A26924:514
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated and argued by Richard Baxter ; who earnestly beseecheth rulers and clergy not to divide and destroy the land and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1689
Chapter 38: Point XXXV. Of the Oxford Oath, that we will never endeavour any alteration of Church G…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Chap. XXXVIII. Point XXXV. Of the Oxford Oath, that we will never endeavour any alteration of Church Government.
M. THE Oxford Act is not content that we say that we are not bound by the Covenant to endeavour any alteration of Church Government, but we must say 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 speak their minds. By such Expositions you may Swear almost any thing in the World, and no Government shall have any security by your Oaths: The words are contrivedly as universal against all endeavour as can be spoken. 2. But I'll presently confute you undeniably. You know Church and State Government are conjoined in the Oath, and the Church put first. Will you say as to State Government, that the meaning only is, That I will not endeavour to depose the King, or alter Monarchy by Rebellion, or any unlawful means, but only by lawful means; if you do, you'll soon be told home, that the Oath doth mean, That no means is lawful to such an end, but the work it self as well as the means is forsworn.