some_o question_n resolve_v concern_v episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o scotland_n i_o protest_v before_o the_o great_a god_n and_o since_o i_o be_o here_o as_o upon_o my_o testament_n it_o be_v no_o time_n for_o i_o to_o lie_v in_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v with_o any_o high-land_n or_o border_n thief_n great_a ingratitude_n and_o more_o lie_v and_o vile_a perjury_n then_o with_o these_o fanatic_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o they_o to_o brook_v your_o land_n if_o you_o like_v to_o sit_v at_o rest_n except_o you_o keep_v they_o for_o try_v your_o patience_n as_o socrates_n do_v a_o evil_a wife_n k._n j._n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 2._o p._n 51._o lond._n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o randal_n taylor_n near_o stationers-hall_n 1690._o imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la march_n 10_o 1690._o the_o preface_n the_o government_n by_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v in_o scotland_n restore_v an._n 1662._o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n most_o convenient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o truth_n order_n and_o unity_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o monarchy_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o state_n those_o motive_n for_o its_o restitution_n be_v every_o way_n so_o great_a that_o none_o other_o can_v be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o nation_n which_o challenge_v a_o more_o early_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o ancient_a race_n of_o king_n than_o any_o of_o these_o part_n of_o christendom_n can_v well_o pretend_v to_o but_o that_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o best_a fit_v against_o heresy_n and_o schism_n may_v to_o prejudice_v man_n seem_v burdensome_a and_o by_o they_o be_v misrepresent_v to_o other_o from_o this_o it_o have_v happen_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n as_o exercise_v in_o scotland_n these_o 26_o year_n have_v be_v of_o late_o abolish_v as_o a_o unsupportable_a grievance_n to_o the_o nation_n contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o legal_a establishment_n of_o that_o church_n at_o the_o reformation_n whoever_o due_o compare_v the_o narrative_n of_o these_o two_o act_n the_o one_o about_o its_o restitution_n and_o the_o other_o about_o its_o abolishment_n may_v find_v some_o of_o their_o reason_n why_o no_o other_o ecclesiastic_a polity_n be_v yet_o settle_a in_o its_o place_n for_o by_o this_o delay_n every_o member_n of_o parliament_n have_v have_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o church_n government_n for_o essential_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o may_v both_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o state_n from_o usurpation_n and_o rebellion_n and_o which_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o religious_a protestant_n and_o loyal_a subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n for_o this_o effect_n the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o follow_a question_n be_v doubtless_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o the_o impartial_a resolution_n of_o they_o can_v but_o be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o seasonable_a whether_o they_o be_v resolve_v here_o with_o such_o impartiality_n as_o this_o matter_n require_v be_v submit_v to_o the_o unbiased_a judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n who_o i_o shall_v desire_v that_o if_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n he_o will_v tell_v the_o world_n in_o charity_n and_o meekness_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o christianity_n and_o not_o in_o that_o unchristian_a way_n of_o evil_a speak_v and_o revile_v which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o spirit_n he_o be_v of_o that_o write_v the_o brief_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n occasion_v by_o the_o episcopalian_o since_o the_o year_n 1660._o i_o wish_v i_o have_v see_v that_o pamphlet_n before_o this_o be_v go_v to_o the_o press_n it_o will_v have_v occasion_v i_o to_o add_v some_o thing_n more_o though_o i_o do_v not_o find_v myself_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v write_v some_o question_n etc._n etc._n question_n i._o whether_o presbytery_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o episcopacy_n restore_v in_o scotland_n an._n 1662._o be_v settle_v by_o law_n when_o the_o protestant_a religion_n come_v to_o have_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o that_o kingdom_n 1._o all_o the_o dispute_v here_o intrinsic_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n governor_n be_v pure_o this_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v nominate_v by_o the_o state_n or_o by_o the_o church_n whether_o after_o nomination_n the_o power_n to_o elect_a he_o shall_v be_v entrust_v to_o a_o delegated_a number_n or_o remain_v in_o the_o mix_a synod_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o whether_o after_o the_o election_n be_v past_a his_o institution_n unto_o his_o office_n shall_v be_v for_o life_n or_o only_o during_o pleasure_n and_o last_o whether_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o function_n he_o have_v a_o negative_a voice_n over_o his_o synod_n or_o they_o a_o conclusive_a voice_n over_o he_o wherefore_o