             .
          
           and
           after
           
             Leo
             ep.
             66
             Isidor
             .
             Hisp.
             de
             officiis
             ,
             Eccles.
             l.
             2.
             c.
             5.
             
             &
             7.
             
          
           That
           the
           eminent
           dignity
           and
           office
           of
           Bishops
           was
           prophecied
           of
           ,
           
             Psal.
             45.
             16.
          
           where
           Bishops
           are
           meant
           ,
           say
           
             S.
             August
             .
             in
             loc.
             Comment.
          
           called
           
             S.
             Hieroms
             in
             locum
             .
          
           S.
           
             Cyril
             .
          
           of
           
             Alex.
             in
             loc.
             Theodoret
             in
             locum
             .
             Ruffinus
             in
             locum
             :
          
           as
           the
           other
           of
           Presbyters
           and
           Deacons
           were
           prophecied
           of
           ,
           
             Isaiah
             66.
             21.
             
          
           And
           further
           ,
           for
           imparity
           of
           Teachers
           in
           the
           new
           Testament
           ,
           that
           answerably
           to
           Prophets
           in
           the
           old
           ,
           and
           sons
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           among
           some
           that
           served
           in
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           some
           were
           as
           Fathers
           ,
           others
           serving
           with
           them
           as
           sont
           .
           So
           also
           that
           we
           read
           of
           
             Builders
             and
             Master-builders
             in
             Gods
             building
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           3.
           and
           we
           read
           also
           among
           those
           builders
           of
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           &c.
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           &c.
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           &c.
           
           1
           Cor.
           12.
           28.
           
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           
             Hebr.
             13.
             17.
          
           and
           under
           them
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           
             Luc.
             22.
             27.
             
          
           But
           for
           the
           confirmation
           by
           Scripture
           of
           the
           office
           of
           a
           Bishop
           ,
           we
           adhere
           especially
           to
           the
           Epistles
           to
           
             Timothy
          
           and
           
             Titus
             ,
          
           and
           those
           seven
           Epistles
           ,
           
             Apoc.
          
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           and
           3.
           
           And
           if
           it
           be
           acknowledged
           of
           institution
           Apostolicall
           ,
           and
           approved
           by
           God
           but
           temporary
           onely
           ,
           the
           contrary
           will
           be
           made
           manifest
           ,
           as
           from
           the
           proper
           light
           of
           the
           Texts
           alledged
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           forecited
           Text
           ,
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           6.
           14.
           
           So
           also
           from
           this
           Proposition
           which
           we
           avow
           :
           No
           Constitution
           Apostolicall
           received
           by
           the
           universall
           Church
           perpetually
           in
           all
           ages
           ,
           unto
           this
           age
           of
           this
           controversie
           ,
           can
           without
           scandall
           and
           dangerous
           consequence
           be
           called
           Temporary
           ;
           the
           universall
           practice
           of
           the
           Church
           practising
           continually
           and
           perpetually
           
           an
           Apostolicall
           Institution
           ,
           being
           a
           most
           sure
           Commentary
           that
           it
           was
           no
           temporary
           institution
           .
           Forasmuch
           as
           we
           are
           taught
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           in
           divine
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           contention
           in
           what
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           is
           pretended
           not
           to
           be
           expresse
           ,
           may
           be
           warrantably
           taken
           off
           by
           
             the
             custome
             of
             the
             Churches
             of
             God
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           11.
           16.
           
           See
           
             Theophylact.
             in
             locum
             .
          
           Custom
           ,
           I
           doe
           not
           say
           any
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           ,
           
             i.e.
          
           Primitive
           ,
           also
           Universall
           ,
           Perpetuall
           ,
           interpreting
           the
           controverted
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           whether
           Naturall
           ,
           as
           vers.
           14.
           or
           Positive
           ,
           by
           no
           lesse
           reason
           .
           Whereunto
           agreeth
           well
           the
           rule
           of
           S.
           
             Augustine
             ,
             contra
             Crescon.
             lib.
             1.
             c.
             32.
             &
             contra
             Donat.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             24.
             
             Quod
             universa
             tenet
             Ecclesia
             &c.
             &
             ep
             .
             86.
             ad
             Casul
             .
             &
             epist.
             ad
             Januarium
             118.
             si
             quidtota
             hodie
             &c.
             
             &
             Vincent
             Lyrin
             .
             adversus
             haereses
             ,
             c.
             2.
             &c.
             3.
             
             Quod
             ubique
             ,
             quod
             semper
             ,
             quod
             ab
             omnibus
             &c.
             
          
           And
           if
           not
           by
           such
           traditive
           interpretation
           from
           
             the
             custom
             of
             the
             Churches
             of
             God
             ,
          
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           rule
           ,
           how
           shall
           we
           convince
           contentious
           gainsayers
           ,
           that
           the
           sense
           of
           those
           Texts
           ,
           
             Goe
             and
             teach
             all
             Nations
             ,
             baptizing
             them
             &c.
             
             Matth.
          
           28.
           and
           those
           other
           of
           baptizing
           
             the
             houshold
             of
             Stephanus
             ,
          
           and
           of
           
             the
             keeper
             of
             the
             prison
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             
             Acts
          
           16.
           or
           any
           other
           Scriptures
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           divine
           warrant
           (
           as
           they
           are
           )
           for
           Baptisme
           of
           Infants
           ?
           Or
           the
           sense
           of
           
             hoc
             facite
             &c.
             
             Luk.
          
           22.
           to
           imply
           a
           divine
           right
           of
           Presbyters
           onely
           to
           consecrate
           the
           Elements
           of
           the
           blessed
           Sacrament
           ?
           or
           the
           sense
           of
           those
           Texts
           ,
           
             Iohn
          
           20.
           1
           ,
           19
           ,
           26.
           
           
             Acts
          
           20.
           7.
           1.
           
             Cor.
          
           16.
           2.
           
             Revel.
          
           1.
           10.
           or
           
             Psalm
          
           118.
           24.
           or
           of
           any
           other
           Scriptures
           to
           be
           a
           divine
           warrant
           for
           the
           translation
           of
           our
           one
           day
           in
           seven
           from
           the
           seventh
           day
           of
           the
           week
           to
           the
           first
           ?
           Or
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           how
           shall
           we
           convince
           those
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           that
           that
           Apostolicall
           divine
           Precept
           ,
           
             Iames
          
           5.14
           .
           
             as
             to
             the
             anointing
             the
             sick
             with
             oil
          
           was
           a
           temporary
           Precept
           onely
           ,
           but
           negatively
           from
           the
           interpretation
           of
           the
           custom
           of
           the
           
             Churches
             of
             God
             ?
          
           Since
           miraculous
           gifts
           were
           also
           conferred
           by
           the
           laying
           on
           of
           hands
           ,
           which
           yet
           was
           not
           temporary
           ,
           
             Heb.
          
           6
           2.
           
        
         
           Now
           that
           this
           Apostolicall
           institution
           hath
           been
           universally
           practised
           ,
           and
           perpetually
           in
           the
           custom
           of
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           of
           all
           times
           and
           places
           (
           excepting
           onely
           some
           narrow
           place
           and
           time
           of
           this
           age
           of
           this
           controversie
           )
           and
           that
           in
           Churches
           founded
           by
           different
           planters
           ,
           by
           all
           the
           severall
           Apostles
           and
           others
           sent
           by
           them
           ,
           as
           well
           those
           Churches
           which
           have
           in
           severall
           ages
           rejected
           the
           Antichristian
           Monarchy
           of
           the
           Bishop
           of
           
             Rome
          
           over
           all
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           others
           ;
           and
           that
           order
           preserved
           by
           God
           from
           extirpation
           ,
           
           thorow
           all
           the
           ten
           persecutions
           ,
           and
           descending
           in
           each
           Church
           or
           City
           by
           particular
           continued
           succession
           :
           as
           for
           example
           ,
           27
           Bishops
           from
           S.
           
             Timothy
          
           to
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Chalcedon
           Councell
           ,
           as
           was
           declared
           there
           ,
           
             act
             .
          
           11.
           that
           in
           all
           times
           ,
           primitive
           and
           following
           ,
           Bishops
           have
           been
           chief
           in
           Ecclesiasticall
           government
           ,
           in
           Councels
           ,
           in
           Martyrdom
           ,
           in
           Piety
           ,
           in
           Learning
           ,
           in
           the
           conversion
           of
           Nations
           ,
           in
           the
           mighty
           confounding
           of
           Heresies
           and
           Heretiques
           ;
           we
           beleeve
           we
           are
           able
           (
           if
           any
           deny
           )
           to
           make
           good
           .
           And
           first
           here
           for
           the
           Primitive
           Churches
           ,
           we
           alledge
           all
           the
           forecited
           Testmonies
           of
           Antiquity
           ,
           proving
           Bishop
           to
           have
           been
           instituted
           by
           the
           Apostles
           themselves
           ,
           
             vide
             supra
             .
          
           Yea
           and
           early
           ,
           within
           the
           Apostles
           times
           there
           having
           been
           not
           onely
           three
           Bishops
           of
           
             Rome
          
           successively
           ,
           
             Linus
             ,
             Cletus
             ,
          
           and
           
             Clemens
             :
          
           and
           within
           Saint
           
             Johns
          
           time
           of
           life
           ,
           four
           Bishops
           of
           
             Alexandria
          
           successively
           ,
           Saint
           
             Mark
             ,
             Anianus
             ,
             Abilius
             ,
          
           and
           
             Cerdo
             ;
          
           three
           Bishops
           of
           
             Antioch
             ,
          
           Saint
           
             Peter
             ,
             Evodius
             ,
          
           and
           
             Ignatius
             ;
          
           two
           of
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           Saint
           
             Iames
          
           and
           
             Simeon
             ;
          
           all
           while
           Saint
           
             John
          
           the
           Apostle
           yet
           lived
           ,
           
             Euseb
             ,
             hist
             eccles.
             lib.
          
           3.
           
             cap.
          
           12.
           
           But
           also
           Saint
           
             Iames
          
           made
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ierusalem
          
           soon
           after
           the
           passion
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           saith
           Saint
           
             Hierom.
             de
             Script
             .
             Eccles.
          
           After
           the
           Ascension
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           saith
           
             Euseb.
             lib.
          
           2.
           
             cap.
          
           1.
           before
           Saint
           
             Stevens
          
           Martyrdom
           ,
           for
           Saint
           
             Steven
          
           was
           
             Deacon
          
           to
           
             Iames
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Ignatius
             epist.
             ad
             Trall
             .
          
           and
           the
           ancient
           Author
           of
           the
           
             Epist.
             ad
             Heronem
          
           under
           his
           name
           ;
           and
           that
           
             James
             himself
             was
             martyred
          
           after
           he
           had
           governed
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Ierusalem
          
           30.
           yeers
           ,
           saith
           Saint
           
             Hierom.
             de
             Script
             .
             Eccles.
          
           And
           as
           Saint
           
             Hierom
          
           affirmeth
           ,
           
             Iames
             the
             Apostle
             to
             have
             been
             the
             first
             Bishop
             of
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           in
           
             Gal.
          
           1.
           
           So
           also
           
             Peter
             to
             have
             been
             the
             first
             Bishop
             of
             Antioch
             ,
          
           in
           
             Gal.
          
           2.
           
           And
           
             Mark
             the
             first
             Bishop
             of
             Alexandria
             ,
          
           in
           
             Prooem.
             in
             Matth.
          
           who
           died
           six
           yeers
           before
           Saint
           
             Peter
          
           or
           S.
           
             Paul
          
           (
           saith
           Saint
           
             Hierom.
          
           though
           therein
           he
           dissent
           from
           
             Irenaeus
             lib.
          
           3.
           )
           35.
           yeeres
           before
           Saint
           
             Iames
          
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           besides
           therefore
           nine
           recorded
           as
           Bishops
           in
           holy
           Scripture
           ,
           
             Timothy
          
           and
           
             Titus
          
           Bishops
           of
           
             Ephesus
          
           and
           
             Crete
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             seven
             of
             the
             seven
             Churches
             in
             Asia
             ;
          
           besides
           two
           Apostles
           Bishops
           ,
           
             viz.
             Iames
          
           of
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           and
           
             a
          
           
             Peter
             of
             Antioch
             ,
          
           
             b
          
           and
           one
           Evangelist
           ,
           
           
             Mark
          
           of
           
             Alexandria
          
           
             c
          
           :
           there
           are
           also
           nine
           other
           (
           in
           all
           21.
           )
           recorded
           in
           holy
           Scripture
           (
           all
           which
           ,
           except
           two
           of
           the
           seven
           Angels
           ,
           are
           there
           registred
           for
           Saints
           )
           who
           (
           if
           we
           will
           beleeve
           as
           credible
           records
           of
           Christians
           as
           any
           other
           humane
           Records
           whatsoever
           )
           were
           Bishops
           before
           they
           died
           ,
           
             viz.
             Clemens
          
           
             d
          
           and
           
             e
          
           
             Linus
          
           made
           Bishops
           of
           
             Rome
          
           successively
           by
           
             Peter
          
           and
           
             Paul
             .
             Evodius
          
           
             f
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Antioch
          
           by
           
             Peter
          
           and
           
             Paul
             .
             Dionysius
          
           the
           
             Areopagite
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Athens
          
           
             g
          
           :
           
             Archippus
          
           
             h
          
           Bishop
           of
           the
           
             Colossians
             :
             Epaphroditus
          
           
             i
          
           Bishop
           of
           the
           
             Philippians
             :
             Epaphras
          
           
             k
          
           Bishop
           of
           the
           
             Colossians
             :
             Gaius
          
           
             l
          
           also
           Bishop
           of
           the
           
             Thessalonians
             :
             Trophimus
          
           
             m
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Arles
             :
          
           To
           which
           you
           may
           adde
           (
           the
           two
           and
           twentieth
           )
           
             Antipas
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Pergamus
             ,
          
           if
           we
           will
           beleeve
           
             Paraeus
          
           in
           
             Apoc.
          
           2.
           proving
           it
           out
           of
           
             Arethas
             Caesariensis
             ,
          
           in
           
             Apoc.
          
           1.
           and
           
             Onesimus
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           
             n
          
           if
           he
           were
           not
           the
           forementioned
           
             Angel
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           when
           Saint
           
             Iohn
          
           wrote
           his
           Revelation
           .
           To
           omit
           to
           speak
           here
           of
           other
           Bishops
           ,
           who
           were
           Schollars
           and
           Auditors
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           
             Ignatius
          
           of
           Saint
           
             Iohn
          
           
             o
          
           made
           Bishop
           of
           
             Antioch
          
           by
           Saint
           
             Peter
             ;
             Papias
          
           
             p
          
           Saint
           
             Iohns
          
           Schollar
           ,
           Bishop
           of
           
             Hierapolis
             ;
             Publius
          
           and
           
             Q●adratus
          
           
             q
          
           Bishops
           of
           
             Athens
             ,
          
           Disciples
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           
             Simeon
          
           the
           son
           of
           
             Cleoph●●
          
           
             r
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ierusalem
          
           (
           after
           
             Iames
          
           )
           and
           the
           Kinsman
           of
           our
           Lord
           .
        
         
           This
           order
           of
           Bishops
           which
           began
           (
           though
           the
           first
           we
           read
           of
           in
           Scripture
           be
           
             Timothy
          
           and
           
             Titus
          
           )
           in
           Saint
           
             Iames
          
           of
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           or
           Saint
           
             Mark
          
           of
           
             Alexandria
             ,
          
           continued
           thorowout
           all
           the
           following
           ages
           of
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           which
           Bishops
           have
           been
           the
           most
           reverend
           Martyrs
           ,
           such
           as
           
             Ignatius
             ,
             Polycarp
             .
             Irenaeus
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Lions
             ,
             Cyprian
          
           of
           
             Carthage
             ,
          
           and
           more
           then
           30.
           of
           the
           first
           Bishops
           of
           
             Rome
          
           successively
           both
           in
           Episcopacy
           and
           Martyrdom
           .
           Of
           Bishops
           also
           especially
           did
           consist
           the
           first
           four
           generall
           Councels
           ,
           received
           by
           all
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           ,
           the
           confounders
           of
           the
           maine
           heresies
           touching
           the
           second
           and
           third
           persons
           in
           the
           blessed
           Trinity
           ;
           and
           by
           an
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           1.
           
             Eliz.
             cap.
          
           10.
           next
           to
           the
           canonicall
           Scriptures
           ,
           made
           the
           rule
           of
           judging
           Heresies
           :
           who
           also
           in
           Councell
           gave
           judgement
           for
           the
           inviolable
           practice
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           this
           order
           :
           the
           generall
           Councell
           of
           
             Nice
          
           providing
           ,
           
             Ne
             in
             unâ
             civitate
             duo
             sint
             Episcopi
             ,
             Cant.
          
           8.
           
           The
           generall
           Councell
           of
           
             Constantinople
          
           
           adjudging
           to
           Bishops
           the
           power
           of
           Ordination
           ,
           
             Can.
          
           2.
           and
           
             Can.
          
           4.
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Maximus
           .
           The
           generall
           Councell
           of
           
             Ephesus
          
           distinguishing
           betwixt
           the
           Bishop
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Clergy
           .
           
             Can.
          
           7.
           and
           confirming
           the
           Bishops
           jurisdiction
           ,
           
             Can.
          
           5.
           
           The
           generall
           Councell
           of
           
             Chalcedon
          
           determining
           ,
           
             Can.
          
           29.
           
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
        
         
           For
           as
           much
           then
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           first
           Article
           we
           are
           required
           to
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           examples
           of
           the
           best
           reformed
           Churches
           ,
           surely
           we
           may
           not
           in
           the
           second
           Article
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Church-government
           by
           
             Bishops
             ,
          
           and
           so
           to
           forsake
           the
           government
           grounded
           on
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           forsake
           the
           example
           of
           all
           the
           ages
           of
           the
           Primitive
           Churches
           ,
           then
           which
           we
           conceive
           no
           late
           reformed
           Church
           will
           pretend
           to
           be
           more
           pure
           ,
           and
           to
           whose
           examples
           they
           do
           or
           ought
           to
           endeavour
           to
           reform
           themselves
           .
        
