the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o though_o repress_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o re-etablish_v again_o by_o divers_a more_o lawful_a assembly_n than_o this_o ratify_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o continue_v now_o for_o many_o year_n by-gon_v there_o behoove_v to_o be_v many_o and_o weighty_a reason_n why_o such_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v converse_v with_o a_o serious_a deliberation_n to_o ponder_v and_o consider_v they_o yet_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o assembly_n in_o one_o short_a session_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v propon_v discuss_v voice_v conclude_v and_o a_o large_a act_n pass_v thereupon_o chap._n ii_o concerning_o the_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n albeit_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o refute_v all_o the_o controvert_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n yet_o leave_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n we_o intend_v only_o to_o examine_v that_o act_n sess._n 26._o decemb._n 8._o against_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n especial_o first_o because_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o this_o act_n be_v conclude_v be_v the_o selfsame_a whereupon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o controvert_a act_n be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o these_o ground_n be_v declare_v evident_o to_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o together_o with_o this_o act_n of_o episcopacy_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v ruinous_a as_o i_o trust_v their_o fall_n shall_v be_v sudden_a second_o because_o the_o principal_a aim_n of_o the_o most_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o that_o conventicle_n be_v to_o suppress_v bishop_n because_o they_o esteem_v they_o chief_o to_o have_v cross_v their_o sacrilegious_a and_o ambitious_a 〈◊〉_d i_o or_o â—efore_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v the_o nobleman_n and_o baroâ—s_n both_o possess_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n renâ—s_n and_o also_o rule_v the_o whole_a eâ—tate_n at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o council_n and_o parliament_n by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o gentry_n and_o borrough_n who_o those_o factious_a 〈◊〉_d do_v depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o one_o noble_a man_n or_o other_o then_o find_v that_o by_o the_o re-establish_n of_o bishop_n their_o rent_n be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v their_o abbey_n and_o prioâ—ies_v also_o and_o final_o that_o their_o particular_a end_n not_o always_o tend_v to_o the_o well_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n or_o honour_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v cross_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n no_o marvel_n then_o though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a to_o suppress_v they_o and_o for_o that_o effect_n have_v labour_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o proud_a humour_n of_o other_o impatient_a of_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n of_o who_o some_o have_v aim_v in_o vain_a at_o bishopric_n as_o be_v well_o know_v of_o divers_a of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o faction_n think_v it_o best_o for_o their_o credit_n to_o declare_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o that_o estate_n which_o they_o have_v with_o much_o labour_n seek_v after_o without_o the_o desire_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o fox_n other_o by_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n both_o against_o the_o church_n and_o regal_a authority_n be_v past_o hope_n of_o further_a advancement_n do_v easy_o condescend_v to_o shake_v off_o that_o yoke_n which_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n can_v never_o suffer_v they_o patient_o to_o bear_v those_o be_v make_v to_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o rebellion_n both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o private_a conference_n draw_v the_o people_n after_o they_o and_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o minister_n also_o who_o do_v not_o judicious_o remark_v their_o secret_a end_n cloak_v under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v this_o condemn_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v bring_v in_o head_n with_o all_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o mean_v to_o examine_v for_o the_o present_a and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o reason_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v set_v down_o verbatim_o the_o act_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o they_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sess._n 16._o decemb._n 8._o 1638._o declare_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v adjure_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n take_v to_o their_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o so_o necessary_a so_o difficult_a and_o so_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o such_o perfection_n that_o this_o kirk_n be_v reform_v not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o after_o many_o conference_n and_o public_a reason_n in_o divers_a national_a assembly_n join_v with_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o the_o hedge_n and_o guard_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o register_n 1581._o establish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v at_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o by_o continual_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n second_o that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n divers_a novation_n have_v be_v introduce_v to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o this_o kirk_n so_o firm_o once_o compact_v and_o to_o the_o endanger_n of_o religion_n and_o many_o gross_a evil_n obtrude_v to_o the_o utter_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o work_n of_o reformationâ—_n and_o change_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o fâ—ce_n of_o this_o kirk_n command_v to_o receive_v with_o reverence_n a_o new_a book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o the_o only_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o 〈◊〉_d contravener_n to_o be_v condign_o censure_v and_o punish_v and_o after_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n know_v no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n be_v move_v by_o god_n and_o draw_v by_o necessity_n to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n which_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v bless_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o application_n thereof_o abjure_v the_o great_a evil_n wherewith_o they_o be_v now_o press_v and_o