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
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
nothing_o bâ—_n admit_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o it_o waâ—_n conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n precede_v the_o year_n 1584._o but_o precise_o to_o seek_v the_o same_o to_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1589._o where_o the_o article_n be_v make_v for_o the_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o followeâ—â—_z for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ediâ—burgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a kirk_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o de_fw-la novo_fw-la a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n discipline_n presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o a_o abrogation_n of_o all_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o be_v ordain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d seek_v both_o of_o the_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o next_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n special_o the_o controvert_a head_n shall_v be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o bear_v or_o hereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o presbytery_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o sincerity_n unless_o the_o holy_a discipline_n be_v preserve_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o get_v a_o copy_n under_o the_o â—lerks_n hand_n there_o be_v sundry_a copy_n subscribâ—d_a by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o extant_a as_o haddington_n 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n produce_v before_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o sess._n 4._o the_o former_a act_n anent_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n be_v renew_a and_o penattis_n impose_v upon_o the_o moderator_n in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o exâ—cution_n in_o the_o assembly_n 22._o may_n 1592._o sess._n 2._o these_o article_n be_v draw_v up_o that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v 1584._o against_o the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o discipline_n whereof_o the_o kirk_n have_v be_v in_o practice_n precise_o ratify_v that_o abâ—â—ts_v pryoâ—ies_n and_o other_o prelate_n pretend_v the_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o suffer_v in_o time_n come_v in_o the_o eleven_o session_n the_o number_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o parliament_n immediate_o follow_v the_o five_o of_o inn_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d kirk_n in_o her_o session_n presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d and_o general_a assembly_n be_v large_o ratify_v as_o the_o same_o be_v use_v and_o exercise_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o all_o the_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o abrogate_v the_o king_n prerogative_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o privilege_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o former_a commission_n to_o bishop_n 1584._o rescind_v and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n subject_v to_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n anno_fw-la 1595._o the_o book_n of_o policy_n with_o other_o act_n be_v ratify_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v print_v it_o be_v also_o clear_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o confession_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v baptise_v and_o preach_v deacon_n for_o so_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n de_fw-la sacramento_n ordinis_fw-la cant._n 6._o si_fw-la quis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la catholicâ_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la institutam_fw-la quae_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la episcopis_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la et_fw-la ministris_fw-la anathema_n sit_v bellarmine_n likewise_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 11._o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o militant_a kirk_n the_o first_o of_o bishop_n the_o second_o of_o priest_n the_o three_o of_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v also_o prince_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o people_n this_o proposition_n follow_v hierarchia_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la pontifice_fw-la cardinalibus_fw-la archiepiscopis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la et_fw-la regularibus_fw-la be_v censure_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o university_n at_o paris_n as_o follow_v in_fw-la ista_fw-la prima_fw-la propositione_fw-la enumeratio_fw-la membrorum_fw-la hierarchiae_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la seu_fw-la sacri_fw-la principatus_fw-la divinâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la instituti_fw-la est_fw-la manca_fw-la et_fw-la redundans_fw-la atque_fw-la inducens_fw-la in_fw-la errorem_fw-la contrarium_fw-la determinationi_fw-la sacrae_fw-la synodi_fw-la tridentinae_n the_o proposition_n be_v defective_a because_o it_o pretermit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o redundâ—nt_fw-la because_o it_o make_v the_o hierarchy_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o regular_n the_o pope_n be_v not_o within_o the_o hierarchy_n primate_n metropolitan_n and_o archbishop_n but_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n furthermore_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o confession_n from_o the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a kirk_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v he_o to_o wit_n invocation_n of_o saint_n cannonization_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v he_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o lawful_a cannonization_n invocation_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n whatsoever_o corruptioâ—_n be_v in_o the_o kirk_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o be_v retain_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n by_o his_o authority_n be_v he_o a_o passage_n also_o out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v allege_v where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o council_n will_v not_o define_v the_o hierarchy_n by_o the_o seven_o order_n we_o have_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o manifold_a order_n set_v a_o part_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o hierarchy_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o cannon_n above_o cite_v we_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n or_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n this_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sort_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o warrant_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n examine_v and_o all_o objection_n answer_v in_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v many_o time_n deâ—â—red_v and_o require_v to_o proponâ—_n their_o doubt_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o every_o one_o be_v hear_v to_o the_o full_a and_o after_o much_o â—gitation_n as_o full_o satisfy_v the_o moderator_n at_o last_o exhâ—rting_v every_o one_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n do_v put_v the_o master_n to_o voyâ—ing_v in_o these_o term_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o taith_o as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastouâ—_z of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o whether_o by_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n the_o whole_a assembly_n most_o unanimous_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o one_o 〈◊〉_d profess_v full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n do_v voice_n that_o all_o episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n over_o a_o particular_a flock_n be_v abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o prohibit_v under_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o usurp_v accept_v defend_v or_o obey_v the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o in_o time_n come_v collect_v visy_z and_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n
