Just re-proposals to humble proposals. Or An impartiall consideration of, and answer unto, the humble proposals, which are printed in the name of sundry learned and pious divines, concerning the Engagement which the Parliament hath ordered to be taken Shewing, how farre those proposals are agreeable to reason, to Christianity and to policie. How the proposers thereof may receive satisfaction therein, in all these respects. Hereunto are added, The humble proposals themselves; because they are not currantly to be found. Written by John Dury. January 7. 1650. Imprimatur, Joseph Caryl.
         Dury, John, 1596-1680.
      
       
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         EarlyPrint Project
         Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO
         2017
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         ESTC R205390
         99834958
         99834958
         39609
         
           
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             Just re-proposals to humble proposals. Or An impartiall consideration of, and answer unto, the humble proposals, which are printed in the name of sundry learned and pious divines, concerning the Engagement which the Parliament hath ordered to be taken Shewing, how farre those proposals are agreeable to reason, to Christianity and to policie. How the proposers thereof may receive satisfaction therein, in all these respects. Hereunto are added, The humble proposals themselves; because they are not currantly to be found. Written by John Dury. January 7. 1650. Imprimatur, Joseph Caryl.
             Dury, John, 1596-1680.
             Reynolds, Edward, 1599-1676.
          
           [2], 30 p.
           
             printed by J.C. for Richard Wodenothe, at the Starre under St. Peters Church in Cornhill,
             London :
             1650.
          
           
             A paraphrasing of and reply to: Reynolds, Edward. The humble proposals of sundry learned and pious divines within this kingdome.
             The words "how farre .. respects." are bracketed together on title page.
             Annotations on Thomason copy: "Jan: 15 1649."; the 50 in the imprint date has been crossed out.
             Reproductions of the originals in the British Library (reel 589) and in the Harvard University Library (reel 1792).
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Reynolds, Edward, 1599-1676. -- Humble proposals of sundry learned and pious divines within this kingdome. -- Early works to 1800.
           Engagement (1650) -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1649-1660 -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660 -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- Church history -- 17th century -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A37074  R205390  (Wing D2868A).  civilwar no Just re-proposals to humble proposals. Or An impartiall consideration of, and answer unto, the humble proposals, which are printed in the na Dury, John 1650    13533 22 0 0 0 0 0 16 C  The  rate of 16 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           JUST
           RE-PROPOSALS
           TO
           Humble
           Proposals
           .
        
         
           OR
           An
           impartiall
           Consideration
           of
           ,
           and
           Answer
           unto
           ,
           the
           humble
           Proposals
           ,
           which
           are
           printed
           in
           the
           name
           of
           sundry
           Learned
           and
           Pious
           Divines
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Engagement
           which
           the
           Parliament
           hath
           ordered
           to
           be
           taken
           .
           Shewing
           ,
           
             How
             farre
             those
             Proposals
             are
             agreeable
             to
             Reason
             ,
             to
             Christianity
             and
             to
             Policie
             .
             How
             the
             Proposers
             thereof
             may
             receive
             satisfaction
             therein
             ,
             in
             all
             these
             respects
             .
          
        
         
           Hereunto
           are
           added
           ,
           The
           humble
           Proposals
           themselves
           ;
           because
           they
           are
           not
           currantly
           to
           be
           found
           .
        
         
           
             Written
             by
          
           JOHN
           DURY
           .
        
         
           
             1
             COR.
             10.
             18.
             
          
           
             Not
             he
             that
             commendeth
             himself
             ,
             is
             approved
             ;
             but
             whom
             the
             Lord
             commendeth
             .
          
        
         
           January
           7.
           1650.
           
        
         
           
             Imprimatur
             ,
          
           JOSEPH
           CARYL
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             C.
          
           for
           
             Richard
             wodenothe
             ,
          
           at
           the
           
             Starre
          
           under
           
             St.
             
             Peters
          
           Church
           in
           
             Cornhill
             ,
          
           1650.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           JUST
           RE-PROPOSALS
           To
           humble
           PROPOSALS
           .
        
         
           
             SECT.
             I.
             
               Concerning
               the
               Scope
               of
               this
               Treatise
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             is
             conceived
             ,
             that
             these
             Proposalls
             containe
             the
             strength
             of
             all
             those
             Scruples
             ;
             which
             the
             consciencious
             ,
             and
             hitherto
             otherwise
             wel-affected
             party
             towards
             the
             Cause
             of
             liberty
             and
             Reformation
             ,
             hath
             taken
             up
             against
             the
             Engagement
             :
             and
             because
             it
             is
             neither
             just
             nor
             conscionable
             ,
             that
             any
             matter
             
             should
             be
             pressed
             upon
             the
             Conscience
             of
             any
             as
             a
             Duty
             ,
             otherwise
             then
             by
             a
             clear
             demonstration
             of
             the
             righteousnesse
             thereof
             ,
             and
             a
             conviction
             of
             the
             judgement
             therein
             :
             nor
             can
             it
             with
             any
             probability
             be
             conceived
             ,
             that
             the
             Parliament
             which
             with
             so
             much
             Pious
             zeale
             and
             vigour
             ,
             hath
             opposed
             the
             incroachments
             of
             Tyranny
             hitherto
             ;
             should
             now
             intend
             any
             pressures
             upon
             any
             ,
             which
             are
             not
             absolutely
             necessary
             ,
             or
             further
             then
             they
             are
             unavoidably
             requisite
             for
             common
             safery
             ;
             therefore
             it
             will
             be
             very
             expedient
             ,
             to
             endeavour
             the
             removing
             of
             these
             Scruples
             ,
             as
             of
             stumbling-blocks
             out
             of
             the
             way
             of
             conscionable
             men
             ,
             
             whose
             aime
             is
             ,
             to
             seek
             Peace
             and
             Unity
             in
             the
             Truth
             ;
             and
             to
             offer
             by
             a
             just
             Reproposall
             ,
             and
             more
             faithfull
             Representation
             of
             matters
             ,
             some
             equitable
             satisfaction
             to
             these
             humble
             Proposals
             .
          
           
           
             And
             to
             this
             effect
             two
             things
             shall
             be
             weighed
             without
             prejudice
             ,
             
             and
             taken
             into
             serious
             consideration
             :
             First
             ,
             what
             strength
             of
             Reason
             ,
             and
             strain
             of
             Christianity
             is
             in
             these
             Proposals
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             what
             way
             may
             be
             followed
             ,
             to
             bring
             the
             mindes
             of
             these
             Proposers
             into
             a
             quiet
             frame
             ,
             by
             the
             performance
             of
             these
             Duties
             which
             they
             themselves
             acknowledge
             to
             be
             just
             ,
             and
             which
             to
             the
             State
             will
             undoubtedly
             give
             satisfaction
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             II.
             
               The
               Summe
               and
               Substance
               of
               the
               Proposals
               briefly
               ,
               and
               in
               order
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Ministers
             who
             have
             made
             these
             Proposals
             ,
             represent
             first
             themselves
             unto
             us
             ;
             and
             then
             their
             scruples
             concerning
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             for
             which
             they
             desire
             to
             be
             excused
             from
             the
             Subscription
             thereof
             .
          
           
             They
             represent
             themselves
             in
             reference
             to
             that
             which
             is
             past
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             is
             present
             ,
             and
             to
             that
             which
             is
             their
             future
             resolution
             .
             
             In
             reference
             to
             things
             past
             ,
             they
             have
             faithfully
             served
             the
             Parliament
             ;
             they
             have
             suffered
             for
             the
             cause
             thereof
             in
             the
             pursuance
             
             of
             just
             liberty
             and
             reformation
             ;
             and
             they
             have
             adhered
             to
             their
             first
             Principles
             unto
             this
             day
             .
          
           
             In
             reference
             to
             things
             present
             ,
             they
             are
             peaceable
             and
             obedient
             to
             the
             Lawes
             of
             the
             Nation
             ;
             they
             endeavour
             with
             meeknesse
             and
             humility
             to
             preserve
             their
             inward
             peace
             ,
             and
             outward
             safety
             ;
             and
             they
             finde
             themselves
             straightned
             in
             conscience
             upon
             the
             case
             of
             the
             present
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             In
             reference
             to
             future
             Resolutions
             ,
             they
             declare
             that
             they
             will
             behave
             themselves
             according
             to
             these
             following
             Positions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             although
             they
             hold
             themselves
             still
             bound
             by
             their
             
             former
             solemne
             Covenant
             and
             Engagements
             ;
             yet
             that
             they
             are
             also
             convinced
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             necessary
             some
             Civill
             Government
             should
             be
             maintained
             in
             the
             Land
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             they
             count
             it
             agreeable
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             ,
             to
             the
             practise
             of
             all
             Christians
             ,
             to
             their
             own
             principles
             ,
             and
             to
             their
             former
             Engagements
             ;
             to
             own
             the
             changes
             
             of
             Government
             ,
             which
             Gods
             providence
             brings
             upon
             a
             Nation
             ;
             when
             he
             disables
             one
             ,
             and
             inables
             another
             ,
             Government
             to
             afford
             protection
             to
             the
             people
             thereof
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             their
             owning
             of
             the
             Government
             will
             be
             by
             living
             quietly
             and
             peaceably
             in
             their
             places
             and
             callings
             under
             it
             ;
             and
             by
             submitting
             to
             such
             things
             as
             are
             imposed
             upon
             ,
             or
             required
             of
             them
             by
             the
             Powers
             which
             are
             in
             actuall
             possession
             ;
             being
             things
             in
             themselves
             lawfull
             ,
             &
             necessary
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             themselves
             and
             others
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             all
             this
             may
             be
             done
             without
             disputing
             the
             right
             and
             title
             of
             those
             who
             are
             in
             place
             of
             Magistracy
             over
             them
             .
          
           
             In
             these
             things
             they
             propose
             themselves
             unto
             us
             ;
             that
             we
             may
             know
             what
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             what
             their
             sense
             is
             of
             the
             present
             Government
             ,
             and
             the
             subjection
             due
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             Then
             in
             the
             second
             place
             ,
             they
             propose
             also
             what
             their
             scruples
             are
             ,
             concerning
             a
             subscriptiō
             to
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             which
             are
             of
             four
             sorts
             .
             
               viz.
            
             1.
             
             Of
             that
             which
             the
             words
             in
             themselves
             seem
             to
             imply
             &
             import
             .
             2.
             
             Of
             that
             where
             they
             relate
             to
             the
             violating
             of
             former
             Engagements
             3.
             
             Of
             that
             which
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             generall
             scandall
             and
             offence
             .
             4.
             
             Of
             that
             which
             may
             become
             a
             snare
             unto
             the
             Subjects
             ,
             and
             a
             prejudice
             unto
             the
             Rulers
             themselves
             .
             
          
           
             Concerning
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             they
             scruple
             at
             them
             because
             they
             seem
             to
             import
             (
             say
             they
             )
             things
             not
             to
             be
             assented
             unto
             .
             As
          
           
             1.
             
             An
             Approbation
             of
             the
             present
             establishment
             as
             effected
             by
             a
             full
             and
             free
             Authority
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             Ratification
             and
             consent
             of
             the
             people
             unto
             the
             Authority
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             An
             Obligation
             to
             act
             ,
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             in
             all
             places
             and
             capacities
             to
             the
             promoting
             and
             strengthening
             of
             the
             Authority
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             the
             violation
             of
             their
             former
             Oathes
             and
             Engagements
             ;
             they
             declare
             from
             the
             words
             thereof
             ,
             and
             the
             manner
             of
             
             taking
             the
             same
             ;
             that
             such
             an
             awfull
             impression
             remaines
             upon
             their
             conscience
             thereby
             ,
             that
             except
             the
             consistency
             of
             the
             Engagement
             be
             made
             unquestionably
             clear
             ,
             with
             the
             solemne
             League
             and
             Covenant
             ;
             that
             to
             enter
             into
             it
             will
             be
             utterly
             unlawfull
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             the
             matter
             of
             Scandall
             ;
             they
             say
             that
             the
             taking
             
             
             of
             the
             Engagement
             being
             lookt
             upon
             ,
             as
             an
             infringement
             of
             former
             Oaths
             ,
             will
             blast
             the
             whole
             reputation
             of
             their
             persons
             ,
             and
             
             of
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             reflect
             with
             more
             dis-advantage
             upon
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             then
             bring
             advantage
             to
             the
             State
             :
             for
             which
             cause
             ,
             they
             cannot
             yield
             to
             a
             Subscription
             thereof
             :
             till
             either
             by
             a
             solemne
             Debate
             about
             it
             (
             as
             of
             the
             Covenant
             )
             or
             otherwise
             ;
             the
             Scruples
             of
             their
             Conscience
             be
             taken
             away
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             the
             snare
             laid
             by
             Superiours
             before
             their
             Subjects
             ;
             and
             the
             prejudice
             redounding
             from
             thence
             upon
             the
             Government
             it self
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             offered
             as
             a
             Scruple
             ,
             but
             rather
             as
             a
             warning
             
             to
             those
             that
             are
             in
             Power
             ;
             that
             they
             should
             not
             imitate
             the
             Episcopall
             severity
             and
             persecution
             in
             King
             
               James
            
             his
             dayes
             ,
             and
             in
             later
             times
             ,
             whereby
             they
             laid
             the
             foundations
             of
             ensuing
             evils
             to
             themselves
             and
             their
             people
             :
             and
             that
             they
             should
             not
             act
             against
             their
             professed
             Principles
             in
             having
             no
             respect
             unto
             tender
             
             Consciences
             .
          
           
             From
             all
             which
             premisses
             ,
             they
             inferre
             a
             conclusion
             by
             way
             of
             supplication
             ,
             put
             up
             to
             those
             that
             are
             in
             present
             Power
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             not
             be
             compelled
             ,
             either
             to
             draw
             reproach
             upon
             Religion
             ,
             
             and
             vilifie
             the
             Reputation
             of
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             or
             to
             suffer
             so
             high
             a
             penalty
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             out-lawed
             of
             their
             Birth-right
             for
             not
             subscribing
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             III.
             
               What
               strength
               of
               Reason
               is
               to
               be
               found
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               these
               Proposals
               ,
               to
               draw
               on
               their
               conclusion
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             conclusion
             ,
             which
             the
             Proposers
             inferre
             upon
             these
             Proposals
             ,
             is
             this
             ;
             We
             beseech
             you
             constraine
             us
             not
             to
             take
             the
             Engagement
             by
             any
             punishment
             ;
             but
             suffer
             us
             to
             be
             in
             
             safety
             under
             your
             protection
             ;
             although
             we
             subscribe
             not
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             as
             you
             require
             us
             to
             do
             .
          
