A faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement discussed in four sections : I. Motives for just expediency of giving such account, 2. The account truely stated and explained, 3. Reasons justifying the faithfulness of it, 4. Objections against it, satisfactorily answered.
         Paget, Thomas, d. 1660.
      
       
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             A faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement discussed in four sections : I. Motives for just expediency of giving such account, 2. The account truely stated and explained, 3. Reasons justifying the faithfulness of it, 4. Objections against it, satisfactorily answered.
             Paget, Thomas, d. 1660.
          
           [4], 3-32 p.
           
             Printed for L.L. and H.C.,
             London :
             1650.
          
           
             "To the Right VVorshipful Mr. Mayor" signed: Thomas Paget.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660.
           Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1649-1660.
        
      
    
       A40767  R25205  (Wing F265).  civilwar no A faithfull and conscientious account for subscribing the engagement. Discussed in four sections. 1. Motives for just expediency of giving s Paget, Thomas 1650    13535 25 0 0 0 0 0 18 C  The  rate of 18 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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           A
           FAITHFULL
           AND
           Conscientious
           Account
           For
           Subscribing
           the
           ENGAGEMENT
           .
        
         
           
             Discussed
             in
             four
             Sections
             .
          
        
         
           
             1.
             
             Motives
             for
             just
             Expediency
             of
             giving
             such
             Account
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Account
             truely
             Stated
             and
             Explained
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Reasons
             justifying
             the
             Faithfulness
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Objections
             against
             it
             ,
             satisfactorily
             Answered
          
        
         
           
             
               GAL.
               6.
               4.
               
            
             
               But
               let
               every
               man
               prove
               his
               own
               worke
               ,
               and
               then
               shall
               he
               have
               rejoycing
               in
               himself
               alone
               ,
               and
               not
               in
               another
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               ACT.
               24.
               16.
               
            
             
               And
               herein
               do
               I
               exercise
               my self
               to
               have
               alwayes
               a
               Conscience
               voyd
               of
               offence
               toward
               God
               and
               toward
               men
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             L.
             L.
          
           and
           
             H.
             C.
          
           MDCL
           .
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Right
           VVorshipful
           Mr.
           
           Mayor
           ,
           Aldermen
           and
           Inhabitants
           of
           Shrewsbury
           ,
           fearing
           God
           ,
           and
           faithfull
           to
           the
           Common-wealth
           of
           England
           ;
           Together
           with
           my
           ancient
           Neighbours
           ,
           and
           Christian
           acquaintance
           in
           Cheshire
           ,
           Lancashire
           ,
           and
           other
           parts
           :
           Love
           and
           Peace
           with
           Holinsse
           be
           multiplied
           unto
           you
           .
        
         
           
             Most
             endeared
             Fathers
             and
             Brethren
             in
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           FOrasmuch
           as
           subscribing
           the
           Engagement
           required
           by
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           is
           very
           unworthily
           contradicted
           ,
           and
           unjustly
           censured
           ;
           not
           only
           by
           some
           men
           of
           corrupt
           minds
           and
           perverse
           spirits
           ,
           but
           also
           by
           some
           eminent
           persons
           professing
           the
           truth
           which
           is
           after
           godliness
           ;
           as
           if
           a
           declaring
           &
           promising
           to
           be
           true
           and
           faithfull
           to
           the
           Common-wealth
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           now-established
           without
           a
           King
           ,
           and
           house
           of
           Lords
           ,
           were
           unlawfull
           .
           It
           hath
           therefore
           seemed
           good
           unto
           me
           ,
           (
           who
           am
           concerned
           herein
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           other
           prudent
           and
           piously
           conscientious
           Christians
           throughout
           the
           Nation
           )
           to
           give
           a
           just
           and
           faithful
           account
           of
           the
           Reasons
           grounded
           on
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           perswading
           and
           swaying
           to
           ingage
           .
           This
           my
           undertaking
           is
           also
           the
           rather
           in
           the
           behalf
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           severall
           sorts
           of
           people
           ,
           I
           being
           desirous
           according
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           oportunity
           and
           capacity
           serveth
           ,
           to
           do
           good
           unto
           all
           ;
           albeit
           ,
           more
           especially
           to
           the
           houshold
           of
           faith
           .
           Because
           some
           are
           ,
           
             viz.
             
          
        
         
         
           1.
           
           Malignant
           adversaries
           ,
           who
           cease
           not
           to
           withstand
           and
           calumniate
           just
           waies
           ,
           and
           to
           speak
           evill
           of
           them
           that
           walk
           therein
           ,
           as
           evill
           doers
           ;
           even
           these
           enemies
           of
           righteousnesse
           ,
           have
           notwithstanding
           some
           offices
           of
           heighbourly
           love
           ,
           and
           Christian
           duty
           owing
           to
           them
           from
           Christs
           Disciples
           ,
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           performed
           .
           See
           
             Mat.
          
           5.
           44.
           that
           so
           they
           may
           be
           convinced
           ,
           and
           made
           ashamed
           ,
           and
           their
           ignorance
           may
           be
           put
           to
           silence
           ,
           (
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           2.
           15.
           
           &
           3.
           16.
           
           )
           if
           peradventure
           they
           may
           repent
           ,
           and
           obtaine
           paidon
           of
           their
           sin
           .
           See
           
             Act.
          
           8.
           22.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Sullen
           malecontents
           ,
           and
           refractory
           despisers
           of
           present
           Government
           ,
           transported
           by
           a
           spirit
           of
           delusion
           ;
           who
           unavoidably
           taking
           notice
           of
           the
           Viall
           of
           Gods
           Wrath
           powred
           upon
           the
           Sun
           ,
           
             i.
             e
          
           probably
           ,
           on
           an
           eminent
           nominall
           Protestant
           Prince
           ,
           but
           adhering
           fixedly
           to
           Romish
           Hierarchy
           ,
           rooted
           in
           Popery
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           are
           scorched
           with
           heat
           ,
           and
           gnaw
           their
           tongues
           for
           pain
           ,
           and
           think
           they
           do
           well
           to
           be
           angry
           even
           to
           death
           ,
           not
           repenting
           of
           their
           deeds
           ,
           nor
           giving
           glory
           to
           God
           .
           Who
           knoweth
           whether
           it
           may
           yet
           please
           God
           ,
           that
           these
           may
           not
           hearken
           to
           that
           divine
           exhortation
           ,
           
             Zech.
             2.
             13.
             
             Be
             silent
             O
             all
             flesh
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             raised
             up
             out
             of
             his
             holy
             habitation
             ;
          
           Yea
           ,
           and
           take
           up
           the
           acclamation
           of
           the
           Angell
           of
           the
           waters
           ,
           
             Rev.
             16.
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             Thou
             art
             righteous
             O
             Lord
             ,
             which
             art
             ,
             and
             wast
             ,
             and
             shalt
             be
             ,
             because
             thou
             hast
             judged
             thus
             ;
             For
             they
             have
             shed
             the
             blood
             of
             Saints
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             thou
             hast
             given
             them
             bloud
             to
             drink
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             worthy
             .
             And
             of
             another
             Angell
             ,
             Even
             so
             Lord
             God
             Almighty
             ,
             true
             and
             righteous
             are
             thy
             judgements
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Novices
           ,
           and
           unskilfull
           persons
           newly
           entred
           into
           the
           way
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           who
           are
           as
           children
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           so
           fully
           attained
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Love
           ,
           of
           Power
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           sound
           mind
           ,
           nor
           yet
           are
           of
           capacity
           by
           use
           to
           exercise
           
           their
           senses
           in
           discerning
           both
           good
           and
           evill
           ,
           
             (
             Heb.
          
           5.
           13.
           14.
           
           )
           such
           ought
           to
           be
           dealt
           withall
           respectively
           and
           tenderly
           ,
           and
           by
           some
           manuduction
           guided
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           even
           as
           a
           nurse
           cherisheth
           her
           children
           in
           their
           minority
           .
           See
           
             Isa
             66.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             Hos.
             11.
             3.
             1
             Thes.
          
           2.
           7.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           Scrupulous
           questionists
           ,
           and
           conflicting
           Christians
           in
           the
           school
           and
           field
           of
           spirituall
           warfare
           ,
           who
           being
           assaulted
           by
           the
           lustfull
           devices
           of
           their
           owne
           deceitfull
           hearts
           ;
           and
           also
           by
           Satan
           ,
           and
           his
           Agents
           co-operating
           suggestions
           ,
           may
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           brotherly
           and
           fellow
           souldierly
           assistance
           ,
           and
           mutuall
           incouragement
           .
           See
           
             Gal.
             5.
             17.
             1
             
             Iohn
          
           2.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           Even
           as
           the
           brave
           Captaine
           Generall
           
             Ioab
          
           did
           most
           prudently
           in
           a
           Councel
           of
           War
           ,
           advertise
           his
           brother
           
             Abishai
          
           in
           the
           warre
           against
           the
           Syrians
           and
           Ammonites
           ,
           2
           
             Sam
          
           10.
           9.
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           Fathers
           and
           growne
           men
           in
           Christianity
           ,
           established
           in
           the
           truth
           ,
           which
           is
           after
           godlinesse
           ,
           who
           are
           come
           to
           the
           Unity
           of
           the
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           perfect
           man
           ,
           unto
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           stature
           of
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           13.
           even
           these
           may
           be
           excited
           and
           incouraged
           to
           glorifie
           God
           in
           their
           beholding
           the
           unanimity
           of
           their
           brethren
           ,
           in
           their
           actings
           according
           to
           the
           uncontroulable
           principles
           of
           the
           sacred
           Scriptures
           ,
           of
           both
           the
           Old
           and
           New
           Testament
           ,
           See
           
             Exod.
             20.
             12.
             
             Rom.
          
           13.
           1.
           compared
           ,
           with
           
             Galat.
          
           1.
           23.
           24.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           Supreme
           Powers
           ,
           and
           Fathers
           of
           our
           Native
           Countrey
           ,
           may
           hence
           take
           knowledge
           for
           their
           greater
           incouragement
           ,
           (
           who
           have
           enacted
           Parliamentarily
           the
           subscribing
           of
           the
           Engagement
           )
           in
           their
           well-governing
           ;
           that
           the
           Christians
           subject
           to
           their
           Authority
           ,
           doe
           with
           good
           reason
           submit
           themselves
           to
           a
           due
           compliance
           therein
           ,
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           render
           just
           grounds
           of
           their
           so
           obeying
           
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           rule
           of
           Scripture
           .
           See
           
             Mat.
          
           22.
           21.
           
           
             Titus
          
           3.
           1.
           
        
         
           This
           my
           plain
           and
           upright-hearted
           endeavour
           ,
           I
           doe
           humbly
           offer
           and
           dedicate
           to
           your
           prudent
           ,
           and
           impartiall
           censures
           and
           patronage
           ,
           who
           according
           to
           the
           knowledge
           you
           have
           experienced
           of
           my
           doctrine
           and
           conversation
           amongst
           you
           ,
           are
           most
           able
           and
           meet
           to
           judge
           what
           I
           say
           ,
           and
           in
           proving
           all
           things
           ,
           to
           hold
           fast
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           as
           indeed
           ye
           ought
           .
           See
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           10.
           15.
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           5.
           21.
           
           My
           reciprocall
           and
           obliged
           Engagement
           mutually
           ,
           I
           chuse
           to
           expresse
           in
           the
           very
           words
           of
           the
           blessed
           Apostle
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           even
           as
           he
           testified
           his
           love
           and
           faithfulnesse
           to
           the
           Saints
           at
           Corinth
           .
           See
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           1.
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             My
             rejoycing
             is
             this
             the
             testimony
             ,
             of
             my
             conscience
             ,
             that
             in
             simplicity
             ,
             and
             godly
             sincerity
             ,
             not
             with
             fleshly
             wisdome
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             I
             have
             had
             my
             conversation
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             more
             abundantly
             to
             you
             wards
             .
          
           For
           I
           write
           none
           other
           things
           unto
           you
           ,
           then
           what
           you
           read
           ,
           or
           acknowledge
           ,
           and
           I
           trust
           you
           shall
           acknowledge
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           end
           .
           Now
           the
           God
           of
           peace
           that
           brought
           again
           from
           the
           dead
           our
           Lord
           ,
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           great
           Shepheard
           of
           the
           Sheep
           ,
           through
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           :
           Make
           you
           perfect
           in
           every
           good
           work
           to
           do
           his
           will
           ,
           working
           in
           you
           that
           which
           is
           wel-pleasing
           in
           his
           sight
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           To
           whom
           be
           glory
           for
           ever
           and
           ever
           .
           
             Amen
             .
          
           So
           prayeth
           ,
        
         
           
             Your
             servant
             in
             the
             Lord
             for
             Jesus
             sake
             ,
             Thomas
             Paget
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           A
           Faithful
           &
           Conscientious
           Account
           For
           Subscribing
           the
           ENGAGEMENT
           .
        
         
           
             SECT.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Motives
               and
               Grounds
               for
               the
               Reasonableness
               and
               Expediency
               of
               giving
               Account
               herein
               .
            
          
           
             1.
             
             
               MOses
            
             and
             the
             Prophets
             in
             the
             sacred
             Historical
             Scriptures
             
               (
               written
               for
               our
               instruction
               and
               admonition
               ,
               on
               whom
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               world
               are
               come
               ,
               Rom.
            
             15.
             4.
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             10.
             11.
             
             )
             declaring
             the
             true
             state
             and
             Occurrences
             of
             Old
             Testament
             Times
             ,
             do
             give
             a
             just
             and
             faithful
             Account
             of
             their
             own
             faithful
             and
             warrantable
             Deportment
             ,
             and
             likewise
             of
             the
             faithful
             Deportment
             of
             others
             ,
             the
             good
             Servants
             of
             God
             in
             their
             generations
             occasionally
             made
             mention
             of
             by
             them
             ,
             
               viz.
            
             of
             
               Noah
               ,
               Abraham
               ,
               David
               ,
               Asa
               ,
               Iehoshaphat
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             This
             is
             so
             plainly
             written
             throughout
             their
             Books
             ,
             that
             a
             man
             may
             run
             and
             read
             the
             same
             :
             To
             allude
             to
             
               Habak.
            
             2.
             2.
             
             And
             surely
             they
             saw
             a
             reasonableness
             and
             expediency
             in
             so
             doing
             ;
             
               they
               being
               holy
               men
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               writing
               as
               they
               were
               moved
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
            
             2
             
               Pet.
            
             1.
             20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
           
             2.
             
             The
             Apostles
             and
             Evangelists
             ,
             who
             wrote
             the
             Historial
             Scriptures
             respecting
             the
             state
             of
             New
             Testament
             Times
             ,
             (
             which
             being
             compared
             with
             Old
             Testament
             Times
             ,
             are
             stiled
             times
             of
             Reformation
             ,
             
               Heb.
            
             9.
             10.
             
             )
             they
             also
             do
             give
             a
             clear
             and
             perfect
             Account
             ,
             not
             only
             of
             Evangelical
             Doctrine
             
               (
               the
               truth
               which
               is
               after
               godliness
               ,
               Tit.
            
             1.
             1.
             
             )
             but
             also
             of
             particular
             occasional
             Acts
             ,
             wherein
             they
             were
             exemplary
             for
             our
             Imitation
             ,
             and
             following
             in
             the
             same
             ,
             
               Iohn
            
             20.
             31.
             
             
               Luk.
            
             1.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
               Act.
            
             1.
             1.
             
             As
             may
             most
             fully
             appear
             in
             a
             short
             view
             of
             the
             two
             remarkable
             Instances
             ,
             beyond
             all
             exception
             ;
             
               Viz.
               
            
          
           
             
               1.
               
               Instance
               ,
               Touching
               our
               most
               blessed
               Lord
               and
               Saviour
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               our
               Spiritual
               King
               and
               Prophet
               ,
               his
               worthy
               acting
               and
               walking
               excepted
               against
               :
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   By
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   for
                   his
                   
                     eating
                     with
                     Publicans
                     and
                     sinners
                     ,
                     Mat.
                  
