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
of_o parliament_n before_o this_o abjuration_n be_v swear_v by_o which_o limitation_n be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n add_v since_o either_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n synod_n or_o presbytery_n since_o that_o confession_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dâ—ndie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glâ—sgow_n 1581._o condemn_v episcopacy_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o such_o be_v our_o covenanter_n addition_n or_o application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o their_o rebellioâ—s_a covenant_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v produce_v one_o word_n of_o that_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n neither_o have_v the_o church_n who_o establish_v it_o any_o such_o purpose_n or_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n in_o set_v down_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n do_v approve_v that_o power_n and_o preeminency_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n therefore_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n four_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v determine_v to_o be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v profess_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o this_o by_o the_o king_n or_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o that_o oath_n for_o the_o king_n profession_n we_o have_v show_v cap._n 6._o what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o both_o before_o and_o after_o then_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o particular_a man_n opinion_n but_o by_o public_a act_n either_o by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o they_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o either_o of_o those_o court_n long_o before_o show_v such_o a_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v produce_v act_n of_o both_o those_o court_n not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o also_o continual_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n when_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o make_v and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n approve_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n the_o first_o act_n they_o can_v produce_v have_v any_o appearance_n of_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n first_o because_o this_o act_n be_v not_o long_o before_o if_o not_o after_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o frame_v be_v even_o that_o same_o very_a year_n about_o that_o same_o time_n second_o albeit_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v he_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v signify_v before_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v hereafter_o three_o long_o before_o this_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v public_o approve_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n even_o then_o and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n unrepealed_a which_o we_o have_v before_o faithful_o cite_v cap._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a court_n both_o of_o council_n and_o parliament_n they_o declare_v their_o profession_n by_o reject_v of_o divers_a suit_n make_v for_o ratify_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n as_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o 1579._o and_o 1580._o cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o divers_a suit_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v often_o refuse_v moreover_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n may_n 22._o 1584._o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o profession_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a power_n pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o most_o ample_a form_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n long_o before_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n now_o in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n they_o can_v so_o 〈◊〉_d abuse_n christian_a people_n as_o to_o impose_v false_o â—uch_n a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o people_n in_o press_v to_o persuade_v they_o against_o so_o many_o evident_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o fearful_o perjure_v who_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o episcopacy_n but_o because_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o rather_o to_o be_v abjure_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n than_o under_o the_o name_n of_o doctrine_n therefore_o to_o take_v away_o all_o way_n of_o escape_n or_o subtâ—rfuge_n we_o shall_v examine_v the_o point_n of_o discipline_n also_o and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v by_o all_o those_o former_a limitation_n exclude_v also_o for_o these_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v aswell_o to_o the_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o for_o further_a resolution_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o divers_a signification_n first_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v upon_o those_o who_o do_v err_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n or_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereto_o but_o may_v very_o well_o subsist_v therewith_o and_o have_v subsist_v actual_o both_o during_o the_o government_n under_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n as_o also_o under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v for_o the_o same_o censure_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n long_o before_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v do_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o admoâ—itions_n private_a and_o public_a the_o same_o sentence_n of_o excomâ—unication_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o by_o three_o private_a and_o three_o public_a citation_n before_o ecclesiastical_a indicatory_n the_o same_o public_a prayer_n â—ppointed_v by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o delinquent_n upon_o three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n the_o same_o form_n of_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o enjoin_v private_a or_o public_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o absolve_v of_o the_o penâ—tent_n as_o all_o within_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o power_n and_o prehâ—minence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o disciplâ—â—e_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o this_o â—eale_n 〈◊〉_d apparent_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o oath_n for_o in_o â—ll_n speech_n or_o wâ—â—â—s_n of_o conâ—sequencâ—_z chiâ—â—â—_z those_o which_o be_v see_v down_o for_o a_o solâ—â—â—_n oath_n â—hich_v aught_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o usual_a sense_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o unproper_a and_o figurative_a except_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o must_v be_v take_v improper_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n discipline_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_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