           
             If
             the
             rationall
             ground
             of
             this
             demand
             be
             inquired
             into
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             found
             to
             stand
             in
             the
             arguments
             ,
             which
             make
             good
             these
             three
             assertions
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             ought
             not
             to
             subscribe
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             you
             ought
             not
             to
             punish
             us
             for
             non-subscription
             .
             
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             our
             birth
             right
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             Nation
             ,
             and
             your
             protection
             to
             that
             effect
             ,
             though
             we
             subscribe
             not
             .
          
           
             If
             the
             Reason
             of
             the
             first
             assertion
             be
             asked
             ,
             
               viz.
            
             Why
             ought
             you
             to
             subscribe
             the
             Engagement
             ?
          
           
             The
             Answer
             will
             be
             this
             ;
             because
             we
             are
             streigthned
             in
             Conscience
             ,
             
             upon
             the
             Cases
             incident
             to
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             cannot
             subscribe
             it
             without
             doubting
             ;
             which
             to
             do
             ,
             in
             us
             would
             be
             sin
             by
             the
             Apostles
             Rule
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             14.
             
          
           
             What
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             your
             doubting
             ?
          
           
             The
             cause
             of
             our
             doubting
             is
             ,
             1.
             
             The
             sense
             of
             the
             Engagement
             importing
             things
             greatly
             different
             from
             that
             ,
             which
             we
             conceive
             to
             be
             our
             duty
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             present
             establishment
             .
             2.
             
             The
             seeming
             violation
             of
             our
             former
             Oaths
             .
             3.
             
             And
             the
             matter
             of
             grievous
             scandall
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             given
             to
             all
             sorts
             of
             people
             ,
             against
             the
             Gospel
             and
             our
             persons
             and
             ministery
             therein
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             counted
             perjured
             in
             our
             former
             Oaths
             ;
             which
             rather
             then
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             the
             glorying
             of
             our
             Ministery
             void
             ,
             we
             should
             resolve
             to
             dye
             .
          
           
             For
             all
             which
             reasons
             (
             say
             they
             )
             we
             ought
             not
             to
             subscribe
             this
             Engagement
             ;
             because
             to
             our
             thought
             ,
             these
             are
             the
             consequences
             of
             the
             sense
             implyed
             therein
             ;
             nor
             can
             these
             inconveniences
             as
             to
             us
             be
             removed
             ,
             except
             the
             consistency
             of
             this
             Engagement
             with
             the
             former
             Oaths
             ,
             be
             made
             unquestionably
             evident
             .
          
           
             If
             the
             Reason
             of
             the
             second
             assertion
             be
             asked
             of
             them
             ,
             
               viz.
            
             
             Why
             the
             Rulers
             of
             the
             State
             ought
             not
             to
             punish
             them
             for
             non-subscription
             ?
             The
             Answer
             will
             be
             this
             ;
             because
             Governours
             though
             in
             highest
             Authority
             ,
             are
             bound
             to
             avoid
             the
             laying
             of
             snares
             and
             stumbling-blocks
             in
             the
             way
             of
             their
             brethren
             :
             and
             if
             these
             that
             are
             over
             us
             now
             ,
             should
             do
             as
             our
             former
             Governours
             did
             ,
             to
             impose
             ensnaring
             Oaths
             upon
             godly
             people
             ,
             and
             enforce
             their
             subscriptions
             thereunto
             ;
             they
             may
             by
             that
             meanes
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             their
             Government
             ,
             lay
             the
             unhappy
             foundations
             of
             ensuing
             troubles
             ,
             to
             themselves
             and
             thir
             people
             ;
             as
             King
             
               James
            
             and
             
               Charles
            
             and
             the
             Bishops
             in
             former
             times
             have
             done
             .
          
           
           
             And
             then
             another
             reason
             why
             the
             Subscription
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             enforced
             with
             a
             punishment
             ;
             is
             because
             the
             professed
             Principles
             and
             resolutions
             of
             these
             that
             are
             in
             present
             power
             are
             to
             have
             respect
             to
             tender
             consciences
             ,
             which
             in
             this
             case
             would
             not
             be
             rogarded
             ;
             if
             without
             considerations
             of
             these
             scruples
             ,
             a
             punishment
             should
             be
             inflicted
             upon
             the
             non-subscribers
             of
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             it
             be
             objected
             :
             but
             what
             assurance
             can
             the
             Governours
             of
             the
             State
             have
             of
             the
             non-subscribers
             peaceable
             conversation
             ?
             The
             Answer
             is
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             the
             many
             years
             experience
             of
             the
             good
             behaviour
             ,
             and
             faithfull
             service
             of
             the
             Non-subscribers
             ought
             to
             be
             taken
             as
             a
             better
             security
             for
             their
             peaceable
             disposition
             ,
             then
             a
             fained
             subscription
             which
             many
             yield
             unto
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             they
             plead
             for
             a
             forbearance
             from
             Subscription
             only
             ,
             till
             by
             a
             solemne
             debate
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             ;
             their
             conscince
             shall
             be
             cleared
             of
             their
             important
             scruples
             .
          
           
             If
             lastly
             ,
             the
             reason
             of
             the
             third
             assertion
             be
             asked
             .
             
               viz.
            
             Why
             ought
             you
             to
             have
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             our
             protection
             to
             that
             effect
             ,
             though
             you
             subscribe
             not
             to
             be
             true
             and
             
             faithfull
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             ?
             The
             Answer
             will
             be
             this
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Because
             we
             have
             been
             faithfull
             all
             along
             to
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             till
             now
             of
             late
             these
             stumbling-blocks
             are
             come
             in
             our
             way
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Because
             we
             have
             been
             sufferers
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             any
             in
             the
             cause
             of
             liberty
             and
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Because
             we
             adhere
             still
             to
             our
             first
             principles
             upon
             which
             you
             did
             undertake
             to
             give
             us
             protection
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Because
             we
             do
             promise
             to
             maintain
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             Nation
             ,
             and
             to
             pay
             obedience
             to
             the
             Lawes
             thereof
             ,
             whereof
             we
             crave
             the
             benefit
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             And
             because
             notwithstanding
             all
             our
             former
             Oaths
             and
             Engagements
             ;
             yet
             we
             acknowledge
             not
             onely
             the
             necessity
             of
             a
             civill
             Government
             in
             generall
             ,
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             humane
             society
             ,
             and
             the
             prevention
             of
             out-rages
             which
             wicked
             men
             unrestrained
             would
             do
             to
             those
             that
             are
             peaceable
             ;
             but
             we
             consider
             also
             in
             particular
             ,
             this
             Government
             which
             Gods
             providence
             hath
             set
             up
             over
             us
             ,
             to
             be
             that
             under
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             live
             quietly
             and
             peaceably
             in
             our
             Callings
             ;
             and
             to
             which
             we
             will
             submit
             in
             
             
             
             all
             things
             law
             full
             and
             necessary
             for
             common
             safety
             ,
             without
             disputing
             the
             Right
             and
             Title
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             standeth
             ;
             and
             seeing
             this
             is
             the
             duty
             ,
             which
             we
             are
             willing
             to
             performe
             ,
             we
             crave
             the
             protection
             due
             to
             such
             as
             behave
             themselves
             after
             this
             manner
             ,
             although
             we
             subscribe
             not
             that
             Engagement
             ,
             which
             we
             conceive
             is
             greatly
             different
             from
             the
             tenor
             of
             these
             duties
             .
          
           
             This
             may
             be
             conceived
             to
             be
             the
             full
             strength
             and
             Rationality
             of
             their
             Plea
             :
             whereunto
             what
             by
             way
             of
             answer
             may
             be
             said
             ;
             shall
             afterwards
             distinctly
             appear
             in
             the
             Re-proposals
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             discovery
             of
             the
             way
             of
             satisfaction
             ,
             to
             be
             given
             hereunto
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             IV.
             
               What
               the
               straine
               of
               Christianity
               is
               ,
               which
               in
               the
               manner
               of
               the
               Proposall
               is
               followed
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             manner
             and
             way
             of
             proposing
             these
             matters
             ,
             as
             to
             Christianity
             
             seemes
             without
             offence
             ;
             the
             expressions
             being
             humble
             ,
             modest
             ,
             proper
             and
             grave
             ;
             the
             point
             of
             scruple
             solicitous
             ,
             open
             and
             plain
             :
             and
             the
             matter
             of
             their
             professed
             Resolution
             ,
             without
             vanity
             or
             presumption
             ,
             sad
             and
             serious
             ,
             and
             although
             the
             Title
             Page
             ,
             (
             if
             it
             be
             supposed
             that
             the
             Proposers
             of
             these
             doubts
             were
             also
             the
             Publishers
             thereof
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             Title
             Page
             was
             appointed
             by
             them
             to
             be
             made
             as
             it
             is
             )
             may
             seeme
             to
             contain
             something
             contradictory
             to
             the
             Proposals
             themselves
             ;
             something
             unconformable
             to
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             something
             offensive
             
             to
             the
             superiour
             Powers
             ,
             which
             governe
             us
             at
             present
             ;
             yet
             it
             is
             more
             sutable
             to
             charity
             ,
             to
             think
             that
             some
             inconsiderate
             Zelot
             ;
             rather
             then
             any
             considerable
             company
             of
             learned
             and
             pious
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             was
             the
             Publisher
             thereof
             ,
             and
             the
             Authour
             of
             the
             Title
             Page
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             not
             likely
             ,
             that
             any
             true
             Ministers
             of
             Christ
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             such
             concernment
             ,
             whiles
             they
             pretend
             to
             humility
             in
             their
             Proposals
             ;
             would
             at
             the
             publishing
             thereof
             ,
             claime
             to
             themselves
             the
             high
             Titles
             ,
             of
             
               Learned
            
             and
             of
             
               Divines
               :
            
             then
             which
             nothing
             almost
             could
             be
             counted
             more
             presumptuous
             in
             them
             ,
             nor
             could
             any
             sting
             be
             found
             more
             injurious
             
             to
             wound
             the
             Authority
             of
             their
             Rulers
             with
             all
             ;
             then
             to
             brand
             their
             publick
             Consultations
             ,
             and
             the
             designes
             which
             they
             have
             for
             common
             safety
             ;
             with
             the-Character
             which
             is
             given
             in
             
               Psal
            
             64.
             5.
             to
             persecuting
             wicked
             Atheists
             ,
             
               viz.
               That
               they
               commune
               of
               laying
               of
               Snares
               privily
               .
            
          
           
             But
             if
             any
             of
             themselves
             should
             have
             put
             forth
             these
             their
             own
             Proposals
             ;
             with
             these
             high
             commendations
             of
             themselves
             ;
             and
             with
             so
             much
             despite
             against
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             to
             whom
             they
             seeme
             willing
             to
             be
             humble
             sutors
             for
             a
             favour
             ;
             then
             it
             may
             be
             judged
             not
             onely
             indiscretion
             and
             vanity
             ;
             but
             malicious
             Hypocrisie
             (
             even
             against
             the
             very
             matter
             and
             scope
             of
             their
             own
             Proposals
             )
             in
             him
             (
             whosoever
             he
             is
             )
             that
             hath
             thus
             done
             it
             .
             For
             if
             this
             stinging
             expression
             
               (
               that
               they
               commune
               of
               laying
               of
               Snares
               privily
               )
            
             be
             the
             true
             meaning
             of
             the
             Proposers
             of
             these
             matters
             ;
             and
             their
             positive
             judgement
             of
             the
             way
             of
             those
             to
             whom
             they
             offer
             their
             Proposals
             ;
             it
             is
             apparent
             ,
             that
             by
             the
             publishing
             thereof
             ,
             they
             have
             none
             other
             aime
             ,
             but
             under
             a
             faire
             pretence
             of
             Reason
             and
             Humility
             ;
             to
             commend
             themselves
             unto
             the
             discontented
             multitude
             ,
             as
             learned
             and
             pious
             Divines
             ;
             and
             under
             that
             notion
             ,
             to
             foment
             in
             the
             popular
             weak
             apprehensions
             ,
             the
             plausible
             prejudices
             ,
             which
             the
             change
             of
             publick
             affaires
             hath
             begotten
             against
             the
             persons
             and
             the
             proceedings
             of
             their
             Governours
             :
             which
             to
             cover
             ,
             strengthen
             ,
             and
             insinuate
             under
             a
             Cloak
             of
             Religiousness
             ,
             and
             a
             colour
             of
             straitness
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             is
             as
             far
             from
             the
             truth
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             to
             God
             and
             Men
             is
             most
             abominable
             and
             hatefull
             .
          
           
             It
             ought
             therefore
             to
             be
             far
             from
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             to
             suspect
             that
             any
             pious
             Ministers
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             (
             who
             will
             one
             day
             reveale
             the
             secrets
             of
             all
             hearts
             )
             should
             be
             accessary
             to
             any
             such
             contrivance
             ;
             but
             how
             far
             the
             Publisher
             may
             be
             guilty
             thereof
             ,
             and
             what
             a
             prejudice
             he
             hath
             cast
             thereby
             upon
             the
             Proposals
             themselves
             ,
             and
             what
             a
             jealonsie
             he
             hath
             raised
             against
             the
             single
             aime
             and
             Christian
             intent
             thereof
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             left
             unto
             his
             own
             Conscience
             to
             be
             weighed
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             .
             It
             shall
             no
             way
             in
             the
             least
             degree
             forestall
             my
             judgment
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             matters
             themselves
             by
             way
             of
             Re-proposals
             ;
             nor
             my
             affection
             in
             the
             manner
             of
             representing
             the
             same
             to
             find
             a
             way
             of
             satisfaction
             thereunto
             .
          
        
         
         
           
             SECT.
             V.
             
               What
               those
               who
               have
               subscribed
               the
               Engagement
               ,
               may
               justly
               Re-propose
               unto
               these
               Proposals
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Ministers
             throughout
             this
             Nation
             ,
             who
             have
             judiciously
             and
             conscionably
             ,
             as
             a
             matter
             of
             duty
             taken
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             may
             justly
             represent
             and
             Re-propose
             to
             those
             ,
             who
             seeme
             offended
             at
             them
             for
             so
             doing
             ,
             this
             which
             followeth
             ;
             somewhat
             in
             imitation
             of
             their
             own
             stile
             ,
             and
             in
             Answer
             to
             these
             Proposals
             .
          