suspend_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o novation_n former_o introduce_v till_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n last_o that_o some_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o sundry_a rank_n have_v by_o his_o majesty_n command_n subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o former_a explication_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n in_o this_o year_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o it_o have_v in_o this_o kingdom_n when_o it_o be_v first_o subscribe_v â—581_n and_o afterward_o the_o assembly_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n sept._n 22._o 1638._o and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n of_o the_o date_n foresay_a bear_v that_o they_o shall_v subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n and_o ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o foresay_a date_n and_o tenor_n and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o likewise_o by_o the_o protestation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n when_o they_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v and_o by_o the_o many_o doubt_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n especial_o because_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o february_n 1638._o be_v bind_v to_o suspend_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n find_v it_o proper_a for_o they_o and_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o they_o to_o give_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o be_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o have_v 〈◊〉_d satisfaction_n
nothing_o bâ—_n admit_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o it_o waâ—_n conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n precede_v the_o year_n 1584._o but_o precise_o to_o seek_v the_o same_o to_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1589._o where_o the_o article_n be_v make_v for_o the_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o followeâ—â—_z for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ediâ—burgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a kirk_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o de_fw-la novo_fw-la a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n discipline_n presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o a_o abrogation_n of_o all_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o be_v ordain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d seek_v both_o of_o the_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o next_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n special_o the_o controvert_a head_n shall_v be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o bear_v or_o hereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o presbytery_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o sincerity_n unless_o the_o holy_a discipline_n be_v preserve_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o get_v a_o copy_n under_o the_o â—lerks_n hand_n there_o be_v sundry_a copy_n subscribâ—d_a by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o extant_a as_o haddington_n 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n produce_v before_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o sess._n 4._o the_o former_a act_n anent_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n be_v renew_a and_o penattis_n impose_v upon_o the_o moderator_n in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o exâ—cution_n in_o the_o assembly_n 22._o may_n 1592._o sess._n 2._o these_o article_n be_v draw_v up_o that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v 1584._o against_o the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o discipline_n whereof_o the_o kirk_n have_v be_v in_o practice_n precise_o ratify_v that_o abâ—â—ts_v pryoâ—ies_n and_o other_o prelate_n pretend_v the_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o suffer_v in_o time_n come_v in_o the_o eleven_o session_n the_o number_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o parliament_n immediate_o follow_v the_o five_o of_o inn_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d kirk_n in_o her_o session_n presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d and_o general_a assembly_n be_v large_o ratify_v as_o the_o same_o be_v use_v and_o exercise_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o the_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o abrogate_v the_o king_n prerogative_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o privilege_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o former_a commission_n to_o bishop_n 1584._o rescind_v and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n subject_v to_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n anno_fw-la 1595._o the_o book_n of_o policy_n with_o other_o act_n be_v ratify_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v print_v it_o be_v also_o clear_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o confession_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v baptise_v and_o preach_v deacon_n for_o so_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n de_fw-la sacramento_n ordinis_fw-la cant._n 6._o si_fw-la quis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la catholicâ_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la institutam_fw-la quae_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la episcopis_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la et_fw-la ministris_fw-la anathema_n sit_v bellarmine_n likewise_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 11._o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o militant_a kirk_n the_o first_o of_o bishop_n the_o second_o of_o priest_n the_o three_o of_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v also_o prince_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o people_n this_o proposition_n follow_v hierarchia_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la pontifice_fw-la cardinalibus_fw-la archiepiscopis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la et_fw-la regularibus_fw-la be_v censure_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o university_n at_o paris_n as_o follow_v in_fw-la ista_fw-la prima_fw-la propositione_fw-la enumeratio_fw-la membrorum_fw-la hierarchiae_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la seu_fw-la sacri_fw-la principatus_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la instituti_fw-la est_fw-la manca_fw-la et_fw-la redundans_fw-la atque_fw-la inducens_fw-la in_fw-la errorem_fw-la contrarium_fw-la determinationi_fw-la sacrae_fw-la synodi_fw-la tridentinae_n the_o proposition_n be_v defective_a because_o it_o pretermit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o redundâ—nt_fw-la because_o it_o make_v the_o hierarchy_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o regular_n the_o pope_n be_v not_o within_o the_o hierarchy_n primate_n metropolitan_n