have_v full_o prove_v and_o which_o be_v all_o i_o still_o aim_v at_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o keep_v close_o by_o the_o principle_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o church_n government_n this_o be_v so_o very_o apparent_a to_o any_o who_o read_v the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n and_o be_v so_o visible_a in_o the_o deduction_n i_o have_v make_v that_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o it_o second_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o charge_n may_v further_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o adamson_n advance_v this_o year_n 1576_o to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o st._n andrews_n that_o nature_n have_v furnish_v he_o with_o a_o good_a stock_n and_o he_o be_v a_o smart_a man_n and_o cultivate_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a size_n by_o many_o part_n of_o good_a literature_n be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a historian_n themselves_o they_o never_o attempt_v to_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o dunce_n though_o they_o be_v very_o eager_a to_o have_v he_o a_o man_n of_o trick_n and_o latitude_n now_o this_o prelate_n ignorance_n in_o true_a antiquity_n be_v remarkable_o visible_a in_o his_o subscribe_v to_o these_o proposition_n anno_fw-la 1580_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v calderwood_n 93.94_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o pastor_n be_v equal_a and_o alike_o great_a among_o themselves_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v relative_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o to_o the_o eldership_n for_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o not_o of_o other_o pastor_n or_o fellow_n elder_n as_o for_o the_o pre-eminence_n that_o one_o bear_v over_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o institution_n of_o holy_a writ_n that_o the_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v of_o pastor_n which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n appertain_v not_o to_o one_o bishop_n only_o so_o be_v lawful_a election_n pass_v before_o but_o to_o those_o of_o the_o same_o province_n or_o presbytery_n and_o with_o the_o like_a jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n minister_n at_o their_o kirk_n that_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a for_o eschew_v of_o private_a ordain_v of_o minister_n it_o be_v statute_v that_o no_o pastor_n shall_v be_v appoint_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o he_o who_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o province_n which_o they_o call_v the_o metropolitan_a city_n that_o after_o in_o the_o latter_a council_n it_o be_v statute_v that_o thing_n may_v proceed_v more_o solemn_o and_o with_o great_a authority_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o pastor_n after_o lawful_a election_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o metropolitan_a or_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a town_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n vote_v thereto_o in_o which_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o prerogative_n but_o only_o that_o of_o the_o town_n which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v think_v most_o meet_a both_o for_o the_o conveen_n of_o the_o council_n and_o ordain_v of_o pastor_n with_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_v when_o the_o name_n bishop_n which_o before_o be_v common_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o province_n begin_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o that_o the_o power_n of_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o rule_v of_o kirk_n with_o the_o whole_a procuration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v now_o only_o devolve_v to_o one_o metropolitan_a the_o other_o pastor_n no_o way_n challenge_v their_o right_n and_o privilege_n therein_o of_o very_a slothfulness_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o devil_n on_o the_o other_o go_v about_o crafty_o to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o papistical_a supremacy_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o proposition_n sign_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n it_o may_v be_v judge_v i_o say_v if_o this_o prelate_n do_v not_o bewray_v a_o very_a profound_a ignorance_n in_o true_a ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n one_fw-mi arrant_a presbyterian_a can_v not_o have_v say_v can_v not_o have_v wish_v more_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a as_o perchance_o may_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o that_o these_o proposition_n be_v take_v out_o either_o formal_o or_o by_o collection_n of_o mr._n beza_n book_n de_n triplici_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la now_o if_o adamson_n be_v so_o little_o see_v in_o such_o matter_n what_o may_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o three_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o deplorable_a unskilfulness_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o these_o time_n in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o suffering_n melvil_n and_o his_o party_n to_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n a_o split_v new_a democratical_a systeme_n a_o very_a farce_n of_o novelty_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o instance_n what_o else_o be_v the_o confound_a of_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n 9_o the_o make_v doctor_n or_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o college_n and_o university_n a_o distinct_a office_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n tot_o the_o set_n up_o of_o lay-elder_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la make_v they_o judge_n of_o man_n qualification_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n visiter_n of_o the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n tot_fw-la make_v the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n in_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n lay_v eldership_n 16._o prohibit_v appeal_n