church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o diocese_n and_o thereafter_o anno_fw-la 1572._o all_o bishop_n be_v by_o special_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n restore_v to_o the_o function_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o lenox_n then_o regent_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o next_o year_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1573._o certain_a limitation_n of_o their_o power_n be_v add_v not_o very_o strict_a which_o no_o bishop_n can_v refuse_v 1._o that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o superintendent_n which_o heretofore_o they_o have_v and_o present_o have_v which_o jurisdiction_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o the_o bishop_n require_v now_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_o subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o this_o likewise_o be_v reasonable_a and_o no_o bishop_n will_v think_v himself_o exeme_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o national_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a and_o approve_a order_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o no_o bishop_n give_v coâ—â—ation_n of_o benefice_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o superintendent_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n this_o be_v also_o reasonable_a for_o superintendent_n be_v also_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v give_v ordination_n or_o collation_n to_o any_o within_o the_o diocese_n of_o another_o bishop_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a 4._o that_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o diocese_n visit_v by_o themselves_o where_o no_o superintendâ—nts_n be_v which_o indeed_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o impedite_v either_o by_o infirmity_n or_o by_o some_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o that_o they_o give_v no_o collation_n of_o benefice_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o three_o qualify_a minister_n the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o do_v astrict_v themselves_o further_o for_o they_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o give_v collation_n of_o benefice_n except_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o man_n of_o know_a worth_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o exercise_n in_o the_o bound_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v commit_v the_o whole_a trial_n both_o of_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o testificate_n do_v accept_v or_o reject_v he_o who_o be_v present_v by_o this_o than_o which_o we_o have_v true_o relate_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n thereafter_o have_v no_o such_o meaning_n as_o condemn_v or_o â—bjure_v the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v approve_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n until_o the_o year_n 1590._o and_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o for_o until_o those_o year_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o act_n condemn_v that_o jurisdiction_n under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o the_o first_o act_n abolish_n the_o office_n and_o title_n of_o superintendent_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n august_n 1590._o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o since_o presbytery_n be_v full_o establish_v that_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a what_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o those_o act_n we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o too_o impudent_a and_o manifest_a a_o calumny_n and_o a_o scandalous_a impurtation_n lay_v by_o our_o covenainer_n upon_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o who_o do_v prosecute_v the_o same_o for_o many_o year_n that_o their_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o condemn_v that_o as_o unlawful_a which_o they_o do_v approve_v by_o their_o plain_a and_o public_a declaration_n and_o continual_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o subtle_a and_o hypocritical_a dissimulation_n of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o rebellion_n against_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n â—f_fw-mi those_o who_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o profess_v and_o persuade_v people_n that_o their_o upright_a intention_n be_v to_o reduce_v the_o church_n to_o her_o former_a purity_n wherein_o she_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o to_o abolish_v all_o novationâ—_n since_o they_o be_v manifest_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a abolish_n violent_o that_o order_n of_o government_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o establish_v in_o place_n thereof_o a_o most_o dangerous_a novation_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o many_o christian_a church_n since_o the_o beginning_n until_o this_o 〈◊〉_d age_n and_o whereof_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n never_o think_v of_o nor_o dream_v at_o the_o reformation_n or_o many_o year_n thereafter_o until_o it_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o violent_a wind_n from_o geneva_n bring_v therewith_o great_a trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n both_o first_o and_o last_o chap._n vi_o show_v 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 have_v show_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o the_o principal_a and_o proper_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o condemn_v by_o that_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n call_v the_o negative_a confession_n which_o by_o they_o improper_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v call_v a_o confession_n for_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o almost_o repugnans_fw-la in_fw-la adjecto_fw-la to_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o church_n which_o do_v not_o declare_v any_o positive_a point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o consist_v only_o of_o mere_a negative_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v only_o therefore_o set_v down_o as_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n for_o that_o end_n which_o we_o declare_v before_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a manner_n both_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o church_n and_o private_a confession_n of_o particular_a person_n first_o to_o set_v down_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n in_o certain_a article_n and_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o thence_o to_o adjoin_v damn_v and_o abjure_v of_o the_o contrary_a error_n so_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o most_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n collect_v together_o in_o that_o book_n call_v syntagma_fw-la confessionum_fw-la so_o do_v befa_n in_o his_o confession_n and_o learned_a zanchius_n in_o his_o right_a so_o we_o must_v conceive_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o abjuration_n of_o popish_a error_n set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o the_o article_n and_o proposition_n which_o comprehend_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o covenant_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o evident_a for_o therein_o it_o be_v first_o say_v we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a christion_n faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o point_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o proposition_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o confession_n the_o appendix_n follow_v thereafter_o in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o chief_o papistry_n and_o particular_a head_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o proper_a ancient_a confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o they_o do_v direct_o swear_v in_o that_o covenant_n but_o unto_o the_o abjuration_n of_o error_n they_o do_v only_o swear_v indirect_o and_o by_o consequent_a as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_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
johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n
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
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
therefore_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o break_v 11._o discipline_n be_v again_o distinguish_v in_o these_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a and_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_a and_o mutable_a 12._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o abolish_v by_o episcopal_a government_n but_o observe_v inviolable_a 13._o the_o other_o sort_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o alterable_a by_o the_o church_n 14._o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o the_o oath_n bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v abrogate_v by_o a_o new_a constitution_n the_o oath_n thereto_o be_v dissolve_v 15._o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o those_o alteration_n do_v against_o their_o oath_n chap._n xi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n allege_v contrary_a to_o this_o point_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o no_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v before_o that_o year_n 1575._o 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o impugn_v episcopacy_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o some_o fiery_a humour_n late_o come_v from_o geneva_n and_o zealous_a of_o geneva_n discipline_n 2._o the_o king_n minority_n 3._o faction_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n 4._o the_o sacrilegious_a greediness_n of_o those_o gape_n after_o the_o church_n rend_v who_o for_o their_o own_o end_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o pride_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n until_o this_o year_n 1575._o 4._o at_o this_o assembly_n in_o august_n 1575._o be_v the_o first_o motion_n against_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 5._o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n declare_v at_o length_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o point_n here_o in_o controversy_n be_v not_o challenge_v therein_o but_o express_o approve_v by_o all_o 6._o nothing_o in_o substance_n conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n for_o five_o year_n after_o 7._o a_o notable_a dissimulation_n of_o our_o covenanter_n in_o cite_v a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o this_o book_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o same_o occasion_n whereby_o episcopacy_n begin_v to_o be_v challenge_v 2._o this_o discipline_n be_v never_o full_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n some_o point_n thereof_o never_o practise_v and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n 3._o they_o do_v not_o themselves_o nor_o will_v not_o approve_v some_o point_n in_o this_o book_n but_o refuse_v obedience_n thereto_o instance_v in_o three_o particular_n 4._o this_o book_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o have_v any_o strength_n of_o a_o law_n before_o the_o enjoin_n of_o the_o oath_n 5._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o discipline_n and_o superabundant_a in_o point_n not_o pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o discipline_n therein_o contain_v can_v be_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o precise_o chap._n xiii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n together_o with_o the_o act_n at_o glasgo_n 1581._o explain_v the_o same_o contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o albeit_o they_o condemn_v in_o these_o act_n episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o condemn_v these_o point_n here_o controvert_v 2._o neither_o do_v the_o church_n then_o condemn_v any_o substantial_a point_n of_o episcopacy_n except_o they_o do_v contradict_v themselves_o instance_v in_o six_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 3._o they_o condemn_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o bishop_n themselves_o whereof_o some_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n some_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o only_o personal_a and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n 4._o the_o principal_a point_n they_o condemn_v in_o bishop_n be_v that_o they_o receive_v not_o their_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o point_n of_o their_o function_n chap._n xiiii_o answer_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n here_o cite_v 1._o their_o act_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o former_a whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o refute_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n 2._o some_o particular_a observation_n upon_o these_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o make_v more_o against_o they_o nor_o for_o they_o 3._o many_o of_o these_o act_n show_v that_o they_o be_v conclude_v express_o against_o the_o king_n majesty_n intention_n 4._o the_o reason_n why_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v presbytery_n be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v approve_v the_o same_o but_o for_o eschew_v of_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o fear_v 6._o that_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n do_v not_o endure_v in_o full_a force_n above_o ten_o year_n 7._o a_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n 1589._o disgraceful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o act_n wherein_o be_v contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o their_o hyperbolical_a magnify_n of_o their_o accurate_a proceed_n in_o conclude_v this_o act_n not_o like_o to_o be_v true_a 2._o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o moderator_n informal_a obscure_a ambiguous_a sophistical_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v answer_v categorical_o 3._o the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o their_o voice_n be_v because_o all_o be_v debar_v who_o they_o suspect_v will_v make_v any_o contradiction_n 4._o the_o voice_n as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v do_v neither_o full_o answer_v to_o their_o proposition_n nor_o condemn_v any_o thing_n in_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n 5._o they_o can_v excuse_v this_o but_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upâ—n_n the_o printer_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o many_o reason_n episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n chap._n i._n a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a conventicle_n of_o covenant_a minister_n and_o misrul_a elder_n assemble_v at_o glasgow_n novemb._n 1638._o can_v be_v compare_v to_o none_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o well_o as_o to_o that_o infamous_a council_n of_o trent_n which_o as_o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n trouble_v the_o whole_a world_n emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n for_n this_o have_v vex_v mighty_o the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v lead_v all_o his_o subject_n in_o scotland_n blindfold_o to_o rebellion_n give_v evil_a example_n to_o other_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v