johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n
covenant_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v 2._o in_o the_o party_n betwixt_o who_o 3._o in_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n whereunto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o 4._o in_o the_o end_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v contract_v but_o in_o all_o these_o point_n this_o covenant_n be_v different_a from_o the_o former_a enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n of_o hâ—ppy_a memory_n first_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n who_o only_o under_o god_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v all_o his_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v only_o frame_v and_o urge_v by_o private_a man_n upon_o those_o over_o who_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a second_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o party_n be_v the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n on_o one_o part_n and_o all_o his_o subject_n on_o the_o other_a part_n in_o this_o the_o party_n be_v some_o particular_a private_a person_n nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o among_o themselves_o exclude_v the_o king_n majesty_n three_o the_o matter_n and_o article_n whereunto_o all_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n abjuration_n of_o all_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a error_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n but_o in_o this_o albeit_o they_o pretend_v to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o yet_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pretext_n to_o cover_v their_o rebellion_n and_o protestatio_fw-la contra_fw-la factum_fw-la for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v in_o this_o very_a fact_n many_o way_n encroach_v upon_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o estate_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o principal_a article_n whereto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o be_v 1._o to_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o mutual_a defence_n one_o of_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o false_a application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n add_v thereunto_o like_o the_o gloss_n of_o orleans_n destroy_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n 3._o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n constitute_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o command_v by_o the_o king_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o swear_v disobedience_n both_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o to_o god_n also_o 4._o to_o reject_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o parliament_n final_o to_o suppress_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n oâ—_z parliament_n thereby_o destroy_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n four_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v many_o way_n disturb_v in_o those_o time_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o external_a invasion_n and_o inward_a sedition_n which_o be_v upon_o too_o evident_a ground_n then_o fear_v but_o in_o this_o their_o covenant_n the_o chief_a intend_a end_n be_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o stir_v up_o seditious_a faction_n therein_o against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o loyal_a subject_n that_o in_o those_o trouble_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n they_o may_v work_v their_o own_o particular_a end_n and_o not_o to_o exclude_v external_a invasion_n but_o rather_o to_o open_v a_o gate_n for_o stranger_n to_o enter_v and_o if_o their_o secret_a practice_n with_o the_o king_n of_o france_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o holland_n can_v have_v prevail_v as_o they_o be_v confident_a they_o shall_v to_o have_v bring_v in_o foreign_a force_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o praise_v be_v god_n those_o estate_n be_v wise_a than_o so_o as_o to_o assist_v subject_n in_o their_o unjust_a rebellion_n against_o their_o natural_a prince_n final_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v their_o foolish_a and_o vain_a boast_n here_o and_o in_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n often_o repeat_v usque_fw-la aâ—_z nauseam_fw-la that_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n bless_v from_o heaven_n they_o conceive_v so_o because_o of_o the_o great_a applaâ—se_n it_o have_v have_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o prosperous_a succeâ—â—e_n they_o have_v find_v in_o their_o erterprise_n against_o the_o king_n castle_n in_o put_v their_o army_n to_o the_o field_n and_o harm_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n without_o present_a damage_n to_o themselves_o but_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abirars_n have_v good_a success_n at_o the_o first_o and_o draw_v after_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o man_n of_o renown_n as_o it_o be_v write_v numb._n 16._o 2._o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o people_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o so_o that_o moses_n be_v great_o astonish_v fall_v down_o most_o abject_o upon_o his_o face_n before_o they_o and_o can_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repress_v that_o sedition_n except_o the_o lord_n have_v comfort_v and_o direct_v he_o these_o man_n may_v have_v think_v as_o our_o covenanter_n do_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v their_o enterprise_n from_o heaven_n yet_o ere_o it_o be_v long_a they_o find_v god_n just_a judgement_n and_o curse_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o earth_n swallow_v up_o some_o of_o they_o quick_a and_o other_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n let_v all_o seditious_a rebel_n therefore_o learn_v by_o this_o example_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o not_o to_o boast_v too_o confident_o of_o their_o present_a success_n but_o fear_v the_o end_n the_o four_o and_o last_o consideration_n be_v because_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o council_n by_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n have_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o their_o application_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o date_n tenor_n and_o meaâ—ing_v it_o have_v an._n 1581._o there_o for_o they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v be_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o their_o doubt_n concerning_o this_o consideration_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o subscriber_n of_o that_o rebellious_a covenant_n do_v understand_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o those_o who_o do_v subscribe_v the_o king_n covenant_n at_o his_o majesty_n command_n both_o first_o and_o last_o can_v not_o lawful_o swear_v to_o it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o the_o king_n who_o require_v the_o oath_n do_v understand_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o direct_a and_o explain_v meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v himself_o plain_o enough_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v his_o council_n nor_o his_o other_o subject_n to_o sweat_v this_o confession_n in_o such_o meaning_n as_o thereby_o either_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o other_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v abjure_v for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v a_o delude_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o a_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n who_o teach_v their_o suppost_n that_o axiom_n unto_o dangerous_a interrogatory_n one_o may_v frame_v to_o himself_o a_o safe_a sense_n and_o swear_v thereto_o think_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a nobleman_n will_v practise_v jesuitical_a trick_n to_o elude_v his_o majesty_n command_n in_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o they_o know_v his_o majesty_n intend_v 2._o albeit_o that_o in_o their_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v they_o have_v all_o add_v express_o that_o restriction_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v anno_fw-la 1581._o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a