from_o scottish_a general_n assembly_n to_o any_o judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a 8._o and_o by_o consequence_n to_o oecumenick_n council_n be_v not_o these_o ancient_n and_o catholic_n assertion_n what_o footstep_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o true_a antiquity_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o man_n skill_v in_o the_o constitution_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o have_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n the_o novelty_n the_o vanity_n the_o inexpediency_n the_o impoliticalness_n the_o uncatholicalness_n of_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o these_o proposition_n if_o any_o further_a doubt_n can_v remain_v concern_v the_o little_a skill_n the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n in_o these_o time_n have_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v further_o demonstate_v four_o from_o this_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o that_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o many_o point_n be_v take_v word_n for_o word_n from_o mr._n beza_n answer_n to_o the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n glamis_n than_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n a_o fair_a evidence_n that_o our_o clergy_n at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o be_v very_o well_o see_v in_o ecclesiastical_a politic_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o by_o a_o single_a stranger_n divine_a who_o visible_o aim_v at_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o scheme_n which_o by_o chance_n have_v get_v foot_v in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v his_o tractate_n de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la write_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o presbyterianism_n in_o scotland_n carry_v visible_o in_o its_o whole_a train_n that_o its_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v our_o clergy_n from_o off_o the_o ancient_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o as_o i_o say_v by_o glanus_n contain_v the_o new_a scheme_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o now_o let_v we_o taste_v a_o little_a of_o his_o skill_n in_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o if_o you_o please_v of_o his_o account_n of_o her_o policy_n i_o take_v his_o book_n as_o i_o find_v it_o among_o saravia_n work_n he_o be_v positive_a for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o rule_v elder_n 8._o he_o affirm_v that_o bishop_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n without_o god_n allowance_n 29._o that_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v popular_a election_n that_o this_o election_n and_o not_o ordination_n or_o imposition_n of_o hand_n make_v pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o power_n whereof_o they_o have_v from_o that_o election_n that_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v create_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o suffrage_n of_o their_o child_n than_o by_o the_o bishop_n 30._o that_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o he_o express_o write_v against_o and_o condemn_v the_o
be_o not_o now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o dependence_n or_o independence_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o state_n that_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n neither_o will_v i_o say_v that_o our_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n as_o to_o the_o true_a substantial_a matter_n agitate_a in_o that_o controversy_n all_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o at_o present_a be_v that_o in_o these_o time_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_a a_o great_a dependence_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o state_n and_o that_o our_o reformer_n agree_v with_o they_o in_o that_o principle_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o for_o that_o that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o time_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v ready_o deny_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n about_o she_o at_o and_o a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o her_o reformation_n all_o my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v that_o our_o reformer_n be_v of_o that_o same_o principle_n and_o i_o think_v that_o shall_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v for_o as_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o petition_v present_v to_o the_o queen_n regent_n in_o november_n 1558_o there_o our_o reformer_n tell_v her_o majesty_n 118._o that_o know_v no_o order_n place_v in_o this_o realm_n but_o her_o majesty_n and_o her_o grave_a council_n set_v to_o amend_v as_o well_o the_o disorder_n ecclesiastical_a as_o the_o default_n in_o the_o temporal_a regiment_n they_o do_v most_o humble_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o her_o foot_n ask_v justice_n and_o her_o gracious_a help_n against_o such_o as_o false_o traduce_v and_o accuse_v they_o as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o address_n we_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n very_o clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o that_o they_o own_a that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o amend_v ecclesiastical_a disorder_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_a 2._o that_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o protection_n against_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o protestation_n give_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n about_o that_o same_o time_n they_o most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o sacred_a authority_n to_o think_v of_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o take_v they_o into_o its_o protection_n keep_v that_o indifferency_n which_o become_v god_n lieutenant_n to_o use_v towards_o those_o who_o in_o his_o name_n do_v call_v for_o defence_n against_o cruel_a oppressor_n etc._n etc._n mean_v the_o then_o churchman_n 120._o indeed_o none_o clear_a for_o this_o than_o knox_n