themselves_o in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n line_n by_o which_o they_o may_v transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o former_a time_n to_o posterity_n no_o tradition_n of_o that_o antiquity_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o writing_n why_o then_o do_v they_o obtrude_v this_o fabulous_a story_n since_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o know_a rule_n of_o credibility_n we_o have_v no_o vestige_n of_o it_o from_o any_o author_n that_o live_v near_o those_o time_n the_o vindicator_n use_v to_o refer_v we_o in_o some_o instance_n to_o his_o own_o little_a book_n i_o do_v he_o a_o great_a kindness_n when_o i_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o learned_a du_fw-mi launoy_n and_o from_o several_a treatise_n and_o launoy_n reason_n of_o his_o which_o now_o i_o have_v not_o at_o command_n he_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o rule_v to_o distinguish_v fabulous_a account_n from_o true_a and_o solid_a history_n and_o not_o only_o from_o he_o but_o from_o hundred_o 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day_n of_o barbarism_n and_o superstition_n seem_v natural_o calculate_v to_o advance_v this_o design_n and_o to_o depress_v the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n for_o the_o monk_n that_o propagate_v this_o story_n be_v more_o conversant_a in_o little_a legend_n than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o hardly_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o opposite_a to_o the_o universal_a testimony_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o age_n than_o this_o monkish_a fable_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n or_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o when_o all_o the_o know_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n unanimous_o declare_v for_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a man_n obruisset_fw-la the_o great_a conquest_n or_o the_o most_o remarkable_a action_n unless_o they_o be_v timeous_o commit_v to_o writing_n unwritten_a tradition_n go_v but_o a_o short_a way_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o support_v itself_o with_o any_o certainty_n for_o any_o number_n of_o year_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o the_o scotish_n church_n have_v any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a government_n than_o what_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o sad_a that_o there_o be_v no_o parallel_n instance_n of_o any_o other_o church_n from_o abroad_o by_o who_o be_v they_o convert_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o as_o be_v instrumental_a in_o their_o conversion_n will_v plant_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n among_o they_o that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o themselves_o and_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o government_n among_o the_o more_o polite_a and_o learned_a nation_n who_o because_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o learning_n may_v soon_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o presbyterian_o if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o parity_n and_o that_o we_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o fabulous_a monk_n in_o some_o remote_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n to_o support_v our_o hierarchy_n and_o that_o in_o a_o age_n of_o shameful_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n when_o they_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n and_o multiply_v their_o visionary_a legend_n i_o ask_v how_o the_o vindicator_n will_v treat_v we_o if_o we_o appear_v with_o our_o culdee_n against_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o father_n the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o counsel_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o famous_a see_v and_o the_o glorious_a cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o by_o their_o zeal_n and_o suffering_n enlighten_v the_o world_n i_o think_v he_o will_v treat_v we_o very_o huff_o and_o let_v we_o hear_v more_o than_o once_o his_o oft_o repeat_v and_o belove_v metaphor_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n will_v not_o he_o preface_n tell_v we_o of_o our_o bold_a and_o silly_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n however_o when_o the_o vindicator_n name_v good_a author_n foreign_a or_o domestic_a in_o the_o three_o four_o five_o six_o or_o seven_o century_n and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o credibility_n or_o history_n we_o need_v yield_v to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v his_o testimony_n let_v he_o hieron_n read_v blondel_n again_o and_o see_v whether_o that_o great_a antiquary_n can_v name_v any_o ancient_a writer_n to_o uphold_v this_o monastic_a dream_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o priest_n in_o scotland_n before_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o concession_n to_o favour_n presbytery_n for_o they_o have_v their_o mission_n and_o ordination_n from_o bishop_n in_o other_o place_n to_o who_o they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o travel_n and_o success_n and_o this_o be_v ordinary_a before_o nation_n be_v convert_v but_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o faith_n all_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n be_v then_o encourage_v to_o continue_v among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o confident_o affirm_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o record_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n there_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n over_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n the_o primitive_a confessor_n and_o martyr_n travail_v the_o world_n over_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o christianity_n some_o bishop_n some_o presbyter_n some_o deacon_n some_o layman_n but_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o convert_v than_o they_o become_v a_o organical_a church_n and_o have_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n constitute_v until_o their_o sound_n go_v unto_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 184._o he_o run_v down_o the_o author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o one_o not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n because_o forsooth_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v with_o reverence_n enough_o of_o mr._n gray_n sermon_n in_o that_o page_n cite_v on_o 185._o the_o margin_n the_o vindicator_n discover_v much_o of_o his_o own_o creep_a genius_n when_o he_o discourse_n of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n against_o the_o private_a administration_n of_o baptism_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o pursue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o wilderness_n of_o little_a impertinency_n their_o pretend_a assembly_n will_v have_v do_v better_a if_o they_o have_v leave_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o discretion_n of_o minister_n in_o all_o place_n it_o be_v certain_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o all_o public_a solemnity_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o apparent_a necessity_n to_o recede_v from_o so_o laudable_a a_o custom_n but_o to_o make_v discourse_n to_o the_o people_n on_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o altogether_o new_a and_o unnecessary_a if_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v serious_o explain_v there_o need_v no_o more_o and_o to_o think_v a_o sermon_n in_o the_o modern_a and_o usual_a notion_n necessary_a be_v as_o great_a superstition_n as_o that_o of_o they_o who_o fancy_n that_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o follow_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la which_o phrase_n be_v very_o little_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n and_o perhaps_o other_o who_o shall_v teach_v the_o people_n do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v it_o neither_o next_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o vindicator_n pag._n 174._o that_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o human_a ceremony_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o