the_o presbyterian_a moderator_n an._n 1662._o abolish_v be_v right_o define_v the_o church-moderator_n nominate_v and_o elect_v by_o the_o clergy_n lay-elder_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o synod_n institute_v unto_o his_o office_n during_o their_o pleasure_n invest_v with_o no_o fix_a power_n of_o ordination_n nor_o any_o negative_a voice_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v then_o restore_v be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n a_o church-government_n of_o a_o moderator_n nominate_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o the_o chapter_n invest_v with_o a_o fix_a power_n of_o ordination_n regulate_v by_o cannon_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n balance_v by_o assist_v presbyter_n 2._o now_o although_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o scotland_n take_v away_o april_n last_o yet_o since_o presbytery_n be_v not_o yet_o settle_v by_o law_n this_o question_n of_o fact_n propose_v about_o it_o may_v be_v state_v and_o resolve_v according_a to_o truth_n without_o the_o crime_n of_o lose_v make_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o scotland_n in_o the_o year_n 1567._o in_o which_o year_n by_o parliamentary_a statute_n popery_n be_v 8._o abolish_v a_o protestant_a confession_n of_o faith_n authorize_v and_o their_o king_n by_o the_o coronation_n oath_n oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o 4._o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o scottish_a monarchy_n neither_o the_o king_n without_o advice_n of_o his_o estate_n nor_o they_o without_o his_o royal_a consent_n touch_v the_o public_a act_n with_o his_o sceptre_n can_v make_v or_o unmake_v law_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n wherefore_o the_o constitution_n of_o bishop_n have_v then_o the_o public_a authority_n the_o popish_a bishop_n sit_v in_o this_o parliament_n which_o thus_o settle_v the_o reformation_n must_v in_o the_o construction_n book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v confess_v to_o remain_v firm_a and_o valid_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a year_n 1567._o till_o the_o full_a legislative_a power_n of_o the_o king_n in_o parliament_n concur_v to_o shake_v or_o destroy_v it_o 5._o but_o whatever_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n in_o favour_n of_o mr._n 289._o john_n knox_n his_o book_n of_o policy_n propose_v a_o superintendency_n which_o be_v another_o model_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o mr._n an._n melvil_n his_o book_n of_o discipline_n propose_v presbytery_n an._n 1578_o by_o act_n of_o privy_a council_n extort_a in_o tumultuous_a time_n through_o the_o menace_v application_n of_o clergy_n man_n assemble_v themselves_o without_o warrant_n yet_o before_o the_o year_n 1592._o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n either_o in_o print_n or_o unprint_v settle_v that_o presbytery_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o episcopacy_n establish_v before_o and_o remain_v in_o substance_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n 6._o wherefore_o the_o impartial_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o presbytery_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o episcopacy_n restore_v in_o scotland_n an._n 1662._o be_v not_o by_o law_n settle_v 35_o year_n after_o the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o that_o kingdom_n question_n ii_o whether_o ever_o presbytery_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n without_o constraint_n from_o tumultuous_a time_n 1._o king_n james_n describe_v the_o presbyterian_o call_v they_o the_o very_a pest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n who_o ed._n no_o desert_n can_v oblige_v neither_o oath_n nor_o promise_n bind_v brea_fw-mi thing_n nothing_o but_o sedition_n and_o calumny_n aspire_a without_o measure_n rail_a without_o reason_n and_o make_v their_o own_o imagination_n without_o any_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n the_o square_a of_o their_o
import_v that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o inheritance_n shall_v pay_v the_o four_o part_n of_o 2._o his_o yearly_a estate_n every_o yeoman_n tenant_n or_o farmer_n the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o free_a moveable_n after_o the_o payment_n of_o their_o due_n to_o their_o master_n and_o that_o every_o burgess_n shall_v lose_v all_o the_o privilege_n within_o the_o borough_n and_o the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o moveable_n 12._o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o penal_a law_n the_o contagion_n of_o those_o book_n and_o sermon_n which_o poison_v so_o many_o with_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n produce_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o that_o again_o be_v follow_v by_o a_o open_a rebellion_n of_o the_o western_a part_n know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o pentlin_n hill_n in_o the_o year_n 1666_o defeat_v by_o the_o king_n army_n so_o that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o capacity_n of_o resist_v however_o the_o king_n in_o his_o royal_a clemency_n at_o the_o address_n of_o some_o statesman_n give_v they_o indulgence_n to_o convene_v in_o meeting-house_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o they_o make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o that_o by_o