therefore_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o break_v 11._o discipline_n be_v again_o distinguish_v in_o these_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a and_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_a and_o mutable_a 12._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o abolish_v by_o episcopal_a government_n but_o observe_v inviolable_a 13._o the_o other_o sort_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o alterable_a by_o the_o church_n 14._o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o the_o oath_n bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v abrogate_v by_o a_o new_a constitution_n the_o oath_n thereto_o be_v dissolve_v 15._o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o those_o alteration_n do_v against_o their_o oath_n chap._n xi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n allege_v contrary_a to_o this_o point_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o no_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v before_o that_o year_n 1575._o 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o impugn_v episcopacy_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o some_o fiery_a humour_n late_o come_v from_o geneva_n and_o zealous_a of_o geneva_n discipline_n 2._o the_o king_n minority_n 3._o faction_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n 4._o the_o sacrilegious_a greediness_n of_o those_o gape_n after_o the_o church_n rend_v who_o for_o their_o own_o end_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o pride_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n until_o this_o year_n 1575._o 4._o at_o this_o assembly_n in_o august_n 1575._o be_v the_o first_o motion_n against_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 5._o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n declare_v at_o length_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o point_n here_o in_o controversy_n be_v not_o challenge_v therein_o but_o express_o approve_v by_o all_o 6._o nothing_o in_o substance_n conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n for_o five_o year_n after_o 7._o a_o notable_a dissimulation_n of_o our_o covenanter_n in_o cite_v a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o this_o book_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o same_o occasion_n whereby_o episcopacy_n begin_v to_o be_v challenge_v 2._o this_o discipline_n be_v never_o full_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n some_o point_n thereof_o never_o practise_v and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n 3._o they_o do_v not_o themselves_o nor_o will_v not_o approve_v some_o point_n in_o this_o book_n but_o refuse_v obedience_n thereto_o instance_v in_o three_o particular_n 4._o this_o book_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o have_v any_o strength_n of_o a_o law_n before_o the_o enjoin_n of_o the_o oath_n 5._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o discipline_n and_o superabundant_a in_o point_n not_o pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o discipline_n therein_o contain_v can_v be_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o precise_o chap._n xiii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n together_o with_o the_o act_n at_o glasgo_n 1581._o explain_v the_o same_o contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o albeit_o they_o condemn_v in_o these_o act_n episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o condemn_v these_o point_n here_o controvert_v 2._o neither_o do_v the_o church_n then_o condemn_v any_o substantial_a point_n of_o episcopacy_n except_o they_o do_v contradict_v themselves_o instance_v in_o six_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 3._o they_o condemn_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o bishop_n themselves_o whereof_o some_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n some_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o only_o personal_a and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n 4._o the_o principal_a point_n they_o condemn_v in_o bishop_n be_v that_o they_o receive_v not_o their_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o point_n of_o their_o function_n chap._n xiiii_o answer_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n here_o cite_v 1._o their_o act_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o former_a whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o refute_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n 2._o some_o particular_a observation_n upon_o these_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o make_v more_o against_o they_o nor_o for_o they_o 3._o many_o of_o these_o act_n show_v that_o they_o be_v conclude_v express_o against_o the_o king_n majesty_n intention_n 4._o the_o reason_n why_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v presbytery_n be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v approve_v the_o same_o but_o for_o eschew_v of_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o fear_v 6._o that_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n do_v not_o endure_v in_o full_a force_n above_o ten_o year_n 7._o a_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n 1589._o disgraceful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o act_n wherein_o be_v contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o their_o hyperbolical_a magnify_n of_o their_o accurate_a proceed_n in_o conclude_v this_o act_n not_o like_o to_o be_v true_a 2._o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o moderator_n informal_a obscure_a ambiguous_a sophistical_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v answer_v categorical_o 3._o the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o their_o voice_n be_v because_o all_o be_v debar_v who_o they_o suspect_v will_v make_v any_o contradiction_n 4._o the_o voice_n as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v do_v neither_o full_o answer_v to_o their_o proposition_n nor_o condemn_v any_o thing_n in_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n 5._o they_o can_v excuse_v this_o but_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upâ—n_n the_o printer_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o many_o reason_n episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n chap._n i._n a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a conventicle_n of_o covenant_a minister_n and_o misrul_a elder_n assemble_v at_o glasgow_n novemb._n 1638._o can_v be_v compare_v to_o none_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o well_o as_o to_o that_o infamous_a council_n of_o trent_n which_o as_o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n trouble_v the_o whole_a world_n emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n for_n this_o have_v vex_v mighty_o the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v lead_v all_o his_o subject_n in_o scotland_n blindfold_o to_o rebellion_n give_v evil_a example_n to_o other_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v a_o evident_a scandal_n upon_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o have_v be_v no_o less_o human_a or_o rather_o satanical_a policy_n and_o subtle_a close_a conveyance_n practise_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n both_o in_o the_o preparation_n prosecution_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o in_o this_o more_o malice_n and_o less_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o present_v establish_v estate_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o trent_n first_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n in_o the_o consistory_n profess_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o general_a council_n and_o do_v open_o exhort_v the_o emperor_n king_n prince_n and_o republic_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o declare_v evident_o by_o their_o deal_n that_o they_o desire_v either_o not_o at_o all_o a_o council_n or_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v assemble_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o or_o their_o ambassador_n shall_v have_v suffrage_n therein_o and_o much_o less_o presidency_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n suffrage_n or_o presence_n will_v cross_v their_o particular_a end_n even_o so_o our_o covenanter_n albeit_o they_o often_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o they_o declare_v plain_o by_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v either_o convocate_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n or_o wherein_o he_o his_o commission_n or_o council_n shall_v preside_v or_o give_v suffrage_n or_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o choice_n account_v it_o so_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o pope_n sole_a authority_n that_o council_n may_v have_v have_v a_o more_o happy_a event_n for_o the_o well_o and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v not_o observe_v that_o form_n order_n or_o decency_n which_o do_v become_v a_o venerable_a ecclesiastic_a meeting_n for_o first_o these_o who_o be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o principal_a member_n of_o all_o general_a or_o national_a counsel_n to_o wit_n the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exclude_v a_o company_n of_o layman_n earl_n lord_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n without_o warrant_n authority_n or_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v thrust_v in_o their_o room_n bear_v chief_a sway_n in_o the_o assembly_n carry_v all_o matter_n violent_o for_o their_o own_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v remark_v by_o wise_a and_o grave_a man_n that_o one_o earl_n and_o one_o lord_n make_v more_o speech_n in_o the_o assembly_n than_o all_o the_o clergy_n except_o the_o moderator_n 2._o in_o their_o session_n no_o order_n or_o decency_n observe_v all_o sit_v pel-mell_o without_o distinction_n of_o degree_n save_v only_o that_o lay-nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n occupy_v the_o chief_a room_n with_o their_o sword_n and_o pistol_n by_o their_o side_n the_o minister_n mix_v among_o burgess_n merchant_n and_o nobleman_n servant_n hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o they_o by_o their_o habit_n or_o carriage_n many_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o