himself_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v full_o in_o his_o appellation_n from_o the_o cruel_a and_o most_o unjust_a sentence_n pronounce_v against_o he_o by_o the_o false_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n as_o he_o himself_o name_v it_o for_o there_o 4._o he_o lay_v down_o and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o god_n prophet_n and_o to_o preacher_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o temporal_a magistrate_n who_o by_o god_n law_n be_v bind_v to_o hear_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o from_o tyranny_n and_o in_o that_o same_o appellation_n etc._n he_o larger_o assert_n and_o maintain_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o state_n the_o order_v and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o instruction_n of_o subject_n he_o say_v do_v appertain_v especial_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o why_o moses_n have_v great_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n god_n reveal_v nothing_o particular_o to_o aaron_n the_o churchman_n but_o command_v he_o to_o depend_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n moses_n be_v impower_v to_o separate_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n for_o the_o priesthood_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v subject_a to_o moses_n moses_n be_v so_o far_o prefer_v to_o aaron_n that_o the_o one_o command_v the_o other_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v command_v to_o read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o private_a edification_n but_o for_o the_o public_a preservation_n of_o religion_n so_o david_n solomon_n asa_n jehosophat_n hezekiah_n josiah_n understand_v it_o and_o interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n according_o from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o point_n together_o with_o the_o punishment_n of_o false_a teacher_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o his_o justice_n must_v require_v of_o other_o have_v the_o like_a charge_n and_o authority_n what_o he_o do_v approve_v in_o they_o he_o can_v but_o approve_v in_o all_o other_o who_o with_o like_a zeal_n and_o sincerity_n do_v enterprise_n to_o purge_v the_o lord_n temple_n and_o sanctuary_n thus_o knox_n i_o say_v in_o that_o appellation_n i_o do_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o his_o position_n neither_o be_o i_o to_o justify_v or_o condemn_v his_o argument_n all_o i_o be_o to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o ask_v my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n whither_o these_o principle_n of_o knox_n suit_n well_o with_o decline_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o one_fw-mi incompetent_a judge_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n with_o refuse_v to_o appear_v before_o he_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la for_o the_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n with_o the_o famous_a distinction_n of_o the_o king_n have_v power_n about_o church_n matter_n cumulative_a but_o not_o privative_a etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a it_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o to_o reconcile_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o principle_n more_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v common_a to_o our_o and_o the_o english_a reformer_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o very_a weighty_a consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o my_o main_a design_n it_o be_v four_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o reformation_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n interpret_v by_o the_o monument_n and_o write_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o ancient_a solid_a approven_v rule_n that_o rule_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o that_o excellent_a writer_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n 2._o that_o rule_n which_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n can_v but_o justify_v when_o it_o be_v consider_v sober_o and_o serious_o without_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n a_o rule_n indeed_o which_o have_v the_o reformer_n of_o the_o several_a church_n follow_v united_o and_o conscientious_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o europe_n be_v a_o reform_v we_o have_v not_o have_v so_o many_o different_a faith_n so_o many_o different_a modes_n of_o worship_n so_o many_o different_a government_n and_o discipline_n as_o alas_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o protestant_a church_n and_o by_o consequence_n weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n a_o rule_n which_o have_v the_o pretender_n to_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n still_o stand_v by_o we_o have_v not_o possible_o have_v so_o many_o horrid_a rebellion_n so_o many_o unchristian_a division_n so_o many_o unaccountable_a revolution_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o to_o our_o sad_a experience_n have_v in_o the_o result_n so_o unhinged_a all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o honesty_n and_o disable_v nay_o eat_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n among_o we_o that_o now_o we_o be_v not_o dispose_v so_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n as_o downright_a atheism_n but_o be_v our_o reformer_n indeed_o for_o this_o rule_n that_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o and_o by_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o again_o as_o natural_o to_o which_o opportunity_n i_o now_o refer_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o brief_o sum_n up_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v and_o try_v to_o what_o it_o amount_v i_o have_v i_o think_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o while_o our_o reformation_n be_v a_o carry_v on_o and_o when_o it_o be_v establish_v anno_fw-la 156â—_n there_o be_v no_o such_o controversy_n agitate_a in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o concern_v the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o presbytery_n and_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n concern_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n or_o the_o vnallowableness_n of_o imparity_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o our_o scottish_a reformer_n have_v no_o peculiar_a occasion_n opportunity_n provocation_n ability_n for_o fall_v on_o that_o controversy_n or_o determine_v of_o it_o more_o
