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
than_o the_o reformer_n of_o other_o church_n in_o consequence_n of_o this_o i_o have_v further_o show_v that_o from_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o these_o time_n i_o have_v see_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o our_o reformer_n can_v be_v adduce_v as_o assert_v the_o presbyterian_a side_n of_o this_o controversy_n last_o i_o have_v i_o think_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o our_o reformer_n go_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n on_o which_o the_o english_a reformer_n go_v who_o still_o continue_v episcopacy_n unquestionable_o on_o many_o principle_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n as_o to_o the_o constitution_n and_o communion_n the_o government_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o stay_v in_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o and_o now_o let_v any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a person_n lie_v these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o let_v he_o ingenuous_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_o incredible_a that_o our_o reformer_n be_v for_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o indispensible_a right_n of_o parity_n and_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n at_o least_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o must_v tell_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o these_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o i_o have_v do_v principal_o for_o smooth_v the_o way_n for_o the_o evidence_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o produce_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o my_o side_n of_o the_o second_o enquiry_n and_o i_o be_o content_a that_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v already_o discourse_v shall_v pass_v for_o no_o more_o than_o rational_a presumption_n till_o i_o have_v try_v if_o more_o strength_n can_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v be_v render_v more_o cogent_a and_o conclude_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o plain_a positive_a direct_a and_o formal_a proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o to_o engage_v my_o reader_n attention_n i_o dare_v adventure_n to_o promise_v he_o that_o to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o at_o least_o can_v reasonable_o bear_v and_o so_o without_o further_a address_n i_o thus_o proceed_v before_o our_o reformation_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n our_o reformer_n address_v to_o the_o government_n by_o several_a petition_n that_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v reform_v i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o three_o all_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n one_o of_o they_o be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o have_v see_v set_v down_o at_o length_n the_o other_o two_o be_v in_o knox_n his_o history_n that_o which_o be_v no_o where_o set_v down_o at_o length_n be_v to_o be_v see_v abridge_v in_o buchdâ—aâ—_n lesly_n and_o spotswood_n 119._o but_o with_o some_o little_a variation_n for_o buchanan_n have_v give_v that_o article_n which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v â—_z according_a to_o his_o way_n in_o general_a term_n thus_o ut_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la electio_fw-la juxtà _fw-la antiquam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la penes_fw-la populum_fw-la esset_fw-la spotswood_n have_v translate_v buchanan_n word_n faithful_o enough_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o do_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o lesly_n give_v it_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o thus_o ut_fw-la episcopi_fw-la deinceps_fw-la &_o pastor_n illi_fw-la dominorum_fw-la ac_fw-la nobilium_fw-la cujuscunque_fw-la dioicesis_fw-la hi_o parochorum_n assensione_fw-la ac_fw-la voluntate_fw-la ad_fw-la beneficia_fw-la cooptentur_fw-la that_o this_o petition_n thus_o abridge_v by_o these_o three_o historian_n be_v a_o petition_n different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o have_v publish_v at_o length_n in_o knox_n seem_v unquestionable_a for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o knox_n have_v not_o one_o syllable_n about_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n and_o beside_o buchanan_n fair_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v another_o distinct_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v abridge_v though_o not_o much_o different_a for_o thus_o he_o discourse_v 587._o papani_a edinburgi_n ad_fw-la eadem_fw-la fere_n postulata_fw-la quaeper_n nobilitatem_fw-la ad_fw-la eam_fw-la reginam_fw-la proregem_fw-la sunt_fw-la delata_fw-la pene_fw-la paribus_fw-la usi_fw-la sunt_fw-la responsis_fw-la now_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o petition_n why_o will_v he_o have_v say_v ad_fw-la eadem_fw-la fere_n postulata_fw-la and_o pene_fw-la paribus_fw-la responsis_fw-la this_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n may_v not_o have_v occasion_n to_o â—avil_v at_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v in_o lesly_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o petition_n record_v by_o knox_n and_o from_o he_o most_o imperfect_o abridge_v by_o calderwood_n their_o two_o great_a and_o authentic_a historian_n for_o as_o for_o mr._n petrie_n he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o either_o of_o these_o