           
             
               We
               Ministers
               of
               the
               Gospel
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               have
               all
               of
               us
            
             
             
               from
               the
               beginning
               ,
               sought
               faithfully
               the
               Common
               good
               of
               the
               Nation
               ,
               and
               served
               therein
               the
               Parliament
               ,
               for
               the
               pursuance
               of
               the
               necessary
               ends
               of
               just
               Liberty
               and
               Réformation
               ;
               and
               have
               suffered
               heretofore
               many
               grievous
               things
               ,
               in
               our
               Names
               and
               Estates
               from
               the
               common
               enemy
               ;
               and
               are
               now
               (
               especially
               such
               of
               us
               as
               are
               posted
               up
               )
               like
               to
               become
               sufferers
               of
               the
               like
               or
               worse
               things
               from
               our
               Brethren
               ,
               and
               friends
               hereafter
               .
               Yet
               to
               this
               day
               we
               do
               constantly
               adhere
               to
               our
               first
               Principles
               ;
               and
               are
               not
               staggered
               ,
               either
               in
               resolutions
               or
               endeavours
               ,
               to
               maintaine
               in
               our
               places
               and
               stations
               the
               Peace
               of
               this
               Nation
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               to
               pay
               obedience
               to
               the
               Laws
               thereof
               .
               We
               conceive
               it
               our
               Duty
               in
               such
               a
               time
               as
               this
               ,
               by
               all
               wayes
               of
               justice
               ,
               of
               dutifullnesse
               ,
               and
               of
               Christian
               freedom
               with
               humility
               ;
               to
               preserve
               our
               inward
               Peace
               and
               outward
               safety
               ,
               by
               keeping
               a
               good
               Conscience
               ,
               in
               the
               case
               of
               the
               present
               Engagement
               ;
               which
               we
               being
               required
               to
               take
               ,
               and
               to
               subscribe
               could
               not
               refuse
               to
               do
               ,
               as
               finding
               our selves
               obliged
               therunto
               ,
               as
               to
               a
               Duty
               whereof
               we
               can
               give
               this
               rationall
               account
               to
               all
               that
               shall
               desire
               to
               know
               ,
               what
               our
               grounds
               are
               for
               doing
               the
               same
               .
            
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             We
             have
             taken
             and
             subscribed
             this
             Engagement
             ;
             because
             we
             hold
             our selves
             still
             bound
             ,
             by
             our
             former
             solemn
             Covenants
             and
             Engagements
             ,
             (
             as
             taken
             by
             us
             in
             that
             sense
             ,
             which
             their
             expresse
             words
             do
             undoubtedly
             declare
             ;
             which
             is
             most
             clearly
             sutable
             to
             their
             main
             ends
             of
             publick
             Peace
             and
             Safety
             ;
             and
             wherein
             it
             is
             at
             this
             time
             possible
             and
             lawfull
             for
             us
             to
             observe
             them
             )
             
             to
             uphold
             the
             grounds
             of
             Civill
             Government
             in
             this
             Land
             ;
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             humane
             society
             ,
             and
             prevention
             of
             all
             those
             evills
             ,
             which
             the
             outrages
             of
             wicked
             men
             un-restrained
             would
             produce
             therein
             ;
             which
             is
             the
             whole
             effect
             of
             this
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Upon
             mature
             deliberation
             we
             did
             perceive
             ;
             that
             
             the
             wise
             and
             holy
             Providence
             of
             God
             ,
             (
             whose
             judgements
             are
             unsearchable
             ,
             and
             wayes
             past
             finding
             out
             )
             hath
             at
             this
             time
             against
             and
             beyond
             all
             mens
             former
             thoughts
             and
             expectations
             ,
             shaken
             the
             foundations
             of
             this
             State
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             a
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             disabled
             that
             way
             of
             Government
             and
             all
             that
             depends
             thereon
             ,
             from
             affording
             any
             protection
             and
             preservation
             to
             any
             of
             the
             Inhabitants
             of
             this
             Land
             ;
             and
             hath
             inabled
             another
             forme
             of
             Government
             to
             afford
             it
             ;
             Wherefore
             we
             did
             conclude
             from
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             ;
             from
             the
             judgement
             of
             the
             Learned
             ;
             from
             the
             practise
             of
             Christians
             in
             former
             ages
             ;
             from
             our
             own
             Principles
             ;
             and
             from
             our
             former
             Engagements
             ;
             that
             it
             was
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             should
             quietly
             and
             peaceably
             set
             our selves
             in
             our
             places
             and
             callings
             ,
             to
             live
             under
             this
             Government
             ;
             and
             to
             submit
             to
             it
             ,
             in
             such
             things
             as
             are
             imposed
             upon
             ,
             or
             required
             of
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             Powers
             which
             are
             in
             actuall
             possession
             ;
             being
             things
             in
             themselves
             lawfull
             and
             necessary
             ,
             or
             expedient
             to
             the
             preservation
             of
             our selves
             and
             others
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             because
             although
             we
             found
             others
             making
             a
             question
             
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             how
             those
             who
             governe
             at
             present
             are
             come
             to
             the
             helme
             ;
             yet
             we
             conceived
             that
             in
             this
             case
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             we
             were
             bound
             without
             disputing
             the
             right
             or
             title
             of
             those
             that
             are
             in
             place
             of
             Magistracy
             ;
             to
             declare
             our
             willingnesse
             to
             be
             true
             and
             faithfull
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             of
             this
             Nation
             ,
             which
             now
             doth
             stand
             without
             a
             King
             ,
             and
             House
             of
             Lords
             :
             because
             we
             found
             this
             clear
             duty
             included
             in
             the
             obvious
             
             sense
             thereof
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             because
             we
             clearly
             conceive
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             no
             difference
             at
             all
             between
             the
             submission
             which
             the
             Authours
             of
             the
             Proposals
             themselves
             rightly
             acknowledge
             to
             be
             due
             to
             the
             Powers
             ,
             which
             are
             in
             actuall
             possession
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             required
             by
             the
             subscription
             to
             this
             Engagement
             :
             for
             seeing
             the
             expresse
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             give
             no
             ground
             ,
             to
             interpret
             
             the
             Act
             of
             subscription
             ,
             beyond
             that
             which
             is
             a
             clear
             and
             known
             duty
             :
             therefore
             we
             think
             it
             not
             (
             as
             to
             our
             Consciences
             )
             warrantable
             to
             interpret
             it
             otherwise
             ;
             but
             we
             rather
             think
             it
             contrary
             to
             a
             known
             duty
             ,
             to
             make
             of
             a
             thing
             in
             it self
             lawful
             and
             necessary
             at
             this
             time
             ,
             any
             scrupulous
             interpretation
             beyond
             what
             the
             words
             import
             ;
             or
             to
             suspend
             obedience
             from
             a
             duty
             ,
             upon
             the
             conjecture
             of
             something
             which
             may
             be
             thought
             undutifull
             ,
             
             when
             that
             which
             is
             to
             our
             Conscience
             a
             known
             duty
             is
             apparent
             :
             Upon
             which
             ground
             we
             declare
             ,
             that
             we
             trouble
             not
             our selves
             ,
             nor
             do
             we
             think
             it
             lawfull
             to
             stagger
             others
             in
             their
             thoughts
             ;
             with
             the
             inferences
             which
             the
             Proposers
             make
             upon
             the
             Subscription
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             with
             Reference
             to
             these
             
               Queries
               .
            
          
           
             As
             how
             far
             it
             doth
             imply
             an
             approbation
             of
             the
             manner
             of
             the
             present
             Establishment
             ;
             Whether
             as
             effected
             by
             a
             full
             and
             free
             Authority
             yea
             or
             no
             ?
             whether
             yea
             or
             no
             ,
             it
             doth
             imply
             an
             active
             Concurrence
             ,
             and
             a
             ratifying
             consent
             of
             the
             People
             thereunto
             ,
             further
             then
             what
             hath
             been
             already
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             due
             to
             the
             Powers
             in
             actual
             possession
             ;
             by
             all
             that
             are
             in
             subjection
             under
             them
             ,
             and
             depend
             upon
             their
             protection
             ?
             and
             whether
             yea
             or
             no
             ,
             and
             how
             far
             it
             fastens
             an
             obligation
             to
             act
             to
             the
             strengthening
             and
             promoting
             of
             the
             Government
             ,
             which
             is
             at
             present
             ,
             or
             may
             be
             hereafter
             established
             by
             the
             advantage
             of
             possible
             power
             ?
             we
             say
             ,
             that
             to
             trouble
             our
             own
             ,
             or
             other
             mens
             weaker
             Consciences
             ,
             with
             these
             or
             such
             like
             doubtfull
             Conjectures
             to
             colour
             the
             suspension
             of
             our
             own
             ,
             or
             occasion
             the
             aversion
             of
             other
             mens
             affections
             from
             yielding
             obedience
             to
             a
             clear
             and
             confessed
             
             duty
             ,
             is
             not
             onely
             preposterous
             and
             contrary
             to
             the
             aime
             of
             healing
             breaches
             ,
             and
             of
             advancing
             a
             publick
             good
             in
             this
             time
             of
             distraction
             ;
             but
             inconsistent
             (
             as
             to
             our
             reason
             )
             with
             the
             obvious
             meaning
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             which
             are
             to
             be
             subscribed
             ,
             and
             disagreeing
             (
             as
             to
             our
             affections
             )
             with
             the
             Charity
             due
             ,
             no
             lesse
             to
             superiours
             ,
             then
             to
             other
             men
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             to
             think
             evill
             when
             good
             may
             be
             thought
             of
             them
             .
             
             And
             lastly
             ,
             it
             is
             opposite
             (
             as
             to
             our
             spirits
             )
             unto
             that
             wisdom
             which
             is
             from
             above
             (
             the
             Rule
             of
             our
             walking
             )
             teaching
             us
             ,
             to
             have
             pure
             and
             peaceable
             thoughts
             in
             all
             our
             actings
             ;
             to
             perform
             duties
             in
             Godly
             simplicity
             ,
             and
             without
             worldly
             wisdom
             ;
             to
             be
             
             
             gentle
             and
             easily
             intreated
             ,
             to
             do
             good
             works
             without
             partial
             scrupulosity
             ,
             and
             without
             hypocrisie
             .
             
          
           
             And
             upon
             these
             principles
             of
             true
             wisdom
             (
             which
             we
             humbly
             conceive
             are
             not
             laid
             to
             heart
             ,
             by
             our
             Brethren
             in
             the
             third
             Paragraph
             of
             their
             Proposals
             )
             we
             professedly
             wave
             all
             those
             scruples
             and
             the
             stumbling-blocks
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             laid
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             wherewith
             they
             have
             puzled
             others
             ,
             upon
             this
             clear
             Account
             ;
             that
             whenever
             the
             consideration
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             are
             said
             to
             be
             implyed
             in
             the
             Subscription
             (
             which
             we
             see
             not
             )
             shall
             come
             before
             us
             ,
             to
             be
             circumstantially
             considered
             for
             the
             edification
             of
             others
             ,
             or
             the
             clearing
             of
             our
             own
             way
             ;
             we
             then
             shall
             be
             most
             ready
             to
             declare
             our
             sence
             therein
             ,
             according
             to
             known
             principles
             and
             the
             circumstances
             ,
             which
             God
             shall
             offer
             ;
             but
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             we
             think
             it
             answerable
             to
             the
             Duty
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             acquiesce
             in
             this
             plain
             and
             generall
             Resolution
             ;
             that
             whatsoever
             hereafter
             shall
             appear
             to
             us
             in
             any
             of
             these
             doubtfull
             Cases
             to
             be
             a
             truth
             ,
             or
             a
             duty
             ;
             to
             be
             asserted
             or
             performed
             ,
             for
             the
             good
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             (
             under
             what
             forme
             ,
             or
             without
             what
             forme
             soever
             we
             find
             it
             established
             )
             we
             shall
             hold
             forth
             the
             same
             freely
             in
             word
             and
             deed
             towards
             all
             ,
             behaving
             our selves
             therein
             accordingly
             in
             a
             peaceable
             manner
             .
             Because
             to
             do
             otherwise
             ,
             we
             think
             it
             so
             far
             from
             following
             a
             known
             Rule
             of
             Christianity
             in
             uprightness
             and
             simplicity
             ,
             that
             it
             tends
             to
             nothing
             else
             but
             a
             prejudicate
             forestallment
             of
             our
             own
             and
             other
             mens
             thoughts
             ,
             by
             the
             laying
             of
             snares
             and
             stumbling-blocks
             before
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             thing
             then
             which
             we
             re-propose
             to
             our
             brethren
             is
             this
             .
          
           
             That
             as
             we
             ingenuously
             conceive
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             difference
             at
             all
             between
             the
             things
             which
             they
             themselves
             have
             mentioned
             to
             
             be
             duties
             of
             Subjects
             to
             Superiours
             ,
             and
             the
             Subscription
             required
             by
             the
             present
             Authority
             to
             the
             obvious
             sence
             of
             the
             Engagement
             :
             So
             we
             say
             to
             that
             which
             they
             call
             a
             difference
             ,
             that
             notwithstanding
             this
             Subscription
             ,
             it
             is
             free
             for
             us
             in
             Conscience
             to
             think
             differently
             of
             the
             manner
             of
             the
             Establishment
             ,
             according
             to
             that
             which
             our
             judgement
             and
             light
             doth
             or
             shall
             dictate
             unto
             us
             in
             reference
             to
             changeable
             circumstances
             ,
             if
             onely
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             circumstances
             however
             changeable
             ;
             we
             engage
             
             our
             truth
             and
             faithfulness
             towards
             the
             publick
             good
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             under
             the
             same
             :
             whence
             we
             do
             acknowledge
             ,
             that
             upon
             this
             Engagement
             these
             consequences
             will
             follow
             ,
             as
             to
             our
             Consciences
             .
          
           
             
               First
               ,
            
             That
             we
             are
             bound
             to
             approve
             of
             the
             present
             establishment
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             the
             manifestation
             of
             our
             truth
             and
             faithfulness
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             doth
             oblige
             us
             in
             our
             places
             to
             follow
             quietly
             our
             own
             Callings
             ,
             whether
             the
             Authority
             over
             us
             be
             full
             and
             free
             or
             no
             .
          
           
             
               Secondly
               .
            
             That
             we
             ought
             not
             to
             suspend
             and
             denie
             our
             active
             concurrence
             and
             ratifying
             consent
             to
             any
             thing
             which
             in
             the
             present
             establishment
             shall
             be
             offered
             and
             found
             lawfull
             and
             necessary
             for
             common
             safety
             ;
             being
             offered
             to
             us
             by
             the
             Authority
             which
             is
             ,
             especially
             because
             it
             is
             declared
             ,
             that
             the
             Originall
             of
             all
             just
             power
             is
             in
             the
             People
             :
             therefore
             conceiving
             that
             our
             consent
             is
             required
             hereunto
             ,
             (
             as
             being
             some
             of
             the
             People
             )
             we
             judge
             it
             our
             duty
             in
             this
             sense
             to
             give
             it
             ;
             least
             we
             become
             accessary
             to
             the
             causes
             of
             disturbing
             our
             present
             peace
             or
             future
             settlement
             .
          
