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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
episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o scotland_n contain_v many_o remarkable_a passage_n new_o publish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n print_v 1641._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n in_o this_o book_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1._o they_o agree_v in_o like_o subtle_a policy_n in_o their_o proceed_n specify_v in_o 6._o point_n 2._o they_o disagree_v in_o that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o external_a order_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o discuss_v the_o article_n chap._n ii_o contain_v two_o reason_n why_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v only_o against_o the_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n 1._o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n 2._o because_o their_o principal_a purpose_n in_o desire_v this_o assembly_n be_v to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o verbatim_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o their_o print_a copy_n subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n chap._n iii_o discuss_v their_o four_o consideration_n in_o their_o preface_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remark_v 2._o that_o many_o evil_a innovation_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n wherein_o also_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remâ—rked_v 3._o that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o be_v move_v of_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v remark_v 7._o notable_a falsehood_n 4._o that_o many_o have_v subscribe_v the_o covenant_n without_o their_o application_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v 1580._o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o be_v show_v divers_a falsehood_n and_o impertinency_n chap._n four_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v propon_v to_o be_v voice_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o right_n state_v the_o question_n 2._o that_o their_o proposition_n be_v captious_a and_o confuse_a include_v three_o several_a question_n of_o divers_a nature_n whereunto_o no_o one_o categorical_a answer_n can_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o many_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o term_n 4._o it_o be_v sophistical_o and_o subtle_o draw_v à _fw-la thesâ—ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v propose_v in_o that_o manner_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o 6._o the_o question_n simple_o propose_v have_v be_v fit_a to_o resolve_v doubt_n 7._o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v unlawful_a in_o episcopacy_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o moâ—_n particular_a â—â—ocks_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n chap._n v._o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o and_o to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o a_o positive_a and_o negative_a and_o that_o the_o positive_a be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n 3._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o confession_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n do_v express_o approve_v the_o same_o 4._o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o superintendent_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o bishop_n require_v now_o 5._o that_o bishop_n retain_v the_o office_n title_n and_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n for_o 20._o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o by_o approbation_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a estate_n chap._n vi_o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n 1._o that_o this_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o a_o appendix_n thereof_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o confession_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v 3._o two_o reason_n show_v that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o negative_a confession_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v 1._o because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_a to_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v a_o appendix_n 2._o because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o oath_n be_v require_v chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o passage_n allege_v in_o the_o act_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n 1._o answer_v in_o general_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o 2._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o his_o associate_n 3._o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o passage_n show_v it_o to_o be_v cite_v false_o and_o impertinent_o chap._n viii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v show_v clear_o 1._o a_o notable_a falsehood_n in_o the_o citation_n both_o by_o changâ—ng_v word_n and_o add_v other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_n 2._o divers_a reason_n why_o this_o passage_n do_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n chap._n ix._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hierarchy_n neither_o antichristian_a nor_o wicked_a prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n 4._o their_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v by_o a_o false_a syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la 5._o this_o reason_n passable_a among_o themselves_o because_o no_o man_n dare_v examine_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o their_o second_o reason_n childish_a and_o sophistical_a 7._o their_o three_o reason_n impertinent_o apply_v 8._o their_o four_o reason_n have_v no_o consequence_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n 9_o their_o last_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n false_o relate_v chap._n x._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o passage_n contain_v three_o particular_n 1._o an_fw-mi explain_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v not_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 3._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v express_o limitate_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o four_o limitation_n by_o every_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v 4._o the_o first_o limitation_n that_o we_o swear_v only_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n but_o all_o be_v conform_v thereto_o 5._o the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o many_o notable_a realm_n and_o church_n no_o realm_n nor_o church_n do_v condemn_v this_o except_o geneâ—a_n and_o that_o not_o absolute_o but_o many_o church_n do_v approve_v it_o express_o 6._o the_o three_o limitation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o doctrine_n be_v express_v therein_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n 7._o the_o four_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o profess_a by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o king_n and_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v express_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v this_o point_n here_o damn_v 8._o the_o discipline_n be_v limitate_v by_o the_o same_o limitation_n 9_o the_o discipline_n be_v either_o take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n signify_v the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n 10._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v precise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o episcopal_a government_n and_o
the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o though_o repress_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o re-etablish_v again_o by_o divers_a more_o lawful_a assembly_n than_o this_o ratify_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o continue_v now_o for_o many_o year_n by-gon_v there_o behoove_v to_o be_v many_o and_o weighty_a reason_n why_o such_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v converse_v with_o a_o serious_a deliberation_n to_o ponder_v and_o consider_v they_o yet_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o assembly_n in_o one_o short_a session_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v propon_v discuss_v voice_v conclude_v and_o a_o large_a act_n pass_v thereupon_o chap._n ii_o concerning_o the_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n albeit_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o refute_v all_o the_o controvert_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n yet_o leave_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n we_o intend_v only_o to_o examine_v that_o act_n sess._n 26._o decemb._n 8._o against_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n especial_o first_o because_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o this_o act_n be_v conclude_v be_v the_o selfsame_a whereupon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o controvert_a act_n be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o these_o ground_n be_v declare_v evident_o to_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o together_o with_o this_o act_n of_o episcopacy_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v ruinous_a as_o i_o trust_v their_o fall_n shall_v be_v sudden_a second_o because_o the_o principal_a aim_n of_o the_o most_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o that_o conventicle_n be_v to_o suppress_v bishop_n because_o they_o esteem_v they_o chief_o to_o have_v cross_v their_o sacrilegious_a and_o ambitious_a 〈◊〉_d i_o or_o â—efore_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v the_o nobleman_n and_o baroâ—s_n both_o possess_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n renâ—s_n and_o also_o rule_v the_o whole_a eâ—tate_n at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o council_n and_o parliament_n by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o gentry_n and_o borrough_n who_o those_o factious_a 〈◊〉_d do_v depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o one_o noble_a man_n or_o other_o then_o find_v that_o by_o the_o re-establish_n of_o bishop_n their_o rent_n be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v their_o abbey_n and_o prioâ—ies_v also_o and_o final_o that_o their_o particular_a end_n not_o always_o tend_v to_o the_o well_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n or_o honour_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v cross_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n no_o marvel_n then_o though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a to_o suppress_v they_o and_o for_o that_o effect_n have_v labour_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o proud_a humour_n of_o other_o impatient_a of_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n of_o who_o some_o have_v aim_v in_o vain_a at_o bishopric_n as_o be_v well_o know_v of_o divers_a of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o faction_n think_v it_o best_o for_o their_o credit_n to_o declare_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o that_o estate_n which_o they_o have_v with_o much_o labour_n seek_v after_o without_o the_o desire_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o fox_n other_o by_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n both_o against_o the_o church_n