This was soon found to be unsatisfactory to some other settlers, who thought its expressions too lavish of loyalty to the King, and, in consequence, of prelacy; and while they were willing to acknowledge in a general way his sovereignty, and that they were his subjects, they had no disposition to make any unnecessary professions of allegiance. Another compact was then drawn of the same purport, simply acknowledging the King to be their Sovereign, and themselves his subjects. This was executed in due form and went into effect as the basis of government. But it did not bear the test of trial. Curiously, because it did not contain loyalty enough. And the original Combination was re-executed with the following explanatory preamble: Whereas a certen combination was made by us, the brethren of the Church of Exeter, with the rest of the Inhabitants, bearing date Mon. 5th. d. 4, 1639, wh afterwards, upon the instant request of some of the brethren, was altered, & put into such a forme of wordes, wherein howsoever we doe acknowledge the King’s Majesty our dread Sovereigne & ourselves his subjects: yet some expressions are contained therein wh may seeme to admit of such a sence as somewhat derogates from that due Allegiance wh we owe to his Highnesse, quite contrary to our true intents and meanings: We therefore doe revoke, disannull, make voyd and frustrate the said latter combination, as if it never had beene done, and doe ratify, confirme and establish the former, wh wee onely stand as being in force & virtue, the wh for substance is here set downe in manner and form following. Mon., 2d d., 2, 1640. Both the Elders and the People were required to take certain prescribed oaths, as follows: THE ELDERS OR RULERS OATH You shall sweare by the great and dreadfull Name of the high God maker & Gov^r of heaven and earth, and by the Lord Jesus Christ y^e Prince of the Kings and Rulers of the earth that in his name and feare you will Rule and Governe this people according to the righteous will of God’s Ministeringe Justice and Judgm^t upon the workers of iniquity and Ministering due incurreagm^t and Countenance to well doers protecting of people so farre as in you by the helpe of God lyeth from forren Annoyance and inward disturbance that they may live a quiett and peacable life in all godlyness and honesty. Soe God bee helpful and gratious to you and yo^{rs} in Christ Jesus. THE OATH OF THE PEOPLE