           
             
               Thirdly
               ,
            
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             obliged
             in
             things
             lawfull
             ,
             necessary
             and
             expedient
             for
             common
             safety
             to
             act
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             in
             all
             places
             and
             capacities
             ,
             to
             the
             promoting
             and
             strengthening
             of
             the
             Establishment
             which
             Gods
             providence
             hath
             set
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             inabled
             to
             afford
             us
             just
             protection
             .
          
           
             And
             seeing
             by
             this
             Engagement
             ,
             we
             think
             not
             our selves
             bound
             up
             by
             any
             words
             expressed
             therein
             ;
             to
             the
             particulars
             :
             
               (
               Of
               a
               full
               and
               free
               Authority
               ;
               of
               the
               consent
               of
               the
               people
               ;
               and
               of
               the
               strengthening
               of
               another
               establishment
               ,
               which
               may
               set
               it self
               up
               ,
               &c.
               )
            
             implyed
             and
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Proposals
             :
             but
             meane
             to
             declare
             by
             our
             subscription
             ,
             thus
             farre
             only
             as
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             our
             
               approbation
               of
               ,
            
             our
             
               ratefying
               consent
               unto
               ,
            
             and
             our
             
               obligation
               towards
            
             the
             present
             establishment
             :
             therefore
             we
             conceive
             not
             that
             we
             do
             violate
             any
             of
             our
             former
             Oaths
             ,
             Protestations
             or
             solemne
             League
             and
             Covenant
             ,
             whereunto
             by
             the
             former
             Commands
             
             of
             Parliament
             we
             actually
             were
             ,
             or
             implicitely
             could
             be
             obliged
             ,
             but
             we
             remember
             very
             well
             ,
             and
             consider
             concerning
             the
             Covenant
             ;
             both
             the
             time
             when
             ,
             and
             the
             manner
             how
             ,
             and
             the
             matter
             whereunto
             we
             were
             engaged
             by
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             
             sense
             wherein
             we
             then
             took
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             asseverations
             that
             we
             should
             never
             be
             drawn
             from
             it
             by
             any
             terrour
             or
             combination
             whatsoever
             ;
             and
             the
             durable
             obligation
             brought
             upon
             our selves
             by
             it
             ,
             even
             all
             the
             dayes
             of
             our
             life
             ;
             and
             the
             consideration
             which
             we
             had
             before
             our
             eyes
             in
             the
             taking
             of
             it
             ;
             namely
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ;
             the
             advancement
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             in
             the
             second
             place
             ;
             &
             the
             happinesse
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             his
             Posterity
             ,
             as
             subordinate
             ,
             and
             in
             order
             thereunto
             (
             by
             the
             liberties
             of
             the
             Nation
             preserved
             )
             in
             the
             third
             place
             ;
             all
             which
             things
             ,
             as
             we
             did
             formerly
             ,
             so
             we
             do
             still
             duely
             consider
             :
             and
             find
             by
             the
             changeablenesse
             of
             publick
             affaires
             upon
             circumstances
             ,
             which
             Gods
             providence
             hath
             ordered
             for
             judgement
             over
             some
             ,
             and
             for
             mercy
             towards
             others
             ;
             and
             by
             the
             unsut●blenesse
             of
             the
             late
             Kings
             wayes
             with
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             inconsistency
             of
             his
             course
             with
             the
             publick
             welfare
             of
             this
             Nation
             :
             that
             the
             present
             frame
             of
             the
             State
             which
             now
             is
             ,
             though
             different
             from
             what
             then
             was
             ,
             hath
             not
             been
             set
             up
             by
             any
             breach
             of
             Covenant
             :
             and
             that
             the
             Engagement
             whereinto
             we
             are
             entered
             ,
             to
             be
             
               true
               and
               faithfull
               to
               this
               Common-Wealth
               ,
               as
               it
               now
               is
            
             (
             viz.
             )
             
               established
               without
               a
               King
               ,
               and
               House
               of
               Lords
               ,
            
             hath
             nothing
             at
             all
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             former
             Engagements
             ;
             or
             doth
             give
             us
             the
             least
             cause
             to
             carry
             about
             with
             us
             a
             conscience
             (
             as
             to
             these
             things
             )
             trembling
             and
             doubtfull
             ,
             because
             we
             finde
             our selves
             free
             from
             all
             guilt
             of
             the
             least
             intention
             of
             violating
             any
             former
             promises
             ,
             in
             things
             which
             are
             possible
             and
             lawfull
             to
             be
             done
             by
             us
             in
             our
             places
             ;
             which
             were
             unalterable
             conditions
             of
             all
             humane
             promises
             ,
             at
             all
             times
             presupposed
             and
             implyed
             therein
             .
             
          
           
             Nor
             is
             there
             now
             (
             to
             our
             understanding
             )
             any
             parity
             of
             reason
             ;
             in
             that
             which
             we
             at
             this
             time
             do
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             would
             have
             been
             if
             we
             had
             done
             the
             like
             in
             time
             past
             :
             for
             although
             it
             would
             have
             been
             undoubtedly
             inconsistent
             with
             our
             Covenant
             at
             that
             time
             ;
             when
             King
             ,
             Lords
             and
             Commons
             made
             up
             a
             Parliament
             ,
             to
             have
             subscribed
             any
             Engagement
             to
             the
             King
             &
             Lords
             (
             if
             it
             should
             by
             their
             Agreement
             &
             Authority
             have
             been
             required
             of
             us
             )
             without
             the
             Commons
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             because
             the
             Covenant
             did
             expresly
             subordinate
             the
             relation
             which
             we
             had
             to
             the
             King
             and
             Lords
             ,
             unto
             the
             relation
             which
             we
             had
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             yet
             now
             it
             
             cannot
             be
             understood
             to
             be
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             tenor
             there
             of
             (
             when
             there
             is
             no
             King
             nor
             House
             of
             Lords
             in
             being
             )
             to
             be
             without
             them
             engaged
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             :
             because
             we
             never
             understood
             our selves
             otherwise
             engaged
             ,
             nor
             could
             we
             justly
             by
             any
             Covenant
             or
             Oath
             whatsoever
             be
             otherwise
             engaged
             to
             them
             ;
             but
             in
             order
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             as
             they
             were
             true
             and
             faithfull
             to
             the
             same
             .
             Therefore
             there
             is
             no
             parity
             of
             reason
             in
             that
             ,
             which
             then
             would
             have
             been
             to
             that
             which
             now
             is
             ;
             neither
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             fundamentall
             relation
             of
             being
             eq●ally
             engaged
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             :
             nor
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             comparative
             relation
             ,
             in
             cases
             of
             division
             and
             opposition
             ,
             which
             was
             our
             condition
             a
             while
             ago
             :
             nor
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             present
             circumstances
             of
             our
             establishment
             ,
             wherein
             there
             is
             none
             other
             Power
             and
             Authority
             visible
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             the
             Commons
             in
             Parliament
             ,
             as
             Representatives
             to
             that
             Common-wealth
             ;
             to
             which
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             in
             all
             cases
             and
             capacities
             ,
             we
             finde
             our selves
             undoubtedly
             obliged
             to
             be
             true
             and
             faithfull
             ;
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             willing
             and
             active
             to
             procure
             the
             Peace
             ,
             the
             Safety
             ,
             the
             Plenty
             ,
             and
             the
             Welfare
             of
             this
             Nationall
             Society
             ,
             in
             a
             Parliamentary
             way
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             with
             ,
             or
             without
             a
             King
             and
             House
             of
             Lords
             :
             nor
             can
             any
             just
             desire
             of
             the
             personall
             prosperity
             of
             a
             man
             capable
             of
             being
             on
             a
             Throne
             ,
             or
             of
             men
             called
             Lords
             ,
             (
             which
             yet
             we
             do
             not
             wish
             any
             should
             be
             deprived
             of
             in
             what
             is
             their
             just
             due
             )
             be
             justly
             laid
             in
             the
             ballance
             by
             us
             ,
             with
             that
             faithfulnesse
             which
             we
             owe
             to
             the
             whole
             Common-wealth
             :
             nor
             can
             the
             present
             want
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             any
             thing
             which
             they
             can
             claim
             justly
             ,
             prejudice
             the
             truth
             of
             our
             affection
             ,
             towards
             the
             publick
             weale
             of
             the
             Nation
             in
             a
             way
             without
             them
             ,
             no
             more
             then
             their
             presenct
             heretofore
             did
             take
             us
             off
             from
             aiming
             at
             the
             same
             publick
             weale
             of
             the
             Nation
             ,
             by
             the
             way
             wherein
             they
             formerly
             stood
             .
             There
             can
             bethere
             fore
             no
             parity
             of
             reason
             found
             ,
             why
             the
             Engagement
             to
             the
             one
             should
             sway
             with
             us
             as
             much
             as
             to
             the
             other
             ,
             although
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             Lords-House
             were
             in
             being
             ,
             which
             the
             former
             Engagements
             did
             presuppose
             :
             but
             now
             this
             presupposall
             failing
             without
             our
             guilt
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             own
             miscarriages
             against
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             all
             the
             Engagements
             by
             which
             we
             were
             bound
             unto
             them
             ,
             are
             
               ipsofacto
               ,
            
             made
             void
             ;
             and
             our
             present
             Engagement
             to
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             Parl
             ,
             therein
             ,
             is
             still
             the
             same
             which
             it
             was
             ;
             nor
             could
             any
             Covenant
             or
             
             Oath
             ever
             alter
             it
             ,
             nor
             did
             any
             of
             us
             ever
             intend
             to
             infringe
             it
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             we
             shall
             further
             re-propose
             unto
             these
             Proposers
             
             almost
             in
             their
             own-words
             ,
             that
             these
             things
             being
             thus
             considered
             (
             as
             we
             conceive
             them
             to
             be
             truthes
             clear
             and
             unquestionable
             to
             all
             rationall
             mens
             capacities
             )
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             this
             Engagement
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             full
             relation
             wherein
             it
             stands
             to
             former
             Engagements
             ,
             cannot
             in
             our
             judgements
             minister
             the
             least
             matter
             of
             scandall
             or
             offence
             to
             any
             man
             whatsoever
             ,
             either
             good
             or
             bad
             :
             who
             although
             they
             are
             not
             able
             to
             make
             ,
             or
             happily
             so
             much
             as
             to
             understand
             subtile
             distinctions
             ,
             (
             for
             we
             make
             none
             ,
             nor
             need
             we
             to
             seek
             for
             any
             )
             whereby
             guilt
             may
             either
             be
             evaded
             or
             palliated
             ;
             yet
             we
             hardly
             can
             imagine
             ,
             that
             any
             will
             be
             so
             irrationally
             and
             unconscionably
             injurious
             to
             us
             ,
             as
             to
             look
             upon
             us
             ,
             as
             breakers
             of
             our
             oaths
             and
             covenants
             in
             this
             case
             ;
             or
             as
             prevaricators
             of
             the
             most
             sacred
             and
             solemne
             things
             ;
             or
             as
             men
             of
             ductile
             spirits
             unto
             evill
             ;
             (
             for
             to
             be
             ductile
             to
             our
             duty
             is
             our
             glory
             )
             or
             of
             prostituted
             consciences
             ,
             or
             led
             by
             Principles
             of
             fear
             or
             interest
             ;
             which
             prejudices
             (
             seeing
             it
             cannot
             be
             denied
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             only
             founded
             upon
             the
             ignorance
             and
             mistakes
             of
             some
             men
             ;
             and
             upon
             the
             malicious
             informations
             and
             wrongfull
             suggestions
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             not
             upon
             any
             solid
             or
             just
             reasons
             :
             therefore
             they
             )
             do
             grosly
             wound
             the
             Gospell
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             raile
             at
             us
             ,
             or
             post
             us
             up
             to
             be
             persecuted
             ;
             and
             proclaime
             us
             to
             be
             perjured
             ;
             wrong
             us
             their
             innocent
             brethren
             ,
             and
             expose
             our
             Ministry
             to
             scorn
             ,
             (
             the
             honour
             whereof
             ought
             to
             be
             dearer
             to
             us
             then
             our
             lives
             )
             endanger
             the
             reputation
             ,
             and
             so
             weaken
             the
             power
             of
             it
             in
             the
             conscience
             of
             our
             hearers
             (
             who
             in
             these
             times
             of
             distraction
             are
             soon
             perswaded
             to
             have
             low
             thoughts
             of
             their
             Ministers
             ;
             chiefly
             when
             Ministers
             themselves
             study
             to
             make
             one
             another
             contemptible
             )
             as
             that
             it
             needs
             must
             be
             believed
             ,
             that
             both
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             State
             also
             ,
             will
             be
             greater
             loosers
             by
             their
             disorderly
             carriage
             against
             the
             subscribers
             of
             the
             Engagement
             then
             either
             they
             ,
             or
             any body
             else
             ;
             can
             be
             gainers
             by
             their
             nonscribing
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             We
             shall
             desire
             alwayes
             with
             our
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             we
             hope
             no
             lesse
             then
             they
             ,
             to
             keep
             in
             mind
             the
             noble
             resolution
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             who
             would
             not
             in
             case
             of
             scandall
             use
             his
             own
             just
             power
             ,
             
             but
             chose
             freely
             to
             suffer
             all
             outward
             inconveniences
             to
             himselfe
             ,
             rather
             then
             to
             hinder
             the
             Gospell
             of
             Christ
             ;
             concluding
             that
             it
             
             was
             better
             for
             him
             to
             die
             ,
             then
             that
             any
             in
             that
             behalf
             should
             make
             his
             glorying
             void
             :
             but
             he
             never
             chose
             to
             neglect
             any
             part
             of
             a
             necessary
             Duty
             ,
             for
             fear
             of
             any
             Kings
             or
             Lords
             displeasure
             ;
             or
             for
             the
             apprehension
             of
             any
             unjust
             reproaches
             ,
             to
             be
             cast
             upon
             himself
             by
             other
             men
             although
             perhapsBrethren
             ,
             he
             was
             resolved
             ,
             and
             did
             conclude
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             to
             go
             through
             evill
             and
             good
             report
             ●nd
             rather
             to
             suffer
             bonds
             &
             death
             ,
             then
             not
             to
             procced
             in
             the
             work
             of
             his
             calling
             according
             
             to
             his
             Conscience
             :
             nor
             could
             any
             combination
             offew
             or
             of
             many
             brethren
             together
             ,
             take
             him
             off
             from
             such
             a
             resolution
             ;
             although
             otherwise
             in
             matters
             free
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             left
             undone
             as
             might
             tend
             to
             edification
             ,
             he
             was
             of
             a
             most
             ductile
             spirit
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             most
             facile
             and
             yielding
             disposition
             .
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             9.
             19
             ,
             20.
             21.
             22.
             