and_o regal_a authority_n be_v past_o hope_n of_o further_a advancement_n do_v easy_o condescend_v to_o shake_v off_o that_o yoke_n which_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n can_v never_o suffer_v they_o patient_o to_o bear_v those_o be_v make_v to_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o rebellion_n both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o private_a conference_n draw_v the_o people_n after_o they_o and_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o minister_n also_o who_o do_v not_o judicious_o remark_v their_o secret_a end_n cloak_v under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v this_o condemn_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v bring_v in_o head_n with_o all_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o mean_v to_o examine_v for_o the_o present_a and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o reason_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v set_v down_o verbatim_o the_o act_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o they_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sess._n 16._o decemb._n 8._o 1638._o declare_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v adjure_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n take_v to_o their_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a consideration_n first_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 so_o necessary_a so_o difficult_a and_o so_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o such_o perfection_n that_o this_o kirk_n be_v reform_v not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o after_o many_o conference_n and_o public_a reason_n in_o divers_a national_a assembly_n join_v with_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o the_o hedge_n and_o guard_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o register_n 1581._o establish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v at_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o by_o continual_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n second_o that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n divers_a novation_n have_v be_v introduce_v to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o this_o kirk_n so_o firm_o once_o compact_v and_o to_o the_o endanger_n of_o religion_n and_o many_o gross_a evil_n obtrude_v to_o the_o utter_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o work_n of_o reformationâ—_n and_o change_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o fâ—ce_n of_o this_o kirk_n command_v to_o receive_v with_o reverence_n a_o new_a book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o the_o only_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o 〈◊〉_d contravener_n to_o be_v condign_o censure_v and_o punish_v and_o after_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n know_v no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n be_v move_v by_o god_n and_o draw_v by_o necessity_n to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_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 thereof_o abjure_v the_o great_a evil_n wherewith_o they_o be_v now_o press_v and_o suspend_v the_o practice_n of_o 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 last_o that_o some_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o sundry_a rank_n have_v by_o his_o majesty_n command_n subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o former_a explication_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n in_o this_o year_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o it_o have_v in_o this_o kingdom_n when_o it_o be_v first_o subscribe_v â—581_n and_o afterward_o the_o assembly_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n sept._n 22._o 1638._o and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n of_o the_o date_n foresay_a bear_v that_o they_o shall_v subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n and_o ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o foresay_a date_n and_o tenor_n and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o likewise_o by_o the_o protestation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n when_o they_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v and_o by_o the_o many_o doubt_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n especial_o because_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o february_n 1638._o be_v bind_v to_o suspend_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n find_v it_o proper_a for_o they_o and_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o they_o to_o give_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o be_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o have_v 〈◊〉_d satisfaction_n
of_o parliament_n before_o this_o abjuration_n be_v swear_v by_o which_o limitation_n be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n add_v since_o either_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n synod_n or_o presbytery_n since_o that_o confession_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dâ—ndie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glâ—sgow_n 1581._o condemn_v episcopacy_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o such_o be_v our_o covenanter_n addition_n or_o application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o their_o rebellioâ—s_a covenant_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v produce_v one_o word_n of_o that_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n neither_o have_v the_o church_n who_o establish_v it_o any_o such_o purpose_n or_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n in_o set_v down_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n do_v approve_v that_o power_n and_o preeminency_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n therefore_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n four_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v determine_v to_o be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v profess_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o this_o by_o the_o king_n or_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o that_o oath_n for_o the_o king_n profession_n we_o have_v show_v cap._n 6._o what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o both_o before_o and_o after_o then_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o particular_a man_n opinion_n but_o by_o public_a act_n either_o by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o they_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o either_o of_o those_o court_n long_o before_o show_v such_o a_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v produce_v act_n of_o both_o those_o court_n not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o also_o continual_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n when_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o make_v and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n approve_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n the_o first_o act_n they_o can_v produce_v have_v any_o appearance_n of_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n first_o because_o this_o act_n be_v not_o long_o before_o if_o not_o after_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o frame_v be_v even_o that_o same_o very_a year_n about_o that_o same_o time_n second_o albeit_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v he_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v signify_v before_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v hereafter_o three_o long_o before_o this_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v public_o approve_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n even_o then_o and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n unrepealed_a which_o we_o have_v before_o faithful_o cite_v cap._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a court_n both_o of_o council_n and_o parliament_n they_o declare_v their_o profession_n by_o reject_v of_o divers_a suit_n make_v for_o ratify_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n as_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o 1579._o and_o 1580._o cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o divers_a suit_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v often_o refuse_v moreover_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n may_n 22._o 1584._o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o profession_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a power_n pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o most_o ample_a form_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n long_o before_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n now_o in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n they_o can_v so_o 〈◊〉_d abuse_n christian_a people_n as_o to_o impose_v false_o â—uch_n a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o people_n in_o press_v to_o persuade_v they_o against_o so_o many_o evident_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o fearful_o perjure_v who_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o episcopacy_n but_o because_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o rather_o to_o be_v abjure_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n than_o under_o the_o name_n of_o doctrine_n therefore_o to_o take_v away_o all_o way_n of_o escape_n or_o subtâ—rfuge_n we_o shall_v examine_v the_o point_n of_o discipline_n also_o and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v by_o all_o those_o former_a limitation_n exclude_v also_o for_o these_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v aswell_o to_o the_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o for_o further_a resolution_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o divers_a signification_n first_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v upon_o those_o who_o do_v err_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n or_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereto_o but_o may_v very_o well_o subsist_v therewith_o and_o have_v subsist_v actual_o both_o during_o the_o government_n under_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n as_o also_o under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v for_o the_o same_o censure_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n long_o before_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v do_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o admoâ—itions_n private_a and_o public_a the_o same_o sentence_n of_o excomâ—unication_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o by_o three_o private_a and_o three_o public_a citation_n before_o ecclesiastical_a indicatory_n the_o same_o public_a prayer_n â—ppointed_v by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o delinquent_n upon_o three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n the_o same_o form_n of_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o enjoin_v private_a or_o public_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o absolve_v of_o the_o penâ—tent_n as_o all_o within_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o power_n and_o prehâ—minence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o disciplâ—â—e_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o this_o â—eale_n 〈◊〉_d apparent_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o oath_n for_o in_o â—ll_n speech_n or_o wâ—â—â—s_n of_o conâ—sequencâ—_z chiâ—â—â—_z those_o which_o be_v see_v down_o for_o a_o solâ—â—â—_n oath_n â—hich_v aught_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o usual_a sense_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o unproper_a and_o figurative_a except_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o must_v be_v take_v improper_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n discipline_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n