a_o evident_a scandal_n upon_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o have_v be_v no_o less_o human_a or_o rather_o satanical_a policy_n and_o subtle_a close_a conveyance_n practise_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n both_o in_o the_o preparation_n prosecution_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o in_o this_o more_o malice_n and_o less_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o present_v establish_v estate_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o trent_n first_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n in_o the_o consistory_n profess_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o general_a council_n and_o do_v open_o exhort_v the_o emperor_n king_n prince_n and_o republic_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o declare_v evident_o by_o their_o deal_n that_o they_o desire_v either_o not_o at_o all_o a_o council_n or_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v assemble_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o or_o their_o ambassador_n shall_v have_v suffrage_n therein_o and_o much_o less_o presidency_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n suffrage_n or_o presence_n will_v cross_v their_o particular_a end_n even_o so_o our_o covenanter_n albeit_o they_o often_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o they_o declare_v plain_o by_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v either_o convocate_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n or_o wherein_o he_o his_o commission_n or_o council_n shall_v preside_v or_o give_v suffrage_n or_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o choice_n account_v it_o so_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v 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assembly_n than_o all_o the_o clergy_n except_o the_o moderator_n 2._o in_o their_o session_n no_o order_n or_o decency_n observe_v all_o sit_v pel-mell_o without_o distinction_n of_o degree_n save_v only_o that_o lay-nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n occupy_v the_o chief_a room_n with_o their_o sword_n and_o pistol_n by_o their_o side_n the_o minister_n mix_v among_o burgess_n merchant_n and_o nobleman_n servant_n hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o they_o by_o their_o habit_n or_o carriage_n many_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o colour_a clothes_n all_o in_o short_a cloak_n except_o the_o minister_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v their_o gown_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o have_v know_v their_o person_n before_o they_o shall_v scarce_o have_v discern_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o merchant_n or_o taylor_n 3._o the_o minister_n be_v not_o there_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a 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against_o they_o in_o another_o session_n they_o condemn_v with_o one_o voice_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o court_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o space_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v read_v over_o all_o those_o book_n muchless_o to_o peruse_v they_o thorough_o and_o discuss_v the_o controvert_a point_n therein_o which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v before_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n for_o the_o which_o chief_o they_o do_v procure_v this_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o slight_o and_o with_o such_o precipitation_n handle_v to_o wit_n whether_o bishop_n shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o doctrine_n so_o universal_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n even_o in_o her_o pure_a time_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o allow_v in_o substance_n by_o
call_v by_o god_n and_o such_o like_a to_o desist_v and_o cease_v from_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o use_v any_o way_n the_o office_n of_o pastor_n while_o they_o receive_v de_fw-fr â—ovâ—_z admission_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o wherein_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a or_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o any_o point_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n after_o due_a admonition_n to_o be_v execute_v against_o they_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1580._o sess._n 10._o this_o article_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o king_n and_o council_n that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o 〈◊〉_d act_n of_o privy_a council_n while_o a_o parliament_n be_v hold_v 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o law_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o act_n maâ—e_n at_o dundie_n be_v interpret_v and_o explain_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n in_o april_n 1581._o sess._n 6._o as_o follow_v anent_o the_o act_n make_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n against_o bishop_n because_o some_o difficulty_n appear_v to_o some_o brethren_n to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n office_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a act_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v thereby_o the_o assembly_n consist_v far_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o as_o vote_v and_o be_v present_a in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n to_o take_v away_o the_o say_a difficulty_n resolve_v upon_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o say_a act_n declare_v that_o they_o mean_v whole_o to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o determination_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o brethren_n doubt_v whether_o the_o former_a act_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o spiritual_a function_n only_o and_o other_o allege_v that_o the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v use_v be_v damnable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a act_n the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v charge_v to_o dimit_fw-la the_o same_o this_o assembly_n declare_v that_o they_o mean_v whole_o to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o that_o time_n the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v unto_o this_o assembly_n 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 together_o with_o a_o plot_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o be_v erect_v which_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o a_o letter_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n for_o their_o action_n of_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n and_o dissolution_n of_o prelacy_n and_o with_o a_o offer_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o policy_n until_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n the_o king_n letter_n subscribe_v by_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n be_v read_v in_o open_a audience_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n this_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o book_n of_o policy_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o register_n by_o the_o act_n follow_v for_o asmuch_o as_o travel_n have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o divers_a suit_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n thereof_o which_o yet_o have_v not_o take_v the_o happy_a effect_n which_o good_a man_n will_v wish_v yet_o that_o the_o posterity_n may_v judge_v well_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n have_v conclude_v that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v to_o in_o divers_a assembly_n before_o