and_o simoniacal_o short_o thereafter_o bargain_n with_o a_o nobleman_n that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o then_o his_o co-presbyter_n who_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o successful_a handle_v he_o to_o purpose_n but_o with_o such_o indiscretion_n that_o in_o pursue_v he_o they_o trample_v on_o the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o civil_a authority_n in_o so_o far_o that_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o answer_v for_o illegal_a invasion_n on_o the_o king_n authority_n they_o do_v bold_o protest_v that_o though_o they_o compear_v in_o civility_n to_o the_o king_n yet_o that_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n 〈◊〉_d council_n right_o in_o any_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n this_o be_v on_o the_o 12_o of_o april_n 1582._o and_o short_o thereafter_o in_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n hold_v at_o st._n andrews_n mr._n andrew_n melvil_n tell_v the_o master_n of_o request_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o king_n to_o stop_v some_o of_o their_o illegal_a procedure_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meddle_v in_o civil_a matter_n but_o in_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v so_o the_o practice_n on_o these_o ground_n do_v short_o follow_v for_o on_o the_o 23d_o of_o august_n 1582._o the_o king_n be_v make_v prisoner_n by_o a_o faction_n of_o lord_n at_o the_o house_n of_o ruthwen_n and_o on_o the_o 13_o of_o october_n 1582._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n at_o edenburg_n do_v by_o a_o act_n approve_v of_o that_o perduellion_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v good_a service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o chucrh_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o january_n 1583._o two_o ambassador_n come_v from_o france_n and_o one_o from_o england_n to_o endeavour_v the_o king_n liberty_n the_o assembly_n order_v the_o minister_n to_o declaim_v against_o the_o impious_a design_n of_o liberate_v the_o king_n and_o they_o do_v rail_v at_o the_o ambassador_n by_o name_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o rabble_n their_o faithful_a confederate_n on_o all_o occasion_n not_o to_o suffer_v the_o badge_n of_o the_o french_a order_n esprit_fw-fr to_o be_v see_v on_o their_o street_n it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n a_o badge_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o show_v their_o good_a manner_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sound_a doctrine_n the_o king_n have_v appoint_v the_o magistrate_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o entertain_v the_o ambassador_n on_o the_o 16_o of_o february_n 1583._o the_o minister_n appoint_v a_o solemn_a fast_o on_o that_o very_a day_n and_o civil_o preach_v from_o morning_n till_o night_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o such_o end_n and_o with_o so_o little_a rule_n curse_v the_o magistrate_n and_o their_o company_n and_o be_v with_o difficulty_n keep_v from_o excommunicate_v they_o the_o king_n have_v deliver_v himself_o from_o his_o restraint_n mr._n dury_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ministry_n open_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o king_n and_o mr._n melvil_n declaim_v frequent_o against_o the_o king_n for_o which_o he_o be_v call_v before_o the_o council_n but_o he_o bold_o decline_v the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o judge_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la of_o what_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n even_o though_o it_o be_v high_a treason_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o england_n from_o whence_o he_o kindle_v that_o conspiracy_n which_o short_o thereafter_o bring_v the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n and_o other_o to_o the_o scaffold_n these_o seditious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n move_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o on_o the_o 22d_o day_n of_o may_n in_o a_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n by_o a_o solemn_a act_n to_o assert_v the_o king_n sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n as_o his_o undoubted_a ancient_a right_n and_o that_o it_o be_v treason_n to_o decline_v his_o authority_n in_o any_o matter_n and_o discharge_v all_o assembly_n convocation_n and_o all_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o prohibit_v all_o faction_n and_o seditious_a preach_n sermon_n and_o all_o slanderous_a speech_n against_o the_o king_n the_o minister_n declaim_v against_o this_o and_o reproach_v this_o act_n of_o parliament_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o the_o king_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o allow_v mr._n melvil_n and_o his_o complice_n to_o return_v to_o their_o church_n but_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o this_o favour_n than_o mr._n andrew_n call_v a_o assembly_n to_o st._n andrews_n it_o consist_v of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n and_o one_o mr._n robert_n wilky_a a_o regent_n professor_n and_o laic_a be_v choose_v moderator_n there_o in_o a_o most_o ridiculous_a manner_n they_o cite_v the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n on_o twenty_o four_o hour_n to_o compear_v before_o they_o and_o he_o not_o compear_v they_o cause_v a_o young_a indiscreet_a fellow_n call_v hunter_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o have_v accession_n to_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n late_o mention_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o parliament_n and_o a_o assembly_n meet_v this_o very_a year_n at_o edinburgh_n will_v have_v take_v up_o this_o difference_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o do_v absolve_v the_o archbishop_n from_o excommunication_n yet_o mr._n andrew_n and_o his_o adherent_n protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n and_o declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o absolution_n yet_o the_o archbishop_n shall_v be_v still_o esteem_v as_o one_o deliver_v to_o satan_n until_o sign_n of_o true_a repentance_n appear_v and_o though_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o magnify_v their_o assembly_n and_o their_o pretend_a parity_n yet_o when_o the_o far_o major_a number_n be_v against_o their_o humour_n they_o regard_v not_o their_o plurality_n for_o in_o anno_fw-la 1591._o when_o the_o synod_n of_o st._n andrews_n have_v determine_v to_o constitute_v one_o