i_o be_o assure_v that_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o will_v swear_v to_o adhere_v thereto_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n let_v they_o put_v their_o covenant_a nobleman_n and_o other_o gentleman_n possessor_n of_o the_o church_n rent_n to_o a_o assay_n to_o swear_v that_o point_n of_o this_o book_n ca._n 9_o that_o to_o take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o tithe_n manse_v glaeb_n possession_n land_n biggings_n annual_a rent_n and_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n come_v give_v for_o the_o use_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o convert_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o profane_a use_n of_o any_o person_n we_o hold_v it_o a_o detestable_a sacrilege_n before_o god_n or_o that_o point_n cap._n 12._o that_o this_o order_n which_o god_n word_n crave_v can_v stand_v with_o patronage_n or_o power_n of_o presentation_n etc._n etc._n put_v they_o i_o say_v to_o this_o oath_n particular_o and_o make_v they_o understand_v that_o by_o swear_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o be_v swear_v also_o to_o this_o point_n and_o than_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o will_v rather_o renounce_v your_o covenant_n before_o they_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o they_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o conscience_n as_o to_o swear_v so_o direct_o against_o their_o mind_n before_o they_o perform_v real_o that_o which_o they_o swear_v by_o restitution_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_v the_o right_n of_o patronage_n they_o shall_v rather_o revolt_v from_o your_o covenant_n and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n likewise_o so_o if_o you_o shall_v put_v many_o of_o the_o ministry_n especial_o those_o who_o possess_v rich_a parsonage_n to_o swear_v particular_o that_o point_n of_o the_o policy_n appoint_v by_o this_o book_n cap._n 9_o and_o cap._n 12._o to_o suffer_v the_o deacon_n to_o intromet_v with_o all_o their_o church_n rent_n and_o to_o distribute_v the_o same_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o roll_a elder_n give_v one_o four_o part_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o lay-elder_n and_o deacon_n another_o to_o their_o poor_a hospital_n and_o school_n another_o for_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a affair_n and_o only_o a_o four_o part_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n they_o shall_v find_v few_o of_o they_o who_o will_v embrace_v their_o covenant_n upon_o those_o condition_n so_o then_o to_o persuade_v people_n that_o by_o swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o swear_v also_o to_o this_o book_n and_o to_o all_o the_o point_n therein_o whereunto_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v agree_v full_o in_o that_o assembly_n 1578._o as_o they_o allege_v either_o it_o be_v a_o false_a delude_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o draw_v upon_o their_o conscience_n the_o burden_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n or_o else_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o remain_v as_o yet_o under_o that_o fearful_a perjury_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o think_v that_o their_o perjury_n be_v expiate_v for_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o renounce_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o renounce_v by_o their_o oath_n 4._o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v deficient_a in_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o church_n discipline_n there_o be_v no_o order_n set_v down_o therein_o of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o offender_n or_o in_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a or_o of_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v in_o which_o point_n that_o which_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v every_o church_n have_v her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n whereby_o those_o thing_n be_v direct_v but_o this_o book_n omit_v those_o canon_n have_v do_v as_o that_o painter_n who_o have_v portray_v every_o nation_n in_o its_o proper_a habit_n do_v paint_v the_o french_a man_n naked_a with_o a_o pair_n of_o tailor_n shears_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o shape_n to_o himself_o a_o fashion_n of_o habit_n because_o he_o change_v yearly_o according_a to_o his_o fancy_n even_o so_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n have_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o lay-elder_n in_o their_o eldership_n a_o power_n to_o shape_n to_o themselves_o a_o new_a form_n of_o discipline_n every_o year_n as_o they_o please_v so_o that_o as_o i_o know_v perfect_o there_o be_v few_o presbytery_n or_o session_n in_o scotland_n but_o have_v different_a manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o can_v instance_n in_o divers_a particular_n have_v see_v and_o peruse_v many_o presbyterial_a and_o session_n book_n and_o there_o be_v none_o among_o themselves_o who_o frequent_v divers_a presbytery_n but_o they_o know_v this_o to_o be_v true_a final_o this_o book_n be_v superabundant_a also_o meddle_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o set_v down_o rule_n restrain_v the_o civil_a and_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o charge_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o god_n debar_v he_o from_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o not_o give_v he_o so_o much_o power_n therein_o as_o to_o a_o shoemaker_n or_o taylor_n be_v a_o roll_a elder_n and_o give_v he_o no_o definitive_a power_n but_o only_o to_o be_v a_o executioner_n of_o that_o which_o they_o define_v and_o such_o other_o point_n of_o jesuitical_a doctrine_n see_v therefore_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v never_o full_o approve_v nor_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n nor_o full_o ratify_v by_o the_o estate_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o receive_v full_o by_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o and_o since_o it_o be_v deâ—icient_a in_o principal_a point_n of_o discipline_n and_o superabundant_a in_o meddle_v witâ—things_n impertinent_a it_o can_v be_v account_v that_o discipline_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o those_o act_n of_o assembly_n cite_v here_o for_o the_o establish_n thereof_o be_v impertinent_a to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n chap._n xiii_o wherein_o be_v discuss_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n the_o principal_a act_n whereupon_o they_o chief_o insist_v and_o ground_v this_o abjuration_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o year_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v swear_v be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o dundee_n july_n 1580._o whereby_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o act_n at_o glasgow_n in_o april_n 1581._o explain_v the_o same_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o the_o spiritual_a function_n only_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v albeit_o the_o church_n appear_v whole_o to_o have_v condemn_v by_o those_o act_n all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o function_n of_o a_o bishop_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v right_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o prove_v direct_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o assembly_n for_o i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n do_v agree_v at_o that_o time_n in_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o either_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n 1638._o or_o any_o substantial_a point_n either_o of_o the_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a function_n thereof_o except_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n do_v contradict_v itself_o first_o i_o be_o assure_v they_o intend_v not_o to_o condemn_v in_o bishop_n as_o unlawful_a itself_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n since_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o that_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o spiritual_a function_n in_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o discuss_v here_o before_o second_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o pastor_n by_o other_o for_o first_o they_o do_v allow_v the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o pastor_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n and_o import_v as_o great_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o the_o other_o and_o
nothing_o bâ—_n admit_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o it_o waâ—_n conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n precede_v the_o year_n 1584._o but_o precise_o to_o seek_v the_o same_o to_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1589._o where_o the_o article_n be_v make_v for_o the_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o followeâ—â—_z for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ediâ—burgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a kirk_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o de_fw-la novo_fw-la a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n discipline_n presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o a_o abrogation_n of_o all_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o be_v ordain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d seek_v both_o of_o the_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o next_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n special_o the_o controvert_a head_n shall_v be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o bear_v or_o hereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o presbytery_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o sincerity_n unless_o the_o holy_a discipline_n be_v preserve_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o get_v a_o copy_n under_o the_o â—lerks_n hand_n there_o be_v sundry_a copy_n subscribâ—d_a by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o extant_a as_o haddington_n 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n produce_v before_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o sess._n 4._o the_o former_a act_n anent_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n be_v renew_a and_o penattis_n impose_v upon_o the_o moderator_n in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o exâ—cution_n in_o the_o assembly_n 22._o may_n 1592._o sess._n 2._o these_o article_n be_v draw_v up_o that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v 1584._o against_o the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o discipline_n whereof_o the_o kirk_n have_v be_v in_o practice_n precise_o ratify_v that_o