colour_a clothes_n all_o in_o short_a cloak_n except_o the_o minister_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v their_o gown_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o have_v know_v their_o person_n before_o they_o shall_v scarce_o have_v discern_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o merchant_n or_o taylor_n 3._o the_o minister_n be_v not_o there_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o scotland_n long_o after_o the_o reformation_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v leave_v his_o flock_n except_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o their_o superintendent_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o their_o new_a invent_a form_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o layman_n have_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o rather_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o most_o wise_a modest_a and_o learned_a brethren_n but_o the_o most_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o bold_a to_o oppose_v authority_n fit_a member_n indeed_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n 4._o in_o discuss_v of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v conclude_v no_o reason_n but_o superficial_a no_o careful_a ponder_n of_o the_o reason_n but_o all_o take_v implicit_a fide_fw-la which_o have_v any_o show_n no_o exact_a distinguish_n of_o the_o article_n but_o many_o matter_n of_o different_a nature_n be_v hâ—dled_v up_o together_o confuse_o and_o with_o great_a precipitation_n be_v voice_v and_o conclude_v the_o assembly_n continue_v only_o a_o month_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n to_o wit_v from_o the_o 21._o of_o november_n to_o the_o 4._o of_o december_n be_v consume_v in_o circumstantial_a point_n concerning_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o receive_v and_o discuss_v their_o commission_n in_o contestation_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o covenanter_n in_o exclude_v some_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsellor_n authorize_v by_o he_o to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o ancient_a approve_a counsel_n either_o general_n or_o national_a in_o reject_v most_o just_a protestation_n of_o divers_a presbytery_n against_o this_o assembly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o pâ—ables_n of_o aberdeine_n of_o the_o channonry_n of_o rosse_n in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v read_v the_o most_o just_a declinature_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o final_o in_o declare_v certain_a book_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v authentic_a register_n at_o last_o the_o four_o of_o december_n they_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a matter_n for_o which_o this_o assembly_n be_v require_v begin_v at_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o six_o last_o general_a assembly_n convene_v continue_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n which_o they_o do_v in_o short_a space_n than_o can_v suffice_v to_o read_v they_o over_o so_o precipitate_a be_v they_o in_o condemn_v absolute_o so_o many_o grave_a assembly_n with_o such_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o never_o one_o be_v call_v but_o without_o reason_n or_o judgement_n condemn_v they_o all_o in_o one_o word_n by_o implicit_a faith_n give_v to_o some_o few_o neither_o of_o the_o most_o wise_a or_o learn_v of_o the_o company_n who_o have_v a_o committee_n to_o invent_v some_o apparent_a reason_n to_o annul_v the_o same_o and_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o two_o part_n of_o those_o who_o voice_v against_o they_o have_v never_o see_v the_o act_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o peruse_v they_o but_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o jesuitical_a obedience_n do_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o rebellious_a leader_n in_o another_o session_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v summary_o fourteen_o bishop_n upon_o a_o pretend_a false_a libel_n produce_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o they_o which_o by_o no_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v competent_a judge_n to_o their_o process_n without_o lawful_a citation_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o many_o general_a assembly_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v never_o accustom_v no_o not_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a time_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o proceed_v so_o summary_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o most_o notorious_a offender_n without_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o long_a space_n grant_v to_o the_o accuse_v either_o to_o justify_v himself_o or_o declare_v his_o repentance_n 1._o there_o be_v use_v three_o private_a personal_a citation_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o presbytery_n next_o if_o those_o be_v not_o obey_v three_o public_a citation_n one_o three_o several_a sabbath_n 3._o followed_n three_o public_a prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v appear_v either_o to_o purge_v themselves_o of_o the_o crime_n impute_v to_o they_o or_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o another_o session_n they_o condemn_v with_o one_o voice_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o court_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o space_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v read_v over_o all_o those_o book_n muchless_o to_o peruse_v they_o thorough_o and_o discuss_v the_o controvert_a point_n therein_o which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v before_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n for_o the_o which_o chief_o they_o do_v procure_v this_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o slight_o and_o with_o such_o precipitation_n handle_v to_o wit_n whether_o bishop_n shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o doctrine_n so_o universal_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n even_o in_o her_o pure_a time_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o allow_v in_o substance_n by_o
of_o faith_n be_v not_o hinder_v for_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o but_o these_o observation_n which_o be_v diverse_o celebrate_v be_v in_o her_o apparel_n and_o tortullian_n lib._n de_fw-fr virg._n velaâ—d_fw-mi faith_n regula_fw-la quidem_fw-la fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omninò_fw-la est_fw-la sola_fw-la immobilis_fw-la et_fw-la irreformabilis_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o hâc_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la manente_fw-la cetera_fw-la jam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la et_fw-la conversationis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la novitatem_fw-la correctionis_fw-la operante_fw-la et_fw-la proficiente_fw-la usque_fw-la in_fw-la finem_fw-la gratia_fw-la dei_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v altogether_o one_o only_o unchangeable_a and_o such_o as_o admit_v no_o reformation_n this_o law_n of_o faith_n stand_v firm_a the_o rest_n that_o concern_v discipline_n and_o reformation_n may_v admit_v the_o novelty_n of_o correction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o work_v a_o profitable_a progress_n even_o to_o the_o end_n their_o three_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n be_v move_v by_o god_n and_o urge_v by_o necessity_n to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v bless_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o application_n abjure_v and_o suspend_v all_o novation_n former_o introduce_v till_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o the_o true_a essential_a cause_n of_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n but_o only_o a_o occasion_n greedy_o apprehend_v by_o the_o ringleader_n to_o make_v that_o a_o pretext_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o rebellion_n which_o they_o have_v before_o purpose_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n when_o the_o king_n discharge_v that_o book_n their_o rebellion_n have_v there_o cease_v for_o sublata_fw-la vera_fw-la causa_fw-la tollitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la the_o true_a cause_n be_v take_v away_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o cease_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o rebellion_n do_v never_o show_v itself_o in_o so_o damnable_a effect_n as_o it_o do_v after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o grant_v of_o all_o their_o petition_n 2._o the_o urge_n of_o that_o book_n contain_v no_o impious_a thing_n against_o god_n nor_o hurtful_a to_o true_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v a_o just_a motive_n to_o move_v they_o by_o any_o necessity_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v high_a treason_n when_o as_o subject_n without_o permission_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v combine_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a band_n of_o maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v the_o king_n their_o sovereign_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n direct_o and_o against_o he_o only_o albeit_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v