uniformity_n of_o divyne_fw-mi service_n throughout_o this_o national_n kirk_n and_o a_o more_o perfect_a form_n than_o we_o yet_o have_v that_o the_o public_a service_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o the_o several_a judgement_n and_o private_a choice_n of_o every_o minister_n and_o reader_n which_o also_o be_v think_v convenient_a by_o the_o national_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n hold_v at_o aberdene_n anno_fw-la 1616._o 2._o whether_o that_o service_n book_n now_o discharge_v contain_v any_o innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o you_o allege_v we_o do_v not_o dispute_v now_o but_o we_o do_v assure_o believe_v the_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o majesty_n intention_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v and_o still_o constant_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v gracious_o declare_v by_o his_o majesty_n late_a proclamation_n and_o we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v give_v order_n to_o discharge_v all_o the_o act_n of_o counsel_n make_v anent_o the_o canon_n and_o service_n book_n and_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o act_n of_o counsel_n at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o five_o of_o jullie_n last_o according_o to_o the_o order_n give_v by_o his_o majesty_n also_o we_o see_v no_o such_o just_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o may_v import_v your_o allege_v necessity_n of_o covenant_v see_v his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v all_o his_o love_a subject_n that_o he_o neither_o intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n nor_o law_n as_o we_o declare_v in_o our_o former_a reply_n to_o which_o you_o have_v not_o sufficient_o answer_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o remove_v of_o any_o just_a fear_n that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v disallow_v that_o service_n book_n as_o you_o require_v but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v it_o in_o manner_n foresay_a 3._o you_o do_v conclude_v your_o answer_n unto_o our_o three_o reply_n with_o a_o uncouth_a and_o incredible_a position_n whereof_o you_o bring_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o but_o only_o this_o bare_a assertion_n whosoever_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proclamation_n do_v proclaim_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o be_v better_o please_v with_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n then_o with_o the_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o reformation_n this_o your_o thesis_n be_v so_o evident_o weak_a that_o we_o need_v no_o more_o for_o the_o overthrow_n thereof_o but_o to_o oppose_v thereunto_o this_o our_o plain_n and_o undeniable_a antithesis_fw-la who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v with_o that_o proclamation_n whereby_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n be_v discharge_v and_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o reformation_n be_v establish_v do_v proclaim_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o be_v better_o please_v with_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o reformation_n then_o with_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n the_o iv._o duply._n yeâ—_n allege_v before_o and_o now_o again_o do_v affirm_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v out_o judicial_o by_o you_o and_o as_o if_o you_o have_v intend_v to_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o to_o free_v yourselves_o of_o this_o imputation_n you_o say_v in_o your_o first_o answer_n that_o you_o intend_v only_o to_o make_v know_v your_o own_o meaning_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n our_o reformer_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o hence_o we_o infer_v in_o our_o reply_n that_o you_o ought_v nor_o to_o obtrude_v your_o interpretation_n upon_o we_o nor_o molest_v any_o man_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o same_o to_o this_o now_o you_o say_v in_o your_o second_o answer_n although_o you_o neither_o use_v threaten_n nor_o obtrude_v your_o interpretation_n upon_o we_o yet_o we_o must_v pardon_v you_o if_o you_o match_v we_o not_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o who_o name_n by_o all_o fair_a mean_n you_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o true_o brethren_n we_o be_v not_o offend_v with_o you_o for_o prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o to_o our_o judgement_n who_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n neither_o need_v you_o to_o crave_v pardon_n of_o we_o for_o this_o but_o concern_v these_o fair_a mean_n and_o that_o force_n of_o reason_n whereby_o you_o say_v you_o recommend_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o we_o pardon_v we_o if_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v both_o of_o your_o write_n and_o proceed_n make_v we_o to_o oppose_v this_o your_o assertion_n for_o in_o your_o write_n we_o expect_v indeed_o but_o have_v not_o find_v that_o force_n of_o reason_n whereof_o you_o speak_v and_o as_o for_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o who_o have_v subscrive_v your_o covenant_n we_o of_o all_o man_n have_v least_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o use_v no_o threaten_n see_v we_o hear_v daily_a so_o much_o their_o threaten_n against_o ourselves_o 2._o whereas_o for_o clear_v of_o that_o which_o you_o say_v before_o concern_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o reformer_n you_o affirm_v that_o the_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o our_o reformer_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n but_o also_o by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o their_o own_o write_v first_o we_o marvel_v how_o you_o can_v say_v that_o the_o private_a write_n of_o master_n knox_n and_o other_o who_o with_o he_o be_v instrument_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n have_v public_a authority_n to_o obliedge_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o legislative_a and_o obligatory_a power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o in_o synod_n or_o convention_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o not_o in_o particular_a person_n express_v their_o mind_n apart_o next_o this_o church_n in_o the_o former_a age_n by_o abrogate_a the_o office_n of_o superintendant_o establish_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n be_v not_o of_o a_o authority_n perpetual_o obligatory_a but_o may_v be_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o exigencie_n of_o tyme._n the_o same_o likewise_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o abrogation_n of_o summary_n excommunication_n which_o this_o church_n do_v abolish_v although_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o general_n assembly_n wherein_o master_n knox_n and_o other_o reformer_n be_v present_a we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v much_o in_o this_o see_v so_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v subscribent_n misregard_n the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o reformer_n prefix_v to_o the_o psalm_n book_n concern_v the_o office_n of_o superintendant_o or_o bishop_n funeral_n sermon_n and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o appoint_v to_o be_v public_o read_v in_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o reader_n may_v perceive_v that_o you_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n from_o the_o authoritative_a and_o obligatory_a judgement_n of_o the_o reformer_n see_v you_o can_v not_o ground_v it_o upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n as_o for_o those_o other_o mean_v mention_v by_o we_o to_o wit_n scripture_n antiquity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o they_o true_o make_v for_o we_o and_o against_o you_o the_o unpartial_a reader_n may_v perceive_v by_o these_o our_o disput_n whether_o or_o not_o episcopacy_n and_o pearth_n article_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o second_o mistake_v mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o answer_n we_o do_v show_v in_o our_o reply_n that_o in_o your_o covenant_n pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v of_o this_o we_o ask_v of_o you_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o recovery_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o what_o be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o your_o word_n there_o have_v reference_n that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v urge_v upon_o you_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o time_n when_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v receive_v in_o this_o church_n but_o true_o your_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v nowise_o satisfactory_a nor_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o show_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o you_o be_v afraid_a to_o express_v that_o period_n of_o time_n lest_o you_o beforce_v to_o grant_v that_o which_o we_o before_o object_v and_o yet_o your_o
commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n 45._o again_o you_o say_v that_o when_o scandal_n of_o weak_a brethren_n may_v be_v fear_v the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o obligatory_a in_o respect_n the_o thing_n command_v by_o our_o superior_n although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a yet_o it_o become_v unexpedient_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o scandal_n which_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o now_o say_v you_o the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v not_o obligatory_a when_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o be_v unexpedient_a we_o on_o the_o contrary_a say_v that_o when_o our_o superior_n require_v of_o we_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a commandment_n the_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n be_v not_o obligatory_a in_o respect_n we_o ought_v not_o for_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v omit_v necessary_a duty_n which_o god_n in_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o in_o which_o number_n we_o most_o just_o do_v reckon_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n 46._o as_o for_o that_o which_o you_o say_v that_o when_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n command_v than_o the_o thing_n command_v become_v inexpedient_a and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v that_o you_o be_v not_o more_o deceive_v by_o this_o error_n we_o pray_v you_o mark_v that_o a_o thing_n comcomand_v by_o our_o superior_n in_o church_n or_o policy_n may_v be_v two_o way_n inexpedient_a to_o wit_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n do_v stumble_v at_o it_o or_o else_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n in_o general_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v inexpedient_a the_o first_o way_n only_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n provide_v alwise_o we_o do_v this_o without_o offence_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o without_o the_o scandal_n of_o other_o who_o by_o our_o forbearance_n may_v be_v make_v to_o vilipend_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n but_o we_o can_v not_o in_o such_o a_o case_n total_o and_o absolute_o deny_v obedience_n to_o a_o law_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v neither_o be_v your_o argument_n bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a valide_fw-la in_o respect_n we_o aught_o more_o to_o look_v to_o the_o utility_n and_o benefit_n which_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v by_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n then_o to_o the_o harm_n which_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v receive_v thereby_o 47._o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o our_o private_a judgement_n inexpedient_a the_o second_o way_n we_o ought_v not_o for_o that_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v questionable_a and_o probable_a argument_n may_v be_v bring_v pro_fw-la and_o contrae_fw-la concern_v the_o expediencie_n of_o it_o we_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o practice_v it_o if_o the_o church_n by_o her_o public_a decree_n have_v declare_v that_o she_o think_v it_o expedient_a your_o error_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a mind_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o may_v prove_v most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n for_o it_o make_v the_o church_n obnoxious_a to_o perpetual_a schism_n and_o disconformity_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a policy_n in_o respect_n man_n ordinary_o be_v divyde_v in_o judgement_n concern_v the_o expediencie_n of_o these_o thing_n suppon_o then_o that_o in_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o pastor_n threescore_o of_o they_o think_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a ceremony_n to_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o their_o voice_n make_v a_o act_n to_o be_v conclude_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o shall_v the_o remnant_n fourâ—y_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n conclude_v be_v inexpedient_a and_o shall_v they_o by_o do_v so_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n true_o if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o your_o mind_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o this_o church_n you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o this_o our_o argument_n be_v popish_a and_o lead_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o trial_n or_o examination_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v infallible_o conclude_v out_o of_o god_n word_n we_o ought_v not_o