abâ—â—ts_v pryoâ—ies_n and_o other_o prelate_n pretend_v the_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o suffer_v in_o time_n come_v in_o the_o eleven_o session_n the_o number_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o parliament_n immediate_o follow_v the_o five_o of_o inn_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d kirk_n in_o her_o session_n presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d and_o general_a assembly_n be_v large_o ratify_v as_o the_o same_o be_v use_v and_o exercise_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o the_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o abrogate_v the_o king_n prerogative_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o privilege_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o former_a commission_n to_o bishop_n 1584._o rescind_v and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n subject_v to_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n anno_fw-la 1595._o the_o book_n of_o policy_n with_o other_o act_n be_v ratify_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v print_v it_o be_v also_o clear_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o confession_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v baptise_v and_o preach_v deacon_n for_o so_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n de_fw-la sacramento_n ordinis_fw-la cant._n 6._o si_fw-la quis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la catholicâ_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la institutam_fw-la quae_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la episcopis_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la et_fw-la ministris_fw-la anathema_n sit_v bellarmine_n likewise_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 11._o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o militant_a kirk_n the_o first_o of_o bishop_n the_o second_o of_o priest_n the_o three_o of_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v also_o prince_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o people_n this_o proposition_n follow_v hierarchia_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la pontifice_fw-la cardinalibus_fw-la archiepiscopis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la et_fw-la regularibus_fw-la be_v censure_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o university_n at_o paris_n as_o follow_v in_fw-la ista_fw-la prima_fw-la propositione_fw-la enumeratio_fw-la membrorum_fw-la hierarchiae_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la seu_fw-la sacri_fw-la principatus_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la instituti_fw-la est_fw-la manca_fw-la et_fw-la redundans_fw-la atque_fw-la inducens_fw-la in_fw-la errorem_fw-la contrarium_fw-la determinationi_fw-la sacrae_fw-la synodi_fw-la tridentinae_n the_o proposition_n be_v defective_a because_o it_o pretermit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o redundâ—nt_fw-la because_o it_o make_v the_o hierarchy_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o regular_n the_o pope_n be_v not_o within_o the_o hierarchy_n primate_n metropolitan_n and_o archbishop_n but_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n furthermore_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o confession_n from_o the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a kirk_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v he_o to_o wit_n invocation_n of_o saint_n cannonization_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o lawful_a cannonization_n invocation_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n whatsoever_o corruptioâ—_n be_v in_o the_o kirk_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o a_o passage_n also_o out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v allege_v where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchy_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v a_o part_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o cannon_n above_o cite_v we_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n or_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n this_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sort_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o warrant_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n examine_v and_o all_o objection_n answer_v in_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n deâ—â—red_v and_o require_v to_o proponâ—_n their_o doubt_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o every_o one_o be_v hear_v to_o the_o full_a and_o after_o much_o â—gitation_n as_o full_o satisfy_v the_o moderator_n at_o last_o exhâ—rting_v every_o one_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n do_v put_v the_o master_n to_o voyâ—ing_v in_o these_o term_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o taith_o as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastouâ—_z of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o whether_o by_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o whole_a assembly_n most_o unanimous_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o one_o 〈◊〉_d profess_v full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n do_v voice_n that_o all_o episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n over_o a_o particular_a flock_n be_v abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o prohibit_v under_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o usurp_v accept_v defend_v or_o obey_v the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o in_o time_n come_v collect_v visy_z and_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n
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
the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o accept_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n prove_v by_o god_n word_n thereby_o to_o condemn_v any_o such_o thing_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a meaning_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v public_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v therein_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n they_o do_v require_v in_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o superintendent_n in_o every_o province_n have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o their_o bound_n for_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o set_v down_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n or_o short_o thereafter_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n admit_v to_o the_o government_n by_o common_a consâ—nt_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o the_o queen_n absence_n be_v for_o the_o time_n in_o france_n and_o ratifiâ—â—â—_z by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o manual_a subscription_n of_o the_o counsellor_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o man_n of_o worth_a the_o 17._o of_o january_n 1560._o approve_v by_o many_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o twice_o as_o many_o year_n thereafter_o as_o presbyterial_a governmental_a remain_v in_o force_n then_o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o power_n of_o superintendent_n do_v extend_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o papistical_a bishop_n which_o make_v their_o person_n office_n and_o very_a name_n to_o be_v detest_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a zealous_a scrupulosity_n will_v not_o at_o first_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o their_o charge_n a_o title_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n call_v they_o superintendent_n so_o change_v a_o proper_a greek_a word_n into_o a_o barbarous_a latin_a for_o the_o greek_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o the_o latin_a word_n superintendens_fw-la do_v both_o signify_v one_o thing_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v set_v over_o other_o to_o oversee_v their_o action_n albeit_o by_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v divide_v in_o ten_o diocese_n express_o so_o call_v and_o over_o every_o diocese_n a_o superintendent_n appoint_v to_o be_v set_v yet_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n we_o find_v only_o four_o who_o carry_v express_o this_o title_n to_o wit_n mâ—_n john_n spotswood_n father_n to_o the_o late_a decease_a john_n archbishop_n of_o st._n anâ—â—â—ws_v call_v superintendent_n of_o lâ—â—thran_n or_o edinburgh_n john_n areskin_n of_o diune_n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearnes_n or_o of_o brechin_n mr._n john_n wonram_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n or_o s._n andrews_n m._n john_n wâ—llocks_n superintendent_n of_o the_o west_n or_o glasgow_n those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v call_v commissioner_n either_o because_o at_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o fiâ—d_fw-mi so_o many_o sufficient_a man_n or_o for_o lack_v of_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o estate_n of_o superintendent_n or_o as_o some_o rather_o think_v because_o they_o esteem_v this_o too_o absolute_a a_o title_n and_o near_o in_o signification_n to_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a to_o call_v they_o commissioner_n as_o import_v morse_n a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n not_o for_o any_o definite_a time_n but_o ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la culpam_fw-la those_o same_o be_v at_o sometime_o call_v visitores_fw-la by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o like_a signification_n with_o episcopus_fw-la for_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v likewise_o a_o visitor_n and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitation_n as_o 1_o pet._n â—_z 12._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n in_o dievisitationis_fw-la and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o the_o know_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitavit_fw-la by_o the_o septuagint_n be_v translate_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o by_o latin_n inspector_n visitator_n or_o praefectus_fw-la howsoever_o they_o be_v diverse_o name_v they_o have_v all_o a_o like_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o power_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n first_o as_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o own_o diocese_n over_o the_o which_o he_o have_v superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o therein_o a_o special_a city_n for_o his_o sea_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n call_v the_o metropolitan_a or_o cathedral_n city_n so_o every_o 〈…〉_z by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o art_n 2._o 〈…〉_z point_v to_o he_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d power_n over_o all_o person_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bound_n and_o therein_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o ordinary_a residence_n call_v there_o the_o superintendent_n town_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o same_o city_n from_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o denominate_v second_o as_o all_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o diocese_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_a bishop_n according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d canon_n of_o the_o church_n right_o so_o