mr._n weems_n minister_n at_o leuchars_n mr._n melvil_n and_o some_o few_o more_o viz._n six_o be_v for_o one_o mr._n walace_n and_o when_o the_o far_o major_a part_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o opinion_n though_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v invade_v when_o bishop_n or_o prince_n oppose_v the_o majority_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o mr._n melvil_n and_o his_o six_o withdraw_v to_o another_o place_n and_o admit_v mr._n walace_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o leuchars_n and_o the_o synod_n do_v admit_v mr._n weems_n but_o this_o have_v almost_o engage_v the_o parishioner_n in_o blood_n and_o the_o scussle_v can_v not_o be_v end_v until_o melvil_n faction_n prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o synod_n that_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o shall_v be_v minister_n at_o that_o church_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o insist_v on_o this_o be_v to_o let_v they_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n see_v how_o just_o our_o dislike_n of_o a_o parity_n in_o church_n offices_n be_v found_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a warrant_n for_o it_o from_o scripture_n apostolic_a practice_n primitive_a father_n council_n or_o any_o well_o establish_v christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o best_a plea_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o pretend_a parity_n that_o be_v allege_v among_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o scotland_n we_o judge_v it_o fit_v first_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o imparity_n then_o and_o always_o thereafter_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o parity_n be_v always_o reject_v by_o our_o king_n parliament_n and_o the_o most_o and_o best_a of_o our_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o immorality_n and_o sedition_n of_o such_o as_o contend_v for_o parity_n give_v we_o no_o invitation_n to_o be_v among_o their_o successor_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o and_o 1591._o and_o 1592._o be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o danger_n twice_o be_v he_o captive_n and_o constant_o in_o great_a trouble_n by_o the_o sedition_n of_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n and_o his_o fiery_a complice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o he_o do_v consent_n to_o grant_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o this_o of_o necessity_n to_o evite_v a_o threaten_a rebellion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o chancellor_n maitland_n who_o in_o council_n advise_v the_o king_n to_o give_v they_o much_o of_o their_o will_n for_o that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o short_a way_n to_o make_v they_o odious_a as_o already_o they_o be_v troubleseme_v to_o the_o nation_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v turn_v out_o by_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v never_o a_o act_n or_o motion_n of_o abolish_n episcopacy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o continue_v in_o their_o diocese_n and_o church_n always_o thereafter_o and_o in_o the_o very_a year_n 1594._o cunnigham_n bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v babtize_v prince_n henry_n at_o sterling_n but_o the_o king_n be_v force_v
to_o connive_v a_o while_n at_o at_o their_o insolence_n for_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o people_n into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o king_n be_v to_o betray_v his_o own_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o when_o three_o nobleman_n be_v bring_v to_o trial_n before_o the_o justice_n the_o minister_n will_v needs_o order_v the_o process_n in_o october_n 1593._o and_o to_o back_v they_o they_o stir_v up_o multitude_n of_o the_o rabble_n to_o arm_n thereby_o to_o force_v justice_n to_o decide_v in_o their_o favour_n nor_o will_v they_o disband_v or_o abstain_v from_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n in_o arm_a crowd_n although_o the_o king_n and_o council_n do_v by_o proclamation_n prohibit_v they_o if_o this_o be_v presbyterian_a government_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o anno_fw-la 1590._o 1591._o 1592._o and_o 1593._o presbyter_n have_v it_o sole_o but_o all_o this_o time_n bishop_n do_v exist_v by_o law_n enjoy_v their_o rent_n and_o preach_v in_o their_o church_n if_o you_o trust_v not_o we_o notice_n the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o jac._n 6._o chap._n 7._o minister_n be_v order_v to_o be_v present_v by_o the_o patron_n to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o diocese_n note_v at_o this_o time_n most_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v popish_a which_o occasion_v the_o protestant_n to_o appoint_v superintendent_o anno_fw-la 1572._o parl._n 3_o jac._n 6._o chap_n 45._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o superintendent_o note_v both_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v contemporary_a then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o like_a own_a chap._n 46._o 48._o and_o 54._o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1573._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v own_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 4._o par._n jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1578._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 63._o parl._n 5._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1579._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 71._o parliam_fw-la 6._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n appear_v from_o act_n 100_o parl._n 7._o jac._n 6._o the_o like_a appear_v from_o the_o act_n 106_o and_o 114_o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o the_o bishop_n authority_n full_o own_a act._n 132._o parl._n 8._o jac._n 6_o in_o the_o year_n 1587._o it_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n exist_v then_o by_o act_n 28._o parl._n 11._o jac._n 6._o also_o in_o that_o 11._o parl._n it_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n that_o prelacy_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n even_o although_o their_o temporalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o 111._o act_n of_o that_o 11._o parl._n in_o the_o year_n 1591._o 1592._o 1593._o and_o 1594._o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n nor_o their_o meeting_n in_o synod_n and_o assembly_n without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o royal_a authority_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o exerce_v some_o part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o in_o all_o parliament_n and_o convention_n of_o estate_n the_o prelate_n do_v do_v always_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n as_o the_o record_n and_o sederunt_n of_o all_o the_o parliament_n will_v prove_v in_o the_o year_n 1596._o leslie_n bishop_n of_o ross_n die_v at_o brussels_n mr._n david_n lindsey_n be_v present_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o bishopric_n the_o very_a next_o year_n in_o the_o year_n 1598._o there_o be_v a_o conference_n appoint_v at_o falkland_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o some_o appoint_v by_o the_o king_n to_o meet_v with_o they_o where_o they_o agree_v on_o ten_o article_n or_o proposition_n of_o policy_n for_o the_o