         
           But
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           said
           ,
           that
           this
           government
           by
           Bishops
           is
           ejured
           onely
           ,
           as
           it
           interprets
           
             Prelacy
             ,
          
           which
           word
           if
           it
           have
           been
           translated
           
             Regimen
             Tyranicum
             ,
          
           the
           Translation
           as
           farre
           exceeds
           the
           truth
           of
           Grammar
           ,
           as
           the
           Prelates
           are
           accused
           to
           have
           exceeded
           their
           lawfull
           power
           ;
           forasmuch
           as
           Prelacy
           in
           its
           originall
           ,
           and
           acception
           of
           ancient
           Authors
           (
           
             Praelati
          
           we
           say
           ,
           not
           
             elati
          
           )
           imports
           but
           lawfull
           preeminence
           and
           power
           .
           So
           is
           
             Timothy
          
           called
           by
           
             Gregory
             de
             Cura
             pastor
             :
             p.
          
           2.
           
             c.
          
           11.
           
           
             Praelatus
             Gregi
             ;
          
           and
           the
           word
           Prelate
           is
           often
           honourably
           mentioned
           in
           our
           Lawes
           ,
           9
           
             Ed.
          
           2.
           
           &
           24
           
             Hen.
          
           8.
           and
           is
           no
           more
           then
           the
           Title
           
             Praepositi
          
           mentioned
           also
           with
           honour
           by
           St.
           
             Cyprian
          
           Epist.
           10.
           
           &
           55.
           
           &
           65.
           
           
             Augustin
             .
             de
             civitate
             Dei
             ,
          
           l.
           20.
           c.
           9.
           or
           
             Antistites
             ,
          
           S.
           
             Cypr.
             ep.
          
           69.
           
           &
           
             Sancti
             Antistites
             ,
             S.
             August
             .
             ep.
          
           162.
           and
           divers
           words
           in
           Scripture
           used
           ,
           signifying
           equivalently
           such
           preeminence
           ,
           but
           let
           it
           not
           be
           told
           indeed
           in
           other
           Churches
           ,
           that
           any
           other
           is
           here
           abjured
           then
           
             Regimen
             Tyrannicum
             .
          
        
         
           But
           are
           we
           warranted
           by
           the
           following
           stile
           of
           Hierarchy
           ?
           Doth
           that
           word
           import
           originally
           and
           anciently
           any
           other
           then
           a
           sacred
           government
           ?
           was
           it
           not
           accepted
           and
           approved
           in
           it selfe
           by
           Mr.
           
             Calvin
             .
             lib.
             de
             necessitate
             Eccl.
             reformandae
             ,
             Talem
             si
             nobis
             Hierarchiam
             exhibeant
             in
             quâ
             sic
             emineant
             Episcopi
             ,
             ut
             Christo
             subesse
             non
             recusent
             ,
             &c.
             ut
             ab
             illo
             tanquam
             uno
             Capite
             pendeant
             ,
             &
             ad
             ipsum
             referantur
             ,
             &c.
             tum
             verò
             nullo
             non
             anathemate
             dignos
             fateor
             ,
             qui
             non
             eam
             reverentèr
             summâque
             obedientiâ
             observent
             .
          
        
         
           Moreover
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           in
           the
           same
           Article
           abjure
           Church-government
           
           by
           Bishops
           ,
           with
           Heresie
           ,
           Schisme
           ,
           and
           Prophanenesse
           ,
           (
           as
           there
           it
           follows
           )
           yea
           Prelacy
           even
           before
           Schisme
           and
           Heresie
           ,
           &c.
           when
           as
           Bishops
           have
           been
           in
           all
           ages
           the
           chief
           confounders
           of
           heresie
           and
           heretickes
           ,
           such
           was
           
             Athanasius
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Alexandria
          
           of
           the
           heresie
           of
           
             Arrius
             .
             Cyril
          
           of
           
             Alexandria
          
           of
           the
           
             Nestorian
          
           heresie
           .
           
             Caelestine
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Rome
             ,
             Augustine
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Hippo
             ,
             Prosper
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Rhegium
             ,
             Fulgentius
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ruspi
             ,
          
           of
           the
           
             Palagian
          
           heresie
           :
           and
           many
           more
           in
           all
           ages
           of
           the
           Church
           before
           and
           since
           .
           Nor
           was
           there
           found
           any
           one
           Christian
           ,
           thorowout
           all
           the
           Primitive
           and
           purest
           times
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           for
           above
           five
           hundred
           yeers
           after
           Christ
           ,
           who
           thought
           it
           fit
           to
           abolish
           Church
           government
           by
           Bishops
           (
           much
           lesse
           to
           ej●re
           it
           )
           save
           onely
           one
           heretick
           ,
           
             Aerius
             ,
          
           so
           censured
           by
           
             Epiphanius
             ,
             Haeres
             .
          
           75.
           and
           by
           Saint
           
             Augustine
             ,
             Haeres
             .
          
           53.
           
             whose
             speech
             savoured
             of
             madnesse
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Epiphanius
             ;
          
           for
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           
             What
             is
             a
             Bishop
             differing
             from
             a
             Presbyter
             ?
          
           
             a
          
           and
           the
           occasion
           of
           it
           Saint
           
             Augustine
          
           lets
           us
           know
           ,
           
             lib.
             de
             Haeres
             .
             c.
             in
             Aerium
             ;
             Aerius
          
           being
           a
           Presbyter
           ,
           is
           said
           to
           have
           been
           vexed
           ,
           because
           he
           could
           not
           get
           to
           be
           ordained
           a
           Bishop
           ,
           and
           thence
           arose
           his
           envy
           :
           
             Epiphanius
          
           witnesseth
           as
           much
           ,
           
             Haeres
             .
          
           75.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           as
           to
           Schism
           ,
           Saint
           
             Hierom
          
           the
           one
           and
           onely
           Father
           alledged
           ,
           as
           denying
           the
           divine
           Institution
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           yet
           held
           them
           necessary
           to
           represse
           Schism
           ,
           and
           then
           surely
           most
           necessary
           ,
           when
           Schism
           doth
           ,
           as
           in
           these
           our
           dayes
           ,
           most
           abound
           :
           For
           avoiding
           of
           Schism
           ,
           Saint
           
             Hierom
          
           witnesseth
           ,
           Episcopacy
           was
           thought
           necessary
           long
           within
           the
           Apostles
           times
           ,
           even
           as
           early
           as
           it
           was
           said
           by
           some
           ,
           
             I
             am
             of
             Paul
             ,
             I
             am
             of
             Apollo
             &c.
          
           and
           therefore
           saith
           in
           his
           Dialogue
           ,
           
             Adversus
             Luciferian
             .
             Ecclesiae
             salus
             in
             summi
             Sacerdotis
             dignitate
             pendet
             ,
             cui
             si
             non
             exors
             quaedam
             ,
             &
             ab
             omnibus
             eminens
             detur
             potestas
             ,
             tot
             in
             Ecclesiis
             efficientur
             schismata
             ,
             quot
             Sacerdotes
             .
             S.
             Cyprian
          
           also
           
             Epist.
          
           55.
           
           
             Non
             aliunde
             haereses
             obortae
             sunt
             ,
             aut
             nata
             sunt
             schismata
             ,
             quam
             &c.
          
           and
           so
           also
           
             lib.
          
           4.
           
             epist.
          
           9.
           
           
             Unde
             enim
             Schismata
             &
             Haereses
             obortae
             sunt
             &
             oriuntur
             ,
             nisi
             dum
             Episcopus
             qui
             unus
             est
             praesumptione
             contemnitur
             ?
             &c.
          
           Master
           
             Calvin
          
           also
           himself
           upon
           
             Philipp
             .
          
           1.
           1.
           
           
             Fateor
             quidem
             ut
             sunt
             hominum
             ingenia
             &
             mores
             ,
             non
             posse
             ordinem
             stare
             inter
             verbi
             Ministros
             ,
             quin
             reliquis
             praesit
             unus
             .
          
           So
           that
           we
           cannot
           apprehend
           the
           abjuration
           of
           Episcopacy
           to
           be
           a
           meane
           to
           that
           unity
           in
           this
           Article
           mentioned
           ,
           
             That
             the
             Lord
             may
             be
             one
             ,
             and
             his
             Name
             one
             amongst
             us
             ,
          
           but
           rather
           the
           continuation
           thereof
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           counsell
           of
           the
           holy
           Martyr
           S.
           
             Cyprian
             ,
             Unus
             Deus
             ,
             unus
             Dominus
             ,
             unus
             
             Episcopus
             ;
          
           and
           that
           of
           
             Ignatius
             ad
             magnes
             .
          
           
             b
          
           
             Subjecti
             estote
             Episcope
             &
             vobis
             mutuè
             ,
             ut
             Christus
             Patri
             ,
             ut
             inter
             vos
             divina
             quaedam
             sit
             unio
             .
          
        
         
           Next
           ,
           
             Prophanenesse
          
           is
           here
           also
           to
           be
           cast
           out
           with
           Episcopacy
           ;
           yet
           who
           may
           not
           fear
           Gods
           Judgements
           ,
           if
           he
           deny
           the
           detestable
           growth
           of
           prophanenesse
           since
           the
           contempt
           of
           that
           Apostolicall
           institution
           of
           Episcopacy
           ?
           So
           that
           this
           Article
           as
           to
           Bishops
           extirpation
           we
           must
           refuse
           ,
           upon
           that
           close
           upon
           which
           others
           take
           it
           ,
           
             lest
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             we
             should
             partake
             in
             others
             sin
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             their
             plagues
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           because
           neither
           can
           we
           swear
           to
           endeavour
           the
           extirpation
           of
           that
           part
           of
           this
           Church-government
           by
           Archbishops
           ,
           an
           Ecclesiasticall
           constitution
           ,
           so
           confessedly
           ancient
           ;
           nor
           that
           part
           of
           this
           Church-government
           by
           Deanes
           and
           Chapters
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           society
           of
           grave
           Divines
           ,
           of
           Presbyters
           joyned
           to
           the
           Bishop
           in
           his
           see
           of
           residence
           ,
           as
           assistants
           in
           Councell
           and
           Government
           :
           as
           
             James
          
           Bishop
           of
           
             Ierusalem
          
           had
           his
           resident
           Presbyters
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           21.
           18.
           and
           consulted
           with
           them
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           20.
           
           According
           also
           to
           the
           ancient
           generall
           and
           continued
           custom
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ever
           since
           the
           first
           Christian
           Emperours
           time
           ;
           and
           moreover
           endowed
           with
           means
           given
           to
           them
           by
           the
           last
           Wils
           and
           Testaments
           of
           many
           (
           which
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           for
           us
           to
           endeavour
           to
           annull
           ,
           
             Hebr.
          
           9.
           17.
           
           )
           and
           by
           the
           gifts
           of
           many
           other
           Donors
           ,
           who
           had
           true
           propriety
           in
           their
           goods
           ,
           and
           might
           and
           did
           transfer
           the
           undoubted
           property
           to
           those
           to
           be
           enjoyed
           by
           the
           right
           and
           liberty
           of
           the
           Subject
           ;
           especially
           such
           endowments
           having
           been
           consecrated
           and
           devoted
           unto
           God
           for
           pious
           uses
           ,
           and
           which
           may
           not
           therefore
           by
           us
           (
           as
           we
           conceive
           )
           be
           endeavoured
           to
           be
           alienated
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           20.
           25.
           
           
             Numb.
          
           16.
           38.
           
           And
           as
           to
           the
           exercises
           of
           piety
           ,
           so
           also
           to
           the
           encouragement
           of
           the
           most
           excellent
           part
           of
           learning
           ,
           the
           study
           of
           divinity
           and
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           with
           the
           same
           sincerity
           ,
           
           reality
           and
           constancy
           ,
           in
           our
           severall
           Vocations
           ,
           endeavour
           with
           our
           estates
           and
           lives
           ,
           mutually
           to
           preserve
           the
           Rights
           and
           Priviledges
           of
           the
           Parliaments
           ,
           and
           the
           Liberties
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           ,
           and
           to
           preserve
           and
           defend
           the
           Kings
           Majesties
           Person
           and
           Authority
           ,
           in
           the
           preservation
           and
           defence
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Liberties
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           ,
           that
           the
           world
           may
           beare
           witnesse
           with
           our
           Consciences
           of
           our
           loyalty
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           have
           no
           thoughts
           or
           intentions
           to
           diminish
           His
           Majesties
           just
           power
           and
           greatnesse
           .
        
         
           Because
           in
           the
           third
           Article
           ,
           whereas
           we
           are
           required
           ,
           and
           that
           
           in
           the
           first
           place
           to
           binde
           our selves
           absolutely
           without
           limitation
           expressed
           ,
           
             To
             preserve
             the
             Rights
             and
             Priviledges
             of
             Parliaments
             ,
             and
             the
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             ;
          
           and
           were
           likewise
           tied
           simply
           and
           indefinitely
           to
           defend
           the
           Kings
           Person
           ,
           State
           ,
           and
           Honour
           ,
           by
           the
           Oath
           of
           Allegiance
           and
           the
           late
           Protestation
           ;
           here
           when
           we
           are
           bidden
           to
           swear
           to
           defend
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           and
           Authority
           ,
           it
           is
           added
           [
           
             In
             the
             preservation
             and
             defence
             of
             the
             true
             Religion
             ,
             and
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
          
           ]
           therefore
           this
           manner
           of
           swearing
           we
           dare
           not
           admit
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           publikely
           declared
           by
           the
           Imposers
           ,
           that
           the
           meaning
           of
           those
           words
           is
           not
           (
           as
           to
           some
           it
           may
           sound
           )
           that
           I
           binde
           my selfe
           to
           preserve
           and
           defend
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           and
           Authority
           
             so
             farre
             forth
          
           as
           he
           shall
           preserve
           and
           defend
           true
           Religion
           and
           the
           Liberties
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           :
           Since
           by
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           old
           and
           new
           Testament
           ,
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           and
           Nations
           ,
           by
           the
           Oath
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           by
           true
           Religion
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           endeavour
           the
           preservation
           and
           defence
           of
           his
           Person
           and
           Authority
           ,
           though
           he
           were
           a
           persecutor
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           an
           abridger
           of
           our
           Liberties
           ,
           such
           as
           were
           
             Saul
          
           and
           
             Nero
          
           in
           their
           times
           .
           And
           surely
           a
           larger
           Declaration
           of
           our
           endeavours
           simply
           to
           defend
           his
           Person
           ,
           is
           at
           this
           time
           necessary
           ,
           when
           through
           the
           divisions
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           is
           so
           endangered
           ;
           and
           that
           his
           Majesty
           hath
           often
           complained
           of
           affronts
           offered
           to
           his
           person
           ;
           and
           hath
           complained
           also
           ,
           that
           some
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           kill
           his
           Person
           in
           two
           set
           battails
           ;
           and
           that
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           frequent
           in
           the
           minds
           and
           mouths
           of
           some
           
             Shimei's
             ,
          
           then
           that
           
             the
             King
             is
             popishly
             affected
             .
             A
             Papist
             in
             his
             heart
             ;
          
           and
           therefore
           some
           furious
           Zelot
           may
           not
           onely
           upon
           these
           surmises
           conclude
           himselfe
           exempted
           (
           in
           case
           )
           from
           the
           duty
           of
           preservation
           and
           defence
           of
           his
           Royall
           Person
           ,
           but
           also
           mistake
           it
           as
           a
           debt
           to
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           even
           to
           offer
           violence
           to
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           .
           May
           not
           therefore
           some
           such
           fuller
           Declaration
           and
           explication
           of
           our
           duty
           (
           when
           we
           will
           by
           Oath
           professe
           it
           )
           seem
           necessary
           to
           the
           end
           here
           proposed
           ,
           
             That
             the
             world
             may
             bear
             witnesse
             with
             our
             Consciences
             of
             our
             loyalty
             ?
          
        
         
           We
           shall
           also
           with
           all
           faithfulnesse
           endeavour
           the
           discovery
           of
           all
           such
           as
           have
           been
           ,
           
           or
           shall
           be
           Incendiaries
           ,
           Malignants
           ,
           or
           evill
           Instruments
           ,
           by
           hindring
           the
           reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           dividing
           the
           King
           from
           his
           people
           ,
           or
           one
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           from
           another
           ,
           or
           making
           any
           Faction
           or
           parties
           amongst
           the
           people
           ,
           contrary
           to
           this
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           
           be
           brought
           to
           publike
           triall
           ,
           and
           receive
           condign
           punishment
           ,
           as
           the
           degree
           of
           their
           offences
           shall
           require
           or
           deserve
           ,
           or
           the
           supream
           Indicatories
           of
           both
           Kingdoms
           respectively
           ,
           or
           others
           having
           power
           from
           them
           for
           that
           effect
           ,
           shall
           judge
           convenient
           .
        
         
           Whether
           are
           not
           all
           those
           to
           be
           accounted
           to
           us
           as
           
             Malignants
             ,
             &c.
             by
             hindring
             reformation
             of
             Religion
          
           (
           and
           consequently
           
             to
             be
             discovered
             that
             they
             may
             receive
             condign
             punishment
          
           )
           whom
           we
           know
           to
           endeavour
           in
           their
           places
           and
           callings
           ,
           the
           continuation
           of
           Church-government
           by
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           the
           preservation
           of
           the
           whole
           frame
           of
           government
           (
           as
           it
           now
           stands
           by
           the
           known
           Laws
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           established
           )
           administred
           according
           to
           the
           right
           intent
           of
           those
           Laws
           against
           all
           alteration
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           by
           act
           of
           Parliament
           (
           enacted
           by
           his
           Majesties
           personall
           consent
           ,
           and
           both
           Houses
           )
           altered
           and
           changed
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           we
           demand
           how
           far
           forth
           we
           are
           here
           to
           be
           sworn
           
             to
             endeavour
             the
             discovery
             of
             all
             that
             have
             been
             or
             shall
             be
             Malignants
             &c.
             