          
           
             We
             shall
             therefore
             again
             say
             with
             the
             Proposers
             in
             our
             Case
             ;
             that
             upon
             these
             and
             such
             like
             grounds
             purely
             consciencious
             ,
             and
             
             not
             out
             of
             any
             private
             interest
             or
             design
             ;
             but
             for
             the
             manifestation
             of
             our
             affection
             towards
             the
             peace
             of
             this
             Common-wealth
             we
             were
             not
             necessitated
             to
             forbear
             ;
             but
             were
             free
             to
             yield
             obedience
             to
             the
             Subscription
             ,
             which
             was
             required
             of
             us
             .
             And
             although
             how
             we
             need
             not
             for
             our
             ownsatisfaction
             ,
             to
             desire
             any
             
             debate
             about
             the
             Engagement
             ;
             yet
             if
             any
             shall
             desire
             a
             friendly
             conference
             with
             us
             about
             the
             same
             ,
             we
             shall
             no
             manner
             of
             way
             decline
             it
             ;
             but
             rather
             further
             it
             on
             our
             parts
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             rightly
             ordered
             unto
             edification
             .
          
           
             As
             concerning
             the
             ensnaring
             Oaths
             ,
             and
             Subscriptions
             offered
             by
             former
             Governours
             ;
             we
             truly
             desire
             they
             may
             be
             duly
             considered
             ,
             
             and
             that
             the
             just
             judgement
             of
             God
             brought
             upon
             those
             ,
             who
             without
             respect
             to
             tender
             Consciences
             did
             presse
             them
             ,
             and
             lay
             them
             as
             stumbling
             blocks
             before
             their
             Brethren
             ,
             may
             be
             apprehended
             and
             seared
             ;
             but
             we
             conceive
             ,
             that
             the
             requiring
             of
             a
             generall
             promise
             from
             Subjects
             ,
             to
             performe
             an
             undeniable
             and
             unquestionable
             Duty
             to
             the
             Communalty
             wherein
             they
             live
             by
             these
             that
             have
             the
             power
             of
             affording
             ,
             or
             refusing
             Civill
             protection
             to
             them
             ,
             is
             not
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             with
             those
             former
             Oaths
             and
             Subscriptions
             ,
             which
             former
             Governours
             did
             require
             ;
             for
             the
             former
             did
             relate
             unto
             matters
             of
             Religious
             concernment
             ;
             and
             not
             unto
             matters
             meerly
             Civill
             ,
             as
             this
             latter
             
             doth
             ;
             and
             then
             it
             is
             one
             thing
             ,
             to
             seek
             advantages
             against
             those
             whom
             we
             would
             entrap
             :
             (
             which
             was
             the
             Episcopall
             designe
             in
             their
             Canons
             )
             and
             another
             thing
             ,
             to
             lay
             the
             foundation
             of
             mutuall
             trust
             and
             confidence
             ,
             between
             those
             that
             are
             to
             make
             up
             one
             Body
             Politick
             together
             ;
             For
             a●
             this
             subscription
             doth
             tend
             to
             nothing
             in
             it self
             ,
             but
             this
             :
             so
             we
             are
             confident
             .
             that
             it
             is
             not
             proposed
             to
             any
             other
             end
             .
             Therefore
             we
             are
             full
             of
             hope
             ,
             that
             none
             will
             smart
             for
             it
             ;
             but
             such
             as
             are
             wilfull
             disturbers
             of
             the
             publick
             Peace
             and
             Safety
             :
             and
             that
             none
             may
             be
             found
             in
             such
             a
             Categorie
             ,
             our
             work
             shall
             be
             to
             gaine
             all
             men
             to
             their
             Duties
             ,
             by
             a
             clear
             conviction
             of
             their
             understanding
             concerning
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             faithfulnesse
             which
             they
             owe
             to
             the
             Publick
             :
             nor
             shall
             we
             delight
             to
             make
             any
             odious
             ,
             for
             not
             subscribing
             towards
             those
             that
             are
             in
             Authority
             ,
             as
             we
             are
             made
             odious
             rowards
             the
             multitude
             for
             discharging
             our
             conscience
             in
             subscribing
             ;
             but
             we
             shall
             rather
             condole
             with
             such
             ,
             as
             conscionably
             abstaine
             from
             subscribing
             ;
             being
             grieved
             ,
             that
             by
             their
             own
             default
             in
             Duty
             ,
             or
             weaknesse
             ,
             
             they
             should
             be
             cast
             upon
             the
             sad
             Dilemma
             ,
             either
             to
             be
             lyable
             to
             the
             displeasure
             and
             just
             jealousie
             of
             their
             Superiours
             ;
             or
             to
             be
             under
             the
             trouble
             of
             their
             own
             Spirits
             ;
             which
             the
             fear
             aswell
             of
             sinning
             ,
             as
             of
             chusing
             affliction
             doth
             bring
             unto
             men
             of
             Conscience
             and
             ingenuity
             :
             and
             that
             these
             inconveniences
             may
             be
             avoided
             ,
             we
             shall
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             pray
             and
             interceede
             for
             them
             ;
             that
             the
             many
             yeares
             exprience
             of
             their
             quiet
             behaviour
             
             and
             faithfull
             services
             ,
             may
             be
             accepted
             towards
             a
             just
             degree
             of
             security
             ,
             and
             assurance
             for
             future
             peaceablenesse
             :
             and
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             exhort
             and
             intreat
             ,
             that
             as
             none
             should
             subscribe
             faignedly
             to
             the
             profession
             of
             their
             duty
             :
             so
             all
             may
             do
             it
             sincerely
             ;
             but
             especially
             such
             ,
             as
             hitherto
             have
             been
             faithfull
             to
             the
             Cause
             ;
             and
             amongst
             all
             these
             most
             chiefly
             ,
             such
             as
             stand
             piously
             for
             the
             Testimony
             of
             
               Jesus
               ,
            
             either
             in
             the
             Classicall
             or
             Congregationall
             Ministry
             :
             lest
             through
             their
             failing
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             some
             that
             watch
             for
             advantages
             against
             the
             Office
             of
             the
             Ministry
             it self
             ;
             and
             from
             their
             least
             haltings
             ,
             make
             use
             of
             opportunities
             ,
             ●o
             powre
             contempt
             upon
             the
             function
             ;
             may
             not
             see
             their
             hearts
             desire
             brought
             to
             passe
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             Thus
             then
             we
             ,
             who
             at
             present
             ,
             upon
             these
             considerations
             to
             our
             Consciences
             satisfactory
             ;
             and
             before
             all
             men
             justisiable
             ,
             are
             
             free
             to
             subscribe
             the
             Engagement
             as
             our
             Duty
             ;
             do
             lovingly
             ,
             as
             
             Brethren
             ,
             beseech
             those
             that
             subscribe
             it
             not
             ,
             not
             to
             censure
             or
             asperse
             us
             (
             whose
             reputation
             is
             as
             necessary
             for
             others
             as
             a
             good
             Conscience
             for
             our selves
             )
             to
             be
             men
             that
             draw
             reproach
             upon
             Religion
             ;
             and
             vilifie
             the
             reputation
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             service
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             is
             advanced
             ;
             nor
             cause
             others
             to
             think
             of
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             esteme
             Oaths
             as
             changeable
             as
             Opinions
             ,
             and
             so
             brand
             us
             with
             the
             odious
             marks
             of
             equivocation
             and
             prevarication
             ,
             nor
             to
             subject
             us
             unto
             the
             contempt
             and
             hate
             of
             all
             ,
             as
             men
             of
             loose
             and
             uncertain
             principles
             ;
             and
             we
             shall
             endeavour
             (
             so
             far
             as
             God
             shall
             give
             us
             favour
             with
             out
             Superiours
             )
             to
             procure
             to
             them
             ,
             the
             grant
             of
             their
             equitable
             desires
             ;
             that
             none
             of
             them
             may
             be
             out-lawed
             ,
             untill
             by
             wilfull
             violation
             of
             the
             Lawes
             they
             deprive
             themselvs
             of
             the
             protection
             ,
             and
             forfeit
             the
             benefit
             thereof
             ;
             which
             we
             should
             be
             exceeding
             sorry
             for
             their
             and
             the
             Gospels
             .
             sake
             ,
             to
             perceive
             in
             any
             of
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             VI
             .
             
               What
               course
               may
               be
               taken
               to
               give
               these
               Scruplers
               full
               satisfaction
               .
            
          
           
             IN
             the
             fore-going
             Section
             ,
             the
             subscribers
             have
             apologized
             for
             themselves
             ;
             and
             I
             have
             said
             in
             their
             Name
             ,
             that
             which
             I
             am
             perswaded
             all
             may
             ,
             and
             most
             will
             assent
             unto
             ;
             to
             wipe
             off
             the
             
               odium
               ,
            
             and
             foul
             aspersions
             which
             are
             cast
             upon
             them
             for
             their
             forwardnesse
             to
             do
             their
             duty
             .
             Now
             I
             shall
             humbly
             offer
             something
             further
             ,
             towards
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             these
             Scruplers
             ;
             that
             if
             the
             Re-proposals
             of
             the
             Subscribers
             ,
             clear
             not
             their
             doubts
             sufficiently
             ;
             some
             other
             Overtures
             may
             not
             be
             wanting
             to
             ease
             them
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             induce
             them
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             their
             Duty
             .
          
           
             If
             then
             ,
             in
             Charity
             to
             them
             whom
             I
             esteem
             brethren
             ,
             and
             in
             Prudency
             to
             our selves
             ,
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             publick
             Peace
             ,
             by
             some
             mutuall
             assurance
             of
             fidelity
             between
             fellow-Subjects
             ;
             it
             
             is
             expedient
             to
             think
             upon
             some
             satisfactory
             course
             ,
             how
             to
             prevent
             further
             devisions
             ,
             and
             heale
             (
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             )
             our
             breaches
             :
             
             left
             the
             Common
             enemy
             both
             of
             Religion
             and
             Liberty
             ,
             get
             his
             fit
             opportunity
             ,
             by
             co-operating
             with
             our
             failings
             ,
             to
             set
             us
             aworke
             to
             destroy
             each
             other
             ,
             who
             together
             have
             co-operated
             hitherto
             in
             the
             common
             cause
             of
             Reformation
             ,
             and
             just
             liberty
             ;
             If
             (
             I
             say
             )
             this
             be
             expedient
             to
             be
             thought
             upon
             ,
             I
             would
             humbly
             suggest
             ,
             towards
             the
             removing
             of
             these
             Scruples
             ;
             whether
             conscientiously
             by
             single-hearted
             Brethren
             ,
             or
             politically
             by
             some
             others
             who
             have
             double
             designes
             entertained
             ;
             these
             ensuing
             Motions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Because
             no
             man
             can
             possibly
             receive
             full
             satisfaction
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             except
             he
             will
             uncase
             himself
             that
             all
             his
             doubtings
             
             may
             be
             known
             to
             those
             that
             sincerely
             study
             his
             content
             ;
             therefore
             our
             Brethren
             who
             make
             these
             Proposals
             are
             to
             be
             intreated
             to
             declare
             ;
             whether
             yea
             or
             no
             these
             be
             all
             the
             scruples
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             against
             the
             Subscription
             to
             the
             Engagement
             ;
             So
             that
             if
             these
             be
             removed
             ,
             nothing
             will
             further
             hinder
             their
             Subscription
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             these
             are
             all
             their
             scruples
             ,
             and
             that
             nothing
             is
             further
             desired
             but
             the
             removall
             thereof
             ,
             then
             our
             Brethren
             are
             in
             the
             next
             place
             to
             be
             intreated
             further
             to
             declare
             ;
             whether
             they
             have
             in
             their
             eye
             any
             way
             of
             clearing
             these
             doubts
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             conceive
             (
             as
             knowing
             themselves
             best
             )
             their
             satisfaction
             if
             it
             were
             
             followed
             might
             arise
             ,
             and
             wherein
             their
             Conscience
             would
             acquiesce
             ?
             As
             for
             example
             whether
             a
             well-ordered
             Treaty
             ,
             to
             remove
             mis-understandings
             ,
             and
             to
             determine
             ,
             by
             known
             principles
             ,
             matters
             of
             duty
             ,
             will
             do
             it
             yea
             or
             no
             ?
             or
             whether
             they
             conceive
             that
             nothing
             will
             satisfie
             their
             doubtings
             ,
             and
             embolden
             them
             to
             subscribe
             ,
             but
             either
             such
             a
             Declaration
             to
             be
             made
             by
             the
             supream
             power
             ,
             upon
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             as
             they
             shall
             rest
             contented
             in
             ;
             or
             else
             such
             a
             liberty
             to
             put
             in
             their
             own
             cautions
             ,
             their
             limitations
             of
             performance
             ,
             and
             their
             interpretation
             of
             the
             sence
             wherein
             they
             take
             it
             ;
             that
             in
             a
             manner
             they
             shall
             have
             their
             own
             will
             wholly
             ,
             without
             yielding
             any
             thing
             at
             all
             to
             the
             will
             of
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             to
             give
             them
             satisfaction
             ?
          