church_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o clergy_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o diocese_n some_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v foolish_a but_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a that_o the_o king_n shall_v comply_v with_o those_o hot_a head_n in_o some_o thing_n for_o at_o that_o time_n several_n begin_v to_o debate_v his_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v all_o quiet_a at_o home_n yet_o still_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o bishop_n do_v then_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o that_o although_o something_o concern_v they_o be_v debate_v yet_o their_o office_n and_o order_n be_v not_o in_o the_o year_n 1600_o these_o forementioned_a article_n be_v approve_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o monross_n march_v 28_o 1600._o and_o to_o that_o assembly_n mr._n dury_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a tool_n with_o mr._n melvil_n for_o parity_n at_o his_o death_n do_v write_v a_o exhortation_n disow_v his_o former_a error_n and_o earnest_o advise_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o choose_v good_a bishop_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o year_n 1601._o the_o king_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v at_o brunt_n island_n where_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v enact_v both_o for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o reclaim_v the_o popish_a nobility_n from_o their_o error_n which_o prove_v more_o effectual_a and_o pacific_a than_o all_o the_o former_a furious_a method_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v promote_v by_o a_o hot_a head_v man_n call_v davidson_n who_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n incite_v they_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o king_n hypocrisy_n and_o other_o error_n the_o assembly_n will_v have_v proceed_v to_o censure_v he_o but_o the_o king_n will_v not_o allow_v it_o say_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n that_o these_o hot_a head_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o or_o some_o few_o in_o the_o year_n 1602._o the_o king_n in_o a_o assembly_n at_o halyrood-house_n do_v show_v great_a clemency_n to_o some_o fiery_a minister_n who_o the_o assembly_n will_v have_v censure_v as_o also_o he_o give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o nation_n by_o his_o excellent_a proposal_n for_o establish_v provision_n both_o for_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o this_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o five_o of_o august_n appoint_v a_o anniversary_n thanksgiving_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o gowry_n conspiracy_n before_o the_o diet_n appoint_v for_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n the_o crown_n of_o england_n do_v fall_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o death_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n so_o there_o be_v no_o meeting_n of_o church_n general_n assembly_n for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o few_o remain_v hot_a head_v presbyter_n be_v very_o busy_a on_o the_o king_n removal_n so_o far_o and_o fear_v the_o excellent_a order_n of_o the_o english_a church_n the_o great_a safety_n and_o peace_n of_o britain_n depend_v on_o a_o entire_a and_o full_a concord_n of_o the_o island_n they_o be_v apprehensive_a that_o upon_o such_o consideration_n the_o king_n will_v hearty_o promote_v a_o further_a establishment_n of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o this_o juncture_n do_v busy_o stir_v up_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o undoubted_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o though_o the_o king_n for_o good_a reason_n when_o he_o go_v to_o england_n adjourn_v the_o general_n assembly_n from_o july_n 1604_o to_o july_n 1605._o yet_o these_o man_n prevail_v with_o nine_o of_o the_o fifty_o presbytery_n of_o scotland_n to_o keep_v the_o meet_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n prorogation_n where_o thirteen_o person_n meet_v do_v most_o seditious_o run_v into_o such_o declaration_n against_o the_o statute_n and_o stand_v law_n as_o be_v by_o the_o judicature_n declare_v treason_n and_o for_o which_o several_n of_o the_o thirteen_o be_v condemn_v before_o the_o justice_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v either_o to_o acknowledge_v or_o revoke_v their_o seditious_a pasquil_n but_o they_o be_v afterward_o pardon_v by_o the_o king_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o chancellor_n encourage_v their_o meeting_n in_o july_n 1604._o and_o prove_v it_o which_o force_v the_o chancellor_n to_o prove_v likewise_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o connive_v at_o his_o be_v a_o papist_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v of_o the_o church_n land_n upon_o condition_n he_o shall_v own_v they_o against_o episcopacy_n whereupon_o the_o king_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v betray_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o hatred_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o chancellor_n will_v betray_v episcopacy_n for_o greed_n of_o their_o temporalty_n so_o far_o my_o author_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o infer_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o
scotland_n declaim_v against_o the_o tyranny_n and_o encroachment_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o never_o against_o the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n as_o such_o that_o mr._n wisehart_n and_o some_o other_o of_o our_o most_o eminent_a reformer_n and_o martyr_n know_v no_o other_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o episcopacy_n the_o first_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n and_o other_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n follow_v his_o sentiment_n and_o that_o the_o first_o reformer_n submit_v to_o the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n of_o such_o of_o the_o bishop_n as_o preach_v and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n second_o that_o though_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v frequent_o weaken_v crush_a and_o interrupt_v by_o the_o popular_a insurrection_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o mr._n melvil_n faction_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o legal_o abolish_v but_o rather_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n secure_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o law_n ☞_o three_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o always_o watch_v the_o difficult_a posture_n of_o the_o king_n affair_n and_o whenever_o they_o find_v he_o at_o a_o disadvantage_n than_o they_o make_v he_o much_o more_o uneasy_a by_o popular_a tumult_n and_o insurrection_n four_o that_o the_o romish_a clergy_n never_o plead_v their_o exemption_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n more_o violent_o and_o factious_o than_o the_o melvilian_a tribe_n in_o scotland_n five_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o that_o very_a year_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v that_o presbytery_n be_v establish_v but_o that_o episcopacy_n in_o anno_fw-la 1592._o be_v still_o retain_v in_o all_o its_o legal_a right_n privilege_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v resist_v but_o by_o grant_v