          
           Is
           the
           son
           hereby
           ingaged
           to
           betray
           his
           father
           ,
           the
           wife
           her
           husband
           ,
           the
           servant
           his
           master
           ?
           and
           to
           accuse
           them
           
             as
             Malignants
             and
             evill
             Instruments
             by
             hindring
             the
             reformation
             ?
          
           If
           so
           ;
           hath
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           Nature
           ,
           or
           of
           the
           Land
           ever
           commanded
           it
           ;
           except
           in
           the
           case
           of
           high
           Treason
           ?
           Where
           God
           enjoyned
           to
           the
           Jews
           the
           discovery
           of
           those
           who
           should
           entice
           them
           to
           serve
           other
           gods
           (
           a
           sin
           surely
           as
           detestable
           and
           hainous
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           such
           as
           here
           are
           to
           be
           accounted
           
             Malignants
             &c.
             by
             hindring
             the
             reformation
             of
             Religion
          
           )
           thus
           we
           read
           ,
           
             Deut.
          
           13.
           6.
           
           
             If
             thy
             brother
             the
             son
             of
             thy
             mother
             ,
             or
             thy
             son
             ,
             or
             thy
             daughter
             ,
             or
             the
             wife
             of
             thy
             bosom
             ,
             or
             thy
             friend
             which
             is
             as
             thine
             own
             soul
             ,
             entice
             thee
             ,
             &c.
             thou
             shalt
             not
             conceal
             him
             ,
             but
             thy
             hand
             shall
             be
             first
             upon
             him
             to
             put
             him
             to
             death
             :
          
           where
           it
           may
           be
           observed
           ,
           That
           all
           the
           persons
           there
           by
           God
           so
           particularly
           recounted
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           concealed
           ,
           they
           are
           onely
           such
           as
           are
           in
           a
           collaterall
           equall
           degree
           ,
           as
           the
           brother
           not
           to
           conceal
           his
           brother
           ,
           the
           friend
           his
           friend
           ;
           or
           of
           some
           inferiority
           ,
           as
           the
           husband
           his
           wife
           ,
           the
           father
           his
           son
           :
           But
           there
           is
           expressed
           no
           such
           injunction
           ,
           That
           the
           son
           was
           to
           reveal
           his
           father
           ,
           or
           the
           wife
           her
           husband
           :
           so
           tender
           was
           the
           God
           of
           nature
           of
           the
           respects
           due
           to
           those
           by
           whom
           he
           hath
           bestowed
           upon
           us
           our
           Being
           ,
           Life
           ,
           and
           Livelihood
           ,
           or
           whom
           he
           hath
           made
           a
           head
           to
           others
           ;
           that
           he
           did
           not
           command
           inferiours
           should
           give
           in
           an
           accusation
           against
           such
           their
           superiours
           ,
           even
           in
           crimes
           which
           the
           Law
           judged
           should
           be
           punished
           with
           death
           .
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           whereas
           we
           have
           in
           the
           late
           Protestation
           vowed
           
             to
             maintain
             the
             liberty
             of
             the
             Subject
             ,
          
           and
           also
           are
           required
           to
           bind
           our selves
           in
           this
           Covenant
           to
           preserve
           the
           same
           (
           if
           the
           liberties
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           include
           the
           liberty
           of
           the
           subject
           .
           )
           Yet
           contrary
           hereunto
           (
           as
           we
           conceive
           )
           we
           should
           bind
           our selves
           to
           endeavour
           that
           our
           fellow-subjects
           may
           be
           brought
           
             to
             punishment
             ,
             either
             such
             as
             their
             offence
             shall
             deserve
             ,
             or
             such
          
           as
           not
           onely
           
             the
             supream
             Indicatories
             of
             both
             Kingdoms
             ,
             but
             any
             other
             also
             having
             power
             from
             them
             for
             that
             effect
             ,
             shall
             judge
             convenient
             ;
          
           by
           which
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           put
           power
           (
           arbitrary
           surely
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           not
           restrained
           according
           to
           the
           Lawes
           of
           our
           Land
           )
           in
           some
           other
           then
           the
           supream
           judicatory
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           some
           deputed
           from
           them
           ,
           who
           may
           judge
           it
           covenient
           (
           if
           what
           they
           shall
           judge
           convenient
           may
           be
           their
           rule
           )
           as
           well
           sometimes
           to
           exceed
           the
           Letter
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           made
           by
           the
           supream
           Judicatory
           ,
           as
           otherwhile
           to
           mitigate
           it
           :
           Yea
           who
           may
           proceed
           against
           such
           Malignants
           where
           the
           Laws
           are
           wholy
           silent
           ,
           and
           neither
           have
           given
           name
           to
           their
           fault
           ,
           nor
           prescribed
           any
           punishment
           ?
        
         
           And
           whereas
           the
           happinesse
           of
           a
           blessed
           peace
           between
           these
           Kingdoms
           ,
           denied
           in
           former
           times
           to
           our
           progenitors
           ,
           
           is
           by
           the
           good
           providence
           of
           God
           granted
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           lately
           concluded
           ,
           and
           setled
           by
           both
           Parliaments
           ,
           we
           shall
           each
           one
           of
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           place
           and
           interest
           endeavour
           that
           they
           may
           remain
           conjoyned
           in
           a
           firm
           peace
           and
           union
           to
           all
           posterity
           ;
           and
           that
           justice
           may
           be
           done
           upon
           the
           wilfull
           opposers
           thereof
           ,
           in
           manner
           expressed
           in
           the
           precedent
           Articles
           .
        
         
           Concerning
           the
           happy
           
             peace
             between
             these
             Kingdoms
             lately
             concluded
             ,
          
           we
           earnestly
           prayed
           and
           desired
           that
           it
           might
           have
           been
           continued
           ,
           and
           pray
           that
           it
           may
           be
           renewed
           ;
           and
           are
           sorry
           heartily
           ,
           that
           contrary
           to
           the
           Pacification
           made
           by
           His
           Majesty
           and
           both
           Parliaments
           ,
           and
           contrary
           to
           the
           solemn
           Faith
           given
           ,
           there
           is
           at
           this
           time
           a
           miserable
           War
           begun
           again
           between
           an
           Army
           of
           that
           Kingdom
           entring
           ours
           ,
           (
           without
           and
           against
           his
           Majesties
           consent
           and
           Declaration
           )
           and
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           His
           Majesty
           ,
           who
           (
           we
           have
           heard
           )
           hath
           much
           deprecated
           their
           entring
           in
           ,
           alledging
           vehemently
           that
           their
           late
           solemn
           Faith
           and
           Pacification
           :
           So
           that
           shall
           it
           not
           be
           in
           us
           also
           
             Protestatis
             contraria
             facto
             ,
          
           to
           bind
           our selves
           in
           this
           Article
           (
           as
           willingly
           we
           would
           )
           to
           endeavour
           the
           continuance
           of
           a
           
             firm
             peace
             and
             union
             ,
          
           and
           in
           the
           next
           to
           assist
           and
           defend
           those
           who
           declare
           ,
           that
           in
           pursuit
           of
           this
           Covenant
           they
           now
           enter
           into
           this
           Kingdom
           
           with
           an
           Army
           ?
           which
           if
           we
           look
           to
           the
           late
           Act
           of
           Pacification
           ,
           and
           may
           for
           our selves
           judge
           and
           discern
           what
           it
           is
           ,
           since
           we
           are
           required
           to
           swear
           thereto
           ,
           appears
           in
           its
           self
           an
           action
           as
           contrary
           thereto
           as
           War
           to
           Peace
           .
           So
           that
           this
           Covenant
           would
           bindus
           to
           endeavour
           that
           which
           it
           makes
           us
           to
           abjure
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           also
           according
           to
           our
           places
           and
           callings
           in
           this
           common
           cause
           of
           Religion
           ,
           
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           peace
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           ,
           assist
           and
           defend
           all
           those
           that
           enter
           into
           this
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           in
           the
           maintaining
           and
           pursuing
           thereof
           ,
           and
           shall
           not
           suffer
           our selves
           directly
           or
           indirectly
           by
           whatsoever
           combination
           ,
           perswasion
           ,
           or
           terrour
           to
           be
           divided
           and
           withdrawn
           from
           this
           blessed
           union
           and
           conjunction
           ,
           whether
           to
           make
           defection
           to
           the
           contrary
           part
           ,
           or
           to
           give
           our selves
           to
           a
           detestable
           indifferency
           or
           neutrality
           in
           this
           cause
           ,
           which
           so
           much
           concerneth
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           good
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           ,
           and
           the
           honour
           of
           the
           King
           ;
           but
           shall
           all
           the
           daies
           of
           our
           lives
           zealously
           and
           constantly
           continue
           therein
           ,
           against
           all
           opposition
           ,
           and
           promote
           the
           same
           according
           to
           our
           power
           ,
           against
           all
           lets
           and
           impediments
           whatsoever
           ;
           and
           what
           we
           are
           not
           able
           our selves
           to
           suppresse
           or
           overcome
           ,
           we
           shall
           reveal
           and
           make
           known
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           timely
           prevented
           or
           removed
           ;
           All
           which
           we
           shall
           do
           as
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           Whereas
           we
           are
           in
           the
           sixt
           Article
           required
           to
           Covenant
           
             in
             this
             common
             cause
             of
             Religion
          
           (
           which
           is
           described
           in
           the
           first
           Article
           ,
           
             A
             reformation
             of
             Religion
             in
             England
             and
             Ireland
             )
             that
             we
             wil
             assist
             and
             defend
             all
             those
             that
             enter
             into
             this
             League
             and
             Covenant
             against
             all
             opposition
             ,
          
           and
           that
           in
           the
           close
           it
           is
           implied
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           do
           what
           we
           are
           able
           to
           
             suppresse
          
           and
           
             overcome
          
           whatsoever
           
             opposition
             ;
          
           we
           conceive
           it
           to
           be
           against
           the
           whole
           current
           of
           the
           Gospell
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
          
           the
           practise
           and
           Doctrine
           of
           all
           Primitive
           Christians
           ,
           whom
           the
           world
           hath
           ever
           esteemed
           for
           blessed
           Saints
           and
           Martyrs
           ,
           and
           lastly
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           best
           reformed
           Churches
           ,
           (
           to
           which
           we
           here
           should
           swear
           to
           conform
           our selves
           )
           to
           endeavour
           a
           Reformation
           of
           religion
           by
           force
           of
           Arms
           against
           the
           supream
           Magistrat's
           consent
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           May
           we
           swear
           never
           to
           
             suffer
             our selves
             to
             be
             withdrawn
             by
             whatsoever
             perswasion
          
           from
           this
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           since
           the
           reasons
           perswading
           us
           to
           it
           are
           in
           no
           wise
           Demonstrative
           ?
           What
           if
           hereafter
           we
           shall
           see
           better
           reasons
           ,
           and
           stronger
           motives
           to
           forsake
           it
           ,
           then
           we
           have
           now
           to
           take
           it
           ,
           or
           shall
           have
           then
           to
           keep
           it
           ?
           will
           not
           then
           our
           consciences
           better
           informed
           force
           us
           to
           break
           our
           Oath
           (
           an
           Argument
           that
           we
           sinn'd
           in
           taking
           it
           )
           or
           our
           Oath
           bind
           us
           contrary
           
           to
           our
           consciences
           so
           informed
           ,
           (
           which
           is
           impossible
           ?
           )
           What
           if
           (
           as
           now
           the
           King
           ,
           so
           )
           future
           Parliaments
           disallow
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           oppose
           it
           ,
           shall
           we
           then
           be
           obliged
           to
           continue
           therein
           ,
           and
           to
           assist
           and
           defend
           all
           those
           that
           so
           
             continue
             against
             all
             opposition
             ,
          
           though
           it
           shall
           be
           contradicted
           by
           the
           same
           Authority
           by
           which
           it
           is
           now
           imposed
           upon
           us
           ?
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Where
           we
           are
           required
           to
           bind
           our selves
           never
           
             to
             make
             defection
             to
             the
             contrary
             part
             ;
          
           whether
           by
           the
           contrary
           part
           is
           not
           to
           be
           understood
           all
           that
           are
           against
           this
           Covenant
           ?
           If
           so
           ,
           will
           not
           these
           words
           following
           ,
           [
           
             Against
             all
             opposition
             ,
             against
             all
             lets
             and
             impediments
             whatsoever
          
           ]
           include
           His
           Majesties
           opposition
           ?
           And
           then
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           said
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           the
           close
           impliedly
           supposed
           ,
           That
           we
           will
           endeavour
           to
           do
           what
           we
           are
           able
           to
           suppresse
           and
           overcome
           any
           part
           whatsoever
           of
           the
           contrary
           part
           opposing
           it self
           ;
           which
           since
           it
           seems
           not
           to
           except
           His
           Sacred
           Majesty
           ,
           how
           will
           this
           be
           consistent
           with
           the
           Oaths
           of
           Allegiance
           and
           Supremacy
           ,
           and
           the
           Laws
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           5
           
             H.
          
           4.
           25
           
             Edw.
          
           3
           ?
           Secondly
           ,
           how
           with
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           taught
           by
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           Rom.
           13.
           
           
             That
             whosoever
             shall
             resist
             the
             higher
             Powers
             ,
             shall
             receive
             to
             himself
             Damnation
             ?
          
           and
           in
           case
           of
           contrary
           conflicts
           of
           these
           higher
           Powers
           among
           themselves
           ,
           from
           the
           reason
           included
           in
           the
           object
           ,
           the
           damnation
           will
           be
           (
           without
           repentance
           )
           to
           those
           that
           resist
           the
           Highest
           :
           and
           among
           the
           higher
           powers
           ,
           (
           if
           St.
           
             Peter
          
           may
           interpret
           St.
           
             Paul
             )
             the
             King
             is
             Supream
             ,
          
           and
           all
           other
           
             Governours
          
           are
           
             sent
             by
             Him
             ,
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             a
          
           For
           our selves
           therefore
           ,
           if
           His
           Majesty
           should
           use
           the
           Sword
           committed
           to
           him
           unjustly
           ,
           we
           must
           take
           up
           St.
           
           
             Ambrose's
          
           words
           ,
           
             conc.
             1.
             contra
             Auxentium
             ,
             Dolere
             potero
             ,
             flere
             potero
             ,
             potero
             gemere
             ,
             adversus
             arma
             ,
             milites
             ,
             Gothos
             quoque
             Lachrymae
             miae
             Arma
             sunt
             ,
             talia
             sunt
             munimenta
             Sacerdotis
             ,
             aliter
             nec
             deb●o
             ,
             nec
             possumresistere
             .
          
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           were
           there
           nothing
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           of
           this
           Land
           forbidding
           us
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           
             England
          
           to
           enter
           a
           Covenant
           of
           mutuall
           assistance
           and
           defence
           ,
           without
           and
           against
           the
           allowance
           of
           the
           King
           ,
           yet
           it
           would
           be
           unlawfull
           for
           us
           to
           joyn
           in
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           since
           we
           are
           required
           here
           not
           onely
           to
           joyn
           with
           one
           another
           ,
           but
           with
           the
           Scots
           also
           in
           a
           Covenant
           of
           mutuall
           assistance
           and
           defence
           ;
           to
           whom
           ,
           if
           by
           a
           law
           of
           their
           Land
           all
           such
           Covenants
           and
           Leagues
           be
           forbidden
           as
           seditious
           ,
           we
           ,
           if
           we
           knowingly
           covenant
           to
           assist
           and
           defend
           them
           in
           such
           a
           League
           ,
           contract
           to
           our selves
           the
           guilt
           of
           sedition
           .
           Now
           to
           the
           Scots
           (
           in
           the
           second
           part
           of
           that
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           
           holden
           at
           
             Linlithgow
          
           anno
           1585.
           )
           are
           forbidden
           
             all
             leagues
             or
             bonds
             of
             mutuall
             defence
             which
             are
             made
             without
             the
             privity
             and
             consent
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             under
             the
             pain
             to
             be
             holden
             and
             execute
             as
             movers
             of
             sedition
             and
             unquietnesse
             .
          
           This
           we
           read
           objected
           by
           the
           Divines
           of
           
             Aberdeen
             ,
          
           but
           could
           never
           yet
           see
           any
           satisfying
           answer
           made
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           Fiftly
           ,
           Whether
           will
           not
           men
           think
           themselves
           bound
           by
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           all
           the
           daies
           of
           their
           lives
           to
           continue
           so
           farre
           zealously
           united
           against
           the
           contrary
           part
           ,
           as
           to
           reject
           all
           overtures
           of
           Accomodation
           ,
           and
           reconciliation
           ;
           till
           they
           be
           
             suppressed
             or
             overcome
             ,
          
           and
           so
           our
           wounds
           become
           incurcable
           ?
        
         
           Sixtly
           ,
           This
           Covenant
           (
           as
           we
           conceive
           ,
           under
           correction
           )
           cannot
           be
           wisely
           taken
           by
           any
           man
           affected
           to
           this
           cause
           ;
           for
           should
           they
           not
           here
           swear
           never
           to
           yeeld
           themselves
           ,
           though
           debelled
           ,
           and
           unable
           to
           withstand
           the
           common
           Enemy
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           the
           King
           ?
           nor
           ever
           to
           lay
           down
           Arms
           ,
           or
           cease
           active
           resistance
           ?
           But
           if
           it
           should
           please
           God
           to
           give
           the
           foresaid
           contrary
           part
           power
           of
           conquest
           ,
           and
           consequently
           
             Ius
             victorie
             ,
          
           should
           they
           not
           bind
           themselves
           by
           this
           Covenant
           never
           to
           submit
           themselves
           to
           Gods
           Will
           and
           Judgement
           against
           them
           ?
           and
           so
           exclude
           all
           Christian
           patience
           and
           suffering
           in
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           tie
           themselves
           (
           though
           unable
           )
           actively
           to
           resist
           ,
           plot
           ,
           disturb
           and
           overthrow
           all
           such
           who
           shall
           so
           have
           power
           over
           them
           hereafter
           ,
           all
           such
           Governours
           and
           governments
           ,
           which
           it
           may
           please
           God
           (
           as
           they
           must
           confesse
           for
           a
           punishment
           of
           their
           sins
           at
           least
           )
           to
           place
           over
           them
           ,
           which
           thing
           we
           conceive
           to
           be
           against
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           reason
           and
           Nations
           .
        