and_o archbishop_n but_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n furthermore_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o confession_n from_o the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a kirk_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v he_o to_o wit_n invocation_n of_o saint_n cannonization_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o lawful_a cannonization_n invocation_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n whatsoever_o corruptioâ—_n be_v in_o the_o kirk_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o a_o passage_n also_o out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v allege_v where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchy_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v a_o part_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o cannon_n above_o cite_v we_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n or_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n this_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sort_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o warrant_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n examine_v and_o all_o objection_n answer_v in_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n deâ—â—red_v and_o require_v to_o proponâ—_n their_o doubt_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o every_o one_o be_v hear_v to_o the_o full_a and_o after_o much_o â—gitation_n as_o full_o satisfy_v the_o moderator_n at_o last_o exhâ—rting_v every_o one_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n do_v put_v the_o master_n to_o voyâ—ing_v in_o these_o term_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o taith_o as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastouâ—_z of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o whether_o by_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o whole_a assembly_n most_o unanimous_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o one_o 〈◊〉_d profess_v full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n do_v voice_n that_o all_o episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n over_o a_o particular_a flock_n be_v abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o prohibit_v under_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o usurp_v accept_v defend_v or_o obey_v the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o in_o time_n come_v collect_v visy_z and_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n
be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n but_o dissemble_v the_o other_o point_n of_o agreement_n which_o we_o have_v rehearse_v import_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n because_o they_o find_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o conclusion_n three_o albeit_o they_o intend_v at_o this_o assembly_n present_o to_o have_v throw_v down_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o ground_n yet_o because_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n do_v oppose_v they_o stand_v firm_o for_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n there_o pass_v five_o or_o six_o year_n in_o these_o contestation_n before_o the_o final_a sentence_n be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o episcopomastiges_n cease_v not_o to_o labour_v diligent_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o draw_v other_o to_o their_o judgement_n use_v likewise_o the_o persuasion_n of_o man_n of_o special_a note_n beyond_o sea_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contestation_n the_o lord_n glames_z then_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n be_v move_v by_o our_o genevate_a minister_n to_o write_v to_o beza_n crave_v his_o opinion_n concerning_o the_o present_a government_n under_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_n to_o the_o which_o letter_n beza_n make_v a_o large_a answer_n condemn_v the_o present_a government_n and_o set_v down_o a_o plot_n of_o that_o policy_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o embrace_v according_a to_o the_o which_o they_o do_v frame_v their_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o in_o many_o point_n ipsissimis_fw-la verbis_fw-la as_o may_v appear_v by_o confer_v the_o book_n with_o his_o epistle_n that_o second_o citation_n from_o the_o assembly_n april_n 1576._o serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o albeit_o some_o bishop_n be_v censure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o superindents_n who_o albeit_o they_o have_v particular_a flock_n wherein_o they_o be_v special_o bind_v to_o attend_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v charge_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o more_o parish_n final_o those_o corruption_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o be_v not_o full_o conclude_v in_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v damn_v absolute_o but_o only_o propose_v by_o some_o and_o crave_v to_o be_v consider_v chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n for_o establish_v of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o second_o rank_n of_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o general_n assembly_n be_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n such_o as_o be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1578._o sess._n 4._o that_o in_o april_n 1578._o july_n 1579._o july_n 1580._o sess._n 10._o april_n 1581._o 1590._o 1591._o sess._n 4._o to_o the_o which_o they_o need_v no_o particular_a answer_n but_o general_o concerning_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v bring_v in_o head_n and_o urge_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o occasion_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o to_o subvert_v the_o former_a establish_a government_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o bishop_n that_o the_o church_n the_o more_o easy_a may_v be_v rob_v of_o her_o patrimony_n by_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n and_o factious_a humour_n strive_v to_o singularity_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a and_o most_o modest_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o oppose_v continual_o by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o very_a act_n themselves_o here_o produce_v by_o they_o do_v evident_o declare_v second_o the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o book_n itself_o for_o the_o establish_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o that_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n first_o because_o at_o this_o time_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v but_o only_o a_o thing_n in_fw-la fieri_fw-la not_o as_o yet_o conclude_v when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v account_v to_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o for_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o whereby_o