nothing_o bâ—_n admit_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o it_o waâ—_n conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n precede_v the_o year_n 1584._o but_o precise_o to_o seek_v the_o same_o to_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1589._o where_o the_o article_n be_v make_v for_o the_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o followeâ—â—_z for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ediâ—burgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a kirk_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o de_fw-la novo_fw-la a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n discipline_n presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o a_o abrogation_n of_o all_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o be_v ordain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d seek_v both_o of_o the_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o next_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n special_o the_o controvert_a head_n shall_v be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o bear_v or_o hereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o presbytery_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o sincerity_n unless_o the_o holy_a discipline_n be_v preserve_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o get_v a_o copy_n under_o the_o â—lerks_n hand_n there_o be_v sundry_a copy_n subscribâ—d_a by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o extant_a as_o haddington_n 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n produce_v before_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o sess._n 4._o the_o former_a act_n anent_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n be_v renew_a and_o penattis_n impose_v upon_o the_o moderator_n in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o exâ—cution_n in_o the_o assembly_n 22._o may_n 1592._o sess._n 2._o these_o article_n be_v draw_v up_o that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v 1584._o against_o the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o discipline_n whereof_o the_o kirk_n have_v be_v in_o practice_n precise_o ratify_v that_o abâ—â—ts_v pryoâ—ies_n and_o other_o prelate_n pretend_v the_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o suffer_v in_o time_n come_v in_o the_o eleven_o session_n the_o number_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o parliament_n immediate_o follow_v the_o five_o of_o inn_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d kirk_n in_o her_o session_n presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d and_o general_a assembly_n be_v large_o ratify_v as_o the_o same_o be_v use_v and_o exercise_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o the_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o abrogate_v the_o king_n prerogative_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o privilege_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o former_a commission_n to_o bishop_n 1584._o rescind_v and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n subject_v to_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n anno_fw-la 1595._o the_o book_n of_o policy_n with_o other_o act_n be_v ratify_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v print_v it_o be_v also_o clear_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o confession_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v baptise_v and_o preach_v deacon_n for_o so_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n de_fw-la sacramento_n ordinis_fw-la cant._n 6._o si_fw-la quis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la catholicâ_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la institutam_fw-la quae_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la episcopis_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la et_fw-la ministris_fw-la anathema_n sit_v bellarmine_n likewise_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 11._o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o militant_a kirk_n the_o first_o of_o bishop_n the_o second_o of_o priest_n the_o three_o of_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v also_o prince_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o people_n this_o proposition_n follow_v hierarchia_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la pontifice_fw-la cardinalibus_fw-la archiepiscopis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la et_fw-la regularibus_fw-la be_v censure_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o university_n at_o paris_n as_o follow_v in_fw-la ista_fw-la prima_fw-la propositione_fw-la enumeratio_fw-la membrorum_fw-la hierarchiae_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la seu_fw-la sacri_fw-la principatus_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la instituti_fw-la est_fw-la manca_fw-la et_fw-la redundans_fw-la atque_fw-la inducens_fw-la in_fw-la errorem_fw-la contrarium_fw-la determinationi_fw-la sacrae_fw-la synodi_fw-la tridentinae_n the_o proposition_n be_v defective_a because_o it_o pretermit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o redundâ—nt_fw-la because_o it_o make_v the_o hierarchy_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o regular_n the_o pope_n be_v not_o within_o the_o hierarchy_n primate_n metropolitan_n and_o archbishop_n but_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n furthermore_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o confession_n from_o the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a kirk_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v he_o to_o wit_n invocation_n of_o saint_n cannonization_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o lawful_a cannonization_n invocation_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n whatsoever_o corruptioâ—_n be_v in_o the_o kirk_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o a_o passage_n also_o out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v allege_v where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchy_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v a_o part_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o cannon_n above_o cite_v we_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n or_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n this_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sort_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o warrant_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n examine_v and_o all_o objection_n answer_v in_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n deâ—â—red_v and_o require_v to_o proponâ—_n their_o doubt_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o every_o one_o be_v hear_v to_o the_o full_a and_o after_o much_o â—gitation_n as_o full_o satisfy_v the_o moderator_n at_o last_o exhâ—rting_v every_o one_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n do_v put_v the_o master_n to_o voyâ—ing_v in_o these_o term_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o taith_o as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastouâ—_z of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o whether_o by_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o whole_a assembly_n most_o unanimous_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o one_o 〈◊〉_d profess_v full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n do_v voice_n that_o all_o episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n over_o a_o particular_a flock_n be_v abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o prohibit_v under_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o usurp_v accept_v defend_v or_o obey_v the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o in_o time_n come_v collect_v visy_z and_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n
johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n
his_o majesty_n both_o before_o this_o time_n at_o this_o time_n and_o after_o do_v show_v evident_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o divers_a protestation_n against_o those_o assembly_n which_o press_v to_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o presentation_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o place_n whensoever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a as_o he_o do_v at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n present_a m._n rob._n montgomery_n to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n see_v then_o that_o this_o abjuration_n or_o confession_n call_v it_o as_o they_o please_v be_v frame_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v abjure_v it_o must_v be_v also_o presuppon_v that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v swear_v or_o subscribe_v the_o same_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n otherwise_o they_o do_v swear_v false_o sophystical_o and_o by_o equivocation_n therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o honest_a man_n who_o have_v a_o efold_a and_o upright_a meaning_n in_o take_v their_o oath_n neither_o can_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o give_v any_o sure_a warrant_n to_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o king_n meaning_n for_o if_o this_o abjuration_n or_o covenant_n have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o there_o have_v be_v some_o appearance_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n now_o may_v give_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n act_n and_o the_o oath_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o the_o subject_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n especial_o such_o a_o unformall_a and_o unlawful_a one_o as_o this_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o false_a and_o vain_a fear_n wherewith_o they_o will_v burden_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v fearful_o perjure_v by_o establish_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretend_a oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v rather_o forswear_v and_o perjure_a who_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o their_o first_o oath_n have_v by_o their_o new_a rebellious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o have_v take_v their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o now_o by_o persuasion_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v break_v their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v their_o authority_n and_o ratify_v their_o disobedience_n by_o another_o oath_n be_v evident_o forswear_v as_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v do_v let_v they_o in_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n search_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o prick_v thereby_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o four_o several_a sentence_n of_o the_o abjuration_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o first_o have_v now_o show_v that_o neither_o by_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o by_o the_o appendix_n thereof_o call_v abjuration_n nor_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o by_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n here_o controvert_v be_v condemn_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n to_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v neither_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o perfect_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o a_o late_a foundation_n and_o may_v be_v in_o sum_n reduce_v to_o three_o sort_n first_o they_o bring_v certain_a break_a sentence_n â—ut_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o call_v the_o confession_n than_o some_o act_n of_o their_o late_a general_n assembly_n and_o three_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o they_o bring_v four_o several_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n falsify_v and_o wrest_v they_o strange_o as_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v some_o show_n of_o prove_v their_o determination_n the_o first_o passage_n be_v in_o these_o word_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n the_o second_o be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a nad_z particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o four_o be_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 we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a to_o all_o these_o passage_n that_o by_o none_o of_o they_o be_v either_o episcopal_a government_n abjure_v for_o first_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o their_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o their_o charge_n over_o moc_fw-fr particular_a flock_n or_o of_o presbytery_n of_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o except_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o secret_a meaning_n these_o passage_n can_v serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o both_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n whereof_o this_o abjuration_n be_v a_o appendix_n and_o by_o the_o explain_a meaning_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o who_o appointment_n this_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereunto_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v thereby_o abjure_v and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sâ—nse_n can_v be_v able_a to_o pâ—ove_v their_o purpose_n second_o we_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n m._n alexander_n henrison_n and_o his_o associate_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v confess_v plain_o that_o by_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v and_o that_o any_o man_n may_v safe_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o their_o covenant_n also_o without_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o profession_n they_o entice_v many_o to_o sweat_n and_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n who_o otherwise_o will_v nâ—t_v have_v do_v it_o now_o either_o they_o speak_v sincere_o at_o that_o time_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v flat_o contradict_v this_o position_n that_o by_o swear_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v or_o else_o by_o dissemble_a policy_n they_o do_v so_o profess_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o design_n in_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o rebellious_a covenant_n and_o so_o do_v show_v themselves_o jesuitical_a temporizer_n and_o time-server_n en_fw-fr grain_n abuse_v