         
           
             And
             because
             these
             Kingdoms
             are
             guilty
             of
             many
             sins
             ,
             &c.
          
           ]
        
         
           What
           the
           Conclusion
           
           suggests
           we
           have
           also
           considered
           ,
           and
           professe
           our selves
           ready
           to
           joyn
           with
           our
           brethren
           in
           the
           necessary
           
             humbling
             of
             our selves
          
           under
           the
           mighty
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           confession
           of
           
             our
             sins
             ,
          
           (
           though
           in
           a
           publique
           set
           form
           &
           prescribed
           ,
           such
           as
           we
           conceive
           this
           former
           part
           of
           the
           Conclusion
           to
           be
           )
           
             our
             purpose
          
           also
           ,
           
             desire
             &
             endeavour
             ,
          
           through
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           
             to
             amend
             our
             lives
             ;
          
           and
           touching
           those
           words
           here
           mentioned
           [
           
             In
             all
             duties
             we
             owe
             to
             God
             and
             man
          
           ]
           we
           professe
           and
           declare
           ,
           that
           did
           we
           believe
           in
           our
           consciences
           ,
           the
           above-written
           Articles
           of
           the
           Covenant
           not
           to
           be
           repugnant
           to
           our
           duties
           which
           we
           owe
           to
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           (
           in
           the
           particulars
           specified
           relating
           to
           His
           Majesty
           and
           to
           the
           Bishops
           of
           our
           Churches
           ,
           by
           God
           set
           over
           us
           ,
           and
           otherwise
           )
           we
           should
           gladly
           have
           gone
           along
           with
           our
           brethren
           therein
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           since
           this
           Oath
           expresly
           professeth
           ,
           what
           also
           all
           lawfull
           promisory
           oaths
           must
           include
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           to
           be
           made
           
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             the
             searcher
             of
             all
             hearts
             ,
             with
             a
             true
             intention
             to
             perform
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             answer
             at
             the
             great
             day
             ;
          
           we
           trust
           our
           just
           refusall
           will
           ,
           or
           ought
           to
           be
           better
           interpreted
           ,
           even
           by
           the
           Imposers
           themselves
           ,
           then
           those
           mens
           detestable
           hypocrisie
           ,
           who
           enter
           this
           League
           ,
           and
           make
           this
           Oath
           ,
           with
           mentall
           reservation
           ;
           others
           
             as
             far
             as
             lawfully
             they
             may
             ,
          
           and
           
             saving
             all
             former
             Oaths
             ;
          
           yet
           others
           ,
           
             as
             far
             as
             it
             is
             agreeable
             to
             Gods
             Word
             ,
          
           or
           
             in
             their
             own
             sense
             ,
          
           or
           
             according
             to
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             Preacher
             ,
          
           scandalizing
           thus
           our
           Christian
           and
           reformed
           Religion
           ,
           with
           Jesuiticall
           mentall
           reservations
           ,
           reserving
           in
           their
           minds
           a
           sense
           contrary
           to
           their
           words
           (
           which
           are
           instituted
           to
           signifie
           our
           minds
           )
           and
           contrary
           to
           the
           mind
           of
           the
           Imposers
           ,
           (
           even
           in
           the
           judgement
           of
           their
           own
           minds
           )
           sufficiently
           signified
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Covenant
           :
           and
           indeed
           ,
           
             mentem
             injuratam
             gerunt
             ;
          
           reserving
           this
           Popery
           in
           thus
           swearing
           ,
           while
           they
           swear
           to
           extirpate
           Popery
           .
           We
           professe
           to
           know
           no
           other
           legitimate
           sensing
           of
           our
           Oaths
           ,
           but
           
             mens
             deferentis
             ,
          
           
             a
          
           (
           and
           that
           declared
           before
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Oath
           ,
           not
           in
           a
           post-Declaration
           )
           and
           the
           Grammaticall
           common
           sense
           of
           the
           words
           without
           limitation
           other
           then
           what
           is
           expressed
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           rule
           of
           St.
           
             Augustin
             .
             Juramentum
             debet
             esse
             pressum
             ,
             &
             expressum
             :
          
           By
           thy
           words
           thou
           shalt
           be
           justified
           ,
           and
           by
           thy
           words
           thou
           shalt
           be
           condemned
           .
           How
           also
           can
           any
           lawfully
           take
           an
           Oath
           ,
           the
           matter
           whereof
           he
           judgeth
           to
           be
           unlawfull
           ,
           
             so
             far
             as
             lawfally
             he
             may
             ?
          
           Be
           we
           not
           deceived
           ,
           God
           is
           not
           mocked
           ;
           May
           we
           swear
           to
           lie
           ,
           steal
           ,
           or
           commit
           adultery
           so
           far
           as
           lawfully
           we
           may
           ?
           Is
           it
           more
           sinfull
           to
           go
           about
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           lawfully
           we
           may
           ,
           then
           so
           to
           swear
           it
           ?
           He
           that
           so
           swears
           ,
           swears
           with
           judgement
           against
           his
           judgement
           ,
           and
           to
           unrighteousnesse
           without
           truth
           ,
           and
           condemneth
           himself
           in
           that
           which
           he
           alloweth
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           to
           swear
           ,
           
             saving
             all
             former
             Oaths
             ,
          
           to
           what
           we
           judge
           to
           be
           opposite
           to
           our
           former
           lawfull
           Oaths
           ,
           is
           to
           delude
           both
           our
           former
           and
           present
           Oath
           ;
           to
           warrant
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           without
           scandall
           abjure
           (
           in
           words
           ,
           not
           in
           heart
           )
           what
           we
           have
           sworn
           before
           to
           keep
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           sworn
           before
           to
           keep
           and
           never
           to
           abjure
           it
           ;
           to
           make
           vain
           (
           as
           far
           as
           in
           us
           lies
           )
           the
           great
           and
           dreadfull
           name
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           wholsome
           end
           and
           use
           of
           Oaths
           ,
           and
           particularly
           to
           destroy
           the
           end
           of
           this
           present
           Covenant
           ,
           if
           the
           takers
           intend
           not
           what
           the
           Oath
           intend●
           ;
           and
           may
           also
           hereafter
           (
           saving
           this
           present
           Oath
           )
           swear
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
           For
           the
           present
           be
           it
           considered
           ,
           that
           whereas
           this
           Oath
           is
           a
           
           League
           for
           unity
           ;
           if
           each
           may
           take
           it
           in
           their
           own
           sense
           ,
           its
           end
           will
           be
           none
           ;
           and
           we
           as
           far
           from
           joynt
           union
           of
           assistance
           as
           before
           .
           For
           ,
           swearing
           to
           assist
           all
           who
           enter
           into
           this
           League
           ,
           if
           we
           think
           our selves
           bound
           to
           assist
           o●ely
           the
           takers
           in
           our
           own
           sense
           ,
           then
           we
           may
           happily
           be
           tied
           to
           assist
           none
           hereby
           ,
           for
           perhaps
           our
           own
           sense
           is
           peculiar
           and
           different
           from
           all
           others
           ,
           and
           probably
           from
           most
           ,
           for
           most
           take
           it
           in
           the
           common
           sense
           of
           the
           words
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           if
           one
           end
           of
           this
           Covenant
           be
           ,
           that
           (
           if
           it
           succeed
           )
           it
           may
           be
           
             encouragement
             to
             other
             Christian
             Churches
          
           (
           in
           like
           case
           )
           
             to
             joyn
             in
             the
             same
             or
             like
             Association
             and
             Covenant
             ;
          
           we
           judge
           it
           necessary
           to
           admonish
           our selves
           and
           others
           ,
           that
           if
           in
           this
           we
           offend
           ,
           we
           also
           lay
           a
           stumbling-block
           of
           offence
           before
           the
           faces
           of
           so
           many
           Christian
           Churches
           now
           and
           hereafter
           ,
           who
           are
           here
           invited
           to
           follow
           our
           example
           .
           Should
           we
           not
           therefore
           sadly
           consider
           ,
           whose
           example
           in
           this
           action
           we
           follow
           ,
           before
           we
           give
           and
           invite
           others
           to
           follow
           our
           example
           ?
           Ought
           we
           not
           wisely
           to
           fear
           ,
           lest
           by
           this
           we
           expose
           our
           brethren
           of
           the
           reformed
           Churches
           beyond
           the
           Seas
           ,
           to
           the
           jealousie
           of
           their
           severall
           Princes
           under
           whom
           they
           live
           ,
           and
           become
           guilty
           of
           the
           provocation
           of
           all
           those
           evils
           ,
           wherewith
           Princes
           in
           prevention
           of
           what
           is
           here
           suggested
           to
           their
           Subjects
           (
           if
           not
           declared
           against
           by
           them
           )
           may
           aggrieve
           our
           brethren
           of
           the
           reformed
           Religion
           ?
           And
           also
           ,
           have
           we
           not
           cause
           to
           question
           with
           our selves
           ,
           how
           the
           example
           of
           entring
           a
           covenant
           mutually
           to
           assist
           and
           defend
           one
           another
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           declared
           a
           joyning
           in
           Armes
           ,
           without
           and
           against
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           supream
           Magistrate
           ,
           how
           this
           example
           (
           we
           say
           )
           will
           make
           ,
           as
           is
           here
           said
           ,
           to
           
             the
             Peace
             and
             Tranquillity
             of
             Christian
             Kingdoms
             and
             Common-wealths
             ?
          
           Now
           the
           Lord
           of
           Peace
           himself
           give
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           the
           Churches
           of
           God
           ,
           Peace
           alwaies
           ,
           by
           all
           means
           .
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           An
           Exhortation
           to
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           solemn
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             IF
             the
             power
             of
             religion
             ,
             or
             solid
             reason
             ,
             if
             loyalty
             to
             the
             King
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           IF
           it
           had
           not
           been
           intimated
           that
           the
           Authors
           of
           this
           Exhortation
           were
           the
           
             Assembly
             of
             Divines
             ,
          
           (
           as
           they
           are
           stiled
           in
           the
           14
           Article
           of
           the
           Instructions
           )
           and
           expressed
           ,
           that
           the
           end
           of
           it
           was
           the
           satisfying
           of
           such
           scruples
           as
           may
           arise
           (
           and
           that
           by
           the
           same
           Authority
           by
           which
           the
           Covenant
           it selfe
           is
           to
           be
           imposed
           )
           it
           could
           not
           have
           given
           the
           conscience
           of
           any
           man
           either
           so
           much
           licence
           to
           examine
           the
           discourse
           with
           strictnesse
           and
           severity
           ,
           or
           so
           much
           satisfaction
           (
           one
           way
           or
           other
           )
           in
           the
           examination
           ;
           seeing
           there
           is
           scarce
           any
           other
           end
           of
           writing
           which
           necessarily
           obliges
           to
           a
           discovery
           of
           all
           the
           consequences
           and
           the
           principles
           of
           a
           discourse
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           such
           outward
           encouragement
           to
           the
           conscience
           towards
           satisfaction
           ,
           as
           when
           it
           shall
           consider
           that
           it
           is
           examining
           
             an
             Exhortation
             and
             a
             Defence
             ,
          
           the
           Authors
           of
           which
           have
           been
           chosen
           ,
           the
           worke
           appointed
           ,
           and
           after
           the
           performance
           
             twice
             publiquely
             read
             ,
          
           and
           considered
           ,
           and
           lastly
           
             ordered
             to
             be
             published
          
           by
           them
           who
           are
           the
           managers
           of
           the
           Cause
           for
           which
           this
           Exhortation
           and
           Defence
           is
           made
           .
           But
           this
           being
           the
           declared
           end
           ,
           and
           those
           the
           Authors
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           stand
           with
           the
           opinion
           of
           the
           faithfulnesse
           of
           those
           men
           towards
           the
           Cause
           it self
           ,
           to
           imagine
           that
           they
           reserve
           to
           themselves
           clearer
           and
           firmer
           principles
           ,
           upon
           which
           they
           are
           able
           to
           enforce
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           then
           those
           they
           have
           here
           expressed
           :
           And
           consequently
           ,
           if
           upon
           just
           examination
           it
           shall
           appear
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           truth
           that
           is
           by
           them
           laid
           down
           is
           not
           sufficient
           to
           infer
           their
           Conclusion
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           more
           tender
           of
           those
           who
           are
           of
           different
           perswasion
           from
           themselves
           ,
           though
           they
           shall
           (
           notwithstanding
           their
           endeavours
           )
           persist
           in
           their
           opinion
           ,
           nay
           though
           they
           should
           hereby
           gain
           a
           degree
           of
           adhesion
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           conclusion
           which
           they
           would
           infer
           is
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           the
           generall
           end
           of
           that
           ,
           as
           expressed
           in
           the
           Covenant
           it selfe
           and
           in
           all
           the
           Declarations
           which
           concern
           the
           same
           ,
           is
           (
           in
           our
           calling
           )
           the
           assistance
           of
           those
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Scotland
             
             joyned
             in
             Arms
             ,
             &c.
             against
             the
             Popish
             ,
             Prelaticall
             ,
             and
             Malignant
             party
             :
          
           in
           a
           word
           ,
           to
           assist
           ,
           or
           comply
           with
           those
           English
           and
           Scottish
           Forces
           ,
           against
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           the
           Kings
           personall
           command
           .
           This
           being
           the
           case
           wherein
           the
           scruples
           (
           by
           them
           spoken
           of
           )
           are
           supposed
           to
           be
           removed
           ,
           that
           their
           Arguments
           to
           that
           end
           might
           be
           effectuall
           ,
           it
           was
           necessary
           to
           their
           end
           ,
           that
           the
           present
           case
           should
           have
           been
           clearly
           and
           particularly
           laid
           down
           ,
           considering
           that
           the
           discovery
           of
           strong
           and
           not
           doubting
           presumption
           and
           supposall
           of
           that
           part
           which
           is
           defended
           ,
           though
           it
           might
           produce
           a
           degree
           of
           confirmation
           in
           those
           who
           are
           (
           though
           not
           so
           strongly
           )
           of
           the
           same
           opinion
           ,
           yet
           can
           it
           not
           in
           reason
           be
           reputed
           a
           means
           to
           take
           off
           scruple
           from
           a
           rationall
           adversary
           .
           This
           being
           necessary
           in
           it self
           for
           a
           true
           and
           thorough
           resolution
           of
           conscience
           in
           the
           case
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           denied
           but
           their
           discourse
           is
           imperfect
           in
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           consequently
           they
           may
           as
           well
           have
           erred
           in
           assuming
           to
           themselves
           all
           that
           is
           holy
           and
           perfect
           ,
           and
           esteeming
           of
           the
           adverse
           party
           as
           of
           people
           
             bewitched
             and
             besotted
             ,
             hoodwink't
             and
             blinded
             ,
             &c.
          
           nay
           ,
           as
           
             the
             dregs
             and
             scum
             of
             the
             people
             ,
          
           and
           in
           affirming
           
             the
             name
             and
             countenance
             of
             His
             sacred
             Majesty
             to
             be
             captivated
             ,
             and
             prostituted
             to
             serve
             all
             the
             lusts
             of
             such
             men
             ;
          
           and
           in
           setting
           in
           opposition
           the
           
             King
             and
             those
             that
             be
             faithfull
             in
             the
             Land
             .
          
        
         
           But
           seeing
           that
           it
           is
           possible
           that
           a
           case
           may
           be
           so
           clear
           and
           plain
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           without
           any
           great
           damage
           be
           omitted
           in
           a
           discourse
           made
           for
           the
           resolution
           of
           the
           conscience
           ;
           it
           will
           concern
           the
           conscience
           however
           impartially
           to
           set
           before
           its
           eyes
           the
           present
           question
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           examine
           the
           discourse
           of
           this
           Exhortation
           ,
           upon
           which
           the
           determination
           of
           conscience
           will
           naturally
           follow
           .
        
         
           To
           propound
           the
           State
           of
           the
           question
           impartially
           (
           though
           not
           according
           to
           the
           utmost
           truth
           of
           the
           case
           )
           it
           will
           be
           enough
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           made
           up
           of
           truths
           confessed
           and
           undeniable
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             Scots
             and
             English
             are
             Subjects
             to
             the
             King
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Of
             the
             same
             Protestant
             Religion
             ,
             the
             professors
             whereof
             do
             not
             differ
             in
             fundamentals
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Their
             joyning
             in
             Arms
             ,
             (
             as
             is
             alledged
             )
             is
             for
             the
             vindication
             and
             defence
             of
             their
             Religi●n
             ,
             Liberties
             ,
             and
             Laws
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Against
             the
             Popish
             Prelaticall
             ,
             and
             Malignant
             party
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             By
             these
             are
             meant
             the
             Souldiers
             raised
             by
             the
             King
             .
          
        
         
           
             On
             the
             other
             side
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             King
             is
             our
             lawfull
             Soveraign
             ,
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Of
             the
             same
             Protestant
             Religion
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             He
             hath
             protested
             and
             engaged
             himself
             with
             all
             solemnity
             (
             as
             at
             the
             receiving
             of
             the
             holy
             Eucharist
             ,
             &c.
             )
             to
             preserve
             and
             maintain
             the
             Protestant
             Religion
             ,
             the
             Laws
             and
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             and
             Parliaments
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             he
             hath
             sent
             many
             Messages
             for
             Treaties
             toward
             Peace
             ,
             both
             before
             and
             during
             the
             time
             of
             these
             wars
             ,
             and
             expressed
             a
             desire
             of
             making
             the
             people
             witnesses
             of
             the
             equity
             of
             his
             proceedings
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             He
             hath
             declared
             his
             will
             against
             both
             the
             Scots
             and
             English
             ,
             who
             take
             up
             Arms
             in
             this
             Cause
             .
          
