Part 8 (2/2)
”16. All oaths are unlawful and contrary to the Word of G.o.d.--_Quakers._
”17. An oath obligeth not in the sense of the imposer, but the taker's.--_Sheriff's Case._
”18. Dominion is founded in grace.
”19. The powers of this world are usurpations upon the prerogative of Jesus Christ; and it is the duty of G.o.d's people to destroy them, in order to the setting Christ upon His throne.--_Fifth Monarchy Men._
”20. The presbyterian government is the sceptre of Christ's kingdom, to which kings, as well as others, are bound to submit; and the king's supremacy in ecclesiastical affairs, a.s.serted by the Church of England, is injurious to Christ, the sole King and Head of His Church.--_Altare Damascenum_; _Apolog. Relat.
Hist. Indulg._; _Cartwright_; _Travers_.
”21. It is not lawful for superiors to impose anything in the wors.h.i.+p of G.o.d that is not antecedently necessary.
”22. The duty of not offending a weak brother is inconsistent with all human authority of making laws concerning indifferent things.--_Protest. Reconciler._
”23. Wicked kings and tyrants ought to be put to death; and if the judges and inferior magistrates will not do their office, the power of the sword devolves to the people; if the major part of the people refuse to exercise this power, then the ministers may excommunicate such a king; after which it is lawful for any of the subjects to kill him, as the people did Athaliah, and Jehu Jezebel.--_Buchanan_; _Knox_; _Goodman_; _Gibby_; _Jesuits_.
”24. After the sealing of the Scripture-canon the people of G.o.d in all ages are to expect new revelations for a rule of their actions (_a_); and it is lawful for a private man, having an inward motion from G.o.d, to kill a tyrant (_b_).--(_a_) _Quakers and other Enthusiasts._ (_b_) _Goodman._
”25. The example of Phineas is to us instead of a command; for what G.o.d hath commanded or approved in one age must needs oblige in all.--_Goodman_; _Knox_; _Napthali_.
”26. King Charles the First was lawfully put to death, and his murderers were the blessed instruments of G.o.d's glory in their generation.--_Milton_; _Goodwin_; _Owen_.
”27. King Charles the First made war upon his Parliament; and in such a case the king may not only be resisted, but he ceaseth to be king.--_Baxter._
”We decree, judge, and declare all and every of these propositions to be false, seditious, and impious; and most of them to be also heretical and blasphemous, infamous to Christian religion, and destructive of all government in Church and State.
”We further decree, That the books which contain the aforesaid propositions and impious doctrines are fitted to deprave good manners, corrupt the minds of unwary men, stir up seditions and tumults, overthrow states and kingdoms, and lead to rebellion, murder of princes, and atheism itself; and therefore we interdict all members of the university from the reading of the said books, under the penalties in the statutes expressed.
We also order the before-recited books to be publicly burnt by the hand of our marshal, in the court of our schools.
”Likewise we order, that, in perpetual memory hereof, these our decrees shall be entered into the registry of our convocation; and that copies of them being communicated to the several colleges and halls within this university, they be there publicly affixed in the libraries, refectories, or other fit places, where they may be seen and read of all.
”Lastly, we command and strictly enjoin all and singular, the readers, tutors, catechists, and others to whom the care and trust of inst.i.tution of youth is committed, that they diligently instruct and ground their scholars in that most necessary doctrine, which, in a manner, is the badge and character of the Church of England, of submitting to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well; teaching that this submission and obedience is to be clear, absolute, and without exception of any state or order of men. Also that they, according to the Apostle's precept, exhort, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for the king, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all G.o.dliness and honesty; for this is good and acceptable in the sight of G.o.d our Saviour; and in especial manner that they press and oblige them humbly to offer their most ardent and daily prayers at the throne of grace, for the preservation of our Sovereign Lord King Charles from the attempts of open violence and secret machinations of perfidious traitors; that the defender of the faith, being safe under the defence of the Most High, may continue his reign on earth till he exchange it for that of a late and happy immortality.”
<script>