British Library, Harley MS 4931
Clergy, and laity (as in this cause is done) not only to assent, submitt, & sub=
scribe unto, but to sweare solemnly and directly not only to the doctrine, but
also to the perticular discipline of the Church they liue under, not on
for obedience thereunto, but to the compleatnes, and necessity therof unto
salvation.
the word Gouerment, in the first clause, and in the third clause of the oath be to
be taken in the same sence? And whether thereby be meant the species of
gouernours as seemeth to be imported in the latter clause, by the inumeration
of some of them with an &c? or 2dly the lawes and rules of gouerment, vix
Rubrick & Canons Canon Law, and Civil law still in force (though some
of them for present practise be dormant)? or 3dly the proceedings of these
gouernours in the exercise of their gouerment according to these rules?
If in the first sence, then the words are not literally, and gram
to be understood, but tropically for
bernatio
tropically which is against the last clause in this oath. If in the second
sence then it is required that wee sweare neuer to consent to the least
mutation of Rubrick Canon later
power soever. If in the third sence then worse consequences will
follow in cause the gouernours err in the exercise of their power.
or tenets especially in matters of discipline, seing wee know but in part
and the light breaking forth dayly a man may see cause to alter his
present judgm
private men, but the contrary holden by most of the reformed Churches
of the world.
implying
doth not bind his mind so that he shall be guilty of perjury by assent
in judgm
thereof in any of the three forenamed sences, which soever those
words ought to be taken in, though he never expresse the same
externally to further the mutation therof? nor liue under it, to
yeild submission therunto?
subsequent in case it be done by lawfull Authority? If Antecedent
future parlamentary men shall heereby præclude themselues by oath from
giuing free votes for altering any particle about Church gouerm
though it be found never so needfull. If subsequent, then wee
obey the authority, and com
should make any alteration.
oy that all these gouernours specified, &
contained under
Religion.
:7: 34:
Hook: pol.
l:3: p.111.
false
whether may a man bind himselfe by oath to make that for ever im=
mutable, and necessary, w
ferent standing only by humane pr
copulatiue, or aggregative? And whether the right be divine, humane, or
common æquity? & whether it be opposite to the practises of some men
in their ill exercise of their gouerment, or to other formes of gouerment
in other Churches which is most probable.
the doctrine of the Church of Rome differing from oures? and
where that is defined that wee may know against what wee sweare?
many quæries, and difficulties in it) he would not take it if he could
avoid it, and when it is enforced by so greivous censure./.