The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…

L. This Declaration is to be expounded by the many following Acts, which only say, there is no obligation to Change the Government.

M. That's gratis dictum without proof; that several Acts have the same meaning when the words so much differ, is not to be presumed. One of them is an Universal Negative without the least exception, and the other a particular Negative only. 2. And the Acts were made at several times, to several men, and the Parliament in the latter, never pretended to limit or explain the former, which sure they would have done if they repented of the Terms. 3. And Parliament Men tell us. That it was mentioned that the Non-Obligation of the Covenant should be limited, and it was pleaded against it, That if men believe that they are bound by it to any thing, some will think that they are bound to all that is lawful, and that it's lawful to take Arms against the King, and so there is no securing them from Rebellion, as by that Covenant, but by renouncing all its Obligation: And this carried the Cause. 4. It is not lawful for Subjects to put a particular Sense on Universal Words imposed, unless the imposers first so expound the Terms; which they have refused to do after twenty years complaint of the Dissenters, and do justify the universal sense to this day. Therefore such forced Expositions of our Rulers words in so tremendous a matter, are not to be feigned without good proof.

M. That's gratis dictum without proof; that several Acts have the same meaning when the words so much differ, is not to be presumed. One of them is an Universal Negative without the least exception, and the other a particular Negative only. 2. And the Acts were made at several times, to several men, and the Parliament in the latter, never pretended to limit or explain the former, which sure they would have done if they repented of the Terms. 3. And Parliament Men tell us. That it was mentioned that the Non-Obligation of the Covenant should be limited, and it was pleaded against it, That if men believe that they are bound by it to any thing, some will think that they are bound to all that is lawful, and that it's lawful to take Arms against the King, and so there is no securing them from Rebellion, as by that Covenant, but by renouncing all its Obligation: And this carried the Cause. 4. It is not lawful for Subjects to put a particular Sence on Universal Words imposed, unless the imposers first so expound the Terms; which they have refused to do after twenty years complaint of the Dissenters, and do justifie the universal sence to this day. Therefore such forced Expositions of our Rulers words in so tremendous a matter, are not to be feigned without good proof.