shall_v be_v registrate_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o remain_v therein_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o the_o copy_n thereof_o to_o be_v take_v to_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o book_n the_o tenor_n follow_v etc._n etc._n immediate_o after_o the_o insert_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n call_v therâ—_z the_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v as_o follow_v anent_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o highness_n the_o assembly_n in_o one_o voice_n acknowledge_v the_o say_a confession_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o faithful_a confession_n to_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o such_o as_o true_o profess_v christ_n and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o to_o be_v follow_v out_o efold_o as_o the_o same_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n wherein_o that_o discipline_n be_v swear_v to_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1581._o sess._n 10._o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n be_v accuse_v for_o teach_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a sess._n 23._o the_o assembly_n give_v commission_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n to_o charge_v mr._n robert_n montgomery_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o stirling_n and_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o other_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o kirk_n namely_o in_o aspire_v to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o glasgow_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n for_o erection_n of_o more_o presbytery_n be_v renew_v and_o a_o new_a ordinance_n make_v for_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o whatsoever_o person_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o subscribe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1582._o there_o be_v a_o new_a commission_n for_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n where_o none_o be_v at_o yet_o erect_v mr._n robert_n montgomery_n pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_a except_o he_o give_v evident_a tâ—kens_n of_o repentance_n and_o promise_n to_o superseed_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o be_v excommunicate_a short_o after_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n 1582._o the_o general_n assembly_n give_v commission_n to_o some_o presbytery_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n for_o the_o great_a slander_n arise_v by_o their_o impunity_n commission_n be_v give_v at_o this_o assembly_n to_o present_v some_o article_n to_o the_o council_n and_o estate_n for_o approve_v and_o establish_v by_o their_o authority_n the_o presbytery_n the_o synodal_a and_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o 19_o sess._n the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n may_v â—it_v upon_o the_o council_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1586._o these_o two_o article_n be_v agree_v upon_o first_o it_o be_v find_v that_o all_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v governor_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n and_o elder_n may_v convene_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o vote_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n second_o there_o be_v four_o office-bearer_n set_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deâ—cons_n and_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papistry_n but_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1587._o sess._n 8._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o admission_n of_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n suppose_v to_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o bishopric_n only_o be_v undo_v and_o annul_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o the_o effect_n slander_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o kirk_n in_o sess._n 15._o mr._n rob._n pont_n sheâ—ed_v the_o king_n presentation_n to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o cathnes_n and_o desire_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n declare_v that_o they_o judge_v the_o say_a mr._n rob_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n already_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n but_o as_o to_o that_o corrupt_a estate_n or_o office_n of_o these_o who_o have_v be_v term_v bishop_n heretofore_o they_o find_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o divers_a assembly_n before_o in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o waitâ—_n upon_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n sess._n 17._o thâ—t_z they_o be_v careful_a that_o
of_o faith_n be_v not_o hinder_v for_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o but_o these_o observation_n which_o be_v diverse_o celebrate_v be_v in_o her_o apparel_n and_o tortullian_n lib._n de_fw-fr virg._n velaâ—d_fw-mi faith_n regula_fw-la quidem_fw-la fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omninò_fw-la est_fw-la sola_fw-la immobilis_fw-la et_fw-la irreformabilis_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o hâc_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la manente_fw-la cetera_fw-la jam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la et_fw-la conversationis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la novitatem_fw-la correctionis_fw-la operante_fw-la et_fw-la proficiente_fw-la usque_fw-la in_fw-la finem_fw-la gratia_fw-la dei_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v altogether_o one_o only_o unchangeable_a and_o such_o as_o admit_v no_o reformation_n this_o law_n of_o faith_n stand_v firm_a the_o rest_n that_o concern_v discipline_n and_o reformation_n may_v admit_v the_o novelty_n of_o correction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o work_v a_o profitable_a progress_n even_o to_o the_o end_n their_o three_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n be_v move_v by_o god_n and_o urge_v by_o necessity_n to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v bless_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o application_n abjure_v and_o suspend_v all_o novation_n former_o introduce_v till_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o the_o true_a essential_a cause_n of_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n but_o only_o a_o occasion_n greedy_o apprehend_v by_o the_o ringleader_n to_o make_v that_o a_o pretext_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o rebellion_n which_o they_o have_v before_o purpose_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n when_o the_o king_n discharge_v that_o book_n their_o rebellion_n have_v there_o cease_v for_o sublata_fw-la vera_fw-la causa_fw-la tollitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la the_o true_a cause_n be_v take_v away_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o cease_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o rebellion_n do_v never_o show_v itself_o in_o so_o damnable_a effect_n as_o it_o do_v after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o grant_v of_o all_o their_o petition_n 2._o the_o urge_n of_o that_o book_n contain_v no_o impious_a thing_n against_o god_n nor_o hurtful_a to_o true_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v a_o just_a motive_n to_o move_v they_o by_o any_o necessity_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v high_a treason_n when_o as_o subject_n without_o permission_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v combine_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a band_n of_o maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v