                   9.
                   11
                   ,
                   12
                   ,
                   13.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   By
                   the
                   Disciples
                   of
                   
                     Iohn
                     Baptist
                     ,
                  
                   about
                   
                     frequent
                     fasting
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   9.
                   14.
                   15
                   ,
                   16
                   ,
                   17.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   By
                   the
                   multitudes
                   ,
                   concerning
                   
                     Iohn
                     Baptists
                     and
                     his
                     own
                     Ministry
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   11.
                   7
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   By
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   about
                   
                     the
                     Traditions
                     of
                     the
                     Elders
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   15.
                   1
                   ,
                   to
                   15.
                   
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   By
                   his
                   own
                   Disciples
                   ,
                   
                     ignorant
                     of
                     the
                     meaning
                     of
                     Parables
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   15.
                   15
                   ,
                   to
                   21.
                   
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   By
                   the
                   Herodians
                   and
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   about
                   
                     tribute
                     to
                     Caesar
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   22.
                   15
                   ,
                   to
                   22.
                   
                   In
                   all
                   these
                   it
                   is
                   requisite
                   that
                   
                     Wisdom
                     should
                     be
                     justified
                     of
                     her
                     children
                     :
                  
                   See
                   
                     Mat.
                  
                   11.
                   19.
                   
                
              
            
             
               2.
               
               Instance
               ,
               Touching
               Apostolical
               Practises
               and
               Actings
               in
               the
               first
               and
               purest
               Primitive
               Times
               ,
               who
               were
               vindicated
               therein
               ,
               albeit
               they
               were
               contradicted
               :
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   By
                   mockers
                   at
                   the
                   
                     fulness
                     of
                     the
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                     given
                     ,
                  
                   Acts
                   2.
                   13
                   ,
                   14
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   By
                   people
                   wondering
                   at
                   the
                   
                     cure
                     of
                     an
                     impotent
                     man
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   3.
                   11
                   ,
                   12.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   By
                   Rulers
                   ,
                   Elders
                   and
                   Scribes
                   ,
                   touching
                   the
                   same
                   thing
                   ,
                   Chap.
                   4.
                   5
                   ,
                   8.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   By
                   them
                   of
                   the
                   Circumcision
                   about
                   the
                   
                     Gentiles
                     Conversion
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   11.
                   2
                   ,
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   5.
                   
                   By
                   certain
                   men
                   from
                   
                     Iudea
                     ,
                  
                   about
                   
                     Observation
                     of
                     Circumcision
                     ,
                     Acts
                  
                   15.
                   1
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   By
                   the
                   Athenians
                   ,
                   concerning
                   the
                   
                     Resurrection
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   17.
                   16
                   ,
                   17
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   end
                   .
                
                 
                   7.
                   
                   See
                   also
                   more
                   specially
                   and
                   fully
                   the
                   perfect
                   Account
                   of
                   the
                   Apostle
                   
                     Paul
                  
                   himself
                   ,
                   touching
                   the
                   main
                   of
                   his
                   actings
                   ,
                   
                     Acts
                  
                   22.
                   &c.
                   to
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   book
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             is
             a
             cloud
             of
             Witnesses
             ,
             even
             of
             the
             Greek
             and
             Latin
             ancient
             Fathers
             ,
             
               viz.
               Iustine
               Martyr
               ,
               Athenagorus
               ,
               Tertullian
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             (
             It
             may
             seem
             vain
             to
             amuze
             the
             Reader
             with
             a
             Catalogue
             of
             their
             Names
             ,
             and
             Titles
             of
             their
             Books
             ,
             respecting
             this
             matter
             ,
             )
             who
             gave
             good
             Account
             of
             their
             Christian
             Actings
             against
             
               Pagans
               ,
            
             and
             
               Hereticks
            
             of
             various
             sorts
             ,
             and
             otherwise
             also
             ,
             as
             emergent
             cause
             and
             occasion
             called
             for
             ,
             plentifully
             testified
             in
             their
             useful
             learned
             Writings
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             In
             the
             several
             Centuries
             ,
             when
             gross
             
               Antichristianism
            
             dominecred
             for
             the
             most
             part
             throughout
             all
             
               Europe
               ,
            
             then
             God
             had
             his
             faithful
             Witnesses
             notwithstanding
             ,
             who
             did
             substantially
             and
             couragiously
             withstand
             and
             testifie
             against
             the
             same
             ,
             
               Apocal.
            
             11.
             3.
             
             This
             is
             most
             singularly
             evidenced
             by
             the
             industrious
             Collection
             of
             the
             
               Magdeburg
               Centurists
               ,
            
             by
             Mr
             
               Iohn
               Fox
            
             in
             his
             book
             of
             Martyrs
             ,
             by
             the
             noble
             French
             Lord
             
               Philip
               Morney
               ,
            
             in
             his
             History
             of
             the
             
               Mystery
               of
               Iniquity
               ,
               its
               progress
               and
               opposition
               ;
            
             by
             Doctor
             
               Usher
               ,
            
             in
             his
             Latin
             Treatise
             of
             the
             
               State
               and
               Succession
               of
               Christian
               Churches
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             When
             our
             
               English
               Nation
            
             came
             out
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Babylon
               ,
               the
               Mother
               of
               Harlots
               ,
               and
               Abominations
               of
               the
               Earth
               ,
            
             in
             the
             Reign
             of
             Queen
             
               Elizabeth
               ,
            
             here
             was
             
               Iohn
               Iewel
            
             returned
             from
             
               Exile
               ,
            
             a
             most
             learned
             and
             renowned
             Confessor
             ,
             who
             wrote
             an
             
               Apology
               for
               the
               Church
               of
               England
               for
               her
               forsaking
               Rome
               in
               the
               Point
               of
               Doctrine
               .
            
             Here
             was
             also
             learned
             and
             conscientious
             Mr
             
               Thomas
               Cartwright
               ,
               Udall
               ,
            
             and
             divers
             others
             ,
             who
             excellently
             declared
             and
             demonstrated
             against
             
               Hierarchy
               ,
            
             and
             
               Romish
               Superstitious
               Ceremonies
               ,
            
             in
             their
             Judicious
             Treatises
             against
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             In
             the
             beginning
             of
             K.
             
               Iames
            
             his
             Reign
             in
             
               England
            
             (
             some
             Overtures
             being
             for
             the
             reforming
             of
             
               Discipline
            
             and
             
               divine
               Service
               )
            
             there
             was
             arguing
             against
             Corruptions
             in
             
               Discipline
            
             and
             
               Worship
            
             
             at
             the
             
               Hampton
               .
            
             Court-Conference
             by
             profound
             Dr
             
               Reinolds
               ,
            
             Mr
             
               Chadderton
               ,
            
             and
             Mr
             
               Knewstubs
               :
            
             And
             besides
             that
             ,
             many
             godly
             learned
             and
             zealous
             
               Ministers
            
             of
             
               Lincoln
               Diocess
               ,
            
             by
             themselves
             ,
             of
             
               Devonshire
            
             and
             
               Cornwall
               ,
            
             of
             
               London
               ,
            
             and
             sundry
             other
             Counties
             ,
             each
             by
             themselves
             ,
             exhibited
             their
             solid
             Arguments
             against
             
               Episcopacy
            
             and
             
               Superstitious
               Conformity
               ,
            
             yea
             much
             was
             effectually
             pleaded
             in
             this
             kind
             by
             Mr
             
               Bradshaw
               ,
            
             Mr
             
               Sherwood
               ,
            
             and
             other
             particular
             men
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             After
             this
             Dr
             
               Morton
            
             becoming
             Prelate
             of
             
               Chester
            
             (
             looked
             on
             for
             great
             dexterity
             in
             
               Popish
               Controversies
               )
            
             he
             resolved
             to
             try
             his
             strength
             against
             the
             
               Non-Conformists
            
             in
             
               Cheshire
            
             and
             
               Lancashire
               ,
            
             and
             to
             this
             purpose
             required
             some
             of
             them
             (
             which
             he
             singled
             out
             )
             to
             propound
             their
             Arguments
             against
             the
             
               Cross
               in
               Baptism
               ,
               Surplace
               ,
            
             and
             
               Kneeling
               at
               the
               Communion
               ;
            
             which
             done
             by
             them
             ,
             and
             yet
             they
             in
             no
             wise
             convinced
             :
             The
             said
             
               Non-Conformists
            
             (
             amongst
             whom
             the
             now
             Accountant
             was
             one
             )
             were
             commanded
             to
             give
             him
             their
             Arguments
             in
             writing
             ,
             which
             they
             also
             did
             ;
             yet
             he
             finding
             his
             endeavor
             fruitless
             in
             Conferences
             openly
             and
             privately
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             they
             justified
             their
             Reasons
             ,
             he
             then
             (
             as
             the
             event
             manifested
             )
             wrote
             a
             Book
             in
             defence
             of
             those
             three
             nocent
             
               Ceremonies
               :
            
             But
             howbeit
             the
             said
             
               Non-Conformists
            
             could
             not
             with
             liberty
             and
             safety
             reply
             unto
             his
             Books
             ,
             (
             which
             otherwise
             they
             were
             ready
             unto
             ,
             )
             yet
             God
             raised
             up
             pious
             and
             acute
             Dr
             
               Ames
            
             (
             who
             then
             was
             an
             
               Exile
            
             in
             the
             
               United
               Netherlands
               )
            
             to
             Reply
             unto
             it
             ;
             yea
             and
             whereas
             Mr
             
               Burges
            
             (
             a
             Doctor
             in
             Physick
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             himself
             a
             
               Non-Conformist
               ,
            
             however
             he
             declined
             therefrom
             ,
             through
             the
             ensuaring
             Iniquity
             of
             the
             Times
             ,
             and
             became
             a
             conforming
             Minister
             )
             Rejoyned
             unto
             the
             Reply
             ;
             yet
             the
             said
             Dr
             
               Ames
            
             commenced
             a
             fresh
             Suit
             against
             his
             Rejoynder
             for
             these
             Ceremonies
             ,
             which
             as
             it
             is
             well
             known
             was
             an
             exceptible
             Service
             in
             those
             times
             to
             the
             suffering
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             although
             it
             were
             barked
             against
             by
             the
             Prelatical
             Party
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             Of
             late
             in
             K.
             
               Charls
            
             his
             Reign
             ,
             swollen
             into
             extream
             Tyranny
             ,
             every
             one
             almost
             of
             any
             observation
             ,
             may
             have
             taken
             knowledg
             of
             manifold
             notable
             and
             just
             
               Declarations
            
             and
             
               Remonstrances
            
             of
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             tending
             to
             undeceive
             the
             people
             ;
             yea
             and
             manifold
             effectual
             
               Petitions
            
             and
             humble
             
               Advertisements
            
             to
             the
             
               Parliament
            
             
             from
             the
             Oppressed
             People
             throughout
             the
             Land
             ,
             witnessing
             against
             Oppressions
             by
             arbitrary
             Power
             in
             the
             Civil
             and
             Ecclesiastical
             State
             ,
             and
             submisly
             requesting
             and
             pleading
             for
             
               Reformation
               .
            
          
           
             IX
             .
             In
             this
             present
             juncture
             of
             the
             perplexed
             scruples
             of
             many
             ,
             by
             occasion
             of
             the
             required
             Subscribing
             the
             
               Engagement
               ,
            
             There
             are
             some
             eminent
             men
             of
             well
             guided
             counsels
             ,
             and
             composed
             temper
             of
             their
             publique
             spirits
             ,
             who
             have
             given
             forth
             their
             judicious
             Considerations
             ,
             endevoring
             meekly
             and
             learnedly
             to
             give
             satisfaction
             to
             such
             as
             are
             studious
             to
             understand
             rightly
             in
             so
             grand
             a
             Case
             of
             Conscience
             as
             it
             is
             pretended
             to
             be
             .
          
           
             X.
             And
             hence
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Premisses
             are
             effectual
             Motives
             (
             some
             Commissioners
             having
             been
             designed
             by
             the
             Supreme
             Power
             to
             take
             Subscription
             to
             the
             
               Engagement
            
             according
             to
             the
             Act
             of
             
               Parliament
               )
            
             unto
             the
             Accountant
             ,
             having
             declared
             his
             submission
             to
             
               Authority
               ,
            
             to
             declare
             also
             that
             he
             acteth
             according
             to
             right
             Reason
             satisfactory
             unto
             himself
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             satisfying
             of
             others
             ,
             who
             possibly
             may
             wonder
             and
             marvel
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             information
             ,
             at
             such
             his
             compliance
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               The
               Account
               it self
               truly
               stated
               ,
               and
               clearly
               explained
               ,
               in
               its
               genuine
               and
               proper
               sence
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             form
             of
             
               Subscription
            
             to
             the
             
               Engagement
               ,
            
             ordained
             by
             the
             Act
             of
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             is
             expressed
             in
             these
             words
             ;
             
               viz.
               I
               do
               declare
               and
               promise
               ,
               that
               I
               will
               be
               true
               and
               faithful
               to
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
            
             England
             ,
             
               as
               it
               is
               now
               established
               without
               a
               King
               ,
               or
               House
               of
               Lords
               .
            
             Howbeit
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             this
             form
             of
             words
             hath
             a
             most
             easie
             and
             clear
             sence
             to
             any
             ordinary
             capacity
             ,
             so
             as
             no
             doubt
             nor
             scruple
             can
             be
             contained
             in
             it
             :
             Yet
             notwithstanding
             ,
             for
             our
             better
             making
             use
             and
             improvement
             of
             the
             certain
             and
             unquestionable
             meaning
             of
             it
             unto
             an
             effectual
             demonstration
             of
             its
             lawfulness
             and
             expediency
             ,
             The
             Contents
             thereof
             shall
             be
             resolved
             into
             the
             four
             parts
             or
             branches
             ,
             which
             are
             obviously
             remarkable
             ,
             and
             each
             of
             them
             explained
             and
             considered
             by
             themselves
             :
             
               viz.
               
            
          
           
           
             
               1.
               
               The
               particular
               condition
               of
               the
               person
               concerned
               and
               engaged
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Act
               of
               subscribing
               in
               the
               peculiar
               nature
               thereof
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               object
               of
               this
               peculiar
               Act
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               The
               modification
               and
               restriction
               of
               the
               object
               in
               its
               limits
               and
               bounds
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Explanation
             of
             the
             Parts
             and
             Branches
             .
          
           
             I.
             The
             condition
             of
             the
             person
             engaging
             ,
             
               [
               I
               ,
               ]
            
             An
             English
             born
             Subject
             ,
             receiving
             benefit
             and
             protection
             from
             this
             present
             Commonwealth
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             now
             established
             ,
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               Christianity
               ,
            
             and
             of
             my
             particular
             Calling
             unto
             the
             Ministry
             of
             the
             
               Gospel
            
             in
             a
             Pastoral
             charge
             .
          
           
             
               Note
               .
            
             [
             That
             which
             is
             said
             touching
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             particular
             person
             in
             his
             Calling
             and
             Capacity
             specified
             ,
             hath
             the
             same
             sence
             
               (
               mutatis
               mutandis
               )
            
             respecting
             all
             sorts
             of
             persons
             concerned
             in
             the
             
               Engagement
               ,
            
             of
             what
             Calling
             ,
             state
             ,
             degree
             ,
             and
             condition
             soever
             ;
             whether
             they
             be
             Noblemen
             ,
             Gentlemen
             ,
             or
             Commons
             ;
             whether
             they
             be
             subordinate
             Magistrates
             ,
             Judges
             ,
             Justices
             ,
             Majors
             ,
             Sheriffs
             ,
             Bayliffs
             ,
             or
             Constables
             ;
             whether
             they
             be
             Lawyers
             ,
             Physicians
             ,
             Ministers
             ,
             Schoolmasters
             ,
             Souldiers
             ,
             Merchants
             ,
             Mariners
             ,
             Tradesmen
             ,
             Husbandmen
             ,
             or
             Artificers
             ;
             and
             whether
             their
             habitations
             are
             in
             Cities
             ,
             Towns
             ,
             or
             Villages
             ,
             or
             whether
             of
             any
             other
             Province
             comprehended
             under
             the
             same
             Government
             .
             ]
          
           
             II.
             The
             Act
             of
             subscribing
             in
             the
             peculiar
             nature
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             in
             this
             expression
             ;
             
               [
               I
               do
               Declare
               and
               Promise
               ,
               that
               I
               will
               be
               true
               and
               faithful
               to
               &c.
               ]
               Expla.
            