estate_n and_o do_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n therein_o both_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o to_o the_o enact_n of_o any_o law_n the_o consent_n of_o prelate_n be_v ever_o think_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o two_o estate_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n no_o act_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n ever_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o three_o estate_n whosoever_o will_v press_v to_o suppress_v the_o estate_n of_o prelate_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o to_o come_v yet_o near_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n those_o who_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o place_n of_o bishop_n call_v superintendent_n have_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n as_o great_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o charge_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o bishop_n do_v now_o require_v in_o their_o diocese_n it_o be_v true_a the_o superintendent_n have_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o can_v have_v for_o why_o the_o bishop_n retain_v still_o their_o possession_n in_o those_o place_n upon_o their_o ancient_a commission_n often_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o reformation_n never_o quarrel_v by_o any_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n until_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o wherein_o the_o bishop_n be_v require_v only_o not_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o special_a commission_n thereâ—ra_n and_o a_o few_o year_n before_o to_o wit_n at_o the_o assembly_n at_o ediâ—burgh_n 1573._o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v express_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n with_o some_o exceptious_a not_o very_o material_a as_o we_o remark_v before_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o except_v this_o power_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o do_v tacit_o at_o the_o least_o approve_v this_o the_o ancient_a commission_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n final_o at_o the_o last_o re-establish_v of_o bishop_n thou_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v express_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n for_o first_o by_o that_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o the_o church_n give_v commission_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n though_o not_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_n affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o glasgoâ—_n and_o lithgow_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o they_o do_v under_o the_o very_a title_n of_o bishop_n receive_v full_a commission_n from_o the_o church_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o to_o exercise_v their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n power_n and_o and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o pastor_n and_o people_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o so_o every_o bishop_n particular_o by_o their_o election_n and_o consecration_n receive_v power_n to_o use_v this_o commission_n whensoever_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o for_o every_o several_a act_n they_o do_v in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o new_a particular_a commission_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o power_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v elect_v to_o that_o office_n shall_v have_v this_o commission_n once_o for_o all_o during_o his_o life_n time_n or_o until_o by_o his_o malversation_n in_o his_o charge_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o legal_o deprive_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o church_n may_v add_v new_a article_n to_o their_o commission_n as_o time_n and_o occasion_n require_v as_o be_v do_v in_o england_n and_o ireland_n where_o the_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n sit_v ever_o in_o the_o time_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v upon_o such_o article_n as_o be_v think_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o serve_v for_o the_o we_o will_v of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o care_n they_o may_v receive_v due_a ratification_n but_o the_o turbulent_a behaviour_n of_o some_o minister_n in_o scotland_n who_o scorn_v to_o have_v their_o petition_n propose_v orderly_o by_o the_o bishop_n have_v as_o yet_o bar_v the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n from_o that_o privilege_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v the_o only_a exception_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v make_v against_o any_o point_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o since_o that_o exception_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v now_o remove_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1581._o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v chap._n xiiii_o discuss_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n here_o cite_v since_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o subsequent_a assembly_n against_o bishop_n be_v ground_v upon_o these_o two_o former_a act_n whereby_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v and_o since_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o must_v have_v as_o little_a strength_n as_o they_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o particular_a discuss_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o lest_o it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o have_v over_o past_o they_o altogether_o we_o shall_v remark_v some_o few_o particular_a observation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o their_o purpose_n here_o yet_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o divers_a point_n against_o they_o first_o those_o act_n cite_v here_o concerning_o the_o presentation_n by_o the_o king_n and_o admission_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o of_o m._n robert_n poâ—s_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o caithâ—es_n and_o the_o divers_a ineffectual_a suit_n make_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o king_n council_n and_o parliament_n for_o advance_v of_o their_o presbyterial_a discipline_n and_o suppression_n