and_o pretend_v the_o contrary_a for_o from_o who_o can_v so_o many_o potent_a nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o such_o worth_n with_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o their_o follower_n possible_a or_o by_o any_o liklihood_n fear_v any_o danger_n or_o harm_n in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n for_o refuse_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n or_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v innovation_n urge_v chief_o by_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o special_a command_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v they_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o thirteen_o or_o fourteen_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n old_a decrepit_a and_o impotent_a man_n or_o be_v there_o any_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o external_a invasion_n or_o inward_a conspiracy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n before_o they_o make_v it_o by_o their_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o king_n only_o they_o fear_v danger_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o rebellious_a intention_n by_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a that_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n self_n 3._o be_v there_o no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n but_o by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o harmful_a physic_n which_o prescribe_v a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n itself_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o can_v come_v to_o religion_n by_o this_o book_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n ceremony_n and_o some_o misinterpret_a word_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v can_v not_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o peaceable_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n they_o may_v have_v be_v better_o interpret_v or_o otherwise_o correct_v than_o by_o open_a disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o his_o anoint_a as_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n so_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n bring_v more_o danger_n and_o harm_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n can_v be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o any_o wise_a man_n may_v consider_v by_o the_o miserable_a effect_n which_o ordinary_o accompany_v rebellion_n 4_o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v move_v thereto_o by_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n the_o author_n and_o commander_n of_o obedience_n unto_o superior_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v call_v without_o blasphemy_n the_o author_n of_o rebellion_n disobedience_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o this_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o have_v produce_v all_o those_o evil_n as_o the_o proper_a effect_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptist_n and_o fanatical_a libertine_n to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o their_o brain_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v be_v move_v to_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n by_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v move_v to_o make_v insurrection_n draw_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o aarâ—n_n since_o both_o the_o act_n be_v very_o like_o one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n that_o traitor_n raviliack_n who_o kill_v henry_n the_o four_o of_o france_n be_v a_o confident_a in_o his_o imagination_n affirm_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n that_o he_o be_v not_o move_v to_o that_o fact_n by_o any_o parâ—â—â—ular_a respect_n or_o instigation_n of_o another_o person_n but_o only_o by_o god_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n 5._o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v thereto_o draw_v by_o necessity_n it_o be_v think_v indeed_o that_o those_o of_o lower_n germany_n be_v draw_v by_o some_o necessity_n to_o confederate_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n who_o be_v their_o prince_n indeed_o yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v such_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o as_o our_o king_n have_v over_o scotland_n because_o he_o violent_v their_o conscience_n compel_v they_o not_o only_o to_o forsake_v but_o also_o to_o forswear_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o embrace_v popish_a idolatry_n not_o by_o proclamation_n only_o but_o by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o cruel_a torment_n in_o the_o inquisition_n whereby_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n most_o cruel_o before_o ever_o they_o make_v any_o combination_n among_o themselves_o or_o refuse_v due_a obedience_n to_o their_o prince_n although_o nevertheless_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o their_o rise_n in_o arm_n against_o their_o prince_n be_v not_o altogether_o justifiable_a before_o god_n much_o less_o than_o can_v our_o covenanter_n allege_v true_o that_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o any_o necessity_n to_o this_o rebellious_a combination_n since_o for_o the_o refusal_n of_o that_o book_n never_o a_o man_n in_o scotland_n have_v lose_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o a_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n or_o be_v fine_v in_o a_o farthing_n or_o have_v his_o body_n imprison_v or_o a_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n touch_v before_o that_o covenant_n 6._o they_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n which_o be_v most_o false_a for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contract_n of_o a_o new_a one_o different_a in_o substance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v swear_v either_o the_o year_n 1580._o or_o 1590._o as_o they_o know_v well_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n from_o this_o then_o that_o we_o have_v show_v to_o be_v true_a we_o may_v bring_v a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o by_o this_o abjuration_n the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v but_o a_o appendix_n deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o have_v another_o meaning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o that_o confession_n whereupon_o it_o depend_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o abjuration_n can_v not_o have_v a_o contrary_a meaning_n towit_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v already_o sufficient_o qualify_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o a_o appendix_n shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o the_o principal_a proposition_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n all_o good_a logician_n know_v this_o of_o which_o number_n to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o moderator_n be_v one_o who_o have_v in_o his_o time_n compose_v many_o accurate_a proposition_n with_o their_o appendix_n and_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v one_o of_o his_o scholar_n with_o patience_n to_o set_v down_o their_o thesis_n with_o so_o evil_a knit_a consequence_n as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v be_v betwixt_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n depend_v thereupon_o i_o can_v find_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o and_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o assembly_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v against_o all_o true_a logic_n and_o sound_a reason_n except_o it_o be_v as_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o for_o obedience_n thereto_o they_o have_v forget_v all_o rule_n of_o logic_n to_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o idol_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o our_o covenanter_n object_n that_o albeit_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v understand_v so_o by_o those_o who_o have_v set_v it_o down_o and_o so_o interpret_v by_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o it_o appertain_v to_o interpret_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v understand_v and_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v and_o now_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n yea_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n as_o the_o covenanter_n do_v interpret_v it_o now_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o both_o those_o contrary_a sense_n can_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o judge_v so_o except_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n like_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n as_o some_o blasphemous_a papist_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a rule_n to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n like_o a_o lesbian_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o crooked_a and_o straight_a line_n or_o to_o contrary_a and_o contradictory_a sense_n then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v which_o of_o those_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a man_n but_o will_v esteem_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o express_v by_o the_o author_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o