they_o the_o incumbent_a minister_n who_o character_n will_v have_v secure_v they_o any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n have_v their_o house_n in_o the_o night_n time_n invade_v their_o person_n assault_v wound_v and_o pursue_v for_o their_o life_n then_o indeed_o that_o merciful_a prince_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o estate_n in_o parliament_n have_v a_o just_a indignation_n of_o such_o horrid_a and_o unchristian_a villainy_n think_v fit_a to_o brand_v the_o same_o with_o a_o 4._o signal_n mark_v of_o displeasure_n and_o this_o act_n of_o the_o date_n aug._n 1670._o be_v the_o first_o that_o punish_v with_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n 13._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n fill_v with_o indignation_n at_o the_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o procure_v this_o former_a penal_a law_n and_o understand_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a and_o take_v up_o by_o seditious_a person_n they_o immediate_o 5._o pass_v another_o act_n against_o conventicle_n the_o preamble_n of_o which_o last_o act_n declare_v that_o such_o meeting_n be_v the_o ordinary_a seminary_n of_o rebellion_n as_o well_o as_o separation_n that_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o alienate_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o subject_n from_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o public_a law_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prejudice_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o reason_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v the_o penalty_n of_o this_o law_n fall_v heavy_a upon_o the_o transgressor_n thereof_o 14_o and_o the_o penalty_n therein_o contain_v as_o nigh_o as_o i_o can_v value_v scottish_a money_n by_o the_o current_a coin_n in_o england_n be_v these_o follow_v that_o every_o minister_n preach_v at_o a_o conventicle_n shall_v be_v imprison_v till_o he_o find_v surety_n for_o 275_o l._n that_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v the_o like_a thereafter_o or_o else_o oblige_v himself_o by_o bond_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o never_o to_o return_v without_o his_o majesty_n leave_n that_o every_o one_o of_o any_o inheritance_n shall_v pay_v the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o yearly_a estate_n that_o every_o servant_n shall_v pay_v the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o yearly_a wage_n that_o every_o farmer_n shall_v pay_v forty_o shilling_n and_o every_o tenant_n under_o they_o twenty_o 12._o further_o his_o majesty_n understand_v that_o divers_a disaffect_v person_n have_v be_v so_o malicious_o wicked_a and_o disloyal_a as_o to_o convocate_v his_o subject_n to_o open_a meeting_n in_o the_o field_n and_o consider_v that_o those_o meeting_n be_v the_o rendezvous_n of_o rebellion_n and_o tend_v in_o a_o high_a measure_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n declare_v that_o those_o who_o in_o arm_n do_v convocate_v in_o field_n conventicle_n shall_v be_v punishable_a by_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o that_o those_o present_n at_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v in_o double_a the_o respective_a fine_n appoint_v against_o house-meeting_n this_o act_n be_v date_v aug._n the_o 30_o 1670._o 13._o these_o act_n against_o separation_n in_o meeting-house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n be_v appoint_v to_o endure_v only_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n unless_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o continue_v they_o long_o wherefore_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v due_a obedience_n and_o that_o the_o execution_n thereof_o have_v not_o be_v so_o prosecute_v as_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o same_o be_v prescribe_v find_v it_o necessary_a with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o estate_n in_o parliament_n in_o sept._n 1672._o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v in_o force_n for_o other_o three_o year_n to_o come_v 14._o these_o be_v the_o penal_a law_n in_o scotland_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o make_v by_o divers_a free_a parliament_n against_o their_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n to_o frequent_a meeting-house_n or_o field-conventicle_n upon_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o religion_n towards_o god_n affection_n to_o the_o law_n loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n or_o study_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o three_o rebellion_n in_o 23_o year_n from_o the_o year_n 1663._o to_o the_o year_n 1686_o have_v justify_v the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o these_o parliament_n but_o none_o ever_o suffer_v for_o mere_a separation_n but_o in_o purse_n and_o never_o any_o be_v punish_v that_o way_n but_o such_o as_o come_v to_o church_n to_o save_v their_o money_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n wherefore_o unless_o we_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n justify_v rebellion_n and_o prefer_v private_a humour_n to_o public_a peace_n the_o impartial_a resolution_n of_o the_o present_a question_n be_v this_o that_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o the_o scotch_a presbyterian_o have_v nothing_o of_o persecution_n in_o they_o question_n vi_o