of_o a_o sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o those_o who_o appear_v for_o the_o queen_n be_v protestant_n as_o well_o as_o these_o who_o be_v for_o she_o son_n no_o man_n i_o think_v will_v deny_v but_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n and_o their_o vote_n in_o parliament_n be_v confirm_v and_o continue_v by_o the_o agreement_n of_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572._o indeed_o when_o the_o project_n for_o parity_n among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o melvil_n anno_fw-la 1575._o and_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v gain_v to_o his_o side_n and_o they_o be_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o have_v episcopacy_n overturn_v it_o seem_v this_o be_v a_o main_a difficulty_n to_o they_o a_o difficulty_n which_o do_v very_o much_o entangle_v and_o retard_v their_o purpose_n this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o overturning_a prelacy_n be_v the_o overturning_a one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o boyd_n arch_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o discourse_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1576._o mention_v before_o but_o also_o from_o the_o two_o letter_n i_o have_v often_o name_v which_o be_v write_v to_o mr._n beza_n the_o one_o by_o the_o lord_n glamis_n anno_fw-la 1576_o or_o 1577_o the_o other_o by_o mr._n melvil_n anno_fw-la 1579._o because_o they_o contribute_v so_o much_o light_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v once_o more_o resume_v they_o glamis_n be_v then_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o write_v not_o indeliberate_o or_o without_o advice_n undoubted_o he_o state_v the_o question_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n the_o generality_n of_o people_n have_v then_o of_o it_o now_o he_o state_v it_o thus_o see_v every_o church_n have_v its_o own_o pastor_n and_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n seem_v to_o be_v equal_a the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n for_o convocate_a these_o pastor_n when_o there_o be_v need_n for_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o for_o depose_v they_o for_o just_a cause_n or_o whither_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o pastor_n act_v in_o parity_n and_o subject_a to_o no_o superior_a bishop_n shall_v choose_v qualify_v man_n for_o the_o ministry_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o patron_n and_o the_o people_n and_o censure_n and_o depose_v &_o c._n for_o retain_v bishop_n we_o have_v these_o two_o motive_n one_o be_v the_o stubbornenss_n and_o ungovernableness_n of_o the_o people_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v keep_v within_o bound_n potest_fw-la if_o they_o be_v not_o overawe_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o bishop_n in_o their_o visitation_n the_o other_o be_v that_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n receptae_fw-la which_o have_v obtain_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n that_o as_o often_o as_o the_o parliament_n meet_v for_o consult_v about_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o republic_n nothing_o can_v be_v determine_v without_o the_o bishop_n who_o make_v the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o to_o change_v or_o subvert_v will_v be_v extreme_o perilous_a to_o the_o kingdom_n so_o he_o from_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o far_a confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v before_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o these_o time_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o pastor_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v elect_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o power_n than_o that_o of_o consent_v the_o other_o be_v pat_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a business_n namely_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n be_v judge_v necessary_a by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n it_o can_v not_o be_v want_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o subvert_v the_o constitution_n to_o think_v of_o alter_v it_o or_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o door_n and_o melvil_n letter_n be_v clear_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o have_v not_o cease_v these_o five_o year_n to_o fight_v against_o pseudepiscopacy_n many_o of_o the_o nobility_n resist_v we_o and_o to_o press_v the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n we_o have_v present_v unto_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n both_o before_o and_o now_o in_o this_o parliament_n the_o form_n of_o discipline_n to_o be_v insert_v among_o the_o act_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o public_a authority_n we_o have_v the_o king_n mind_n bend_v towards_o we_o too_o far_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o king_n own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o many_o of_o the_o peer_n against_o we_o for_o they_o allege_v if_o pseudepiscopacy_n be_v take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o estate_n be_v pull_v down_o if_o presbytery_n be_v erect_v the_o royal_a majesty_n be_v diminish_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a melvil_n himself_o here_o show_v no_o great_a kindness_n for_o the_o three_o estate_n but_o that_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n it_o be_v his_o humour_n to_o be_v singular_a all_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o be_v the_o public_a sentiment_n of_o the_o nation_n especial_o the_o nobility_n which_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v plain_o nay_o so_o indisputable_a be_v it_o then_o that_o this_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o