the_o king_n their_o sovereign_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n direct_o and_o against_o he_o only_o albeit_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v and_o pretend_v the_o contrary_a for_o from_o who_o can_v so_o many_o potent_a nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o such_o worth_n with_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o their_o follower_n possible_a or_o by_o any_o liklihood_n fear_v any_o danger_n or_o harm_n in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n for_o refuse_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n or_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v innovation_n urge_v chief_o by_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o special_a command_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v they_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o thirteen_o or_o fourteen_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n old_a decrepit_a and_o impotent_a man_n or_o be_v there_o any_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o external_a invasion_n or_o inward_a conspiracy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n before_o they_o make_v it_o by_o their_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o king_n only_o they_o fear_v danger_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o rebellious_a intention_n by_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a that_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n self_n 3._o be_v there_o no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n but_o by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o harmful_a physic_n which_o prescribe_v a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n itself_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o can_v come_v to_o religion_n by_o this_o book_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n ceremony_n and_o some_o misinterpret_a word_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v can_v not_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o peaceable_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n they_o may_v have_v be_v better_o interpret_v or_o otherwise_o correct_v than_o by_o open_a disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o his_o anoint_a as_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n so_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n bring_v more_o danger_n and_o harm_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n can_v be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o any_o wise_a man_n may_v consider_v by_o the_o miserable_a effect_n which_o ordinary_o accompany_v rebellion_n 4_o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v move_v thereto_o by_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n the_o author_n and_o commander_n of_o obedience_n unto_o superior_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v call_v without_o blasphemy_n the_o author_n of_o rebellion_n disobedience_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o this_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o have_v produce_v all_o those_o evil_n as_o the_o proper_a effect_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptist_n and_o fanatical_a libertine_n to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o their_o brain_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v be_v move_v to_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n by_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v move_v to_o make_v insurrection_n draw_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o aarâ—n_n since_o both_o the_o act_n be_v very_o like_o one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n that_o traitor_n raviliack_n who_o kill_v henry_n the_o four_o of_o france_n be_v a_o confident_a in_o his_o imagination_n affirm_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n that_o he_o be_v not_o move_v to_o that_o fact_n by_o any_o parâ—â—â—ular_a respect_n or_o instigation_n of_o another_o person_n but_o only_o by_o god_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n 5._o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v thereto_o draw_v by_o necessity_n it_o be_v think_v indeed_o that_o those_o of_o lower_n germany_n be_v draw_v by_o some_o necessity_n to_o confederate_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n who_o be_v their_o prince_n indeed_o yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v such_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o as_o our_o king_n have_v over_o scotland_n because_o he_o violent_v their_o conscience_n compel_v they_o not_o only_o to_o forsake_v but_o also_o to_o forswear_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o embrace_v popish_a idolatry_n not_o by_o proclamation_n only_o but_o by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o cruel_a torment_n in_o the_o inquisition_n whereby_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n most_o cruel_o before_o ever_o they_o make_v any_o combination_n among_o themselves_o or_o refuse_v due_a obedience_n to_o their_o prince_n although_o nevertheless_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o their_o rise_n in_o arm_n against_o their_o prince_n be_v not_o altogether_o justifiable_a before_o god_n much_o less_o than_o can_v our_o covenanter_n allege_v true_o that_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o any_o necessity_n to_o this_o rebellious_a combination_n since_o for_o the_o refusal_n of_o that_o book_n never_o a_o man_n in_o scotland_n have_v lose_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o a_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n or_o be_v fine_v in_o a_o farthing_n or_o have_v his_o body_n imprison_v or_o a_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n touch_v before_o that_o covenant_n 6._o they_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n which_o be_v most_o false_a for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contract_n of_o a_o new_a one_o different_a in_o substance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v swear_v either_o the_o year_n 1580._o or_o 1590._o as_o they_o know_v well_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o
be_v not_o a_o point_n controvert_v betwixt_o the_o reformer_n of_o religion_n who_o set_v down_o the_o confession_n and_o their_o adversary_n the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o confession_n and_o by_o consequent_a albeit_o there_o be_v no_o such_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v abjure_v then_o there_o be_v as_o little_a coherence_n betwixt_o the_o last_o two_o question_n for_o although_o it_o have_v be_v abjure_v at_o that_o time_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o be_v now_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v abjure_v wrongful_o and_o out_o of_o ignorance_n but_o afterwards_o man_n come_v to_o better_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o which_o rash_o have_v be_v abjure_v before_o may_v be_v lawful_o restore_v now_o next_o because_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n and_o constitution_n against_o it_o for_o certain_a reason_n of_o not_o expediency_n the_o church_n may_v have_v abjure_v it_o for_o that_o time_n yet_o that_o law_n be_v abrogate_a by_o lawful_a authority_n it_o may_v be_v receive_v again_o by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v hold_v as_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o oath_n give_v to_o human_a positive_a law_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a oblige_v no_o long_a than_o the_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n now_o therefore_o since_o the_o law_n forbid_v