        
         
           Out
           of
           these
           principles
           (
           whereas
           many
           more
           might
           be
           added
           in
           behalf
           of
           His
           Majestie
           )
           let
           the
           question
           be
           ,
           Whether
           it
           may
           be
           lawfull
           and
           necessary
           for
           subjects
           to
           covenant
           together
           ,
           without
           and
           against
           the
           expresse
           will
           of
           their
           lawfull
           Soveraign
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Arms
           against
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           his
           command
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           the
           vindication
           and
           defence
           of
           that
           which
           he
           hath
           by
           all
           possible
           obligations
           engaged
           himself
           to
           maintain
           and
           defend
           ,
           and
           for
           security
           of
           his
           people
           hath
           desired
           that
           differences
           might
           be
           composed
           by
           Treaty
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           world
           might
           judge
           of
           his
           proceedings
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           If
           this
           be
           a
           true
           state
           of
           the
           question
           (
           at
           least
           so
           far
           as
           is
           here
           expressed
           )
           the
           next
           labour
           for
           our
           Consciences
           will
           be
           to
           examine
           whether
           any
           argument
           in
           this
           exhortation
           (
           upon
           supposition
           that
           they
           all
           were
           truths
           in
           themselves
           )
           doe
           infer
           a
           lawfulnesse
           and
           necessity
           to
           covenant
           in
           our
           case
           ,
           all
           things
           considered
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           be
           evident
           that
           they
           are
           not
           sufficient
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           a
           motive
           to
           abate
           the
           confidence
           of
           the
           composers
           of
           it
           (
           whosoever
           they
           were
           in
           particular
           )
           and
           to
           procure
           an
           examination
           of
           their
           own
           principles
           and
           actions
           ,
           wherein
           they
           may
           possibly
           see
           that
           they
           have
           not
           either
           in
           their
           own
           actions
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           judgement
           of
           others
           ,
           proceeded
           so
           exactly
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           conscience
           and
           the
           word
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           although
           we
           are
           confident
           that
           there
           is
           not
           in
           this
           exhortation
           any
           one
           argument
           which
           the
           Assembly
           it self
           will
           undertake
           so
           to
           contrive
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           shall
           conclude
           for
           a
           necessity
           or
           a
           lawfulnesse
           of
           taking
           such
           a
           Covenant
           in
           such
           a
           case
           (
           all
           things
           considered
           )
           and
           consequently
           the
           whole
           businesse
           ,
           which
           was
           of
           necessity
           for
           vindication
           of
           our selves
           from
           
             sottishnesse
             &c.
          
           is
           already
           done
           ;
           Yet
           that
           it
           may
           without
           any
           danger
           of
           prejudice
           or
           errour
           appear
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           guilty
           of
           such
           a
           presumption
           as
           we
           have
           excepted
           against
           in
           them
           ,
           we
           will
           ,
           as
           briefly
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           examine
           their
           whole
           discourse
           ,
           and
           evidently
           (
           unlesse
           
           indeed
           we
           be
           
             bewitched
          
           to
           think
           so
           )
           discover
           what
           is
           untrue
           or
           uncertain
           (
           if
           any
           thing
           of
           those
           kinds
           shall
           occur
           )
           and
           what
           is
           insufficient
           in
           their
           Exhortation
           ,
           after
           we
           have
           by
           way
           of
           Apology
           premised
           ,
           that
           we
           will
           not
           all
           answer
           them
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           delivery
           of
           the
           reasons
           .
           We
           have
           (
           as
           we
           hope
           )
           prevailed
           against
           those
           affections
           which
           might
           have
           arisen
           upon
           those
           expressions
           which
           concern
           our selves
           ,
           and
           (
           though
           with
           far
           greater
           difficulty
           )
           against
           that
           indignation
           which
           followed
           upon
           the
           apprehension
           of
           those
           (
           not
           so
           very
           reverent
           )
           expressions
           and
           reflections
           upon
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           not
           to
           suffer
           our
           judgements
           or
           consciences
           to
           be
           withdrawn
           from
           a
           just
           and
           meer
           examination
           of
           the
           truth
           :
           having
           seen
           in
           them
           ,
           that
           zeal
           and
           confidence
           (
           however
           they
           are
           excellent
           affections
           in
           those
           who
           are
           sufficiently
           grounded
           in
           an
           unfallible
           truth
           ,
           yet
           they
           )
           do
           in
           no
           measure
           help
           toward
           a
           discovery
           of
           truth
           or
           a
           removall
           of
           scruples
           in
           a
           case
           of
           conscience
           .
        
         
           The
           whole
           discourse
           was
           intended
           by
           the
           Authors
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           consist
           of
           perswasions
           ,
           and
           resolutions
           of
           scruples
           ,
           and
           is
           immediately
           resolved
           into
           an
           introduction
           and
           the
           body
           of
           the
           discourse
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           Introduction
           ,
           it
           contains
           a
           collection
           of
           many
           places
           ,
           from
           whence
           the
           composers
           thereof
           presume
           that
           the
           necessity
           of
           taking
           this
           League
           might
           be
           enforced
           .
           But
           seeing
           it
           carries
           not
           clearly
           in
           it self
           any
           discovery
           of
           the
           consequences
           ,
           it
           could
           not
           in
           reason
           be
           premised
           to
           any
           other
           discourse
           ,
           then
           such
           as
           in
           the
           processe
           should
           clear
           that
           which
           was
           there
           presumed
           ;
           and
           seeing
           the
           following
           discourse
           is
           no
           way
           ordered
           to
           a
           clearing
           of
           those
           inferences
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           design
           of
           him
           who
           made
           the
           introduction
           is
           no
           further
           prosecuted
           ,
           we
           may
           here
           indeed
           observe
           an
           instance
           of
           the
           variance
           which
           is
           said
           to
           be
           in
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           but
           are
           no
           wayes
           helped
           in
           that
           which
           was
           the
           fundamentall
           intention
           of
           the
           whole
           (
           the
           resolution
           of
           our
           scruples
           )
           which
           by
           the
           serious
           consideration
           of
           those
           things
           here
           reckoned
           up
           ,
           we
           professe
           to
           have
           been
           exceedingly
           strengthened
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           that
           by
           such
           inference
           as
           may
           be
           gathered
           ,
           if
           not
           cleerly
           seen
           ,
           by
           this
           ensuing
           parallel
           .
        
         
           
             If
             the
             power
             of
             Religion
             ,
          
           described
           and
           practised
           by
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           expressed
           in
           the
           most
           heroicall
           actions
           of
           the
           primitive
           Christians
           ;
           or
           if
           
             solid
             reason
          
           informed
           by
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           assisted
           by
           the
           light
           of
           the
           examples
           of
           holy
           Saints
           and
           Martyrs
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           perfect
           information
           of
           the
           beginnings
           and
           proceedings
           of
           our
           present
           miseries
           ,
           and
           of
           
           the
           standing
           known
           Laws
           of
           the
           Land
           ;
           
             If
             loyalty
             to
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             piety
             to
             their
             native
             Couatry
             ,
             or
             love
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             naturall
             affection
             to
             their
             posterity
             ;
             if
             the
             example
             of
             men
             touched
             with
             a
             deep
             sense
             of
             all
             these
             ,
          
           such
           as
           have
           been
           the
           most
           eminent
           among
           the
           Clergy
           for
           piety
           and
           learning
           ,
           the
           Instruments
           (
           as
           it
           is
           confessed
           )
           used
           by
           Almighty
           God
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           our
           Religion
           against
           all
           its
           enemies
           ,
           who
           ,
           with
           many
           others
           ,
           the
           most
           worthy
           of
           the
           Laity
           ,
           have
           cheerfully
           and
           constantly
           been
           spoiled
           of
           their
           goods
           ,
           and
           suffered
           a
           long
           and
           tedious
           imprisonment
           ,
           and
           are
           and
           have
           been
           ready
           to
           suffer
           death
           it selfe
           in
           the
           present
           cause
           of
           his
           Sacred
           Majestie
           ;
           or
           if
           
             extraordinary
             successe
             from
             God
             thereupon
             ,
          
           such
           as
           was
           necessary
           to
           raise
           his
           Majesty
           from
           a
           state
           of
           despised
           weaknesse
           to
           a
           power
           able
           to
           resist
           ,
           and
           probably
           able
           to
           debell
           all
           the
           Forces
           which
           his
           enemies
           of
           three
           Kingdoms
           can
           procure
           .
           If
           any
           or
           all
           of
           these
           
             can
             awaken
             a
             Nation
          
           hitherto
           stupified
           and
           blinded
           ,
           and
           thereupon
           
             imbroiled
          
           in
           the
           miseries
           which
           have
           attended
           upon
           this
           war
           ,
           
             to
             see
             and
             imbrace
             the
             soveraign
             and
             onely
             means
             of
             their
             recovery
             ;
          
           there
           can
           be
           no
           doubt
           or
           fear
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           enter
           into
           a
           League
           with
           those
           who
           have
           
             lifted
             up
          
           (
           under
           what
           pretence
           soever
           )
           
             their
             hands
          
           against
           his
           Sacred
           Majestie
           ,
           but
           they
           will
           rather
           repent
           them
           of
           their
           former
           disobedience
           ,
           endeavouring
           to
           reduce
           their
           brethren
           to
           a
           labour
           for
           reconciliation
           and
           pardon
           from
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           at
           least
           to
           an
           acceptation
           of
           those
           proffers
           for
           Treaty
           towards
           accommodation
           ,
           which
           he
           so
           often
           makes
           ;
           and
           in
           case
           they
           shall
           be
           by
           any
           pertinaciously
           refused
           ,
           joyn
           themselves
           with
           his
           Sacred
           Majesty
           in
           his
           just
           defence
           .
        
         
           Having
           thus
           done
           with
           the
           Introduction
           ,
           it
           follows
           that
           we
           examine
           the
           Discourse
           it self
           ,
           which
           proceeds
           in
           this
           method
           :
        
         
           First
           ,
           to
           propound
           the
           motives
           to
           perswade
           men
           to
           take
           the
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           to
           answer
           the
           objections
           or
           scruples
           which
           might
           hinder
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           Here
           ,
           before
           we
           begin
           to
           examine
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           motives
           themselves
           ,
           we
           observe
           the
           different
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           framers
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           ,
           whereas
           he
           who
           framed
           the
           Introduction
           did
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           imagine
           that
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           might
           be
           enforced
           from
           the
           positive
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           ;
           the
           other
           ,
           who
           was
           to
           lay
           down
           the
           Motives
           ,
           was
           so
           farre
           from
           that
           ,
           as
           to
           esteem
           it
           necessary
           towards
           the
           same
           end
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           place
           to
           insinuate
           the
           example
           of
           themselves
           of
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           others
           who
           had
           already
           taken
           it
           .
        
         
         
           The
           strength
           of
           their
           perswasive
           Arguments
           is
           this
           :
        
         
           
             First
             ,
          
           This
           Covenant
           is
           already
           taken
           by
           the
           two
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           by
           the
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           ,
           the
           City
           of
           London
           ,
           and
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Scotland
           .
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
          
           It
           hath
           been
           already
           seconded
           from
           Heaven
           by
           blasting
           the
           Counsels
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             Thirdly
             ,
          
           It
           carries
           in
           it self
           such
           a
           convincing
           evidence
           of
           Equity
           ,
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Righteousnesse
           ,
           as
           may
           raise
           in
           all
           enflamed
           affections
           to
           take
           it
           ;
           
             which
             is
             proved
             ,
             because
          
        
         
           
             There
             is
             [
             almost
             ]
             nothing
             in
             this
             Covenant
             which
             was
             not
             for
             substance
             either
             expressed
             ,
             or
             manifestly
             included
             in
             the
             Protestation
             of
             May
             5.
             1641.
             
          
        
         
           
             Ergo
             ,
          
           whosoever
           are
           not
           
             wilfully
             ignorant
             ,
          
           or
           
             miserably
             seduced
             ,
          
           must
           infallibly
           take
           this
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           first
           of
           these
           Arguments
           :
        
         
           
           First
           ,
           in
           generall
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           see
           how
           the
           example
           of
           either
           party
           can
           reasonably
           be
           alledged
           to
           direct
           the
           Conscience
           in
           any
           controversie
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           we
           have
           reason
           to
           believe
           that
           farre
           the
           greater
           number
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           City
           of
           
             London
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           could
           not
           take
           this
           Oath
           
             in
             judgement
             ,
          
           as
           being
           not
           able
           to
           discern
           of
           the
           
             righteousnesse
          
           or
           
             iniquity
          
           of
           some
           of
           the
           Articles
           ,
           especially
           that
           which
           concerns
           Episcopacy
           ,
           so
           that
           a
           chief
           strength
           of
           this
           Argument
           from
           Example
           ,
           consists
           in
           the
           example
           of
           themselves
           who
           are
           of
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           made
           this
           Exhortation
           .
           And
           then
           we
           conceive
           ,
           they
           cannot
           justly
           accuse
           us
           either
           of
           immodesty
           or
           presumption
           ,
           if
           we
           shall
           openly
           professe
           that
           they
           have
           not
           in
           this
           first
           Essay
           of
           theirs
           (
           at
           least
           which
           we
           know
           to
           have
           been
           published
           )
           given
           evidences
           of
           so
           great
           Judgement
           ,
           Learning
           ,
           or
           Integrity
           ,
           as
           may
           warrant
           or
           encourage
           us
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           and
           cases
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           to
           subscribe
           to
           the
           authority
           of
           their
           example
           .
        
         
           
           To
           the
           second
           Argument
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           
             That
             it
             hath
             been
             seconded
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             &c.
          
           it
           cannot
           conclude
           to
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           sufficiently
           proved
           ;
           neither
           can
           that
           be
           without
           a
           revelation
           of
           the
           Counsels
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           if
           the
           Composer
           of
           this
           part
           hath
           obtained
           ,
           it
           was
           requisite
           to
           the
           end
           propounded
           that
           he
           should
           have
           made
           it
           appear
           ;
           till
           when
           it
           may
           be
           beleeved
           ,
           that
           those
           instances
           where
           the
           signature
           of
           Gods
           Judgements
           may
           the
           most
           plainly
           have
           been
           discovered
           ,
           have
           fallen
           upon
           those
           who
           have
           had
           the
           greatest
           share
           in
           the
           
           raising
           and
           managing
           of
           those
           Arms
           ,
           for
           the
           maintaining
           of
           which
           this
           Covenant
           is
           ordained
           .
        
         
           So
           then
           the
           whole
           force
           of
           their
           perswasion
           will
           depend
           upon
           the
           third
           Argument
           ,
           and
           the
           proof
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           (
           to
           avoid
           any
           errour
           in
           examining
           )
           shall
           be
           again
           propounded
           :
        
         
           
             There
             is
             (
             almost
             )
             nothing
             in
             this
             Covenant
             ,
             which
             was
             not
             for
             substance
             either
             expressed
             ,
             or
             manifestly
             included
             in
             the
             Protestation
             ,
             May
             5.
             1641.
             
          
        
         
           Therefore
           this
           Covenant
           goeth
           forth
           in
           its
           own
           strength
           ,
           with
           such
           convincing
           evidence
           of
           Equity
           ,
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Righteousnesse
           ,
           as
           may
           raise
           in
           all
           not
           wilfully
           ignorant
           or
           miserably
           seduced
           ,
           inflamed
           affections
           to
           joyn
           in
           the
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           
             Resp.
          
           1.
           
           We
           are
           not
           able
           by
           all
           those
           wayes
           of
           reasoning
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           hitherto
           been
           used
           ,
           to
           discover
           the
           inference
           which
           is
           here
           made
           .
           If
           by
           the
           strength
           of
           their
           
             solid
             reason
          
           it
           may
           possibly
           be
           made
           to
           appear
           ,
           yet
           we
           are
           confident
           the
           dependence
           is
           so
           deep
           and
           secret
           ,
           that
           it
           ought
           not
           (
           to
           the
           end
           for
           which
           this
           discourse
           is
           declared
           to
           be
           intended
           )
           have
           been
           left
           unrevealed
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Whereas
           the
           Argument
           
             of
             the
             evident
             Equity
             ,
             Truth
             and
             Righteousnesse
          
           of
           this
           is
           taken
           from
           the
           agreement
           of
           it
           with
           that
           Protestation
           ,
           we
           will
           assume
           the
           matter
           of
           that
           Protestation
           to
           have
           been
           (
           in
           the
           judgement
           of
           this
           Assembly
           )
           
             Equall
             ,
             True
             ,
          
           and
           
             Righteous
             ;
          
           from
           whence
           it
           will
           follow
           ,
           that
           if
           this
           should
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           principles
           ,
           either
           immediately
           or
           by
           necessary
           consequence
           contradict
           that
           Protestation
           ,
           therein
           they
           must
           confesse
           it
           to
           be
           
             unequall
             ,
             false
             ,
          
           or
           
             unrighteous
             ;
          
           and
           wherein
           soever
           it
           doth
           positively
           dissent
           from
           it
           ,
           there
           the
           
             Truth
             ,
             Equity
             ,
          
           and
           
             Righteousnesse
          
           of
           it
           must
           be
           confessed
           to
           be
           here
           no
           way
           proved
           ;
           this
           being
           premised
           ,
           let
           us
           compare
           together
           this
           Covenant
           and
           that
           Protestation
           .
        
         
           There
           we
           protested
           that
           we
           would
           
             with
             our
             lives
             ,
             &c.
             defend
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
          
           [
           indefinitely
           ]
           which
           is
           undoubtedly
           contained
           in
           the
           39.
           
           Articles
           ,
           which
           (
           in
           the
           further
           Articles
           of
           impeachment
           ,
           Jan.
           17.
           1643.
           by
           the
           Commons
           assembled
           in
           Parliament
           against
           the
           Archbishop
           of
           
             Canterbury
          
           )
           are
           stiled
           ,
           
             The
             39.
             
             Articles
             of
             the
             Church
             England
             established
             by
             Act
             of
             Parliament
             ;
          
           and
           in
           the
           six
           and
           thirtieth
           of
           those
           Articles
           it
           is
           avouched
           that
           
             the
             Book
             of
             Consecration
             of
             Archbishops
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             and
             ordering
             of
             Priests
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             confirmed
             by
             Authority
             of
             Parliament
             ,
             doth
             contain
             all
             things
             necessary
             to
             such
             Consecration
             and
             Ordering
             ,
             and
             hath
             nothing
             in
             it
             ungodly
             .
          