             The
             nature
             and
             sum
             of
             this
             Act
             consisteth
             in
             the
             exercising
             of
             truth
             and
             faithfulness
             ,
             and
             approving
             ones
             self
             therein
             as
             occasion
             offereth
             ;
             in
             no
             wise
             giving
             way
             to
             an
             acting
             of
             falshood
             and
             Treachery
             against
             the
             Commonwealth
             ;
             nor
             to
             an
             opposing
             or
             undermining
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             English
             Nation
             under
             the
             present
             
               Government
            
             by
             any
             means
             ;
             nor
             to
             a
             contriving
             or
             practising
             directly
             or
             indirectly
             any
             thing
             to
             the
             disturbance
             thereof
             :
             For
             to
             this
             effect
             the
             very
             Preamble
             of
             the
             Act
             of
             
               Parliament
            
             for
             subscribing
             the
             
               Engagement
               ,
            
             hinteth
             the
             sence
             .
             
               Vid.
               ibid.
            
             And
             the
             Law-givers
             themselves
             are
             their
             own
             best
             Interpreters
             .
          
           
             III.
             The
             Object
             of
             the
             Act
             of
             declaring
             and
             promising
             to
             be
             true
             and
             faithful
             ,
             is
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             expressed
             ,
             
               [
               The
               Commonwealth
               of
               
               England
               .
               ]
               Expla.
            
             Touching
             this
             branch
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             observed
             for
             the
             better
             understanding
             of
             it
             ,
             God
             that
             made
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             hath
             made
             of
             one
             blood
             all
             Nations
             of
             men
             to
             dwell
             on
             the
             face
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             hath
             determinted
             all
             the
             times
             before
             appointed
             ,
             and
             the
             bounds
             of
             their
             habitation
             ,
             see
             
               Act.
            
             17.
             24.
             26.
             he
             hath
             so
             ordered
             ;
             and
             brought
             to
             passe
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             counsell
             of
             his
             own
             will
             ,
             
               Eph.
            
             1.
             11.
             that
             even
             Englishmen
             for
             many
             generations
             ,
             have
             as
             a
             Nation
             lived
             Nationally
             in
             England
             ,
             and
             been
             combined
             in
             a
             politike
             Body
             ,
             or
             
               Common-wealth
               ,
            
             according
             to
             the
             Rights
             and
             Customes
             of
             this
             Nation
             ,
             chosen
             and
             consented
             unto
             by
             the
             people
             hereof
             :
             Thus
             is
             the
             Common-wealth
             of
             England
             to
             be
             estimated
             .
          
           
             IV.
             The
             Modification
             and
             Restriction
             of
             the
             object
             of
             the
             Act
             of
             subscribing
             ,
             is
             limited
             and
             bounded
             in
             this
             expression
             ,
             
               [
               As
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
               England
               is
               now
               established
               without
               a
               King
               and
               House
               of
               Lords
               .
               ]
               Expla.
            
             Concerning
             this
             last
             branch
             it
             may
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             the
             Common-wealth
             of
             England
             is
             now
             established
             without
             a
             King
             ,
             and
             House
             of
             Lords
             ,
             according
             to
             a
             Declaration
             of
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             intituled
             ,
             
               A
               Declaration
               of
               the
               Parliament
               of
               England
               ,
               expressing
               the
               grounds
               of
               their
               late
               proceedings
               ,
               and
               of
               setling
               the
               present
               Government
               in
               the
               way
               of
               a
               free
               State
               :
            
             This
             was
             Ordered
             ,
             
               March
            
             17.
             1648.
             by
             the
             Commons
             in
             Parliament
             assembled
             ,
             to
             be
             printed
             and
             published
             .
             And
             thus
             much
             briefly
             and
             perspicuously
             for
             the
             summe
             ,
             and
             parts
             ,
             and
             sense
             of
             the
             forme
             of
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Reasons
               asserting
               and
               justifying
               the
               faithfulnesse
               and
               conscionablenesse
               of
               Engagement
               .
            
          
           
             
               I.
               REASON
               .
            
             
               BEcause
               such
               subscribed
               Engagement
               is
               agreeable
               to
               the
               law
               of
               nature
               and
               Nations
               revealed
               in
               the
               holy
               Scriptures
               ,
               dictated
               and
               inspired
               by
               the
               Spirit
               of
               the
               God
               of
               Nature
               and
               Nations
               ,
               who
               is
               our
               King
               and
               Law-giver
               ,
               
                 Isai.
              
               33.
               22
               ,
               even
               the
               
               one
               onely
               Law-giver
               ,
               who
               is
               able
               to
               save
               and
               to
               destroy
               ;
               see
               
                 Iam.
              
               4.
               12.
               compared
               with
               2
               
                 Tim.
                 3.
                 16.
                 
                 Ergo
                 ,
              
               It
               may
               and
               ought
               to
               be
               subscribed
               :
               This
               Reason
               shall
               be
               evidenced
               and
               illustrated
               according
               to
               the
               foure
               branches
               and
               parts
               observed
               in
               the
               Forme
               of
               Engagement
               .
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 condition
                 of
                 the
                 person
                 subscribing
                 ,
                 even
                 one
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 Subject
                 under
                 this
                 established
                 present
                 Government
                 of
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 England
                 ,
                 and
                 receiveth
                 benefit
                 and
                 protection
                 from
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 giveth
                 good
                 evidence
                 and
                 illustration
                 to
                 this
                 first
                 Reason
                 :
                 For
                 it
                 is
                 both
                 lawfull
                 and
                 requisite
                 that
                 any
                 person
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 a
                 Subject
                 under
                 any
                 supreme
                 power
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 of
                 what
                 kind
                 soever
                 the
                 power
                 is
                 ,
                 whether
                 it
                 be
                 Monarchicall
                 ,
                 Aristocraticall
                 ,
                 or
                 Democraticall
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 what
                 Nation
                 soever
                 the
                 person
                 and
                 subject
                 is
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 necessary
                 ,
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 subject
                 person
                 be
                 true
                 and
                 faithfull
                 to
                 such
                 Supreme
                 Power
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 demonstrable
                 by
                 an
                 Induction
                 of
                 particular
                 instances
                 ,
                 
                   viz.
                   
                
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Ioseph
                
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 the
                 Patriark
                 
                   Iacob
                   ,
                
                 an
                 Hebrew
                 fearing
                 God
                 ,
                 he
                 by
                 occasion
                 living
                 in
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 (
                 having
                 been
                 sold
                 thither
                 )
                 did
                 not
                 onely
                 accept
                 imployment
                 under
                 the
                 Supreme
                 Power
                 there
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 was
                 true
                 and
                 faithfull
                 thereunto
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 though
                 Egypt
                 was
                 an
                 house
                 of
                 bondage
                 unto
                 the
                 Israelites
                 ,
                 see
                 
                   Gen.
                
                 41.
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Mordecai
                   ,
                
                 a
                 truly
                 religious
                 Jew
                 of
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 the
                 captivity
                 ,
                 did
                 witnesse
                 his
                 truth
                 and
                 faithfulnesse
                 unto
                 the
                 Persian
                 Monarchy
                 ,
                 by
                 his
                 ingenuous
                 discovery
                 of
                 the
                 treasonable
                 and
                 murderous
                 designe
                 of
                 
                   Bigthan
                
                 and
                 
                   Teresh
                   ,
                
                 two
                 of
                 the
                 Kings
                 Chamberlains
                 against
                 King
                 
                   Ahashuerus
                   ,
                
                 reigning
                 in
                 Persia
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ;
                 see
                 
                   Esther
                
                 2.
                 21
                 ,
                 22.
                 
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Nehemiah
                   ,
                
                 an
                 eminent
                 servant
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 served
                 
                   Artaxerxes
                
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Persia
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 true
                 and
                 faithfull
                 unto
                 the
                 supreme
                 Power
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 submitting
                 unto
                 ,
                 and
                 observing
                 of
                 his
                 directions
                 and
                 appointment
                 ;
                 see
                 
                   Neh.
                
                 2.
                 6.
                 
                 &
                 
                   cap.
                
                 13.
                 6.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Our
                 blessed
                 Saviour
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 the
                 dayes
                 of
                 his
                 flesh
                 here
                 on
                 earth
                 ,
                 declared
                 his
                 mind
                 touching
                 faithfulnesse
                 to
                 
                   Tiberius
                   Caesar
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Romane
                 Emperor
                 ,
                 being
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 supreme
                 Commander
                 over
                 the
                 Jewish
                 Nation
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 did
                 concern
                 
                 that
                 his
                 supreme
                 power
                 ,
                 whatever
                 difficulties
                 and
                 confusions
                 the
                 Jewish
                 Nation
                 was
                 involved
                 into
                 in
                 those
                 daies
                 ;
                 see
                 
                   Mat.
                
                 22.
                 19
                 ,
                 20
                 ,
                 21.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 holy
                 Apostle
                 
                   Paul
                
                 approving
                 his
                 Apostleship
                 to
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 as
                 became
                 him
                 ,
                 instructeth
                 the
                 Christians
                 at
                 Rome
                 to
                 submit
                 faithfully
                 and
                 conscientiously
                 to
                 the
                 present
                 supreme
                 power
                 there
                 ,
                 though
                 the
                 Emperors
                 in
                 those
                 times
                 were
                 monstrous
                 and
                 bloody
                 usurping
                 Emperors
                 ;
                 see
                 
                   Rom.
                
                 13.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4
                 ,
                 5
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 The
                 great
                 Apostle
                 
                   Peter
                
                 saw
                 just
                 cause
                 that
                 the
                 brethren
                 of
                 the
                 dispersion
                 throughout
                 Pontus
                 ,
                 Galatia
                 ,
                 Cappadocia
                 ,
                 Asia
                 and
                 Bythinia
                 ,
                 should
                 submit
                 themselves
                 unto
                 the
                 present
                 power
                 they
                 were
                 under
                 in
                 those
                 severall
                 Territories
                 ,
                 what
                 ever
                 the
                 power
                 was
                 for
                 its
                 kind
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 for
                 the
                 arguing
                 their
                 faithfulnesse
                 unto
                 those
                 Powers
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 Christian
                 faithfulnesse
                 in
                 so
                 doing
                 ;
                 see
                 1
                 
                   Pet.
                
                 2.
                 13
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15
                 ,
                 16
                 ,
                 17.
                 
              
               
                 These
                 instances
                 may
                 beyond
                 all
                 exception
                 ,
                 vindicate
                 the
                 person
                 who
                 is
                 an
                 English
                 Subject
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 his
                 subsistence
                 and
                 livelihood
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 for
                 his
                 ingaging
                 unto
                 the
                 now
                 established
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 England
                 ,
                 the
                 tie
                 of
                 this
                 relation
                 being
                 more
                 naturall
                 and
                 fundamentall
                 then
                 those
                 before
                 mentioned
                 :
                 Hereunto
                 might
                 be
                 added
                 ,
                 of
                 how
                 good
                 report
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   (
                   Philip
                   .
                
                 4.
                 8.
                 
                 )
                 that
                 in
                 case
                 any
                 prisoners
                 amongst
                 us
                 have
                 liberty
                 to
                 go
                 abroad
                 ,
                 upon
                 their
                 parole
                 ,
                 and
                 ingaging
                 themselves
                 to
                 their
                 Goalers
                 and
                 Keepers
                 to
                 faithfulnesse
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 approve
                 themselves
                 unto
                 them
                 therein
                 ;
                 how
                 much
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 case
                 in
                 hand
                 ?
              
            
             
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 second
                 branch
                 in
                 the
                 form
                 of
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Act
                 of
                 subscribing
                 in
                 its
                 peculiar
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 expressed
                 in
                 these
                 words
                 ,
                 
                   [
                   I
                   declare
                   ,
                   and
                   promise
                   to
                   be
                   true
                   and
                   faithfull
                   to
                   ,
                   &c.
                   ]
                
                 Now
                 this
                 peculiar
                 Act
                 doth
                 afford
                 another
                 ground
                 to
                 argue
                 the
                 reasonablenesse
                 of
                 the
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 Scripturall
                 Reason
                 :
                 Sith
                 truth
                 and
                 faithfulnesse
                 in
                 any
                 persons
                 in
                 any
                 concernments
                 ,
                 doth
                 hear
                 well
                 on
                 all
                 hands
                 ,
                 as
                 on
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 falshood
                 and
                 trechery
                 doth
                 hear
                 ill
                 .
                 This
                 may
                 be
                 manifested
                 and
                 evinced
                 in
                 these
                 ensuing
                 assertions
                 .
              
               
                 
                   1
                   God
                   himself
                   is
                   glorified
                   by
                   his
                   Attribute
                   of
                   faithfulnesse
                   ,
                   
                     Deut.
                     7.
                     9.
                     
                     Psal.
                  
                   36.
                   5.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Christ
                   stileth
                   himselfe
                   the
                   faithfull
                   and
                   true
                   witnesse
                   ,
                   
                     Apocal.
                  
                   3.
                   14.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Gods
                   gracious
                   respect
                   is
                   unto
                   faithfull
                   ones
                   ,
                   
                     Heb.
                     3.
                     2.
                     5.
                     
                     Mat.
                  
                   25.
                   21.
                   23.
                   
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Faithfulnesse
                   is
                   a
                   character
                   of
                   approved
                   ones
                   :
                   See
                   instances
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     
                  
                   
                     
                       1.
                       
                       A
                       faithfull
                       man
                       fearing
                       God
                       above
                       many
                       ,
                       
                         Neh.
                      
                       7.
                       2.
                       
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       A
                       faithfull
                       Priest
                       ,
                       doing
                       according
                       to
                       Gods
                       heart
                       ,
                       1
                       
                         Sam.
                      
                       2.
                       35.
                       
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       Faithfull
                       with
                       the
                       Saints
                       ,
                       ruling
                       with
                       God
                       ,
                       
                         Hos.
                      
                       11.
                       ●2
                       .
                    
                     
                       4.
                       
                       A
                       faithfull
                       Ambassador
                       is
                       health
                       ,
                       
                         Prov.
                      
                       13.
                       17.
                       
                    
                     
                       5.
                       
                       It
                       is
                       required
                       of
                       Stewards
                       to
                       be
                       found
                       faithfull
                       ,
                       1
                       
                         Cor.
                      
                       4.
                       2.
                       
                    
                     
                       6.
                       
                       A
                       faithfull
                       and
                       wise
                       servant
                       ,
                       
                         Mat.
                      
                       24.
                       45.
                       
                    
                     
                       7.
                       
                       A
                       faithfull
                       Martyr
                       ,
                       
                         Apocal.
                      
                       2.
                       13.
                       &c.
                       
                    
                  
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   Falshood
                   and
                   unfaithfulnesse
                   is
                   a
                   character
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   
                     Psal.
                  
                   5.
                   9.
                   as
                   being
                   ,
                   
                     
                       1.
                       
                       Prohibited
                       ,
                       
                         Exod.
                      
                       23.
                       7
                       :
                    
                     
                       2.
                       
                       Reproved
                       ,
                       
                         Psal.
                      
                       1
                       20.
                       3.
                       
                    
                     
                       3.
                       
                       Punishable
                       ,
                       
                         Deut.
                      
                       19.
                       18
                       ,
                       19.
                       &c.
                       
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 These
                 particular
                 assertions
                 being
                 duly
                 weighed
                 ,
                 are
                 grounds
                 and
                 motives
                 to
                 attract
                 and
                 perswade
                 evermore
                 to
                 act
                 truly
                 and
                 faithfully
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 object
                 doth
                 also
                 further
                 require
                 ,
                 nextly
                 to
                 be
                 insisted
                 on
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 object
                 of
                 the
                 Act
                 of
                 subscribing
                 the
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 doth
                 give
                 yet
                 further
                 ground
                 of
                 evidence
                 and
                 confirmation
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 Scripturall
                 Reason
                 ,
                 
                   viz.
                