preeminency_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o if_o any_o such_o law_n be_v be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o the_o contrary_n establish_v this_o preeminency_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v now_o though_o former_o abjure_v second_o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o yea_o almost_o every_o word_n have_v its_o own_o ambiguity_n for_o 1._o the_o word_n confession_n be_v ambiguous_a for_o although_o there_o be_v two_o writ_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v confession_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o only_o proper_a and_o perfect_a profession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n neither_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v any_o more_o in_o one_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n set_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o that_o church_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n an._n 1560._o and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v verbatim_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n that_o other_o which_o be_v call_v the_o negative_a confession_n be_v only_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o certain_a special_a error_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o it_o be_v doubtful_a which_o of_o those_o confession_n be_v here_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o ambiguity_n in_o that_o word_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v diverse_o for_o either_o it_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v express_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o according_a to_o the_o same_o or_o otherwise_o it_o may_v signify_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o though_o not_o particular_o express_v now_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n perhaps_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v therein_o which_o be_v no_o absurdity_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o yet_o be_v it_o according_a to_o it_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n because_o not_o contrary_a thereunto_o 3._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v anno_fw-la 1580._o etc._n etc._n for_o either_o it_o must_v be_v signify_v as_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v in_o writ_n or_o print_v and_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o profess_v at_o that_o time_n than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v now_o at_o this_o present_a but_o have_v be_v ever_o conserve_v unalter_v or_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a restriction_n to_o those_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a or_o by_o profession_n be_v signify_v the_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v an._n 1580._o and_o thus_o also_o that_o restriction_n of_o the_o profession_n to_o those_o year_n be_v no_o less_o superfluous_a for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v by_o any_o otherwise_o interpret_v in_o these_o year_n or_o now_o than_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n by_o those_o who_o set_v it_o down_o for_o as_o we_o say_v unusquisque_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la suorum_fw-la verborum_fw-la interpres_fw-la and_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o frame_v that_o confession_n do_v interpret_v it_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n thereafter_o so_o as_o it_o do_v approve_v the_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v interpret_v it_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n they_o wrong_v great_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v not_o now_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o wrongful_a deal_n 4._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n likewise_o in_o the_o word_n bishop_n which_o sometime_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o every_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v power_n to_o oversee_v the_o action_n of_o the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n sometime_o more_o particular_o as_o it_o signify_v those_o that_o have_v jurisdiction_n both_o over_o more_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o a_o certain_a bound_n call_v a_o diocese_n as_o it_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o former_a age_n but_o because_o this_o be_v discuss_v in_o the_o question_n itself_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o it_o final_o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o those_o word_n a_o particular_a flock_n for_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o bishop_n aswell_o as_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o minister_n many_o more_o ambiguity_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o question_n which_o for_o briefue_n we_o omit_v here_o but_o shall_v be_v god_n willing_a discuss_v as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n three_o it_o be_v also_o subtle_a sophistical_a deal_n that_o they_o have_v draw_v the_o question_n à _fw-la thesi_fw-la ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la they_o do_v not_o ask_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o only_o as_o the_o confession_n be_v understand_v an._n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o involve_v the_o question_n in_o divers_a intricate_a supposition_n which_o they_o have_v do_v subtle_o for_o their_o own_o end_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v any_o solid_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n of_o true_a antiquity_n to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o office_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o this_o act_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v there_o one_o syllable_n produce_v out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o approve_v their_o conclusion_n but_o all_o their_o proof_n be_v from_o their_o negative_a confession_n of_o faith_n impudent_o wrest_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o from_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n strange_o misapply_v and_o from_o certain_a act_n of_o late_a general_n assembly_n which_o all_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o human_a testimony_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o proof_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o their_o ordinary_a exclamation_n against_o human_a ordinance_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n continual_o pretend_v to_o all_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n god_n word_n and_o conscience_n which_o only_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o 2._o they_o have_v frame_v the_o question_n so_o restrict_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n to_o the_o year_n 1580._o etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o from_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o allege_v any_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o such_o intention_n as_o absolute_o to_o condemn_v episcopacy_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n have_v declare_v both_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o make_v clear_a that_o she_o do_v so_o explain_v her_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n as_o she_o do_v approve_v express_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o charge_v over_o
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
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 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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