without_o trial_n to_o acquiesce_v into_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o dissent_v from_o the_o papist_n who_o ascrive_v too_o much_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n as_o if_o their_o decree_n be_v infallible_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n if_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o the_o expediencie_n of_o they_o only_o be_v call_v in_o question_n see_v no_o certain_a conclusion_n concern_v their_o expediency_n can_v be_v infallible_o draw_v out_o of_o god_n word_n which_o have_v not_o determine_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesoe_n into_o the_o decree_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o be_v not_o of_o infallible_a authority_n and_o that_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o otherwise_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o one_o conclusion_n concern_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n our_o disobedience_n shall_v prove_v far_o more_o unexpedient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n than_o our_o obedience_n can_v be_v 48._o see_v then_o whatsoever_o you_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o question_n propon_v by_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v with_o a_o retortion_n of_o the_o argument_n upon_o yourselves_o that_o we_o may_v eschew_v all_o such_o logomachie_n we_o must_v take_v some_o other_o course_n and_o try_v which_o of_o these_o two_o precept_n be_v in_o itself_o of_o great_a moment_n and_o obligation_n for_o thence_o we_o may_v collect_v which_o of_o these_o two_o precept_n do_v obliedge_v we_o in_o the_o case_n foresay_a the_o other_o give_v place_n to_o it_o and_o not_o obliedge_v we_o at_o all_o in_o that_o case_n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v that_o whereby_o our_o weak_a brother_n may_v be_v scandalize_v be_v in_o itself_o more_o obligatory_a or_o do_v more_o strict_o tie_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n you_o must_v bring_v a_o solid_a reason_n for_o you_o which_o we_o think_v you_o will_v hardly_o find_v we_o know_v you_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n concern_v scandal_n be_v more_o obligatory_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n because_o it_o concern_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brother_n but_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o valide_fw-la first_o in_o respect_n our_o brother_n if_o he_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n sin_v not_o by_o our_o default_n who_o do_v obey_v for_o our_o carriage_n in_o give_v obedience_n be_v such_o as_o may_v rather_o edify_v our_o brother_n second_o the_o precept_n which_o forbid_v disobedience_n concern_v the_o loss_n both_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o may_v be_v entyse_v to_o that_o sin_n by_o our_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superioure_n three_o if_o that_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n causeless_o take_v do_v so_o strict_o obliedge_v we_o when_o our_o superioure_n require_v obedience_n of_o we_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o inextricable_a perplexity_n not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v obey_v or_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o superioure_n in_o respect_n he_o may_v fear_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a whether_o he_o obey_v or_o deny_v obedience_n for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o many_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o deny_v obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a and_o that_o because_o we_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o be_v curb_v and_o to_o have_v our_o liberty_n restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superioure_n for_o this_o cause_n as_o calvin_n judicious_o note_v instit._fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o §_o 35._o god_n to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n call_v all_o
general_n demand_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n propound_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o aberdene_n to_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o come_v â—â—ither_o to_o recommend_v the_o late_a covenant_n to_o thâ—â—_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n together_o with_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a brethren_n to_o the_o say_a demand_n as_o also_o the_o reply_v of_o the_o foresay_a minister_n &_o professor_n to_o their_o answer_n 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o 16._o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v your_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n aberdene_n reprint_v by_o john_n forbes_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1662._o general_n demand_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n together_o with_o answer_n to_o they_o and_o reply_v to_o those_o answer_n the_o first_o demand_n by_o what_o power_n or_o warrant_v these_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n can_v sure_o of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o people_n subscription_n to_o this_o late_a covenant_n not_o be_v send_v by_o his_o majesty_n or_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o counsel_n nor_o by_o any_o national_n synod_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o by_o any_o judicatorie_a establish_v in_o it_o and_o how_o they_o can_v enforce_v upon_o we_o or_o upon_o our_o people_n who_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n unto_o they_o their_o interpretation_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n in_o respect_n whereof_o as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoev_a this_o late_a covenant_n be_v substantial_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n anno_fw-la 1580_o and_o 1581._o answer_n we_o be_v not_o come_v hither_o to_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a judicatorie_a or_o to_o enforce_v upon_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o subscription_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o article_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v call_v negative_a or_o whatsoev_a else_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o be_v send_v to_o represent_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o humility_n the_o present_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n cry_v for_o help_v at_o their_o hand_n also_o and_o in_o brotherlie_a love_n to_o exhort_v and_o entreat_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o contribute_v their_o best_a endeavour_n for_o extinguish_v the_o common_a combustion_n which_o by_o join_v with_o almost_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o late_a covenant_n we_o trust_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o to_o any_o lawful_a judicatorie_a or_o to_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n above_o mention_v since_o the_o sound_a interpretation_n and_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o error_n of_o our_o time_n can_v make_v no_o substantial_a change_n and_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n wherein_o we_o obliedge_n ourselves_o to_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v join_v at_o first_o with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n like_a as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n object_v that_o our_o covenant_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n have_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o declaration_n bear_v that_o we_o have_v solemn_o swear_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o of_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n reply_n we_o have_v reverend_a brethren_n sufficient_o consider_v and_o examine_v your_o answer_n to_o our_o demand_n by_o which_o we_o expect_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o our_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n but_o true_o in_o modesty_n and_o brotherlie_a love_n we_o tell_v you_o that_o your_o answer_n whatsoev_a you_o think_v of_o they_o yourselves_o have_v not_o give_v we_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o we_o expect_v we_o know_v that_o some_o who_o rash_o condemn_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v or_o write_v contrary_a to_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o maintain_v will_v bold_o say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v close_v our_o eye_n against_o a_o clear_a and_o ingyre_a light_n but_o first_o we_o say_v with_o job_n our_o witness_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o our_o record_n be_v on_o high_a that_o lord_n who_o only_o see_v the_o secret_n of_o heart_n know_v that_o we_o love_v his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a so_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v unto_o we_o to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v it_o before_o the_o world_n next_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v maturelie_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o argument_n and_o of_o these_o answer_n which_o it_o have_v please_v you_o to_o give_v we_o wish_v they_o yea_o most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o judge_v both_o of_o your_o writing_n and_o we_o without_o prejudice_n or_o any_o partial_a respect_n yea_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o you_o also_o oâ—_n who_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v persuade_v will_v after_o better_a advysement_n and_o more_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n debate_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o it_o the_o lord_n open_a your_o eye_n that_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o truth_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v we_o object_v to_o you_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o you_o have_v not_o a_o call_v to_o urge_v we_o to_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n from_o any_o acknowledge_a authority_n or_o lawful_a judicaâ—â—rie_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n or_o kingdom_n to_o which_o objection_n you_o answer_v noâ—_n here_o particular_o as_o we_o expect_v and_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v come_v to_o exhort_v we_o and_o our_o people_n in_o all_o humility_n to_o join_v with_o you_o how_o be_v it_o that_o without_o our_o consent_n and_o against_o our_o will_n not_o have_v lawful_a authority_n which_o you_o seem_v here_o not_o to_o acclaime_v to_o yourselves_o you_o have_v publicklie_o preach_v to_o our_o people_n within_o our_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o elder_n or_o pastor_n the_o care_n of_o those_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 2_o as_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o pastor_n who_o the_o flock_n must_v know_v and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o do_v watch_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o flock_n and_o must_v give_v account_n for_o they_o 1._o thessaly_n 5._o 12_o hebr._n 13._o 17._o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n pastor_n be_v command_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o charge_n and_o not_o to_o presume_v to_o exercise_v pastoral_a office_n in_o another_o pastor_n diocese_n or_o parioch_n without_o leave_n as_o also_o they_o forbid_v pastor_n to_o receive_v to_o divine_a service_n any_o man_n of_o another_o pariochin_n that_o come_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o own_o pastor_n council_n nicen._n â—_o oecum_fw-la 1._o can._n 16._o council_n 2._o oecum_fw-la constantinop_n can._n 2._o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 11._o council_n carthag_n 3._o can._n 20._o council_n chalced._n oecum_fw-la 4._o can._n 13._o council_n nicen._n 2._o can._n 10._o council_n tribur_n can._n 28._o council_n nannet_n cap._n 1._o &_o 2._o †_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o without_o reason_n say_v that_o you_o and_o other_o of_o your_o confederation_n enforce_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n upon_o other_o seeing_z we_o hear_v that_o some_o pastor_n and_o prelate_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o forraygne_a country_n for_o fear_v of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o have_v refuse_v the_o say_a interpretation_n and_o those_o 〈…〉_z ave_fw-la stay_v in_o the_o country_n dare_v scarce_o appear_v in_o the_o h_o 〈…〉_z or_o street_n and_o be_v threaten_v that_o their_o stipend_n shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o they_o until_o they_o subscrive_v your_o covenant_n †_o 3._o whereas_o you_o do_v
