A26924:519
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.
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.
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'l 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 forsnorn.
L. But the meaning is only, that you will not endeavour to alter Episcopacy, and not all other Offices and Courts.
M. This is as palpable a falsification as the former: For 1. The words are a most express abjuration of endeavouring any alteration of Government at all. And if you take the word [Alteration] strictly, it more commonly signifieth a change of Quality or Manner, […] of Essence. But if you take it largely, it comprehendeth both. 2. And I appeal to any mans Conscience whether that was, or is the Bishops sense: Go ask them, My Lords, If I endeavour but to reduce Diocesans to every Corporation, & to take down your Lordships, and great Revenues, and your Chancellors Courts, and all the rest of your Humane Officers, will you take it for no breach of my Oath? and I warrant you they will soon resolve you.