                 [
                 I
                 declare
                 and
                 promise
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 and
                 faithfull
                 
                   to
                   the
                   Common-wealth
                   of
                   England
                   .
                   ]
                
                 Sith
                 the
                 Common
                 wealth
                 of
                 England
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 Common-wealth
                 that
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 for
                 very
                 many
                 ages
                 and
                 generations
                 successively
                 ;
                 as
                 it
                 may
                 appeare
                 divers
                 wayes
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 English
                 language
                 ,
                 and
                 native
                 Mother
                 tongue
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 Continent
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 the
                 same
                 borders
                 and
                 bounds
                 .
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 hath
                 the
                 same
                 great
                 Charter
                 of
                 its
                 Laws
                 
                   [
                   Magna
                   Charta
                   .
                   ]
                
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 acteth
                 in
                 the
                 doing
                 of
                 Justice
                 and
                 Judgment
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 way
                 of
                 open
                 Courts
                 at
                 Westminster
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 severall
                 Counties
                 of
                 the
                 Nation
                 at
                 Assizes
                 ,
                 and
                 Sessions
                 ,
                 and
                 inferior
                 Judicatories
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 transactions
                 are
                 managed
                 by
                 the
                 learned
                 Judges
                 ,
                 Justices
                 of
                 Peace
                 ,
                 Stewards
                 ,
                 Juries
                 ,
                 and
                 Witnesses
                 ,
                 &c.
                 as
                 hath
                 been
                 antiently
                 accustomed
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 professeth
                 and
                 establisheth
                 the
                 true
                 Christian
                 Religion
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 sacred
                 Scriptures
                 of
                 the
                 Old
                 and
                 New
                 Testament
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 And
                 principally
                 it
                 enacteth
                 Lawes
                 by
                 Parliamentary
                 Power
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 onely
                 ,
                 enacting
                 some
                 new
                 Laws
                 ,
                 and
                 repealing
                 some
                 old
                 Lawes
                 ,
                 
                   (
                   pro
                   re
                   nata
                   )
                
                 as
                 occasion
                 and
                 cause
                 requireth
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 wont
                 to
                 do
                 :
                 And
                 herein
                 the
                 very
                 form
                 of
                 the
                 Commonwealth
                 consists
                 .
              
               
                 Yea
                 ,
                 and
                 howbeit
                 ,
                 there
                 have
                 been
                 and
                 are
                 various
                 conditions
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 of
                 wayes
                 of
                 governing
                 by
                 Britains
                 ,
                 Saxons
                 ,
                 Danes
                 ,
                 and
                 Normans
                 ,
                 both
                 in
                 Civill
                 and
                 Ecclesiasticall
                 Affairs
                 unto
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 refining
                 and
                 reforming
                 Laws
                 and
                 Government
                 as
                 need
                 hath
                 required
                 ;
                 yet
                 none
                 of
                 these
                 variations
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 to
                 abrogate
                 or
                 disanull
                 the
                 identity
                 of
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 England
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 true
                 indeed
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 in
                 some
                 part
                 heretofore
                 ,
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 later
                 times
                 very
                 much
                 that
                 was
                 amisse
                 hath
                 been
                 amended
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 the
                 expulsion
                 of
                 Antichrist
                 in
                 the
                 branch
                 in
                 Queen
                 
                   Elizabeths
                
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 root
                 by
                 this
                 present
                 Parliament
                 ;
                 as
                 also
                 ,
                 much
                 good
                 hath
                 been
                 by
                 the
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 in
                 suppressing
                 of
                 arbitrary
                 power
                 ,
                 taking
                 away
                 the
                 High
                 Commission
                 Court
                 ,
                 Star-Chamber
                 ,
                 Hierarchie
                 ,
                 and
                 superstitious
                 monuments
                 of
                 Popish
                 Idolatry
                 ,
                 &c.
                 but
                 yet
                 notwithstanding
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 same
                 Common-wealth
                 still
                 ,
                 yea
                 ,
                 and
                 English
                 blood
                 and
                 spirits
                 are
                 yet
                 remaining
                 amongst
                 us
                 .
              
               
                 It
                 is
                 in
                 great
                 part
                 with
                 us
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 with
                 the
                 Commonwealth
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 Chronichled
                 in
                 the
                 Canonicall
                 Scriptures
                 of
                 the
                 Old
                 Testament
                 ,
                 
                   viz.
                
                 They
                 were
                 the
                 same
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 from
                 their
                 first
                 establishment
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 National
                 Commonwealth
                 in
                 Sinai
                 ,
                 
                   Exod.
                
                 19.
                 1.
                 
                 &c.
                 untill
                 the
                 utter
                 ruine
                 
                 of
                 their
                 Commonwealth
                 ,
                 fore-told
                 and
                 prophecied
                 of
                 by
                 our
                 Saviour
                 Christ
                 ,
                 
                   Mat.
                
                 24.
                 and
                 afterwards
                 effected
                 by
                 
                   Vespasian
                   ,
                
                 the
                 Roman
                 Emperor
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 these
                 instances
                 :
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 They
                 were
                 all
                 along
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 Hebrew
                 language
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 They
                 had
                 the
                 same
                 great
                 Charter
                 of
                 
                   Moses
                
                 Lawes
                 both
                 for
                 Civill
                 and
                 Church
                 Affairs
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 They
                 had
                 the
                 same
                 borders
                 and
                 bounds
                 still
                 reckoned
                 on
                 ,
                 albeit
                 sometimes
                 more
                 or
                 lesse
                 extended
                 or
                 restrained
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 They
                 reformed
                 amisses
                 both
                 in
                 Church
                 and
                 State
                 (
                 as
                 their
                 condition
                 did
                 admit
                 )
                 as
                 occasion
                 was
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 hearts
                 bent
                 thereto
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 And
                 although
                 they
                 had
                 also
                 sundry
                 conditions
                 of
                 persons
                 and
                 wayes
                 of
                 governing
                 ,
                 namely
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   In
                   the
                   Wildernesse
                   by
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   
                     Moses
                  
                   and
                   
                     Aaron
                     ;
                  
                   see
                   
                     Psal.
                  
                   77.
                   20.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   In
                   Canaan
                   by
                   Judges
                   450.
                   years
                   ;
                   see
                   Act.
                   13.
                   20.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   By
                   Kings
                   afterwards
                   till
                   the
                   captivity
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   variously
                   obtaining
                   their
                   regality
                   ;
                   see
                   Books
                   of
                   
                     Samuel
                     ,
                     Kings
                  
                   and
                   
                     Chronocles
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   By
                   variously
                   conditioned
                   men
                   after
                   the
                   captivity
                   neere
                   500.
                   years
                   ,
                   &c.
                   and
                   yet
                   from
                   
                     Moses
                  
                   to
                   
                     Herod
                  
                   they
                   were
                   the
                   Commonwealth
                   of
                   Israel
                   ;
                   see
                   
                     Luke
                     1.
                     5.
                     
                     -
                     68.
                     &
                     cap.
                  
                   2.
                   25.
                   
                
              
               
                 These
                 instances
                 being
                 duly
                 observed
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 just
                 cause
                 that
                 English
                 Patriots
                 in
                 their
                 love
                 and
                 zeal
                 of
                 their
                 native
                 Country
                 ,
                 should
                 shew
                 themselves
                 to
                 be
                 true
                 and
                 faithfull
                 to
                 the
                 Commonwealth
                 of
                 England
                 ,
                 in
                 whose
                 hands
                 soever
                 the
                 Government
                 is
                 established
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 the
                 rather
                 ,
                 because
                 true
                 Israelites
                 indeed
                 in
                 whose
                 spirits
                 was
                 no
                 guile
                 ,
                 (
                 see
                 
                   Iohn
                
                 1.
                 47.
                 
                 )
                 were
                 wont
                 to
                 be
                 faithfull
                 in
                 their
                 dayes
                 to
                 such
                 their
                 Common-wealth
                 .
                 Let
                 some
                 instances
                 of
                 a
                 few
                 such
                 Worthies
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 be
                 remembred
                 also
                 herein
                 ,
                 who
                 did
                 demean
                 themselves
                 faithfully
                 as
                 present
                 state
                 required
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Ioshua
                
                 and
                 
                   Caleb
                
                 incouraging
                 the
                 Israelites
                 in
                 the
                 Wildernesse
                 ,
                 when
                 many
                 others
                 discouraged
                 them
                 ;
                 see
                 
                   Numb.
                
                 14.
                 6
                 ,
                 7.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Congregation
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 when
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 King
                 in
                 Israel
                 ,
                 on
                 occasion
                 of
                 the
                 horrid
                 distemper
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 
                   Iudg.
                
                 20.
                 1.
                 &c.
                 
              
               
               
                 3.
                 
                 
                   David
                
                 a
                 private
                 man
                 ,
                 when
                 
                   Goliah
                
                 defied
                 the
                 Host
                 f
                 Israel
                 ,
                 1
                 
                   Sam.
                
                 17.
                 32.
                 
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Hushai
                
                 the
                 Archite
                 acting
                 faithfully
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 
                   Absolons
                
                 unnaturall
                 rebellion
                 ,
                 2
                 
                   Sam.
                
                 15.
                 32.
                 
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Obediah
                
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 
                   Iezabels
                
                 persecuting
                 malignity
                 ,
                 1
                 
                   King.
                
                 18.
                 3
                 ,
                 4.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Iehonadab
                
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 
                   Rechab
                
                 adhering
                 to
                 
                   Iehu
                   ,
                   2
                   Kings
                
                 10.
                 15.
                 
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Shecaniah
                
                 stirring
                 up
                 
                   Ezra
                
                 to
                 act
                 in
                 perplexed
                 times
                 ,
                 
                   Ezra
                
                 10.
                 2
                 ,
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 Certainly
                 such
                 examples
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 presidents
                 unto
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 to
                 act
                 as
                 such
                 faithfull
                 servants
                 of
                 God
                 did
                 act
                 in
                 their
                 generations
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 4.
                 
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 the
                 modification
                 and
                 restriction
                 of
                 the
                 object
                 ,
                 
                   viz
                   :
                   [
                   The
                   Common-wealth
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   now
                   established
                   without
                   a
                   King
                   and
                   House
                   of
                   Lords
                   ,
                   ]
                
                 being
                 compared
                 with
                 such
                 Texts
                 of
                 Scripture
                 ,
                 as
                 by
                 just
                 consequence
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 use
                 of
                 ,
                 will
                 strongly
                 argue
                 its
                 establishment
                 to
                 be
                 agreeable
                 to
                 the
                 mind
                 of
                 God
                 the
                 Law-giver
                 ;
                 so
                 as
                 therefore
                 there
                 is
                 good
                 reason
                 for
                 subscribing
                 the
                 Engagement
                 :
                 For
                 this
                 purpose
                 let
                 these
                 three
                 assertions
                 implied
                 in
                 this
                 modification
                 of
                 object
                 ,
                 be
                 well
                 considered
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 England
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 now
                 established
                 without
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 House
                 of
                 Lords
                 ,
                 is
                 so
                 established
                 by
                 the
                 Parliament
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 Parliament
                 that
                 hath
                 declared
                 and
                 setled
                 the
                 Common-wealth
                 of
                 England
                 in
                 a
                 free
                 State
                 without
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 House
                 of
                 Lords
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 Soveraign
                 Power
                 in
                 England
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 just
                 cause
                 of
                 refusing
                 to
                 subscribe
                 the
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 Common-wealths
                 establishment
                 without
                 a
                 King
                 and
                 House
                 of
                 Lords
                 ,
              
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   
                     Assertion
                     .
                  
                   The
                   first
                   of
                   these
                   Assertions
                   may
                   be
                   manifested
                   by
                   the
                   Parliaments
                   Declaration
                   ,
                   
                     March
                  
                   17.
                   1648.
                   expressing
                   the
                   grounds
                   of
                   their
                   proceedings
                   ,
                   &c.
                   of
                   setling
                   the
                   present
                   Government
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   a
                   free
                   State
                   :
                   The
                   Parliament
                   Declaration
                   containeth
                   four
                   remarkable
                   Causes
                   of
                   such
                   their
                   proceedings
                   ,
                   and
                   setling
                   the
                   Government
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   viewed
                   in
                   a
                   short
                   Synopsis
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     
                  
                
                 
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     
                       Cause
                       .
                    
                     The
                     first
                     cause
                     was
                     in
                     respect
                     of
                     Kingly
                     Government
                     ,
                     (
                     set
                     up
                     in
                     our
                     Nation
                     by
                     the
                     agreement
                     of
                     the
                     people
                     for
                     their
                     protection
                     and
                     better
                     government
                     ,
                     according
                     to
                     such
                     Laws
                     as
                     they
                     consented
                     unto
                     )
                     which
                     is
                     taken
                     away
                     for
                     these
                     Reasons
                     .
                  
                   
                     1.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     Kingly
                     Power
                     was
                     perverted
                     by
                     most
                     of
                     the
                     Trustees
                     ,
                     and
                     most
                     notoriously
                     by
                     the
                     late
                     King
                     ,
                     who
                     by
                     many
                     degrees
                     exceeded
                     the
                     rest
                     .
                     Such
                     his
                     vile
                     miscarriage
                     is
                     exemplified
                     in
                     the
                     Parliament
                     Declaration
                     ,
                     by
                     about
                     fifty
                     undeniable
                     pregnant
                     instances
                     ,
                     needlesse
                     to
                     insert
                     .
                     It
                     were
                     good
                     that
                     every
                     English
                     Patriot
                     had
                     the
                     Declaration
                     by
                     him
                     in
                     these
                     confused
                     times
                     to
                     peruse
                     frequently
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     The
                     Kings
                     two
                     eldest
                     Sonnes
                     appeared
                     in
                     actuall
                     arms
                     against
                     the
                     Parliament
                     ,
                     so
                     as
                     no
                     hope
                     of
                     future
                     security
                     could
                     be
                     expected
                     unto
                     the
                     Nation
                     from
                     them
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     There
                     is
                     elder
                     right
                     of
                     supreme
                     power
                     in
                     the
                     people
                     of
                     the
                     Land
                     ,
                     then
                     was
                     in
                     the
                     Kings
                     children
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     If
                     any
                     Right
                     or
                     Title
                     belonged
                     to
                     the
                     Kings
                     eldest
                     sonne
                     ,
                     the
                     same
                     is
                     forfeited
                     by
                     the
                     Fathers
                     treasonable
                     Act
                     ;
                     as
                     in
                     other
                     cases
                     ,
                     even
                     in
                     offices
                     of
                     Inheritance
                     ,
                     it
                     is
                     wont
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     The
                     Kings
                     younger
                     children
                     equally
                     forfeited
                     upon
                     the
                     same
                     account
                     .
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     It
                     is
                     in
                     the
                     same
                     power
                     and
                     authority
                     which
                     at
                     first
                     erected
                     a
                     King
                     for
                     common
                     good
                     ,
                     and
                     afterwards
                     findeth
                     him
                     to
                     pervert
                     his
                     Kingship
                     to
                     common
                     evill
                     ;
                     it
                     is
                     in
                     their
                     power
                     ,
                     whether
                     they
                     will
                     continue
                     his
                     Kingly
                     power
                     ,
                     or
                     change
                     it
                     to
                     a
                     better
                     .
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     God
                     hath
                     specially
                     blessed
                     free
                     States
                     ,
                     who
                     formerly
                     were
                     oppressed
                     by
                     tyranny
                     ,
                     as
                     is
                     seen
                     in
                     united
                     Netherlands
                     ,
                     and
                     others
                     .
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     There
                     are
                     manifold
                     commodious
                     advantages
                     to
                     people
                     in
                     Free-States
                     :
                     Manifold
                     oppressions
                     and
                     dammages
                     are
                     under
                     Monarchy
                     :
                     Vast
                     expense
                     is
                     wont
                     to
                     be
                     by
                     Court
                     luxury
                     and
                     prodigality
                     .
                     Profuse
                     Donations
                     and
                     pensions
                     for
                     the
                     promoting
                     Tyranny
                     ;
                     yea
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     Court
                     (
                     being
                     the
                     nursery
                     of
                     vices
                     ,
                     and
                     corrupter
                     of
                     hopeful
                     branches
                     of
                     noble
                     Families
                     )
                     prevented
                     in
                     a
                     Free
                     State
                     .
                     See
                     Declarat
                     .
                  