in_o brotherly_a love_n exhort_v and_o entreat_v we_o to_o contribute_v our_o best_a endeavour_n for_o extinguish_v the_o common_a combustion_n we_o praise_v god_n for_o your_o pious_a zeal_n and_o for_o the_o lovingnesse_n and_o modesty_n of_o your_o speech_n wherein_o by_o god_n help_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o keep_v correspondence_n with_o you_o that_o both_o we_o and_o you_o may_v show_v â—â—â—_o self_n to_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n meekness_n and_o lowliness_n of_o heart_n we_o most_o willing_o promise_v to_o do_v so_o by_o all_o mean_n which_o our_o conscience_n will_v permit_v we_o to_o use_v as_o also_o to_o join_v our_o most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n with_o you_o that_o it_o may_v please_v god_n in_o this_o dangerous_a exigent_n to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o our_o zion_n and_o to_o build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n †_o 4._o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v substantial_o different_a from_o the_o old_a which_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o in_o respect_n it_o not_o only_o contain_v that_o old_a covenant_n or_o confession_n which_o be_v allow_v by_o two_o general_n assembly_n but_o also_o your_o interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o as_o yet_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n or_o approbation_n †_o 5._o no_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoev_a be_v express_v in_o the_o covenant_n make_v 1581._o and_o although_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v very_o unlike_a for_o subject_n may_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a defence_n by_o arm_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n who_o only_o under_o god_n have_v the_o power_n of_o arm_n or_o of_o the_o sword_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o they_o who_o make_v this_o late_a covenant_n have_v not_o his_o consent_n as_o that_o former_a or_o old_a covenant_n have_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v call_v it_o in_o question_n †_o 6._o as_o for_o that_o which_o you_o affirm_v here_o that_o my_o lord_n commissioner_n his_o grace_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o your_o declaration_n it_o become_v not_o we_o to_o pry_v narrow_o into_o his_o grace_n do_n but_o true_o we_o have_v more_o than_o reason_n to_o pry_v most_o narrow_o into_o the_o word_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v swear_v and_o subscrybed_n lest_o we_o abuse_v and_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n and_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v displease_v unto_o he_o last_o of_o all_o whereas_o you_o desire_v we_o to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o you_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o confederacy_n who_o be_v as_o you_o affirm_v almost_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n true_o we_o can_v but_o reverence_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o dear_a countryman_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n but_o neither_o can_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n neither_o can_v we_o attribute_v so_o much_o authority_n to_o their_o multitude_n as_o otherwise_o we_o will_v in_o respect_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deal_n for_o subscription_n in_o all_o quarter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o so_o many_o have_v be_v threaten_v to_o give_v their_o consent_n as_o we_o be_v most_o credible_o inform_v the_o second_o demand_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o ought_v to_o subscryve_v the_o foresay_a covenant_n see_v all_o covenant_n of_o mutual_a defence_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n make_v among_o subject_n of_o any_o degree_n upon_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o successoures_n privity_n and_o consent_n be_v express_o forbid_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v at_o linlithgow_n anno_fw-la 1585._o answer_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n forbid_v in_o the_o first_o part_n league_n and_o band_n of_o maintenance_n privily_o make_v such_o as_o be_v call_v band_n of_o manrent_a as_o the_o act_n in_o queen_n mary_n time_n to_o which_o it_o have_v relation_n do_v bear_v and_o in_o the_o second_o part_n only_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o realm_n by_o move_a sedition_n but_o no_o act_n of_o parliament_n do_v discharge_v nor_o can_v any_o just_a law_n forbid_v convention_n or_o covenant_n in_o the_o general_a or_o such_o covenant_n in_o special_a as_o be_v make_v with_o god_n and_o among_o ourselves_o not_o for_o any_o man_n particular_a but_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o not_o to_o move_v sedition_n but_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v trouble_n which_o by_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v to_o many_o before_o this_o time_n too_o sensible_a if_o this_o course_n have_v not_o be_v take_v convention_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o jurisconsult_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o according_a to_o their_o diverse_a end_n good_a or_o bad_a which_o make_v king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n to_o take_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a maxim_n that_o pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la patre_fw-la patriae_fw-la the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v stir_v at_o once_o not_o any_o more_o as_o divide_a member_n but_o as_o one_o consolidate_a lump_n replye_n in_o that_o second_o part_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n hold_v at_o linlithgo_n anno_fw-la 1585._o be_v forbid_v all_o league_n or_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n which_o be_v make_v without_o the_o privity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v hold_v and_o execute_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o unquietness_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o we_o can_v no_o way_n think_v that_o any_o band_n or_o league_n of_o mutual_a defence_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n be_v there_o permit_v that_o be_v not_o forbid_v see_v first_o the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o general_a for_o in_o it_o be_v discharge_v all_o band_n make_v among_o subject_n of_o any_o degree_n upon_o any_o colour_n what_o soever_o without_o his_o highness_n or_o his_o successor_n privity_n and_o consent_n have_v and_o obtain_v thereunto_o next_o all_o such_o band_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v seditious_a and_o perturbative_a of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v not_o see_v how_o any_o band_n of_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v except_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o seditious_a 2._o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o late_a covenant_n be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o those_o pious_a and_o generous_a gentleman_n baron_n and_o other_o our_o dear_a country_n man_n who_o make_v it_o especial_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n be_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o zealous_a respect_n to_o god_n his_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n but_o we_o can_v find_v a_o warrant_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o grant_v that_o such_o covenant_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o import_v mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoev_a none_o be_v except_v no_o not_o the_o king_n as_o it_o seem_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o your_o covenant_n but_o far_o more_o by_o the_o word_n of_o your_o late_a protestation_n the_o 28_o of_o june_n wherein_o you_o promise_v mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o his_o majesty_n last_o proclamation_n be_v not_o forbid_v by_o any_o band_n nor_o just_o yet_o can_v be_v forbid_v for_o first_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1585._o 2._o no_o warrefare_n and_o consequent_o no_o covenant_n import_v warrefare_n be_v lawful_a without_o just_a authority_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v only_o in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o and_o in_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o employment_n from_o he_o to_o take_v arm_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v all_o moderate_a man_n who_o due_o respect_v authority_n will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o monarchy_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o which_o nature_n be_v this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a to_o subject_n in_o such_o kingdom_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o their_o prince_n for_o which_o cause_n that_o famous_a and_o most_o learned_a doctor_n rivetus_n in_o a_o late_a treatise_n call_v jesuita_fw-la vapulans_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o buchannan_n and_o other_o who_o teach_v that_o subject_n may_v take_v arm_n against_o their_o prince_n in_o extraordinary_a
of_o the_o controvert_v word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o humble_o entreat_v that_o no_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o this_o scruple_n withhold_v his_o testimony_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o miss-taking_n if_o you_o have_v not_o give_v out_o that_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n judicial_o but_o only_o have_v make_v know_v your_o own_o meaning_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reformer_n as_o you_o allege_v then_o first_o your_o interpretation_n have_v no_o obligatory_a power_n over_o other_o and_o consequent_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o obtrude_v your_o interpretation_n upon_o we_o more_o than_o we_o do_v our_o interpretation_n thereof_o upon_o you_o neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o be_v molest_v or_o threaten_v for_o not_o receive_v your_o interpretation_n chief_o see_v all_o who_o be_v of_o your_o confederation_n have_v so_o solemn_o vow_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n &_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n second_o as_o for_o the_o mind_n or_o judgement_n of_o our_o reformer_n we_o know_v no_o evidencie_n of_o it_o have_v public_a authority_n to_o obliedge_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n except_o that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o our_o national_n confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n twenty_o year_n before_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v pen_v wherein_o we_o find_v no_o warrant_n or_o ground_n of_o such_o interpretation_n as_o you_o bring_v three_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n set_v down_o in_o your_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v not_o public_a ratione_fw-la personae_fw-la so_o also_o not_o ratione_fw-la medii_fw-la for_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v ever_o perceive_v either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n or_o from_o our_o national_n confession_n registrate_v in_o parliament_n as_o for_o the_o second_o misstake_v oâ—_n misinterpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n first_o we_o marvel_v that_o a_o general_n covenant_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscrive_v by_o all_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v have_v be_v set_v down_o by_o you_o in_o such_o ambiguous_a term_n for_o true_o all_o man_n here_o even_o the_o most_o judicious_a do_v so_o take_v your_o word_n as_o if_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v in_o they_o abjure_v 2._o we_o have_v again_o more_o attentive_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o do_v evident_o perceive_v by_o they_o that_o in_o the_o say_a covenant_n the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v as_o erroneous_a and_o damnable_a corruption_n for_o where_o you_o profess_v and_o before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o world_n solemn_o declare_v that_o you_o shall_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_v lawful_a to_o recover_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n we_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o your_o word_n have_v reference_n when_o you_o promise_v to_o labour_v to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v &_o establish_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o service-booke_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v urge_v upon_o you_o to_o wit_n the_o last_o year_n bypass_a in_o summer_n than_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o that_o time_n you_o enjoin_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o that_o you_o yet_o enjoy_v it_o for_o no_o new_a thing_n have_v since_o that_o time_n be_v publicklie_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o this_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v as_o undoubtedlie_o we_o think_v you_o do_v the_o time_n precede_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o pearth_n than_o you_o comprehend_v both_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o pearth_n under_o these_o novation_n for_o the_o remove_n whereof_o you_o promise_v to_o labour_v according_a to_o your_o power_n and_o consequent_o do_v disallow_v and_o condemn_v they_o even_o before_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o before_o they_o be_v hear_v who_o maintain_v &_o approve_v they_o as_o lawful_a 3._o we_o may_v evidentlie_o demonstrate_v this_o argumento_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o school_n for_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v abjure_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v also_o abjure_v in_o your_o late_a covenant_n which_o as_o you_o say_v be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o with_o the_o covenant_n make_v 1581._o but_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n be_v abjure_v as_o you_o say_v in_o the_o covenant_n make_v 1581._o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v also_o abjure_v in_o this_o your_o late_a covenant_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o in_o your_o late_a covenant_n speak_v of_o the_o oath_n contain_v in_o that_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o you_o profess_v that_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n in_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o foresay_a national_n oath_n as_o you_o call_v it_o and_o subscription_n unviolable_a the_o second_o proposition_n also_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o you_o for_o these_o twenty_o year_n bybast_a you_o have_v accuse_v those_o who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o pearth_n of_o perjury_n and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v violate_v the_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o in_o the_o which_o those_o article_n as_o you_o