by_o a_o special_a 〈…〉_z general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 30._o 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n there_o assemble_v that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subâ—â—ct_n to_o their_o superintendent_n in_o all_o lawful_a 〈…〉_z as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o 〈…〉_z election_n of_o superintendent_n which_o be_v no_o other_o 〈…〉_z but_o canonical_a obedience_n three_o as_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n 〈…〉_z be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o need_v not_o any_o 〈…〉_z thereto_o from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v 〈…〉_z consecrate_v to_o that_o office_n so_o likewise_o in_o all_o 〈…〉_z superintendent_n and_o commissionâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v constant_a principal_a member_n of_o 〈…〉_z assembly_n and_o need_v not_o any_o particular_a commission_n thereto_o but_o be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o office_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v thereafter_o and_o receive_v without_o any_o other_o commission_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v divide_v in_o two_o rank_n some_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a member_n as_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v mutable_a as_o commissioner_n of_o church_n university_n town_n and_o province_n the_o first_o have_v no_o need_n of_o particular_a commission_n but_o be_v perpetual_a and_o first_o call_v in_o the_o roll_n the_o other_o be_v changeable_a from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n and_o have_v new_a particular_a commission_n from_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1563._o that_o every_o superintendent_n shall_v appear_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 1578._o the_o same_o act_n be_v renew_v and_o bishop_n also_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o assembly_n or_o else_o to_o be_v account_v unworthy_a of_o the_o office_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o act_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o othee_o of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1579._o july_n 7._o sess._n 9_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o bishop_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n who_o abjent_v themselves_o from_o 〈◊〉_d assembly_n shall_v be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o act_n august_n 12._o 1575._o and_o that_o act_n to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n have_v power_n of_o visitation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o also_o of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o that_o office_n four_o as_o all_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o hold_v their_o synod_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n when_o and_o where_o it_o
shall_v please_v they_o within_o their_o own_o diocese_n and_o there_o all_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v bind_v to_o convene_v and_o all_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o diocese_n be_v therein_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o bishop_n so_o likewise_o albeit_o that_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o synodal_a or_o provincial_n assembly_n yet_o after_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o every_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n shall_v hold_v synod_n in_o their_o own_o bound_n wherein_o all_o matter_n pertain_v particular_o to_o their_o own_o diocese_n or_o province_n shall_v be_v determine_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 5._o 1570._o wherein_o these_o two_o act_n be_v set_v down_o first_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o offender_n in_o heinous_a crime_n shall_v not_o appear_v before_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o shall_v be_v call_v before_o the_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o in_o their_o synodal_a convention_n and_o there_o to_o receive_v their_o injunction_n conform_v to_o the_o order_n use_v before_o in_o general_n assembly_n itein_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o questionâ—_n concerning_o the_o province_n shall_v be_v propound_v first_o to_o the_o superintendent_n et_fw-fr commissioner_n to_o receive_v resolution_n in_o their_o synodal_a convention_n and_o if_o they_o be_v diffieile_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n by_o the_o superiatendent_n or_o commissioner_n with_o certification_n that_o no_o question_n shall_v be_v receive_v hereafter_o from_o any_o private_a minister_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1568._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o no_o minister_n exhort_v or_o read_v or_o other_o person_n shall_v trouble_v the_o general_n assembly_n with_o such_o matter_n as_o superintendent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o decide_v in_o their_o synod_n and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o their_o letter_n shall_v be_v reject_v five_o as_o no_o pastor_n ought_v to_o have_v place_n in_o national_a assembly_n except_o such_o as_o be_v authorize_v thereunto_o by_o their_o ordinary_a bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n although_o our_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v do_v never_o usurp_v this_o power_n to_o themselves_o but_o leave_v the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1568._o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o general_n assembly_n nor_o leave_v their_o flock_n to_o attend_v thereat_o unless_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o their_o superintendent_n as_o man_n know_v able_a to_o reason_n and_o of_o knowledge_n to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o weight_n the_o same_o likewise_o we_o see_v testify_v to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o lord_n glames_z then_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n unto_o beza_n about_o the_o year_n 1575._o when_o episcopacy_n begin_v to_o be_v quarrel_v wherein_o quaest._n 2._o he_o say_v post_fw-la reformatam_fw-la religionem_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la episcopi_fw-la under_o which_o word_n he_o comprehend_v the_o superintendent_n and_o ex_fw-la ministris_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la ac_fw-la senioribus_fw-la tot_fw-la quot_fw-la ijdeâ—_z episcopi_fw-la jusserint_fw-la unum_fw-la in_fw-la locum_fw-la conveniant_fw-la cum_fw-la praecipuis_fw-la barronibus_fw-la ac_fw-la nobilibus_fw-la religionem_fw-la veram_fw-la profitentibus_fw-la and_o de_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la et_fw-la de_fw-la moribus_fw-la inquisituri_fw-la six_o as_o all_o the_o presentation_n of_o benefice_n vacant_a be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v so_o that_o if_o the_o person_n present_v be_v find_v qualify_v he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o same_o so_o be_v it_o appoint_v at_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o st._n johnstone_n june_n 1563._o that_o when_o any_o benefice_n shall_v chance_v to_o vaick_a or_o be_v now_o vacant_a that_o a_o qualify_a person_n be_v present_v to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o that_o province_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v and_o that_o he_o be_v find_v sufficient_a be_v admit_v minister_n to_o that_o kirk_n etc._n etc._n likewise_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o wherein_o they_o allege_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v agree_v unto_o one_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o assembly_n prefer_v to_o the_o king_n and_o council_n be_v that_o all_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n or_o superintendent_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v seven_o as_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n appertain_v peculiar_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n so_o likewise_o the_o ordination_n which_o by_o the_o stile_n of_o scotland_n be_v call_v admission_n or_o conftirmation_n not_o only_o of_o minister_n but_o also_o of_o reader_n schoolmaster_n and_o principal_n of_o college_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o superintendent_n in_o their_o own_o bound_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o article_n of_o superintendent_n and_o in_o the_o article_n of_o school_n and_o university_n eight_o as_o bishop_n have_v at_o all_o time_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o to_o admonish_v correct_v or_o censure_v they_o according_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o the_o superintendent_n receive_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n of_o their_o bound_n so_o often_o as_o they_o may_v and_o therein_o not_o only_o to_o preach_v but_o also_o to_o exmine_v the_o life_n diligence_n and_o behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n as_o likewise_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o admonish_v where_o admonition_n need_v and_o to_o correct_v they_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n etc._n etc._n nine_o as_o bishop_n have_v power_n of_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n of_o minister_n who_o be_v either_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n or_o heretical_a in_o their_o doctrine_n so_o by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o divers_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o power_n do_v appertain_v to_o superintendent_n commissioner_n or_o visitor_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o disciplince_n cite_v by_o we_o in_o the_o former_a article_n and_o by_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n april_n 1576._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v anent_o the_o demand_n make_v by_o mr._n andrew_n hay_n parson_n of_o ranthrow_n if_o every_o commissioner_n or_o visitor_n in_o his_o own_o bound_n have_v alike_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o plant_v minister_n suspend_v and_o depose_v for_o reasonable_a cause_n the_o assembly_n resolve_v affirmative_a that_o they_o have_v alike_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n therein_o as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o particular_a act_n concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o visitor_n ten_o as_o bishop_n because_o of_o their_o place_n and_o great_a charge_n in_o oversee_v all_o the_o church_n have_v great_a rent_n appoint_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o pastor_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o book_n of_o disciple_n cap._n 5._o in_o the_o article_n for_o the_o provision_n of_o minister_n be_v appoint_v almost_o four_o time_n much_o stipend_n for_o the_o superintendent_n as_o for_o other_o private_a minister_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o many_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n that_o those_o bishop_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n retain_v still_o the_o office_n and_o title_n of_o bishop_n do_v by_o approbation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n exercise_v their_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n of_o their_o own_o diocese_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n almost_o for_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1582._o alexander_n gordon_n bishop_n of_o galloway_n be_v authorize_v to_o plant_v minister_n exhorter_n and_o reader_n and_o to_o do_v such_o other_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o accustom_v to_o be_v do_v by_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n johnstone_n junc_fw-la 1563._o the_o bishop_n of_o orknay_n and_o kaiâ—hnes_n be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o this_o by_o compulsion_n of_o superior_a authority_n but_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a motion_n in_o that_o assembly_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o a_o supplication_n shall_v be_v prefer_v in_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n that_o she_o will_v be_v please_v to_o remit_v the_o three_o of_o the_o bishopric_n which_o be_v then_o in_o the_o queen_n hand_n to_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o plant_v of_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