whether_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n in_o scotland_n from_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o year_n 1686_o show_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n against_o presbyterian_o 1._o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v please_v to_o say_v they_o be_v dragoon_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o episcopal_a clergy_n allude_v to_o that_o way_n of_o conversion_n in_o france_n which_o indeed_o be_v procure_v by_o a_o address_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o kingdom_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o palpable_a injustice_n and_o calumny_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o these_o twenty_o four_o year_n never_o produce_v one_o address_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o scotland_n either_o beseech_v the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n to_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n against_o protestant_a dissenter_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o passionate_a exhortation_n in_o private_a and_o the_o public_a sermon_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o guiltiness_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o union_n among_o protestant_n against_o their_o common_a adversary_n the_o inferior_a clergy_n there_o can_v be_v possible_o charge_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n against_o presbyterian_o nay_o upon_o the_o contrary_a our_o clergy_n be_v so_o averse_a from_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n that_o enjoin_v they_o to_o present_v write_v list_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o their_o respective_a parish_n and_o so_o very_o inflexible_a to_o the_o public_a order_n for_o their_o judicial_a inform_v upon_o oath_n against_o separatist_n that_o the_o judge_n competent_a and_o officer_n of_o state_n chide_v they_o in_o public_a for_o disaffection_n to_o the_o royal_a government_n so_o that_o under_o that_o imputation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o innocency_n to_o support_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n to_o their_o swear_a enemy_n 2._o again_o it_o be_v a_o great_a injustice_n to_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a the_o bishop_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o as_o have_v be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o those_o penal_a law_n against_o separation_n but_o since_o the_o repeat_v rebellion_n of_o forty_o year_n past_a convince_v all_o mankind_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o law_n for_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o
conscience_n and_o thereafter_o describe_v their_o church_n polity_n and_o discipline_n call_v it_o that_o parity_n which_o can_v never_o stand_v with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonweal_n and_o well_o rule_v monarchy_n now_o when_o these_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o british_a solomon_n give_v presbyterian_o and_o presbytery_n and_o with_o a_o protestation_n before_o god_n that_o he_o lie_v not_o who_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n or_o grain_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o he_o either_o be_v so_o unwise_a or_o irreligious_a as_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o establish_v presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o not_o out_o of_o some_o kind_n of_o compulsion_n nay_o when_o that_o government_n and_o its_o admirer_n have_v these_o character_n from_o he_o can_v any_o think_v man_n read_v over_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n of_o bishop_n an._n 1606_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o according_a to_o its_o preamble_n the_o former_a act_n an._n 1592._o impair_n that_o first_o estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v pure_o owe_v to_o his_o young_a year_n and_o the_o unsettle_a condition_n of_o affair_n how_o he_o be_v force_v to_o it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o his_o own_o book_n 2._o wherein_o he_o say_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v that_o the_o bless_a reformation_n of_o scotland_n shall_v begin_v with_o unordinate_a and_o popular_a tumult_n of_o man_n clog_v with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o particular_a respect_n that_o some_o fiery_a spirit_a minister_n get_v such_o a_o guide_n of_o the_o people_n at_o that_o time_n of_o confusion_n as_o find_v the_o gust_n of_o government_n sweet_a they_o begin_v to_o fancy_v a_o democracy_n to_o themselves_o that_o have_v be_v over_o well_o bait_v upon_o the_o wrack_n first_o of_o his_o royal_a grandmother_n and_o next_o of_o his_o own_o mother_n and_o usurp_a the_o liberty_n of_o time_n in_o his_o own_o long_a minority_n there_o never_o rise_v any_o faction_n among_o statesman_n but_o they_o that_o be_v of_o that_o factious_a part_n be_v careful_a to_o persuade_v and_o allure_v the_o churchman_n to_o book_n espouse_v that_o quarrel_n as_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o the_o pernicious_a feud_n between_o the_o earl_n of_o huntley_n and_o murray_n and_o those_o contest_v between_o the_o assembly_n man_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n together_o with_o repeat_v treasonable_a plot_n carry_v on_o against_o his_o royal_a person_n by_o bothwel_n and_o his_o