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
to_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o posterity_n afterward_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o after_o earnest_a call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o religious_o â—â—tested_v in_o the_o say_a confession_n have_v enter_v into_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o assembliâ—â—_n have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d before_o and_o which_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v â—reserved_v bring_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o have_v find_v that_o in_o the_o lâ—ter_n confession_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n we_o profess_v 1._o that_o we_o detest_v â—ll_n tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n next_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o 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in_o subscribe_v that_o confession_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n when_o that_o confession_n be_v frame_v sword_n to_o and_o subscribe_v unto_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o national_a oâ—th_n and_o subscription_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n agree_v upon_o both_o before_o 〈…〉_z after_o the_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o say_a confession_n in_o the_o year_n above_o mention_v and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o â—4_n of_o april_n and_o 24._o of_o october_n anno_fw-la 1578._o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v as_o glasgow_n 1581._o and_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o then_o do_v bear_v or_o thereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assemblis_n hold_v the_o 4._o of_o august_n at_o edinburgh_n 1500._o and_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 2._o of_o july_n 1591._o but_o special_o in_o the_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 6._o 7._o and_o 11._o chapter_n of_o the_o say_a book_n the_o bishop_n be_v tolerate_v from_o the_o year_n 1572._o till_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o august_n 1575._o and_o all_o this_o time_n the_o assembly_n be_v weary_v with_o the_o complaint_n make_v against_o they_o do_v enter_v in_o search_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a charge_n as_o well_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n at_o the_o next_o assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o april_n 1576._o such_o bishop_n be_v censure_v we_o have_v not_o take_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o april_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1578._o sess._n 4._o intimation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o follow_v for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n be_v conclude_v and_o agree_v upon_o in_o the_o lust_n assembly_n by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o brethren_n certain_a of_o the_o brethren_n have_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o head_n de_fw-la diaconâ—tâ—_z whereupon_o further_o reason_v be_v reserve_v to_o this_o assembly_n it_o be_v therefore_o require_v if_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v that_o he_o be_v ready_a the_o morrow_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o 6._o sess._n april_n 26._o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n make_v the_o day_n before_o all_o person_n that_o have_v any_o doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v be_v require_v to_o propone_v the_o same_o but_o none_o offer_v to_o propone_v any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o it_o be_v shownâ—_n by_o the_o moderator_n thereof_o to_o the_o noble_a who_o be_v present_a viz._n my_o lord_n chancellor_n the_o earl_n of_o 〈◊〉_d my_o lord_n seatâ—n_fw-fr and_o my_o lord_n lindâ—ey_n what_o care_n and_o 〈◊〉_d die_v the_o assembly_n have_v take_v to_o entertain_v and_o keep_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n unmix_v with_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o the_o posterity_n hereafter_o and_o see_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v not_o induce_v king_n without_o a_o good_a discipline_n and_o policy_n in_o that_o part_n also_o have_v they_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o draw_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n the_o special_a corruption_n be_v set_v down_o which_o they_o crave_v such_o of_o the_o bishop_n as_o will_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o remove_v with_o prâ—mise_n that_o if_o the_o general_a assembly_n hereafter_o shall_v find_v further_a corruption_n in_o the_o say_a estate_n than_o hitherto_o be_v express_v that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o say_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v thereto_o first_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o one_o flock_n that_o they_o usurp_v no_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n that_o they_o vote_v not_o in_o parliament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o they_o take_v not_o up_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o riotousness_n the_o emolument_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o may_v sustain_v many_o pastor_n the_o school_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o be_v content_a with_o reasonable_a living_n according_a to_o their_o office_n that_o they_o claim_v not_o to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n temporal_a neither_o usurp_v temporal_a jurisdiction_n whereby_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o their_o office_n that_o they_o empire_n not_o above_o the_o particular_a eldership_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o that_o they_o usurp_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lowthian_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o july_n 1579._o aâ—ent_a a_o general_a order_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o presbytery_n in_o place_n where_o public_a exercise_n be_v use_v until_o the_o time_n the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o exercise_n may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n in_o july_n 1580._o sess._n 4._o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v abolish_v by_o a_o particular_a act_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o act_n follow_v for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o 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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 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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
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