A26924:520
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.
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. ⟨p. 131⟩3. Yet I shall fuller convince you: The Bishops and Parliament are of the mind of the Church of England: And the Canons do most fully speak the Churches mind. And the Seventh Canon before cited, when it makes it ipso facto Excommunication to call the Church Government sinful, tells you, that they extend this to [Arch-bishops, Bishops, Deans, Arch-deacons, and the rest that bear Office therein. 4. And I believe if you should say that I take my Oath to bind me from endeavouring no change of the Government of the State, but only of the Essence of Monarchy, you would quickly feel the Error of your Exposition.
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 sence: 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.