that_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v registrate_v in_o the_o assembly_n book_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a law_n neither_o be_v it_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o that_o the_o posterity_n shall_v think_v well_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o church_n but_o not_o effect_v as_o likewise_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1590._o concerning_o the_o subscription_n to_o that_o book_n do_v not_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o but_o to_o actual_a minister_n only_o and_o yet_o of_o those_o many_o do_v resist_v it_o as_o particular_o the_o minister_n of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o which_o cause_v it_o be_v think_v needful_a that_o a_o new_a act_n shall_v be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1591._o enjoin_v again_o the_o subscription_n under_o a_o penalty_n and_o particular_o to_o those_o of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n this_o book_n be_v never_o ratify_v by_o any_o act_n of_o estate_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o law_n as_o they_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n july_n 1579._o and_o that_o assembly_n 1580_o sess._n 10._o as_o for_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o here_o allege_v first_o it_o be_v after_o the_o last_o urge_v of_o the_o swear_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1591._o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n second_o it_o be_v but_o a_o partial_a ratification_n not_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o of_o general_n synodal_a and_o of_o presbyterial_a assembly_n and_o parish_n session_n which_o do_v still_o remain_v under_o episcopal_a government_n with_o great_a regularity_n than_o they_o be_v before_o 2._o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n after_o the_o first_o motion_n thereof_o can_v not_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o ministry_n find_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o imaginary_a plot_n which_o can_v be_v hardly_o effectuate_v or_o endure_v long_o in_o the_o church_n without_o great_a corruption_n as_o the_o event_n prove_v some_o of_o it_o never_o put_v in_o practice_n either_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o the_o frame_n of_o policy_n in_o plato_n republik_a or_o of_o outopia_n as_o those_o point_n de_fw-fr diaconatu_fw-la concerning_o the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o point_n the_o contrary_a have_v ever_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o book_n cap._n 7._o that_o landward_o church_n shall_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o have_v particular_a eldership_n and_o yet_o ever_o after_o there_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o landward_o church_n but_o have_v their_o particular_a session_n consist_v of_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v likewise_o there_o appoint_v that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n may_v never_o leave_v it_o again_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o use_n that_o he_o who_o be_v elder_a this_o year_n shall_v be_v cashier_v the_o next_o and_o every_o year_n a_o new_a election_n make_v item_n it_o be_v ordain_v cap._n 3._o that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a parson_n as_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n shall_v receive_v the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n to_o their_o office_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o eldership_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v never_o practise_v imposition_n of_o hand_n upon_o elder_n or_o deacon_n but_o only_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n many_o other_o point_n may_v be_v bring_v which_o either_o be_v never_o practise_v or_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bring_v in_o 3._o if_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o church_n whereby_o the_o negative_a confession_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v interpret_v than_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v the_o covenant_n have_v swear_v also_o to_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o which_o of_o all_o the_o covenanter_n can_v free_v themselves_o of_o perjury_n for_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o pope_n sole_a authority_n that_o council_n may_v have_v have_v a_o more_o happy_a event_n for_o the_o well_o and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v not_o observe_v that_o form_n order_n or_o decency_n which_o do_v become_v a_o venerable_a ecclesiastic_a meeting_n for_o first_o these_o who_o be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o principal_a member_n of_o all_o general_a or_o national_a counsel_n to_o wit_n the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exclude_v a_o company_n of_o layman_n earl_n lord_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n without_o warrant_n authority_n or_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v thrust_v in_o their_o room_n bear_v chief_a sway_n in_o the_o assembly_n carry_v all_o matter_n violent_o for_o their_o own_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v remark_v by_o wise_a and_o grave_a man_n that_o one_o earl_n and_o one_o lord_n make_v more_o speech_n in_o the_o assembly_n than_o all_o the_o clergy_n except_o the_o moderator_n 2._o in_o their_o session_n no_o order_n or_o decency_n observe_v all_o sit_v pel-mell_o without_o distinction_n of_o degree_n save_v only_o that_o lay-nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n occupy_v the_o chief_a room_n with_o their_o sword_n and_o pistol_n by_o their_o side_n the_o minister_n mix_v among_o burgess_n merchant_n and_o nobleman_n servant_n hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o they_o by_o their_o habit_n or_o carriage_n many_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o colour_a clothes_n all_o in_o short_a cloak_n except_o the_o minister_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v their_o gown_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o have_v know_v their_o person_n before_o they_o shall_v scarce_o have_v discern_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o merchant_n or_o taylor_n 3._o the_o minister_n be_v not_o there_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o scotland_n long_o after_o the_o reformation_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v leave_v his_o flock_n except_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o their_o superintendent_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o their_o new_a invent_a form_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o layman_n have_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o rather_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o most_o wise_a modest_a and_o learned_a brethren_n but_o the_o most_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o