not_o to_o distinguish_v the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n from_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o that_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v his_o be_v most_o false_a and_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v as_o false_a and_o impertinent_a first_o they_o say_v as_o invocation_n of_o saint_n canonization_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o lawful_a invocation_n or_o canonization_n of_o saint_n but_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v he_o even_o so_o will_v they_o say_v the_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v he_o not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o hierarchy_n lawful_a but_o all_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v the_o pope_n therefore_o abjure_v a_o solid_a reason_n indeed_o and_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o assembly_n for_o first_o they_o may_v aswell_o conclude_v that_o all_o worldly_a monarchy_n be_v abjure_v because_o the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n be_v abjure_v and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o anabaptist_n opinion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o king_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o their_o word_n writing_n and_o practice_n do_v bewray_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o approach_v too_o near_o to_o those_o damnable_a opinion_n second_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a putrid_a sophisâ—â—â—_n a_fw-la dicto_fw-la secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la ad_fw-la dictum_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la all_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v ergo_fw-la all_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v simpliciter_fw-la a_o child_n or_o a_o ignorant_a that_o know_v never_o a_o word_n of_o logic_n may_v see_v by_o natural_a reason_n evident_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o albeit_o all_o wicked_a and_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o since_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v which_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v simpliciter_fw-la as_o if_o one_o shall_v reason_v thus_o god_n hate_v all_o wicked_a man_n ergo_fw-la he_o hate_v all_o man_n simpliciter_fw-la this_o sophism_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o next_o act_n against_o the_o article_n of_o perths_n assembly_n to_o prove_v that_o confirmation_n of_o child_n be_v abjure_v the_o popish_a five_o bastard_n sacrament_n be_v abjure_v but_o confirmation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n ergo_fw-la abjure_v it_o be_v abjure_v indeed_o to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n but_o not_o therefore_o simple_o for_o so_o they_o may_v conclude_v aswell_o upon_o that_o ground_n that_o marriage_n be_v abjure_v because_o marriage_n be_v one_o of_o these_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n albeit_o perhaps_o the_o moderator_n have_v abjure_v marriage_n yet_o i_o hope_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n will_v not_o do_v so_o i_o marvel_v indeed_o that_o man_n esteem_v for_o learned_a and_o wise_a shall_v have_v blot_v paper_n with_o such_o trash_n and_o put_v such_o childish_a argument_n in_o print_n as_o if_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o none_o but_o fool_n or_o ignorant_n three_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o canonization_n or_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o a_o hierarchy_n for_o invocation_n and_o canonization_n be_v sunply_v evil_a in_o themselves_o as_o against_o god_n word_n albeit_o they_o have_v never_o have_v the_o pope_n for_o their_o author_n but_o a_o hierarchy_n or_o order_n of_o sacred_a ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v call_v antichristian_a and_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o only_o abjure_v though_o in_o itself_o separate_v these_o corruption_n from_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o retain_v second_o they_o bring_v a_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o that_o all_o hierarchy_n be_v the_o pope_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o corruption_n be_v in_o the_o kirk_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o but_o all_o hierarchy_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o neither_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o itself_o that_o be_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o one_o of_o these_o order_n above_o other_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o perfection_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o bring_v in_o since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v but_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o long_o before_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n yet_o for_o that_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v more_o than_o divers_a sound_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o which_o the_o pope_n retain_v and_o maintain_v be_v wicked_a and_o proper_o antichristian_a final_o neither_o be_v it_o obtrude_v now_o upon_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o the_o pope_n authority_n but_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a perfection_n by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o consent_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a supreme_a â—udicatorie_a of_o general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n therefore_o this_o hierarchy_n in_o our_o church_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v account_v the_o pope_n nor_o antichristian_a three_o they_o allege_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n to_o prove_v this_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchye_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v apart_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n ergo_fw-la glâ—ke_a i_o profess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v conclude_v upon_o these_o word_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o assure_v they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o that_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n it_o have_v need_n of_o a_o sharp_a wit_n to_o find_v any_o clear_a consequence_n thereof_o pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o since_o they_o have_v set_v down_o no_o consequence_n themselves_o it_o be_v a_o idle_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o trouble_v my_o brain_n to_o search_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o until_o it_o be_v better_o explain_v i_o leave_v it_o last_o they_o allege_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o their_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 2._o in_o the_o end_n thereof_o therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sort_n towit_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v if_o they_o will_v conclude_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o ambitious_a title_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o i_o can_v see_v no_o other_o consequence_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v of_o these_o word_n pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o they_o have_v use_v as_o great_a falsehood_n in_o this_o citation_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o divers_a other_o before_o for_o in_o that_o same_o very_a place_n cite_v by_o they_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v one_o of_o these_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v be_v give_v to_o signify_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o little_a before_o they_o number_v these_o title_n to_o be_v pastor_n minister_n bishop_n doctor_n presbyter_fw-la elder_a and_o deacon_n and_o yet_o they_o here_o in_o their_o citation_n reckon_v only_o four_o title_n whereas_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o in_o the_o chapter_n cite_v by_o they_o seven_o be_v reckon_v whereof_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o ambitioâ—s_a title_n nor_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o second_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o a_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o antichrist_n or_o the_o pope_n usurp_a hierarchy_n but_o be_v a_o title_n give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o signify_v a_o spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n act_n 1._o 20._o act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o this_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v both_o false_a and_o impertinent_a three_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_o allege_v and_o do_v prove_v the_o point_n direct_o yet_o we_o account_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n so_o authentic_a asto_fw-la make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o our_o