petition_n perceive_v belike_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v favourable_a to_o his_o belove_a parity_n to_o proceed_v now_o with_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v in_o lesly_n if_o he_o have_v set_v it_o down_o faithful_o i_o think_v we_o have_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n concern_v mother_n parity_n etc._n so_o very_o fair_a that_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v it_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whither_o lesly_n have_v faithful_o transmit_v this_o article_n to_o we_o and_o for_o the_o affirmative_a i_o offer_v these_o reason_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o integrity_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v a_o zealous_a papist_n and_o a_o bishop_n to_o boot_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o he_o be_v either_o of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o his_o interest_n to_o make_v our_o reformer_n such_o friend_n to_o episcopacy_n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o real_o for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o make_v that_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v profess_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n he_o have_v have_v good_a ground_n for_o accuse_v they_o of_o recede_v from_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n in_o a_o point_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n one_fw-mi occasion_v which_o one_o of_o his_o zeal_n for_o his_o party_n will_v not_o probable_o have_v neglect_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o far_o less_o will_v he_o have_v lie_v so_o palpable_o to_o save_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o adversary_n 2._o as_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o falsify_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o he_o have_v all_o other_o qualification_n of_o a_o credible_a witness_n he_o live_v in_o these_o time_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o clergy_n man_n then_o probable_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o same_o convocation_n to_o which_o the_o petition_n be_v offer_v and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v doubt_v of_o his_o ability_n to_o comprehend_v such_o a_o matter_n indeed_o 3_o if_o he_o forge_v this_o article_n he_o be_v ridiculous_o impudent_a at_o forge_v for_o as_o he_o do_v it_o without_o any_o imaginable_a necessity_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o degree_n of_o subserviency_n to_o his_o cause_n so_o he_o put_v himself_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o forge_v more_o even_o a_o good_a long_a answer_n 504._o which_o he_o say_v be_v return_v to_o that_o article_n by_o the_o convocation_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v alter_v the_o method_n of_o elect_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n prescribe_v by_o the_o canon_n law_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o queen_n nonage_n her_o prerogative_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o matter_n she_o with_o the_o pope_n consent_n have_v power_n to_o nominate_v the_o prelate_n and_o to_o take_v that_o power_n out_o of_o her_o hand_n without_o her_o consent_n or_o before_o she_o come_v to_o perfect_a age_n be_v notorious_o as_o well_o as_o undutiful_o to_o invade_v her_o royalty_n one_fw-mi answer_n indeed_o exact_o fit_v for_o the_o article_n as_o he_o have_v transmit_v it_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v 4._o that_o he_o neither_o forge_v the_o article_n nor_o the_o convocation_n answer_v to_o it_o we_o have_v further_o undoubted_a evidence_n for_o i_o have_v see_v one_fw-mi old_n manuscript_n scottish_a history_n which_o i_o can_v produce_v if_o i_o be_o put_v to_o it_o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o lesly_n as_o to_o the_o article_n for_o thus_o it_o have_v it_o the_o election_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o kirkman_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o temporal_a lord_n and_o people_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o parish_n and_o buchanan_n upon_o the_o matter_n give_v that_o same_o account_n of_o the_o convocation_n answer_v 587._o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n they_o answer_v that_o such_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n
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
may_v believe_v calderwood_n 76._o but_o neither_o the_o ms._n nor_o petrie_n have_v it_o 2._o the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n be_v absent_a full_a power_n be_v give_v to_o m._n robert_n pont_n m._n james_n lawson_n david_n ferguson_n and_o the_o superintendent_n of_o lothian_n conjunct_o to_o cite_v he_o before_o they_o against_o such_o day_n or_o day_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v good_a to_o try_v and_o examine_v his_o entry_n and_o proceed_n etc._n etc._n with_o power_n also_o to_o summon_v the_o chapter_n of_o st._n andrews_n or_o so_o many_o of_o that_o chapter_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v expedient_a and_o the_o ordainer_n or_o inaugurer_n of_o the_o say_a archbishop_n observe_v here_o the_o bishop_n in_o these_o time_n be_v ordain_v or_o inaugurate_v as_o they_o shall_v find_v good_a for_o the_o better_a trial_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o discharge_v he_o of_o further_a visitation_n till_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o the_o church_n 390._o here_o indeed_o the_o