bold_a to_o oppose_v authority_n fit_a member_n indeed_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n 4._o in_o discuss_v of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v conclude_v no_o reason_n but_o superficial_a no_o careful_a ponder_n of_o the_o reason_n but_o all_o take_v implicit_a fide_fw-la which_o have_v any_o show_n no_o exact_a distinguish_n of_o the_o article_n but_o many_o matter_n of_o different_a nature_n be_v hâ—dled_v up_o together_o confuse_o and_o with_o great_a precipitation_n be_v voice_v and_o conclude_v the_o assembly_n continue_v only_o a_o month_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n to_o wit_v from_o the_o 21._o of_o november_n to_o the_o 4._o of_o december_n be_v consume_v in_o circumstantial_a point_n concerning_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o receive_v and_o discuss_v their_o commission_n in_o contestation_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o covenanter_n in_o exclude_v some_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsellor_n authorize_v by_o he_o to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o ancient_a approve_a counsel_n either_o general_n or_o national_a in_o reject_v most_o just_a protestation_n of_o divers_a presbytery_n against_o this_o assembly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o pâ—ables_n of_o aberdeine_n of_o the_o channonry_n of_o rosse_n in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v read_v the_o most_o just_a declinature_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o final_o in_o declare_v certain_a book_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v authentic_a register_n at_o last_o the_o four_o of_o december_n they_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a matter_n for_o which_o this_o assembly_n be_v require_v begin_v at_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o six_o last_o general_a assembly_n convene_v continue_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n which_o they_o do_v in_o short_a space_n than_o can_v suffice_v to_o read_v they_o over_o so_o precipitate_a be_v they_o in_o condemn_v absolute_o so_o many_o grave_a assembly_n with_o such_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o never_o one_o be_v call_v but_o without_o reason_n or_o judgement_n condemn_v they_o all_o in_o one_o word_n by_o implicit_a faith_n give_v to_o some_o few_o neither_o of_o the_o most_o wise_a or_o learn_v of_o the_o company_n who_o have_v a_o committee_n to_o invent_v some_o apparent_a reason_n to_o annul_v the_o same_o and_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o two_o part_n of_o those_o who_o voice_v against_o they_o have_v never_o see_v the_o act_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o peruse_v they_o but_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o jesuitical_a obedience_n do_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o rebellious_a leader_n in_o another_o session_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v summary_o fourteen_o bishop_n upon_o a_o pretend_a false_a libel_n produce_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o they_o which_o by_o no_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v competent_a judge_n to_o their_o process_n without_o lawful_a citation_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o many_o general_a assembly_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v never_o accustom_v no_o not_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a time_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o proceed_v so_o summary_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o most_o notorious_a offender_n without_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o long_a space_n grant_v to_o the_o accuse_v either_o to_o justify_v himself_o or_o declare_v his_o repentance_n 1._o there_o be_v use_v three_o private_a personal_a citation_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o presbytery_n next_o if_o those_o be_v not_o obey_v three_o public_a citation_n one_o three_o several_a sabbath_n 3._o followed_n three_o public_a prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v appear_v either_o to_o purge_v themselves_o of_o the_o crime_n impute_v to_o they_o or_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o another_o session_n they_o condemn_v with_o one_o voice_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o court_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o space_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v read_v over_o all_o those_o book_n muchless_o to_o peruse_v they_o thorough_o and_o discuss_v the_o controvert_a point_n therein_o which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v before_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n for_o the_o which_o chief_o they_o do_v procure_v this_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o slight_o and_o with_o such_o precipitation_n handle_v to_o wit_n whether_o bishop_n shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o doctrine_n so_o universal_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n even_o in_o her_o pure_a time_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o allow_v in_o substance_n by_o
call_v by_o god_n and_o such_o like_a to_o desist_v and_o cease_v from_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o use_v any_o way_n the_o office_n of_o pastor_n while_o they_o receive_v de_fw-fr â—ovâ—_z admission_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o wherein_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a or_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o any_o point_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n after_o due_a admonition_n to_o be_v execute_v against_o they_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1580._o sess._n 10._o this_o article_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o king_n and_o council_n that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o 〈◊〉_d act_n of_o privy_a council_n while_o a_o parliament_n be_v hold_v 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o law_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o act_n maâ—e_n at_o dundie_n be_v interpret_v and_o explain_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n in_o april_n 1581._o sess._n 6._o as_o follow_v anent_o the_o act_n make_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n against_o bishop_n because_o some_o difficulty_n appear_v to_o some_o brethren_n to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n office_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a act_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v thereby_o the_o assembly_n consist_v far_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o as_o vote_v and_o be_v present_a in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n to_o take_v away_o the_o say_a difficulty_n resolve_v upon_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o say_a act_n