associate_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o best_a quality_n force_v that_o young_a king_n to_o settle_v presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v bring_v off_o presbyterian_o from_o join_v with_o the_o act_n of_o their_o kirk_n to_o unsettle_v his_o throne_n 3._o charles_n the_o first_o of_o ever_o bless_a memory_n he_o plead_v that_o in_o charity_n he_o may_v be_v think_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v the_o english_a church_n government_n by_o bishop_n in_o its_o right_a constitution_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n wherein_o both_o his_o judgement_n be_v chap._n just_o satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v of_o all_o other_o the_o full_a scripture_n ground_n and_o also_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o after_o he_o have_v write_v this_o confession_n with_o ink_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o royal_a blood_n who_o can_v imagine_v that_o his_o once_o giving_z some_o way_n to_o presbytery_n in_o scotland_n be_v his_o voluntary_a act_n especial_o when_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o earl_n of_o traquair_n according_a to_o instruction_n give_v in_o his_o 1639._o declaration_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o here_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o declare_v the_o unhappy_a state_n of_o affair_n that_o force_v he_o to_o it_o since_o there_o be_v volume_n write_v concern_v that_o religious_a rebellion_n which_o produce_v the_o most_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o best_a king_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o these_o kingdom_n 4._o wherefore_o the_o impartial_a resolution_n to_o the_o question_n propose_v be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o k._n james_n the_o 6_o and_o k._n charles_n i._o settle_v presbytery_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v constrain_v thereunto_o by_o troublesome_a and_o tumultuous_a time_n question_n iii_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o scottish_a presbytery_n grant_v any_o toleration_n to_o dissenter_n 1._o since_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v the_o canon_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o comment_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o scotch_a presbytery_n this_o question_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n plain_o resolve_v in_o this_o whether_o covenanter_n and_o assembly-man_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n be_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o 2._o in_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n they_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o discipline_n and_o government_n against_o their_o common_a enemy_n 3._o to_o preserve_v this_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n they_o swear_v again_o in_o the_o second_o article_n against_o popish_a prelacy_n that_o be_v the_o church_n government_n by_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissiaries_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch-deacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n and_o heresy_n 4._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o their_o sincere_a real_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n against_o their_o common_a enemy_n king_n or_o parliament_n for_o preserve_v that_o reformation_n in_o church-government_n by_o extirpate_v such_o a_o episcopacy_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o last_o article_n in_o which_o they_o swear_v to_o assist_v and_o defâ—nd_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o pursue_v thereof_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o their_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v themselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o the_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o if_o after_o all_o these_o part_n of_o the_o first_o second_o four_o and_o six_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n compare_v together_o any_o scruple_n yet_o remain_v whether_o those_o man_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n they_o have_v take_v against_o any_o indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n against_o episcopacy_n which_o in_o charity_n i_o believe_v they_o think_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n can_v allow_v any_o toleration_n to_o dissenter_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v some_o act_n of_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n about_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n now_o although_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n in_o the_o time_n before_o the_o year_n 1639_o when_o they_o see_v that_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n government_n neither_o themselves_o appear_v in_o tumult_n nor_o in_o sermon_n or_o book_n exhort_v other_o to_o tumultuate_v for_o to_o preserve_v it_o yet_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v pain_n to_o gain_v they_o unto_o a_o conformity_n or_o in_o case_n they_o conform_v from_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o their_o cure_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v deal_v with_o after_o the_o year_n 1662._o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o pass_v these_o follow_a acts._n 6._o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v the_o subscription_n