allege_v be_v abjure_v but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v those_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v swear_v and_o subscrive_v your_o late_a covenant_n and_o notwithstanding_a of_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n be_v tie_v only_o to_o the_o forbearance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n for_o a_o time_n we_o answer_v first_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a or_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n ambiguous_a the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o declare_v and_o manifest_v that_o all_o may_v know_v it_o 2._o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o and_o therefore_o see_v you_o who_o require_v this_o oath_n of_o we_o think_v the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n conclude_v at_o pearth_n to_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o how_o can_v we_o swear_v and_o subâ—rive_v your_o covenant_n which_o renew_v the_o foresay_a oath_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o it_o 3._o if_o we_o shall_v swear_v and_o subscrive_v the_o negative_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v include_v in_o your_o covenant_n than_o you_o who_o think_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n to_o be_v abjure_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n will_v think_v we_o tie_v by_o our_o own_o personal_a oath_n to_o condemn_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n 4._o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v pen_v by_o you_o who_o have_v hitherto_o not_o conform_v yourselves_o to_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o have_v oppose_v episcopacy_n and_o see_v you_o all_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v that_o popish_a or_o wicked_a hierarchy_n mention_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n as_o also_o esteem_v the_o thing_n conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n to_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o you_o in_o your_o solemn_a vow_n make_v to_o god_n for_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o resist_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o novation_n &_o corruption_n of_o it_o have_v pass_v by_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o only_a novation_n already_o introduce_v by_o authority_n and_o from_o which_o as_o you_o affirm_v the_o church_n have_v so_o great_a need_n to_o be_v purge_v chief_o see_v you_o think_v they_o as_o popish_a superstitious_a &_o idolatrous_a as_o you_o do_v these_o other_o novation_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o introduce_v 5._o if_o in_o all_o your_o supplication_n plaint_n and_o protestation_n you_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o remove_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o new_a high_a commission_n not_o complain_v of_o any_o other_o novation_n and_o see_v his_o majesty_n have_v discharge_v the_o first_o two_o &_o have_v promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o three_o or_o last_o of_o they_o then_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o think_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v not_o satisfy_v your_o supplication_n for_o all_o the_o novation_n upon_o which_o you_o complain_v be_v remove_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o
ordinance_n which_o have_v come_v into_o the_o church_n since_o the_o foresay_a year_n of_o god_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n which_o it_o then_o have_v whereby_o you_o declare_v that_o the_o foresay_a article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o you_o be_v tie_v by_o your_o oath_n to_o vote_n against_o they_o if_o you_o be_v call_v to_o the_o intend_a assembly_n the_o eleven_o demand_n whether_o our_o subscrive_v together_o with_o our_o people_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o be_v ratify_v and_o registrate_v in_o parliament_n ann._n 1567._o may_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o who_o doubt_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o profession_n if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v no_o far_o aim_v but_o only_o to_o know_v and_o see_v our_o willingness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n to_o adheere_v to_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v and_o to_o oppose_v all_o error_n contrary_a to_o it_o to_o our_o life_n end_v now_o see_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v this_o as_o we_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v we_o be_v how_o be_v we_o hate_v malign_v and_o traduce_v as_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n only_o because_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o subscrive_v to_o that_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n insert_v in_o the_o covenant_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v see_v no_o warrant_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o lawful_a authority_n bind_v we_o to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o politic_a or_o rather_o military_a part_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o call_v and_o not_o belong_v to_o that_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o s._n jude_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n answer_n since_o no_o other_o mean_a can_v be_v find_v so_o effectual_a for_o hold_v out_o of_o popery_n and_o forbear_v of_o dangerous_a novation_n in_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n which_o as_o yet_o be_v only_o discharge_v till_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n they_o may_v be_v introduce_v and_o be_v by_o no_o word_n of_o the_o late_a proclamation_n disallow_v although_o the_o service_n book_n by_o the_o proclamation_n february_n 19_o be_v high_o praise_v as_o serve_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o nothing_o in_o this_o application_n be_v abjure_v but_o what_o be_v abjure_v in_o the_o former_a why_o shall_v we_o forbear_v to_o use_v a_o mean_a so_o just_a and_o so_o powerful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n replye_n here_o you_o do_v not_o particular_o answer_v to_o our_o demand_n and_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o give_v that_o testimony_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n concern_v our_o sincerity_n in_o profess_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o all_o who_o know_v and_o judge_v unpartial_o of_o we_o do_v think_v to_o be_v due_a to_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o pain_n we_o take_v in_o dispute_v and_o write_v against_o papist_n in_o confute_v their_o error_n in_o our_o pulpit_n in_o lead_v process_n against_o they_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o do_v all_o thing_n against_o romish_a error_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a professoures_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o or_o any_o other_o of_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o profession_n then_o pose_v we_o concern_v any_o article_n controvert_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o declare_v our_o mind_n concern_v it_o before_o all_o man_n and_o give_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v pry_v as_o narrow_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o romish_a error_n for_o refutation_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o impious_o and_o uncharitablie_o traduce_v we_o as_o favourer_n of_o popery_n 2._o we_o have_v other_o mean_n more_o effectual_a and_o lawful_a whereas_o we_o think_v this_o your_o mean_n to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o hold_v out_o of_o popery_n and_o in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o conside_fw-la more_fw-it then_o in_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o vow_n of_o man_n yea_o also_o more_o than_o in_o all_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o land_n to_o wit_n diligent_o preach_v and_o teach_v of_o the_o word_n frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n humble_v of_o our_o selus_fw-la before_o he_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o our_o adversary_n by_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o either_o by_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o have_v such_o a_o hard_a conceit_n of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n that_o if_o his_o majesty_n use_v a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n of_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o church_n especial_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n in_o all_o appearance_n we_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v the_o in_o bring_v of_o they_o the_o twelve_o demand_n whereas_o we_o hear_v of_o diverse_a disorder_n and_o violent_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o have_v subscrive_v the_o covenant_n against_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n who_o continue_v in_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o miscarriage_n be_v do_v without_o all_o form_n of_o justice_n or_o legal_a proceed_n be_v a_o exercise_v of_o revenge_n by_o private_a authority_n and_o consequent_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o six_o commandment_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v we_o not_o to_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o their_o society_n we_o will_v gladely_a therefore_o know_v of_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o have_v come_v hither_o to_o recommend_v the_o late_a covenant_n unto_o we_o first_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o do_v allow_v these_o disorder_n 2._o if_o they_o allow_v they_o what_o reason_n have_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o allow_v they_o not_o how_o be_v it_o that_o these_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v not_o public_o by_o they_o and_o other_o pastor_n of_o their_o confederacy_n condemn_v and_o sharp_o rebuke_v in_o their_o pulpit_n why_o be_v the_o actor_n of_o they_o not_o try_v and_o censure_v and_o why_o do_v they_o delay_v to_o give_v out_o some_o public_a declaration_n either_o in_o print_n or_o writ_n to_o this_o effect_n be_v long_o since_o exhort_v to_o do_v so_o answer_n 1._o hardly_o can_v a_o zealous_a people_n assemble_v in_o a_o church_fw-mi for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v from_o tumult_n when_o book_n and_o a_o worship_n which_o they_o either_o know_v or_o conceive_v to_o be_v popish_a be_v sudden_o and_o imperious_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o leader_n and_o how_o far_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o material_a kirkes_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o worship_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o community_n of_o he_o faithful_n shall_v be_v consider_v 2._o violence_n do_v in_o other_o place_n and_o upon_o other_o occasion_n we_o no_o more_o allow_v than_o we_o do_v approve_v the_o aspersion_n of_o perjury_n rebellion_n etc._n etc._n which_o some_o man_n do_v put_v upon_o we_o replye_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o contemn_v authority_n and_o the_o lord_n service_n do_v in_o his_o own_o house_n on_o his_o own_o day_n so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v violent_a hand_n in_o praelate_n and_o pastor_n in_o time_n of_o divyne_fw-mi worship_n while_o they_o be_v practise_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n such_o disorder_n and_o contemptuous_a carriage_n do_v not_o beseem_v those_o who_o christ_n invit_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n of_o heart_n chief_o see_v there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n whereby_o people_n may_v testify_v their_o aversation_n of_o those_o book_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v popish_a if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o parent_n to_o provoke_v their_o child_n to_o wrath_n much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n in_o child_n to_o provoke_v their_o parent_n especial_o patrem_fw-la patriae_fw-la the_o common_a father_n of_o the_o country_n so_o to_o wrath_n 2._o the_o keep_n of_o god_n house_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o worship_n belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v clothe_v with_o lawful_a authority_n 3._o we_o not_o only_o ask_v of_o you_o whether_o or_o no_o you_o do_v allow_v the_o miscarriage_n towards_o our_o