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
the_o inferior_a member_n to_o correct_v the_o head_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o exeme_v from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v albeit_o the_o bishop_n do_v decline_v upon_o many_o just_a reason_n this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n which_o be_v at_o length_n express_v in_o their_o declinature_n yet_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v decline_v from_o the_o same_o the_o last_o corruption_n they_o remark_n in_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o a_o law_n if_o any_o omit_v that_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o personal_a fault_n it_o be_v great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a office_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v then_o condemn_v in_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v not_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o nomination_n or_o election_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o be_v nominate_v and_o present_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o those_o of_o the_o chapton_n only_o and_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o move_v they_o â—o_z despiteful_o to_o condemn_v that_o estate_n in_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o require_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v their_o commission_n only_o from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n they_o will_v have_v condescend_v to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o their_o function_n 1._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o they_o confess_v that_o albeit_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n have_v not_o power_n over_o more_o â—locks_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n they_o may_v exercise_v it_o lawful_o 2._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o both_o party_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o among_o the_o pastor_n one_o may_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v certain_a bound_n comprehend_v many_o particular_a parish_n and_o therein_o to_o plant_v minister_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a petition_n they_o make_v to_o the_o regent_n be_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n excepâ—_z such_o as_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n ought_v to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o have_v be_v do_v we_o see_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a flock_n their_o sit_n in_o council_n and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n to_o have_v be_v lawful_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o then_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n such_o a_o commission_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o point_n of_o their_o office_n how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v exercise_v they_o lawful_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a exception_n against_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n this_o commission_n 1._o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n this_o commission_n to_o exercise_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o representative_a church_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o bishop_n over_o certain_a bound_n over_o the_o which_o they_o receive_v jurisdiction_n as_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bound_n of_o asia_n minor_a thereabouts_o commission_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o receive_v or_o repel_v accusation_n give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o by_o consequent_a to_o judge_v and_o correct_v or_o censure_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n receive_v titus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o creta_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n unto_o other_o in_o these_o nation_n where_o they_o travel_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o that_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o call_v in_o controversy_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v except_o those_o who_o will_v impudent_o deny_v all_o tâ—rue_a record_n of_o antiquity_n since_o all_o the_o oâ—thodox_a father_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o do_v with_o unanimous_a consent_n testify_v the_o same_o the_o which_o commission_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o of_o succeed_a age_n confirm_v by_o continual_a practice_n uncontrolled_a for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by_o any_o orthodox_a writer_n until_o this_o last_o age_n that_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n begin_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 3._o the_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o can_v not_o have_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o commonwealth_n yet_o so_o soon_o as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n authorize_v by_o law_n than_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o civil_a law_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o better_a obedience_n thereto_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o do_v earnest_o supplicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o some_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n may_v have_v place_n in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n whereby_o law_n be_v establish_v to_o further_a therein_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n nè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la the_o which_o supplication_n christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a zeal_n do_v grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v authorise_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n to_o sit_v in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o privilege_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a prelate_n do_v enjoy_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o advancement_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n moâ—e_n wicked_a sacrilege_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o privilege_n than_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o these_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v sacrilegious_a in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o sacrilegious_a in_o the_o other_o 4._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o history_n that_o since_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n therein_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n do_v not_o only_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n but_o also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o do_v much_o good_a by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n to_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n before_o popish_a tyranny_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v any_o formal_a parliament_n in_o scotland_n the_o prelate_n make_v up_o the_o three_o
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
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
therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o foolish_a logomachy_n or_o strife_n about_o word_n to_o allow_v the_o one_o title_n and_o condemn_v the_o other_o second_o it_o may_v aswell_o be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o minister_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o preach_v pastor_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v charge_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n to_o their_o roll_a elder_n only_a which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n apostle_n evangelist_n and_o bishop_n three_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o diocese_n or_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a parish_n first_o because_o there_o be_v point_n agree_v upon_o by_o both_o party_n before_o this_o assembly_n and_o approve_v by_o a_o special_a act_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o cap._n 11._o second_o because_o this_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n and_o visitor_n and_o long_o after_o this_o time_n four_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n of_o convocation_n of_o synodal_a assembly_n and_o their_o moderation_n therein_o for_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v this_o power_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o superintendent_n as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o assembly_n cap._n 5._o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v lawful_a under_o any_o title_n whatsoever_o five_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o sit_a and_o voice_n in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o other_o civil_a judicatory_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o that_o pastor_n may_v and_o shall_v assist_v their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o so_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n m._n robert_n pont_n who_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o commissioner_n of_o caithenes_n have_v licence_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v a_o civil_a judicatory_n that_o proviso_n which_o be_v add_v to_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o unlawfulness_n in_o the_o office_n provide_v they_o neglect_v not_o their_o own_o charge_n nor_o by_o flattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n if_o any_o do_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o personal_a fault_n and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n for_o bishop_n may_v do_v more_o good_a in_o those_o place_n for_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o long_a stay_n in_o edinburgh_n far_o from_o their_o own_o particular_a charge_n attend_v the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o to_o disturb_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o covenant_a minister_n have_v do_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o since_o they_o be_v not_o account_v by_o the_o church_n unlawful_a in_o themselves_o how_o can_v this_o be_v that_o this_o assembly_n have_v just_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o except_o the_o ambiguity_n lurk_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v there_o add_v and_o often_o repeat_v as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o scotland_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v bishop_n at_o that_o time_n which_o they_o do_v condemn_v and_o not_o episcopacy_n absolute_o it_o may_v be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o corruption_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o who_o have_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o office_n aright_o retain_v some_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o for_o these_o personal_a fault_n the_o office_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v of_o itself_o since_o these_o corruption_n may_v have_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o office_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o by_o the_o new_a re-establishment_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o and_o certain_o they_o understand_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v remake_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o whereof_o some_o be_v corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o competent_a to_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o scotland_n by_o general_a assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n other_o of_o they_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o either_o by_o god_n word_n or_o testimony_n of_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o few_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o a_o little_a before_o show_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o proud_a dote_n about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim_n 6._o 4._o 2._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o they_o addict_v not_o themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o their_o diocese_n be_v their_o particular_a flock_n then_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o he_o to_o who_o the_o general_a charge_n of_o many_o parish_n be_v commit_v shall_v astrict_v himself_o to_o one_o parish_n only_o nor_o can_v the_o contrary_a be_v convince_v from_o god_n word_n wherein_o we_o find_v no_o such_o division_n of_o parish_n as_o be_v now_o 3._o they_o challenge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v call_v lord_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o first_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o call_v lord_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o rule_n over_o their_o brethren_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o temporal_a lordship_n bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o liberality_n of_o prince_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o council_n then_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n like_o as_o dominus_fw-la in_o latin_a and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la greek_a be_v sometime_o a_o word_n signify_v absolute_a and_o illimitated_a dominion_n so_o we_o see_v that_o divers_a emperor_n albeit_o in_o effect_n they_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n yet_o do_v they_o refuse_v often_o the_o title_n of_o dominus_fw-la because_o it_o be_v odious_a to_o people_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n bishop_n be_v not_o call_v lord_n neither_o do_v they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o such_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a dominion_n as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o otherwise_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v only_o a_o word_n of_o honour_n competent_a to_o every_o man_n of_o respect_n to_o who_o it_o please_v the_o prince_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o give_v that_o title_n as_o in_o france_n we_o see_v the_o bishop_n be_v no_o otherwise_o intitute_v than_o other_o ordinary_a gentleman_n call_v they_o mounsieur_fw-fr so_o likewise_o in_o spain_n and_o italy_n signior_n which_o title_n be_v also_o give_v to_o any_o other_o man_n of_o worth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n whereby_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v give_v to_o bishop_n and_o not_o for_o any_o absolute_a dominion_n they_o arrogate_v thereby_o 4._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v further_a bound_n to_o visit_v than_o they_o may_v lawful_o they_o will_v say_v convenient_o but_o that_o corruption_n may_v easy_o be_v amend_v by_o division_n of_o the_o diocese_n as_o be_v late_o do_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o st._n andrews_n without_o abolish_n the_o whole_a office_n 5._o that_o a_o pastor_n shall_v have_v criminal_a jurisdiction_n we_o answer_v they_o have_v not_o this_o as_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o privilege_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n annex_v to_o their_o temporal_a land_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o by_o their_o steward_n or_o bailifâ—es_n 6._o they_o count_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n or_o presbytery_n this_o be_v but_o a_o suppose_a corruption_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n indeed_o and_o a_o most_o uncomely_a and_o confuse_a disorder_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o