of_o the_o covevant_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n 1639._o 7._o and_o whereas_o the_o former_a act_n aug._n 1630._o hadnot_n be_v 1643._o obey_v it_o be_v again_o ordain_v by_o another_o assembly_n that_o all_o minister_n make_v intimation_n of_o the_o say_a act_n in_o their_o kirk_n and_o thereafter_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o exact_a account_n be_v take_v of_o every_o minister_n diligence_n herein_o by_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 8._o neither_o be_v this_o last_o act_n inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n only_o to_o fall_v heavy_a upon_o those_o who_o be_v hinderer_n of_o their_o bless_a reformation_n who_o they_o call_v anticovenanters_n but_o in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o all_o minister_n take_v special_a 1644._o notice_n when_o any_o secret_a disaffecter_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v come_v within_o their_o parish_n that_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o they_o may_v without_o delay_n cause_n warn_v they_o to_o appear_v
christian_a faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o amient_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o antiquity_n and_o scripture_n purity_n must_v force_v any_o scotch_a presbyterian_a to_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o sin_n in_o say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n public_o in_o the_o church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n for_o say_v it_o than_o there_o be_v in_o sprinkle_v water_n upon_o the_o baptise_a infant_n 6._o now_o lay_v all_o these_o consideration_n together_o that_o the_o purity_n in_o doctrine_n which_o presbyterian_a synod_n confess_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v nothing_o which_o the_o directory_n forbid_v can_v be_v as_o well_o retain_v in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n of_o scotland_n these_o 27_o year_n as_o in_o any_o presbyterian_a kirk_n or_o meetinghouse_n and_o that_o no_o confession_n of_o any_o reform_a church_n assert_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o their_o presbytery_n as_o before_o define_v and_o that_o the_o covevenant_n abjure_v not_o the_o epis_n opacy_n likewise_o define_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v petition_v for_o by_o the_o english_a covenanter_n i_o say_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o the_o impartial_a resolution_n of_o the_o present_a question_n be_v this_o that_o between_o the_o year_n 1662._o and_o the_o year_n 1689_o presbyterian_a separatist_n be_v guilty_a of_o sinful_a separation_n question_n v._o whether_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o scotch_a presbyterian_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o persecution_n in_o they_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o party_n in_o a_o kingdom_n of_o well_o mean_v man_n true_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a who_o yet_o for_o some_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o church-establishment_n may_v have_v too_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o they_o by_o the_o execution_n of_o which_o they_o may_v suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o the_o question_n here_o propose_v plain_o resolve_v into_o this_o whether_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o scotch_a presbyterian_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o christian_a policy_n as_o necessary_a at_o those_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v enact_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o public_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a effect_n of_o a_o peevish_a resentment_n inconsistent_a with_o good_a nature_n or_o christianity_n 2._o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o compassionate_v the_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o scotland_n by_o return_v king_n charles_n the_o second_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o royal_a government_n under_o which_o and_o its_o excellent_a constitution_n that_o kingdom_n have_v for_o many_o age_n enjoy_v so_o much_o happiness_n peace_n and_o plenty_n the_o noble_a lord_n the_o earl_n of_o middleton_n be_v for_o his_o unshaken_a loyalty_n honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n high_a commission_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o parliament_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n enact_v by_o the_o state_n thereof_o 3._o in_o conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o do_v accompany_v any_o encroachment_n upon_o or_o diminution_n thereof_o they_o from_o their_o senâ—e_n of_o humble_a duty_n whole_o apply_v themselves_o in_o this_o session_n to_o establish_v such_o wholesome_a law_n as_o may_v by_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n prove_v salve_n to_o cure_v the_o state_n from_o the_o disease_n of_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n which_o have_v before_o in_o the_o usurpation_n seize_v her_o vital_n 4._o but_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o parliament_n sole_a application_n to_o matter_n of_o state_n in_o this_o first_o session_n the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n do_v not_o neglect_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v for_o a_o parliamentary_a confirmation_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n 