people_n most_o impudent_o to_o promote_v their_o own_o end_n albeit_o this_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v that_o abjuration_n and_o covenâ—â—t_v or_o any_o part_n thereof_o of_o any_o such_o meaning_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o evident_a we_o shall_v examine_v particular_o every_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sentence_n cite_v by_o they_o show_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o allege_v by_o they_o to_o prove_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o to_o the_o first_o sentence_n here_o produce_v by_o it_o we_o may_v judge_v tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la what_o we_o mâ—y_o expect_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o reverend_a father_n 〈◊〉_d they_o begin_v with_o a_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o we_o 〈…〉_z divers_a more_o in_o that_o kind_n the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o citation_n be_v we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n 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universa_fw-la tenet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nec_fw-la concilijs_fw-la constitutum_fw-la semper_fw-la retentum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la apostolicà _fw-la authoritate_fw-la traditum_fw-la rectissimè_fw-la crediture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o profitable_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n both_o concerning_o doctrine_n manner_n government_n and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o canonical_a book_n from_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n before_o the_o church_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o child_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v sufficient_a the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o ordinary_a celebration_n thereof_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o appropriate_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o these_o pastor_n who_o be_v set_v in_o authority_n over_o other_o and_o divers_a ecclesiastical_a canon_n concerning_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o government_n second_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o all_o tradition_n have_v be_v simple_o abjure_v which_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v not_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o sentence_n can_v not_o have_v serve_v to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n for_o although_o some_o of_o the_o point_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n now_o appertain_v thereto_o be_v by_o apostolic_a tradition_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n yet_o this_o point_n here_o call_v in_o question_n that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o a_o tradition_n either_o against_o or_o without_o god_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n but_o first_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a write_a verity_n approve_v by_o god_n word_n express_o and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o very_a first_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n not_o only_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o under_o the_o new_a also_o continue_v in_o all_o church_n until_o this_o lust_n age_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o great_a impudencic_n than_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conformable_a thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v before_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o passage_n can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o their_o purpose_n but_o be_v both_o false_o and_o impertinent_o produce_v by_o they_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o second_o passage_n cite_v from_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o abjuration_n be_v no_o less_o falsify_v than_o the_o former_a both_o in_o the_o change_n of_o word_n and_o addition_n of_o other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n of_o their_o citation_n be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o but_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v only_o these_o as_o they_o be_v now_o dawn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n so_o that_o they_o change_v that_o particle_n now_o in_fw-la then_o and_o add_v more_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a when_o the_o confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o albeit_o this_o alteration_n seem_v but_o small_a to_o change_v now_o in_fw-la then_o yet_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v very_o material_a and_o subtle_o make_v to_o wrest_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o who_o frame_v this_o abjuration_n in_o make_v this_o now_o relative_a to_o the_o damn_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o other_o thereafter_o albeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n intend_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o abjuration_n for_o divers_a reason_n first_o that_o now_o in_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o present_a definite_a time_n then_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v frame_v or_o subscribe_v but_o as_o it_o be_v express_o expone_v a_o little_a before_o now_o for_o along_o time_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o time_n when_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o anno_fw-la 1560._o and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1567._o by_o the_o which_o confession_n those_o particular_a head_n of_o papistry_n be_v condemn_v and_o confute_v and_o the_o true_a doctrine_n opposite_a thereunto_o now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o now_o be_v not_o relative_a to_o that_o condemnation_n of_o episcopacy_n 1580._o which_o be_v not_o then_o for_o a_o long_a time_n condemn_v but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a year_n second_o albeit_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o definite_a time_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n for_o albeit_o by_o that_o assembly_n 1580._o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o approbation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v stand_v in_o force_n in_o the_o person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n or_o visitor_n and_o not_o abrogate_a
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 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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
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
