therefore_o once_o for_o all_o review_n and_o sum_n up_o the_o manifold_a and_o manifest_a evil_n of_o this_o device_n not_o more_o conceit_v and_o boast_v of_o by_o its_o contriver_n the_o servant_n of_o man_n then_o deserve_o reject_v by_o all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o specious_a pretext_n and_o fair_a smoothe_n that_o have_v be_v adhibite_fw-la for_o trime_a up_o this_o accommodation_n to_o a_o allure_a and_o take_v condescendence_n yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o who_o ever_o serious_o ponder_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v quick_o convince_v that_o the_o difficulty_n follow_v do_v still_o remain_v as_o invincible_a impediment_n to_o all_o conscientious_a man_n first_o that_o a_o conjunction_n with_o and_o in_o the_o present_a church_n meeting_n be_v a_o certain_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o participation_n with_o the_o present_a ecclesiastick-government_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v not_o true_o such_o but_o a_o mere_a politic_a constitution_n whole_o dependent_a upon_o and_o resolve_v in_o the_o supremacy_n wherein_o no_o faithful_a minister_n can_v take_v part_n seconâ—ly_o that_o this_o conjunction_n do_v evident_o infer_v a_o consent_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o supremacy_n as_o arrant_a a_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n as_o ever_o do_v dare_v the_o king_n of_o â—ings_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o any_o age_n three_o that_o though_o this_o consent_n can_v not_o be_v object_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o present_a elevation_n of_o this_o all-swaying_a prerogative_n not_o intend_v to_o be_v depress_v that_o all_o other_o concession_n though_o in_o themselves_o satisfy_v will_v thereby_o be_v deprive_v of_o any_o consistent_a assurance_n and_o render_v whole_o elusory_a and_o real_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o these_o particular_n i_o can_v forbear_v to_o ask_v with_o what_o conscience_n can_v minister_n rather_o partake_v in_o church-meeting_n frame_v by_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n then_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v therein_o still_o to_o domineer_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o high_a prelacy_n or_o what_o delusion_n can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o that_o man_n except_v against_o meeting_n because_o of_o the_o bishop_n usurpation_n therein_o shall_v upon_o the_o vacate_a and_o reassume_v of_o this_o power_n by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v thereby_o entice_v unto_o a_o compliance_n but_o four_o as_o these_o meeting_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o absolute_o subject_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n so_o the_o often_o cite_a proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o restitution_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o order_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o consequent_o do_v in_o such_o manner_n derive_v their_o authority_n from_o they_o that_o the_o member_n do_v only_o act_v therein_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o delegate_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o subdelegate_n of_o his_o majesty_n delegate_n a_o strange_a accumulation_n of_o absurdity_n which_o i_o be_o certain_a this_o constitution_n stand_v can_v be_v salve_v by_o any_o overture_n whatsoever_o five_o the_o meeting_n whereunto_o we_o be_v invite_v do_v consist_v of_o â—uch_n member_n for_o their_o perjurious_a intrusion_n and_o canonical_a servitude_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o more_o extrinseck_n delinquency_n of_o profanity_n insufficiency_n and_o irreligion_n as_o may_v not_o only_o warrant_v a_o non-conjunction_n but_o a_o positive_a separation_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o crime_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a bishop_n do_v even_o under_o that_o different_a constitution_n offend_v some_o of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n to_o a_o abhorrent_n with_o draw_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v their_o brimful_a measure_n in_o our_o day_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o our_o covenant_n and_o man_n unparalleled_a backslide_n do_v now_o require_v justify_v our_o detestation_n it_o be_v true_a g._n b._n tell_v we_o that_o under_o this_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fear_n in_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o carry_v thing_n as_o we_o will_v which_o he_o think_v be_v very_o little_a suitable_a to_o the_o patience_n we_o pâ—ead_v for_o but_o real_o so_o long_o as_o our_o will_n be_v move_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o these_o court_n i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o fear_n can_v be_v condemn_v as_o either_o ambitious_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o principle_n six_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n concede_v by_o the_o article_n and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v against_o a_o epâ—scopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la even_o in_o the_o most_o moderate_a acceptation_n the_o bishop_n as_o offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o scripture_n pure_a antiquity_n and_o our_o solemn_a oath_n and_o engagement_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o principle_n of_o presbytery_n and_o in_o effect_n very_o little_a lowed_a from_o any_o of_o these_o power_n and_o height_n which_o he_o acclaime_v in_o asmuch_o as_o he_o be_v still_o at_o the_o king_n nomination_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o either_o the_o censure_n or_o control_v of_o the_o meeting_n over_o which_o he_o do_v preside_v 2._o he_o retain_v all_o his_o vain_a and_o absurd_a temporality_n 3._o as_o constant_a moderator_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v and_o the_o method_n of_o handle_v and_o vote_v any_o matter_n controvert_v with_o the_o care_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o any_o sentence_n pronounce_v pertain_v to_o he_o sole_o 4._o for_o any_o thing_n as_o yet_o declare_v the_o bishop_n must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o more_o eminent_a power_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n and_o in_o this_o point_n not_o only_o the_o article_n be_v most_o suspicious_o reserve_v and_o obscure_a but_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o accomodator_n their_o other_o discourse_n and_o write_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o power_n of_o both_o be_v to_o abide_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n 1612._o and_o observe_v before_o 1638._o so_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n all_o the_o ease_n offer_v