be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n but_o dissemble_v the_o other_o point_n of_o agreement_n which_o we_o have_v rehearse_v import_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n because_o they_o find_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o conclusion_n three_o albeit_o they_o intend_v at_o this_o assembly_n present_o to_o have_v throw_v down_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o ground_n yet_o because_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n do_v oppose_v they_o stand_v firm_o for_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n there_o pass_v five_o or_o six_o year_n in_o these_o contestation_n before_o the_o final_a sentence_n be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o episcopomastiges_n cease_v not_o to_o labour_v diligent_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o draw_v other_o to_o their_o judgement_n use_v likewise_o the_o persuasion_n of_o man_n of_o special_a note_n beyond_o sea_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contestation_n the_o lord_n glames_z then_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n be_v move_v by_o our_o genevate_a minister_n to_o write_v to_o beza_n crave_v his_o opinion_n concerning_o the_o present_a government_n under_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_n to_o the_o which_o letter_n beza_n make_v a_o large_a answer_n condemn_v the_o present_a government_n and_o set_v down_o a_o plot_n of_o that_o policy_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o embrace_v according_a to_o the_o which_o they_o do_v frame_v their_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o in_o many_o point_n ipsissimis_fw-la verbis_fw-la as_o may_v appear_v by_o confer_v the_o book_n with_o his_o epistle_n that_o second_o citation_n from_o the_o assembly_n april_n 1576._o serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o albeit_o some_o bishop_n be_v censure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o superindents_n who_o albeit_o they_o have_v particular_a flock_n wherein_o they_o be_v special_o bind_v to_o attend_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v charge_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o more_o parish_n final_o those_o corruption_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o be_v not_o full_o conclude_v in_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v damn_v absolute_o but_o only_o propose_v by_o some_o and_o crave_v to_o be_v consider_v chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n for_o establish_v of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o second_o rank_n of_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o general_n assembly_n be_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n such_o as_o be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1578._o sess._n 4._o that_o in_o april_n 1578._o july_n 1579._o july_n 1580._o sess._n 10._o april_n 1581._o 1590._o 1591._o sess._n 4._o to_o the_o which_o they_o need_v no_o particular_a answer_n but_o general_o concerning_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v bring_v in_o head_n and_o urge_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o occasion_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o to_o subvert_v the_o former_a establish_a government_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o bishop_n that_o the_o church_n the_o more_o easy_a may_v be_v rob_v of_o her_o patrimony_n by_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n and_o factious_a humour_n strive_v to_o singularity_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a and_o most_o modest_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o oppose_v continual_o by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o very_a act_n themselves_o here_o produce_v by_o they_o do_v evident_o declare_v second_o the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o book_n itself_o for_o the_o establish_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o that_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n first_o because_o at_o this_o time_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v but_o only_o a_o thing_n in_fw-la fieri_fw-la not_o as_o yet_o conclude_v when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v account_v to_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o for_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o whereby_o that_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v registrate_v in_o the_o assembly_n book_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a law_n neither_o be_v it_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o that_o the_o posterity_n shall_v think_v well_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o church_n but_o not_o effect_v as_o likewise_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1590._o concerning_o the_o subscription_n to_o that_o book_n do_v not_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o but_o to_o actual_a minister_n only_o and_o yet_o of_o those_o many_o do_v resist_v it_o as_o particular_o the_o minister_n of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o which_o cause_v it_o be_v think_v needful_a that_o a_o new_a act_n shall_v be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1591._o enjoin_v again_o the_o subscription_n under_o a_o penalty_n and_o particular_o to_o those_o of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n this_o book_n be_v never_o ratify_v by_o any_o act_n of_o estate_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o law_n as_o they_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n july_n 1579._o and_o that_o assembly_n 1580_o sess._n 10._o as_o for_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o here_o allege_v first_o it_o be_v after_o the_o last_o urge_v of_o the_o swear_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1591._o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n second_o it_o be_v but_o a_o partial_a ratification_n not_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o of_o general_n synodal_a and_o of_o presbyterial_a assembly_n and_o parish_n session_n which_o do_v still_o remain_v under_o episcopal_a government_n with_o great_a regularity_n than_o they_o be_v before_o 2._o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n after_o the_o first_o motion_n thereof_o can_v not_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o ministry_n find_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o imaginary_a plot_n which_o can_v be_v hardly_o effectuate_v or_o endure_v long_o in_o the_o church_n without_o great_a corruption_n as_o the_o event_n prove_v some_o of_o it_o never_o put_v in_o practice_n either_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o the_o frame_n of_o policy_n in_o plato_n republik_a or_o of_o outopia_n as_o those_o point_n de_fw-fr diaconatu_fw-la concerning_o the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o point_n the_o contrary_a have_v ever_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o book_n cap._n 7._o that_o landward_o church_n shall_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o have_v particular_a eldership_n and_o yet_o ever_o after_o there_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o landward_o church_n but_o have_v their_o particular_a session_n consist_v of_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v likewise_o there_o appoint_v that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n may_v never_o leave_v it_o again_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o use_n that_o he_o who_o be_v elder_a this_o year_n shall_v be_v cashier_v the_o next_o and_o every_o year_n a_o new_a election_n make_v item_n it_o be_v ordain_v cap._n 3._o that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a parson_n as_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n shall_v receive_v the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n to_o their_o office_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o eldership_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v never_o practise_v imposition_n of_o hand_n upon_o elder_n or_o deacon_n but_o only_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n many_o other_o point_n may_v be_v bring_v which_o either_o be_v never_o practise_v or_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bring_v in_o 3._o if_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o church_n whereby_o the_o negative_a confession_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v interpret_v than_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v the_o covenant_n have_v swear_v also_o to_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o which_o of_o all_o the_o covenanter_n can_v free_v themselves_o of_o perjury_n for_o
therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o foolish_a logomachy_n or_o strife_n about_o word_n to_o allow_v the_o one_o title_n and_o condemn_v the_o other_o second_o it_o may_v aswell_o be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o minister_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o preach_v pastor_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v charge_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n to_o their_o roll_a elder_n only_a which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n apostle_n evangelist_n and_o bishop_n three_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o diocese_n or_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a parish_n first_o because_o there_o be_v point_n agree_v upon_o by_o both_o party_n before_o this_o assembly_n and_o approve_v by_o a_o special_a act_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o cap._n 11._o second_o because_o this_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n and_o visitor_n and_o long_o after_o this_o time_n four_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n of_o convocation_n of_o synodal_a assembly_n and_o their_o moderation_n therein_o for_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v this_o power_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o superintendent_n as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o assembly_n cap._n 5._o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v lawful_a under_o any_o title_n whatsoever_o five_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o sit_a and_o voice_n in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o other_o civil_a judicatory_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o that_o pastor_n may_v and_o shall_v assist_v their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o so_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n m._n robert_n pont_n who_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o commissioner_n of_o caithenes_n have_v licence_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v a_o civil_a judicatory_n that_o proviso_n which_o be_v add_v to_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o unlawfulness_n in_o the_o office_n provide_v they_o neglect_v not_o their_o own_o charge_n nor_o by_o flattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n if_o any_o do_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o personal_a fault_n and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n for_o bishop_n may_v do_v more_o good_a in_o those_o place_n for_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o long_a stay_n in_o edinburgh_n far_o from_o their_o own_o particular_a charge_n attend_v the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o to_o disturb_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o covenant_a minister_n have_v do_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o since_o they_o be_v not_o account_v by_o the_o church_n unlawful_a in_o themselves_o how_o can_v this_o be_v that_o this_o assembly_n have_v just_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o except_o the_o ambiguity_n lurk_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v there_o add_v and_o often_o repeat_v as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o scotland_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v bishop_n at_o that_o time_n which_o they_o do_v condemn_v and_o not_o episcopacy_n absolute_o it_o may_v be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o corruption_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o who_o have_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o office_n aright_o retain_v some_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o for_o these_o personal_a fault_n the_o office_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v of_o itself_o since_o these_o corruption_n may_v have_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o office_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o by_o the_o new_a re-establishment_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o