Account for Subscribing, Section 2
SECT. II.
The Account it self truly stated, and clearly explained, in its genuine and proper sence.
THe form of Subscription to the Engagement, ordained by the Act of Parliament, is expressed in these words; viz. I do declare and promise, that I will be true and faithful to the Common-wealth of England, as it is now established without a King, or House of Lords. Howbeit it must needs be acknowledged, that this form of words hath a most easie and clear sence to any ordinary capacity, so as no doubt nor scruple can be contained in it: Yet notwithstanding, for our better making use and improvement of the certain and unquestionable meaning of it unto an effectual demonstration of its lawfulness and expediency, The Contents thereof shall be resolved into the four parts or branches, which are obviously remarkable, and each of them explained and considered by themselves: viz.
1. The particular condition of the person concerned and engaged.
2. The Act of subscribing in the peculiar nature thereof.
3. The object of this peculiar Act.
4. The modification and restriction of the object in its limits and bounds.
The Explanation of the Parts and Branches.
I. The condition of the person engaging, [I,] An English born Subject, receiving benefit and protection from this present Commonwealth, as it is now established, in the exercise of Christianity, and of my particular Calling unto the Ministry of the Gospel in a Pastoral charge.
Note. [That which is said touching the condition of the particular person in his Calling and Capacity specified, hath the same sence (mutatis mutandis) respecting all sorts of persons concerned in the Engagement, of what Calling, state, degree, and condition soever; whether they be Noblemen, Gentlemen, or Commons; whether they be subordinate Magistrates, Judges, Justices, Majors, Sheriffs, Bayliffs, or Constables; whether they be Lawyers, Physicians, Ministers, Schoolmasters, Souldiers, Merchants, Mariners, Tradesmen, Husbandmen, or Artificers; and whether their habitations are in Cities, Towns, or Villages, or whether of any other Province comprehended under the same Government.]
II. The Act of subscribing in the peculiar nature of it, is in this expression; [I do Declare and Promise, that I will be true and faithful to &c.] Expla. The nature and sum of this Act consisteth in the exercising of truth and faithfulness, and approving ones self therein as occasion offereth; in no wise giving way to an acting of falshood and Treachery against the Commonwealth; nor to an opposing or undermining the Peace of the English Nation under the present Government by any means; nor to a contriving or practising directly or indirectly any thing to the disturbance thereof: For to this effect the very Preamble of the Act of Parliament for subscribing the Engagement, hinteth the sence. Vid. ibid. And the Law-givers themselves are their own best Interpreters.
III. The Object of the Act of declaring and promising to be true and faithful, is, as it is expressed, [The Commonwealth of England.] Expla. Touching this branch, it may be observed for the better understanding of it, God that made the world, and hath made of one blood all Nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determinted all the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation, see Act. 17. 24. 26. he hath so ordered; and brought to passe, according to the counsell of his own will, Eph. 1. 11. that even Englishmen for many generations, have as a Nation lived Nationally in England, and been combined in a politike Body, or Common-wealth, according to the Rights and Customes of this Nation, chosen and consented unto by the people hereof: Thus is the Common-wealth of England to be estimated.
IV. The Modification and Restriction of the object of the Act of subscribing, is limited and bounded in this expression, [As the Common-wealth of England is now established without a King and House of Lords.] Expla. Concerning this last branch it may be observed, that the Common-wealth of England is now established without a King, and House of Lords, according to a Declaration of the Parliament, intituled, A Declaration of the Parliament of England, expressing the grounds of their late proceedings, and of setling the present Government in the way of a free State: This was Ordered, March 17. 1648. by the Commons in Parliament assembled, to be printed and published. And thus much briefly and perspicuously for the summe, and parts, and sense of the forme of the Engagement.