thereto_o by_o prejudice_n then_o at_o satisfaction_n by_o search_v of_o the_o truth_n this_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o mistake_n for_o although_o our_o demand_n at_o the_o first_o be_v intend_v for_o you_o only_o yet_o afterward_o we_o resolve_v to_o print_v they_o as_o also_o our_o reply_v the_o print_v whereof_o do_v nowayes_o depend_v upon_o your_o second_o answer_n not_o for_o love_v of_o contention_n nor_o desire_n of_o victory_n god_n know_v but_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v express_v in_o our_o preface_n to_o the_o unpartial_a reader_n who_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n your_o other_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o answer_n to_o we_o have_v prove_v satisfactory_a to_o other_o who_o for_o age_n and_o learning_n be_v prime_a man_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o to_o who_o our_o modesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o prefer_v ourselves_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o prefer_v ourselves_o to_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o worthy_a divine_n and_o as_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o measure_v the_o solidity_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o your_o answer_n by_o the_o hability_n or_o indument_n of_o these_o who_o have_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o if_o this_o your_o reason_n be_v good_a the_o papist_n may_v more_o probable_o accuse_v we_o of_o prejudice_n as_o indeed_o they_o unjustlie_o do_v because_o their_o answer_n to_o our_o argument_n have_v prove_v satisfactory_a to_o many_o thousand_o of_o those_o who_o for_o profundity_n and_o subtility_n of_o wit_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o world_n but_o we_o regard_v not_o this_o slender_a motive_n remember_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o o_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n beside_o if_o you_o compare_v the_o divine_n ancient_a and_o modern_a who_o be_v of_o our_o judgement_n with_o these_o who_o favour_n your_o opinion_n either_o in_o number_n or_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o this_o the_o advantage_n be_v great_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o we_o can_v bring_v far_o better_a reason_n to_o free_v ourselves_o of_o prejudice_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v bring_v against_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o solidity_n of_o our_o argument_n which_o have_v put_v you_o to_o such_o strait_n pardon_v we_o to_o say_v that_o which_o every_o one_o who_o have_v eye_n may_v see_v that_o oft_o time_n you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o answer_v they_o be_v glad_a to_o pass_v they_o by_o with_o the_o show_n of_o a_o argument_n in_o contrarium_fw-la or_o some_o other_o like_o shift_n our_o humble_a &_o earnest_a attestation_n in_o call_v god_n the_o only_a competent_a judge_n as_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o the_o inmost_a thought_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o serious_o profess_a resolution_n to_o concur_v with_o you_o if_o we_o shall_v get_v satisfaction_n from_o you_o the_o modesty_n ingenuity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n of_o our_o write_n to_o you_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a your_o too_o great_a disdainfulness_n and_o asperitie_n in_o your_o second_o answer_n betray_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o mind_n far_o by_o our_o expectation_n but_o also_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o cause_n to_o unpartial_a reader_n who_o ascrive_v this_o to_o the_o pungent_a force_n of_o our_o argument_n judge_v that_o they_o have_v make_v you_o somewhat_o more_o choleric_a than_o you_o be_v before_o to_o this_o we_o will_v add_v the_o great_a reluctance_n which_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a subscribent_n do_v find_v in_o their_o conscience_n before_o they_o subscrive_v your_o covenant_n together_o with_o the_o limitation_n and_o reservation_n wherewith_o they_o subscrive_v it_o evident_o argue_v their_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a ambiguity_n and_o haske_n sound_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n so_o that_o even_o these_o who_o be_v now_o join_v with_o you_o have_v be_v much_o affright_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o terrify_v we_o as_o for_o your_o protestation_n in_o the_o end_n of_o your_o epistle_n that_o you_o can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o mind_n than_o you_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v reform_v swear_v etc._n etc._n although_o this_o import_v no_o small_a prejudice_n possess_v and_o overrule_a your_o mind_n yet_o look_v to_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o maintain_v we_o even_o yet_o hope_v that_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v prevail_v with_o you_o especial_o consider_v that_o our_o controversy_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o reform_a religion_n whereunto_o we_o as_o sincere_o adhere_v as_o any_o whatsoever_o but_o concern_v the_o equity_n of_o that_o form_n of_o covenant_n which_o you_o late_o make_v wish_v you_o and_o all_o other_o to_o adhere_v true_o and_o sincere_o to_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o in_o it_o be_v recommend_v to_o you_o we_o most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o pray_v the_o almighty_a god_n to_o pity_v his_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o our_o heart_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o these_o most_o dangerous_a day_n which_o although_o they_o be_v to_o you_o day_n of_o gladness_n as_o you_o profess_v yet_o to_o those_o who_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n they_o be_v sad_a and_o melancholious_a day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o black_a cloud_n of_o god_n wrath_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o threaten_v we_o with_o storm_n of_o fearful_a calamity_n which_o we_o pray_v the_o almighty_a god_n to_o avert_v the_o first_o duply._n in_o our_o dispute_n against_o the_o papist_n which_o have_v be_v frequent_a and_o by_o god_n grace_n not_o unfruitful_a as_o we_o have_v learn_v that_o to_o multiply_v objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o thing_n easy_a as_o you_o say_v but_o fruitless_a and_o vain_a so_o also_o we_o have_v learn_v that_o to_o multiply_v evasion_n against_o solid_a argument_n bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o thing_n no_o less_o easy_a but_o altogether_o unprofitable_a which_o we_o pray_v you_o take_v heed_n to_o how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n but_o what_o do_v your_o argue_v reprove_v job_n 6._o 25._o 2._o you_o say_v that_o our_o objection_n against_o your_o call_n and_o the_o warrant_n of_o your_o come_n to_o we_o be_v frame_v and_o publish_v in_o print_n before_o it_o be_v propon_v unto_o you_o and_o ere_o your_o answer_n can_v be_v have_v indeed_o our_o demand_n be_v at_o the_o press_n at_o your_o come_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o readiness_n but_o be_v not_o publish_v before_o yourselves_o in_o your_o sermon_n do_v public_o read_v they_o and_o dispute_v against_o they_o in_o audience_n of_o such_o of_o our_o people_n as_o be_v there_o present_a for_o the_o time_n albeit_o that_o write_a copy_n of_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o only_o and_o not_o at_o that_o time_n communicate_v by_o we_o to_o any_o other_o 3._o your_o authority_n which_o you_o acclaim_v be_v neither_o from_o his_o majesty_n nor_o warrand_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n counsel_n nor_o by_o any_o national_n synod_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o by_o any_o judicatory_a establish_v in_o it_o and_o both_o in_o your_o first_o answer_n as_o also_o now_o again_o you_o profess_v that_o you_o come_v not_o hither_o to_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a judicatorie_a as_o for_o your_o multitude_n which_o you_o call_v almost_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v destitute_a of_o authority_n foresay_a make_v no_o warrant_n of_o ordinary_a call_n therefore_o you_o seem_v to_o pretend_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n from_o god_n allege_v a_o extraordinary_a necessity_n at_o this_o time_n which_o true_o we_o see_v not_o in_o any_o such_o degree_n as_o may_v deserve_v and_o warrant_v so_o great_a a_o change_n from_o the_o receive_a order_n which_o be_v public_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n that_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n which_o you_o allege_v for_o your_o extraordinary_a employment_n import_v not_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n but_o a_o ordinary_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o calling_n 4._o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o counsel_n do_v so_o permit_v to_o pastor_n the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi as_o they_o must_v
of_o arminian_n corruption_n even_o before_o pearth_n assembly_n brand_a some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o church_n with_o that_o aspersion_n and_o of_o popish_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n you_o complain_v when_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o your_o judgement_n mere_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a neither_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v prior_n to_o the_o foresay_a period_n of_o time_n for_o the_o time_n precede_v the_o inbr_n of_o pearth_n article_n comprehend_v all_o that_o tract_n of_o time_n which_o interveen_v betwixt_o the_o reformation_n and_o pearth_n assembly_n 14._o but_o we_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o convince_v you_o by_o two_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o that_o part_n of_o your_o covenant_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o four_o reply_n for_o first_o in_o your_o covenant_n you_o promise_v and_o also_o will_v have_v we_o to_o promise_v with_o you_o to_o forbear_v for_o a_o time_n the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n until_o they_o be_v try_v as_o you_o say_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n but_o this_o forbearance_n import_v a_o manifest_a prejudice_n and_o wrong_v of_o our_o cause_n for_o this_o be_v a_o fore-acknowledgement_n either_o of_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n or_o else_o of_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o the_o matter_n conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n for_o wherefore_o ought_v we_o in_o this_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n rather_o than_o of_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n except_o for_o some_o great_a evil_n comprehend_v in_o they_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o reason_n allege_v by_o you_o pag._n 17_o wherefore_o we_o ought_v now_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o article_n to_o wit_n because_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o sensible_a fear_n of_o superstition_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o now_o this_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o in_o your_o judgement_n a_o temporary_a but_o a_o perpetual_a consequent_a of_o pearth_n article_n for_o you_o think_v it_o will_v ever_o scandalize_v the_o papist_n as_o if_o we_o be_v approach_v to_o they_o likewise_o you_o think_v every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o especial_o kneel_v to_o be_v inductive_a to_o sin_n ex_fw-la conditione_n operis_fw-la by_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_o and_o immutablie_o scandalous_a for_o whatsoever_o agree_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o agree_v necessary_o and_o immutable_o if_o therefore_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n swear_v the_o forbearance_n of_o pearth_n article_n we_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o forbear_v pearth_n article_n not_o for_o a_o time_n but_o for_o ever_o 15._o next_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o foresay_a novation_n in_o that_o part_n of_o your_o covenant_n wherein_o you_o promise_v to_o labour_v to_o recover_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n certain_o these_o word_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o novation_n to_o be_v introduce_v and_o which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o enter_v unto_o our_o church_n for_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o lose_v yea_o not_o impair_v by_o they_o and_o so_o need_v not_o to_o be_v recover_v by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o they_o must_v then_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o novation_n mention_v in_o the_o parenthesis_n of_o your_o covenant_n that_o be_v of_o all_o innovation_n already_o introduce_v by_o authority_n and_o their_o allege_v consequent_n which_o you_o promise_v to_o forbear_v until_o they_o be_v allow_v and_o try_v by_o a_o free_a assembly_n hence_o any_o man_n may_v conclude_v that_o although_o in_o your_o parenthesis_n you_o promise_v only_o to_o forbear_v these_o novation_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v you_o condemn_v and_o abjure_v they_o for_o the_o recover_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n import_v manifest_o a_o remove_n of_o all_o these_o novation_n which_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o consequent_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o all_o novation_n already_o introduce_v be_v in_o your_o judgement_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o therefore_o your_o vow_n of_o the_o recover_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n import_v a_o remove_n of_o all_o the_o foresay_a novation_n 16._o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n you_o may_v see_v that_o we_o have_v pry_v no_o more_o narrow_o into_o the_o expression_n of_o your_o covenant_n than_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o have_v labour_v not_o to_o scare_v ourselves_o and_o other_o with_o mere_a shadow_n as_o you_o affirm_v of_o our_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o the_o weak_a retorsion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o answer_n 17._o now_o we_o come_v to_o our_o argument_n or_o syllogism_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la which_o have_v so_o pinch_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o attempt_v to_o answer_n to_o any_o of_o the_o proposition_n of_o it_o our_o intention_n in_o that_o argument_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o whether_o pearth_v article_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o not_o yet_o you_o who_o come_v hither_o to_o give_v we_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o covenant_n can_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n aver_v or_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o abjure_v in_o it_o this_o we_o do_v evident_o prove_v reason_v thus_o whatsoever_o rite_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n they_o be_v also_o in_o your_o judgement_n abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n