[104] upon the Congregations, upon Minifters and Families, and upon the frate and fecurity of the Chriftian Religion, and the Proteftant Caufe,&c. As to them that fay that the Ad nameth the Bonk as diffinFl from it Pelf; we anfwer, z. So do the Titles of Acts of Parliament 'name the Aft it Pelf as diftìnt from the Title, and yet we Cup- pole that Title part of the Aft. 2. The Book nameth the Aft as part of its Contents, as is aforefaid. If we fhould by mifrake think forne of there paffages to be unlawful that are not, or to have . a worfe fenfe than indeed they have, let thefe things be"confìdered. 1. We judge as well as we are able; and what- ever fenfe another takes them in, we that fo un- derftand them cannot take them. 2. We judge of the fenfe by the plain words; the force and frretch is not by us, but by thole that conform and contradia our fenfe. 3. The Law-givers will not otherwife expound their own words, after 17 years waiting for it under Compulfive Executions: Certainly if they would have us underftand their words con- trary to common ufe, they would rather tell us foafter feventeen years time, than ruine us, and forbear fo eafie a means to heal theChurches. 4. Some of us fo highly value the excellent Præleaions of Bifhop Sanderfon de juramento, and his judgment, againft taking and expounding Oaths(and confequently profeffions and promifes) in a ftretched or a doubtful fenfe, and his Coun- fel to refute them, when the fenfe is doubtful, if the Rulers or Impofers will not expound them (rhough,
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