and_o certain_o they_o understand_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v remake_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o whereof_o some_o be_v corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o competent_a to_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o scotland_n by_o general_a assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n other_o of_o they_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o either_o by_o god_n word_n or_o testimony_n of_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o few_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o a_o little_a before_o show_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o proud_a dote_n about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim_n 6._o 4._o 2._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o they_o addict_v not_o themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o their_o diocese_n be_v their_o particular_a flock_n then_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o he_o to_o who_o the_o general_a charge_n of_o many_o parish_n be_v commit_v shall_v astrict_v himself_o to_o one_o parish_n only_o nor_o can_v the_o contrary_a be_v convince_v from_o god_n word_n wherein_o we_o find_v no_o such_o division_n of_o parish_n as_o be_v now_o 3._o they_o challenge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v call_v lord_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o first_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o call_v lord_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o rule_n over_o their_o brethren_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o temporal_a lordship_n bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o liberality_n of_o prince_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o council_n then_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n like_o as_o dominus_fw-la in_o latin_a and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la greek_a be_v sometime_o a_o word_n signify_v absolute_a and_o illimitated_a dominion_n so_o we_o see_v that_o divers_a emperor_n albeit_o in_o effect_n they_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n yet_o do_v they_o refuse_v often_o the_o title_n of_o dominus_fw-la because_o it_o be_v odious_a to_o people_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n bishop_n be_v not_o call_v lord_n neither_o do_v they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o such_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a dominion_n as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o otherwise_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v only_o a_o word_n of_o honour_n competent_a to_o every_o man_n of_o respect_n to_o who_o it_o please_v the_o prince_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o give_v that_o title_n as_o in_o france_n we_o see_v the_o bishop_n be_v no_o otherwise_o intitute_v than_o other_o ordinary_a gentleman_n call_v they_o mounsieur_fw-fr so_o likewise_o in_o spain_n and_o italy_n signior_n which_o title_n be_v also_o give_v to_o any_o other_o man_n of_o worth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n whereby_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v give_v to_o bishop_n and_o not_o for_o any_o absolute_a dominion_n they_o arrogate_v thereby_o 4._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v further_a bound_n to_o visit_v than_o they_o may_v lawful_o they_o will_v say_v convenient_o but_o that_o corruption_n may_v easy_o be_v amend_v by_o division_n of_o the_o diocese_n as_o be_v late_o do_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o st._n andrews_n without_o abolish_n the_o whole_a office_n 5._o that_o a_o pastor_n shall_v have_v criminal_a jurisdiction_n we_o answer_v they_o have_v not_o this_o as_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o privilege_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n annex_v to_o their_o temporal_a land_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o by_o their_o steward_n or_o bailifâ—es_n 6._o they_o count_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n or_o presbytery_n this_o be_v but_o a_o suppose_a corruption_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n indeed_o and_o a_o most_o uncomely_a and_o confuse_a disorder_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o
the_o inferior_a member_n to_o correct_v the_o head_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o exeme_v from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v albeit_o the_o bishop_n do_v decline_v upon_o many_o just_a reason_n this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n which_o be_v at_o length_n express_v in_o their_o declinature_n yet_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v decline_v from_o the_o same_o the_o last_o corruption_n they_o remark_n in_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o a_o law_n if_o any_o omit_v that_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o personal_a fault_n it_o be_v great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a office_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v then_o condemn_v in_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v not_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o nomination_n or_o election_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o be_v nominate_v and_o present_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o those_o of_o the_o chapton_n only_o and_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o move_v they_o â—o_z despiteful_o to_o condemn_v that_o estate_n in_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o require_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v their_o commission_n only_o from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n they_o will_v have_v condescend_v to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o their_o function_n 1._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o they_o confess_v that_o albeit_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n have_v not_o power_n over_o more_o â—locks_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n they_o may_v exercise_v it_o lawful_o 2._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o both_o party_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o among_o the_o pastor_n one_o may_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v certain_a bound_n comprehend_v many_o particular_a parish_n and_o therein_o to_o plant_v minister_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a petition_n they_o make_v to_o the_o regent_n be_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n excepâ—_z such_o as_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n ought_v to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o have_v be_v do_v we_o see_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a flock_n their_o sit_n in_o council_n and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n to_o have_v be_v lawful_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o then_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n such_o a_o commission_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o point_n of_o their_o office_n how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v exercise_v they_o lawful_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a exception_n against_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n this_o commission_n 1._o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n this_o commission_n to_o exercise_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o representative_a church_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o bishop_n over_o certain_a bound_n over_o the_o which_o they_o receive_v jurisdiction_n as_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bound_n of_o asia_n minor_a thereabouts_o commission_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o receive_v or_o repel_v accusation_n give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o by_o consequent_a to_o judge_v and_o correct_v or_o censure_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n receive_v titus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o creta_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n unto_o other_o in_o these_o nation_n where_o they_o travel_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o that_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o call_v in_o controversy_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v except_o those_o who_o will_v impudent_o deny_v all_o tâ—rue_a record_n of_o antiquity_n since_o all_o the_o oâ—thodox_a father_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o do_v with_o unanimous_a consent_n testify_v the_o same_o the_o which_o commission_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o of_o succeed_a age_n confirm_v by_o continual_a practice_n uncontrolled_a for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by_o any_o orthodox_a writer_n until_o this_o last_o age_n that_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n begin_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 3._o the_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o can_v not_o have_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o commonwealth_n yet_o so_o soon_o as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n authorize_v by_o law_n than_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o civil_a law_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o better_a obedience_n thereto_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o do_v earnest_o supplicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o some_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n may_v have_v place_n in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n whereby_o law_n be_v establish_v to_o further_a therein_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n nè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la the_o which_o supplication_n christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a zeal_n do_v grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v authorise_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n to_o sit_v in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o privilege_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a prelate_n do_v enjoy_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o advancement_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n moâ—e_n wicked_a sacrilege_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o privilege_n than_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o these_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v sacrilegious_a in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o sacrilegious_a in_o the_o other_o 4._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o history_n that_o since_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n therein_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n do_v not_o only_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n but_o also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o do_v much_o good_a by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n to_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n before_o popish_a tyranny_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v any_o formal_a parliament_n in_o scotland_n the_o prelate_n make_v up_o the_o three_o