they_o great_a liberty_n and_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o necessitous_a circumstance_n that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o six_o that_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o their_o faction_n have_v not_o then_o the_o impudence_n to_o quarrel_v the_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o mr._n melvil_n make_v his_o approach_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o plausible_a pretence_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v abuse_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v according_a to_o its_o primitive_a design_n and_o simplicity_n seven_o i_o observe_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o legal_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n until_o the_o tragical_a rebellion_n in_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o his_o reign_n break_v forth_o and_o we_o need_v not_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o unwilling_a king_n charles_n the_o martyr_n be_v to_o abolish_v episcopacy_n eight_o that_o the_o royal_a authority_n never_o give_v way_n to_o their_o rebellion_n and_o insolence_n when_o they_o can_v hinder_v it_o but_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o grant_v they_o great_a liberty_n to_o avoid_v the_o heavy_a blow_n and_o thunder_n clap_v of_o their_o fury_n nine_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a evidence_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o the_o public_a record_n of_o parliament_n ten_o we_o may_v clear_o discern_v that_o the_o vindicator_n book_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o party_n be_v one_o hypocritical_a shuffle_v from_o top_n to_o bottom_n for_o if_o mr._n melvil_n the_o founder_n of_o presbytery_n and_o his_o confederate_n do_v affront_v the_o king_n person_n and_o decline_v his_o authority_n and_o provoke_v the_o rabble_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o archbishop_n and_o be_v so_o rude_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o foreign_a prince_n and_o profane_o appoint_v a_o fast_a with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o bassle_v the_o king_n to_o his_o tooth_n then_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o vindicator_n why_o all_o this_o apology_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o villainy_n as_o be_v the_o rabble_a of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o presbyterian_o do_v nothing_o upon_o this_o last_o revolution_n but_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o have_v not_o such_o opportunity_n to_o to_o vent_v their_o malice_n and_o by_o this_o unquestionable_a history_n he_o and_o all_o other_o may_v see_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o distinction_n of_o sober_a presbyterian_o and_o cameronian_n will_v serve_v he_o for_o the_o cameronian_n have_v no_o principle_n different_a from_o presbyterian_o nor_o the_o presbyterian_o from_o cameronian_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o resute_n the_o cameronian_n by_o presbyterian_a principle_n eleven_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o precede_a history_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o presbyterian_o that_o they_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o unity_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o lesser_a number_n if_o more_o popular_a than_o their_o brethren_n may_v remonstrate_v with_o that_o insolence_n and_o fury_n against_o the_o plurality_n as_o to_o stop_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a case_n of_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n twelsth_o the_o spirit_n of_o presbytery_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o tyranny_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v full_o poison_v with_o its_o principle_n whenever_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o public_a contradict_v their_o own_o peculiar_a plan_n and_o scheme_n they_o immediate_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o authority_n they_o former_o pretend_v to_o support_v and_o by_o general_a word_n which_o at_o the_o bottom_n have_v no_o particular_a signification_n but_o what_o they_o please_v to_o put_v upon_o they_o they_o pick_v quarrel_n and_o exception_n against_o all_o their_o own_o judicature_n government_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a this_o be_v visible_a as_o from_o many_o instance_n so_o from_o the_o famous_a protestation_n of_o several_a biggort_v incendiary_n against_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o anno_fw-la 1651._o because_o that_o general_n assembly_n do_v promote_v the_o public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o restore_a the_o king_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o government_n they_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v not_o right_o constitute_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v adhere_v to_o the_o protester_n that_o the_o public_a resolutioner_n have_v make_v defection_n because_o they_o be_v for_o bring_v again_o into_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n such_o as_o will_v probable_o serve_v the_o king_n against_o the_o rebellion_n then_o on_o foot_n upon_o such_o pretence_n they_o decline_v their_o supreme_a national_a judicatory_a and_o because_o that_o print_n be_v know_v but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o present_a generation_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o monument_n of_o their_o villainy_n and_o stubbornness_n it_o may_v be_v see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o letter_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v but_o that_o i_o wish_v my_o skill_n to_o serve_v you_o be_v equal_a to_o my_o zeal_n and_o affection_n for_o i_o be_o in_o all_o sincerity_n your_o most_o obedient_a servant_n the_o protestation_n of_o divers_a minister_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o also_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n right_o reverend_n how_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v that_o while_o we_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v with_o thanfulness_n by_o we_o unto_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o kirk_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n deep_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n so_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o obtain_v the_o same_o and_o for_o preserve_a purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o unspotted_a to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o that_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o