by_o the_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o quick_o calculat_v and_o in_o a_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o only_a that_o where_o now_o these_o meeting_n do_v by_o a_o precarious_a tolerance_n consult_v and_o determine_v in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o in_o thing_n more_o weighty_a do_v rather_o prepare_v and_o ripen_v to_o the_o bishop_n decision_n who_o also_o ordain_v and_o censure_n with_o very_o little_a ceremony_n by_o this_o treaty_n and_o its_o article_n over_o and_o above_o the_o wretched_a salvo_fw-la of_o a_o pactioned_a and_o contrariant_n protestation_n this_o tolerance_n be_v to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o more_o assure_a liberty_n as_o to_o the_o bishop_n but_o every_o whit_n as_o dependent_a upon_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v and_o perform_v more_o public_o and_o with_o great_a solemnity_n which_o observation_n i_o must_v confess_v be_v to_o i_o so_o obvious_a that_o it_o have_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o no_o less_o persuasion_n that_o if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o judge_v our_o conscience_n as_o peevish_a and_o fickle_a as_o he_o asteem_v the_o matter_n in_o difference_n frivolous_a and_o empty_a trifle_n he_o will_v not_o have_v this_o risce_v his_o own_o reputation_n in_o all_o the_o business_n and_o stir_n he_o have_v make_v about_o such_o a_o nothing_o of_o condescendence_n of_o which_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o though_o the_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v discuss_v be_v by_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v write_v some_o year_n ago_o and_o do_v all_o along_o conclude_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a establishment_n yet_o the_o bishop_n very_o just_o though_o imprudent_o suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o they_o of_o late_a without_o the_o least_o alteration_n to_o engage_v we_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o his_o new_a agreement_n seven_o this_o accommodation_n utter_o disow_v &_o cut_v off_o the_o rule_v elder_a a_o officer_n not_o only_o clear_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n and_o singular_o commend_v by_o his_o usefulness_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n countenance_v even_o by_o the_o mixture_n we_o see_v in_o his_o master_n ecclesiastic_a commission_n eight_o the_o term_n offer_v be_v propose_v with_o this_o express_a condition_n episcopacy_n be_v always_o preserve_v and_o in_o effect_n so_o full_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o grievance_n of_o that_o model_n and_o frame_n by_o we_o very_o solemn_o and_o often_o abjure_v both_o by_o the_o national_a and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o
obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswadedâ—_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pasâ—e_n they_o without_o â—ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o â—_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o any_o rational_a and_o probable_a instanced_a we_o â—ave_n indeed_o hear_v the_o proud_a calumny_n of_o prevail_a adversary_n but_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n viz._n â—_o that_o this_o landbeing_n in_o the_o begin_n lawful_o engage_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ensue_a and_o grow_v defection_n and_o novation_n very_o just_o both_o renew_v and_o explain_v their_o engagement_n and_o also_o censure_v such_o who_o by_o refuse_v their_o assent_n do_v evident_o declare_v their_o apostasy_n 2._o that_o not_o only_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o the_o very_a force_n of_o that_o obligement_n of_o constant_a defence_n and_o adherence_n contain_v in_o the_o national_a do_v so_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o visible_o necessary_a mean_v for_o that_o end_n and_o without_o which_o conjunction_n the_o prelatic_a party_n in_o england_n which_o have_v twice_o from_o thence_o perfidious_o attacâ—qued_v we_o prevail_v there_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n overwhelm_v we_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o this_o second_o covenant_n by_o any_o who_o have_v take_v the_o first_o can_v not_o but_o be_v construe_v a_o breach_n thereof_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n 3._o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o authority_n be_v demand_v and_o unjust_o refuse_v to_o that_o for_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n whereof_o government_n itself_o be_v set_v up_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n make_v the_o deed_n so_o do_v for_o want_v thereof_o unlawful_a and_o 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o recusant_n in_o our_o former_a time_n be_v either_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o number_n of_o the_o delinquent_n very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v be_v by_o the_o renversing_n and_o persecution_n of_o these_o laâ—e_a time_n so_o many_o degree_n exceed_v that_o it_o be_v ashame_n for_o any_o person_n of_o ingenuity_n by_o accuse_v the_o past_a and_o own_v the_o present_a to_o show_v such_o partiality_n these_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a truth_n and_o so_o full_o hold_v out_o by_o several_a write_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o same_o be_v due_o perpend_v all_o the_o vapour_n of_o this_o smoke_n must_v instant_o evanish_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v the_o author_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o relieve_v such_o who_o labour_n under_o a_o apprehend_a inconsistencie_n of_o these_o their_o oath_n with_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n &_o in_o prosecution_n hereof_o he_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o article_n &_o be_v on_o purpose_n express_v â—o_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n &_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o here_o i_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o mistake_n suppose_v our_o present_a church-government_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v abjure_v but_o a_o distinct_a from_o manage_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbytersâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o sun-light_n that_o our_o parliament_n do_v not_o only_o in_o preparation_n to_o the_o late_a change_n make_v void_a the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o authority_n of_o former_a parliament_n whereby_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abrogate_v but_o also_o restore_v and_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o church_n power_n and_o prerogative_n then_o former_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o yea_o unto_o the_o sole_a