           
           This
           book
           asserteth
           ,
           that
           
             it
             is
             evident
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             diligently
             reading
             holy
             Scripture
             and
             ancient
             Authors
             ,
             that
             from
             the
             Apostles
             times
             there
             have
             been
             these
             Orders
             of
             Ministers
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             Bishops
             ,
             Priests
             ,
             and
             `
             Deacons
             ,
             which
             Officers
             were
             evermore
             bad
             in
             reverent
             estimation
             .
          
           Wherefore
           we
           there
           protested
           
             with
             our
             lives
             ,
             &c.
          
           to
           defend
           that
           it
           is
           not
           ungodly
           (
           therefore
           not
           false
           Doctrine
           )
           to
           say
           ,
           That
           diligent
           reading
           of
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           will
           help
           to
           make
           it
           evident
           ,
           that
           from
           the
           Apostles
           times
           there
           have
           been
           Bishops
           ,
           which
           could
           not
           be
           ,
           unlesse
           the
           Scriptures
           did
           testifie
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           Apostles
           times
           they
           were
           .
           One
           of
           the
           Prayers
           also
           (
           
             &
             lex
             orandi
             lex
             docendi
          
           )
           thus
           begins
           ;
           
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             giver
             of
             all
             good
             things
             ,
             which
             by
             thy
             Holy
             Spirit
             hast
             appointed
             divers
             orders
             of
             Ministers
             in
             thy
             Church
             ,
             mercifully
             behold
             this
             thy
             servant
             now
             called
             to
             the
             work
             and
             ministery
             of
             a
             Bishop
             ;
          
           and
           the
           elected
           Bishop
           is
           afterward
           required
           to
           professe
           ,
           
             That
             he
             is
             perswaded
             that
             he
             is
             truly
             called
             to
             this
             Ministration
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             .
          
           And
           by
           consequence
           we
           there
           did
           protest
           to
           defend
           that
           also
           ;
           and
           consequently
           (
           upon
           their
           own
           principles
           )
           it
           is
           
             unequall
          
           and
           
             unrighteous
          
           to
           swear
           to
           the
           
             extirpation
          
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           in
           that
           Protestation
           there
           was
           nothing
           concerning
           the
           endeavouring
           the
           preservation
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Worship
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           the
           Reformation
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
             .
          
           Moreover
           ,
           in
           that
           we
           protested
           
             absolutely
          
           the
           defence
           of
           the
           Kings
           Person
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           Allegiance
           ,
           which
           here
           we
           do
           
             not
             absolutely
          
           swear
           to
           ,
           
             to
             maintain
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             the
             Liberty
             of
             the
             Subject
             ,
             and
          
           onely
           to
           
             defend
             one
             another
             so
             far
             as
             lawfully
             we
             may
             ,
          
           which
           here
           are
           omitted
           .
           Many
           other
           differences
           may
           be
           observed
           .
           If
           yet
           they
           shall
           say
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           nothing
           (
           almost
           )
           in
           this
           which
           is
           not
           in
           that
           ,
           or
           nothing
           of
           moment
           (
           which
           must
           be
           the
           meaning
           ,
           if
           their
           Argument
           be
           of
           any
           force
           at
           all
           )
           it
           may
           not
           be
           thought
           unreasonable
           ,
           if
           we
           desire
           (
           with
           leave
           from
           His
           Majestie
           )
           to
           renew
           that
           Protestation
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           thereby
           excused
           from
           this
           League
           and
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           After
           the
           proposall
           of
           their
           perswasive
           Arguments
           ,
           they
           proceed
           to
           the
           taking
           away
           of
           scruples
           ,
           not
           all
           ,
           or
           most
           of
           such
           as
           might
           arise
           to
           the
           contrary
           (
           as
           appears
           by
           that
           which
           we
           have
           humbly
           represented
           against
           the
           Covenant
           it self
           )
           therefore
           such
           as
           they
           have
           chosen
           out
           (
           probably
           )
           because
           they
           conceived
           themselves
           best
           able
           for
           their
           Answer
           .
           The
           scruples
           which
           they
           suppose
           ,
           are
           such
           as
           concern
           either
           the
           King
           or
           the
           Bishops
           .
        
         
         
           They
           begin
           with
           the
           extirpation
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           where
           first
           they
           design
           to
           prove
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           extirpated
           ;
           and
           after
           they
           addresse
           themselves
           to
           answer
           one
           speciall
           objection
           .
           We
           will
           therefore
           in
           order
           propound
           and
           examine
           the
           weight
           and
           truth
           which
           is
           in
           their
           Arguments
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           is
           but
           an
           intimation
           ,
           
             Some
             say
             this
             Government
             was
             never
             formally
             established
             by
             the
             Laws
             of
             this
             Land
             at
             all
             .
          
           If
           this
           were
           true
           ,
           which
           some
           say
           ,
           the
           Argument
           were
           not
           of
           so
           great
           force
           toward
           the
           taking
           away
           of
           this
           government
           ,
           as
           it
           would
           be
           of
           power
           to
           confirm
           us
           in
           the
           belief
           we
           have
           of
           the
           venerable
           institution
           of
           this
           Government
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           consider
           that
           our
           Predecessors
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           the
           Authors
           of
           our
           Laws
           ,
           had
           such
           an
           esteem
           of
           the
           government
           by
           Bishops
           ,
           that
           they
           thought
           it
           altogether
           needlesse
           
             formally
          
           to
           establish
           it
           by
           Law
           .
           Now
           that
           this
           (
           if
           any
           positive
           )
           consideration
           might
           be
           a
           ground
           of
           that
           which
           is
           here
           intimated
           (
           if
           true
           )
           appears
           ,
           in
           that
           if
           it
           were
           true
           that
           it
           were
           not
           
             formally
             established
             ,
          
           yet
           is
           it
           so
           interwoven
           with
           many
           of
           our
           Laws
           ,
           that
           they
           and
           it
           must
           stand
           or
           fall
           together
           .
           So
           that
           here
           again
           we
           may
           desire
           of
           them
           to
           be
           tender
           of
           us
           ,
           who
           have
           protested
           solemnly
           with
           our
           lives
           to
           defend
           the
           Laws
           of
           the
           Land
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           life
           and
           soul
           of
           it
           is
           already
           taken
           away
           by
           an
           Act
           ,
           &c.
           so
           as
           nothing
           of
           jurisdiction
           remains
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           precarious
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           voluntary
           in
           those
           who
           submit
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             We
             cannot
             acknowledge
             that
             any
             essentiall
             part
             of
             Episcopacy
             (
             such
             as
             that
             which
             is
             
               the
               life
               and
               soul
               of
               it
            
             must
             be
             )
             is
             ,
             or
             can
             be
             
               taken
               away
            
             from
             our
             Bishops
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             of
             
               order
            
             or
             
               jurisdiction
               ;
            
             however
             the
             outward
             coercive
             Power
             communicated
             to
             it
             by
             the
             secular
             arm
             ,
             hath
             been
             in
             the
             times
             of
             the
             famous
             Persecutions
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             again
             divided
             from
             it
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             the
             Act
             of
             this
             present
             Parliament
             here
             mentioned
             ,
             we
             do
             believe
             that
             there
             was
             more
             taken
             away
             in
             it
             ,
             then
             was
             intended
             by
             the
             major
             part
             of
             both
             Houses
             at
             the
             passing
             of
             it
             :
             This
             we
             gather
             out
             of
             those
             words
             of
             his
             Majestie
             in
             his
             Declaration
             ,
             
               Aug.
            
             12.
             
             
               And
               whether
               that
               Act
               was
               penned
               with
               that
               warinesse
               and
               animadversion
               ,
               that
               there
               was
               not
               more
               determined
               by
               it
               ,
               then
               the
               major
               part
               of
               both
               Houses
               intended
               at
               the
               passing
               of
               it
               ,
               let
               themselves
               judge
               .
            
          
           
             3.
             
             However
             that
             were
             ,
             we
             cannot
             conceive
             it
             reasonable
             ,
             that
             their
             
               temporall
               lurisdiction
            
             should
             be
             taken
             away
             (
             as
             was
             suggested
             )
             that
             they
             might
             the
             better
             intend
             their
             
               Spirituall
               ,
            
             and
             then
             an
             argument
             
             made
             to
             take
             away
             the
             
               Spirituall
            
             part
             of
             their
             Government
             also
             ,
             because
             the
             former
             is
             already
             parted
             from
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             That
             their
             whole
             Government
             is
             (
             at
             best
             )
             but
             a
             humane
             constitution
             .
          
           ]
           If
           there
           be
           no
           fallacy
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           it
           is
           necessary
           that
           
             whole
          
           be
           taken
           materially
           ,
           as
           it
           includes
           each
           severall
           part
           ,
           and
           not
           formally
           onely
           ;
           and
           then
           we
           answer
           ,
           That
           the
           Government
           so
           far
           as
           to
           the
           superiority
           of
           Bishops
           above
           Presbyters
           is
           (
           at
           least
           )
           of
           
             Apostolicall
             constitution
             ,
          
           as
           is
           proved
           in
           our
           reasons
           against
           the
           second
           Article
           :
           and
           consequently
           (
           as
           to
           that
           which
           is
           here
           spoken
           of
           )
           it
           is
           not
           lawfull
           to
           be
           taken
           away
           .
        
         
           
           
             Fourthly
             ,
          
           It
           is
           such
           as
           is
           found
           and
           adjudged
           by
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           not
           onely
           very
           prejudiciall
           to
           the
           civill
           State
           ,
           but
           a
           great
           hindrance
           also
           to
           a
           perfect
           Reformation
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           who
           knoweth
           not
           ?
           &c.
           
        
         
           We
           know
           the
           danger
           (
           and
           if
           indeed
           we
           did
           not
           )
           yet
           the
           honour
           and
           respect
           we
           bear
           to
           the
           very
           name
           of
           Parliaments
           would
           not
           suffer
           us
           to
           question
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           two
           Houses
           ;
           onely
           in
           this
           case
           which
           so
           neerly
           concerns
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           crave
           leave
           to
           represent
           ,
           that
           we
           doe
           not
           apprehend
           how
           that
           should
           be
           in
           it self
           
             prejudiciall
             to
             the
             civill
             State
             ,
          
           together
           with
           which
           the
           State
           both
           anciently
           and
           of
           late
           ,
           we
           conceive
           ,
           hath
           flourished
           ,
           and
           enjoyed
           a
           Politicall
           happinesse
           beyond
           most
           of
           the
           Nations
           of
           the
           earth
           .
           Neither
           how
           that
           should
           be
           opposite
           to
           a
           
             perfect
             Reformation
             ,
          
           which
           in
           our
           Consciences
           we
           are
           perswaded
           (
           and
           we
           think
           may
           as
           clearly
           be
           proved
           as
           most
           matters
           in
           Divinity
           )
           was
           instituted
           by
           the
           Apostles
           and
           constantly
           obtained
           in
           the
           purest
           times
           of
           the
           Primitive
           Church
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           conceive
           a
           
             Reformation
          
           ought
           to
           be
           squared
           :
           and
           indeed
           the
           chiefest
           Instruments
           and
           Defendants
           of
           that
           
             Reformation
          
           which
           we
           (
           by
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           )
           enjoy
           ,
           having
           been
           Bishops
           ,
           some
           of
           which
           were
           Martyrs
           ,
           as
           Bishop
           
             Cranmer
             ,
             Ridley
             ,
             Hooper
             ,
             Latimer
             ,
             Ferrers
             ,
             Jewell
             ,
             Bilson
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           We
           cannot
           see
           to
           what
           
             Reformation
          
           Episcopacy
           can
           be
           
             a
             hindrance
             ,
          
           unlesse
           to
           such
           a
           form
           as
           supposes
           that
           Episcopacy
           must
           be
           extirpated
           .
        
         
           Which
           moved
           the
           well-affected
           thorowout
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           long
           since
           to
           petition
           this
           Parliament
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           desired
           before
           in
           the
           days
           of
           Queen
           
             Elizabeth
          
           and
           King
           
             James
          
           )
           for
           a
           totall
           abolition
           of
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           In
           this
           which
           is
           intended
           for
           a
           proof
           the
           fourth
           Argument
           ,
           seeing
           it
           is
           presumed
           that
           those
           who
           have
           
             petitioned
             for
             the
             abolition
             of
             Episcopacy
             ,
             are
          
           and
           have
           beene
           
             well
             affected
             ;
          
           For
           a
           judgement
           of
           that
           we
           doe
           onely
           represent
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           those
           renowned
           
           Princes
           ,
           by
           those
           famous
           Parliaments
           held
           in
           their
           times
           were
           rejected
           as
           Ignorant
           and
           Seditious
           .
           And
           whereas
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             the
             well
             affected
             throughout
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           It
           doth
           ,
           and
           may
           appear
           ,
           that
           since
           the
           sitting
           of
           this
           present
           Parliament
           (
           and
           that
           after
           discountenance
           given
           to
           that
           party
           )
           more
           then
           four
           and
           fourty
           thousand
           men
           of
           quality
           have
           
             petitioned
          
           for
           the
           continuance
           of
           our
           present
           Church-government
           :
           besides
           the
           City
           of
           
             London
             ,
          
           the
           Counties
           of
           
             Dorcet
             ,
             Kent
             ,
             Surrey
             ,
             Westmorland
             ,
             Cumberland
             ,
             Southampton
             ,
             Lancaster
             ,
             Cornwall
             ,
             Oxfordshire
             ,
             Berkeshire
             ,
             Wiltshire
             ,
          
           the
           six
           shires
           of
           
             North-wales
             ,
          
           and
           besides
           the
           two
           Universities
           :
           all
           the
           which
           have
           petitioned
           for
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           The
           restriction
           (
           or
           what
           else
           )
           is
           here
           laid
           down
           that
           we
           are
           not
           by
           this
           Covenant
           
             bound
             to
             offer
             violence
             to
             their
             persons
             ,
          
           we
           pray
           may
           be
           observed
           by
           those
           who
           have
           taken
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           or
           shall
           hereafter
           enter
           into
           it
           ;
           for
           us
           who
           are
           so
           perswaded
           as
           we
           have
           expressed
           ,
           it
           would
           have
           been
           a
           greater
           satisfaction
           ,
           if
           we
           should
           have
           been
           to
           swear
           to
           bring
           the
           
             persons
          
           of
           any
           who
           have
           offended
           to
           a
           just
           and
           legal
           triall
           ,
           so
           that
           their
           
             Office
          
           might
           have
           been
           continued
           ,
           then
           to
           
             extirpate
             the
             Office
             ,
          
           with
           an
           intimation
           only
           that
           we
           are
           not
           necessitated
           to
           
             offer
             violence
             to
             their
             persons
             .
          
        
         
           That
           which
           follows
           ,
           is
           to
           take
           off
           the
           onely
           scruple
           which
           they
           would
           suppose
           to
           remain
           ,
           the
           oath
           of
           Canonicall
           obedience
           ,
           wherein
           Clergy-men
           have
           sworn
           to
           
             obey
             the
             Bishops
             ,
             in
             licitis
             &
             honestis
             ;
          
           we
           will
           propound
           their
           Arguments
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             They
             which
             have
             sworn
             obedience
             to
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             may
             yet
             endeavour
             their
             abolition
             in
             a
             lawfull
             way
             .
             Therefore
             they
             which
             have
             sworn
             to
             obey
             the
             Bishops
             may
             endeavour
             the
             abolition
             of
             Bishops
             .
          
        
         
           We
           do
           not
           see
           this
           consequence
           from
           the
           Law
           to
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           or
           the
           Authority
           it self
           from
           whence
           the
           Law
           is
           derived
           .
        
         
           It
           follows
           upon
           this
           
             Hypothesis
          
           that
           they
           who
           have
           sworn
           to
           obey
           the
           injunctions
           of
           Bishops
           ,
           may
           
             endeavour
             in
             a
             lawfull
             way
          
           the
           alteration
           or
           abolition
           of
           those
           injunctions
           ;
           but
           to
           infer
           their
           conclusion
           ,
           the
           
             Hypothosis
          
           must
           have
           been
           ,
           that
           notwithstanding
           our
           
             Oath
             made
             to
             obey
             the
             Laws
          
           made
           by
           the
           King
           and
           the
           two
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           we
           may
           
             endeavour
             to
             abolish
          
           the
           King
           and
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           .
        
         
           Their
           second
           Argument
           is
           this
           :
        
         
           
             2.
             
             If
             Ministers
             or
             others
             have
             entred
             into
             any
             Oath
             not
             warranted
             by
             
             Gods
             Word
             and
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             such
             Oaths
             call
             for
             repentance
             ,
             not
             pertinacy
             in
             them
             .
             
               Ergo
               ,
            
             notwithstanding
             the
             Oath
             of
             Canoxicall
             obedience
             ,
             Ministers
             may
             endeavour
             the
             extirpation
             of
             Bishops
             .
          
        
         
           We
           believe
           ,
           that
           to
           have
           cleared
           this
           consequence
           ,
           they
           ought
           to
           have
           proved
           that
           the
           
             Oath
             of
             Canonicall
             obedience
          
           is
           not
           warranted
           by
           the
           
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
          
           or
           the
           
             Laws
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
          
           which
           seeing
           they
           have
           not
           done
           ,
           the
           scruple
           ,
           notwithstanding
           this
           Argument
           ,
           will
           still
           remain
           .
        
         
           Having
           thus
           done
           with
           Episcopacy
           ,
           they
           proceed
           to
           such
           scruples
           of
           conscience
           as
           they
           suppose
           may
           arise
           from
           that
           which
           concerns
           His
           Majesty
           ;
           And
           there
           the
           design
           is
           to
           prove
           ,
           that
           this
           Covenant
           may
           be
           taken
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           
             Oaths
             of
             Supremacy
             and
             Allegiance
          
           already
           taken
           ,
           and
           notwithstanding
           the
           
             want
             of
             His
             Majesties
             consent
             .
          