                
                 
                 
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       Cause
                       .
                    
                     The
                     second
                     cause
                     of
                     Parliament
                     proceedings
                     touched
                     on
                     in
                     the
                     Declaration
                     ,
                     respecteth
                     the
                     taking
                     away
                     of
                     the
                     House
                     of
                     Lords
                     ,
                     for
                     just
                     reasons
                     ,
                     
                       viz.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     1.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     The
                     Lords
                     sate
                     in
                     an
                     house
                     by
                     themselves
                     ,
                     and
                     did
                     not
                     represent
                     the
                     people
                     ,
                     and
                     therefore
                     might
                     be
                     well
                     spared
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     They
                     exercised
                     a
                     negative
                     Vote
                     ,
                     tending
                     to
                     obstruct
                     much
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     They
                     exercised
                     a
                     juridicall
                     power
                     over
                     the
                     persons
                     ,
                     and
                     estates
                     of
                     all
                     the
                     Commons
                     ,
                     whereof
                     they
                     were
                     not
                     competent
                     Judges
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     Their
                     power
                     did
                     specially
                     depend
                     on
                     the
                     absolutenesse
                     of
                     the
                     King
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     
                       Reason
                       .
                    
                     The
                     Common-Wealth
                     could
                     not
                     well
                     beare
                     their
                     delaies
                     in
                     times
                     of
                     exigency
                     .
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Liberty
                     is
                     left
                     to
                     such
                     Lords
                     ,
                     who
                     have
                     been
                     ,
                     and
                     shall
                     be
                     found
                     faithfull
                     ,
                     to
                     choose
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     be
                     chosen
                     Representatives
                     ,
                     as
                     other
                     competent
                     persons
                     have
                     their
                     right
                     unto
                     .
                     See
                     Declarat
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     3.
                     
                     
                       Cause
                       .
                    
                     Thirdly
                     ,
                     the
                     Parliament
                     giveth
                     satisfactory
                     answers
                     to
                     the
                     obvious
                     main
                     objections
                     against
                     their
                     proceedings
                     ,
                     
                       viz.
                    
                     Anticipat
                     .
                  
                   
                     1.
                     
                     It
                     was
                     intended
                     ,
                     as
                     it
                     was
                     declared
                     
                       April
                    
                     1646.
                     for
                     governing
                     the
                     Nation
                     by
                     King
                     ,
                     Lords
                     and
                     Commons
                     ,
                     in
                     a
                     confidence
                     that
                     the
                     King
                     and
                     Peers
                     would
                     have
                     applied
                     themselves
                     ,
                     as
                     had
                     been
                     meet
                     ;
                     but
                     they
                     wholly
                     and
                     obstinately
                     failing
                     therein
                     ,
                     and
                     there
                     being
                     no
                     stipulation
                     on
                     both
                     sides
                     ,
                     it
                     could
                     not
                     be
                     esteemed
                     a
                     contract
                     ;
                     so
                     that
                     the
                     Commons
                     did
                     most
                     justly
                     after
                     their
                     intentions
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Although
                     some
                     Members
                     of
                     the
                     House
                     of
                     Commons
                     had
                     some
                     force
                     on
                     them
                     (
                     it
                     having
                     at
                     any
                     time
                     rarely
                     happened
                     in
                     times
                     of
                     Parliament
                     ,
                     but
                     some
                     force
                     more
                     or
                     lesse
                     hath
                     been
                     exercised
                     against
                     them
                     ,
                     or
                     some
                     of
                     them
                     ,
                     and
                     they
                     esteemed
                     to
                     be
                     Parliament
                     for
                     all
                     this
                     )
                     yet
                     no
                     breach
                     of
                     Priviledge
                     can
                     be
                     charged
                     upon
                     the
                     remaining
                     part
                     in
                     the
                     House
                     ,
                     which
                     remaining
                     part
                     did
                     farre
                     exceed
                     such
                     authorized
                     number
                     ,
                     who
                     do
                     make
                     an
                     House
                     beyond
                     all
                     exception
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     The
                     Parliament
                     hath
                     declared
                     that
                     the
                     Fundamentall
                     Laws
                     of
                     the
                     Nation
                     are
                     to
                     be
                     continued
                     ,
                     as
                     also
                     Courts
                     of
                     Justice
                     
                     and
                     Judicature
                     in
                     a
                     due
                     way
                     .
                     See
                     Declaration
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     
                       Cause
                       .
                    
                     Lastly
                     ,
                     the
                     Parliaments
                     Declaration
                     sheweth
                     their
                     just
                     and
                     well-grounded
                     ends
                     in
                     the
                     establishing
                     the
                     Common-wealth
                     ,
                     as
                     now
                     it
                     is
                     without
                     King
                     and
                     Lords
                     :
                     Let
                     the
                     Declaration
                     it self
                     be
                     exactly
                     skanned
                     in
                     its
                     full
                     and
                     effectuall
                     expressions
                     ,
                     and
                     it
                     may
                     appeare
                     it
                     was
                     not
                     force
                     on
                     some
                     without
                     the
                     Parliament
                     doors
                     ,
                     but
                     the
                     force
                     of
                     right
                     reason
                     on
                     the
                     Members
                     within
                     the
                     House
                     ,
                     which
                     hath
                     so
                     declared
                     :
                     How
                     forcible
                     are
                     right
                     words
                     ?
                     
                       See
                       Iob
                    
                     6.
                     25.
                     
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   II.
                   
                     Assertion
                     .
                  
                   The
                   second
                   Assertion
                   touching
                   the
                   Soveraign
                   Power
                   of
                   the
                   English
                   Parliament
                   is
                   taken
                   for
                   granted
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   by
                   the
                   Parliament
                   themselves
                   ,
                   groundedly
                   demonstrated
                   in
                   their
                   Declaration
                   above
                   mentioned
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   Assertion
                   ,
                   and
                   likewise
                   in
                   their
                   exercise
                   of
                   supreme
                   power
                   in
                   issuing
                   out
                   Commissions
                   both
                   to
                   subordinate
                   Magistrates
                   for
                   the
                   doing
                   of
                   justice
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   Souldiery
                   for
                   defensive
                   and
                   offensive
                   warres
                   ;
                   but
                   also
                   it
                   is
                   taken
                   for
                   granted
                   by
                   others
                   ,
                   rationall
                   men
                   in
                   the
                   Common-wealth
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   acted
                   by
                   their
                   Commissions
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   from
                   year
                   to
                   year
                   of
                   late
                   whilest
                   the
                   King
                   lived
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   this
                   present
                   year
                   ,
                   1649.
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   are
                   many
                   who
                   have
                   published
                   their
                   minds
                   touching
                   this
                   matter
                   :
                   This
                   hath
                   been
                   done
                   by
                   Mr.
                   
                     Prynne
                  
                   (
                   though
                   now
                   an
                   adversary
                   hereunto
                   )
                   in
                   foure
                   voluminous
                   parts
                   of
                   one
                   of
                   his
                   books
                   ,
                   with
                   a
                   large
                   Appendix
                   thereunto
                   ,
                   intituled
                   ,
                   
                     The
                     Soveraigne
                     Power
                     of
                     Parliaments
                     ,
                  
                   whither
                   the
                   Reader
                   may
                   be
                   referred
                   :
                   only
                   I
                   doe
                   observe
                   hereabouts
                   ,
                   That
                   God
                   the
                   onely
                   Law-giver
                   ,
                   and
                   Soveraign
                   King
                   of
                   Kings
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   supreme
                   powers
                   ,
                   having
                   been
                   graciously
                   pleased
                   to
                   preserve
                   unto
                   us
                   in
                   England
                   the
                   substance
                   of
                   our
                   Common-wealth
                   hitherto
                   ,
                   surely
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   and
                   continued
                   unto
                   us
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   Nature
                   ,
                   contained
                   in
                   the
                   Decalogue
                   to
                   be
                   our
                   rule
                   of
                   life
                   in
                   our
                   severall
                   capacities
                   of
                   inferiority
                   and
                   superiority
                   ,
                   whether
                   supreme
                   or
                   subordinate
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   in
                   Civill
                   Government
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   Church
                   and
                   Family
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   to
                   have
                   a
                   Magistracy
                   to
                   be
                   keepers
                   of
                   both
                   the
                   Tables
                   ;
                   see
                   
                     Rom.
                  
                   13.
                   4.
                   compared
                   with
                   
                     Exod.
                  
                   19.
                   6.
                   
                   &
                   cap.
                   20.
                   1.
                   
                   &
                   12.
                   
                   And
                   therefore
                   our
                   transactions
                   in
                   England
                   touching
                   our
                   Lawes
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   executing
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   areby
                   lawfull
                   commissioned
                   persons
                   of
                   severall
                   sorts
                   
                   (
                   otherwise
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   Nature
                   feemeth
                   to
                   fail
                   )
                   and
                   so
                   consequently
                   are
                   lawfully
                   administred
                   by
                   them
                   .
                   Oh
                   that
                   all
                   men
                   fearing
                   God
                   amongst
                   us
                   ,
                   specially
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   complied
                   with
                   the
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   after
                   the
                   King
                   his
                   leaving
                   the
                   House
                   ,
                   and
                   withdrawing
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   would
                   consider
                   soberly
                   and
                   seriously
                   hereof
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   daring
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   or
                   speak
                   ,
                   or
                   act
                   against
                   those
                   in
                   Authority
                   ,
                   lest
                   they
                   do
                   incurre
                   Gods
                   fierce
                   displeasure
                   :
                   See
                   
                     Numb.
                     12.
                     cap.
                     2
                     Pet.
                     2.
                     10.
                     
                     Psal.
                     2.
                     12.
                     
                     It
                     is
                     hard
                     for
                     any
                     to
                     kick
                     against
                     the
                     pricks
                     ,
                     Acts
                     9.
                     5.
                     and
                     to
                     resist
                     the
                     Ordinance
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     Rom.
                  
                   13.
                   2.
                   
                
              
               
                 
                   III.
                   
                     Assertion
                     .
                  
                   The
                   third
                   Assertion
                   ,
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   just
                   cause
                   of
                   refusing
                   to
                   subscribe
                   the
                   Engagement
                   ,
                   in
                   regard
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   establishment
                   of
                   the
                   Common-wealth
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   without
                   a
                   King
                   and
                   House
                   of
                   Lords
                   .
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   argued
                   ,
                   as
                   otherwise
                   ,
                   so
                   from
                   the
                   rule
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   practice
                   ,
                   who
                   doe
                   professe
                   our
                   due
                   respects
                   to
                   Parliaments
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   It
                   was
                   not
                   taken
                   to
                   be
                   prejudiciall
                   ,
                   or
                   dangerous
                   to
                   the
                   Priviledges
                   of
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Lords
                   spirituall
                   (
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   stiled
                   )
                   were
                   cashiered
                   and
                   expelled
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   House
                   of
                   Lords
                   ,
                   albeit
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   called
                   by
                   Writ
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   formerly
                   and
                   very
                   antiently
                   been
                   esteemed
                   and
                   reputed
                   Members
                   of
                   that
                   House
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   It
                   did
                   not
                   infringe
                   the
                   nature
                   and
                   being
                   of
                   the
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   King
                   after
                   a
                   time
                   with-drew
                   himself
                   totally
                   from
                   the
                   House
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   Parliament
                   did
                   retain
                   its
                   perfect
                   constitution
                   and
                   being
                   when
                   very
                   many
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   most
                   of
                   the
                   Lords
                   ,
                   and
                   when
                   very
                   many
                   of
                   the
                   Commons
                   with-drew
                   themselves
                   ,
                   pretending
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   Parliament
                   at
                   Oxford
                   ,
                   sith
                   a
                   competent
                   number
                   remained
                   still
                   in
                   the
                   House
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   It
                   is
                   alledged
                   out
                   of
                   approved
                   Antiquaries
                   ,
                   that
                   in
                   case
                   all
                   the
                   Lords
                   after
                   a
                   due
                   Summons
                   should
                   fail
                   to
                   appeare
                   and
                   sit
                   in
                   the
                   House
                   ,
                   that
                   their
                   totall
                   absence
                   doth
                   not
                   ,
                   nor
                   cannot
                   hinder
                   or
                   nullifie
                   the
                   due
                   Parliamentary
                   proceedings
                   ,
                   whereas
                   it
                   is
                   destructive
                   to
                   the
                   being
                   of
                   the
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   if
                   a
                   competent
                   number
                   of
                   Commons
                   constituted
                   to
                   make
                   up
                   an
                   House
                   ,
                   be
                   absent
                   ,
                   sith
                   the
                   Commons
                   are
                   the
                   Representatives
                   of
                   the
                   
                   people
                   ;
                   see
                   
                     Prynnes
                     Soveraign
                     Power
                     of
                     Parliament
                     ,
                     Part
                     1.
                     Pag.
                     43.
                     
                     Edit.
                  
                   2.
                   
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   It
                   is
                   resolved
                   and
                   declared
                   by
                   the
                   Parliament
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   King
                   had
                   not
                   a
                   negative
                   Vote
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   five
                   particular
                   instances
                   being
                   duely
                   marked
                   ,
                   together
                   with
                   that
                   which
                   the
                   Parliament
                   hath
                   declared
                   ,
                   
                     March
                  
                   17.
                   1648.
                   as
                   above
                   ,
                   may
                   abundantly
                   convince
                   ,
                   that
                   according
                   to
                   this
                   third
                   Assertion
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   cause
                   of
                   just
                   refusall
                   to
                   subscribe
                   the
                   Engagement
                   to
                   the
                   Common-wealth
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   now
                   established
                   :
                   And
                   so
                   the
                   first
                   Argument
                   justifying
                   the
                   faithfulnesse
                   and
                   conscionableness
                   of
                   the
                   subscription
                   ,
                   is
                   fully
                   concluded
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               II.
               REASON
               .
            
             
               Because
               subscribing
               the
               Engagement
               hath
               its
               due
               consistency
               and
               agreement
               with
               the
               main
               scope
               and
               intention
               of
               former
               Oaths
               ,
               Protestations
               ,
               and
               Covenants
               prae-ingaged
               in
               nationally
               unto
               the
               supreme
               Power
               of
               England
               ,
               approved
               mostly
               on
               all
               hands
               ;
               so
               that
               as
               right
               reason
               did
               then
               require
               the
               taking
               of
               them
               in
               their
               just
               sense
               ,
               so
               doth
               the
               same
               reason
               now
               require
               to
               take
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
             
               For
               the
               more
               effectuall
               arguing
               the
               case
               by
               this
               reason
               ,
               these
               Conclusions
               are
               to
               be
               opened
               and
               considered
               ,
               
                 viz.
                 
              
            
             
               1
               
                 Conclusion
                 .
              
               It
               is
               presumed
               and
               taken
               for
               granted
               ,
               that
               the
               Oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               ,
               the
               Protestations
               and
               solemn
               Covenants
               were
               made
               of
               lawfull
               things
               lawfully
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               sacred
               and
               divine
               Rule
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 sweare
                 the
                 Lord
                 liveth
                 ,
                 in
                 Truth
                 ,
                 in
                 Iudgement
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 Righteousnesse
                 ,
                 Ier.
              
               4.
               2.
               
               For
               otherwise
               there
               is
               an
               undoubted
               nullity
               of
               them
               ,
               
                 ipse
                 facto
                 ,
              
               sith
               no
               man
               ought
               to
               perform
               what
               is
               irrationally
               sworn
               ,
               and
               is
               in
               it self
               unrighteous
               and
               unlawfull
               .
               Of
               this
               sinfull
               nature
               have
               been
               the
               unlawfull
               and
               unrighteous
               Oaths
               and
               Subscriptions
               of
               many
               ,
               many
               Ministers
               in
               this
               Land
               in
               the
               times
               of
               prevailing
               Episcopacy
               ,
               and
               superstitious
               conformity
               ;
               for
               which
               things
               sake
               the
               Land
               mourneth
               ,
               
                 Ier.
              
               23.
               10.
               