say_v vnusquique_fw-la est_fw-la suâ—ruâ—â—_z verborum_fw-la optimus_fw-la interpres_fw-la except_o such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v nonsense_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v the_o same_o do_v declare_v their_o meaning_n therein_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o damn_v but_o direct_o approve_v therefore_o that_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o must_v needs_o be_v false_a second_o this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n therein_o be_v neither_o frame_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n nor_o be_v the_o oath_n require_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o both_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n at_o who_o direction_n this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n by_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o it_o appertain_v only_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o do_v require_v the_o oath_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o true_a axiom_n agree_v unto_o by_o all_o orthodox_a writer_n that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o direct_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o council_n do_v require_v that_o oath_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o he_o and_o his_o council_n do_v plain_o declare_v before_o that_o time_n at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n and_o many_o time_n afterward_o that_o his_o express_a meaning_n purpose_n and_o constant_a intention_n be_v to_o continue_v the_o estate_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o withstand_v all_o motion_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n thereof_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o for_o first_o that_o this_o abjuration_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n appointment_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n only_o the_o oath_n be_v require_v be_v manifest_a both_o by_o that_o act_n of_o council_n march_n 5._o 1580._o which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n press_v thereby_o to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o king_n as_o likewise_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1581._o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o household_n not_o long_o before_o and_o in_o that_o act_n approve_v this_o confession_n cite_v here_o by_o they_o it_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n next_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n meaning_n appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v out_o efold_o as_o the_o same_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o the_o king_n proclamation_n for_o that_o word_n efold_o signify_v that_o they_o shall_v follow_v not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o likewise_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v in_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n not_o in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o if_o the_o assembly_n will_v intend_v one_o sense_n and_o the_o king_n another_o but_o simple_o and_o sincere_o by_o all_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o meaning_n which_o his_o majesty_n do_v express_v in_o his_o proclamation_n three_o that_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n or_o meaning_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v be_v also_o most_o manifest_a 1._o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n often_o reject_v the_o instant_a petition_n of_o divers_a assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v impair_v and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o all_o pastor_n establish_v as_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o by_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o cite_v here_o by_o they_o wherein_o be_v these_o word_n because_o divers_a suit_n have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o yet_o have_v take_v no_o great_a effect_n then_o because_o
his_o majesty_n both_o before_o this_o time_n at_o this_o time_n and_o after_o do_v show_v evident_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o divers_a protestation_n against_o those_o assembly_n which_o press_v to_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o presentation_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o place_n whensoever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a as_o he_o do_v at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n present_a m._n rob._n montgomery_n to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n see_v then_o that_o this_o abjuration_n or_o confession_n call_v it_o as_o they_o please_v be_v frame_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v abjure_v it_o must_v be_v also_o presuppon_v that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v swear_v or_o subscribe_v the_o same_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n otherwise_o they_o do_v swear_v false_o sophystical_o and_o by_o equivocation_n therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o honest_a man_n who_o have_v a_o efold_a and_o upright_a meaning_n in_o take_v their_o oath_n neither_o can_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o give_v any_o sure_a warrant_n to_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o king_n meaning_n for_o if_o this_o abjuration_n or_o covenant_n have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o there_o have_v be_v some_o appearance_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n now_o may_v give_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n act_n and_o the_o oath_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o the_o subject_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n especial_o such_o a_o unformall_a and_o unlawful_a one_o as_o this_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o false_a and_o vain_a fear_n wherewith_o they_o will_v burden_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v fearful_o perjure_v by_o establish_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretend_a oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v rather_o forswear_v and_o perjure_a who_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o their_o first_o oath_n have_v by_o their_o new_a rebellious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o have_v take_v their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o now_o by_o persuasion_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v break_v their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v their_o authority_n and_o ratify_v their_o disobedience_n by_o another_o oath_n be_v evident_o forswear_v as_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v do_v let_v they_o in_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n search_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o prick_v thereby_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o four_o several_a sentence_n of_o the_o abjuration_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o first_o have_v now_o show_v that_o neither_o by_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o by_o the_o appendix_n thereof_o call_v abjuration_n nor_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o by_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n here_o controvert_v be_v condemn_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n to_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v neither_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o perfect_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o a_o late_a foundation_n and_o may_v be_v in_o sum_n reduce_v to_o three_o sort_n first_o they_o bring_v certain_a break_a sentence_n â—ut_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o call_v the_o confession_n than_o some_o act_n of_o their_o late_a general_n assembly_n and_o three_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o they_o bring_v four_o several_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n falsify_v and_o wrest_v they_o strange_o as_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v some_o show_n of_o prove_v their_o determination_n the_o first_o passage_n be_v in_o these_o word_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n the_o second_o be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a nad_z particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o four_o be_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a to_o all_o these_o passage_n that_o by_o none_o of_o they_o be_v either_o episcopal_a government_n abjure_v for_o first_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o their_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o their_o charge_n over_o moc_fw-fr particular_a flock_n or_o of_o presbytery_n of_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o except_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o secret_a meaning_n these_o passage_n can_v serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o both_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n whereof_o this_o abjuration_n be_v a_o appendix_n and_o by_o the_o explain_a meaning_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o who_o appointment_n this_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereunto_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v thereby_o abjure_v and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sâ—nse_n can_v be_v able_a to_o pâ—ove_v their_o purpose_n second_o we_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n m._n alexander_n henrison_n and_o his_o associate_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v confess_v plain_o that_o by_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v and_o that_o any_o man_n may_v safe_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o their_o covenant_n also_o without_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o profession_n they_o entice_v many_o to_o sweat_n and_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n who_o otherwise_o will_v nâ—t_v have_v do_v it_o now_o either_o they_o speak_v sincere_o at_o that_o time_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v flat_o contradict_v this_o position_n that_o by_o swear_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v or_o else_o by_o dissemble_a policy_n they_o do_v so_o profess_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o design_n in_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o rebellious_a covenant_n and_o so_o do_v show_v themselves_o jesuitical_a temporizer_n and_o time-server_n en_fw-fr grain_n abuse_v