church_n polity_n to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o entire_a scheme_n of_o their_o government_n to_o be_v deface_v and_o all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n and_o upon_o no_o wise_a consideration_n than_o because_o their_o enemy_n pretend_a religion_n and_o give_v most_o sacred_a name_n to_o the_o most_o abominable_a crime_n and_o now_o again_o that_o they_o be_v uppermost_a they_o be_v very_o angry_a that_o man_n do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o suffer_v their_o folly_n and_o tyranny_n to_o overspread_v the_o nation_n without_o contradiction_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o their_o minister_n do_v suffer_v upon_o the_o restitution_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o why_o they_o will_v not_o take_v presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n nor_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n they_o will_v possess_v their_o benefice_n against_o the_o law_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o authority_n but_o be_v any_o of_o they_o turn_v out_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n lighton_n so_o earnest_n be_v some_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o place_n that_o they_o make_v such_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o accommodation_n as_o none_o can_v refuse_v but_o sullen_a and_o desperate_a incendiary_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o but_o what_o the_o most_o rigid_a presbyterian_o may_v comply_v with_o if_o their_o zeal_n to_o support_v their_o faction_n have_v not_o infatuate_v they_o as_o much_o against_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n as_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n be_v general_o blind_v with_o this_o fatal_a prejudice_n a_o evidence_n of_o their_o incurable_a enthusiasm_n they_o think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o he_o immediate_o act_n against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o way_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o present_o without_o examination_n you_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nay_o you_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v against_o their_o party_n be_v do_v rather_o against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o enemy_n than_o the_o petulance_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n therefore_o they_o insinuate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o all_o reason_n against_o they_o proceed_v from_o profanity_n and_o atheism_n or_o from_o man_n void_a of_o all_o principle_n and_o religion_n you_o may_v as_o easy_o reason_v a_o bedlamite_n out_o of_o his_o fancy_a honour_n and_o principality_n as_o persuade_v any_o of_o their_o delude_a disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o this_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o cunning_a teacher_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o their_o belief_n as_o imperious_o as_o the_o cruel_a brach-mans_n do_v among_o the_o indian_n but_o let_v i_o inquire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n calm_o do_v the_o meek_a covenanter_n when_o they_o get_v the_o ascendent_n in_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o his_o time_n treat_v their_o opposite_a with_o that_o gentleness_n and_o discretion_n that_o condescension_n and_o longanimity_n that_o become_v the_o true_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o so_o very_o far_o from_o this_o temper_n that_o they_o prosecute_v the_o malignant_n with_o all_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o another_o instance_n of_o their_o cruelty_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n wishart_n man_n may_v easy_o penetrate_v into_o the_o genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o party_n then_o their_o pulpit_n thunder_v against_o the_o malignant_n all_o the_o curse_n in_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o be_v malignant_n in_o their_o dialect_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_o add_v to_o this_o the_o universal_a and_o restless_a endeavour_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o ruin_v the_o person_n estate_n and_o family_n of_o all_o that_o oppose_v their_o design_n and_o their_o discipline_n be_v make_v a_o engine_n to_o pry_v into_o the_o great_a secret_n of_o family_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a chaplain_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o minister_n intelligencer_n complain_v in_o his_o prayer_n of_o what_o he_o think_v amiss_o in_o the_o family_n or_o neighbourhood_n nay_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n groan_v under_o this_o tyrannical_a pedantry_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v under_o the_o egyptian_n when_o their_o bloody_a scaffold_n stand_v erect_v for_o some_o whole_a week_n together_o then_o it_o be_v that_o their_o modest_a minister_n say_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v like_a to_o prosper_v when_o they_o justify_v one_o crime_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o another_o and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o their_o arbitrary_a tyranny_n from_o their_o success_n and_o prosperity_n when_o their_o turkish_a argument_n of_o force_n and_o arm_n run_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o now_o forsooth_o they_o must_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v rigid_a and_o peevish_a and_o severe_a to_o their_o parishioner_n when_o perhaps_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n the_o ten_o part_n of_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o yet_o the_o law_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o give_v up_o the_o name_n of_o recusant_n and_o do_v not_o we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o since_o the_o late_a revolution_n have_v out_o do_v the_o diligence_n of_o all_o man_n against_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n for_o the_o whole_a faction_n apply_v their_o utmost_a force_n since_o the_o revolution_n to_o ruin_v her_o neighbour_n and_o possess_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o place_n civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o people_n upon_o earth_n that_o value_n government_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v it_o be_v the_o idol_n they_o bow_v to_o there_o be_v nothing_o gratify_v their_o high_a passion_n so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o tyrannize_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v once_o under_o their_o foot_n they_o will_v look_v cheerful_a their_o blood_n will_v circulate_v more_o brisk_o until_o this_o be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n nor_o peace_n for_o mankind_n the_o discipline_n the_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o geneve_n must_v wrestle_v with_o all_o authority_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o former_a excuse_n do_v not_o serve_v his_o design_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o insinuate_v all_o a_o long_a his_o book_n that_o most_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v wicked_a man_n but_o let_v i_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o infamous_a accusation_n who_o make_v they_o judge_n of_o the_o scandalous_a clergy_n who_o delegate_n be_v they_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o punishment_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o very_a few_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o western_a shire_n but_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o general_o the_o clergy_n in_o those_o shire_n be_v grave_a sober_a and_o assiduous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o gain_v those_o enthusiast_n from_o their_o schism_n and_o delusion_n and_o be_v very_o successful_a in_o this_o christian_a design_n if_o a_o new_a indulgence_n after_o the_o defeat_n at_o bothwel_n bridge_n have_v not_o buoy_v up_o their_o interest_n as_o for_o the_o scandalous_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o western_a presbyterian_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o one_o of_o the_o vindicator_n own_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o a_o party_n and_o indeed_o of_o such_o a_o party_n who_o from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n place_v much_o of_o their_o strength_n in_o reproach_v the_o clergy_n if_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o character_n we_o ought_v rather_o all_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n to_o lament_v it_o rather_o than_o insult_v and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o it_o indeed_o a_o minister_n who_o employment_n be_v to_o fit_v other_o man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a and_o scandalous_a opposition_n to_o his_o rule_n be_v the_o most_o monstrous_a thing_n in_o nature_n all_o the_o satirical_a write_n of_o the_o poet_n and_o all_o the_o invective_n of_o orator_n can_v furnish_v one_o word_n to_o give_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o that_o loathsome_a creature_n but_o
