Chap. XXXVIII. Point XXXV. Of the Oxford Oath, that we will never endeavour any alteration of Church Go- vernment. M HE Oxford A is not content that we fay that. we are not bound by the Covenant to endeavour any altera- tionof Church Government, , but we mutt fay. and Swear that we never will endeavour it, as any other way obliged to it. L. The meaning is, that you will never endeavour it by Rebellion,, Sedition, or unlawful means. M. The Parliament knew how to fpeak their minds. By such Expofitions you may Swear almost any thing in the World, and no Government shall have any fecurity by your Oaths :.The words are contrivedly asuniversal againft all endeavour as can be fpoken. 2. But I'll prefently confuteyou undeniably. You know Church and State Government are conjoined in the Oath, and the Church put firft. Will you lay as to Sure Go- vernment, that the meaning only is, That I will not endeavour to depofe the King, or after Monarchy by Rebellion, or any unlawful' means, but only by lawful means ; ifyou do, you'l fòon be told home, that theOath doth mean, That no means is lawful tofuck an end, but the work, it fell as well as the means is for- fixom. L. But the meaning is only, that you will n?t endeavour to alter Epifcopacy, and not all other Offices and Courts. M. This is as palpable a falsification as the former : For- a. The words are a molt express abjuration of endeavouring any alteration ofGovernment at all. And ifyou take the word [ Alte- ration ]. fiddly, it more commonly fgnifieth a change of duality or Manner, thanof Efjence. But if you- take it largely, it corn- prehendeth both. 2. And I appeal to any mans Confcience whether that was,or is theBifhops fence : Go ask them, MyLords, " IfI endeavour but " to reduce Diocesans to everyCorporation,& to take down your ".1Lordihips, and great Revenues, and your Chancellors Courts, and all the reft ofyour Humane' Officers, will you take it for " nobreachofmy Oath ? and 1 warrant you they will foonXree- " kolve you.
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