           
             If
             they
             will
             not
             answer
             any
             of
             these
             
               Queres
               ,
            
             but
             will
             keep
             a
             hidden
             reserve
             of
             doubts
             ;
             or
             if
             nothing
             but
             one
             of
             the
             two
             last
             Proposals
             ,
             will
             be
             esteemed
             satisfactory
             :
             then
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             Proposers
             aime
             there
             is
             no
             sincerity
             ;
             for
             although
             they
             
             seeme
             by
             their
             Proposals
             ,
             to
             seeke
             satisfaction
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             
             a
             way
             of
             agreement
             with
             others
             ;
             yet
             because
             they
             manifestly
             obstruct
             all
             the
             rational
             meanes
             of
             clearing
             thir
             own
             doubts
             ;
             and
             refuse
             to
             deale
             ingenuously
             towards
             the
             obtaining
             of
             an
             equitable
             satisfaction
             from
             others
             ,
             in
             that
             wherein
             they
             pretend
             to
             be
             scrupled
             ,
             it
             may
             justly
             be
             concluded
             ,
             that
             these
             scruples
             are
             onely
             proposed
             to
             colour
             a
             wilfull
             resolution
             of
             non-subscribing
             ,
             and
             of
             standing
             at
             a
             distance
             from
             under
             the
             present
             power
             ;
             and
             that
             consequently
             there
             is
             some
             further
             designe
             in
             hand
             as
             to
             State-affaires
             ,
             tending
             to
             a
             future
             breach
             ;
             which
             how
             beseeming
             it
             may
             be
             to
             the
             humility
             and
             piety
             of
             such
             as
             are
             called
             learned
             and
             pious
             Divines
             ,
             to
             have
             a
             hand
             in
             ,
             and
             what
             Conscience
             it
             will
             be
             in
             them
             to
             cover
             it
             with
             the
             mask
             of
             tenderness
             of
             Conscience
             ;
             I
             shall
             leave
             to
             the
             judgement
             of
             all
             single-hearted
             Christians
             to
             determine
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             sad
             thing
             to
             consider
             ,
             how
             far
             some
             men
             ,
             who
             want
             not
             parts
             ;
             and
             who
             undoubtedly
             are
             truly
             Godly
             for
             the
             main
             ;
             are
             led
             sometimes
             (
             in
             the
             agitation
             of
             the
             affaires
             ,
             wherein
             a
             party
             which
             they
             do
             affect
             is
             in●eressed
             )
             away
             from
             the
             simplicity
             of
             the
             Gospel
             to
             play
             the
             Politicians
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             neither
             well
             credible
             to
             others
             ,
             nor
             at
             all
             discernable
             by
             themselves
             ;
             how
             far
             when
             once
             they
             begin
             to
             warpe
             from
             the
             way
             of
             Christian
             simpicity
             ,
             
             and
             pure
             love
             to
             their
             duty
             ;
             the
             motions
             of
             their
             own
             passion
             ;
             the
             plots
             of
             other
             men
             ;
             and
             the
             designes
             of
             opposition
             against
             those
             whom
             they
             dis-affect
             ,
             will
             insinuate
             themselves
             into
             their
             very
             Consciences
             ,
             under
             the
             pretence
             of
             piety
             and
             zealousness
             for
             Religion
             ;
             which
             they
             falsly
             first
             imagine
             to
             be
             the
             cause
             they
             have
             in
             hand
             ,
             and
             then
             in
             favour
             of
             this
             imagination
             they
             rashly
             licenciat
             themselves
             unto
             many
             things
             ;
             whereof
             in
             the
             day
             of
             their
             account
             they
             will
             be
             troubled
             to
             find
             a
             justifiable
             acquittance
             .
             
          
           
             But
             supposing
             as
             I
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             that
             in
             these
             Proposers
             there
             is
             nothing
             under
             the
             deck
             ;
             but
             that
             in
             this
             modest
             and
             dis-creet
             way
             ,
             the
             plaine
             truth
             and
             all
             the
             truth
             of
             their
             grievances
             ,
             at
             the
             subscription
             is
             represented
             above
             board
             ;
             I
             shall
             now
             point
             at
             the
             means
             ,
             which
             in
             a
             faire
             Treatie
             ,
             I
             conceive
             may
             produce
             unto
             them
             so
             much
             satisfaction
             ,
             as
             in
             equity
             they
             can
             desire
             ;
             That
             they
             may
             have
             cause
             to
             deale
             ingenuously
             ,
             either
             by
             accepting
             
             of
             that
             which
             is
             offered
             ,
             if
             it
             may
             be
             procured
             ,
             or
             by
             excepting
             against
             it
             ,
             if
             it
             seem
             not
             satisfactory
             ;
             in
             which
             last
             case
             ,
             I
             think
             it
             would
             be
             fair
             dealing
             in
             them
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             alleadge
             their
             reasons
             ,
             why
             they
             are
             not
             satisfied
             with
             what
             shall
             be
             offered
             ;
             but
             also
             to
             make
             their
             own
             demands
             ,
             wherein
             at
             least
             they
             will
             rest
             satisfied
             ;
             for
             to
             lye
             only
             at
             the
             word
             of
             excepting
             ,
             is
             an
             unreasonable
             posture
             in
             treating
             between
             two
             equals
             ,
             when
             both
             are
             alike
             concerned
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             difference
             ,
             far
             more
             then
             it
             is
             unreasonable
             when
             Subjects
             by
             a
             Treaty
             make
             their
             application
             toward
             Superiours
             ,
             and
             seek
             to
             gaine
             the
             favour
             of
             some
             equitable
             satisfaction
             from
             them
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             such
             concernment
             ;
             which
             imports
             no
             lesse
             then
             either
             the
             losse
             or
             the
             assurance
             of
             all
             their
             outward
             protection
             and
             safety
             .
          
           
             And
             seeing
             to
             stand
             alwayes
             on
             the
             excepting
             ,
             and
             not
             at
             all
             on
             the
             offering
             or
             accepting
             hand
             ,
             is
             a
             frame
             of
             spirit
             not
             onely
             unfriendly
             amongst
             the
             Members
             of
             the
             same
             Communalty
             ,
             but
             altogether
             unsutable
             to
             the
             profession
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             and
             also
             most
             of
             all
             unbecoming
             the
             worke
             of
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             unproportionate
             to
             the
             wayes
             of
             peace
             and
             mutuall
             confidence
             amongst
             brethren
             ;
             therefore
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             be
             so
             injurious
             as
             to
             suspect
             any
             of
             them
             of
             any
             unwillingnesse
             to
             treat
             in
             a
             faire
             way
             ;
             nor
             shall
             I
             imagine
             ,
             that
             any
             sinistrous
             designe
             is
             hatched
             by
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             the
             proposing
             of
             these
             Proposals
             in
             the
             mind
             of
             a
             discontented
             party
             ,
             to
             strengthen
             the
             captions
             ,
             carping
             ,
             peevish
             ,
             and
             excepting
             humour
             of
             the
             times
             .
             I
             say
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             suspect
             any
             such
             thing
             ,
             although
             to
             a
             jealous
             eye
             ;
             the
             matter
             thereof
             compared
             with
             the
             aime
             therein
             ,
             and
             the
             covered
             close
             way
             of
             dispersing
             the
             same
             amongst
             the
             doubtfull
             multitude
             ;
             and
             at
             a
             time
             whiles
             petitions
             to
             gaine
             delayes
             ,
             and
             respit
             for
             further
             resolutions
             ,
             are
             presented
             to
             Superiours
             ,
             may
             look
             somewhat
             suspitiously
             .
             Yet
             (
             I
             say
             )
             for
             all
             this
             I
             shall
             not
             suspect
             that
             any
             designe
             contrary
             to
             peaceablenesse
             ,
             is
             fomented
             thereby
             in
             the
             affections
             of
             any
             :
             nor
             shall
             I
             wish
             ,
             that
             upon
             the
             appearance
             of
             such
             a
             cause
             of
             jealousie
             any
             strictnesse
             should
             be
             used
             in
             the
             settlement
             of
             this
             businesse
             ;
             But
             I
             shall
             rather
             pray
             ,
             perswade
             and
             exhort
             ,
             that
             on
             both
             sides
             ,
             the
             open
             carriage
             of
             all
             matters
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ,
             may
             take
             away
             or
             prevent
             as
             well
             the
             appearance
             of
             subtile
             contrivances
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             as
             the
             surmises
             
             thereof
             on
             the
             other
             :
             for
             both
             these
             equally
             blast
             the
             hopes
             of
             unity
             ,
             and
             the
             grounds
             of
             amiable
             confidence
             in
             all
             men
             who
             are
             at
             a
             distance
             one
             from
             another
             ;
             for
             which
             cause
             I
             shall
             be
             a
             most
             humble
             sutor
             towards
             all
             sides
             ,
             that
             on
             all
             hands
             ,
             not
             only
             a
             friendly
             Treaty
             may
             be
             set
             afoot
             ,
             and
             chearfully
             assented
             unto
             ;
             but
             that
             whiles
             matters
             of
             just
             scruple
             are
             taken
             into
             consideration
             ,
             therein
             to
             be
             resolved
             by
             known
             and
             predetermined
             
             rules
             ;
             the
             matters
             of
             clear
             duty
             in
             the
             interim
             may
             not
             be
             suspended
             or
             intermitted
             on
             eithersides
             ,
             because
             all
             our
             danger
             lies
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             common
             known
             duties
             ,
             more
             then
             in
             any
             thing
             else
             :
             for
             if
             we
             would
             but
             do
             that
             which
             we
             confesse
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             which
             we
             wish
             others
             would
             do
             to
             us
             ;
             there
             would
             be
             no
             doubt
             a
             speedy
             healing
             of
             our
             breaches
             :
             nor
             can
             there
             any
             good
             reason
             be
             given
             why
             I
             should
             suspend
             to
             act
             a
             known
             duty
             in
             that
             wherein
             I
             am
             not
             scrupled
             ,
             because
             I
             ought
             to
             be
             left
             free
             to
             abstain
             from
             acting
             in
             that
             wherein
             I
             am
             scrupled
             :
             that
             which
             in
             Christianity
             is
             clear
             and
             positive
             ,
             is
             alwayes
             to
             be
             intended
             before
             that
             which
             is
             dark
             and
             negative
             :
             nor
             may
             I
             with
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             refuse
             to
             follow
             the
             light
             which
             I
             have
             in
             the
             main
             of
             a
             duty
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             practicable
             ;
             because
             I
             want
             some
             light
             in
             some
             circumstantiall
             cases
             ,
             which
             may
             fall
             in
             ,
             as
             to
             me
             ,
             to
             be
             unpracticable
             .
             If
             therefore
             this
             ground
             can
             be
             laid
             and
             assented
             unto
             ,
             that
             whatever
             we
             shall
             agree
             upon
             to
             be
             a
             clear
             and
             undeniable
             duty
             in
             Christianity
             or
             Morality
             ,
             shall
             be
             practised
             for
             it selfe
             ,
             not
             withstanding
             all
             other
             differences
             or
             defects
             falling
             in
             among
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             the
             disquisition
             of
             matters
             we
             shall
             proceed
             alwayes
             first
             to
             determine
             that
             wherein
             we
             fully
             agree
             ,
             before
             we
             mention
             matters
             of
             dis-agreement
             ;
             I
             am
             confident
             that
             we
             shall
             finde
             so
             much
             cause
             of
             satisfaction
             and
             assurance
             in
             each
             others
             resolutions
             and
             engagements
             of
             that
             kind
             ,
             that
             the
             different
             apprehensions
             of
             matters
             which
             now
             seem
             extream
             ;
             and
             through
             our
             mutuall
             mistrustings
             of
             each
             other
             ,
             are
             like
             to
             be
             the
             utter
             ruine
             of
             both
             ,
             will
             be
             found
             very
             inconsiderable
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             will
             be
             wholly
             swallowed
             up
             by
             the
             grounds
             of
             mutuall
             assurance
             which
             naturally
             results
             from
             every
             faithfull
             Engagement
             ,
             to
             practise
             things
             wherein
             there
             is
             a
             full
             agreement
             between
             parties
             ;
             for
             the
             not
             doing
             (
             as
             I
             said
             before
             )
             of
             that
             which
             in
             our
             places
             we
             should
             do
             with
             singlenesse
             of
             heart
             ,
             
             without
             contradicting
             and
             contesting
             one
             with
             another
             ,
             about
             that
             wherein
             we
             suspect
             each
             other
             (
             as
             aiming
             at
             that
             which
             we
             should
             not
             do
             )
             is
             the
             Originall
             and
             great
             cause
             of
             all
             our
             distraction
             and
             unsettlement
             ;
             which
             if
             we
             could
             intend
             to
             redresse
             and
             remove
             
               (
               viz.
            
             by
             overcoming
             evill
             with
             good
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             feares
             
             of
             evill
             designs
             and
             enterprizes
             ,
             with
             good
             motions
             and
             engagements
             unto
             unquestionable
             duties
             )
             there
             is
             no
             doubt
             but
             we
             should
             find
             a
             cleare
             way
             to
             Peace
             and
             reconcilement
             :
             this
             therefore
             is
             the
             course
             ,
             which
             I
             would
             suggest
             to
             be
             followed
             ,
             between
             those
             that
             are
             scrupled
             at
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             not
             scrupled
             at
             it
             ,
             in
             their
             friendly
             conference
             and
             Treatie
             ,
             
               viz.
               
            
             
          
           
             First
             let
             matters
             of
             agreement
             be
             proposed
             ,
             understood
             and
             ratified
             ,
             in
             things
             Positive
             and
             Negative
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Let
             there
             be
             a
             professed
             Engagement
             ,
             to
             practise
             that
             which
             is
             answerable
             unto
             their
             Agreements
             ,
             and
             tending
             undoubtedly
             to
             edification
             between
             them
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Let
             matters
             of
             disagreement
             both
             positive
             and
             negative
             be
             thought
             upon
             with
             these
             two
             cautions
             premised
             to
             prevent
             a
             breach
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             That
             no
             disagreement
             in
             Judgement
             or
             practise
             ,
             shall
             make
             void
             the
             Dutifull
             Engagement
             ,
             to
             follow
             joyntly
             the
             matters
             of
             Agreement
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             That
             to
             take
             away
             the
             offences
             ,
             which
             may
             arise
             upon
             the
             differences
             of
             opinions
             and
             practises
             ,
             some
             Rules
             are
             to
             be
             pre-determined
             ;
             whereby
             contentious
             debates
             about
             the
             same
             may
             be
             prevented
             ,
             and
             whereby
             the
             right
             use
             of
             Christian
             ,
             of
             Morall
             and
             of
             Rationall
             freedom
             therein
             may
             be
             setled
             .
          
           
             If
             therefore
             those
             Pious
             and
             Learned
             Brethren
             ,
             whose
             scruples
             against
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             being
             thus
             proposed
             ,
             have
             a
             great
             influence
             upon
             the
             minds
             of
             others
             ,
             to
             make
             them
             scrupulous
             and
             disaffected
             at
             it
             :
             if
             (
             I
             say
             they
             would
             condescend
             to
             the
             Overture
             of
             such
             a
             Treatie
             ,
             (
             which
             hither
             to
             some
             have
             not
             been
             willing
             to
             do
             )
             I
             am
             very
             confident
             through
             the
             blessing
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             an
             Expedient
             would
             easily
             be
             found
             to
             settle
             their
             doubtfull
             thoughts
             ;
             and
             so
             to
             make
             all
             others
             willing
             to
             yield
             unto
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             
             that
             ground
             of
             just
             assurance
             and
             acquiescence
             ,
             for
             which
             the
             Engagement
             by
             them
             proposed
             ,
             is
             requisite
             .
          
