The Laws of the Realm may punish Christian men with death for hainous and grievous Offences.
It is lawful for Christian men, at the Commandment of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the Wars.
Tit.
No man can refuse to subscribe this Article, that hath taken the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy, as I know you have.
Tim.
Yet (if I mistake not) this is one of the three Articles, the Dissenters would expunge from the thirty nine, and I wonder for what cause?
Tit.
Because it makes the King Supream in and over all persons and things Ecclesiastical, as well as Civil, which most of Dissenters thought was no better than to make him a Pope. Yet some of them I think have better considered it since, for they have lately taken the Oath of Supremacy; and I know not (if understood aright) how any man can refuse it, that is not a Papist.
Tim.
Then this Article may stand now as it is?
Tit.
Yes, and with approbation too, no doubt: for swearing is every whit as bad as sub∣scribing, and he that will doe the one, cannot reasonably refuse the other.—
Tim.
But do they swear, as we subscribe, ex animo?
Tit.
Who can say that? I hope they do; being great pretenders to Conscience and sincerity. But their Practice will be the best indication of this, which (I would gladly believe) will prove answerable to their Oath and Obligation by it.—
Tim.
I wish interest and designs be not at the bottom; I suspect them really.—
Tit.
'Tis time and Patience must give you satisfaction, whether 'tis so or not, and that's all the answer can be given at present.—
Tim.
You say well, and for this reason I shall watch their water. And if they don't act, and walk according to the Ecclesiastical Laws, to which they have now obliged and subjected themselves, they shall hear of it on both ears.
Tit.
And I think it is not amiss to remind you, that you walk and act according to your Oaths and Obligations, least your reprehensions of them be returned with —the Devil re∣bukes Sin.
Tim.
I hope I shall give them no cause for such Repartees, having now a better understand∣ing of things than I had. And my knowledg being bettered, I trust my practice shall be an∣swerable.
Tit.
Well resolved, 'tis the best way (saith the Apostle) by well doing, to put to silence igno∣rant and foolish men.
Tim.
In troth, more Knaves than Fools, I doubt.
Tit.
Judge Charitably (Tim.) and as becomes a Christian, think the best, till you see just ground to alter your opinion. And let the consideration of your own infirmities, make you bear the more with your Brethrens.
Tim.
Nay, for Love and Charity, I believe there is not much lost between them; for mine would serve me to see them subdued, and theirs to see the Church destroyed.
Tit.
I perceive by your eyes, your Choler begins to rise in your Stomach, and therefore we must leave this and proceed to the next Article, and so to a close in a few words.
Tim.
Why, have we so near done?
Tit.
Yes, there is but two more, and they not long neither.
Tim.
I am glad of it, for I am almost weary.
Tit.
But I hope you don't repent of your pains?
Tim.
No, no, I'le proceed.