5._o first_o the_o synod_n of_o edinburgh_n apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o person_n of_o great_a interest_n with_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n that_o his_o grace_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o procure_v from_o his_o royal_a master_n instruction_n to_o give_v they_o presbytery_n without_o bishop_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v themselves_o enact_v never_o to_o meet_v without_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o shall_v call_v and_o dissolve_v they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n which_o act_n of_o they_o they_o promise_v to_o get_v ratify_v by_o the_o first_o general_n assembly_n 6._o and_o when_o they_o find_v this_o address_n of_o they_o to_o be_v without_o any_o success_n they_o shall_v upon_o another_o method_n and_o send_v a_o clergyman_n who_o name_n because_o of_o his_o memory_n for_o his_o piety_n and_o school_n learn_v i_o shall_v not_o mention_v with_o this_o threaten_n that_o if_o the_o estate_n in_o parliament_n consirm_v not_o their_o presbytery_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o people_n let_v loose_a upon_o they_o 7._o in_o that_o first_o session_n of_o the_o parliament_n already_o mention_v the_o king_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o estate_n therein_o convene_v have_v before_o forbid_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o solemn_a 10._o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o by_o several_a act_n annul_v all_o the_o pretend_a convention_n of_o the_o precede_a rebellion_n but_o this_o imperious_a address_n from_o the_o minister_n give_v they_o a_o new_a sensible_a occasion_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o late_a disorder_n and_o exorbitance_n in_o the_o church_n encroachment_n 1._o upon_o the_o prerogative_n and_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o prejudice_n do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o invasion_n make_v upon_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o therefore_o upon_o deliberation_n of_o twenty_o month_n they_o pass_v a_o act_n of_o its_o restitution_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o session_n of_o that_o parliament_n 8._o this_o act_n of_o restitution_n of_o bishop_n have_v this_o effect_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o scottish_a clergy_n whoever_o among_o they_o be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o hope_n of_o preferment_n or_o be_v lover_n of_o ease_n from_o the_o burdensome_a service_n in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o impatient_a to_o be_v make_v subordinate_a to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o so_o late_o have_v be_v upon_o a_o level_n forsake_v their_o ministry_n but_o they_o live_v quiet_o at_o their_o respective_a habitation_n and_o in_o personal_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n establish_v other_o again_o and_o of_o they_o not_o a_o few_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o establish_v episcopacy_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v their_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o synod_n with_o the_o balance_n of_o assist_v presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v of_o the_o state_n and_o which_o be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o therefore_o do_v keep_v their_o charge_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o own_o canonical_a obedience_n to_o their_o diocesan_n bishop_n 9_o this_o example_n of_o christian_a submission_n to_o authority_n give_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o both_o sort_n gain_v the_o laity_n of_o that_o persuasion_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a observance_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n nothing_o be_v want_v to_o render_v that_o national_a church_n happy_a without_o protestant_a dissenter_n but_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o godly_a learned_a and_o grave_a man_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o vacant_a place_n of_o those_o who_o for_o any_o of_o the_o motive_n before_o mention_v have_v leave_v their_o charge_n and_o till_o that_o deplorable_a want_n especial_o in_o the_o west_n the_o separation_n from_o the_o regular_a meeting_n for_o divine_a service_n be_v so_o little_a observable_a that_o before_o june_n 1663._o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o nation_n have_v by_o no_o act_n provide_v against_o it_o 10._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o libellous_a sermon_n and_o book_n of_o some_o wicked_a man_n which_o be_v write_v to_o justify_v the_o murder_n of_o charles_n the_o i._o and_o the_o banishment_n of_o charles_n the_o ii_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o necessity_n of_o take_v up_o arm_n to_o promote_v its_o end_n and_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o legal_a settlement_n in_o church_n or_o state_n do_v now_o alarm_n that_o parliament_n 11._o they_o consider_v how_o seditious_a and_o of_o how_o dangerous_a example_n and_o consequence_n separation_n from_o the_o rugular_a church_n may_v prove_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o for_o security_n of_o the_o state_n from_o the_o confusion_n they_o have_v so_o late_o smart_v under_o they_o be_v force_v to_o enact_v a_o penal_a law_n against_o it_o