           
             And
             this
             is
             the
             course
             ,
             by
             which
             those
             that
             are
             ingenuous
             may
             receive
             satisfaction
             ,
             if
             they
             seek
             it
             as
             they
             ought
             ;
             but
             if
             any
             doth
             scruple
             more
             through
             Policie
             then
             Pietie
             ,
             this
             course
             will
             not
             
             be
             liked
             of
             ,
             because
             it
             will
             crosse
             their
             design
             ;
             which
             is
             ,
             to
             keepe
             the
             minds
             of
             the
             weaker
             sort
             in
             a
             staggering
             condition
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             not
             close
             to
             any
             settlement
             ;
             but
             lye
             open
             to
             all
             manner
             of
             changes
             :
             I
             shall
             not
             charge
             any
             of
             the
             Authors
             of
             these
             Proposals
             with
             any
             such
             designe
             ;
             yet
             I
             cannot
             absolve
             all
             of
             them
             from
             it
             ;
             for
             I
             may
             as
             lawfully
             suspect
             them
             in
             this
             matter
             as
             in
             any
             other
             
             matter
             I
             may
             do
             mine
             own
             heart
             ,
             whereof
             although
             I
             know
             none
             evill
             ;
             yet
             I
             shall
             do
             my self
             no
             injury
             ,
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             yet
             there
             may
             be
             some
             mixture
             of
             deceitfulnesse
             in
             it
             ,
             when
             I
             thinke
             my
             meaning
             is
             at
             the
             best
             ;
             For
             the
             Apostle
             himself
             would
             not
             take
             upon
             him
             to
             justifie
             himself
             in
             all
             things
             .
             
               I
               know
            
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             
               nothing
               by
               my self
               ,
               yet
               I
               am
               not
               thereby
               justifie
               ;
               but
               he
               that
               judgeth
               me
               ,
               is
               the
               Lord
               .
            
             So
             I
             may
             without
             offence
             say
             ,
             of
             the
             Proposers
             of
             
             these
             scruples
             ,
             that
             although
             I
             know
             nothing
             by
             them
             ,
             but
             judge
             charitably
             that
             their
             scruples
             as
             to
             them
             are
             truely
             conscientious
             yet
             I
             must
             also
             say
             ,
             that
             thereby
             they
             are
             not
             justified
             from
             the
             mixture
             of
             collaterall
             designes
             ;
             but
             that
             it
             is
             the
             Lord
             who
             will
             judge
             them
             .
             The
             maine
             of
             the
             businesse
             may
             be
             truly
             a
             doubt
             of
             Conscience
             ;
             and
             yet
             the
             managing
             of
             it
             ,
             in
             the
             hands
             of
             some
             may
             be
             somewhat
             else
             ;
             nor
             do
             I
             wrong
             the
             Christian
             charity
             which
             I
             owe
             to
             all
             or
             any
             of
             them
             in
             this
             ;
             because
             it
             is
             lawfull
             for
             me
             to
             be
             jealous
             over
             them
             with
             godly
             jealousie
             lest
             by
             any
             meanes
             ,
             as
             the
             Serpent
             beguiled
             
               Eve
            
             by
             his
             subtilty
             :
             so
             their
             minds
             should
             be
             corrupted
             from
             the
             simplicity
             which
             is
             in
             Christ
             
             And
             truly
             to
             look
             but
             upon
             the
             matter
             it self
             ,
             by
             comparing
             the
             former
             and
             latter
             parts
             of
             the
             proposals
             together
             ,
             a
             doubt
             may
             be
             made
             thus
             ;
             that
             seeing
             the
             maine
             scruple
             where
             at
             they
             stick
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             much
             against
             the
             Duty
             expressed
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ;
             which
             is
             ,
             
               to
               be
               true
               and
               faithfull
               ,
            
             or
             against
             the
             Object
             of
             the
             Duty
             considered
             in
             it self
             ,
             which
             is
             
               this
               Common-Wealth
               :
            
             or
             against
             the
             immediare
             qualifications
             of
             the
             Object
             and
             of
             the
             Duty
             ;
             which
             are
             ,
             
               as
               it
               is
               now
               established
               without
               a
               King
               and
               House
               of
               Lords
               ,
            
             which
             are
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             the
             effects
             of
             Gods
             Providence
             ;
             but
             onely
             against
             the
             act
             of
             subscribing
             to
             the
             
             whole
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             some
             State-considerations
             and
             consequences
             following
             thereupon
             ;
             which
             tend
             to
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             to
             suspend
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             take
             them
             off
             from
             the
             regular
             performance
             of
             a
             present
             Duty
             ,
             by
             the
             conjectural
             apprehensions
             of
             doubtfull
             inconveniences
             which
             may
             ensue
             as
             to
             the
             State
             .
             Therefore
             it
             is
             not
             without
             a
             rationall
             ground
             of
             jealousie
             ;
             that
             although
             the
             matters
             proposed
             ,
             may
             be
             reall
             scruples
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             rationally
             reflected
             upon
             by
             some
             without
             prejudice
             ;
             yet
             that
             in
             this
             proposing
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             disposition
             of
             the
             matter
             ,
             to
             fetch
             about
             this
             form
             of
             speech
             ,
             the
             hand
             of
             
               Joab
            
             may
             also
             have
             been
             in
             it
             ,
             for
             some
             selfe-interest
             of
             State
             .
             
          
           
             And
             this
             may
             be
             thought
             the
             more
             likely
             to
             be
             true
             ,
             if
             we
             observe
             two
             things
             .
             First
             ,
             that
             the
             words
             of
             this
             Engagement
             (
             which
             are
             scrupled
             at
             ,
             and
             said
             to
             be
             contrary
             to
             former
             Engagements
             ,
             and
             the
             duties
             mentioned
             in
             the
             second
             
               Sect.
               )
            
             are
             not
             at
             all
             once
             alleadged
             ;
             to
             shew
             distinctly
             ,
             wherein
             the
             mentioned
             contrariety
             doth
             stand
             ;
             but
             the
             objection
             is
             made
             confusedly
             against
             the
             Act
             of
             subscribing
             to
             the
             words
             ,
             according
             to
             that
             prejudice
             which
             the
             vulgar
             hath
             taken
             up
             against
             them
             in
             a
             generall
             notion
             .
             Herein
             then
             the
             subtilty
             of
             the
             Policy
             doth
             lye
             :
             that
             the
             matter
             should
             be
             couched
             in
             such
             a
             way
             ,
             as
             doth
             most
             commodiously
             favour
             that
             notion
             ,
             and
             strengthen
             it
             :
             which
             in
             men
             of
             learning
             ,
             conscience
             and
             piety
             ,
             feeking
             a
             clearing
             of
             doubts
             ,
             doth
             not
             seem
             to
             be
             faire
             and
             plaine
             dealing
             ,
             and
             therefore
             may
             be
             thought
             to
             have
             somewhat
             of
             a
             Collaterall
             designe
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             also
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             thing
             clearly
             professed
             in
             the
             second
             
               Sect.
            
             of
             the
             Proposals
             to
             be
             a
             known
             duty
             ,
             had
             been
             really
             intended
             ,
             and
             resolved
             upon
             to
             have
             been
             practised
             at
             this
             time
             no
             lesse
             then
             in
             generall
             termes
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             a
             thing
             at
             some
             time
             lawfully
             practicable
             ;
             there
             would
             not
             have
             been
             any
             inclination
             to
             do
             two
             things
             which
             here
             are
             done
             ;
             not
             without
             some
             contrivance
             .
             First
             ,
             the
             performance
             of
             duties
             confessed
             to
             be
             due
             to
             such
             Superiours
             ,
             as
             are
             in
             places
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             people
             in
             our
             case
             under
             them
             ,
             would
             not
             have
             been
             
               per
               indirectum
            
             denied
             to
             be
             due
             by
             us
             unto
             them
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             upon
             which
             the
             whole
             stresse
             of
             the
             scruple
             is
             said
             to
             lye
             ;
             and
             for
             which
             that
             which
             is
             confessed
             to
             be
             due
             to
             others
             is
             denyed
             to
             our
             Superiour
             Powers
             ,
             would
             
             not
             have
             been
             suppressed
             ,
             and
             left
             in
             the
             dark
             as
             they
             are
             ;
             but
             clearly
             mentioned
             and
             alleadged
             as
             they
             are
             not
             ,
             lest
             the
             falacy
             of
             the
             pretended
             scruple
             should
             appear
             .
             For
             if
             the
             duty
             acknowledged
             in
             
               Thesi
               ,
            
             had
             been
             applied
             to
             the
             
               Hypothesis
            
             of
             our
             present
             condition
             ,
             and
             the
             duty
             required
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             had
             been
             compared
             therewith
             ,
             the
             pretended
             matter
             of
             scruple
             ,
             would
             by
             the
             full
             agreement
             of
             the
             one
             with
             the
             other
             ,
             havebeen
             found
             apparently
             impertinent
             :
             but
             it
             may
             be
             conceived
             ,
             that
             the
             matter
             is
             laid
             thus
             before
             the
             pre-possessed
             Reader
             ,
             or
             weak
             discerner
             of
             such
             contrivances
             ;
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             that
             upon
             a
             full
             acknowledgement
             of
             a
             just
             duty
             ,
             and
             a
             willingnesse
             to
             perform
             the
             same
             ,
             in
             a
             case
             like
             to
             ours
             ,
             the
             iniquity
             of
             that
             which
             is
             supposed
             to
             be
             required
             of
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             Engagement
             ;
             may
             be
             heightened
             in
             mens
             apprehensions
             ,
             who
             are
             easily
             swayed
             to
             receive
             the
             worst
             impressions
             of
             those
             that
             are
             in
             places
             of
             power
             over
             them
             :
             by
             how
             much
             then
             they
             seem
             to
             yield
             to
             a
             rationall
             duty
             ,
             and
             be
             of
             an
             equitable
             disposition
             towards
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             they
             prevaticate
             against
             the
             intention
             of
             the
             Engagement
             to
             make
             it
             to
             be
             thought
             altogether
             contrary
             to
             reason
             and
             to
             justice
             ;
             by
             a
             slye
             concealing
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             and
             a
             suspitious
             interpretation
             thereof
             ,
             suggested
             ,
             as
             containing
             matters
             very
             far
             different
             from
             the
             acknowledged
             duty
             ,
             and
             wholly
             opposite
             to
             former
             Engagements
             .
             Whereas
             in
             truth
             and
             deed
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             such
             thing
             aimed
             at
             by
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             nor
             implyed
             in
             the
             words
             thereof
             .
             So
             that
             from
             the
             third
             paragraphe
             of
             the
             Proposals
             to
             the
             end
             thereof
             ;
             the
             whole
             matter
             and
             contrivance
             of
             the
             discourse
             may
             be
             thought
             (
             and
             yet
             without
             doing
             injury
             to
             the
             Authours
             )
             nothing
             else
             but
             a
             Politicall
             Stratagem
             and
             Sophisme
             grounded
             upon
             the
             mis-application
             and
             mis-interpretation
             of
             the
             Engagement
             and
             Covenant
             ,
             to
             entangle
             weake
             and
             
             undiscorning
             consciences
             ;
             and
             to
             keep
             up
             the
             spirit
             of
             dis-affection
             in
             the
             mindes
             of
             the
             multitude
             under
             the
             pretence
             of
             scruples
             of
             that
             kind
             .
          
           
             The
             thing
             then
             to
             be
             offered
             to
             obviate
             the
             deceit
             of
             this
             politicall
             contrivance
             of
             the
             bosinesse
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             satisfaction
             (
             if
             it
             can
             be
             admitted
             )
             to
             this
             politicall
             scrupulosity
             of
             conscience
             is
             this
             :
             that
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             in
             their
             plain
             sense
             ;
             which
             imports
             a
             clear
             duty
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             confronted
             with
             that
             which
             in
             the
             second
             
               Sect.
            
             they
             confesse
             to
             be
             consonant
             with
             the
             will
             
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             ,
             with
             the
             judgement
             of
             the
             Learned
             ,
             with
             the
             practise
             of
             former
             Christians
             ,
             and
             with
             their
             own
             principles
             and
             former
             Engagements
             :
             and
             then
             if
             the
             Duty
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Engagement
             doth
             run
             wholly
             parallell
             ,
             as
             the
             case
             now
             stands
             with
             us
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             they
             yield
             to
             be
             a
             Duty
             as
             they
             State
             the
             case
             in
             generall
             themselves
             ;
             then
             they
             should
             be
             made
             to
             reflect
             upon
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             satisfied
             in
             this
             ;
             that
             by
             taking
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             nothing
             is
             farther
             required
             of
             them
             then
             what
             they
             proclaime
             themselves
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             performable
             duty
             in
             such
             a
             case
             .
             But
             if
             their
             Politicall
             contemplations
             of
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             through
             the
             sinister
             prospectives
             &
             jealousies
             which
             they
             take
             up
             ,
             and
             foment
             against
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             by
             an
             uncharitable
             mis-construction
             of
             their
             aimes
             ;
             will
             not
             suffer
             them
             to
             acquiesce
             in
             this
             parallelisme
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             with
             what
             they
             acknowledge
             to
             be
             lawfull
             ;
             then
             a
             further
             course
             may
             be
             taken
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             offered
             unto
             them
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             intend
             to
             bring
             matters
             to
             a
             faire
             tryall
             and
             issue
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             this
             :
             that
             the
             consequences
             ,
             which
             they
             say
             are
             implyed
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             may
             be
             taken
             into
             consideration
             and
             examined
             in
             three
             respects
             .
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             How
             far
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             do
             import
             in
             the
             ordinary
             acception
             by
             an
             indifferent
             Judge
             ,
             any
             such
             matters
             ,
             as
             they
             say
             are
             implyed
             therein
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             How
             far
             ,
             if
             the
             words
             should
             import
             any
             such
             matters
             in
             any
             sense
             ,
             the
             performance
             of
             the
             Engagement
             in
             that
             sense
             ,
             is
             agreeable
             with
             the
             Duties
             mentioned
             by
             themselves
             in
             the
             2.
             
               Sect.
            
             performable
             by
             Subjects
             towards
             their
             Superiours
             ,
             in
             the
             case
             they
             are
             supposed
             and
             wherein
             now
             we
             are
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             How
             far
             the
             Covenant
             and
             former
             Engagements
             ,
             wil
             be
             contradictory
             or
             not
             contradictory
             to
             this
             Engagement
             ,
             although
             the
             consequences
             here
             said
             to
             be
             implyed
             therein
             ,
             should
             be
             granted
             to
             follow
             thereon
             .
          