cap._n 7._o entitle_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n everywhere_o and_o most_o frequent_o by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v obey_v and_o receive_v bishop_n be_v not_o perjure_v nor_o have_v break_v that_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o this_o assembly_n who_o have_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v with_o such_o precipitation_n so_o many_o bishop_n and_o minister_n without_o observe_v in_o their_o process_n these_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v evident_o perjure_v according_a to_o their_o own_o ground_n second_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v at_o some_o time_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o ample_a signification_n for_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 1._o be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o order_n or_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n thereto_o appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o we_o â—ll_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o policy_n cap._n 2._o be_v divide_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v ruler_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v rule_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n subject_a to_o this_o policy_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o discipline_n so_o proper_o call_v 3._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n and_o â—ent_a of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o contend_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o this_o large_a sense_n in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n likewise_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o this_o discipline_n or_o policy_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o distinguish_v the_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a from_o the_o point_n accidental_a and_o mutable_a or_o as_o it_o be_v express_o distinguish_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 9_o entitle_v of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n utter_o necessary_a without_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o thing_n profitable_a and_o not_o mere_o necessary_a the_o point_n utter_o necessary_a be_v those_o which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n to_o endure_v perpetual_o as_o that_o there_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o god_n word_n be_v true_o teach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v against_o scandalous_a person_n and_o such_o other_o like_a thing_n the_o point_v not_o mere_o necessary_a but_o profitable_a be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o particular_o prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n set_v down_o the_o form_n ceremony_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n do_v require_v such_o as_o how_o many_o pastor_n under_o what_o name_n and_o title_n they_o ought_v to_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n over_o what_o bound_n or_o what_o particular_a person_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v charge_n when_o where_o in_o what_o order_n gesture_n or_o what_o habit_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v pray_v or_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o divers_a other_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n concerning_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o government_n the_o first_o sort_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v in_o substance_n since_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o baptism_n or_o entrâ—e_n to_o a_o calling_n do_v oblige_v every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o station_n therein_o to_o observe_v they_o perpetual_o albeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o oath_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o condemn_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o of_o these_o essential_a point_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o god_n word_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o in_o swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o point_n of_o discipline_n none_o have_v abjure_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n but_o therewith_o have_v retain_v those_o essential_a point_n without_o change_n or_o alteration_n there_o be_v other_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o accidental_a part_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v by_o what_o title_n or_o name_n those_o who_o bear_v chief_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v whether_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n or_o precedent_n or_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o moderatores_fw-la by_o who_o advice_n they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o authority_n whether_o by_o chapter_n or_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n or_o by_o other_o wise_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n assume_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o be_v their_o câ—uncell_n albeit_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o expedient_a to_o use_v these_o title_n and_o name_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o continue_v by_o long_a prescription_n in_o after_o age_n than_o those_o new_a invent_a title_n by_o man_n affect_v singularity_n these_o point_n be_v alterable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o not_o be_v precise_o command_v in_o god_n word_n may_v be_v change_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o liberty_n they_o be_v leave_v and_o therefore_o no_o oath_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n thereof_o in_o case_n it_o please_v the_o church_n for_o reason_n of_o expediency_n to_o alter_v they_o for_o according_a to_o that_o common_a regula_fw-la iuris_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la actus_fw-la super_fw-la quo_fw-la interponitur_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v unto_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n perpetui_fw-la iuris_fw-la the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o biâ—des_v to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n and_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o absolve_v we_o of_o that_o oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v iuris_fw-la positivi_fw-la and_o only_o a_o constitution_n of_o the_o câ—urch_n or_o commonwealth_n concerning_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o supreme_a 〈…〉_z then_o certain_o the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o 〈…〉_z long_o than_o the_o constitution_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v alter_v by_o that_o same_o lawful_a authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v all_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la loose_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o oath_n yea_o all_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o the_o alteration_n she_o make_v in_o those_o mutable_a point_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o new_a act_n and_o constitution_n that_o concern_v the_o same_o although_o they_o be_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o all_o those_o who_o disobey_v therein_o contemptuous_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n therefore_o since_o the_o church_n have_v alter_v upon_o good_a and_o grave_a reason_n those_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v for_o a_o time_n not_o upon_o so_o good_a ground_n unto_o the_o ancient_a approve_a manner_n of_o episcopal_a government_n all_o those_o within_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v notwithstanding_o of_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o her_o change_n without_o fear_n of_o perjury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o our_o covenanter_n who_o before_o the_o lawful_a abrogation_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n have_v not_o conform_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o disobey_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o their_o exemplary_a practice_n entice_v yea_o compel_v other_o to_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o their_o mother_n their_o church_n and_o break_v of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v conserve_v do_v lie_v under_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n until_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v chap._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v against_o bishop_n until_o
