CHAP. LIII. POINT X. Of Swearing never to endeavour any alteration of Govern∣ment in the Church.
HOW far this extendeth objectively I before proved X. by. 1. The words of the Oaths. 2. The consent of the Bishops. 3. And the words of the seven Canons; and the Et Cae∣tera Canon in 1640. so that there is no doubt of it.
2. How far it extendeth as to the persons obliged, I before told you, and you may read; 1. In the Corporation Act, which imposeth it on all Corporations. 2. In the Vestry Act, which imposeth it on all Church-Vestries. 3. In the Act of Vniformity, which imposeth the subscription on all the Clergy. 4. In the Ox∣ford Act of Banishment, which imposeth the Oath on Non-confor∣mists, and more. 5. In the Militia Act, which imposeth it on all the Military Commanders, and Souldiers in the Land; so that you may well say, that is a National Covenant or Oath.
3. What is amiss in the Church-Government that needeth an amending alteration, I have so often told you, that I will not repeat it. Judge then what this Oath importeth.
It could never be the meaning of the Parliament, that no man shall endeavour to amend the faults of any Officers, Courts or Actions; for they often amend their own Acts of Parliament; and they reserve a Power in King and Parliament, to make alterations even in Church Governments: But that belongs not to the People, nor should they en∣deavour it.
1. I hope you will not confound Stated Offices, and Mens Exercise of them in Practice. I grant that they do not bind us by Oath never to endeavour that Bishops, and all the Officers of