but_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopocie_n be_v in_o your_o judgement_n abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o your_o judgement_n abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o consequent_o if_o you_o deal_v sincere_o with_o we_o you_o must_v aver_v that_o they_o be_v also_o abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n 18._o to_o this_o you_o say_v first_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v your_o judgement_n as_o you_o be_v particular_a person_n yet_o at_o this_o time_n you_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o commissioner_n from_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o subscriver_n true_o we_o do_v take_v you_o so_o and_o do_v think_v that_o you_o who_o be_v commissioner_n from_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o good_a christian_n will_v have_v tell_v we_o your_o mind_n sincere_o concern_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o will_v neither_o have_v affirm_v any_o thing_n as_o commissioner_n which_o you_o do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v true_a as_o you_o be_v particular_a person_n nor_o yet_o will_v have_v labour_v so_o to_o ensnare_v we_o as_o to_o have_v bid_v we_o subscrive_v a_o covenant_n real_o and_o indeed_o in_o your_o judgement_n abjure_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n can_v not_o abjure_v for_o in_o your_o judgement_n pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v most_o real_o abjure_v in_o the_o late_a covenant_n although_o you_o plain_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o four_o five_o and_o six_o demand_n and_o which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v note_v in_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o ten_o demand_n you_o affirm_v concern_v yourselves_o that_o you_o in_o this_o late_a covenant_n have_v promise_v only_a forbearance_n of_o pearth_n article_n we_o wonder_v much_o how_o you_o can_v say_v so_o for_o whosoever_o by_o their_o oath_n have_v tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o confession_n in_o the_o which_o they_o firm_o believe_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v those_o have_v indeed_o abjure_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n but_o you_o in_o the_o late_a covenant_n have_v tie_v yourselves_o by_o your_o oath_n to_o the_o little_a confession_n or_o old_a covenant_n in_o the_o which_o you_o firm_o believe_v episcopacy_n and_o pearth_n article_n to_o be_v abjure_v ergo_fw-la in_o your_o late_a covenant_n you_o have_v abjure_v pearth_n article_n &_o episcopacy_n and_o not_o only_o you_o but_o all_o those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o same_o mind_n with_o you_o whence_o we_o infer_v in_o that_o ten_o demand_n that_o none_o of_o you_o can_v vote_n free_o in_o the_o intend_a assembly_n concern_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n 19_o second_o you_o say_v that_o if_o other_o of_o the_o subscribent_n who_o be_v of_o our_o judgement_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n have_v come_v as_o commissioner_n at_o this_o time_n to_o we_o our_o argument_n ad_fw-la
hominem_fw-la have_v be_v anticipate_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v pertinent_a for_o they_o but_o you_o be_v deceive_v for_o we_o have_v ever_o look_v principal_o to_o these_o who_o be_v the_o first_o contryver_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o have_v special_a hand_n in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o other_o who_o these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a have_v oppose_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n as_o popish_a corruption_n abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o consequent_o have_v in_o this_o late_a covenant_n in_o the_o which_o that_o former_a covenant_n be_v renew_v by_o your_o own_o personal_a oath_n abjure_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n if_o then_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o commissioner_n have_v come_v unto_o we_o we_o will_v have_v say_v to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v not_o swear_v the_o late_a covenant_n because_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o it_o abjure_v and_o this_o we_o will_v have_v prove_v by_o the_o like_a argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la that_o be_v by_o a_o argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n as_o you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v 20._o three_o you_o say_v that_o we_o have_v perceive_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o argument_n because_o we_o object_v this_o to_o ourselves_o that_o see_v we_o think_v pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n not_o to_o be_v abjure_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n we_o may_v subscrive_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o the_o which_o that_o old_a covenant_n be_v revew_v true_o you_o may_v have_v allege_v this_o if_o we_o have_v propound_v that_o objection_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o unanswered_a but_o we_o answer_v it_o and_o bring_v some_o reason_n which_o you_o wise_o do_v pass_v by_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o they_o to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v not_o convenient_o subscrive_v your_o late_a covenant_n notwithstanding_o of_o our_o judgement_n of_o rather_o opinion_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n we_o say_v opinion_n for_o to_o speak_v true_o what_o we_o think_v we_o doubt_v and_o so_o do_v other_o with_o we_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n touch_v matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o have_v not_o so_o full_a a_o persuasion_n in_o our_o mind_n concern_v those_o part_n as_o may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o warrant_n of_o our_o oath_n 21._o four_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v in_o your_o private_a opinion_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o it_o tie_v we_o to_o the_o inviolable_a observation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n noâ—_n be_v it_o necessary_a for_o you_o to_o make_v it_o know_v to_o we_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o inquire_v not_o your_o private_a opinion_n but_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o with_o you_o these_o twenty_o year_n bypass_v have_v accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n for_o the_o allege_v violation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n swear_v by_o our_o predecessor_n and_o true_o we_o have_v more_o than_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o we_o most_o just_o fear_v that_o you_o who_o have_v so_o oft_o accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n for_o practise_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n abjure_v as_o you_o allege_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n swear_v by_o our_o predecessor_n will_v much_o more_o vehement_o yea_o also_o with_o a_o great_a show_n of_o probability_n accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n for_o violation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n swear_v and_o ratify_v by_o ourselves_o in_o this_o late_a covenant_n if_o we_o shall_v stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o pearth_n article_n in_o time_n to_o come_v it_o become_v we_o therefore_o for_o eschew_v of_o this_o inconvenient_a to_o inquire_v of_o you_o and_o you_o also_o sincere_o and_o plain_o to_o declare_v to_o we_o whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v subscrive_v and_o swear_v the_o new_a covenant_n as_o it_o include_v and_o ratify_v the_o old_a and_o yet_o be_v real_o free_a from_o all_o abjuration_n or_o condemn_v of_o pearth_n article_n and_o episcopacy_n and_o likewise_o whither_o or_o not_o you_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v of_o your_o mind_n will_v hold_v and_o esteem_v we_o free_a from_o abjuration_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o our_o subscrive_v of_o your_o covenant_n these_o question_n require_v a_o punctual_a answer_n for_o if_o our_o subscrive_v of_o your_o covenant_n may_v either_o import_v a_o real_a abjuration_n of_o pearth_n article_n or_o if_o it_o may_v make_v you_o to_o think_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o subscription_n we_o be_v real_o and_o indeed_o bind_v to_o reject_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o can_v we_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n subscrive_v your_o covenant_n neither_o can_v you_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v it_o of_o we_o 22._o five_o from_o our_o refuse_v to_o subscrive_v the_o late_a covenant_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o renew_v the_o old_a covenant_n or_o little_a confession_n because_o that_o confessiâ—_n according_a to_o your_o interpretation_n or_o conception_n of_o it_o import_v a_o abjuration_n of_o pearth_n article_n you_o collect_v first_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n we_o will_v not_o have_v subscrive_v the_o late_a confession_n any_o time_n bypass_v second_o that_o we_o can_v not_o sweat_v the_o confession_n of_o any_o church_n no_o not_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n nor_o precept_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diverse_a interpretation_n which_o man_n give_v of_o they_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o the_o little_a confession_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o since_o the_o humane_a authority_n which_o it_o have_v have_v these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a cease_v as_o the_o peaceable_a warn_v late_o give_v to_o the_o subject_n in_o scotland_n prove_v we_o will_v have_v refuse_v our_o subscription_n unto_o it_o ever_o since_o we_o hear_v that_o it_o import_v a_o abjuration_n of_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o our_o church_n in_o the_o year_n 1681_o except_o we_o have_v get_v some_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a sufficient_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n second_o as_o for_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n your_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n exposition_n of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o purpose_n for_o since_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o author_n or_o penman_n of_o they_o neither_o intend_a nor_o yet_o deliver_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o truth_n and_o that_o their_o expression_n be_v authentic_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o embrace_v and_o receive_v they_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o interpretation_n which_o man_n give_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o we_o to_o refuse_v our_o subscription_n or_o assent_v to_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o judgement_n or_o assent_n of_o those_o who_o require_v it_o of_o we_o be_v alwise_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o they_o even_o when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o three_o as_o for_o any_o of_o these_o late_a confession_n of_o church_n if_o the_o case_n be_v such_o as_o now_o it_o be_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o this_o late_a covenant_n that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o any_o stand_a law_n to_o subscrive_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o interpretation_n that_o it_o may_v probable_o import_v that_o which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o these_o who_o require_v our_o subscription_n be_v in_o our_o judgement_n opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o point_n contain_v in_o that_o confession_n and_o may_v make_v advantage_n of_o our_o subscription_n alleadgeing_n that_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o it_o to_o consent_v to_o their_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n we_o may_v just_o in_o such_o a_o case_n deny_v our_o subscription_n to_o that_o confession_n for_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o and_o much_o more_o may_v desire_v those_o who_o urge_v we_o to_o subscrive_v it_o to_o declare_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o give_v our_o subscription_n whether_o or_o not_o that_o confession_n in_o their_o judgement_n will_v tie_v we_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 23._o last_o of_o all_o in_o modesty_n as_o you_o say_v but_o with_o a_o jest_a compliment_n you_o present_v unto_o we_o a_o dish_n of_o our_o own_o dress_n you_o mean_v the_o like_a argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la which_o be_v this_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o this_o late_a covenant_n but_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n be_v not_o abjure_v as_o you_o say_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n make_v ann_n 1581._o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o abjure_v in_o this_o