               And
               therefore
               the
               swearers
               of
               Canonicall
               obedience
               of
               the
               
                 &c.
              
               Oath
               ,
               and
               the
               Subscribers
               ,
               willingly
               
                 (
                 &
                 ex
                 animo
                 )
              
               to
               the
               Articles
               by
               Cannon
               required
               to
               be
               subscribed
               unto
               ,
               have
               cause
               to
               set
               themselves
               
               to
               sorrow
               godly
               ,
               so
               as
               they
               may
               evidence
               their
               repentance
               not
               to
               be
               repented
               of
               ,
               which
               will
               produce
               the
               effects
               of
               godly
               sorrow
               mentioned
               ,
               2
               
                 Cor.
              
               7.
               11.
               for
               otherwise
               the
               ,
               Lord
               will
               not
               hold
               them
               guiltlesse
               that
               have
               taken
               his
               name
               in
               vain
               ,
               
                 Exod.
              
               20.
               7.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Conclusion
                 .
              
               The
               main
               and
               chief
               scope
               and
               end
               of
               the
               oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               formerly
               ;
               and
               of
               the
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               lately
               ,
               and
               likewise
               of
               the
               Engagement
               at
               the
               present
               was
               ,
               and
               is
               the
               just
               safety
               and
               preservation
               of
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
               England
               ,
               against
               illegall
               and
               violent
               usurpations
               and
               attempts
               ,
               whether
               of
               Forreiners
               or
               Natives
               ,
               of
               any
               sort
               and
               condition
               of
               persons
               in
               what
               kind
               or
               notion
               soever
               ,
               as
               may
               appear
               by
               the
               Statutes
               ,
               Acts
               ,
               Declarations
               ,
               and
               orders
               of
               those
               in
               Supreme
               Authority
               ,
               that
               have
               required
               the
               people
               of
               the
               Land
               to
               submit
               unto
               the
               taking
               and
               subscribing
               of
               them
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 Conclusion
                 .
              
               It
               is
               taken
               for
               granted
               that
               the
               Parliament
               Party
               who
               ordered
               the
               Protestation
               first
               ,
               and
               the
               Covenant
               afterwards
               to
               be
               taken
               ,
               did
               apprehend
               and
               judge
               that
               the
               said
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               ,
               did
               not
               contradict
               the
               Oath
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               ;
               neither
               yet
               did
               the
               Covenantiers
               understand
               any
               contrarinesse
               therein
               (
               however
               the
               Malignant
               Cavaliers
               and
               Royalists
               might
               possibly
               think
               otherwise
               )
               but
               rather
               that
               there
               was
               a
               legall
               consistency
               and
               agreement
               in
               their
               sense
               and
               meaning
               ;
               inasmuch
               as
               at
               the
               same
               time
               ,
               when
               occasion
               required
               ,
               there
               was
               a
               taking
               of
               the
               Oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               ,
               notwithstanding
               the
               taking
               of
               the
               Covenant
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               well
               known
               .
               For
               it
               was
               not
               the
               person
               of
               
                 Charles
                 Stuart
              
               that
               was
               sworn
               unto
               ,
               but
               his
               Kingly
               legal
               Office
               ,
               to
               be
               administred
               by
               him
               according
               to
               Law
               for
               the
               safety
               of
               the
               people
               ;
               Because
               any
               mans
               person
               (
               and
               therefore
               the
               Kings
               also
               )
               being
               subject
               to
               such
               occasionall
               accidents
               and
               incident
               condition
               ,
               as
               may
               justly
               disfit
               and
               disable
               not
               only
               for
               governing
               ,
               but
               also
               from
               being
               preserred
               alive
               ;
               there
               is
               therefore
               no
               just
               reason
               of
               swearing
               fealty
               simply
               &
               absolutely
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               Lord
               only
               ,
               &
               according
               to
               Law
               .
               Now
               there
               is
               the
               same
               reason
               of
               legall
               consistency
               and
               agreement
               with
               the
               Engagement
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               ,
               as
               there
               was
               of
               the
               consistency
               and
               agreement
               of
               the
               
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               ;
               with
               the
               Oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               .
               And
               albeit
               severall
               sorts
               of
               persons
               exercised
               the
               supreme
               power
               at
               severall
               times
               ,
               
                 viz.
              
               The
               King
               before
               the
               Parliament
               was
               called
               ,
               The
               King
               ,
               Lords
               and
               Commons
               a
               space
               together
               after
               the
               first
               sitting
               of
               the
               Parliament
               ;
               The
               Commons
               alone
               at
               the
               present
               ,
               yet
               notwithstanding
               the
               safety
               of
               the
               Common-wealth
               was
               all
               along
               propounded
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               prosecuted
               ,
               and
               still
               is
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 Conclusion
                 .
              
               Every
               lawfull
               Oath
               ,
               Protestation
               ,
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               Engagement
               ,
               are
               undoubtedly
               sacred
               Obligations
               ,
               and
               ought
               to
               be
               kept
               and
               preserved
               inviolably
               .
               For
               so
               God
               1.
               
               Commandeth
               ,
               
                 Levit.
              
               19.
               12.
               2.
               
               Approveth
               ,
               
                 Psal.
              
               15.
               4.
               3.
               
               Threatneth
               otherwise
               ,
               
                 Exod.
              
               20.
               7.
               4.
               
               Yea
               and
               punisheth
               breaches
               when
               it
               is
               otherwise
               ,
               2
               
                 Chron.
                 36.
                 13.
                 
                 Ezek.
              
               17.
               15.
               
               &c.
               whence
               it
               followeth
               ,
               that
               Oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               ;
               yea
               ,
               and
               the
               Protestation
               and
               the
               Covenant
               formerly
               taken
               ,
               have
               in
               the
               maine
               scope
               and
               end
               of
               them
               ,
               an
               obligatory
               force
               still
               ,
               even
               the
               safety
               of
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               as
               hath
               been
               already
               declared
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 Conclusion
                 .
              
               Subscribing
               the
               Engagement
               (
               having
               it
               's
               legall
               consistency
               and
               agreement
               with
               former
               Oaths
               of
               Supremacy
               and
               Allegiance
               ,
               and
               also
               with
               the
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               )
               doth
               engage
               to
               perform
               and
               fulfill
               ,
               what
               ●n
               the
               main
               of
               the
               said
               Oaths
               ,
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               was
               engaged
               ;
               even
               the
               approving
               truth
               and
               faithfulnesse
               to
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               whereas
               refusing
               to
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               argueth
               a
               breach
               ,
               at
               least
               a
               disposition
               unto
               the
               breach
               of
               those
               Oaths
               ,
               Protestation
               and
               Covenant
               .
            
             
               These
               five
               Conclusions
               ,
               as
               they
               have
               been
               laid
               open
               ,
               are
               a
               sufficient
               way
               and
               means
               of
               making
               good
               our
               second
               reason
               .
               Let
               us
               have
               grace
               whereby
               we
               may
               serve
               the
               Lord
               acceptably
               ,
               with
               reverence
               and
               godly
               fear
               .
               For
               our
               God
               is
               a
               consuming
               fire
               ,
               
                 Heh.
              
               12.
               28
               ,
               29.
               
            
          
           
             
               III.
               REASON
               .
            
             
               Because
               the
               profit
               and
               advantage
               of
               subscribing
               the
               Engagement
               ,
               may
               most
               probably
               by
               Gods
               blessing
               ,
               be
               much
               every
               way
               .
               See
               this
               in
               some
               instances
               .
            
             
             
               1.
               
               Prevention
               of
               the
               ruine
               of
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               which
               may
               be
               occasioned
               and
               caused
               through
               disagreement
               and
               distance
               in
               point
               of
               just
               and
               requisite
               compliances
               .
               For
               when
               a
               Kingdome
               is
               divided
               against
               it self
               ,
               it
               is
               brought
               to
               desolation
               ,
               and
               every
               City
               or
               house
               divided
               against
               it self
               shall
               not
               stand
               .
               See
               
                 Mat.
              
               12.
               25.
               
               It
               is
               a
               token
               of
               Gods
               great
               controversie
               ,
               when
               he
               setteth
               Egyptians
               against
               Egyptians
               ,
               to
               fight
               every
               one
               against
               his
               brother
               ,
               and
               every
               one
               against
               his
               neighbour
               ,
               City
               against
               City
               ,
               and
               Kingdome
               against
               Kingdome
               .
               See
               
                 Isa.
              
               19.
               2.
               
               It
               was
               a
               difficult
               and
               perplexed
               state
               of
               times
               in
               the
               Common-wealth
               of
               Israel
               ,
               when
               civill
               warres
               were
               betwixt
               
                 David
              
               and
               the
               house
               of
               
                 Saul
                 ,
                 2
                 Sam.
              
               2.
               
               &
               3.
               
                 cap.
              
               but
               bettered
               &
               more
               happy
               when
               matters
               were
               composed
               and
               a
               league
               made
               ,
               2
               
                 Sam.
              
               5.
               1
               ,
               2
               ,
               3.
               
               And
               so
               it
               was
               an
               exceeding
               distempered
               state
               of
               times
               of
               late
               in
               England
               for
               some
               years
               together
               ,
               when
               their
               just
               Liberties
               were
               endeavoured
               by
               the
               Parliament
               and
               their
               Forces
               (
               protesting
               and
               covenanting
               thereunto
               )
               that
               then
               others
               of
               the
               Nation
               were
               up
               in
               arms
               for
               tyranny
               ,
               and
               protested
               for
               it
               .
               But
               the
               most
               infinitely
               wise
               and
               gracious
               God
               ,
               having
               now
               been
               pleased
               to
               grant
               deliverance
               from
               Tyranny
               unto
               the
               Nation
               ,
               by
               the
               Parliament
               and
               their
               Forces
               ,
               why
               should
               not
               people
               come
               in
               and
               engage
               together
               ,
               as
               did
               the
               Israelites
               above
               mentioned
               .
               2
               
                 Sam.
              
               5.
               1
               ,
               2
               ,
               3.
               
               Oh
               that
               we
               of
               this
               Nation
               were
               affected
               as
               
                 David
              
               was
               (
               most
               probably
               on
               that
               occasion
               )
               to
               say
               or
               sing
               heartily
               ,
               Psal.
               133.
               1.
               
               
                 Behold
                 how
                 good
                 and
                 how
                 pleasant
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 brethren
                 to
                 dwell
                 together
                 in
                 unity
                 !
                 &c.
                 
              
            
             
               2.
               
               Setled
               peace
               and
               prosperity
               (
               which
               religiously
               affected
               Common-wealths-men
               ought
               to
               pray
               and
               seek
               for
               .
               See
               
                 Psal.
              
               122.
               6
               ,
               7
               ,
               8.
               )
               is
               likest
               to
               be
               effected
               and
               promoted
               in
               the
               Common-wealth
               (
               as
               otherwise
               ,
               so
               )
               by
               mutuall
               engaging
               to
               be
               true
               and
               faithfull
               thereunto
               .
               For
               hence
               good
               and
               speciall
               incouragement
               may
               be
               to
               the
               inhabitants
               to
               exercise
               husbandry
               ,
               trade
               ,
               merchandize
               ,
               building
               ,
               planting
               ,
               &c.
               there
               being
               in
               such
               case
               oportunity
               to
               live
               quietly
               and
               peaceably
               without
               any
               disturbance
               ,
               and
               to
               enjoy
               the
               administration
               of
               Justice
               and
               Judgement
               ,
               as
               occasion
               shall
               require
               ,
               even
               as
               it
               fared
               with
               the
               flourishing
               Common-wealth
               of
               Israel
               ,
               at
               such
               times
               when
               they
               had
               
               rest
               in
               the
               dayes
               of
               the
               Judges
               ,
               albeit
               they
               then
               had
               no
               King
               :
               see
               
                 Iudg.
              
               3.
               11.
               30.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Welfare
               of
               Church
               state
               (
               which
               consisteth
               singularly
               in
               speciall
               united
               combinations
               of
               single
               Congregations
               in
               their
               Presbyteries
               ,
               and
               of
               Presbyteries
               combined
               in
               Synods
               ,
               lesser
               or
               greater
               ;
               see
               
                 Acts
                 2.
                 47.
                 
                 Mat.
                 18.
                 17.
                 1
                 Tim.
                 4.
                 14.
                 
                 Acts
              
               15.
               2.
               4.
               6.
               &c.
               )
               shall
               be
               notably
               and
               effectually
               accomplished
               by
               such
               Engagement
               :
               For
               thereby
               such
               as
               are
               Church-Officers
               ,
               and
               likewise
               such
               as
               are
               Church-members
               ,
               shall
               be
               disposed
               in
               their
               spirits
               ,
               and
               composed
               in
               their
               minds
               and
               hearts
               ,
               to
               thinke
               and
               act
               humbly
               and
               soberly
               ,
               as
               becometh
               members
               of
               the
               mysticall
               body
               ,
               whereof
               Christ
               Jesus
               is
               the
               head
               ;
               see
               
                 Rom.
                 12.
                 3
                 ,
                 4
                 ,
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 1
                 Cor.
              
               1.
               10.
               whereas
               when
               divisions
               do
               take
               place
               ,
               then
               unavoidable
               offences
               and
               scandalls
               are
               occasioned
               ,
               to
               the
               Churches
               very
               great
               damage
               ,
               
                 Rom.
              
               16.
               17.
               
               Alas
               ,
               alas
               !
               how
               can
               it
               be
               much
               expected
               ,
               that
               Presbytery
               shal
               be
               generally
               setled
               throughout
               England
               ,
               when
               so
               many
               as
               do
               pretend
               to
               affect
               and
               desire
               it
               ,
               are
               not
               only
               contrary
               minded
               to
               their
               brethren
               ,
               who
               should
               combine
               together
               in
               severall
               associations
               ,
               but
               do
               also
               walk
               contrary
               to
               the
               supreme
               power
               ,
               who
               are
               the
               Churches
               nursing
               Fathers
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               it
               belongeth
               to
               establish
               and
               patronize
               Church
               Government
               ;
               see
               
                 Rom.
              
               13.
               4.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Silencing
               the
               mouthes
               of
               ignorant
               and
               foolish
               prophane
               men
               (
               who
               are
               corrupt
               ,
               and
               forward
               to
               be
               clamorously
               talkative
               ,
               and
               babbling
               against
               the
               waves
               of
               God
               and
               his
               people
               ;
               see
               
                 Prov.
              
               9.
               13.
               but
               it
               is
               Gods
               will
               ,
               that
               by
               a
               due
               Christian
               doing
               their
               ignorance
               and
               folly
               should
               be
               stopped
               ,
               1
               
                 Pet.
              
               2.
               15.
               
               )
               shall
               be
               commodiously
               attained
               by
               a
               unanimous
               concurrence
               of
               brethren
               to
               ingage
               and
               act
               for
               common
               and
               publike
               safety
               ,
               even
               unto
               the
               vexing
               ,
               disheartning
               and
               daunting
               of
               adversaries
               ;
               see
               the
               exemplification
               hereof
               in
               a
               pregnant
               instance
               of
               the
               State
               of
               the
               Jewish
               Common-wealth
               after
               their
               returne
               from
               the
               captivity
               ,
               and
               had
               no
               King
               at
               such
               time
               ,
               applying
               themselves
               to
               reforme
               amisses
               ,
               and
               repaire
               breaches
               ,
               when
               grudged
               at
               ,
               and
               opposed
               greatly
               ;
               for
               whereas
               all
               sorts
               set
               themselves
               in
               their
               standings
               unto
               the
               work
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               a
               full
               Catalogue
               of
               their
               names
               ,
               and
               order
               of
               their
               building
               the
               wall
               ,
               
                 Neh.
              
               3.
               yea
               ,
               of
               the
               
               Tekoites
               repairing
               ,
               though
               their
               Nobles
               put
               not
               their
               neck
               to
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               
                 Neh.
              
               3.
               5.
               
               )
               it
               came
               to
               passe
               ,
               that
               
                 Sanballat
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Tobiah
              
               the
               Ammonite
               ,
               were
               wondrously
               and
               strangely
               exanimated
               and
               confounded
               thereat
               ;
               see
               
                 Neh.
              
               4.
               1.
               &c.
               