constitution_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o never_o call_v it_o in_o question_n never_o offer_v to_o advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v abolish_v after_o they_o have_v abolish_v episcopacy_n by_o their_o assembly_n 1580_o the_o king_n send_v several_a time_n to_o they_o tell_v they_o he_o can_v not_o want_v one_o of_o his_o three_o estate_n how_o will_v they_o provide_v he_o with_o one_fw-mi ecclesiastical_a estate_n now_o that_o they_o have_v abolish_v bishop_n whoso_o please_v to_o read_v calderwood_n himself_o shall_v find_v this_o point_n frequent_o insist_v on_o what_o return_n give_v they_o do_v they_o ever_o in_o the_o least_o offer_n to_o return_v that_o the_o having_z one_fw-mi ecclesiastical_a estate_n in_o parliament_n be_v a_o popish_a corruption_n that_o it_o be_v one_fw-mi unwarrantable_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a or_o that_o the_o constitution_n may_v be_v iâ—â—ire_a enough_o without_o it_o no_o such_o thing_n enter_v their_o thought_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v still_o clear_a for_o maintain_v it_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o part_v with_o such_o a_o valuable_a right_n of_o the_o church_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o king_n demand_n be_v still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v not_o against_o churchman_n have_a vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o none_o ought_v to_o vote_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n and_o this_o their_o sentiment_n they_o put_v in_o the_o very_a second_o book_n of_o discipline_n for_o these_o be_v word_n for_o word_n the_o seventeen_o and_o eighteen_o article_n of_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n 17._o we_o deny_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o minister_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 the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o out_o of_o council_n provide_v always_o they_o neither_o neglect_v their_o own_o charge_n nor_o through_o slattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n 18._o but_o general_o we_o say_v that_o no_o pastor_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o special_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o popery_n of_o prelate_n chapter_n and_o convent_v aught_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n name_n either_o in_o parliament_n or_o out_o of_o council_n without_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n 112._o and_o it_o be_v conclude_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundee_n march_v 7._o 1598._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o expedient_a for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o ministry_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n 420._o so_o indubitable_a be_v it_o in_o these_o time_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v want_v without_o the_o notorious_a subversion_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sentiment_n of_o general_n assembly_n whatever_o side_n whither_o the_o prelatical_a or_o the_o presbyterian_a prevail_v but_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o parliament_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o amass_o a_o great_a many_o act_n of_o a_o great_a many_o parliament_n to_o
take_v from_o they_o without_o a_o direct_a cross_v of_o christ_n institution_n and_o the_o horrid_a sin_n of_o rob_v his_o people_n of_o their_o indisputable_a privilege_n patronage_n be_v one_fw-mi intolerable_a grievance_n and_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o church_n they_o have_v be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o pester_v the_o church_n with_o a_o bad_a ministry_n they_o come_v in_o among_o the_o late_a antichristian_a corruption_n and_o usurpation_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v obious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o put_v strange_a comment_n on_o it_o by_o their_o practice_n well!_o what_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n indeed_o affirm_v head_n 4._o that_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o every_o several_a congregation_n to_o elect_a their_o own_o minister_n but_o it_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o that_o same_o very_a breath_n it_o add_v and_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v negligent_a therein_o the_o space_n of_o 40_o day_n the_o superintendent_n with_o his_o council_n may_v present_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o man_n after_o trial_n be_v find_v qualify_v and_o the_o church_n can_v just_o reprehend_v nothing_o in_o his_o life_n doctrine_n or_o utterance_n then_o we_o judge_v say_v our_o reformer_n the_o church_n which_o before_o be_v destitute_a unreasonable_a if_o they_o refuse_v he_o who_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o council_n and_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o person_n appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a unless_o that_o the_o same_o church_n have_v present_v a_o man_n better_o or_o as_o well_o qualify_v to_o examination_n before_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a trial_n be_v take_v of_o the_o person_n present_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n present_v a_o man_n unto_o a_o church_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o provide_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o church_n have_v another_o sufficient_a in_o their_o judgement_n for_o that_o charge_n who_o they_o present_v to_o the_o learned_a minister_n and_o next_o reform_v church_n to_o be_v examine_v in_o this_o case_n the_o presentation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o shall_v be_v appoint_v pastor_n must_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o presentation_n of_o the_o council_n or_o great_a church_n unless_o the_o person_n present_v by_o the_o inferior_a church_n be_v judge_v unable_a for_o the_o regiment_n by_o the_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v avoid_v that_o no_o man_n be_v intrude_v or_o thrust_v in_o upon_o any_o congregation_n but_o this_o liberty_n with_o