of_o bishop_n to_o wit_n those_o present_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1587._o serve_v against_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o declare_v that_o their_o violent_a proceed_n against_o bishop_n and_o for_o establish_v of_o their_o new_a discipline_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n all_o this_o time_n but_o direct_o resist_v as_o contrary_a to_o their_o will_n and_o manifest_a intention_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v any_o such_o meaning_n or_o intention_n as_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n suffer_v a_o act_n to_o pass_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v in_o a_o part_n their_o new_a discipline_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o their_o meaning_n to_o approve_v the_o same_o direct_o but_o for_o a_o pregnant_a reason_n of_o estate_n they_o do_v tolerate_v lesser_a evil_n that_o great_a may_v be_v eschew_v for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n be_v mighty_o astonish_v by_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o a_o dangerous_a conspiracy_n of_o sundry_a nobleman_n of_o great_a power_n in_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o trasâ—ieking_a jesuit_n and_o gentleman_n affect_v to_o the_o popish_a religion_n such_o as_o father_n creightou_n father_n abercromy_n sir_n william_n graham_n of_o fentry_n m._n george_n carr_n and_o other_o who_o bring_v in_o great_a sum_n of_o spanish_a gold_n and_o promise_v great_a whereby_o those_o nobleman_n and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o faction_n be_v corrupt_v to_o betray_v their_o
episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o scotland_n contain_v many_o remarkable_a passage_n new_o publish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n print_v 1641._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n in_o this_o book_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1._o they_o agree_v in_o like_o subtle_a policy_n in_o their_o proceed_n specify_v in_o 6._o point_n 2._o they_o disagree_v in_o that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o external_a order_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o discuss_v the_o article_n chap._n ii_o contain_v two_o reason_n why_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v only_o against_o the_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n 1._o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n 2._o because_o their_o principal_a purpose_n in_o desire_v this_o assembly_n be_v to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o verbatim_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o their_o print_a copy_n subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n chap._n iii_o discuss_v their_o four_o consideration_n in_o their_o preface_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remark_v 2._o that_o many_o evil_a innovation_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n wherein_o also_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remâ—rked_v 3._o that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o be_v move_v of_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v remark_v 7._o notable_a falsehood_n 4._o that_o many_o have_v subscribe_v the_o covenant_n without_o their_o application_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v 1580._o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o be_v show_v divers_a falsehood_n and_o impertinency_n chap._n four_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v propon_v to_o be_v voice_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o right_n state_v the_o question_n 2._o that_o their_o proposition_n be_v captious_a and_o confuse_a include_v three_o several_a question_n of_o divers_a nature_n whereunto_o no_o one_o categorical_a answer_n can_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o many_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o term_n 4._o it_o be_v sophistical_o and_o subtle_o draw_v à _fw-la thesâ—ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v propose_v in_o that_o manner_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o 6._o the_o question_n simple_o propose_v have_v be_v fit_a to_o resolve_v doubt_n 7._o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v unlawful_a in_o episcopacy_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o moâ—_n particular_a â—â—ocks_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n chap._n v._o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o and_o to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o a_o positive_a and_o negative_a and_o that_o the_o positive_a be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n 3._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o confession_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n do_v express_o approve_v the_o same_o 4._o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o superintendent_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o bishop_n require_v now_o 5._o that_o bishop_n retain_v the_o office_n title_n and_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n for_o 20._o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o by_o approbation_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a estate_n chap._n vi_o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n 1._o that_o this_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o a_o appendix_n thereof_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o confession_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v 3._o two_o reason_n show_v that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o negative_a confession_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v 1._o because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_a to_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v a_o appendix_n 2._o because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o oath_n be_v require_v chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o passage_n allege_v in_o the_o act_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n 1._o answer_v in_o general_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o 2._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o his_o associate_n 3._o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o passage_n show_v it_o to_o be_v cite_v false_o and_o impertinent_o chap._n viii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v show_v clear_o 1._o a_o notable_a falsehood_n in_o the_o citation_n both_o by_o changâ—ng_v word_n and_o add_v other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_n 2._o divers_a reason_n why_o this_o passage_n do_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n chap._n ix._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hierarchy_n neither_o antichristian_a nor_o wicked_a prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n 4._o their_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v by_o a_o false_a syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la 5._o this_o reason_n passable_a among_o themselves_o because_o no_o man_n dare_v examine_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o their_o second_o reason_n childish_a and_o sophistical_a 7._o their_o three_o reason_n impertinent_o apply_v 8._o their_o four_o reason_n have_v no_o consequence_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n 9_o their_o last_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n false_o relate_v chap._n x._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o passage_n contain_v three_o particular_n 1._o an_fw-mi explain_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v not_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 3._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v express_o limitate_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o four_o limitation_n by_o every_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v 4._o the_o first_o limitation_n that_o we_o swear_v only_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n but_o all_o be_v conform_v thereto_o 5._o the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o many_o notable_a realm_n and_o church_n no_o realm_n nor_o church_n do_v condemn_v this_o except_o geneâ—a_n and_o that_o not_o absolute_o but_o many_o church_n do_v approve_v it_o express_o 6._o the_o three_o limitation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o doctrine_n be_v express_v therein_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n 7._o the_o four_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o profess_a by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o king_n and_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v express_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v this_o point_n here_o damn_v 8._o the_o discipline_n be_v limitate_v by_o the_o same_o limitation_n 9_o the_o discipline_n be_v either_o take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n signify_v the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n 10._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v precise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o episcopal_a government_n and_o
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
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o accept_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n prove_v by_o god_n word_n thereby_o to_o condemn_v any_o such_o thing_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a meaning_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v public_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v therein_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n they_o do_v require_v in_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o superintendent_n in_o every_o province_n have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o their_o bound_n for_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o set_v down_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n or_o short_o thereafter_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n admit_v to_o the_o government_n by_o common_a consâ—nt_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o the_o queen_n absence_n be_v for_o the_o time_n in_o france_n and_o ratifiâ—â—â—_z by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o manual_a subscription_n of_o the_o counsellor_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o man_n of_o worth_a the_o 17._o of_o january_n 1560._o approve_v by_o many_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o twice_o as_o many_o year_n thereafter_o as_o presbyterial_a governmental_a remain_v in_o force_n then_o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o power_n of_o superintendent_n do_v extend_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o papistical_a bishop_n which_o make_v their_o person_n office_n and_o very_a name_n to_o be_v detest_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a zealous_a scrupulosity_n will_v not_o at_o first_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o their_o charge_n a_o title_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n call_v they_o superintendent_n so_o change_v a_o proper_a greek_a word_n into_o a_o barbarous_a latin_a for_o the_o greek_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o the_o latin_a word_n superintendens_fw-la do_v both_o signify_v one_o thing_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v set_v over_o other_o to_o oversee_v their_o action_n albeit_o by_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v divide_v in_o ten_o diocese_n express_o so_o call_v and_o over_o every_o diocese_n a_o superintendent_n appoint_v to_o be_v set_v yet_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n we_o find_v only_o four_o who_o carry_v express_o this_o title_n to_o wit_n mâ—_n john_n spotswood_n father_n to_o the_o late_a decease_a john_n archbishop_n of_o st._n anâ—â—â—ws_v call_v superintendent_n of_o lâ—â—thran_n or_o edinburgh_n john_n areskin_n of_o diune_n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearnes_n or_o of_o brechin_n mr._n john_n wonram_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n or_o s._n andrews_n m._n john_n wâ—llocks_n superintendent_n of_o the_o west_n or_o glasgow_n those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v call_v commissioner_n either_o because_o at_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o fiâ—d_fw-mi so_o many_o sufficient_a man_n or_o for_o lack_v of_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o estate_n of_o superintendent_n or_o as_o some_o rather_o think_v because_o they_o esteem_v this_o too_o absolute_a a_o title_n and_o near_o in_o signification_n to_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a to_o call_v they_o commissioner_n as_o import_v morse_n a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n not_o for_o any_o definite_a time_n but_o ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la culpam_fw-la those_o same_o be_v at_o sometime_o call_v visitores_fw-la by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o like_a signification_n with_o episcopus_fw-la for_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v likewise_o a_o visitor_n and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitation_n as_o 1_o pet._n â—_z 12._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n in_o dievisitationis_fw-la and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o the_o know_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitavit_fw-la by_o the_o septuagint_n be_v translate_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o by_o latin_n inspector_n visitator_n or_o praefectus_fw-la howsoever_o they_o be_v diverse_o name_v they_o have_v all_o a_o like_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o power_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n first_o as_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o own_o diocese_n over_o the_o which_o he_o have_v superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o therein_o a_o special_a city_n for_o his_o sea_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n call_v the_o metropolitan_a or_o cathedral_n city_n so_o every_o 〈…〉_z by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o art_n 2._o 〈…〉_z point_v to_o he_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d power_n over_o all_o person_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bound_n and_o therein_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o ordinary_a residence_n call_v there_o the_o superintendent_n town_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o same_o city_n from_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o denominate_v second_o as_o all_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o diocese_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_a bishop_n according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d canon_n of_o the_o church_n right_o so_o by_o a_o special_a 〈…〉_z general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 30._o 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n there_o assemble_v that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subâ—â—ct_n to_o their_o superintendent_n in_o all_o lawful_a 〈…〉_z as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o 〈…〉_z election_n of_o superintendent_n which_o be_v no_o other_o 〈…〉_z but_o canonical_a obedience_n three_o as_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n 〈…〉_z be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o need_v not_o any_o 〈…〉_z thereto_o from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v 〈…〉_z consecrate_v to_o that_o office_n so_o likewise_o in_o all_o 〈…〉_z superintendent_n and_o commissionâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v constant_a principal_a member_n of_o 〈…〉_z assembly_n and_o need_v not_o any_o particular_a commission_n thereto_o but_o be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o office_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v thereafter_o and_o receive_v without_o any_o other_o commission_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v divide_v in_o two_o rank_n some_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a member_n as_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v mutable_a as_o commissioner_n of_o church_n university_n town_n and_o province_n the_o first_o have_v no_o need_n of_o particular_a commission_n but_o be_v perpetual_a and_o first_o call_v in_o the_o roll_n the_o other_o be_v changeable_a from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n and_o have_v new_a particular_a commission_n from_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1563._o that_o every_o superintendent_n shall_v appear_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 1578._o the_o same_o act_n be_v renew_v and_o bishop_n also_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o assembly_n or_o else_o to_o be_v account_v unworthy_a of_o the_o office_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o act_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o othee_o of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1579._o july_n 7._o sess._n 9_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o bishop_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n who_o abjent_v themselves_o from_o 〈◊〉_d assembly_n shall_v be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o act_n august_n 12._o 1575._o and_o that_o act_n to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n have_v power_n of_o visitation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o also_o of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o that_o office_n four_o as_o all_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o hold_v their_o synod_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n when_o and_o where_o it_o
doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n from_o this_o then_o that_o we_o have_v show_v to_o be_v true_a we_o may_v bring_v a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o by_o this_o abjuration_n the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v but_o a_o appendix_n deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o have_v another_o meaning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o that_o confession_n whereupon_o it_o depend_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o abjuration_n can_v not_o have_v a_o contrary_a meaning_n towit_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v already_o sufficient_o qualify_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o a_o appendix_n shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o the_o principal_a proposition_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n all_o good_a logician_n know_v this_o of_o which_o number_n to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o moderator_n be_v one_o who_o have_v in_o his_o time_n compose_v many_o accurate_a proposition_n with_o their_o appendix_n and_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v one_o of_o his_o scholar_n with_o patience_n to_o set_v down_o their_o thesis_n with_o so_o evil_a knit_a consequence_n as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v be_v betwixt_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n depend_v thereupon_o i_o can_v find_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o and_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o assembly_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v against_o all_o true_a logic_n and_o sound_a reason_n except_o it_o be_v as_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o for_o obedience_n thereto_o they_o have_v forget_v all_o rule_n of_o logic_n to_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o idol_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o our_o covenanter_n object_n that_o albeit_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v understand_v so_o by_o those_o who_o have_v set_v it_o down_o and_o so_o interpret_v by_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o it_o appertain_v to_o interpret_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v understand_v and_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v and_o now_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n yea_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n as_o the_o covenanter_n do_v interpret_v it_o now_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o both_o those_o contrary_a sense_n can_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o judge_v so_o except_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n like_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n as_o some_o blasphemous_a papist_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a rule_n to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n like_o a_o lesbian_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o crooked_a and_o straight_a line_n or_o to_o contrary_a and_o contradictory_a sense_n then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v which_o of_o those_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a man_n but_o will_v esteem_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o express_v by_o the_o author_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o say_v vnusquique_fw-la est_fw-la suâ—ruâ—â—_z verborum_fw-la optimus_fw-la interpres_fw-la except_o such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v nonsense_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v the_o same_o do_v declare_v their_o meaning_n therein_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o damn_v but_o direct_o approve_v therefore_o that_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o must_v needs_o be_v false_a second_o this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n therein_o be_v neither_o frame_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n nor_o be_v the_o oath_n require_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o both_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n at_o who_o direction_n this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n by_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o it_o appertain_v only_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o do_v require_v the_o oath_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o true_a axiom_n agree_v unto_o by_o all_o orthodox_a writer_n that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o direct_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o council_n do_v require_v that_o oath_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o he_o and_o his_o council_n do_v plain_o declare_v before_o that_o time_n at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n and_o many_o time_n afterward_o that_o his_o express_a meaning_n purpose_n and_o constant_a intention_n be_v to_o continue_v the_o estate_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o withstand_v all_o motion_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n thereof_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o for_o first_o that_o this_o abjuration_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n appointment_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n only_o the_o oath_n be_v require_v be_v manifest_a both_o by_o that_o act_n of_o council_n march_n 5._o 1580._o which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n press_v thereby_o to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o king_n as_o likewise_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1581._o 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 and_o in_o that_o act_n approve_v this_o confession_n cite_v here_o by_o they_o it_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n next_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n meaning_n appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v out_o efold_o as_o the_o same_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o the_o king_n proclamation_n for_o that_o word_n efold_o signify_v that_o they_o shall_v follow_v not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o likewise_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v in_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n not_o in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o if_o the_o assembly_n will_v intend_v one_o sense_n and_o the_o king_n another_o but_o simple_o and_o sincere_o by_o all_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o meaning_n which_o his_o majesty_n do_v express_v in_o his_o proclamation_n three_o that_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n or_o meaning_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v be_v also_o most_o manifest_a 1._o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n often_o reject_v the_o instant_a petition_n of_o divers_a assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v impair_v and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o all_o pastor_n establish_v as_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o by_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o cite_v here_o by_o they_o wherein_o be_v these_o word_n because_o divers_a suit_n have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o yet_o have_v take_v no_o great_a effect_n then_o because_o
native_a country_n promise_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o subscription_n of_o blank_a paper_n to_o give_v way_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n navy_n to_o enter_v within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o although_o in_o so_o perilous_a a_o time_n when_o a_o total_a ruin_n both_o of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o policy_n and_o religion_n be_v fear_v and_o threaten_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n think_v it_o fit_a for_o eschew_v the_o present_a danger_n to_o give_v way_n at_o that_o time_n to_o those_o new_a disciplinarian_n suffer_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o pass_v in_o their_o favour_n fear_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v resist_v their_o present_a importunity_n turbulent_a spirit_n as_o some_o of_o they_o be_v may_v have_v make_v a_o further_a distraction_n even_o among_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n whereby_o a_o other_o gate_n may_v have_v be_v open_v for_o the_o entry_n of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o so_o the_o estate_n be_v thus_o divide_v shall_v have_v be_v less_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o common_a enemy_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a reason_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v to_o condescend_v to_o this_o act_n whereof_o they_o brag_v so_o much_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o constant_a intention_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o blast_n past_a and_o that_o conspiracy_n repress_v but_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n do_v set_v himself_o more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o to_o re-establish_v episcopal_a government_n and_o bear_v down_o that_o new_a discipline_n the_o evil_n and_o corruption_n whereof_o disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o perceive_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o 3_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o do_v allow_v presbyterial_a government_n by_o a_o law_n