        
         
           
             1.
             
             This
             Oath
             binds
             all
             ,
             and
             more
             strongly
             engageth
             them
             to
             preserve
             and
             defend
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             Person
             and
             Authority
             in
             the
             preservation
             and
             defence
             of
             the
             true
             Religion
             and
             liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             ;
             
               therefore
               ,
            
          
           
             It
             doth
             not
             crosse
             the
             Oaths
             of
             Supremacy
             and
             Allegiance
             .
          
        
         
           We
           answer
           ,
           1.
           
           The
           Oaths
           of
           Supremacy
           and
           Allegiance
           were
           ordained
           against
           those
           ,
           who
           would
           not
           have
           denied
           to
           swear
           in
           these
           very
           words
           ,
           
             To
             preserve
             and
             defend
             His
             Majesties
             Person
             and
             Authority
             in
             the
             preservation
             and
             defence
             of
             the
             true
             Religion
             and
             liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             ;
          
           Therefore
           notwithstanding
           this
           Argument
           ,
           this
           Covenant
           may
           crosse
           the
           Oaths
           of
           Supremacy
           and
           Allegiance
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           this
           Oath
           may
           be
           taken
           
             without
             His
             Majesties
             consent
             ,
          
           they
           would
           prove
           by
           examples
           ,
           either
           Modern
           ,
           or
           out
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           as
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             Protestation
             May
             5.
             was
             taken
             without
             His
             Majesties
             consent
             .
          
        
         
           We
           did
           not
           think
           we
           took
           it
           without
           his
           Majesties
           consent
           ,
           and
           one
           reason
           we
           will
           expresse
           in
           their
           words
           of
           the
           same
           Paragraph
           ,
           
             Because
             His
             Majesty
             did
             not
             except
             against
             it
             ,
             or
             give
             any
             stop
             to
             the
             taking
             of
             it
             ,
             albeit
             he
             was
             then
             resident
             in
             person
             at
             Whitehall
             .
          
        
         
           
             2.
             
             Ezra
             and
             Nehemiah
             ,
             
               Ezra
               10.
               
               Nehem.
               9.
               
               Neh.
               1.
            
             being
             vassals
             ,
             and
             one
             of
             them
             meniall
             servant
             to
             Artaxerxes
             ,
             drew
             all
             the
             people
             into
             a
             Covenant
             ,
             without
             the
             speciall
             Commission
             of
             the
             Persian
             Monarchs
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
          
           Covenant
           
             into
             which
          
           Ezra
           
             drew
             the
             people
             is
             expressed
          
           Ezra
           
           10.
           3.
           
             to
             have
             been
             to
          
           put
           away
           all
           the
           strange
           wives
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           were
           born
           of
           them
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           counsell
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           of
           those
           that
           tremble
           at
           the
           Commandement
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           
             that
          
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           .
        
         
           
             And
             that
             of
          
           Nehemiah
           ,
           (
           Nehem.
           9.
           
           
             &
          
           10.
           29.
           
           )
           
             is
             expressed
             to
             have
             been
          
           a
           Curse
           and
           an
           Oath
           to
           walk
           in
           Gods
           Law
           ,
           which
           was
           given
           by
           Moses
           the
           servant
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           to
           observe
           and
           do
           all
           the
           Commandements
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           his
           Iudgements
           and
           his
           Statutes
           .
        
         
           The
           Commission
           of
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           (
           besides
           what
           is
           mentioned
           
             Nehemiah
          
           2.
           )
           cannot
           be
           denied
           to
           be
           the
           same
           which
           
             Ezra
          
           had
           obtained
           ,
           which
           is
           expressed
           
             Ezra
          
           the
           7.
           
           In
           the
           7
           of
           
             Ezra
             ,
          
           v.
           26.
           we
           find
           this
           as
           a
           part
           of
           his
           Commission
           :
           
             Whosoever
             will
             not
             do
             the
             Law
             of
             thy
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             let
             judgement
             be
             executed
             speedily
             upon
             him
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             unto
             death
             ,
             or
             banishment
             ,
             or
             to
             confiscation
             of
             goods
             ,
             or
             to
             imprisonment
             .
          
           Wherefore
           we
           cannot
           but
           extreamly
           wonder
           that
           these
           Covenants
           here
           mentioned
           ,
           should
           be
           said
           to
           have
           been
           
             entered
             into
             without
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             Persian
             Monarchs
             ;
          
           an
           Assertion
           to
           us
           so
           exceedingly
           inconsiderate
           ,
           that
           our
           apprehension
           of
           the
           failings
           in
           it
           cannot
           in
           a
           few
           words
           be
           expressed
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           that
           of
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           which
           follows
           at
           some
           distance
           ,
           we
           might
           answer
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           ,
           nor
           can
           it
           be
           proved
           out
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           the
           
             keeping
             of
             the
             Passover
          
           was
           not
           consented
           to
           by
           
             Hoshea
             King
             of
             Irael
             .
          
           However
           ,
           if
           the
           revolt
           of
           the
           ten
           Tribes
           were
           indeed
           a
           rebellion
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           believed
           by
           many
           of
           the
           most
           famous
           Divines
           
             a
          
           ,
           then
           why
           might
           not
           
             Hezekiah
          
           justly
           send
           
             Proclamations
          
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           joyn
           with
           him
           in
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           although
           the
           King
           of
           
             Israel
          
           should
           positively
           have
           dissented
           ?
        
         
           But
           not
           to
           insist
           upon
           negative
           Answers
           ,
           or
           any
           thing
           which
           may
           be
           controverted
           ,
           we
           answer
           :
           1.
           
           That
           act
           of
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           was
           a
           bare
           invitation
           .
           2.
           
           That
           to
           which
           he
           invited
           them
           was
           
             not
             a
             League
             or
             Covenant
             ,
          
           but
           (
           that
           which
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           enjoyned
           )
           
             the
             observation
             of
             the
             Passover
             :
          
           which
           was
           some
           yeeres
           after
           the
           Covenant
           mentioned
           .
           2
           
             Chro.
          
           29.
           3
           
           That
           it
           was
           at
           that
           time
           when
           
             Israel
          
           had
           not
           the
           face
           of
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           their
           King
           being
           in
           captivity
           under
           the
           King
           of
           
             Assyria
             .
          
           Which
           two
           latter
           answers
           are
           joyntly
           proved
           by
           this
           following
           Discourse
           .
           The
           
             Covenant
          
           was
           made
           in
           1mo
           
             Hezekiae
             ,
          
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           29.
           the
           
             Passover
          
           was
           not
           celebrated
           till
           after
           the
           captivity
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           30.
           6.
           
           There
           was
           no
           captivity
           mentioned
           till
           after
           this
           first
           yeer
           of
           
             Hezekiah
             .
          
           Therefore
           the
           
             Covenant
          
           and
           
             Passover
          
           were
           not
           kept
           in
           the
           same
           yeer
           ;
           and
           therefore
           also
           
             Hoshea
          
           was
           in
           captivity
           ,
           before
           this
           invitation
           of
           
           
             Hezekiah
             .
          
           The
           last
           of
           the
           premisses
           (
           which
           onely
           can
           be
           doubted
           )
           is
           thus
           proved
           ,
           because
           the
           first
           time
           expressed
           (
           which
           we
           read
           in
           Scripture
           )
           of
           
             Salmanasers
          
           comming
           up
           against
           
             Israel
          
           is
           the
           fourth
           yeer
           of
           King
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
             2
             King.
          
           18.
           9.
           
           It
           no
           wise
           followeth
           therefore
           from
           this
           act
           of
           
             Hezekiah
             and
             the
             men
             of
             Israel
             ,
          
           that
           it
           is
           lawfull
           to
           impose
           ,
           or
           enter
           a
           
             Covenant
             ,
             without
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             King
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           ,
           after
           these
           instances
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           they
           betake
           themselves
           to
           modern
           examples
           ,
           from
           whence
           they
           would
           infer
           more
           then
           a
           bare
           lawfulnes
           to
           enter
           a
           
             Covenant
             without
             the
             Kings
             consent
             ,
          
           viz.
           an
           allowance
           of
           Subjects
           joyning
           in
           Arms
           against
           their
           Soveraign
           ,
           which
           they
           would
           warrant
           from
           the
           actions
           of
           Q
           
             Elizabeth
             ,
          
           K.
           
             James
             ,
             and
             our
             gracious
             Soveraign
             .
          
           Here
           we
           must
           indeed
           ingenuously
           professe
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           not
           been
           sufficiently
           exercised
           in
           passages
           of
           State
           ,
           to
           give
           a
           full
           satisfaction
           in
           all
           these
           particulars
           ;
           wherefore
           we
           shall
           not
           of
           our selves
           interpose
           at
           all
           ,
           onely
           briefly
           speak
           to
           their
           instances
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           concerning
           the
           assistance
           of
           ,
           and
           the
           
             confederacy
             with
             the
             united
             Provinces
             ,
          
           we
           shall
           transcribe
           for
           satisfaction
           ,
           a
           part
           of
           a
           Declaration
           of
           Q.
           
             Elizabeth
             ,
          
           who
           first
           entered
           upon
           their
           Assistance
           ;
           the
           Declaration
           is
           entituled
           ,
           
             A
             Declaration
             of
             the
             causes
             moving
             the
             Q.
             of
             England
             to
             give
             ayd
             to
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             people
             afflicted
             and
             oppressed
             in
             the
             low
             Countries
             .
          
           This
           Declaration
           was
           put
           sorth
           ,
           1585.
           and
           in
           the
           8
           ,
           &
           9.
           pages
           it
           hath
           these
           words
           .
        
         
           
             And
             furthermore
             ,
             as
             a
             good
             loving
             Sister
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             a
             naturall
             good
             Neighbour
             to
             his
             Low
             Countries
             and
             people
             ,
             we
             have
             often
             ,
             and
             often
             again
             ,
             most
             friendly
             warned
             him
             ,
             that
             if
             he
             did
             not
             otherwise
             by
             his
             wisdom
             and
             Princely
             clemency
             restrain
             the
             Tyranny
             of
             his
             Governours
             ,
             and
             cruelty
             of
             his
             men
             of
             war
             ,
             we
             feared
             that
             the
             people
             of
             his
             Countrys
             should
             be
             forced
             for
             safety
             of
             their
             lives
             ,
             and
             for
             continuance
             of
             their
             native
             Countrey
             in
             their
             
               former
               state
               of
               their
               liberties
               ,
            
             to
             seek
             the
             protection
             of
             some
             other
             forraign
             Lord
             ,
             or
             rather
             to
             yield
             themselves
             wholy
             to
             the
             Soveraignty
             of
             some
             mighty
             Prince
             ,
             
               as
               by
               the
               ancient
               Laws
               of
               their
               Countreys
               '
               ,
               and
               by
               speciall
               priviledges
               granted
               by
               some
               of
               the
               Lords
               and
               Dukes
               of
               the
               Countries
               to
               the
               people
               ,
            
             they
             do
             pretend
             and
             affirm
             ,
             that
             in
             cases
             of
             
               such
            
             generall
             injustice
             ,
             and
             upon
             
               such
            
             violent
             breaking
             of
             their
             
               priviledges
               ,
            
             they
             are
             free
             from
             their
             former
             Homages
             ,
             and
             at
             liberty
             to
             make
             choice
             of
             any
             other
             Prince
             ,
             to
             be
             their
             Prince
             and
             Head
             .
             The
             proof
             whereof
             by
             examples
             past
             is
             to
             be
             seen
             and
             read
             in
             the
             ancient
             Histories
             of
             divers
             alterations
             of
             the
             Lords
             and
             Ladies
             of
             
             the
             Countries
             of
             
               Brabant
               ,
               Flanders
               ,
               Holland
               and
               Zealand
               ,
            
             and
             other
             Countries
             to
             them
             united
             ,
             by
             the
             States
             and
             People
             of
             the
             Countries
             .
             
               And
               that
               by
               some
               such
               alterations
               ,
               as
               the
               Stories
               do
               testifie
               ,
               the
               Duke
               of
               Burgundy
               came
               to
               his
               Title
               ,
               from
               which
               the
               King
               of
               Spains
               interest
               is
               derived
               .
            
          
        
         
           Upon
           these
           principles
           it
           it
           evident
           that
           then
           the
           Queen
           and
           Kings
           of
           
             England
          
           in
           joyning
           to
           the
           assistance
           of
           or
           
             confederacy
             with
             the
             low
             Countries
             ,
          
           have
           not
           joyned
           with
           Subjects
           in
           Arms
           either
           against
           or
           without
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           true
           undoubted
           Monarch
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           touching
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           French
           Protestants
           of
           
             Rochell
          
           by
           our
           gracious
           Soveraign
           that
           now
           is
           ,
           we
           shall
           onely
           reply
           (
           not
           insisting
           upon
           the
           Charter
           of
           
             Rochell
          
           granted
           to
           them
           by
           
             Lewis
             the
          
           11.
           )
           that
           we
           are
           fully
           satisfied
           ,
           that
           no
           argument
           can
           be
           drawn
           from
           thence
           ,
           except
           by
           those
           who
           would
           raise
           a
           dispute
           of
           His
           Majesties
           Title
           and
           Interest
           in
           the
           
             Kingdom
             of
             France
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           As
           for
           the
           Scots
           ,
           we
           expected
           that
           all
           further
           mention
           of
           their
           former
           actions
           should
           have
           been
           prevented
           by
           the
           
             Act
             of
             Oblivion
             .
          
           Yet
           seeing
           these
           men
           have
           undertaken
           to
           make
           an
           advantage
           against
           His
           sacred
           Majesty
           ,
           even
           out
           of
           His
           acts
           and
           expressions
           of
           Grace
           and
           Clemency
           :
           we
           answer
           ,
           That
           
             forms
             of
             Pacification
          
           and
           reconciliation
           ,
           are
           not
           to
           be
           interpreted
           any
           further
           then
           to
           the
           
             reputation
             of
             the
             party
             to
             whom
             the
             reconciliation
             is
             made
          
           (
           you
           have
           not
           done
           so
           ,
           or
           so
           ,
           i.e.
           you
           shall
           be
           to
           me
           as
           if
           you
           had
           not
           )
           so
           as
           out
           of
           His
           Majesties
           expressions
           in
           the
           late
           pacification
           with
           the
           Scots
           ,
           to
           conclude
           his
           approbation
           of
           the
           course
           then
           taken
           by
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           take
           a
           warrant
           for
           their
           present
           undertaking
           ,
           seems
           to
           be
           alike
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           should
           conclude
           that
           it
           was
           lawfull
           for
           other
           Churches
           to
           use
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           as
           the
           
             Galathians
          
           had
           done
           ,
           
             by
             accounting
             him
             their
             enemy
             ,
          
           because
           (
           by
           his
           own
           confession
           )
           they
           
             had
             done
             him
             no
             injury
             ,
          
           and
           should
           gather
           that
           out
           of
           his
           Act
           of
           pacification
           with
           them
           ,
           
             Gal.
          
           4.
           12.
           
           
             Brethren
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             be
             as
             I
             am
             ,
             I
             am
             as
             ye
             are
             ,
             ye
             have
             not
             injured
             me
             at
             all
             .
          
        
         
           The
           sum
           of
           all
           is
           this
           :
           The
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           in
           their
           exhortation
           ,
           have
           neither
           concluded
           any
           thing
           positive
           for
           a
           lawfulnesse
           ,
           or
           necessity
           of
           taking
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           nor
           taken
           away
           any
           of
           those
           scruples
           which
           they
           propounded
           to
           themselves
           ;
           they
           have
           neither
           proved
           that
           Bishops
           must
           or
           may
           be
           extirpated
           ,
           nor
           taken
           off
           the
           scruple
           from
           the
           Oath
           of
           Canonicall
           obedience
           :
           They
           have
           neither
           cleared
           the
           objection
           from
           the
           Oaths
           of
           Allegiance
           and
           Supremacy
           ,
           
           nor
           proved
           by
           any
           example
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           by
           any
           undoubted
           warrantable
           practise
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           lawfull
           in
           any
           case
           whatsoever
           ,
           without
           the
           Kings
           consent
           ,
           to
           enter
           into
           any
           whatsoever
           League
           and
           Covenant
           :
           So
           far
           have
           they
           been
           from
           proving
           that
           it
           is
           necessary
           or
           lawfull
           to
           enter
           into
           this
           League
           ,
           the
           state
           of
           the
           question
           being
           such
           ,
           as
           we
           in
           the
           beginning
           have
           evinced
           it
           to
           be
           .
           So
           that
           should
           we
           enter
           into
           this
           covenant
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           impossible
           to
           conclude
           our
           innocency
           therein
           from
           the
           innocency
           of
           
             Mordecai
          
           and
           the
           
             lewes
          
           here
           mentioned
           out
           of
           
             Esther
          
           9.
           
           Their
           innocency
           was
           clear
           indeed
           ,
           (
           but
           how
           would
           ours
           be
           so
           ?
           )
           in
           that
           they
           resisted
           not
           the
           higher
           power
           ,
           or
           the
           Arms
           commanded
           by
           him
           otherwise
           then
           by
           Fasting
           and
           Prayer
           ,
           untill
           the
           King
           granted
           them
           leave
           
             to
             gather
             themselves
             together
             ,
             and
             to
             stand
             for
             their
             lives
             ,
          
           which
           before
           they
           did
           not
           assume
           ,
           for
           no
           want
           of
           sufficient
           strength
           to
           have
           defended
           themselves
           ,
           (
           as
           is
           usually
           in
           the
           like
           cases
           objected
           )
           which
           is
           evident
           from
           their
           after
           sufficient
           strength
           by
           themselves
           to
           defend
           themselves
           ,
           cap.
           9.
           