possession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o under_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o that_o their_o predecessor_n do_v ever_o acclaim_v as_o both_o from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o our_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o plain_o evince_v that_o so_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o same_o episcopacy_n abjure_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v by_o our_o late_a parliament_n again_o restore_v but_o second_o admit_v that_o our_o present_a frame_n be_v in_o esse_fw-la such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o accommodation_n offer_v as_o the_o mistake_n or_o rather_o wilful_a error_n of_o this_o passage_n do_v borrow_v its_o colour_n and_o pretext_n from_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o description_n there_o set_v down_o so_o the_o thing_n obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o clear_v thereof_o be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o case_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_n but_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a engagement_n of_o the_o first_o bind_v as_o to_o scotland_n to_o preserve_v and_o as_o to_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o reform_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o key_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o seâ—lement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o article_n be_v manifest_o subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o execution_n viz._n that_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o either_o general_o or_o special_o enumerat_a which_o two_o article_n the_o one_o to_o preserve_v the_o then_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n with_o so_o great_a contending_n late_o reform_v from_o this_o corruption_n among_o other_o of_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatiship_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n have_v be_v by_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v do_v certain_o make_v up_o a_o obligation_n most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o presidencie_n re-obtruded_n three_o if_o their_o luk-warm_a conciliator_n be_v as_o mindful_a to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o most_o high_a as_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n in_o place_n of_o this_o impertinent_a wrest_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o at-that-time-unsetled_n estate_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n than_o the_o establish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o hear_v they_o will_v rather_o consider_v their_o own_o and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o how_o in_o that_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o wrestle_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n we_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o defend_v that_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o attain_v and_o constant_o to_o reject_v and_o labour_v against_o all_o these_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o we_o be_v then_o deliver_v under_o which_o head_n of_o novation_n and_o corruption_n i_o be_o assure_v that_o every_o considerate_a person_n will_v so_o easy_o perceive_v this_o presidencie_n and_o moderatorship_n oâ—_n bishop_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v that_o he_o will_v almost_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o heedless_a exposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n put_v upon_o these_o covenant_n as_o pity_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o
all_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_z without_o know_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v lawful_a &_o righteous_a &_o whether_o the_o common_a people_n be_v more_o know_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o their_o representatives_n privilege_n or_o conform_v minister_n in_o his_o majesty_n sublime_a prerogative_n and_o extensive_a jurisdiction_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a discerner_n but_o 3._o what_o strange_a hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi indeed_o do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o engagement_n all_o thing_n spiritual_a ecclesiastic_a and_o temporal_a confound_v in_o the_o supremacy_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o the_o poor_a intrant_fw-la mus_fw-la further_o abjure_v all_o foreign_a power_n and_o â—urisdictions_n swear_v to_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v upon_o oath_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o church_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o of_o the_o king_n presentation_n under_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v homage_n unto_o the_o king_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o same_o if_o at_o the_o presentation_n of_o another_o under_o god_n by_o the_o king_n of_o the_o patron_n thereof_o and_o last_o swear_v obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n even_o his_o majesty_n authority_n though_o just_a now_o so_o full_o recognosce_v not_o except_v be_v not_o this_o a_o odd_a medley_n to_o be_v huddle_v up_o in_o a_o sacred_a oath_n whereof_o whether_o every_o article_n therein_o be_v more_o impertinent_a for_o a_o intrant_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o itself_o more_o obscure_a and_o indistinct_a real_o i_o can_v not_o define_v but_o the_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o commendable_a even_o in_o our_o enemy_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o party_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standart_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o i_o free_o appeal_v to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n if_o ever_o they_o hear_v ingenuity_n exhort_v to_o by_o two_o such_o disingenuous_a insinuation_n as_o first_o to_o recommend_v the_o moderation_n of_o a_o party_n who_o after_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v perjurious_o break_v their_o covenant_n both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n do_v in_o such_o manner_n instigat_fw-la the_o power_n to_o rigour_n exclusion_n and_o persecution_n against_o all_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v only_o refuse_v to_o own_o and_o countenance_v their_o wicked_a apostasy_n as_o have_v almost_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o do_v at_o length_n weary_a the_o very_a actor_n and_o next_o to_o give_v out_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o implicit_o wed_v to_o our_o party_n whereof_o the_o least_o argument_n or_o vestige_n have_v not_o be_v make_v appear_v no_o nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o allege_v but_o but_o as_o all_o man_n do_v sufficient_o know_v these_o restraint_n