            
             
               5.
               
               Rejoycing
               of
               the
               spirits
               of
               Christians
               at
               home
               and
               abroad
               ,
               both
               in
               our
               own
               Land
               ,
               and
               in
               neighbour
               Churches
               and
               Countreys
               ,
               and
               their
               glorifying
               of
               God
               in
               such
               case
               ,
               shall
               be
               the
               consequent
               of
               such
               Engagement
               ,
               which
               is
               no
               small
               benefit
               :
               How
               Christians
               at
               home
               are
               taken
               and
               affected
               ,
               when
               with
               one
               accord
               there
               is
               a
               joyning
               and
               continuing
               together
               ,
               and
               what
               is
               the
               fruit
               thereof
               ,
               we
               may
               see
               declared
               
                 Act.
              
               2.
               42.
               
               —
               46
               ,
               47.
               yea
               ,
               and
               abroad
               likewise
               ,
               
                 Act.
                 15.
                 31.
                 
                 Gal.
              
               1.
               23
               ,
               24.
               
               That
               comfortable
               Prophecy
               and
               gracious
               Promise
               respecting
               Gospel-times
               more
               specially
               ,
               made
               mention
               of
               
                 Isaiah
                 44.
                 5.
                 viz.
                 One
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lords
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 shall
                 call
                 himselfe
                 by
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 Iacob
                 ,
                 and
                 another
                 shall
                 subscribe
                 with
                 his
                 hand
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 sirname
                 himselfe
                 by
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 Israel
                 :
              
               And
               another
               mentioned
               ,
               
                 Zach.
                 8.
                 23.
                 
                 Thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Hosts
                 ,
                 in
                 those
                 dayes
                 it
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 passe
                 ,
                 that
                 ten
                 men
                 shall
                 take
                 hold
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 languages
                 of
                 the
                 Nations
                 ,
                 even
                 shall
                 take
                 hold
                 of
                 the
                 skirt
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 Iew
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 we
                 will
                 go
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 have
                 heard
                 that
                 God
                 is
                 with
                 you
                 :
              
               Even
               these
               Prophecies
               and
               Promises
               may
               be
               alluded
               unto
               by
               way
               of
               resemblance
               ,
               to
               denote
               the
               advantages
               by
               Englishmens
               concurrence
               unto
               the
               publike
               good
               and
               welfare
               of
               the
               Nation
               .
            
             
               This
               fivefold
               profit
               insisted
               on
               ,
               may
               well
               be
               an
               attractive
               to
               allure
               ,
               and
               perswade
               to
               seek
               and
               follow
               after
               it
               ,
               sith
               the
               merchandize
               thereof
               is
               better
               then
               the
               merchandize
               of
               silver
               ,
               and
               the
               gaine
               thereof
               is
               better
               then
               gold
               ;
               it
               is
               more
               precious
               then
               Rubies
               ,
               and
               nothing
               that
               can
               be
               desired
               ,
               is
               to
               be
               compared
               unto
               it
               .
               And
               thus
               far
               of
               the
               three
               Reasons
               :
               
                 And
                 a
                 threefold
                 cord
                 is
                 not
                 quickly
                 broken
                 ,
                 Eccles.
              
               4.
               12.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Objections
               against
               subscribing
               the
               Engagement
               ,
               satisfactorily
               answered
               .
            
          
           
             ALthough
             that
             which
             hath
             been
             already
             declared
             in
             the
             true
             stating
             of
             the
             Account
             of
             subscribing
             the
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             
             also
             in
             the
             evincing
             the
             truth
             and
             faithfulnesse
             of
             it
             by
             the
             three
             Reasons
             which
             have
             been
             hitherto
             insisted
             on
             ,
             is
             of
             full
             sufficiency
             to
             give
             satisfaction
             to
             such
             persons
             as
             are
             cordially
             inclined
             to
             a
             love
             of
             truth
             and
             peace
             ;
             yet
             notwithstanding
             because
             there
             are
             some
             Zealots
             found
             (
             having
             [
             therein
             ]
             a
             zeal
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             not
             according
             to
             knowledge
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             10.
             2.
             
             )
             who
             at
             least
             do
             think
             that
             they
             do
             God
             good
             service
             ,
             in
             refusing
             to
             act
             in
             that
             which
             they
             are
             warrantably
             called
             unto
             ,
             (
             even
             as
             
               Peter
            
             the
             Apostle
             did
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             10.
             1●
             .
             &c.
             )
             and
             in
             acting
             contrary
             unto
             the
             way
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             meet
             they
             should
             walkin
             ,
             (
             as
             the
             Apostle
             
               Paul
            
             somtime
             thought
             he
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             
               Act.
            
             26.
             9.
             )
             It
             shall
             not
             there
             fore
             be
             grievous
             unto
             me
             (
             and
             I
             trust
             it
             will
             not
             be
             irksome
             to
             the
             Reader
             )
             to
             adde
             a
             few
             lines
             more
             for
             the
             further
             convincing
             of
             obstinace
             gain-sayers
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             undeceiving
             of
             tractable
             minded
             persons
             ,
             who
             are
             willing
             to
             be
             instructed
             in
             righteousnesse
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             to
             be
             done
             in
             answering
             some
             Objections
             made
             against
             the
             Subscribing
             of
             the
             Engagement
             .
          
           
             
               I.
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               The
               generality
               of
               all
               sorts
               of
               persons
               in
               London
               ,
               yes
               ,
               and
               throughout
               the
               whole
               land
               ,
               are
               disaffected
               unto
               this
               subscribing
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Ans.
              
               It
               is
               no
               good
               argument
               against
               it
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               said
               that
               it
               is
               generally
               disaffected
               ;
               as
               it
               were
               no
               good
               argument
               for
               it
               ,
               if
               it
               should
               be
               said
               ,
               that
               it
               were
               generally
               approved
               ,
               sith
               it
               is
               not
               simply
               to
               the
               commendation
               ordiscommendation
               of
               a
               course
               that
               it
               is
               generally
               observed
               ,
               or
               not
               observed
               ;
               for
               somtimes
               a
               righteous
               way
               is
               generally
               spoken
               against
               ,
               see
               
                 Act.
              
               28.
               22.
               and
               sometimes
               a
               notorious
               sinfull
               way
               is
               generally
               cried
               up
               with
               great
               acclamation
               ;
               see
               
                 Act.
              
               19.
               34.
               
               And
               yet
               notwithstanding
               it
               is
               well
               known
               ,
               that
               very
               many
               of
               all
               sorts
               in
               the
               Land
               ,
               besides
               the
               supreme
               power
               requiring
               it
               ,
               are
               well-affected
               unto
               it
               ,
               even
               reverend
               Judges
               ,
               faithfull
               justices
               ,
               knowing
               Lawyers
               ,
               understanding
               Souldiers
               ,
               judicious
               Preachers
               ,
               and
               conscientious
               religious
               People
               ,
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             
               II.
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               Subscription
               unto
               the
               Engagement
               is
               refused
               not
               only
               by
               malignant
               Cavaliers
               and
               Royal●sts
               ,
               &c.
               but
               also
               generally
               by
               Covenantiers
               and
               Presbyterians
               in
               London
               Province
               ,
               and
               likewise
               throughout
               the
               Land
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Answ.
              
               1.
               
               It
               were
               to
               be
               wished
               affectionately
               ,
               that
               this
               Objection
               
               might
               not
               be
               declared
               in
               Gath
               ,
               to
               the
               rejoycing
               and
               exulting
               of
               the
               Canaanite
               and
               Perizzite
               ,
               who
               do
               yet
               dwell
               in
               the
               Land
               .
               See
               
                 Micah
                 .
              
               1.
               10.
               
               
                 Gen.
              
               13.
               7.
               
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               doth
               not
               simply
               ,
               nor
               yet
               justly
               at
               all
               reflect
               disgracefully
               either
               on
               the
               Presbytery
               ,
               or
               on
               the
               solemn
               Covenant
               ,
               that
               some
               or
               many
               persons
               who
               have
               conformed
               to
               Presbytery
               ,
               and
               Covenant
               ,
               do
               now
               shew
               themselves
               unconformable
               to
               the
               Engagement
               ;
               sith
               it
               is
               no
               new
               thing
               for
               many
               to
               cleave
               unto
               others
               by
               flatteries
               .
               See
               
                 Dan.
              
               11.
               34.
               
               There
               were
               false
               brethren
               brought
               into
               Churches
               ,
               and
               amongst
               the
               true
               brethren
               .
               See
               
                 Galat.
              
               2.
               4.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Albeit
               the
               Covenant
               and
               the
               Engagement
               being
               both
               of
               them
               rightly
               understood
               ,
               can
               well
               agree
               together
               ,
               (
               as
               hath
               been
               cleared
               in
               the
               second
               reason
               of
               this
               account
               )
               yea
               and
               there
               is
               nothing
               in
               Presbytery
               soundeth
               of
               any
               discrepancy
               ;
               so
               as
               neither
               Presbytery
               nor
               Covenant
               is
               any
               way
               trenched
               on
               by
               engaging
               ;
               yet
               notwithstanding
               ,
               sith
               Presbytery
               is
               of
               Ecclesiasticall
               cognizance
               ,
               and
               Engagement
               is
               unto
               civill
               Power
               ;
               this
               objection
               therefore
               beareth
               no
               proportion
               to
               the
               case
               in
               hand
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Many
               Ministers
               and
               people
               (
               through
               vulgar
               weaknesse
               ,
               and
               too
               great
               a
               degree
               of
               time-serving
               sinister
               respects
               )
               have
               been
               apt
               to
               Vote
               and
               Act
               after
               the
               mind
               of
               some
               eminent
               ring-leaders
               to
               faction
               (
               as
               well
               as
               by
               eminent
               Reformers
               unto
               good
               waies
               :
               See
               
                 Iosiahs
              
               daies
               )
               asis
               to
               be
               seen
               in
               that
               preference
               of
               
                 Barabbas
              
               before
               Christ
               ,
               through
               the
               perswasion
               of
               the
               chief
               Priests
               and
               Elders
               ,
               
                 Mat.
              
               37.
               20.
               
               How
               many
               Ministers
               were
               there
               in
               prelaticall
               times
               ,
               who
               did
               swear
               canonically
               ,
               and
               subscribe
               implicitly
               ,
               who
               yet
               did
               change
               also
               implicitly
               with
               the
               times
               ,
               covenanting
               against
               former
               waies
               ?
               Thus
               it
               was
               also
               with
               many
               former
               conforming
               ,
               and
               late
               covenanting
               people
               following
               their
               guides
               .
               Not
               long
               since
               there
               were
               very
               many
               (
               who
               have
               professed
               Christs
               way
               of
               Presbytery
               )
               who
               did
               subscribe
               Attestations
               implicitly
               ,
               both
               in
               London
               Province
               ,
               in
               Lancashire
               ,
               in
               Shropshire
               ,
               in
               Cheshire
               ,
               and
               in
               other
               Counties
               ,
               touching
               severall
               Opinions
               ,
               and
               books
               ,
               and
               the
               Authors
               of
               them
               scarce
               known
               unto
               them
               in
               the
               very
               titles
               ,
               much
               lesse
               read
               and
               weighed
               by
               them
               (
               I
               speak
               what
               I
               know
               of
               severall
               of
               them
               )
               but
               were
               drawn
               and
               perswaded
               thereunto
               by
               a
               few
               chief
               sticklers
               and
               promoters
               in
               those
               affairs
               .
               Whence
               it
               followeth
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               farre
               the
               lesse
               considerable
               ,
               that
               a
               multitude
               is
               pretended
               unto
               in
               the
               case
               in
               hand
               .
            
             
             
               5.
               
               It
               is
               undoubtedly
               true
               ,
               notwithstanding
               that
               very
               many
               faithfull
               Pres
               〈…〉
               erians
               ,
               and
               conscientious
               Covenantiers
               do
               subscribe
               the
               E●gagement
               thouoh
               some
               others
               refuse
               to
               do
               it
               )
               and
               〈◊〉
               ad
               〈…〉
               age
               is
               to
               be
               made
               of
               the
               number
               of
               the
               Presbyteri
               〈…〉
               〈◊〉
               〈…〉
               tiers
               argumentatively
               ,
               who
               subscribe
               the
               En
               〈…〉
               〈◊〉
               ●t
               is
               probable
               enough
               that
               many
               such
               may
               have
               b
               〈…〉
               〈…〉
               erly
               swayed
               thereunto
               .
               An
               estimate
               is
               to
               be
               made
               by
               the
               just
               reason
               ,
               and
               not
               by
               the
               great
               number
               of
               those
               that
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
          
           
             
               III.
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               Some
               of
               the
               good
               old
               Non-conformists
               ,
               do
               refuse
               to
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Answ.
              
               1.
               
               And
               some
               of
               the
               old
               Non-conformists
               ,
               who
               conscientiously
               refused
               to
               subscribe
               some
               of
               the
               Articles
               ,
               canonically
               requiring
               subscription
               to
               them
               ,
               (
               but
               then
               refused
               not
               to
               subscribe
               according
               to
               the
               Law
               of
               the
               Land
               ,
               provided
               in
               such
               case
               ;
               See
               
                 Eliz.
              
               1●
               .
               12.
               )
               even
               those
               non-subscribers
               can
               with
               good
               conscience
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               It
               must
               needs
               be
               acknowledged
               ,
               that
               the
               good
               old
               Non-conformists
               (
               who
               as
               
                 Iudah
              
               in
               evill
               times
               ,
               ruled
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               were
               saithfull
               amongst
               the
               Saints
               ,
               when
               
                 Ephraim
              
               compassed
               him
               about
               with
               lies
               ,
               and
               the
               house
               of
               
                 Israel
              
               with
               deceit
               .
               See
               
                 Hos.
              
               11.
               12.
               
               )
               are
               men
               subject
               to
               passions
               and
               error
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               others
               ,
               
                 Humanum
                 est
                 errare
                 ,
              
               Let
               God
               be
               true
               ,
               and
               every
               man
               a
               lier
               ,
               &c.
               See
               
                 Rom.
              
               3.
               4.
               
               It
               is
               a
               known
               and
               lamented
               case
               ,
               how
               temptation
               prevailed
               too
               much
               with
               sundry
               professed
               Non-conformists
               in
               thetimes
               of
               Episcopacy
               ,
               occasioning
               them
               to
               shrink
               and
               give
               in
               ,
               either
               through
               fear
               of
               men
               ,
               or
               love
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               or
               for
               serving
               the
               times
               ,
               after
               they
               had
               some
               waies
               professed
               otherwise
               :
               yea
               ,
               and
               this
               no
               doubt
               came
               to
               passe
               through
               divine
               permission
               for
               their
               humbling
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               might
               better
               know
               what
               was
               in
               their
               own
               hearts
               ,
               it
               was
               in
               this
               case
               with
               them
               ,
               as
               it
               had
               been
               with
               some
               faithfull
               servants
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               were
               duely
               affected
               to
               Presbyteriall
               and
               Synodicall
               principles
               ,
               and
               yet
               by
               occasion
               sometime
               fa●●ed
               to
               walk
               evenly
               therein
               ,
               
                 viz.
              
               The
               Apostle
               
                 Peter
              
               at
               Antioch
               withdrew
               himself
               from
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               (
               howbeit
               the
               Synodicall
               decree
               was
               otherwise
               ,
               
                 Acts
              
               15.
               1.
               &c.
               and
               as
               
                 David
                 Dickson
              
               interpreteth
               in
               case
               in
               hand
               ,
               on
               
                 Galat.
              
               2.
               11.
               
               )
               yea
               ,
               and
               other
               Jews
               dissembled
               likewise
               ,
               insomuch
               as
               
                 Barnabas
              
               also
               was
               carried
               away
               with
               their
               dissimulation
               .
               But
               the
               
               Apostle
               
                 Paul
              
               adhering
               to
               the
               Synodical
               dec
               〈…〉
               〈…〉
               stood
               
                 Peter
                 ,
                 Galat.
              
