It was never doubted by the most rigid casuist that a debtor, who has bound himself under the most awful imprecations to pay a debt, may lawfully withhold payment if the creditor is willing to cancel the obligation.

And it is equally clear that no assurance, exacted from a King by the Estates of his kingdom, can bind him to refuse compliance with what may at a future time be the wish of those Estates.
A bill was drawn up in conformity with the resolutions of the Committee, and was rapidly passed through every stage.

After the third reading, a foolish man stood up to propose a rider, declaring that the oath was not meant to restrain the Sovereign from consenting to any change in the ceremonial of the Church, provided always that episcopacy and a written form of prayer were retained.

The gross absurdity of this motion was exposed by several eminent members.

Such a clause, they justly remarked, would bind the King under pretence of setting him free.