of_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o better_a consideration_n in_o our_o ruler_n that_o have_v produce_v the_o apparent_a quiet_n which_o be_v here_o pretend_a for_o moderation_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o by_o a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o way_n we_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sigh_v of_o god_n as_o there_o to_o leave_v this_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n convict_v and_o confound_v boâ—h_o â—or_a his_o open_a perjury_n and_o craftâ—_n calumny_n but_o the_o author_n as_o it_o seem_v fear_v such_o a_o replyâ—_n provide_v a_o retreat_n conclude_v but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o â—o_o bâ—_n at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a conte_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o since_o he_o walk_v so_o much_o in_o darkness_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o long_o for_o shadde_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v labour_v as_o serious_o upon_o his_o master_n mission_n to_o reconcile_v soul_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v travel_v upon_o his_o majesty_n commissionâ—_n â—_z to_o patch_v up_o a_o sinful_a accommodation_n his_o hope_n of_o rest_n have_v be_v both_o more_o sweet_a and_o more_o assure_v and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o â—he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o lâ—ght_n inaccessible_a for_o his_o everlasting_a refreshment_n but_o see_v these_o very_a poor_a childish_a trifle_n contest_v whereby_o he_o will_v cunning_o decry_v all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v in_o effect_n his_o own_o device_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n shall_v make_v his_o work_n manifest_a when_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o burn_a thereof_o may_v be_v all_o his_o loss_n after_o the_o body_n of_o one_o of_o these_o letter_n we_o have_v a_o postscript_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o all_o the_o long_n for_o rest_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o another_o whife_n as_o we_o know_v who_o once_o character_v the_o lord_n servant_n when_o with_o much_o travel_n labour_v in_o his_o work_n and_o herein_o the_o author_n complement_a wiâ—h_v a_o apology_n otâ—er_v church_n join_v rome_n with_o england_n as_o be_v most_o supposible_a wherein_o episcopal-government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v wish_n that_o â—he_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o by_o he_o use_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o most_o and_o one_o part_n of_o his_o wish_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v serve_v by_o a_o very_a candid_a representation_n if_o the_o event_n misgive_v he_o must_v blame_v himself_o his_o design_n be_v to_o allay_v man_n extreme_a fervour_n by_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n which_o to_o we_o be_v hateful_a be_v to_o english_a presbyterian_o desirable_a and_o that_o upon_o inquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v â—o_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o demonstrat_fw-la our_o present_a form_n as_o establish_v and_o exercise_v to_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prelacy_n but_o the_o very_a absurd_a usurpation_n of_o tâ—e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o â—he_n fix_v presidency_n of_o late_o propose_v and_o show_v both_o what_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v think_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v anent_o it_o why_o do_v our_o author_n by_o such_o weak_a repeâ—itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o exâ—reme_a fervour_n to_o condemn_v a_o aversion_n which_o alas_o be_v in_o all_o to_o remiss_a one_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o englandâ—_n â—_z yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o what_o these_o do_v import_n be_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o neither_o decline_v nor_o use_v their_o testimony_n we_o be_v fix_v on_o sure_a foundation_n yet_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o persuade_v that_o as_o abstract_a general_a question_n be_v but_o lame_a and_o blind_a discussion_n of_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o wherever_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o represent_v we_o shall_v report_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n châ—ist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o incorruptness_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a that_o these_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o â—his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o insâ—ances_n use_v a_o little_a moâ—e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n â—o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truâ—h_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o course_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n bâ—_n reason_n of_o the_o irreligion_n and_o profanitie_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o from_o its_o prophet_n unto_o the_o whole_a land_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a remedy_n i_o wish_v the_o author_n be_v as_o sensible_a of_o â—he_n cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o malady_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o present_a church-governors_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a observer_n the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o mischief_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n what_o more_o hopeless_a or_o what_o more_o
its_o assembly_n and_o all_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o its_o office-bearer_n or_o meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o his_o majesty_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o moreover_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o whereby_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v ancient_o confirm_v and_o which_o by_o vertew_n of_o the_o above_o mention_v act_n rescissory_a do_v now_o in_o so_o far_o by_o the_o act_n 1612._o stand_v rescind_v in_o respect_n that_o it_o do_v also_o limit_v the_o king_n prerogative_n to_o be_v without_o prejudice_n or_o derogation_n to_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a censure_n special_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o act_n i_o say_v 1592._o be_v now_o for_o this_o reason_n total_o annul_v in_o all_o the_o head_n article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o from_o which_o act_n of_o restitution_n although_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a church-constitution_n may_v be_v very_o obvious_o gather_v yet_o there_o be_v two_o other_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n the_o one_o be_v that_o concern_v a_o national_a