worship_n of_o god_n appoint_v it_o be_v true_a the_o vindicator_n have_v not_o in_o this_o place_n any_o discourse_n to_o prove_v this_o unlawful_a but_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o theological_a hint_n that_o be_v intersperse_v in_o his_o defamatory_n libel_n but_o may_v not_o ceremony_n of_o human_a appointment_n if_o they_o decent_o and_o grave_o express_v our_o affection_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o solomon_n advise_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o patriarchal_a dispensation_n viz._n that_o of_o put_v off_o our_o shoe_n when_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a place_n as_o moses_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o because_o the_o place_n he_o stand_v upon_o be_v holy_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v a_o advertisement_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v ordinary_o do_v by_o all_o the_o eastern_a nation_n when_o he_o approach_v the_o place_n of_o god_n peculiar_a residence_n and_o pray_v be_v it_o not_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n expressive_a of_o their_o reverence_n and_o adoration_n in_o like_a manner_n sackcloth_n and_o ash_n do_v among_o all_o nation_n signify_v grief_n and_o sorrow_n therefore_o in_o their_o humiliation_n they_o be_v use_v to_o express_v their_o remorse_n and_o contrition_n the_o presbyterian_o fix_v upon_o a_o word_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n they_o repeat_v it_o with_o indignation_n and_o then_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v present_o let_v fly_v their_o thought_n to_o some_o monstrous_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o such_o ugly_a thing_n stick_v to_o their_o imagination_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o master_n john_n frown_v when_o he_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o the_o word_n significant_a ceremony_n shall_v disturb_v their_o imagination_n why_o may_v not_o we_o express_v our_o thought_n passion_n and_o affection_n by_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n since_o both_o be_v innocent_a and_o both_o serve_v the_o same_o design_n but_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o use_v significant_a ceremony_n when_o they_o impose_v the_o covenant_n he_o that_o swear_v be_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n bare_a you_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o not_o the_o left_a and_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o not_o otherwise_o extend_v it_o be_v bare_a and_o not_o cover_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o human_a institution_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nature_n teach_v mankind_n to_o approach_n god_n with_o all_o the_o decent_a mark_n of_o distance_n and_o adoration_n and_o they_o that_o declaim_v most_o against_o ceremony_n do_v practice_n they_o frequent_o only_o they_o do_v this_o more_o awkward_o and_o with_o a_o figure_n become_v their_o singularity_n but_o this_o will_v never_o convince_v the_o intelligent_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o better_a than_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n true_a religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o innocent_a decency_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o affect_v nothing_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a or_o singular_a our_o saviour_n leave_v we_o this_o example_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o affect_v no_o custom_n different_a from_o the_o jew_n if_o the_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v if_o they_o decent_o express_v our_o reverence_n or_o our_o humiliation_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o word_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o public_a order_n and_o uniformity_n nor_o can_v they_o change_v their_o nature_n by_o be_v command_v for_o such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v be_v use_v and_o which_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v use_v may_v very_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n sit_v for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v never_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o posture_n of_o reverence_n yet_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n fit_v all_o of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n what_o they_o signify_v by_o it_o i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o that_o which_o become_v prayer_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appendage_n or_o expression_n but_o not_o constituent_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v foolish_o and_o peevish_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o i_o may_v put_v the_o vindicator_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o scotland_n read_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o what_o he_o suggest_v according_a to_o his_o wont_a candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o rather_o a_o open_a avow_v of_o their_o principle_n when_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o unite_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o another_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o pag._n 196_o 197._o the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n that_o be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o vindicator_n book_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o bishop_n that_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o government_n submit_v to_o reordination_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n not_o only_o of_o this_o but_o other_o reform_a church_n i_o know_v none_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o bishop_n will_v do_v it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o the_o foreign_a church_n or_o the_o french_a divine_n all_o of_o they_o the_o great_a man_n among_o other_o they_o be_v reordain_v when_o they_o come_v to_o england_n and_o they_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v never_o condemn_v by_o any_o public_a act_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n nor_o by_o none_o of_o their_o eminent_a divine_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v their_o ordination_n in_o france_n but_o rather_o wave_n the_o debate_n but_o she_o be_v determine_v to_o preserve_v a_o unquestionable_a succession_n of_o priest_n within_o her_o own_o bound_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n