           
             In
             all
             which
             matters
             ,
             if
             upon
             known
             grounds
             and
             principles
             of
             Christianity
             and
             Rationality
             ,
             a
             regular
             way
             of
             disquiry
             may
             be
             followed
             ,
             as
             it
             becometh
             Divines
             within
             their
             bounds
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             Conscience
             ,
             modestly
             ,
             and
             not
             as
             it
             becometh
             States-men
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             interests
             ,
             suspiciously
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             will
             ingage
             to
             stand
             or
             fall
             to
             the
             issue
             of
             that
             disquiry
             ;
             I
             dare
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             undertake
             to
             let
             them
             see
             satisfactory
             grounds
             ,
             
             whereby
             their
             scruples
             will
             be
             cleared
             ,
             and
             wherein
             consequently
             their
             Consciences
             ought
             to
             acquiesce
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             not
             subordinate
             the
             inclinations
             thereof
             ,
             to
             an
             affected
             scrupulosity
             for
             the
             love
             of
             a
             party
             .
             For
             that
             all
             this
             contrivance
             of
             the
             Proposals
             ,
             is
             like
             unto
             the
             hand
             of
             
               Joab
            
             in
             the
             mouth
             of
             the
             woman
             of
             
               Tekoah
               ;
            
             to
             bring
             about
             a
             designe
             ,
             rather
             then
             to
             receive
             a
             single-hearted
             satisfaction
             for
             themselves
             ;
             is
             neither
             irrational
             to
             think
             ,
             nor
             uncharitable
             
             to
             say
             ,
             but
             just
             and
             equitable
             in
             prudencie
             to
             suspect
             :
             and
             here
             we
             have
             a
             clear
             example
             of
             a
             smooth
             and
             handsome
             conveyance
             of
             a
             State-business
             ,
             under
             a
             ministerial
             cloak
             and
             pretence
             of
             Religiousness
             ,
             not
             in
             ,
             but
             out
             of
             the
             Pulpit
             ;
             which
             is
             one
             of
             the
             things
             which
             in
             another
             larger
             Treatise
             ,
             I
             have
             shewed
             to
             be
             one
             of
             the
             main
             causes
             of
             our
             present
             distempers
             and
             confusions
             ;
             namely
             ,
             when
             Ministers
             meddle
             with
             State-matters
             ,
             either
             in
             their
             Pulpits
             a●…
             were
             authoritatively
             ,
             or
             out
             of
             the
             same
             more
             subtilly
             in
             such
             a
             way
             ,
             and
             to
             such
             a
             purpose
             as
             this
             ;
             therefore
             to
             rectifie
             the
             fundamentall
             error
             of
             the
             aime
             and
             design
             of
             these
             Proposalls
             ,
             as
             to
             State-Matters
             ,
             let
             me
             referre
             the
             ingenuous
             Reader
             ,
             but
             especially
             these
             Learned
             and
             Pious
             Divines
             ,
             to
             an
             unprejudicat
             perusall
             of
             that
             Treatise
             ;
             wherein
             if
             any
             shall
             show
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             wronged
             the
             profession
             ,
             or
             unjustly
             taxed
             the
             practise
             of
             some
             ,
             or
             mistaken
             my
             way
             in
             seeking
             Peace
             &
             Truth
             ,
             to
             heale
             our
             present
             breaches
             ;
             I
             shall
             professe
             my self
             to
             be
             very
             much
             beholding
             to
             him
             .
             Upon
             this
             whole
             matter
             then
             I
             shall
             professe
             thus
             much
             ;
             that
             although
             I
             thus
             trace
             in
             the
             Spirits
             of
             these
             Proposers
             by
             the
             matter
             and
             contrivance
             of
             their
             Proposals
             such
             an
             inclination
             to
             meddle
             in
             State-affairs
             ,
             which
             is
             unsutable
             to
             their
             Calling
             ;
             yet
             that
             I
             have
             no
             prejudice
             against
             them
             in
             my
             heart
             for
             so
             doing
             ,
             nor
             do
             I
             intend
             ,
             to
             fasten
             upon
             them
             any
             charge
             of
             false
             and
             fained
             pretences
             of
             being
             scrupled
             ,
             otherwise
             then
             indeed
             they
             are
             (
             for
             I
             believe
             truly
             that
             they
             are
             thus
             scrupled
             ,
             and
             puzzeled
             in
             Conscience
             about
             their
             own
             imaginations
             concerning
             State-matters
             ,
             rather
             through
             weaknesse
             and
             custome
             ,
             and
             want
             of
             a
             Rule
             to
             discern
             the
             motions
             of
             their
             own
             spirits
             ,
             then
             through
             any
             set
             aime
             ,
             to
             take
             upon
             them
             the
             management
             of
             State-Matters
             )
             but
             I
             look
             upon
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             frame
             of
             their
             thoughts
             represents
             it self
             and
             them
             by
             their
             way
             unto
             me
             ;
             whereof
             I
             have
             discovered
             the
             Rationality
             ,
             the
             Christianity
             and
             the
             Policie
             ,
             to
             shew
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             respects
             
             satisfaction
             may
             be
             given
             them
             ,
             if
             they
             desire
             it
             ingenuously
             ;
             and
             that
             if
             their
             spirit
             by
             the
             deceitfulness
             of
             error
             is
             led
             forth
             unadvisedly
             ,
             in
             another
             way
             then
             they
             ought
             to
             walk
             in
             ,
             that
             that
             also
             can
             be
             discovered
             ;
             for
             there
             is
             nothing
             hid
             but
             it
             shall
             be
             revealed
             :
             and
             being
             revealed
             ,
             a
             Rule
             may
             be
             found
             to
             rectifie
             whatever
             is
             amisse
             therein
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             for
             mine
             own
             part
             ,
             not
             refuse
             (
             if
             they
             will
             needs
             insist
             upon
             their
             Politicall
             scruple
             ,
             and
             thinke
             that
             their
             Consciences
             ought
             to
             be
             engaged
             ,
             into
             those
             State-considerations
             )
             to
             deale
             with
             them
             upon
             their
             inferences
             from
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             own
             Weapon
             onely
             with
             this
             caution
             ;
             that
             we
             shall
             not
             take
             opon
             us
             to
             become
             such
             absolute
             Judges
             ,
             of
             the
             wayes
             of
             those
             that
             are
             in
             places
             of
             Magistracy
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             our
             own
             interpretation
             of
             their
             wayes
             a
             Rule
             of
             all
             obedientiall
             dutifulnes
             in
             our selves
             or
             other
             Subjects
             ,
             to
             bind
             thereunto
             as
             to
             a
             Law
             ,
             our
             ●onscience
             above
             Christianity
             and
             Morality
             ;
             and
             that
             in
             speaking
             of
             the
             actions
             and
             intentions
             of
             Superiours
             we
             shall
             be
             no
             lesse
             charitable
             to
             them
             ,
             then
             we
             would
             have
             others
             to
             be
             to
             us
             ,
             or
             we
             should
             be
             to
             other
             men
             ruling
             in
             another
             place
             in
             such
             occurrences
             of
             publick
             affairs
             ,
             with
             this
             proviso
             ,
             their
             scruples
             even
             upon
             such
             Politicall
             contemplations
             as
             they
             meddle
             withall
             ,
             shall
             ,
             if
             they
             please
             ,
             be
             taken
             into
             consideration
             ;
             although
             we
             shall
             be
             in
             very
             great
             danger
             to
             go
             beyond
             the
             line
             of
             our
             Calling
             ,
             and
             every
             foot
             to
             go
             out
             of
             our
             way
             ;
             which
             my
             chief
             study
             is
             in
             all
             these
             agitations
             of
             matters
             by
             known
             Rules
             to
             prevent
             :
             which
             the
             Lord
             direct
             us
             by
             the
             light
             of
             his
             countenance
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             intend
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             do
             ,
             to
             the
             advancement
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             and
             our
             mutuall
             comfort
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             
               Amen
               .
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
           The
           PRINTER
           to
           the
           READER
           .
        
         
           
             THe
             Treatise
             mentioned
             by
             the
             Author
             a
             little
             before
             the
             ending
             of
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             is
             a
             large
             disquisition
             of
             the
             Rules
             ,
             by
             which
             all
             debates
             amongst
             Christians
             in
             generall
             ,
             may
             be
             agitated
             without
             offence
             ;
             and
             by
             which
             in
             particular
             ,
             our
             present
             controversies
             may
             be
             composed
             ,
             by
             a
             full
             discovery
             of
             the
             duties
             of
             Magistrates
             and
             Ministers
             towards
             the
             publick
             ,
             and
             to
             each
             other
             in
             our
             present
             distracting
             occasions
             ,
             wherein
             few
             men
             study
             a
             Rule
             ;
             but
             almost
             all
             are
             carryed
             by
             meere
             interests
             .
             Printed
             for
          
           Rich.
           
           Woodenothe
           ,
           
             at
             the
             sign
             of
             the
          
           Starre
           
             under
          
           Peters
           
             Church
             in
          
           Cornhill
           ,
           1650.
           
        
         
         
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A37074e-240
           
             The
             occasion
             and
             inducement
             to
             write
             this
             Treatise
             .
          
           
             The
             Scope
             thereof
             .
          
           
             The
             things
             to
             be
             handled
             therein
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             Proposals
             .
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             2.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             3.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             4.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             5
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             5.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             6.
             
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             7
             -
          
           
             
               Sect.
            
             8.
             
          
           
             The
             mair●
             conclusion
             of
             the
             Proposals
             .
          
           
             And
             three
             Branches
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             The
             Arguments
             proving
             the
             first
             Branch
             .
          
           
             The
             Arguments
             proving
             the
             second
             branch
             .
          
           
             The
             Arguments
             proving
             the
             third
             Branch
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             things
             proposed
             ,
             as
             to
             th●…
             matter
             and
             manner
             of
             uttering
             the
             same
             ,
             is
             not
             a●…
             all
             offensive
             
          
           
             But
             that
             th●…
             Title
             Page
             and
             the
             publication
             of
             th●…
             Proposals
             ,
             〈◊〉
             offensive
             ,
             〈◊〉
             published
             b●…
             the
             Authour
             of
             the
             Proposalls
             themselves
             .
          
           
             Who
             the
             subscribers
             of
             the
             Engagement
             are
             .
          
           
             The
             grounds
             and
             inducements
             of
             their
             subscription
             to
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Because
               the
               former
               :
               Engagements
               oblige
               them
               to
               uphold
               the
               foundation
               of
               Civill
               Government
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Because
               God
               hath
               altered
               by
               an
               extraordinary
               way
               ,
               the
               Government
               of
               this
               State
               ,
               from
               a
               Kingdome
               to
               a
               Common-Wealth
               ,
               whereunto
               obedience
               is
               due
               .
            
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Because
               obedience
               is
               due
               to
               the
               publick
               power
               ,
               without
               disputing
               their
               title
               .
            
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Because
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Engagement
               are
               not
               to
               be
               otherwise
               interpreted
               then
               as
               they
               contain
               a
               clear
               duty
               .
            
          
           
             And
             the
             Proposers
             interpretation
             of
             the
             Engagement
             is
             undutifull
             .
          
           
             Reasons
             why
             none
             should
             interpret
             the
             Engagement
             as
             the
             Proposers
             do
             .
          
           
             1.
             
               Cor.
            
             13.
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             
               Cor.
            
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             
               Jam.
            
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             An
             Answer
             to
             the
             3.
             Sect.
             of
             the
             Proposals
             ,
             by
             way
             of
             Reproposal
             .
          
           
             Re-prosall
             to
             the
             4.
             Sect.
             of
             the
             Proposals
             relating
             to
             the
             breach
             of
             Covenan●
             .
          
           
             Belating
             to
             the
             parity
             of
             reason
             ,
             said
             to
             be
             between
             the
             Engagement
             to
             King
             and
             Lords
             ,
             Without
             Commons
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Commons
             without
             King
             and
             Lords
             .
          
           
             The
             Reproposall
             to
             the
             5.
             
             Sect.
             of
             the
             Proposals
             relating
             to
             matters
             of
             offence
             and
             scandall
             .
          
           
             And
             relating
             to
             Pauls
             example
             and
             resolution
             .
          
           
             
               Act.
            
             20.
             
               v.
            
             23.
             24.
             
             &
             
               ch.
            
             21.
             
               v.
            
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             
               Act.
            
             21.
             
               v.
            
             20
             ,
             
               till
            
             27.
             
          
           
             And
             to
             the
             grounds
             of
             conscience
             ,
          
           
             And
             to
             the
             motion
             of
             a
             Treatie
             .
          
           
             Re-proposal
             to
             the
             6.
             
             Sect.
             relating
             to
             ensnaring
             Oaths
             .
          
           
             Re-proposal
             to
             the
             7.
             
             Sect.
             relating
             to
             tender
             consciences
             .
          
           
             And
             to
             the
             way
             of
             security
             for
             peaceablenes
             .
          
           
             Re-proposal
             to
             the
             8.
             
             Sect.
             concluding
             the
             whole
             matter
             .
          
           
             Why
             a
             course
             of
             satisfaction
             is
             to
             be
             aimed
             at
             .
          
           
             To
             satisfie
             scruplers
             ,
             all
             their
             scruples
             must
             be
             first
             known
             .
          
           
             Then
             they
             themselves
             should
             declare
             their
             sense
             of
             that
             which
             may
             give
             them
             satisfaction
             .
          
           
             What
             to
             be
             judged
             of
             the
             scruplers
             ,
             in
             case
             they
             will
             not
             declare
             themselves
             to
             the
             matters
             forementioned
             .
          
           
             How
             it
             comes
             to
             passe
             that
             some
             Ministers
             play
             the
             States-men
             .
          
           
             In
             case
             the
             scruplers
             be
             plain
             dealing
             men
             ,
             what
             ought
             to
             be
             their
             beheaviour
             in
             reference
             to
             a
             Treaty
             .
          
           
             Why
             matter
             of
             duty
             should
             not
             be
             suspended
             but
             effectually
             intended
             during
             〈◊〉
             Treaty
             ,
             and
             not
             Withstanding
             some
             differences
             .
          
           
             
               ●…m
               .
            
             12.
             21.
             
          
           
             ●…hat
             things
             ●…ould
             be
             ●…andled
             in
             ●…he
             Treatie
             ,
             and
             in
             what
             ●…rder
             ,
             if
             we
             deale
             with
             men
             of
             ingenuity
             .
          
           
             But
             in
             dealing
             With
             men
             of
             Policie
             th●…
             course
             will
             not
             take
             .
          
           
             Why
             the
             scruplers
             may
             be
             suspected
             though
             not
             charged
             with
             Policie
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             11.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             
               Sam.
            
             14.
             19.
             
          
           
             And
             how
             their
             Politicall
             Scrupulosity
             and
             conscientious
             imaginations
             of
             this
             nature
             are
             to
             be
             satisfied
             in
             the
             generall
             .
          
           
             And
             also
             in
             particulars
             .
          
           
             2
             
               Sam.
            
             14.