synod_n wherein_o his_o majesty_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n do_v more_o absolute_o appoint_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o member_n thereof_o then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a civil_a court_n unquestionable_o dependent_a upon_o his_o royal_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o aswell_o the_o proposal_n as_o the_o final_a approbation_n of_o all_o matter_n to_o be_v therein_o treat_v the_o other_o be_v the_o late_a act_n 1669._o assert_v the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o supreme_a authority_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a be_v so_o full_o declare_v to_o appertain_v to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o vertew_n thereof_o he_o may_v dispose_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o person_n ecclesiastic_a and_o enact_v concern_v the_o church_n meeting_n and_o matter_n therein_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o more_o absolute_a power_n in_o any_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v devise_v in_o his_o favour_n these_o act_n lie_v so_o well_o together_o i_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o joint_a consideration_n and_o from_o they_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o last_o revolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o invasion_n make_v upon_o the_o church_n government_n by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o bishop_n and_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o happen_v in_o their_o former_a introduction_n precede_v the_o year_n 1612_o but_o that_o the_o alteration_n make_v be_v plain_o fundamental_a and_o that_o by_o his_o majesty_n assume_v all_o church-power_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o proper_a right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n without_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v with_o the_o pope_n a_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o effect_n and_o convey_v the_o same_o by_o these_o communication_n alone_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dispense_v and_o to_o such_o person_n and_o meeting_n as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o appoint_v and_o make_v to_o himself_o accountable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o genus_fw-la of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n recognosce_v by_o presbytery_n as_o only_o fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o our_o lord_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n let_v be_v its_o specification_n from_o our_o classical_a form_n at_o present_a to_o be_v find_v in_o be_v in_o this_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o i_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a erection_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o in_o the_o year_n 1606._o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v by_o the_o then_o parliament_n first_o enact_v and_o by_o the_o next_o act_n their_o restitution_n be_v thereon_o also_o found_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o act_n 1612._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v turn_v to_o exercise_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o diocesian_a visitation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o be_v also_o rescind_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o betwixt_o the_o former_a practice_n and_o the_o late_a establishment_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparity_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o apparent_a resemblance_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v be_v nevertheless_o accompany_v by_o such_o real_a and_o material_a difference_n that_o it_o do_v only_o the_o more_o notable_o evince_v the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o method_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n beyond_o all_o that_o the_o same_o design_n in_o former_a time_n can_v suggest_v king_n james_n be_v indeed_o bend_v for_o prelacy_n as_o all_o do_v acknowledge_v but_o by_o seek_v thereby_o to_o qualify_v and_o oversway_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o effect_n to_o subvert_v all_o government_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o absurdity_n which_o his_o better_a understanding_n do_v prudent_o forbear_v and_o nothing_o save_v either_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o grow_a iniquity_n or_o the_o precipitancie_n of_o our_o time_n can_v have_v produce_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o and_o the_o former_a time_n the_o particular_n follow_v will_v easy_o evince_v and_o first_o it_o be_v true_a the_o parliament_n 1606._o do_v by_o their_o first_o act_n declare_v the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o in_o general_a over_o all_o estate_n person_n and_o cause_n without_o the_o least_o derogation_n to_o the_o explication_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parl._n 1592._o whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o supremacy_n have_v be_v assert_v declare_v and_o exercise_v in_o order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a person_n meeting_n and_o matter_n not_o only_o far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n pretend_v to_o in_o civils_n but_o above_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v arrogate_v either_o by_o pope_n or_o temporal_a potentate_n next_o by_o the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o forementioned_a parliament_n 1606._o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v indeed_o restore_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o to_o what_o to_o ecclesiastic_a power_n presidencie_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n fie_o not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o their_o former_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n live_n land_n teind_n rent_n etc._n etc._n and_o chief_o and_o especial_o against_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n 1587._o these_o though_o unjust_o bestow_v be_v yet_o proper_a subject_n for_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n pure_o ecclesiastic_a they_o right_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v without_o their_o line_n whereas_o by_o the_o late_a act._n 1662._o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n restore_v the_o bishop_n both_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o also_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n power_n of_o ordination_n and_o other_o above_o rehearse_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o supreme_a head_n whence_o all_o church-pove_a do_v flow_v and_o to_o who_o the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a a_o attempt_n so_o impertinent_a to_o secular_a power_n and_o subversive_a of_o the_o very_a subject_a matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n that_o the_o former_a time_n not_o from_o any_o great_a tenderness_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o mere_o from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o inconsistencie_n do_v not_o once_o dream_v of_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n king_n james_n who_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o neither_o do_v his_o prerogative_n extend_v to_o the_o proper_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v thereupon_o found_v and_o that_o for_o he_o to_o assume_v the_o disposal_n and_o dispense_n thereof_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o destroy_v it_o although_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o restore_v the_o bishop_n to_o their_o honour_n temporality_n and_o possession_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o power_n ecclesiastic_a by_o they_o acclaim_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o compass_v the_o same_o only_a by_o the_o suffrage_n &_o determination_n of_o church-assembly_n and_o according_o we_o see_v
backslide_n and_o overturn_v of_o our_o dayesâ—_n their_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v work_v in_o they_o a_o carefulness_n a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o a_o indignation_n a_o fear_n a_o vehement_a desire_n a_o zeal_n yea_o and_o a_o revenge_n above_o all_o the_o detestation_n that_o our_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v common_o calumniat_fw-la as_o fury_n among_o we_o and_o cyprian_a in_o place_n of_o his_o particular_a above_n cite_v constitute_v &c._n &c._n oppose_v to_o the_o then_o aspire_a prelaâ—y_n will_v become_v a_o presbyterian_a of_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o do_v not_o own_o these_o accusation_n of_o schism_n &_o total_a breach_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o state_n and_o phrase_n the_o difference_n of_o present_a practice_n from_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v often_o and_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o sin_n attend_v the_o compliance_n urge_v be_v the_o plain_a cause_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o withdraw_n yet_o that_o our_o abstain_v from_o the_o present_a church-meeting_n so_o wide_o differ_v from_o these_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o environ_v with_o circumstance_n no_o less_o variant_n do_v not_o give_v ground_n to_o so_o much_o as_o that_o seem_a opposition_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o author_n object_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a therein_o will_v have_v choose_v upon_o the_o like_a exigence_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o true_a and_o serious_a observer_n will_v very_o ready_o acknowledge_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o the_o author_n one_o and_o last_o word_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o enforce_v epithet_n of_o undeniable_a and_o very_a considerable_a wherewith_o he_o second_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o singular_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n premise_v have_v thus_o large_o digress_v in_o the_o review_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o therein_o discuss_v most_o of_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o this_o accommodation_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o follow_v forth_o the_o second_o article_n where_o i_o leave_v and_o though_o for_o the_o better_a reach_v of_o the_o outmost_a of_o our_o adversary_n pretension_n i_o have_v suppose_v prelacy_n to_o be_v thereby_o reduce_v to_o a_o simple_a presidency_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n argue_v against_o it_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la who_o when_o present_a be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o absent_a do_v at_o best_a only_o permit_v a_o precarious_a suffection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n suffrage_n but_o absolute_o reserve_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o next_o that_o the_o general_a of_o all_o church-affaire_n and_o what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o management_n whether_o the_o decision_n only_o when_o propose_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o both_o the_o propose_v and_o decide_v do_v seem_v to_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n i_o think_v the_o article_n be_v further_a liable_a to_o these_o exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o inevitable_a prejudice_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n just_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o moderator_n in_o its_o several_a assembly_n and_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n in_o this_o point_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o present_a note_n as_o defective_a and_o which_o be_v also_o much_o desiderat_fw-la be_v a_o clear_a explanation_n whether_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propose_v be_v aswell_o offer_v in_o this_o article_n to_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o the_o meeting_n as_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v concede_v or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o our_o national_a synod_n as_o now_o settle_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o constant_a moderatorâ—_n or_o rather_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o mere_a intervention_n of_o the_o fix_v praeses_fw-la as_o his_o instrument_n i_o shall_v not_o criticise_v nor_o ask_v how_o the_o proposal_n come_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o term_n that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v he_o manage_v in_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n rather_o than_o thus_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v manage_v by_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n &_o their_o free_a vote_n only_o this_o i_o may_v affirm_v that_o the_o second_o member_n of_o my_o doubt_n be_v no_o less_o probable_a &_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n and_o prescript_n of_o the_o act_n mention_v then_o evident_o elusory_a of_o all_o the_o other_o liberty_n propose_v but_o wherefore_o do_v i_o hesitat_fw-la in_o these_o small_a mattersâ—_n the_o thing_n here_o principal_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o as_o by_o the_o present_a establishment_n annex_v church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o prerogative_n and_o thereby_o subvert_v all_o true_a church-government_n and_o make_v the_o pretend_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n only_o the_o â—ing_n and_o the_o prelate_n their_o pitiful_a conventicle_n the_o first_o article_n invite_v to_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n be_v render_v vain_a and_o void_a &_o all_o its_o caution_n impertinent_a so_o the_o supremacy_n now_o more_o than_o ever_o prevalentâ—_n be_v with_o this_o second_o article_n and_o all_o the_o offer_n of_o liberty_n therein_o hold_v out_o plain_o inconsistent_a for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o the_o two_o may_v be_v impartial_o compare_v the_o article_n say_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n and_o the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n statute_n that_o his_o magesty_n may_v enact_v concern_v all_o meeting_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a what_o in_o his_o royal_a misdome_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a how_o then_o can_v these_o two_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n can_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o line_n i_o know_v the_o subordination_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o general_n assembly_n may_v easy_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n but_o see_v a_o subordination_n of_o this_o â—ort_n betwixt_o these_o court_n and_o this_o high_a prerogative_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v their_o true_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o accommodation_n there_o be_v any_o derogation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n intend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v connive_v at_o be_v foolish_a and_o presumptuous_a it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o supremacy_n and_o the_o liberty_n here_o pretend_v can_v rational_o be_v compose_v if_o therefore_o the_o accommodator_n will_v deal_v upright_o in_o this_o affair_n let_v they_o first_o show_v we_o where_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o come_v and_o next_o cause_n we_o to_o understand_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n they_o seem_v to_o offer_v and_o then_o boast_v of_o their_o condescendency_n but_o while_o they_o suppose_v thing_n for_o uncontroverted_a ground_n which_o be_v warrantable_o and_o plain_o by_o we_o deny_v and_o then_o will_v engage_v we_o by_o a_o form_n of_o specious_a concession_n want_v all_o real_a foundation_n they_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o palpable_a weakness_n or_o more_o unpardonnable_a disingenuity_n the_o three_o article_n bear_v if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_n or_o their_o committee_n that_o this_o provincial_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o oversway_v by_o the_o supremacy_n and_o thereby_o manifest_o disprovable_a as_o neither_o a_o true_a ecclesiastick-court_n nor_o enjoy_v any_o competent_a measure_n of_o power_n &_o liberty_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o the_o argument_n above_o adduce_v against_o the_o precede_a article_n the_o singularite_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v a_o court_n not_o in_o use_n among_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v express_o declare_v 2._o that_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o this_o by_o usher_n reduction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o present_a establishment_n it_o must_v consist_v of_o member_n viz._n the_o bishop_n and_o dean_n or_o constant_a moderator_n of_o the_o province_n both_o more_o unwarrantable_a as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n then_o the_o ordinary_a constituent_n of_o inferior_a meeting_n 3._o that_o this_o provincial_a be_v to_o have_v a_o committie_n which_o be_v yet_o very_o unlawful_o establish_v for_o a_o perpetual_a court_n can_v only_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n of_o the_o archbishops_n primacy_n and_o the_o oversway_n of_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v â—oubâ—ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
very_a adversary_n destitute_a of_o all_o satisfy_a pretence_n for_o asmuch_o then_n as_o our_o lord_n have_v very_o clear_o and_o positive_o command_v the_o parity_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o of_o all_o his_o minister_n by_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v brethren_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o that_o pharisaic_a pride_n which_o may_v have_v tempt_v they_o to_o the_o like_a affectation_n and_o further_o do_v adduce_v his_o own_o blessed_a example_n that_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o ministerial_a lowliness_n in_o the_o manner_n both_o of_o his_o administration_n and_o conversation_n compare_v with_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o person_n power_n and_o dignity_n he_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o obviate_v all_o imaginable_a temptation_n &_o utter_o ruin_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o any_o inequality_n of_o a_o state_v superiority_n among_o they_o let_v we_o with_o all_o fear_n and_o reverence_n acknowledge_v his_o holy_a wisdom_n and_o appointment_n and_o constant_o disow_v and_o reject_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o contrary_a invention_n special_o see_v it_o be_v moâ—t_o certain_a that_o however_o man_n may_v endeavour_v by_o specious_a pretexâ—s_n to_o obscure_v the_o prohibition_n and_o to_o palliate_v this_o corruption_n yet_o its_o wicked_a pernicious_a and_o abominable_a effect_n and_o consequence_n have_v render_v it_o to_o all_o the_o sincere_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n palpable_o odious_a that_o which_o do_v next_o occur_v be_v two_o objection_n in_o the_o author_n second_o and_o seven_o consideration_n the_o one_o that_o the_o fix_a presidency_n of_o bishop_n in_o synod_n have_v as_o much_o warrant_n as_o the_o fix_a moderate_v of_o a_o presbyter_n in_o a_o kirk-session_n of_o rule_v elder_n the_o other_o that_o it_o can_v as_o little_o be_v quarrel_v for_o want_v of_o a_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n as_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n and_o national_a assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n which_o with_o their_o several_a subordination_n be_v nevertheless_o by_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o have_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n by_o show_v the_o scriptural_a and_o most_o rational_a disparity_n of_o the_o first_o case_n and_o the_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o institution_n for_o the_o second_o full_o answer_v all_o that_o be_v here_o except_v i_o will_v not_o now_o detain_v my_o reader_n by_o any_o superfluous_a repetition_n or_o addition_n the_o fiâ—t_z thing_n assert_v by_o the_o author_n be_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a the_o appropriate_a of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o superior_a presbyter_n can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a though_o these_o two_o name_n be_v