take_v to_o injure_v or_o offend_v any_o man_n by_o deny_v to_o he_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o for_o eschew_v scandal_n causeless_o take_v to_o offend_v and_o injure_v our_o superioure_n in_o church_n and_o policy_n by_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a by_o many_o example_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v excommunicate_v shall_v his_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n slay_v his_o company_n and_o so_o deny_v to_o he_o these_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o for_o fear_v that_o other_o be_v scandalize_v by_o their_o keep_n of_o company_n with_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n and_o if_o they_o may_v not_o for_o eschew_v of_o scandal_n abstain_v from_o these_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o a_o private_a person_n much_o less_o may_v we_o abstain_v from_o that_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o superioure_n have_v public_a charge_n in_o church_n and_o policy_n for_o eschew_v of_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v by_o other_o 40._o five_o what_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v we_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v which_o may_v be_v remove_v by_o information_n or_o for_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o malicious_a who_o will_v not_o be_v inform_v at_o all_o abstain_v from_o the_o do_n of_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o expedient_a enjoin_v by_o authority_n and_o by_o so_o do_v incur_v these_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n of_o death_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o believe_v that_o yourselves_o who_o speak_v most_o of_o scandal_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o take_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o you_o 41._o six_o the_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superioure_n be_v forbid_v in_o the_o five_o commandment_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n shall_v we_o then_o for_o a_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v deny_v obedience_n to_o our_o superioure_n and_o so_o incur_v the_o guiltiness_n of_o sin_n you_o common_o answer_v to_o this_o that_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o power_n rom._n 13._o verse_n 2._o and_o in_o general_a the_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o superioure_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o case_n of_o any_o scandal_n take_v by_o other_o for_o if_o we_o see_v say_v you_o that_o any_o may_v or_o will_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superioure_n we_o be_v not_o hold_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o our_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o forbid_v in_o that_o commandment_n 42._o but_o first_o we_o ask_v what_o warrant_v you_o have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n more_o than_o other_o negative_a precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n second_o as_o man_n may_v take_v offence_n either_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n at_o our_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n command_v so_o they_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o our_o deny_v of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o our_o superioure_n for_o they_o will_v take_v occasion_n by_o our_o carriage_n to_o do_v that_o unto_o which_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o wit_n to_o vilipend_v law_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o superioure_n shall_v we_o then_o for_o the_o eschew_v of_o a_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o our_o superioure_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o crave_v of_o we_o but_o also_o incur_v a_o other_o scandal_n and_o that_o a_o far_o more_o perilous_a one_o three_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n be_v not_o all_o way_n to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v for_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n must_v not_o deny_v obedience_n and_o familiar_a conversation_n to_o their_o husband_n parent_n and_o master_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o fear_v that_o other_o through_o weakness_n or_o malice_n be_v scandalize_v thereat_o four_o as_o you_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n concern_v obedience_n to_o superioure_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v so_o we_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n say_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n causeless_o take_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o case_n of_o obedience_n peremptorly_a require_v by_o our_o lawful_a superioure_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o our_o next_o argument_n whether_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superioure_n or_o the_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n be_v more_o obligatory_a 43._o last_o of_o all_o when_o a_o man_n be_v peremptorly_a urge_v by_o his_o superioure_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a commandment_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n fear_v that_o if_o he_o do_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o some_z through_o weakness_n shall_v be_v scandalize_v by_o his_o carriage_n in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v not_o only_o in_o a_o difficulty_n or_o straight_o betwixt_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v that_o whereby_o our_o weak_a brother_n may_v be_v offend_v but_o also_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o of_o god_n commandment_n to_o wit_n betwixt_o that_o precept_n which_o forbid_v the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o other_o precept_n which_o forbid_v the_o resist_n of_o authority_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god._n now_o see_v god_n precept_n be_v not_o repugnant_a one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v god_n by_o his_o law_n lay_v upon_o we_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v out_o of_o all_o question_n in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v fir_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o one_o of_o these_o precept_n and_o that_o which_o do_v not_o so_o strict_o tie_v we_o or_o be_v less_o obligatory_a must_v needs_o give_v place_n to_o the_o other_o which_o be_v of_o great_a obligation_n you_o common_o say_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o eschew_v scandal_n although_o it_o be_v causeless_o take_v and_o to_o confirm_v your_o assertion_n you_o say_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o superior_a can_v not_o make_v that_o fact_n to_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v scandalous_a and_o that_o a_o fact_n upon_o which_o any_o scandal_n follow_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o commandment_n of_o man._n whence_o you_o collect_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o regard_v or_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o superior_n 44._o this_o your_o reason_n can_v not_o be_v good_a because_o we_o can_v easy_o retort_v the_o argument_n and_o say_v to_o you_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o regard_v the_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v by_o our_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v simple_o and_o absolute_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n for_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n ought_v to_o be_v eschew_v and_o no_o scandal_n of_o weak_a brethren_n causeless_o take_v can_v make_v that_o fact_n not_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n which_o otherwise_o that_o be_v extra_fw-la casum_fw-la scandali_fw-la will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o lay_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o superior_n enjoin_v and_o peremptorly_a require_v of_o we_o thing_n lawful_a and_o expedient_a be_v real_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o scandal_n of_o weak_a brethren_n may_v make_v that_o fact_n or_o omission_n not_o to_o be_v disobedience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v disobedience_n because_o we_o ought_v not_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n do_v that_o whereby_o our_o weak_a brother_n may_v be_v offend_v and_o so_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n bind_v not_o when_o offence_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n may_v be_v fear_v on_o the_o contrary_n we_o say_v that_o the_o lawful_a commandment_n of_o superior_n may_v make_v that_o scandal_n of_o our_o weak_a brethren_n not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n because_o we_o ought_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n causeless_o take_v deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a
soul_n of_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o it_o the_o xii_o duply._n to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v your_o omission_n of_o public_a disallow_n and_o condemn_v the_o public_a disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o who_o have_v subscrive_v the_o covenant_n especial_o the_o offering_n of_o violence_n to_o prelate_n and_o minister_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o in_o the_o house_n god_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o our_o twelve_o demand_n and_o reply_v you_o answer_v first_o that_o you_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o service-book_n for_o the_o lord_n service_n you_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o any_o service_n book_n if_o you_o allow_v the_o reason_n late_o set_v forth_o in_o print_n against_o the_o service-book_n for_o there_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n be_v condemn_v which_o direct_o cross_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n ancient_n and_o recent_a 2._o you_o allege_v that_o you_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o usurp_a authority_n 1_o of_o prelate_n for_o lawful_a authority_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v perceive_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o join_v you_o acknowledge_v no_o lawful_a authority_n at_o all_o in_o prelate_n above_o yourselves_o and_o other_o minister_n and_o you_o seem_v so_o to_o insinuate_v so_o much_o here_o by_o blame_v we_o for_o call_v they_o reverend_a and_o holy_a father_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o ashamed_a with_o scripture_n and_o godly_a antiquity_n to_o call_v such_o as_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o sacred_a dignity_n father_n and_o reverend_a father_n neither_o shall_v personal_a fault_n allege_v by_o you_o hinder_v our_o observance_n till_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v clear_o prove_v for_o so_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a we_o shall_v 125._o interpret_v to_o the_o better_a part_n luke_n 6_o 37._o and_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o law_n that_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o state_n of_o a_o possessor_n be_v best_a and_o consequent_o of_o he_o that_o hitherto_a have_v be_v in_o a_o possession_n of_o a_o good_a name_n as_o also_o that_o in_o thing_n doubtful_a we_o shall_v rather_o favour_v the_o person_n accuse_v then_o he_o that_o accuse_v 3._o if_o you_o be_v of_o this_o same_o judgement_n with_o we_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n why_o do_v you_o not_o reverence_v they_o as_o well_o as_o theolog._n we_o but_o if_o their_o very_a office_n seem_v to_o you_o unlawful_a we_o esteem_v your_o judgement_n contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o sound_a antiquity_n and_o to_o the_o best_a learned_a among_o reform_a divine_n hear_v what_o melanchton_n say_v i_o will_v to_o god_n i_o will_v to_o god_n it_o lay_v in_o i_o not_o to_o confirm_v the_o dominion_n but_o to_o restore_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n for_o i_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o policy_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n be_v judicamus_fw-la dissolve_v i_o do_v see_v that_o hereafter_o will_v grow_v up_o a_o great_a tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o be_v before_o and_o again_o in_o another_o epistle_n to_o camerarius_fw-la he_o say_v you_o will_v not_o believe_v how_o much_o i_o be_o hate_v by_o those_o of_o noricum_n and_o by_o other_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o juridiction_n to_o bishop_n so_o our_o companion_n fight_v for_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o not_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o other_o place_n see_v bucer_n de_fw-la regno_fw-la christi_fw-la pag._n 67._o 4._o three_o you_o allege_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o people_n by_o reason_n whereof_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o strange_a that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o oppose_v suppone_v they_o have_v oppose_v yet_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o oppose_v as_o to_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o sacred_a person_n prelate_n or_o minister_n who_o be_v spiritual_a father_n seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a for_o all_o that_o hitherto_o you_o have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o zeal_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a instinct_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o can_v warrant_n man_n destitute_a of_o authority_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o such_o person_n touch_v not_o my_o anoint_a and_o do_v my_o prophet_n no_o harm_n say_v the_o lord_n psal._n 105._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n say_v s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o cor._n 14._o 40._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n or_o timult_n but_o of_o peace_n say_v that_o same_o apostle_n there_o verse_n 33._o to_o this_o purpose_n gregory_n nazianzen_n in_o his_o 26_o oration_n speak_v of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n say_v one_o of_o they_o be_v unrulie_a ferventness_n without_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o another_o be_v disorder_n and_o undecency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o the_o son_n shall_v account_v the_o person_n of_o his_o father_n sacred_a ff_n de_fw-fr obsequiis_fw-la leg._n 9_o so_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o esteem_v of_o our_o spiritual_a father_n and_o therefore_o to_o offer_v injury_n to_o their_o person_n and_o that_o in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n in_o the_o novel_a judices_fw-la