all_o care_n must_v be_v reserve_v for_o every_o several_a church_n to_o have_v their_o voice_n and_o suffrage_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o call_v that_o violent_a intrusion_n when_o the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n regard_v only_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n offer_v unto_o they_o a_o man_n sufficient_a to_o instruct_v they_o who_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v force_v to_o admit_v before_o just_a examination_n so_o that_o book_n add_v to_o this_o this_o consideration_n that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o popish_a clergy_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o all_o the_o benefice_n the_o reform_a clergy_n have_v not_o then_o so_o much_o as_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o three_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o before_o these_o thing_n lay_v together_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o perceive_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o prudential_n consideration_n our_o reformer_n be_v incline_v to_o give_v the_o people_n so_o much_o power_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v much_o for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o live_v by_o the_o benevolence_n of_o the_o parish_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o grant_v they_o this_o power_n as_o of_o divine_a right_n no_o such_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o once_o insinuate_v as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v plain_o nothing_o but_o a_o liberty_n and_o no_o injury_n no_o violence_n be_v do_v to_o a_o parish_n even_o in_o these_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n give_v they_o a_o minister_n without_o their_o own_o election_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a 2._o that_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o whole_a period_n above_o our_o reformer_n the_o compiler_n of_o the_o book_n i_o mean_v abstract_v from_o the_o then_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o incline_v that_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clergy_n than_o of_o the_o people_n which_o i_o be_o much_o incline_v to_o think_v be_v not_o only_o then_o but_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o prevail_a sentiment_n and_o all_o the_o world_n see_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sentiment_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o popular_a election_n i_o have_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o set_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n thus_o in_o its_o due_a light_n that_o our_o brethren_n may_v not_o complain_v it_o be_v neglect_v not_o that_o my_o cause_n require_v it_o for_o that_o book_n be_v never_o law_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o so_o i_o may_v fair_o have_v omit_v it_o let_v we_o try_v next_o what_o be_v true_o the_o public_a and_o authoritative_a sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n the_o first_o which_o i_o find_v of_o that_o nature_n be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o september_n 1565._o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o june_n immediate_o before_o have_v complain_v that_o some_o vacant_a benefice_n have_v be_v bestow_v by_o the_o queen_n on_o some_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n 342._o the_o queen_n answer_v she_o think_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o deprive_v she_o of_o the_o patronage_n belong_v to_o she_o and_o this_o general_a assembly_n in_o september_n answer_v thus_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o that_o her_o majesty_n or_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v be_v defraud_v of_o their_o just_a patronage_n but_o we_o mean_v whensoever_o her_o majesty_n or_o any_o other_o patron_n do_v present_a any_o person_n unto_o a_o benefice_n that_o the_o person_n present_v shall_v be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o present_a the_o superintendent_o and_o as_o the_o presentation_n of_o the_o benefice_n belong_v to_o the_o patron_n so_o the_o collation_n by_o law_n and_o reason_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 193._o agreeable_o we_o find_v by_o the_o 7_o act_n 1_o parl._n jac._n 6._o anno_fw-la 1567._o the_o parliament_n hold_v by_o murray_n regent_n it_o be_v enact_v in_o pursuance_n no_o doubt_n of_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o nobility_n and_o baron_n and_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o july_n that_o year_n that_o the_o patron_n shall_v present_v a_o qualify_a person_n within_o six_o month_n to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o these_o part_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572_o the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o respective_a patron_n 52._o and_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1574_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o collation_n upon_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v without_o consent_n of_o three_o qualify_a minister_n etc._n etc._n 66._o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o august_n that_o same_o year_n supplicate_v the_o regent_n that_o bishop_n may_v be_v present_v to_o vacant_a bishopric_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n 1578_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o country_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v 84._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 12._o §_o 10._o condemn_v patronage_n as_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v place_n in_o the_o light_n of_o reformation_n 114._o but_o then_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o that_o same_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1581._o which_o first_o ratify_v this_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o laic_a patronage_n shall_v remain_v whole_a unjointed_a and_o undivided_a unless_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o patron_n 99_o so_o that_o let_v they_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o act_n of_o this_o presbyterian_a