declare_v that_o they_o mean_v whole_o to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o determination_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o brethren_n doubt_v whether_o the_o former_a act_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o spiritual_a function_n only_o and_o other_o allege_v that_o the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v use_v be_v damnable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a act_n the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v charge_v to_o dimit_fw-la the_o same_o this_o assembly_n declare_v that_o they_o mean_v whole_o to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o that_o time_n the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v unto_o this_o assembly_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o household_n not_o long_o before_o together_o with_o a_o plot_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o be_v erect_v which_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o a_o letter_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n for_o their_o action_n of_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o dissolution_n of_o prelacy_n and_o with_o a_o offer_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o policy_n until_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n the_o king_n letter_n subscribe_v by_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n be_v read_v in_o open_a audience_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n this_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o book_n of_o policy_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o register_n by_o the_o act_n follow_v for_o asmuch_o as_o travel_n have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o divers_a suit_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n thereof_o which_o yet_o have_v not_o take_v the_o happy_a effect_n which_o good_a man_n will_v wish_v yet_o that_o the_o posterity_n may_v judge_v well_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n have_v conclude_v that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v to_o in_o divers_a assembly_n before_o shall_v be_v registrate_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o remain_v therein_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o the_o copy_n thereof_o to_o be_v take_v to_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o book_n the_o tenor_n follow_v etc._n etc._n immediate_o after_o the_o insert_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n call_v therâ—_z the_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v as_o follow_v anent_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o highness_n the_o assembly_n in_o one_o voice_n acknowledge_v the_o say_a confession_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o faithful_a confession_n to_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o such_o as_o true_o profess_v christ_n and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o to_o be_v follow_v out_o efold_o as_o the_o same_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n wherein_o that_o discipline_n be_v swear_v to_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1581._o sess._n 10._o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n be_v accuse_v for_o teach_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a sess._n 23._o the_o assembly_n give_v commission_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n to_o charge_v mr._n robert_n montgomery_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o stirling_n and_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o other_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o kirk_n namely_o in_o aspire_v to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o glasgow_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n for_o erection_n of_o more_o presbytery_n be_v renew_v and_o a_o new_a ordinance_n make_v for_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o whatsoever_o person_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o subscribe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1582._o there_o be_v a_o new_a commission_n for_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n where_o none_o be_v at_o yet_o erect_v mr._n robert_n montgomery_n pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_a except_o he_o give_v evident_a tâ—kens_n of_o repentance_n and_o promise_n to_o superseed_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o be_v excommunicate_a short_o after_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n 1582._o the_o general_n assembly_n give_v commission_n to_o some_o presbytery_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n for_o the_o great_a slander_n arise_v by_o their_o impunity_n commission_n be_v give_v at_o this_o assembly_n to_o present_v some_o article_n to_o the_o council_n and_o estate_n for_o approve_v and_o establish_v by_o their_o authority_n the_o presbytery_n the_o synodal_a and_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o 19_o sess._n the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n may_v â—it_v upon_o the_o council_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1586._o these_o two_o article_n be_v agree_v upon_o first_o it_o be_v find_v that_o all_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v governor_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n and_o elder_n may_v convene_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o vote_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n second_o there_o be_v four_o office-bearer_n set_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deâ—cons_n and_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papistry_n but_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1587._o sess._n 8._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o admission_n of_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n suppose_v to_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o bishopric_n only_o be_v undo_v and_o annul_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o the_o effect_n slander_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o kirk_n in_o sess._n 15._o mr._n rob._n pont_n sheâ—ed_v the_o king_n presentation_n to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o cathnes_n and_o desire_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n declare_v that_o they_o judge_v the_o say_a mr._n rob_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n already_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n but_o as_o to_o that_o corrupt_a estate_n or_o office_n of_o these_o who_o have_v be_v term_v bishop_n heretofore_o they_o find_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o divers_a assembly_n before_o in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o waitâ—_n upon_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n sess._n 17._o thâ—t_z they_o be_v careful_a that_o
johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n