indifferent_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o author_n love_v to_o quibble_n we_o say_v that_o not_o only_o these_o two_o name_n be_v indifferent_o use_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v use_v as_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n without_o the_o least_o insinuation_n of_o a_o more_o proper_a application_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o any_o thing_n distinct_a &_o thence_o do_v strong_o infer_v that_o aftertime_n do_v very_o unwarrantable_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture-ground_n divide_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o name_n and_o this_o our_o author_n do_v very_o light_o turn_v over_o as_o if_o all_o the_o question_n anent_o a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o the_o identity_n or_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v only_o a_o plea_n of_o word_n and_o whether_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o scripture_n common_o and_o promiscouslie_o use_v may_v lawful_o afterward_o be_v several_o appropriate_a without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v no_o more_o common_a than_o the_o thing_n the_o same_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o separation_n afterward_o make_v be_v a_o mere_a human_a invention_n but_o he_o add_v for_o a_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n use_v in_o some_o primitive_a writer_n who_o in_o other_o passage_n do_v clear_o own_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o be_v themselves_o of_o that_o degree_n what_o then_o a_o man_n may_v indeed_o hence_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pure_a with_o the_o distinction_n introduce_v of_o a_o superior_a bishop_n over_o a_o presbyter_n the_o name_n beside_o thâ—ir_n common_a use_n become_v to_o be_v usurp_v to_o peculiar_a signification_n but_o see_v this_o manner_n of_o writing_n observe_v in_o these_o primitive_a writter_n do_v no_o way_n hold_v in_o sacred_a write_v whence_o we_o ought_v to_o search_v for_o our_o warrant_n and_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n which_o do_v in_o the_o least_o favour_n the_o different_a degree_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n what_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o these_o indigested_a reflectious_a save_o this_o that_o the_o primitive_a time_n soon_o vary_v from_o thâ—_n primitive_a simplicity_n and_o consequent_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n see_v then_o that_o all_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o author_n his_o own_o mistake_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o attempt_n to_o baffle_v the_o reason_n from_o this_o topick_n as_o too_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a of_o any_o serious_a person_n insi_v upon_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o be_v ridiculous_o serious_a in_o his_o folly_n but_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o six_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o solemn_a way_n of_o blessing_n or_o consecrate_v bishop_n to_o that_o presidency_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o if_o a_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n to_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a employment_n be_v apt_a to_o unhallow_v it_o and_o be_v in_o appearance_n so_o proper_a a_o instrument_n of_o make_v it_o the_o better_a shall_v yet_o effectual_o make_v it_o the_o worse_o how_o the_o author_n comâ—s_v to_o term_v it_o strange_a yea_o more_o strange_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v offend_v with_o a_o practice_n which_o yet_o for_o all_o his_o suprisal_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o offence_n he_o himself_o dar_fw-ge not_o distinct_o avow_v may_v be_v to_o we_o real_o so_o be_v it_o not_o that_o our_o experience_n of_o his_o method_n do_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o that_o all_o the_o art_n of_o insinuation_n be_v familiar_a unto_o he_o the_o thing_n he_o here_o point_v at_o be_v without_o doubt_n to_o justify_v the_o peculiar_a ordination_n of_o his_o bishop_n or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la know_v that_o a_o distinct_a ordination_n do_v certain_o require_v and_o infer_v thing_n altogether_o incononsistent_a with_o his_o description_n oâ—_n his_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la he_o therefore_o endeavour_n to_o smooth_v it_o over_o as_o if_o all_o considerable_a in_o the_o case_n be_v only_o a_o more_o solemn_a way_n of_o blessing_n or_o consecrate_v of_o bishop_n to_o their_o presidencie_n but_o not_o to_o stand_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o matter_n of_o word_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v indeed_o offend_v at_o be_v 1._o that_o where_o in_o his_o episcopal_a consecration_n both_o the_o word_n manner_n and_o whole_a form_n of_o a_o special_a ordination_n be_v most_o exact_o use_v yet_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o transact_v by_o this_o performance_n be_v only_o a_o more_o solemn_a benediction_n if_o any_o man_n inquire_v the_o difference_n that_o more_o solemn_a lawful_a action_n if_o capable_a of_o a_o solemn_a benediction_n be_v know_v and_o obvious_a whereas_o although_o ordination_n be_v accompany_v with_o benediction_n yet_o both_o the_o notation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n itself_o do_v plain_o intimate_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o a_o benediction_n but_o that_o its_o principal_a act_n as_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n be_v a_o ministerial_a conserring_n in_o the_o name_n personâ—_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o special_a church-office_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o suppose_v aswell_o the_o office_n itself_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o depend_v upon_o our_o lord_n institution_n and_o warrant_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o either_o this_o place_n of_o presidencie_n be_v only_o a_o humane_a contrivance_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o order_n of_o a_o superior_a eminency_n for_o the_o better_a conduct_n of_o common_a administration_n can_v at_o all_o bear_n or_o admit_v of_o it_o or_o that_o under_o the_o proposal_n of_o this_o presidencie_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n not_o only_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o a_o high_a order_n oâ—_n church-officer_n that_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v introduce_v which_o how_o pernicious_a it_o have_v prove_v and_o may_v yet_o again_o prove_v to_o the_o ghurch_n of_o christ_n both_o the_o proud_a usurpation_n of_o prelacy_n &_o the_o height_n of_o papacy_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v but_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o