               2.
               11
               ,
               12
               ,
               13
               ,
               14.
               yea
               ,
               and
               the
               Apostle
               
                 Peter
                 〈…〉
              
               〈…〉
               erward
               making
               mention
               by
               occasion
               of
               the
               Apostle
               
                 Paul
              
               〈…〉
               leth
               him
               
                 beloved
                 brother
                 Paul
                 ,
              
               and
               commendeth
               his
               wise
               and
               faithfull
               d●portment
               .
               See
               2
               
                 Pet.
              
               3.
               15
               ,
               16.
               
               So
               well
               could
               the
               blessed
               Apostles
               act
               and
               submit
               ,
               and
               agree
               in
               Presbyterian
               waies
               ,
               according
               to
               〈…〉
               ripture
               ,
               when
               they
               were
               themselves
               .
               Oh
               that
               we
               could
               duly
               observe
               and
               become
               advertised
               hereby
               ,
               who
               approved
               our selves
               conscientious
               Non-conformists
               under
               Prelaticall
               tryalls
               .
               But
               to
               return
               to
               the
               answer
               more
               nearly
               after
               this
               short
               digression
               ;
               Let
               it
               be
               taken
               notice
               ,
               that
               albeit
               some
               weaknesses
               do
               break
               on
               t
               from
               some
               old
               Non-conformists
               ,
               yet
               it
               concerneth
               them
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               those
               who
               hitherto
               escape
               such
               temptations
               ,
               to
               set
               our selves
               to
               walk
               by
               Scripture
               Rule
               ,
               to
               be
               sober
               and
               watchfull
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               for
               the
               approving
               the
               goodnesse
               of
               our
               consciences
               ,
               willing
               in
               all
               things
               to
               live
               honestly
               .
               See
               
                 Heb.
              
               13.
               18.
               
            
          
           
             
               IIII.
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               A
               Presbyterian
               Minister
               ,
               and
               ancient
               Non-conformist
               ,
               being
               now
               grown
               aged
               above
               sixty
               year
               ,
               howbeit
               through
               the
               grace
               of
               God
               ,
               he
               approved
               himself
               in
               the
               whole
               course
               of
               his
               Ministery
               hitherto
               ,
               not
               only
               in
               holding
               fast
               the
               forme
               of
               sound
               words
               in
               faith
               and
               love
               which
               is
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               but
               also
               in
               withstanding
               Prelaticall
               subscription
               ,
               and
               superstitious
               conformity
               ,
               unto
               suspension
               ,
               and
               exile
               ,
               &c.
               yet
               now
               through
               infirmity
               of
               age
               may
               fail
               ,
               and
               so
               consent
               to
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Answ.
              
               1.
               
               It
               is
               both
               possible
               and
               probable
               ,
               and
               sure
               also
               ,
               (
               through
               the
               grace
               and
               faithfulnesse
               of
               him
               that
               hath
               promised
               )
               that
               those
               who
               are
               planted
               in
               the
               house
               of
               God
               ,
               shal
               stil
               bring
               forth
               fruit
               in
               old
               age
               ,
               
                 Psa.
              
               ●2
               .
               13
               ,
               14.
               as
               having
               by
               reason
               of
               use
               ,
               their
               senses
               exercised
               to
               discern
               both
               good
               and
               evill
               .
               See
               
                 Heb.
              
               5.
               14.
               
               Let
               wisdome
               ,
               be
               justified
               of
               her
               children
               ,
               and
               praised
               likewise
               for
               free
               grace
               ;
               yea
               and
               for
               confidence
               therein
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Albeit
               ,
               God
               sometimes
               taketh
               away
               the
               understanding
               of
               the
               aged
               ,
               
                 Iob●2
              
               .
               20.
               so
               as
               they
               do
               not
               alway
               understand
               judgement
               ,
               
                 Iob
              
               32.
               9.
               yet
               sometimes
               it
               may
               come
               to
               passe
               ,
               that
               aged
               ones
               may
               have
               naturall
               vigor
               and
               parts
               for
               going
               out
               ,
               and
               coming
               in
               in
               their
               callings
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               they
               had
               ,
               when
               they
               were
               younger
               ,
               
                 Iosh.
              
               14.
               11.
               
               Yea
               ,
               ●nd
               ordinarily
               it
               is
               an
               argument
               for
               chalenging
               respect
               unto
               what
               is
               said
               or
               done
               ,
               when
               it
               cometh
               
               from
               the
               aged
               .
               The
               Apostle
               
                 Paul
              
               in
               pleading
               a
               matter
               with
               
                 Philemon
                 ,
              
               useth
               this
               argument
               to
               perswade
               the
               rather
               ,
               because
               even
               
                 Paul
              
               the
               aged
               did
               move
               therein
               ,
               
                 Philem
              
               9.
               ver.
            
             
               3.
               
               In
               the
               year
               1614.
               an
               aged
               Minister
               of
               an
               hoary
               head
               ,
               and
               silver
               hairs
               (
               M.
               
                 Tilecoat
              
               by
               name
               of
               
                 B.
                 M.
                 )
              
               and
               myself
               then
               a
               young
               man
               ,
               did
               both
               of
               us
               together
               receive
               a
               sentence
               of
               suspension
               from
               the
               exercise
               of
               our
               Ministery
               ,
               for
               our
               refusing
               Hierarchicall
               subscription
               and
               conformity
               to
               Ceremonies
               ,
               declared
               against
               us
               by
               the
               then
               Chancellor
               of
               Chester
               ,
               (
               under
               ,
               which
               we
               remained
               for
               a
               time
               )
               who
               added
               to
               that
               our
               suffering
               ,
               his
               mocking
               and
               jeering
               of
               us
               ,
               that
               the
               one
               of
               us
               was
               very
               aged
               ,
               and
               the
               other
               very
               young
               ,
               as
               if
               therefore
               our
               witnesse-bearing
               to
               the
               truth
               of
               the
               Gospell
               were
               lesse
               to
               be
               regarded
               .
               And
               yet
               that
               which
               the
               Chancellor
               uttered
               reproachfully
               ,
               became
               unto
               me
               for
               confirmation
               and
               incouragement
               ,
               having
               the
               good
               and
               grave
               old
               Father
               to
               be
               exemplary
               ;
               as
               others
               of
               good
               note
               in
               Cheshire
               did
               then
               also
               judge
               it
               well
               might
               be
               usefull
               to
               me
               ;
               whatever
               now
               some
               do
               prejudicially
               conceit
               of
               the
               aged
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               It
               is
               the
               lesse
               marvell
               ,
               that
               some
               do
               detract
               from
               the
               authority
               of
               the
               aged
               and
               hoar-headed
               ,
               whenas
               the
               same
               persons
               are
               also
               self-willed
               and
               presumptuous
               in
               despising
               and
               speaking
               evill
               of
               Government
               and
               Supreme
               Power
               ,
               (
               2
               
                 Pet.
              
               2.
               10.
               
               )
               whereas
               yet
               notwithstanding
               ,
               God
               hath
               revealed
               in
               his
               word
               that
               it
               ought
               to
               be
               otherwise
               .
               See
               
                 Levit.
                 19.
                 32.
                 
                 Rom.
              
               13.
               7.
               
            
          
           
             
               V.
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               It
               is
               doubted
               that
               an
               insnaring
               danger
               may
               lurk
               in
               the
               promise
               declared
               of
               being
               faithfull
               to
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               forasmuch
               as
               the
               sense
               of
               the
               word
               faithful
               may
               peradventure
               be
               strained
               afterwards
               to
               intangle
               the
               subscriber
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Ans.
              
               1.
               
               One
               would
               scarcely
               have
               thought
               that
               any
               man
               of
               common
               capacity
               to
               understand
               English
               ,
               much
               lesse
               that
               any
               knowing
               Christian
               ,
               and
               least
               of
               all
               that
               any
               Minister
               of
               the
               Gospell
               ,
               could
               have
               had
               such
               a
               scruple
               ;
               sith
               neither
               it's
               notation
               ,
               nor
               the
               obvious
               use
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               either
               in
               the
               Scripture
               (
               which
               is
               full
               of
               it
               )
               or
               as
               it
               is
               in
               ordinary
               speech
               and
               acception
               amongst
               men
               ,
               can
               give
               any
               rise
               for
               such
               a
               groundlesse
               scrupulous
               fancy
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               A
               doting
               about
               strifes
               of
               words
               produceth
               no
               profit
               ,
               but
               strife
               ,
               envy
               ,
               railings
               ,
               evill
               surmisings
               ,
               perverse
               disputings
               of
               men
               of
               corrupt
               minds
               ,
               and
               destitute
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               even
               to
               the
               subverting
               
               of
               the
               hearers
               ;
               see
               1
               
                 Tim.
              
               6.
               4
               ,
               5.
               
               &
               2
               
                 Tim.
              
               2.
               14.
               let
               therfore
               the
               godly
               wise
               Christians
               and
               Ministers
               ,
               avoid
               such
               questions
               about
               words
               clear
               in
               themselves
               ,
               studying
               to
               shew
               themselves
               approved
               unto
               God
               ,
               &c.
               
               2
               
                 Tim.
              
               2.
               15.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Let
               such
               wordy
               Questionists
               remember
               that
               the
               pious
               and
               prudent
               contrivers
               of
               the
               Directory
               for
               the
               publike
               Worship
               of
               God
               throughout
               England
               ,
               Scotland
               ,
               and
               Ireland
               ,
               established
               by
               our
               Parliament
               ,
               in
               that
               part
               of
               it
               which
               directeth
               about
               the
               solemnization
               of
               Marriage
               ,
               they
               thought
               it
               meet
               that
               the
               persons
               to
               be
               married
               together
               should
               promise
               mutually
               to
               be
               faithfull
               unto
               one
               another
               :
               In
               the
               Directory
               for
               the
               Ordination
               of
               Ministers
               ,
               it
               is
               Ordered
               ,
               that
               such
               as
               shall
               be
               ordained
               ,
               do
               declare
               a
               promise
               of
               faithfulnesse
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               of
               other
               duties
               ,
               in
               the
               exercise
               of
               their
               Ministery
               .
               I
               do
               hence
               demand
               ,
               whether
               persons
               to
               be
               married
               ,
               or
               Ministers
               to
               be
               ordained
               ,
               should
               ,
               the
               one
               sort
               of
               them
               scruple
               the
               accomplishment
               of
               their
               marriage
               ,
               or
               the
               other
               sort
               scruple
               their
               Ordination
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               Engagement
               to
               be
               faithfull
               in
               their
               relative
               conditions
               ?
               and
               whether
               they
               should
               surcease
               rather
               therefrom
               upon
               a
               phantasticall
               conceit
               ,
               that
               the
               sense
               of
               the
               word
               
                 faithfull
              
               may
               be
               strained
               to
               some
               insnaring
               afterwards
               ?
               I
               conclude
               therefore
               ,
               that
               as
               in
               Domestical
               and
               Ecclesiastical
               relations
               there
               is
               a
               requisitenesse
               of
               promising
               to
               be
               true
               and
               faithful
               ,
               so
               it
               ought
               to
               be
               likewise
               in
               the
               relation
               in
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               that
               there
               be
               an
               Engagement
               of
               faithfulnesse
               thereunto
               :
               If
               any
               man
               be
               otherwise
               minded
               touching
               being
               faithfull
               in
               the
               mentioned
               relations
               in
               Family
               ,
               Church
               and
               Commonwealth
               ,
               surely
               he
               seemeth
               to
               give
               ground
               of
               just
               jealousie
               ,
               that
               he
               meaneth
               not
               fairly
               ;
               that
               I
               say
               no
               more
               .
            
          
           
             
               VI
               .
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               There
               was
               a
               liberty
               granted
               and
               directed
               by
               Order
               of
               Parliament
               ,
               that
               Preachers
               in
               giving
               of
               the
               Covenant
               should
               explain
               it
               ,
               and
               accordingly
               the
               Preacher
               explained
               it
               in
               such
               sense
               ,
               as
               he
               apprehends
               stands
               not
               with
               his
               freedome
               of
               conscience
               to
               subscribe
               the
               Engagement
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Ans.
              
               1.
               
               The
               liberty
               allowed
               and
               directed
               unto
               Preachers
               for
               explaining
               the
               Covenant
               ,
               ought
               to
               be
               understood
               of
               such
               explaining
               it
               ,
               as
               stood
               with
               the
               just
               and
               genuine
               sense
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               all
               rationall
               men
               will
               easily
               acknowledge
               :
               If
               any
               Preachers
               took
               a
               liberty
               otherwise
               ,
               they
               did
               abuse
               their
               liberty
               ;
               yea
               ,
               it
               was
               a
               collusion
               and
               
               imposture
               in
               the
               Preacher
               whoever
               he
               was
               ,
               to
               put
               a
               sense
               thereon
               of
               his
               owne
               not
               agreeing
               thereto
               ,
               frustrating
               what
               in
               him
               lay
               ,
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Covenant
               and
               the
               taking
               of
               it
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               They
               that
               thus
               object
               ,
               do
               not
               speak
               out
               what
               the
               sense
               of
               the
               Preacher
               was
               that
               he
               gave
               of
               the
               Covenant
               inconsistent
               with
               the
               Engagement
               ,
               so
               as
               it
               cannot
               be
               expected
               that
               a
               full
               and
               satisfactory
               answer
               should
               be
               made
               thereto
               ;
               his
               sense
               being
               in
               the
               dark
               ,
               may
               be
               reputed
               an
               act
               of
               darknesse
               ,
               albeit
               confused
               and
               uncertain
               speech
               be
               of
               it
               in
               the
               streets
               at
               noon
               day
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               This
               Objection
               giveth
               occasion
               to
               suspect
               that
               some
               persons
               (
               yea
               ,
               some
               who
               pretend
               for
               Presbytery
               ,
               but
               are
               loosly
               minded
               thereunto
               ,
               sith
               such
               do
               thus
               object
               )
               do
               make
               an
               advantage
               to
               put
               the
               Covenant
               to
               their
               own
               sense
               ,
               to
               free
               themselves
               thereby
               from
               the
               sacred
               bonds
               of
               it
               in
               its
               own
               sense
               and
               meaning
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Let
               such
               Objecters
               be
               pleased
               for
               the
               undeceiving
               themselves
               and
               their
               adherents
               ,
               plainly
               and
               punctually
               (
               in
               their
               own
               consciences
               and
               conferences
               with
               their
               Associates
               )
               answer
               these
               demands
               without
               any
               tergiversation
               ,
               for
               arguing
               their
               sincerity
               towards
               God
               and
               towards
               men
               about
               the
               Covenant
               .
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 Covenant
                 was
                 not
                 obligatory
                 in
                 its
                 due
                 sense
                 and
                 meaning
                 in
                 every
                 article
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 in
                 some
                 branches
                 of
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 Articles
                 more
                 specially
                 affected
                 ?
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Whether
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 some
                 main
                 things
                 primarily
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 things
                 subserviently
                 covenanted
                 ?
                 And
                 what
                 those
                 maine
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 the
                 subservient
                 things
                 were
                 ?
                 that
                 thus
                 truth
                 and
                 faithfulnesse
                 may
                 be
                 discerned
                 hereabouts
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 chief
                 ends
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 were
                 not
                 Reformation
                 ,
                 and
                 defence
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 safety
                 of
                 the
                 People
                 ?
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 honour
                 and
                 happinesse
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 was
                 absolutely
                 covenanted
                 ,
                 albeit
                 he
                 should
                 remain
                 obstinate
                 in
                 his
                 tyranny
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 other
                 unnaturall
                 capitall
                 crimes
                 ,
                 unto
                 which
                 God
                 had
                 appointed
                 temporall
                 death
                 ?
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Whether
                 the
                 grand
                 Priviledge
                 of
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 unto
                 which
                 others
                 are
                 subservient
                 ,
                 be
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 above
                 forty
                 members
                 of
                 the
                 House
                 of
                 Commons
                 acting
                 freely
                 in
                 the
                 House
                 ,
                 doe
                 continue
                 the
                 being
                 of
                 the
                 House
                 of
                 Parliament
                 ?
                 And
                 consequently
                 ,
                 whether
                 by
                 vertue
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 such
                 House
                 of
                 Commons
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 acknowledged
                 the
                 Parliamentary
                 supreme
                 Power
                 ?
              
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .