covenant_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v 2._o in_o the_o party_n betwixt_o who_o 3._o in_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n whereunto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o 4._o in_o the_o end_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v contract_v but_o in_o all_o these_o point_n this_o covenant_n be_v different_a from_o the_o former_a enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n of_o hâ—ppy_a memory_n first_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n who_o only_o under_o god_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v all_o his_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v only_o frame_v and_o urge_v by_o private_a man_n upon_o those_o over_o who_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a second_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o party_n be_v the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n on_o one_o part_n and_o all_o his_o subject_n on_o the_o other_a part_n in_o this_o the_o party_n be_v some_o particular_a private_a person_n nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o among_o themselves_o exclude_v the_o king_n majesty_n three_o the_o matter_n and_o article_n whereunto_o all_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n abjuration_n of_o all_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a error_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n but_o in_o this_o albeit_o they_o pretend_v to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o yet_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pretext_n to_o cover_v their_o rebellion_n and_o protestatio_fw-la contra_fw-la factum_fw-la for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v in_o this_o very_a fact_n many_o way_n encroach_v upon_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o estate_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o principal_a article_n whereto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o be_v 1._o to_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o mutual_a defence_n one_o of_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o false_a application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n add_v thereunto_o like_o the_o gloss_n of_o orleans_n destroy_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n 3._o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n constitute_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o command_v by_o the_o king_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o swear_v disobedience_n both_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o to_o god_n also_o 4._o to_o reject_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o parliament_n final_o to_o suppress_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n oâ—_z parliament_n thereby_o destroy_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n four_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v many_o way_n disturb_v in_o those_o time_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o external_a invasion_n and_o inward_a sedition_n which_o be_v upon_o too_o evident_a ground_n then_o fear_v but_o in_o this_o their_o covenant_n the_o chief_a intend_a end_n be_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o stir_v up_o seditious_a faction_n therein_o against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o loyal_a subject_n that_o in_o those_o trouble_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n they_o may_v work_v their_o own_o particular_a end_n and_o not_o to_o exclude_v external_a invasion_n but_o rather_o to_o open_v a_o gate_n for_o stranger_n to_o enter_v and_o if_o their_o secret_a practice_n with_o the_o king_n of_o france_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o holland_n can_v have_v prevail_v as_o they_o be_v confident_a they_o shall_v to_o have_v bring_v in_o foreign_a force_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o praise_v be_v god_n those_o estate_n be_v wise_a than_o so_o as_o to_o assist_v subject_n in_o their_o unjust_a rebellion_n against_o their_o natural_a prince_n final_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v their_o foolish_a and_o vain_a boast_n here_o and_o in_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n often_o repeat_v usque_fw-la aâ—_z nauseam_fw-la that_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n bless_v from_o heaven_n they_o conceive_v so_o because_o of_o the_o great_a applaâ—se_n it_o have_v have_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o prosperous_a succeâ—â—e_n they_o have_v find_v in_o their_o erterprise_n against_o the_o king_n castle_n in_o put_v their_o army_n to_o the_o field_n and_o harm_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n without_o present_a damage_n to_o themselves_o but_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abirars_n have_v good_a success_n at_o the_o first_o and_o draw_v after_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o man_n of_o renown_n as_o it_o be_v write_v numb._n 16._o 2._o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o people_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o so_o that_o moses_n be_v great_o astonish_v fall_v down_o most_o abject_o upon_o his_o face_n before_o they_o and_o can_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repress_v that_o sedition_n except_o the_o lord_n have_v comfort_v and_o direct_v he_o these_o man_n may_v have_v think_v as_o our_o covenanter_n do_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v their_o enterprise_n from_o heaven_n yet_o ere_o it_o be_v long_a they_o find_v god_n just_a judgement_n and_o curse_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o earth_n swallow_v up_o some_o of_o they_o quick_a and_o other_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n let_v all_o seditious_a rebel_n therefore_o learn_v by_o this_o example_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o not_o to_o boast_v too_o confident_o of_o their_o present_a success_n but_o fear_v the_o end_n the_o four_o and_o last_o consideration_n be_v because_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o council_n by_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n have_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o their_o application_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o date_n tenor_n and_o meaâ—ing_v it_o have_v an._n 1581._o there_o for_o they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v be_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o their_o doubt_n concerning_o this_o consideration_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o subscriber_n of_o that_o rebellious_a covenant_n do_v understand_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o those_o who_o do_v subscribe_v the_o king_n covenant_n at_o his_o majesty_n command_n both_o first_o and_o last_o can_v not_o lawful_o swear_v to_o it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o the_o king_n who_o require_v the_o oath_n do_v understand_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o direct_a and_o explain_v meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v himself_o plain_o enough_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v his_o council_n nor_o his_o other_o subject_n to_o sweat_v this_o confession_n in_o such_o meaning_n as_o thereby_o either_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o other_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v abjure_v for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v a_o delude_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o a_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n who_o teach_v their_o suppost_n that_o axiom_n unto_o dangerous_a interrogatory_n one_o may_v frame_v to_o himself_o a_o safe_a sense_n and_o swear_v thereto_o think_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a nobleman_n will_v practise_v jesuitical_a trick_n to_o elude_v his_o majesty_n command_n in_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o they_o know_v his_o majesty_n intend_v 2._o albeit_o that_o in_o their_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v they_o have_v all_o add_v express_o that_o restriction_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v anno_fw-la 1581._o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a
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
therefore_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o break_v 11._o discipline_n be_v again_o distinguish_v in_o these_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a and_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_a and_o mutable_a 12._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o abolish_v by_o episcopal_a government_n but_o observe_v inviolable_a 13._o the_o other_o sort_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o alterable_a by_o the_o church_n 14._o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o the_o oath_n bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v abrogate_v by_o a_o new_a constitution_n the_o oath_n thereto_o be_v dissolve_v 15._o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o those_o alteration_n do_v against_o their_o oath_n chap._n xi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n allege_v contrary_a to_o this_o point_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o no_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v before_o that_o year_n 1575._o 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o impugn_v episcopacy_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o some_o fiery_a humour_n late_o come_v from_o geneva_n and_o zealous_a of_o geneva_n discipline_n 2._o the_o king_n minority_n 3._o faction_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n 4._o the_o sacrilegious_a greediness_n of_o those_o gape_n after_o the_o church_n rend_v who_o for_o their_o own_o end_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o pride_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n until_o this_o year_n 1575._o 4._o at_o this_o assembly_n in_o august_n 1575._o be_v the_o first_o motion_n against_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 5._o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n declare_v at_o length_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o point_n here_o in_o controversy_n be_v not_o challenge_v therein_o but_o express_o approve_v by_o all_o 6._o nothing_o in_o substance_n conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n for_o five_o year_n after_o 7._o a_o notable_a dissimulation_n of_o our_o covenanter_n in_o cite_v a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o this_o book_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o same_o occasion_n whereby_o episcopacy_n begin_v to_o be_v challenge_v 2._o this_o discipline_n be_v never_o full_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n some_o point_n thereof_o never_o practise_v and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n 3._o they_o do_v not_o themselves_o nor_o will_v not_o approve_v some_o point_n in_o this_o book_n but_o refuse_v obedience_n thereto_o instance_v in_o three_o particular_n 4._o this_o book_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o have_v any_o strength_n of_o a_o law_n before_o the_o enjoin_n of_o the_o oath_n 5._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o discipline_n and_o superabundant_a in_o point_n not_o pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o discipline_n therein_o contain_v can_v be_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o precise_o chap._n xiii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n together_o with_o the_o act_n at_o glasgo_n 1581._o explain_v the_o same_o contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o albeit_o they_o condemn_v in_o these_o act_n episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o condemn_v these_o point_n here_o controvert_v 2._o neither_o do_v the_o church_n then_o condemn_v any_o substantial_a point_n of_o episcopacy_n except_o they_o do_v contradict_v themselves_o instance_v in_o six_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 3._o they_o condemn_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o bishop_n themselves_o whereof_o some_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n some_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o only_o personal_a and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n 4._o the_o principal_a point_n they_o condemn_v in_o bishop_n be_v that_o they_o receive_v not_o their_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o point_n of_o their_o function_n chap._n xiiii_o answer_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n here_o cite_v 1._o their_o act_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o former_a whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o refute_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n 2._o some_o particular_a observation_n upon_o these_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o make_v more_o against_o they_o nor_o for_o they_o 3._o many_o of_o these_o act_n show_v that_o they_o be_v conclude_v express_o against_o the_o king_n majesty_n intention_n 4._o the_o reason_n why_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v presbytery_n be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v approve_v the_o same_o but_o for_o eschew_v of_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o fear_v 6._o that_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n do_v not_o endure_v in_o full_a force_n above_o ten_o year_n 7._o a_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n 1589._o disgraceful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o act_n wherein_o be_v contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o their_o hyperbolical_a magnify_n of_o their_o accurate_a proceed_n in_o conclude_v this_o act_n not_o like_o to_o be_v true_a 2._o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o moderator_n informal_a obscure_a ambiguous_a sophistical_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v answer_v categorical_o 3._o the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o their_o voice_n be_v because_o all_o be_v debar_v who_o they_o suspect_v will_v make_v any_o contradiction_n 4._o the_o voice_n as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v do_v neither_o full_o answer_v to_o their_o proposition_n nor_o condemn_v any_o thing_n in_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n 5._o they_o can_v excuse_v this_o but_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upâ—n_n the_o printer_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o many_o reason_n episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n chap._n i._n a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a conventicle_n of_o covenant_a minister_n and_o misrul_a elder_n assemble_v at_o glasgow_n novemb._n 1638._o can_v be_v compare_v to_o none_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o well_o as_o to_o that_o infamous_a council_n of_o trent_n which_o as_o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n trouble_v the_o whole_a world_n emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n for_n this_o have_v vex_v mighty_o the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v lead_v all_o his_o subject_n in_o scotland_n blindfold_o to_o rebellion_n give_v evil_a example_n to_o other_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v a_o evident_a scandal_n upon_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o have_v be_v no_o less_o human_a or_o rather_o satanical_a policy_n and_o subtle_a close_a conveyance_n practise_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n both_o in_o the_o preparation_n prosecution_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o in_o this_o more_o malice_n and_o less_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o present_v establish_v estate_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o trent_n first_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n in_o the_o consistory_n profess_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o general_a council_n and_o do_v open_o exhort_v the_o emperor_n king_n prince_n and_o republic_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o declare_v evident_o by_o their_o deal_n that_o they_o desire_v either_o not_o at_o all_o a_o council_n or_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v assemble_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o or_o their_o ambassador_n shall_v have_v suffrage_n therein_o and_o much_o less_o presidency_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n suffrage_n or_o presence_n will_v cross_v their_o particular_a end_n even_o so_o our_o covenanter_n albeit_o they_o often_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o they_o declare_v plain_o by_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v either_o convocate_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n or_o wherein_o he_o his_o commission_n or_o council_n shall_v preside_v or_o give_v suffrage_n or_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o choice_n account_v it_o so_o
belief_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v there_o chap._n x._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n the_o four_o and_o last_o passage_n of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n whereby_o they_o allege_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v be_v we_o profess_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n first_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o by_o these_o four_o distinct_a term_n be_v not_o signify_v four_o several_a distinct_a thing_n but_o by_o doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n be_v signify_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n for_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o conserve_v doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o we_o see_v in_o the_o next_o word_n contain_v the_o promissory_a part_n of_o the_o oath_n they_o be_v all_o reducee_v to_o two_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n second_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v whereunto_o they_o swear_v it_o be_v not_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n of_o scotland_n nor_o every_o point_n of_o discipline_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o their_o session_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n for_o then_o god_n know_v how_o doubtsome_a and_o uncertain_a a_o oath_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v because_o those_o point_n have_v be_v often_o change_v and_o some_o direct_o contrary_a to_o other_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o particular_o set_v down_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o man_n may_v involve_v themselves_o rash_o in_o a_o contradictory_a oath_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o frame_v this_o oath_n have_v wise_o and_o considerate_o set_v down_o divers_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v whereunto_o they_o promise_v by_o their_o oath_n to_o join_v themselves_o but_o our_o covenanter_n have_v dissemble_v subtle_o those_o necessary_a limitation_n and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o general_a and_o indefinite_a term_n only_o name_v in_o general_a the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v more_o evident_o what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v here_o mean_v i_o shall_v set_v down_o at_o more_o length_n the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_a we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o moâ—thes_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a true_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n and_o chief_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o along_o time_n public_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o these_o word_n be_v comprehend_v four_o necessary_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o this_o oath_n if_o we_o prove_v that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o limitation_n it_o can_v be_v exclude_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o probation_n more_o full_a we_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o not_o by_o one_o only_a but_o by_o all_o these_o four_o limitation_n this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n and_o therefore_o not_o abjure_v as_o a_o popish_a error_n the_o first_o limitation_n be_v that_o they_o only_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n or_o by_o god_n word_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o express_v by_o god_n word_n or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n therefore_o by_o that_o oath_n none_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o such_o doctrine_n condemn_v that_o point_n but_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v so_o clear_o testify_v by_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n that_o we_o much_o admire_v why_o man_n so_o verse_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v so_o blind_v as_o not_o to_o so_o so_o clear_a a_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o without_o conscience_n to_o abjure_v it_o as_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n compel_v other_o to_o abjure_v the_o same_o by_o so_o solemn_a and_o fearful_a a_o oath_n wherein_o they_o move_v they_o real_o to_o perjure_v themselves_o for_o eschew_v a_o suppose_a perjury_n the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n whereunto_o they_o swear_v to_o adhere_v be_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n than_o when_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n for_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n do_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o the_o church_n of_o high-germany_n rohemia_n denmark_n sweden_n norway_n poland_n hungaria_n helvetia_n england_n ireland_n and_o our_o own_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o can_v produce_v one_o realm_n nor_o any_o church_n that_o have_v at_o that_o time_n embrace_v full_o presbyterial_a government_n except_o one_o city_n of_o geneva_n which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o they_o do_v as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a member_n of_o that_o church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n there_o be_v now_o some_o church_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o geneva_n discipline_n as_o the_o palatinate_n in_o high-germany_n the_o confederate_a province_n of_o lower-germany_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n which_o notwithstanding_o have_v not_o that_o discipline_n nor_o a_o full_a establish_a church_n among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o palatinate_n continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o augustâ—ne_n confession_n until_o the_o year_n 1584._o when_o john_n cassitmere_n prince_n elector_n after_o his_o brother_n lâ—dâ—wick's_n death_n bring_v in_o calvinism_n as_o lucus_n oâ—iander_n in_o his_o epitome_n histor_n eccles._n ceâ—t_n 26._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 20._o do_v testify_v in_o the_o low_a country_n albeit_o there_o be_v many_o protestant_n before_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o year_n 1583._o when_o as_o they_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n neither_o have_v they_o of_o france_n a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o four_o read_v over_o all_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n contain_v in_o that_o syâ—tagâ—â—â—â—onfessionum_fw-la you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o of_o they_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n or_o episcopacy_n absolute_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o they_o do_v express_o approve_v it_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v not_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n which_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v express_o restrict_v to_o that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o anno_fw-la 1560._o and_o ratify_v public_o by_o divers_a act_n
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
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
not_o to_o distinguish_v the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n from_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o that_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v his_o be_v most_o false_a and_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v as_o false_a and_o impertinent_a first_o they_o say_v as_o invocation_n of_o saint_n canonization_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o lawful_a invocation_n or_o canonization_n of_o saint_n but_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v he_o even_o so_o will_v they_o say_v the_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v he_o not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o hierarchy_n lawful_a but_o all_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v the_o pope_n therefore_o abjure_v a_o solid_a reason_n indeed_o and_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o assembly_n for_o first_o they_o may_v aswell_o conclude_v that_o all_o worldly_a monarchy_n be_v abjure_v because_o the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n be_v abjure_v and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o anabaptist_n opinion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o king_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o their_o word_n writing_n and_o practice_n do_v bewray_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o approach_v too_o near_o to_o those_o damnable_a opinion_n second_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a putrid_a sophisâ—â—â—_n a_fw-la dicto_fw-la secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la ad_fw-la dictum_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la all_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v ergo_fw-la all_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v simpliciter_fw-la a_o child_n or_o a_o ignorant_a that_o know_v never_o a_o word_n of_o logic_n may_v see_v by_o natural_a reason_n evident_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o albeit_o all_o wicked_a and_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o since_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v which_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v simpliciter_fw-la as_o if_o one_o shall_v reason_v thus_o god_n hate_v all_o wicked_a man_n ergo_fw-la he_o hate_v all_o man_n simpliciter_fw-la this_o sophism_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o next_o act_n against_o the_o article_n of_o perths_n assembly_n to_o prove_v that_o confirmation_n of_o child_n be_v abjure_v the_o popish_a five_o bastard_n sacrament_n be_v abjure_v but_o confirmation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n ergo_fw-la abjure_v it_o be_v abjure_v indeed_o to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n but_o not_o therefore_o simple_o for_o so_o they_o may_v conclude_v aswell_o upon_o that_o ground_n that_o marriage_n be_v abjure_v because_o marriage_n be_v one_o of_o these_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n albeit_o perhaps_o the_o moderator_n have_v abjure_v marriage_n yet_o i_o hope_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n will_v not_o do_v so_o i_o marvel_v indeed_o that_o man_n esteem_v for_o learned_a and_o wise_a shall_v have_v blot_v paper_n with_o such_o trash_n and_o put_v such_o childish_a argument_n in_o print_n as_o if_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o none_o but_o fool_n or_o ignorant_n three_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o canonization_n or_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o a_o hierarchy_n for_o invocation_n and_o canonization_n be_v sunply_v evil_a in_o themselves_o as_o against_o god_n word_n albeit_o they_o have_v never_o have_v the_o pope_n for_o their_o author_n but_o a_o hierarchy_n or_o order_n of_o sacred_a ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v call_v antichristian_a and_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o only_o abjure_v though_o in_o itself_o separate_v these_o corruption_n from_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o retain_v second_o they_o bring_v a_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o that_o all_o hierarchy_n be_v the_o pope_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o corruption_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 church_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o but_o all_o hierarchy_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o neither_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o itself_o that_o be_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o one_o of_o these_o order_n above_o other_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o perfection_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o bring_v in_o since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v but_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o long_o before_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n yet_o for_o that_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v more_o than_o divers_a sound_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o which_o the_o pope_n retain_v and_o maintain_v be_v wicked_a and_o proper_o antichristian_a final_o neither_o be_v it_o obtrude_v now_o upon_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o the_o pope_n authority_n but_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a perfection_n by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o consent_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a supreme_a â—udicatorie_a of_o general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n therefore_o this_o hierarchy_n in_o our_o church_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v account_v the_o pope_n nor_o antichristian_a three_o they_o allege_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n to_o prove_v this_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchye_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v apart_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n ergo_fw-la glâ—ke_a i_o profess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v conclude_v upon_o these_o word_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o assure_v they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o that_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n it_o have_v need_n of_o a_o sharp_a wit_n to_o find_v any_o clear_a consequence_n thereof_o pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o since_o they_o have_v set_v down_o no_o consequence_n themselves_o it_o be_v a_o idle_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o trouble_v my_o brain_n to_o search_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o until_o it_o be_v better_o explain_v i_o leave_v it_o last_o they_o allege_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o their_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 2._o in_o the_o end_n thereof_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 towit_o 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 if_o they_o will_v conclude_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o ambitious_a title_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o i_o can_v see_v no_o other_o consequence_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v of_o these_o word_n pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o they_o have_v use_v as_o great_a falsehood_n in_o this_o citation_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o divers_a other_o before_o for_o in_o that_o same_o very_a place_n cite_v by_o they_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v one_o of_o these_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v be_v give_v to_o signify_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o little_a before_o they_o number_v these_o title_n to_o be_v pastor_n minister_n bishop_n doctor_n presbyter_fw-la elder_a and_o deacon_n and_o yet_o they_o here_o in_o their_o citation_n reckon_v only_o four_o title_n whereas_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o in_o the_o chapter_n cite_v by_o they_o seven_o be_v reckon_v whereof_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o ambitioâ—s_a title_n nor_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o second_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o a_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pope_n usurp_a hierarchy_n but_o be_v a_o title_n give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o signify_v a_o spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n act_n 1._o 20._o act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o this_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v both_o false_a and_o impertinent_a three_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_o allege_v and_o do_v prove_v the_o point_n direct_o yet_o we_o account_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n so_o authentic_a asto_fw-la make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o our_o