        
         
           Thus
           having
           examined
           the
           strength
           of
           their
           Reasons
           and
           Allegations
           ,
           we
           think
           it
           still
           true
           (
           not
           onely
           
             pretended
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Exhortation
           hath
           it
           )
           that
           
             Clergy
             men
             (
             above
             all
             others
             )
             may
             not
             covenant
             to
             extirpate
             Church
             government
             by
             Bishops
             ,
          
           both
           because
           of
           
             their
             Oath
          
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           proved
           )
           and
           simply
           considering
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           Reasons
           already
           by
           us
           alledged
           ;
           and
           because
           Presbyters
           ,
           if
           here
           they
           erre
           ,
           they
           erre
           most
           dangerously
           and
           arrogantly
           ,
           swearing
           (
           in
           effect
           )
           to
           endeavour
           to
           extirpate
           all
           order
           of
           spirituall
           Church
           Governours
           above
           themselves
           ,
           to
           endure
           none
           such
           (
           if
           they
           can
           help
           it
           )
           superiour
           to
           themselves
           .
           The
           danger
           we
           had
           rather
           such
           should
           hear
           from
           St.
           
             Cyprian
             ,
             Epist.
          
           10.
           
           
             Quod
             enim
             non
             periculum
             metuere
             debemus
             ,
             de
             offensa
             Domini
             ,
             quando
             aliqui
             de
             Presbyteris
             ,
             nec
             Evangelii
             ,
             nec
             loci
             sui
             memores
             ,
             sed
             neque
             futurum
             Domini
             Iudicium
             ,
             neque
             nunc
             sibi
             praepositum
             Episcopum
             cogitantes
             ,
             quod
             nunquam
             omnino
             sub
             Antecessoribus
             factum
             est
             ,
             cum
             contumelia
             &
             contemptu
             praepositi
             totum
             sibi
             vendicent
             ?
          
           What
           also
           will
           they
           think
           of
           that
           ancient
           and
           reverend
           Canon
           (
           the
           35.
           among
           those
           50.
           commonly
           called
           
             The
             Canons
             of
             the
             Apostles
             )
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             If
             any
             one
             ordained
             Bishop
             be
             not
             received
             ,
             not
             through
             his
             own
             will
             ,
             but
             through
             the
             wickednesse
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             let
             him
             remain
             a
             Bishop
             ,
             but
             let
             the
             Clergy
             of
             that
             City
             be
             bar'd
             Communion
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             not
             been
             better
             
             instructors
             of
             so
             inobedient
             a
             people
             .
          
           By
           which
           also
           it
           appeareth
           ,
           that
           those
           lay
           men
           deceive
           themselves
           ,
           who
           think
           that
           the
           Clergy
           onely
           need
           scruple
           at
           this
           Oath
           ,
           at
           least
           in
           the
           second
           Article
           thereof
           ;
           we
           must
           tell
           them
           of
           
             Ignatius
             his
             rule
             ,
             Epist
             ad
             Magnes
             .
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             Nothing
             ought
             to
             be
             done
             without
             the
             Bishop
             ,
             by
             Presbyter
             ,
             Deacon
             ,
             or
             Lay-man
             .
          
           If
           therefore
           (
           according
           to
           the
           Preface
           of
           this
           Covenant
           )
           we
           set
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           before
           our
           eyes
           ,
           the
           same
           
             Ignatius
          
           gives
           us
           this
           other
           excellent
           monition
           ,
           
             Epist.
             ad
             Trallian
             .
          
           
             a
          
           
             It
             becommeth
             each
             of
             you
             ,
             and
             especially
             the
             Presbyters
             ,
             to
             cherish
             the
             Bishop
             ,
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           The
           Printers
           Postscript
           to
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           GEntle
           Reader
           ,
           a
           Copy
           of
           the
           foregoing
           Disquisitions
           accidentally
           comming
           to
           the
           hands
           of
           some
           ,
           at
           whose
           command
           I
           am
           ,
           was
           thought
           fit
           to
           be
           published
           ,
           though
           without
           the
           knowledge
           and
           approbation
           of
           the
           Authors
           .
           The
           fitnesse
           of
           the
           subject
           ,
           the
           worth
           of
           the
           work
           ,
           and
           a
           peculiar
           relation
           to
           the
           Authors
           (
           if
           I
           mistake
           them
           not
           )
           may
           be
           a
           sufficient
           motive
           both
           for
           their
           command
           and
           my
           undertaking
           .
           Consider
           it
           seriously
           ,
           and
           if
           thou
           art
           not
           yet
           ingaged
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           this
           will
           confirm
           thee
           in
           thy
           resolution
           against
           it
           ;
           if
           thou
           art
           ,
           this
           by
           the
           assistance
           of
           Gods
           grace
           may
           bring
           thee
           to
           a
           timely
           repentance
           .
           I
           cannot
           but
           admonish
           thee
           this
           one
           thing
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           That
           I
           have
           gone
           exactly
           according
           to
           the
           Copy
           ,
           even
           in
           those
           phrases
           which
           resemble
           the
           
             Genius
          
           of
           the
           place
           where
           it
           was
           composed
           ,
           more
           then
           where
           it
           is
           published
           ;
           onely
           the
           faults
           which
           have
           escaped
           ,
           I
           desire
           may
           be
           imputed
           to
           me
           and
           those
           many
           transcribers
           ,
           through
           whose
           hands
           it
           passed
           before
           it
           could
           come
           to
           mine
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A31491e-100
           
             Article
             1.
             
          
           
             Article
             2.
             
          
           
             a
             Intelligentia
             verborum
             ex
             causis
             est
             assumenda
             dicendi
             ,
             H●●ar
             .
             l.
             4.
             de
             Tr●●
             .
          
           
             a
             Eandem
             illis
             imponit
             personam
             ,
             ac
             idem
             juris
             assignat
             .
             Calvinus
             in
             locum
             .
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             Chrysostomus
             in
             locum
             .
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             Ammonius
             in
             locum
             .
          
           
             a
             Theodoret.
             in
             Luc.
             10.
             
          
           
             b
             
               Viz.
            
             Irenaeus
             ib.
             3.
             c.
             3
             Tertul.
             de
             praescrip.
             .
             c
             36
             Cyprian
             ●p
             42
             ,
             &
             61
             ,
             &
             69
             Concil.
             Carthag
             anno
             258
             sub
             Cypriano
             .
             Theodoret
             .
             l.
             4.
             c.
             18.
             
             Ambros.
             de
             dignsacer
             .
             c.
             2.
             
             Augustin
             .
             in
             Ps.
             44.
             
             &
             Epist.
             42.
             &
             de
             verbis
             Domini
             Serm.
             24.
             
             Hieron.
             ep.
             ad
             Marcel
             .
             advers.
             Montanum
             ,
             &
             epist.
             ad
             Evagr.
             
             Greg.
             mag.
             Hom.
             26.
             in
             Evang.
             Theophylactus
             in
             Matth.
             16.
             
             Pacianus
             ep.
             2.
             ad
             Sympro●ian
             .
             
               And
               all
               those
               which
               aver
               the
               Apostles
               to
               have
               been
               Bishops
               ,
               (
               though
               more
               also
               )
            
             vid.
             Cyprian
             .
             ep
             65
             ,
             &
             ep
             68.
             
             Epipha
             .
             contra
             haeres
             .
             l.
             1
             haeres
             .
             27.
             
             Ambros.
             in
             Ephes.
             4.
             &
             serm.
             50.
             
             
               The
               supposed
            
             Ambrose
             
               in
            
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             12
             ,
             28.
             
               and
               so
               much
               some
               of
               them
               thought
               proved
               from
               Acts
            
             1.
             20.
             
          
           
             c
             
               viz.
            
             Iren.
             l.
             3.
             c.
             3.
             &
             l.
             4.
             63.
             
             &
             l.
             5.
             c.
             20.
             
             Ignat.
             ep.
             ad
             Antioch
             .
             Tertul.
             adversus
             Marcion
             .
             l.
             4.
             c.
             5.
             &
             de
             praescr
             .
             c.
             32
             ,
             &
             36.
             
             Clemens
             Alexan.
             l.
             de
             divit
             .
             salvand
             .
             apud
             Euseb.
             l.
             2.
             c.
             17.
             
             Euseb.
             lib.
             Eccl.
             hist.
             5.
             c.
             6.
             &
             l.
             3.
             c.
             11
             ,
             &c.
             23.
             
             Irenaeus
             apud
             Euseb.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             10.
             
             S.
             Hieron.
             de
             script
             .
             Eccl.
             Chrysost.
             hom.
             de
             Ignat.
             tom
             .
             5.
             
             Concil.
             Constant.
             5.
             act
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             d
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             1.
             3.
             Theophyl.
             &
             Oecumen.
             in
             locum
             ,
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             5.
             19.
             
             Epiphanius
             haeres
             .
             75.
             n.
             15
             ,
             &
             Theop.
             in
             locum
             ,
             v.
             20
             ,
             21.
             
             Idem
             in
             locum
             ,
             &
             Hemmin
             .
             in
             locum
             ,
             v.
             22.
             
             
               The
               supposed
            
             Ambrose
             in
             locum
             ,
             
               a
               Tim.
            
             1.
             6.
             
             Hieron.
             Oecumen.
             Bucer
             .
             in
             locum
             
               Tit.
            
             1.
             5.
             
             Oecumen.
             in
             locum
             ,
             v.
             11.
             
             Chrysostomus
             in
             
               Tit.
            
             1.
             
             Hieronimus
             in
             
               Tit.
            
             3.
             9.
             10.
             
             Ambros.
             lib.
             5.
             de
             fid.
             s.
             
             Trinit.
             Bucer
             .
             Calvin
             .
             in
             locum
             .
          
           
             b
             
               For
            
             Timithy
             Epib
             .
             haeres
             .
             75.
             
             Eusebius
             lib.
             3●
             .
             c.
             4.
             
             Hieronimus
             de
             script
             .
             Eccl.
             Chrysost.
             hom.
             2
             ad
             Epist.
             Pilip
             .
             &
             in
             praefat.
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
               the
               supposed
            
             Ambrose
             in
             praefat.
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             Polycrates
             apud
             Phot.
             Biblioth.
             Leont
             in
             concil.
             calce.
             .
             Prim.
             in
             praefat.
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             &
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             c.
             4.
             adde
             Sedul
             .
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             1.
             2.
             
             
               For
            
             Titus
             ,
             see
             Euseb.
             l.
             3.
             c.
             4.
             
             Hieronimus
             de
             script
             .
             Eccl.
             dictus
             Ambr.
             in
             praefat.
             ad
             Ep
             :
             Tit.
             Theodoret
             apud
             Oecumen.
             in
             praefat.
             ad
             ep.
             Tit.
             Theodoret
             apud
             Oecumen.
             in
             praefat.
             ad
             
               Tit.
            
             Theophyl.
             in
             praefat.
             ad
             
               Tit.
            
             Oecumen.
             in
             
               Tit.
            
             1.
             adde
             Sedul
             ,
             prolog.
             in
             epist.
             ad
             
               Tit.
               
            
          
           
             c
             Vid.
             Theodor
             .
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             6.
             14
             
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             
               Nempe
               ea
               quae
               scribo
               .
            
          
           
             d
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             Oecumen.
             in
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             c.
             5.
             
             
               See
               also
            
             Ambrose
             
               in
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             e
             
               Saint
            
             Augustine
             
               ep.
            
             162.
             
               and
               in
               the
               Comment
               on
               the
               Revelations
               under
               his
               name
               ,
               Hom.
               2.
               
               The
               supposed
            
             Ambrose
             
               in
               1
               Cor.
               11.
               16.
               
               &
               in
               Apoc.
               
            
             Oecum
             :
             
               in
               Apoc
               :
            
             2.
             
             Arethas
             
               in
               Apoc.
               1.
               and
               among
               the
               Moderns
               ,
            
             Marlorat
             
               in
               Apoc.
            
             2.
             1.
             
             Bullinger
             
               Concil.
               9.
               in
               Apoc.
            
             Paraeus
             
               in
               Apoc.
            
             1.
             20.
             
             
               Dr
            
             Reynolds
             
               conference
               with
            
             Hart.
             c.
             8.
             
               divis
               .
            
             3.
             Pet.
             Molinaeus
             
               in
               his
               marginall
               Notes
               .
            
          
           
             f
             Theodoret
             
               in
            
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             3
             ,
             1.
             
             Pacianus
             epist.
             2
             :
             ad
             Sympronian
             :
          
           
             b
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             1b
             :
             v
             :
             26
             :
          
           
             c
             Iob
             33.
             23.
             
             &
             Malach.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             a
             James
             
               Bishop
               of
            
             Jerusalem
             ●
             ,
             Concil.
             gen.
             Constantinop
             .
             Can.
             32.
             
             Clemens
             apud
             Euseb.
             l.
             2.
             c.
             1.
             Euseb.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             21.
             &
             l.
             2.
             c.
             22.
             &
             l.
             7.
             c.
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             19.
             
             Aug.
             l.
             2.
             contra
             Lit.
             Petil.
             c.
             57.
             contra
             Crescon.
             l.
             2.
             c.
             37.
             
             Epiphanius
             contra
             Ma●ich
             ,
             sect.
             66.
             &
             haeres
             .
             78.
             
             Chrysost.
             
               in
            
             1
             Cor.
             cap.
             15.
             hom.
             38.
             &
             hom.
             33.
             in
             
               Act.
            
             15.
             23.
             
             &
             Hom.
             46.
             in
             Act.
             Hieron.
             in
             Gal.
             1.
             
             &
             Epist.
             ad
             Evagr.
             &
             de
             Script
             .
             Eccles.
             Theophylact.
             &
             Oecum
             .
             in
             Gal.
             2.
             
          
           
             b
             Origen
             .
             hom.
             6.
             in
             Luc.
             
             Euseb.
             l.
             3.
             c.
             22
             ,
             35
             ,
             36.
             &
             in
             Chronico
             .
             in
             
               A.
               D.
            
             38.
             
             S.
             Hieron.
             in
             Gal.
             2.
             &
             l.
             de
             Eccles.
             Script
             .
             Chrysost.
             hom.
             de
             trans
             .
             Ignat.
             Theodor
             .
             dialog
             .
             1.
             Greg.
             l.
             6.
             
             Ep.
             37.
             
          
           
             c
             Euseb.
             l.
             2.
             15.
             24.
             
             Hier.
             prooem
             in
             Mat.
             &
             de
             scr
             .
             Eccles.
             &
             Ep.
             ad
             Evag.
             
             Greg.
             l.
             6.
             
             Ep
             371
             ,
          
           
             d
             Irenaeus
             l.
             3.
             c.
             3.
             
             Optat
             l.
             2.
             cont.
             Parmen.
             Tertul.
             de
             praesadversus
             haeret
             ,
             S.
             Aug.
             
             Ep.
             165.
             
          
           
             e
             Irenaeus
             l.
             3.
             c.
             3.
             Optat.
             l.
             2.
             cont.
             Parmen.
             Aug.
             Ep.
             165.
             
          
           
             f
             
               Euseb.
               l.
            
             3.
             
               c.
            
             22.
             and
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             Epist.
             
               ad
               Antioch
               .
            
             under
             
               Ignatius
            
             his
             name
             .
          
           
             g
             Euseb.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             22.
             &
             l.
             3.
             c.
             4.
             
          
           
             h
             Amb
             in
             Col.
             4.
             
             Calvin
             Instit.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             3.
             sect.
             7.
             
          
           
             i
             Theod.
             in
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             &
             in
             Phil.
             2.
             
             Primasius
             in
             Phil.
             2.
             
             Pacianus
             Ep.
             2.
             ad
             Sympronian
             .
          
           
             k
             Ambros.
             Col.
             4.
             
          
           
             l
             Origen
             l.
             10.
             in
             Ep.
             ad
             Rom.
             c.
             16.
             
          
           
             m
             Epist.
             comprovin
             .
             ad
             Leon
             .
          
           
             n
             Ignat.
             Ep.
             ad
             Ephes.
             
             Euseb.
             lib.
             3.
             c.
             35.
             
          
           
             o
             Eus.
             l.
             3.
             35.
             
             
               S.
            
             Hieron.
             de
             .
             Script
             .
             Eccles.
             Theod.
             dial
             .
             1.
             
             Felix
             3.
             Epist.
             ad
             Zenonem
             .
          
           
             p
             Hieron
             ,
             de
             Script
             .
             Eccles.
             &
             Euseb.
             l.
             3.
             cap.
             35.
             39.
             
          
           
             q
             Hieron.
             ibid.
             Euseb.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             23.
             
          
           
             r
             Hegesippus
             apud
             Euseb.
             l.
             4.
             c.
             22.
             
             &
             Euseb.
             l.
             3.
             c.
             11.
             
          
           
             a
             Et
             infra
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
          
           
             b
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
          
           
             Article
             3.
             
          
           
             Article
             4.
             
          
           
             Article
             5.
             
          
           
             Article
             6.
             
          
           
             a
             Vid.
             Angl.
             Confes.
             art
             .
             37
             :
             &
             Scotican
             .
             confess
             art
             .
             24.
             ideo
             confitemur
             &
             profitemur
             ,
             quod
             qui
             supremae
             autoritati
             resistunt
             ,
             usurpantes
             quod
             ad
             illius
             munus
             pertinet
             ,
             illi
             Dei
             ordinationi
             resistunt
             ,
             ideoque
             coram
             illo
             innocentes
             esse
             non
             possunt
             .
          
           
             Concl.
             
          
           
             a
             Quâcunque
             arte
             verborum
             quis
             juret
             ,
             Deus
             tamen
             qui
             conscientiae
             testis
             est
             ,
             ita
             hoc
             accipit
             ,
             sicut
             ille
             cui
             juratur
             intelligit
             ●sidorus
             .
             Perjuri
             sunt
             ,
             qui
             servatis
             verbis
             expectationem
             eorum
             quibus
             juratum●●
             ,
             ●ecepe●u●●t
             ,
             Augustin
             .
             ep.
             224
             ad
             Alipium
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A31491e-7050
           
             a
             
               Cyril
               .
               Alexand
               Calvin
               .
               in
            
             Hosea
             8.
             4.
             
               vide
            
             also
             the
             Fuller
             answer
             to
             Dr.
             Ferne
             .
          
           
             a
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             &c.