examine_v and_o all_o objection_n answer_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n require_v to_o propone_v their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o every_o one_o be_v hear_v to_o the_o full_a and_o after_o much_o agitation_n as_o full_o satisfy_v etc._n etc._n magnific_a word_n indeed_o dare_v pondus_fw-la idonea_fw-la fumo_fw-la able_a to_o give_v weight_n to_o the_o light_a smoke_n of_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o one_o only_a session_n in_o the_o short_a day_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n the_o 8._o of_o december_n so_o many_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v to_o the_o full_a that_o all_o these_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o can_v be_v particular_o at_o great_a length_n examine_v in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n all_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v propon_v exact_o answer_v every_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n hear_v to_o the_o full_a every_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n desire_v and_o require_v to_o propound_v not_o only_o their_o great_a doubt_n but_o their_o small_a scruple_n also_o and_o after_o much_o agitation_n all_o be_v full_o satisfy_v certain_o the_o persuader_n have_v need_n of_o great_a volubility_n of_o tongue_n to_o repeat_v so_o many_o reason_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n to_o propose_v and_o to_o answer_v to_o many_o so_o strong_a objection_n as_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v against_o their_o conclusion_n and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o cicero_n or_o demosthenes_n yea_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n to_o persuade_v to_o the_o full_a all_o their_o hearer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o answer_n and_o these_o who_o be_v contrary_a mind_v have_v need_n of_o pregnant_a wit_n to_o conceive_v all_o their_o persuasion_n so_o quick_o yea_o of_o some_o secret_a enthusiasm_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o change_v their_o heart_n who_o not_o long_o ago_o be_v full_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o have_v confirm_v their_o perâ—wasion_n by_o their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o have_v practise_v according_o for_o a_o long_a time_n all_o these_o thing_n allege_v here_o to_o have_v be_v do_v have_v require_v a_o great_a space_n to_o have_v do_v they_o exact_o to_o the_o full_a than_o the_o space_n of_o a_o whole_a month_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a time_n this_o assembly_n do_v sit_v in_o determine_v with_o this_o point_n many_o other_o article_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n so_o precipitate_a be_v they_o in_o their_o determination_n fear_v lesâ—_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v prevent_v before_o they_o have_v vent_v their_o great_a malice_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o full_a second_o after_o this_o bravado_n the_o moderator_n do_v put_v the_o matter_n to_o voice_n in_o these_o term_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a â—â—ock_n have_v no_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o whether_o by_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n this_o proposition_n we_o have_v discuss_v before_o at_o the_o beginning_n in_o state_v the_o question_n as_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v more_o easy_o perceive_v whether_o the_o reason_n allege_v do_v conclude_v direct_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n where_o we_o have_v show_v evident_o that_o this_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v here_o set_v down_o be_v informal_a obscure_a ambiguous_a sophistical_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o answer_v categoricâ—_z either_o affirmative_a or_o negative_a as_o all_o voyâ—es_v aught_o to_o be_v give_v and_o be_v accustom_v to_o be_v in_o any_o orderly_a meeting_n therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v further_a therein_o in_o this_o place_n three_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o voice_n they_o say_v the_o whole_a assembly_n most_o unanimous_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o with_o the_o hesitation_n of_o one_o allaâ—erly_o profess_v full_a persuasion_n of_o â—ind_n do_v voice_n etc._n etc._n no_o marvel_n though_o all_o these_o who_o be_v present_a and_o admit_v to_o give_v voice_n do_v so_o without_o contradiction_n since_o all_o those_o who_o they_o suspect_v will_v make_v any_o contradiction_n be_v either_o exclude_v from_o be_v commissioner_n or_o if_o they_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n be_v debar_v from_o voice_n by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o instruction_n send_v from_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o direct_v to_o every_o presbytery_n some_o public_o to_o all_o some_o secret_o to_o those_o of_o every_o presbytery_n who_o be_v most_o affect_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o some_o of_o their_o instruction_n verbatim_o 1._o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o be_v choose_v ruling-elder_n but_o covenanter_n and_o those_o well-affected_a to_o the_o business_n 2._o that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o well_o affect_v the_o ruling-eld_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o speak_v to_o particular_o to_o that_o effect_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v careful_a that_o no_o chapter-man_n chappel-man_n or_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v choose_v commissioner_n although_o they_o be_v covenanter_n 4._o that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n cause_n convene_v before_o they_o the_o ruling-eld_n of_o every_o churâ—h_n before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o give_v vote_n to_o none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v name_v already_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n 5._o that_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a in_o doctrine_n or_o scandâ—lous_a 〈◊〉_d life_n and_o such_o only_o they_o account_v those_o who_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o covenant_n be_v present_o process_v that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n that_o all_o the_o best_a affect_a protest_n against_o they_o and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o there_o be_v divers_a likewise_o who_o be_v choose_v and_o admit_v commissioner_n and_o yet_o do_v remove_v themselves_o when_o the_o assembly_n be_v discharge_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n out_o of_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o soverâ—igne_a majesty_n and_o detestation_n of_o rebellion_n before_o this_o point_n be_v put_v to_o voice_n therefore_o none_o remain_v except_o these_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o rebellion_n no_o marvel_n though_o none_o of_o they_o do_v contradict_v their_o rebellious_a leader_n we_o see_v indeed_o this_o same_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n which_o be_v put_v to_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o discern_v that_o all_o of_o they_o before_o this_o time_n be_v resolve_v upon_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o sensible_a preagreement_n at_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n to_o the_o which_o agreement_n they_o do_v astrict_v all_o the_o commissioner_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n it_o be_v enjoin_v both_o by_o their_o secret_a and_o public_a instruâ—tions_n that_o every_o presbytery_n shall_v send_v their_o commissioner_n to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n which_o be_v seven_o week_n before_o the_o day_n appoint_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v know_v their_o own_o strength_n the_o better_a at_o their_o next_o meeting_n so_o that_o these_o act_n can_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n at_o glasgow_n but_o rather_o act_n of_o those_o seditious_a table_n of_o covenanter_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o only_o repeat_v here_o at_o glasgow_n for_o the_o fashion_n four_o wherein_o be_v this_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o their_o suffrage_n it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o all_o episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n over_o a_o particular_a flock_n be_v abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o same_o if_o this_o be_v their_o unanimous_a suffrage_n and_o no_o more_o i_o marvel_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n yea_o i_o believe_v that_o if_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o give_v their_o voice_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v contradict_v this_o for_o neither_o do_v these_o word_n answer_v to_o the_o propositon_n of_o the_o moderator_n nor_o do_v