and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v the_o first_o establishment_n thereof_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o short_a a_o continuance_n it_o have_v in_o this_o church_n and_o how_o soon_o it_o become_v loathsome_a to_o all_o estate_n of_o person_n spuria_n putamina_fw-la non_fw-la agunt_fw-la altas_fw-la radices_fw-la for_o not_o full_a eight_o year_n after_o this_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o it_o receive_v a_o great_a blow_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v by_o one_o step_n more_o advance_v wherein_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n shall_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n by_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_a affair_n thereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n who_o power_n be_v enlarge_v by_o that_o assembly_n at_o haliruâ—house_n 1602._o and_o bishop_n thereafter_o under_o their_o own_o proper_a title_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o and_o solemn_o ratify_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n 1612._o 4._o we_o can_v omit_v that_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n march_n 1589._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v for_o asmuch_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 edinburgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n i_o can_v conceive_v who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n here_o except_o it_o be_v some_o few_o schismatic_n who_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n be_v challenge_v before_o the_o star-chamber_n for_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o promote_a unto_o the_o people_n a_o new_a form_n of_o discipline_n different_a in_o many_o point_n both_o from_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n and_o that_o of_o geneva_n who_o because_o they_o do_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o some_o interrogatory_n propose_v to_o they_o by_o the_o council_n of_o england_n be_v commit_v to_o prison_n of_o which_o number_n be_v one_o wigintone_n who_o stir_v up_o three_o fanatical_a fellow_n edmund_n coppinger_n william_n hacket_n and_o henry_n arthington_n to_o labour_n for_o their_o relief_n persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v thereto_o hacket_n be_v mighty_o possess_v by_o this_o humour_n do_v give_v out_o that_o christ_n be_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v call_v he_o extraordinary_o to_o purge_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o send_v out_o before_o he_o his_o two_o principal_a prophet_n coppinger_n and_o arthington_n to_o who_o he_o assign_v a_o diverse_a charge_n that_o coppinger_n shall_v offer_v grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o people_n if_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o follow_v he_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o arthingtone_n shall_v denounce_v god_n wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o will_v not_o adhere_v to_o they_o those_o two_o be_v send_v by_o hacket_n come_v to_o the_o street_n of_o london_n and_o do_v preach_v according_a to_o their_o charge_n rail_v impudent_o against_o the_o queen_n and_o council_n declare_v open_o that_o she_o be_v fall_v from_o her_o right_a to_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o hacket_n be_v their_o king_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v be_v place_v in_o christ_n stead_n whereby_o they_o move_v great_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o follow_v they_o but_o before_o they_o can_v effectuate_v their_o purpose_n they_o be_v prevent_v by_o certain_a of_o the_o council_n send_v by_o the_o queen_n who_o apprehend_v they_o in_o the_o very_a act_n at_o cheapside_n the_o 16._o of_o july_n 1591._o for_o the_o which_o cause_n hacket_n be_v execute_v as_o a_o traitor_n coppinger_n kill_v himself_o in_o prison_n and_o arthington_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o madness_n do_v confess_v their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o who_o confession_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o encouragement_n to_o this_o attempt_n from_o scotland_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o one_o penry_n who_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n a_o preacher_n in_o scotland_n waâ—_z return_v a_o little_a before_o this_o enterprise_n and_o be_v lurk_v then_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n or_o in_o some_o place_n thereabouts_o this_o penry_n be_v chief_o the_o man_n who_o procure_v these_o consolatorie_a letter_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o his_o companion_n to_o the_o great_a disgrace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o further_a such_o a_o treasonable_a attempt_n and_o apparent_o that_o letter_n write_v from_o scotland_n by_o one_o gibson_n to_o coppinger_n be_v one_o of_o these_o consolatorie_a letter_n ordain_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v write_v to_o they_o wherein_o he_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o minister_n be_v most_o careful_a of_o your_o estate_n and_o have_v send_v for_o that_o effect_n a_o preacher_n of_o our_o church_n to_o wit_v penry_n this_o last_o summer_n 1590._o of_o purpose_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o best_a affect_a minister_n of_o your_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o a_o plot_n how_o our_o church_n may_v best_o travel_v for_o â—our_n relief_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n who_o do_v heavy_o regrate_a that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v mighty_o abuse_v by_o this_o penry_n who_o although_o he_o be_v for_o a_o time_n in_o great_a estimation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n likewise_o yet_o they_o find_v he_o at_o last_o a_o arrant_a kâ—ave_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v so_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o refricare_fw-la banâ—_z scabieâ—_n in_o call_v to_o remembrance_n again_o that_o opproâ—ric_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o these_o time_n as_o have_v have_v two_o deep_a a_o hand_n in_o that_o attempt_n to_o stir_v up_o a_o combustion_n in_o our_o neighbour_n kingdom_n and_o church_n but_o our_o covenanter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o as_o they_o cease_v not_o as_o yet_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o they_o can_v find_v in_o england_n such_o fanatical_a fellow_n as_o hacket_n and_o coppinger_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o act_n now_o after_o they_o have_v set_v down_o their_o confuse_a rhapsody_n of_o reason_n for_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n they_o conclude_v in_o these_o hyperbolical_a term_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n