cap._n 7._o entitle_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n everywhere_o and_o most_o frequent_o by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v obey_v and_o receive_v bishop_n be_v not_o perjure_v nor_o have_v break_v that_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o this_o assembly_n who_o have_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v with_o such_o precipitation_n so_o many_o bishop_n and_o minister_n without_o observe_v in_o their_o process_n these_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v evident_o perjure_v according_a to_o their_o own_o ground_n second_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v at_o some_o time_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o ample_a signification_n for_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 1._o be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o order_n or_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n thereto_o appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o we_o â—ll_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o policy_n cap._n 2._o be_v divide_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v ruler_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v rule_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n subject_a to_o this_o policy_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o discipline_n so_o proper_o call_v 3._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n and_o â—ent_a of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o contend_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o this_o large_a sense_n in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n likewise_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o this_o discipline_n or_o policy_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o distinguish_v the_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a from_o the_o point_n accidental_a and_o mutable_a or_o as_o it_o be_v express_o distinguish_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 9_o entitle_v of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n utter_o necessary_a without_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o thing_n profitable_a and_o not_o mere_o necessary_a the_o point_n utter_o necessary_a be_v those_o which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n to_o endure_v perpetual_o as_o that_o there_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o god_n word_n be_v true_o teach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v against_o scandalous_a person_n and_o such_o other_o like_a thing_n the_o point_v not_o mere_o necessary_a but_o profitable_a be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o particular_o prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n set_v down_o the_o form_n ceremony_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n do_v require_v such_o as_o how_o many_o pastor_n under_o what_o name_n and_o title_n they_o ought_v to_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n over_o what_o bound_n or_o what_o particular_a person_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v charge_n when_o where_o in_o what_o order_n gesture_n or_o what_o habit_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v pray_v or_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o divers_a other_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n concerning_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o government_n the_o first_o sort_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v in_o substance_n since_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o baptism_n or_o entrâ—e_n to_o a_o calling_n do_v oblige_v every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o station_n therein_o to_o observe_v they_o perpetual_o albeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o oath_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o condemn_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o of_o these_o essential_a point_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o god_n word_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o in_o swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o point_n of_o discipline_n none_o have_v abjure_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n but_o therewith_o have_v retain_v those_o essential_a point_n without_o change_n or_o alteration_n there_o be_v other_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o accidental_a part_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v by_o what_o title_n or_o name_n those_o who_o bear_v chief_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v whether_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n or_o precedent_n or_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o moderatores_fw-la by_o who_o advice_n they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o authority_n whether_o by_o chapter_n or_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n or_o by_o other_o wise_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n assume_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o be_v their_o câ—uncell_n albeit_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o expedient_a to_o use_v these_o title_n and_o name_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o continue_v by_o long_a prescription_n in_o after_o age_n than_o those_o new_a invent_a title_n by_o man_n affect_v singularity_n these_o point_n be_v alterable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o not_o be_v precise_o command_v in_o god_n word_n may_v be_v change_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o liberty_n they_o be_v leave_v and_o therefore_o no_o oath_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n thereof_o in_o case_n it_o please_v the_o church_n for_o reason_n of_o expediency_n to_o alter_v they_o for_o according_a to_o that_o common_a regula_fw-la iuris_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la actus_fw-la super_fw-la quo_fw-la interponitur_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v unto_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n perpetui_fw-la iuris_fw-la the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o biâ—des_v to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n and_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o absolve_v we_o of_o that_o oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v iuris_fw-la positivi_fw-la and_o only_o a_o constitution_n of_o the_o câ—urch_n or_o commonwealth_n concerning_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o supreme_a 〈…〉_z then_o certain_o the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o 〈…〉_z long_o than_o the_o constitution_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v alter_v by_o that_o same_o lawful_a authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v all_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la loose_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o oath_n yea_o all_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o the_o alteration_n she_o make_v in_o those_o mutable_a point_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o new_a act_n and_o constitution_n that_o concern_v the_o same_o although_o they_o be_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o all_o those_o who_o disobey_v therein_o contemptuous_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n therefore_o since_o the_o church_n have_v alter_v upon_o good_a and_o grave_a reason_n those_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v for_o a_o time_n not_o upon_o so_o good_a ground_n unto_o the_o ancient_a approve_a manner_n of_o episcopal_a government_n all_o those_o within_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v notwithstanding_o of_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o her_o change_n without_o fear_n of_o perjury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o our_o covenanter_n who_o before_o the_o lawful_a abrogation_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n have_v not_o conform_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o disobey_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o their_o exemplary_a practice_n entice_v yea_o compel_v other_o to_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o their_o mother_n their_o church_n and_o break_v of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v conserve_v do_v lie_v under_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n until_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v chap._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v against_o bishop_n until_o
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
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 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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