constitution_n of_o justinian_n authent_n collat._n 9_o tit._n 6._o novella_n 123._o de_fw-fr sanctiss_fw-la episcopis_fw-la etc._n etc._n cap._n 31._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a law_n to_o this_o purpose_n cite_v upon_o the_o margin_n the_o like_a law_n we_o find_v in_o cod._n justin._n lib._n 1._o tit._n 3._o the_o episcop_n &_o clericis_fw-la leg._n 10._o now_o although_o in_o these_o imperial_a law_n the_o sanction_n be_v severe_a yet_o we_o wish_v no_o such_o severity_n to_o be_v use_v among_o we_o but_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o who_o have_v transgress_v we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o ancient_o among_o christian_n such_o do_n be_v great_o disallow_v 6._o chrysostom_n speak_v of_o the_o reverence_n due_a by_o people_n to_o pastor_n say_v a_o man_n may_v now_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a scoff_n and_o reproach_n 327._o use_v by_o the_o unfaithful_a against_o the_o ruler_n as_o by_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v faithful_a and_o to_o be_v join_v with_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v whence_o come_v this_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o piety_n that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o hostility_n against_o our_o father_n there_o be_v nothing_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v so_o easy_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a jointure_n of_o disciple_n to_o their_o master_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n and_o of_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v with_o their_o ruler_n he_o that_o but_o speak_v evil_a against_o his_o brother_n be_v debar_v from_o read_v the_o divine_a scripture_n for_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o subjoin_v this_o cause_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o thy_o brother_n and_o think_v thou_o thyself_o worthy_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacred_a porch_n who_o accuse_v thy_o spiritual_a father_n how_o agree_v this_o with_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o who_o speak_v evil_a of_o father_n or_o mother_n shall_v die_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o what_o judgement_n be_v he_o worthy_a who_o dare_v speak_v evil_a of_o he_o who_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a and_o better_o than_o those_o parent_n why_o fear_v he_o not_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v open_v and_o swallow_v he_o or_o that_o thunder_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o that_o accuse_a tongue_n see_v he_o also_o lib._n 3._o de_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la cap._n 5._o &_o 6._o 7._o in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o say_v that_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n house_n from_o pollution_n and_o superstition_n belong_v to_o authority_n to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o place_n and_o order_n but_o certain_o if_o every_o one_o or_o all_o the_o community_n keep_v their_o own_o place_n and_o order_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o by_o way_n of_o force_n without_z far_o less_o against_o authority_n hence_o zanchius_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o image_n thes._n 4._o say_v without_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o none_o in_o this_o country_n to_o take_v idol_n out_o of_o church_n or_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n he_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o seditious_a this_o he_o confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n augustin_n tom._n 10._o the_o sermone_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o monte_fw-la homilia_fw-la 6._o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o subjoin_v augustin_n handle_v this_o argument_n piouslie_o he_o dehort_v his_o people_n from_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v pravorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la &_o furiosorum_fw-la circumcellionum_fw-la 8._o
practice_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o know_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v approvable_a we_o do_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n requyre_v our_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o the_o law_n stand_v in_o vigour_n and_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o be_v require_v by_o our_o lawful_a superioure_n 4._o this_o course_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o our_o duty_n then_o upon_o private_a conception_n of_o scandal_n unnecessary_o take_v to_o break_v off_o our_o due_a obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o 6._o out_o of_o our_o assertion_n reply_n 4._o concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o private_a place_n to_o sick_a person_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n you_o do_v collect_v that_o we_o can_v forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o although_o our_o ordinary_n and_o other_o lawful_a superior_n shall_v will_v we_o to_o do_v so_o and_o hence_o you_o infer_v that_o herein_o pearth_n assembly_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v be_v wrong_v by_o we_o two_o way_n 1._o that_o we_o differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o they_o about_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o five_o article_n and_o next_o that_o at_o the_o will_n of_o our_o ordinary_a and_o you_o know_v not_o what_o other_o lawful_a superioure_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o assembly_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v 7._o as_o for_o your_o main_a question_n whether_o a_o duty_n necessary_a by_o divyne_fw-mi law_n may_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n our_o ordinary_a &_o other_o lawful_a superioure_n shall_v will_v we_o to_o omit_v it_o before_o we_o answer_v to_o it_o we_o must_v expound_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o our_o other_o lawful_a superior_n because_o of_o your_o jest_a pretence_n of_o ignorance_n hereof_o we_o mean_v hereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n the_o parliament_n the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o other_o magistrate_n and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n whereunto_o we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o our_o practice_n require_v by_o they_o according_a to_o public_a law_n 8._o the_o question_n itself_o you_o do_v express_v more_o clear_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o 4._o reply_v where_o you_o allege_v that_o we_o find_v some_o of_o the_o pearth_n article_n so_o necessary_a that_o although_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v discharge_v they_o yet_o we_o behove_v still_o for_o conscience_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o practice_v they_o thus_o be_v we_o bring_v to_o this_o general_a question_n whether_o or_o no_o any_o thing_n necessary_a or_o command_v by_o divine_a law_n may_v in_o any_o case_n without_o sin_n be_v omit_v when_o public_a humane_a authority_n discharge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o for_o resolve_v of_o this_o question_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o theological_a maxim_n receive_v in_o the_o school_n &_o ground_v upon_o holy_a scripture_n 9_o affirmative_a precept_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n but_o not_o to_o all_o time_n but_o only_o as_o place_n and_o time_n require_v that_o be_v when_o opportunity_n occur_v praecepta_fw-la affirmativa_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la nisi_fw-la pro_fw-la loco_fw-la &_o tempore_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la opportunitas_fw-la occurrit_fw-la but_o negative_a precept_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o all_o time_n praecepta_fw-la negativa_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la 4._o as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n be_v not_o obliedge_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n for_o he_o may_v be_v some_o time_n lawful_o silent_a but_o he_o may_v never_o lawful_o lie_v 10_o of_o affirmative_a necessary_a duty_n some_o be_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n matth._n 23._o 23._o other_o less_o weighty_a such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o pearth_n article_n which_o we_o call_v necessary_a and_o you_o do_v reject_v 11._o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o affirmative_a necessary_a duty_n may_v be_v some_o time_n omit_v by_o authority_n without_o sin_n for_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o some_o press_a necessity_n thus_o moses_n permit_v repudiation_n of_o a_o man_n marry_a wife_n not_o fall_v into_o adultery_n neither_o do_v he_o urge_v strict_o the_o affirmative_a duty_n of_o adherence_n and_o that_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n wherein_o moses_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o tribs_n of_o israel_n as_o alexander_n alensis_n observe_v in_o his_o sum_n of_o theology_n part._n 3._o qu._n 46._o membro_fw-la 1._o art_n 1._o &_o art_n 2._o david_n do_v not_o execute_v in_o his_o own_o time_n judgement_n against_o joab_n for_o his_o murder_n of_o abner_n and_o amasa_n because_o the_o son_n of_o zeruiah_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o circumcision_n be_v omit_v because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o abode_n in_o one_o place_n when_o the_o people_n be_v with_o moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 12._o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o open_a obstinate_a offender_n be_v a_o affirmative_a duty_n incumbent_a by_o divyne_fw-mi law_n upon_o the_o pastor_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v forbear_v when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v use_v without_o a_o open_a rupture_n and_o unavoidable_a schism_n because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o public_a peace_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v to_o lest_o in_o our_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n to_o possunt_fw-la separate_v the_o tare_n we_o pluck_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n and_o what_o we_o can_v not_o get_v correct_v by_o censure_n we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o mourn_v for_o it_o and_o patient_o wait_v till_o god_n amend_v it_o as_o augustin_n prove_v at_o length_n lib._n 3._o contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la parmeniani_n cap._n 1._o &_o cap._n 2._o &_o lib._n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la cap._n 5._o for_o in_o this_o time_n say_v gregory_n the_o holy_a church_n do_v correct_v something_o by_o fervour_n something_o she_o tolerate_v by_o mecknes_n some_o thing_n by_o consideration_n she_o dissemble_v &_o bear_v so_o that_o often_o by_o bear_v &_o dissemble_v she_o compesce_v or_o put_v away_o that_o evil_a which_o she_o hate_v and_o prosp._n sai_z for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o they_o most_o with_o gentle_a piety_n be_v bear_v with_o who_o for_o their_o infirmity_n may_v not_o be_v rebuke_v 13._o when_o a_o doctrinal_a error_n not_o be_v fundamental_a prevail_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o any_o church_n a_o private_a pastor_n or_o doctor_n espy_v it_o may_v lawful_o and_o laudable_o sorbear_v public_a strive_v against_o it_o when_o he_o evident_o perceive_v that_o unavoidable_a schism_n will_v follow_v thereupon_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o shall_v content_v himself_o to_o seed_v his_o hearer_n with_o that_o wholesome_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o delay_v the_o give_v of_o strong_a food_n unto_o they_o because_o of_o 1630._o their_o infirmity_n consider_v that_o more_o necessary_a and_o weighty_a duty_n which_o he_o owe_v for_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o peace_n and_o labour_v in_o a_o mild_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n to_o cure_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n belong_v that_o say_n of_o gregory_n nazianzen_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o be_v more_o wise_a than_o be_v convenient_a neither_o more_o legal_a than_o the_o law_n neither_o more_o bright_a than_o the_o light_n neither_o more_o straight_o than_o the_o rule_n neither_o high_a than_o the_o commandment_n but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v if_o we_o take_v knowledge_n of_o decency_n and_o commend_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v reason_n and_o despise_v not_o good_a order_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d animum_fw-la and_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n near_o eight_o hundred_o year_n ago_o who_o do_v not_o calmlie_o and_o peaceable_o moderate_a that_o which_o he_o think_v but_o be_v ready_a incontinent_a to_o contention_n dissension_n and_o scandal_n although_o he_o have_v not_o a_o heretical_a sense_n most_o certain_o he_o have_v a_o heretical_a mind_n 14._o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n crave_v deacon_n ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o all_o their_o life_n time_n act_v 6._o yet_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n we_o have_v no_o such_o deacon_n which_o oecomenicall_a defect_n necessitate_v by_o detention_n of_o church_n mantenance_n necessary_a for_o their_o sustentation_n we_o hope_v shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o our_o church_n as_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o she_o despise_v not_o that_o institution_n and_o acknowledge_v and_o lament_v this_o deficiency_n and_o endeavour_v by_o peaceable_a lawful_a mean_n to_o have_v it_o remedy_v 15._o although_o some_o affirmative_a duty_n necessary_a by_o divine_a precept_n do_v