they_o condemn_v episcopacy_n in_o any_o point_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o proposition_n i_o prove_v it_o in_o two_o substantial_a point_n for_o first_o as_o we_o declare_v before_o in_o set_v down_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o moderator_n proposition_n include_v three_o distinct_a question_n 1._o whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v anno_fw-la 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n 2._o whether_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o be_v abjure_v 3._o whether_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n or_o not_o but_o in_o voice_n they_o answer_v only_o to_o the_o last_o two_o omit_v altogether_o the_o the_o first_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o both_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o consider_v the_o informality_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o esteem_v that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o answer_v so_o for_o if_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o their_o voice_n have_v be_v as_o informal_a and_o intricate_a as_o the_o proposition_n be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o answer_v categorical_o to_o all_o three_o at_o once_o for_o why_o according_a to_o their_o ground_n they_o behoove_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o negatiâ—â—_n and_o to_o the_o other_o two_o affirmatiuè_a and_o therefore_o lest_o their_o answer_n shall_v have_v be_v obscure_a and_o intricate_a include_v both_o a_o negative_a and_o affirmative_a voice_n they_o do_v wise_o to_o answer_v to_o those_o question_n only_o to_o the_o which_o one_o affirmaâ—ive_a voice_n may_v serve_v 2._o the_o propoâ—ition_n contain_v two_o point_n of_o episcâ—pacie_n to_o wit_n charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n and_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n demand_v if_o both_o these_o point_n be_v abjure_v or_o not_o and_o both_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o in_o voice_n they_o determine_v only_o the_o first_o point_n concerning_o their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a â—locks_n than_o one_o not_o a_o word_n of_o their_o abjure_v or_o remove_v their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o 〈◊〉_d which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n that_o do_v most_o grieve_v our_o covenanter_n and_o for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o have_v raise_v all_o this_o trouâ—lâ—_z be_v it_o therefore_o know_v to_o all_o that_o this_o assembly_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d conveâ—ned_v to_o condemn_v episcopacy_n do_v 〈…〉_z this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o 〈…〉_z therefore_o that_o this_o stand_v still_o in_o force_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n whosoever_o yield_v not_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n according_a to_o their_o oath_n be_v evident_o perjure_v and_o be_v not_o absolve_v from_o their_o oath_n by_o this_o assembly_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v extend_v the_o conclusion_n further_o than_o all_o their_o unanimous_a voice_n can_v suffer_v which_o as_o they_o must_v confess_v be_v the_o great_a iniquity_n which_o can_v be_v commit_v by_o any_o assembly_n whatsoever_o final_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o episcopacy_n be_v here_o condemn_v except_o that_o which_o be_v different_a from_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o condemn_v in_o the_o bishop_n either_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a in_o the_o pâ—imitive_a church_n or_o be_v of_o late_a in_o scotland_n and_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_n yea_o no_o episcopacy_n be_v here_o abjure_v except_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o only_a arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a flock_n all_o other_o bishop_n require_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o as_o cyprian_a faith_n episcopatus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d est_fw-la cujus_fw-la à _fw-la singulis_fw-la in_fw-la solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la there_o be_v no_o bound_n prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n of_o a_o particular_a â—lock_n but_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o more_o commodious_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o conserve_n unity_n have_v divide_v kingdom_n in_o province_n and_o province_n in_o particular_a diocese_n and_o diocese_n in_o particular_a parish_n appoint_v to_o every_o part_n their_o own_o ruler_n so_o that_o as_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n even_o so_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o province_n the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o archbishop_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o primate_n neither_o may_v any_o bishop_n lawful_o usurp_v charge_n over_o the_o particular_a flock_n of_o another_o bishop_n without_o his_o consent_n their_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o go_v through_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o mortal_a war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o all_o his_o loyal_a subject_n albeit_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v pastor_n only_o of_o a_o particular_a parish_n yet_o do_v violent_o intrude_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v charge_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o other_o pastor_n without_o warrant_n or_o authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n from_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n establish_v even_o then_o when_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o great_a force_n draw_v after_o they_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n to_o disobedience_n and_o open_a rebellion_n and_o by_o consequent_a to_o perdition_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o yet_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v to_o any_o of_o they_o cur_fw-la ita_fw-la facis_fw-la i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o this_o gross_a and_o absurd_a escape_n in_o not_o answer_v by_o their_o voice_n full_o to_o the_o proposition_n and_o extend_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n further_o than_o the_o voice_n can_v suffer_v except_o that_o they_o will_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o printer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o original_a register_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o they_o have_v answer_v full_o to_o the_o proposition_n their_o suffrage_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v categorical_a but_o very_o informal_a and_o intricate_a include_v both_o a_o negative_a and_o a_o affirmative_a voice_n 2._o their_o clerk_n m._n archibald_n johnstone_n have_v testify_v the_o contrary_a by_o add_v to_o this_o print_a copy_n and_o all_o other_o which_o i_o have_v see_v his_o sign_n and_o manual_a subscription_n testify_v thereby_o that_o they_o be_v print_v according_a to_o the_o original_a act_n contain_v in_o the_o authentic_a register_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o affirm_v he_o have_v not_o only_o collect_v and_o extract_v these_o act_n but_o also_o visy_z they_o to_o see_v if_o the_o extract_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n if_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o a_o absurd_a escape_n in_o omit_v the_o very_a principal_a point_n whereupon_o the_o whole_a act_n do_v depend_v and_o be_v that_o act_n also_o for_o the_o which_o the_o assembly_n be_v chief_o convene_v he_o have_v certain_o show_v himself_o a_o very_a ass_n unworthy_a of_o that_o trust_n which_o the_o whole_a assembly_n do_v commit_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o express_a act_n constitute_v he_o the_o only_a visitor_n and_o approver_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v print_v concerning_o the_o church_n or_o religion_n 3._o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v true_a that_o johnstone_n may_v â—ave_v oversee_v himself_o so_o far_o yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o moderator_n and_o other_o commit_v to_o visit_v the_o act_n shall_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o reverse_v the_o whole_a act_n about_o the_o which_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o pass_v forth_o before_o it_o be_v diligent_o correct_v therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n commit_v by_o the_o printer_n but_o that_o the_o act_n be_v print_v according_a to_o the_o original_a register_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o write_v in_o the_o register_n as_o it_o be_v voice_v unanimous_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o voycer_n have_v no_o other_o meaning_n then_o their_o word_n do_v express_v and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o in_o effect_n be_v conclude_v in_o this_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o title_n of_o the_o act_n bear_v and_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v just_o in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o satiric_a poet_n parturiunt_fw-la moutes_fw-fr and_o nascitur_fw-la ridiculus_fw-la mus_fw-la finis_fw-la