narrate_v in_o mr._n meldrum_n letter_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o i_o know_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o subscribe_v a_o paper_n and_o that_o the_o paper_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o archbishop_n letter_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o that_o now_o he_o repent_v for_o subscribe_v this_o paper_n and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o great_a friendship_n afterward_o with_o bishop_n scougal_n and_o do_v what_o other_o in_o that_o interval_n do_v yet_o he_o think_v that_o by_o all_o this_o he_o pay_v no_o formal_a canonical_a obedience_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a thing_n to_o live_v in_o or_o near_o a_o university_n as_o mr._n meldrum_n do_v distinction_n be_v very_o useful_a thing_n one_o have_v better_a carry_v a_o good_a bundle_n of_o they_o about_o he_o than_o all_o your_o famous_a elixir_n and_o essence_n one_o may_v pay_v material_a canonical_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o pay_v it_o formal_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o pay_v it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v swear_v canonical_a obedience_n formal_o and_o i_o have_v pay_v it_o material_o and_o shall_v never_o decline_v my_o bishop_n spiritual_a authority_n when_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o i_o think_v all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o national_a church_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o obey_v their_o spiritual_a governor_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o past_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o opposite_a faction_n since_o the_o revolution_n and_o now_o i_o think_v it_o high_a time_n to_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a that_o i_o promise_v viz._n to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o several_a period_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confident_a to_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n because_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o peruse_v a_o manuscript_n write_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o true_a learning_n relate_v to_o this_o very_a affair_n and_o it_o be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o found_v on_o our_o best_a historian_n but_o on_o the_o authentic_a record_n of_o parliament_n and_o
former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n on_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfoction_n and_o nigh_o conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethres_n and_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o very_a assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o to_o exonerate_v our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o accession_n unto_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o meeting_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v limit_v and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o their_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n the_o commission_n of_o many_o burgh_n and_o presbytery_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o general_n assembly_n have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v prelimited_a the_o assembly_n by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n former_o mention_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n choose_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n do_v incite_v too_o hard_a course_n against_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o commission_n book_n or_o any_o act_n make_v by_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o approve_v their_o proceed_n we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propon_v and_o give_v in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n rule_v elder_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o protest_v against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicatories_n or_o censure_v person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o particular_a protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approbation_n or_o ratification_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o their_o commissioner_n especial_o their_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o judicatories_n and_o in_o the_o army_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o warning_n declaration_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v minister_n their_o doctrine_n and_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v not_o be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o due_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o convene_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v what_o further_a reason_n shall_v have_v weight_n for_o strengthen_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o show_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v extant_a ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o subscribe_v extract_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n subscribe_v and_o present_v at_o st._n andrews_n 20._o july_n 1651._o by_o mr._n a._n g._n moderator_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n mr._n samuel_n rutherford_n mr._n james_n guthery_n mr._n patrick_n gillespy_n mr._n john_n meinzies_n mr._n ephraim_n melvin_n mr._n john_n carstaires_o mr._n william_n adair_n mr._n thomas_n wyllie_n mr._n john_n nevoy_n mr._n james_n simpson_n mr._n william_n guthery_n mr._n alexander_n moncreif_a mr._n john_n hamilton_n in_o inderkip_n mr._n robert_n muire_v mr._n john_n hart._n mr._n andrew_n donaldson_n mr._n robert_n keith_n and_o ten_o other_o minister_n right_o reverend_n we_o be_v constrain_v by_o many_o necessity_n and_o by_o transfer_v of_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o your_o subsequent_a meeting_n and_o have_v lay_v to_o heart_n what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o so_o sad_a a_o dispensation_n and_o so_o sore_a a_o controversy_n against_o the_o land_n we_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o you_o that_o we_o be_v much_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n relate_v to_o the_o inbringing_a and_o entrusting_a of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o there_o issue_v forth_o one_o act_n with_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o prejudice_n as_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o presbytery_n election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n which_o have_v need_n to_o be_v look_v on_o lest_o the_o freedom_n of_o this_o high_a court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o such_o preparative_n be_v infringe_v we_o wish_v it_o be_v your_o wisdom_n care_v that_o begin_v evil_n be_v remedy_v our_o bleed_a wound_n with_o tender_a hand_n bind_v up_o and_o that_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n smoke_v in_o our_o bowel_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o do_v in_o all_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o your_o wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n of_o respect_n to_o precious_a man_n who_o we_o much_o honour_n and_o love_n in_o the_o lord_n though_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o most_o disser_n from_o they_o in_o judgement_n protest_v that_o the_o foresay_a proceed_n be_v not_o ratify_v and_o approven_v by_o you_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o