melvilians_n obtain_v in_o both_o instance_n that_o which_o be_v refuse_v they_o by_o the_o last_o assembly_n however_o nothing_o do_v direct_o as_o i_o say_v against_o the_o episcopal_a office_n on_o the_o contrary_a adamson_n it_o seem_v might_n exerce_fw-la it_z when_o admit_v by_o the_o assembly_n may_v i_o not_o reckon_v the_o fast_o appoint_v by_o this_o assembly_n as_o a_o three_o step_v gain_v by_o our_o parity-man_n a_o successful_a establishment_n of_o perfect_a order_n and_o polity_n in_o the_o kirk_n be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o 391._o and_o ever_o since_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o politic_n of_o the_o sect_n to_o be_v mighty_a for_o fast_n when_o they_o have_v extraordinary_a project_n in_o their_o head_n and_o then_o if_o these_o project_n however_o wicked_a nay_o though_o the_o very_a wickedness_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v as_o bad_a as_o witchcraft_n succeed_v to_o entitle_v they_o to_o god_n grace_n and_o make_v the_o success_n the_o comfortable_a return_n of_o their_o pious_a humiliation_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n i_o find_v also_o that_o commissioner_n be_v send_v by_o this_o assembly_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o morton_n to_o acquaint_v he_o that_o they_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o polity_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n shall_v receive_v advertisement_n of_o their_o further_o proceed_n and_o that_o these_o commissioner_n have_v return_v from_o he_o to_o the_o assembly_n report_v that_o his_o grace_n like_v well_o of_o their_o travel_n and_o labour_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o require_v expedition_n and_o haste_n promise_v that_o when_o the_o particular_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o to_o he_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o good_a answer_n 77._o so_o calderwood_n and_o the_o ms._n from_o which_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v the_o first_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o suspicion_n i_o insist_v on_o before_o viz._n that_o morton_n be_v true_o a_o friend_n to_o the_o innovator_n the_o second_o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n have_v hitherto_o go_v on_o but_o very_o slow_o why_o else_o will_v his_o grace_n have_v so_o earnest_o require_v expedition_n and_o hasty_a outre_v as_o the_o ms._n word_n it_o i._n e._n dispatch_n and_o promise_v they_o a_o good_a answer_n when_o the_o particular_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o to_o he_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v one_o good_a reason_n for_o their_o proceed_n so_o leisurely_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o book_n beza_n answer_n to_o glamis_n his_o letter_n be_v not_o yet_o return_v thus_o two_o general_n assembly_n pass_v without_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v at_o a_o plain_a a_o direct_a trust_n against_o imparity_n nay_o it_o seem_v matter_n be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a maturity_n for_o that_o even_o against_o the_o next_o assembly_n it_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n octob._n 25._o 1577._o and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n in_o the_o ms._n calderwood_n or_o petrie_n relate_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o the_o main_a question_n but_o two_o thing_n happen_v a_o little_a after_o this_o assembly_n which_o animate_v melvil_n and_o his_o party_n to_o purpose_n one_o be_v morton_n quit_v the_o regency_n for_o whatever_o service_n he_o have_v do_v they_o he_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o fetch_a in_o his_o measure_n and_o so_o little_a to_o be_v trust_v that_o they_o can_v not_o rely_v much_o upon_o he_o and_o now_o that_o he_o have_v demit_v they_o have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o play_v their_o game_n to_o better_a purpose_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o allowance_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o to_o draw_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o policy_n they_o have_v a_o young_a king_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n to_o deal_v with_o by_o consequence_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v a_o divide_a court_n and_o a_o factious_a nobility_n and_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_n if_o there_o be_v two_o faction_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o one_o of_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o court_v they_o and_o undertake_v to_o promote_v their_o interest_n the_o other_o encouragement_n which_o do_v they_o every_o whit_n as_o good_a service_n be_v beza_n book_n de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la divino_fw-la humano_fw-la &_o satanico_n with_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o lord_n glamis_n his_o question_n which_o about_o this_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o scotland_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o calderwood_n 79._o beza_n it_o seem_v put_v to_o it_o to_o defend_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n have_v employ_v his_o wit_n and_o part_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o contemptible_a in_o patch_v together_o such_o a_o scheme_n of_o principle_n as_o he_o think_v may_v be_v defend_v that_o be_v a_o method_n most_o man_n take_v too_o frequent_o first_o to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o conclusion_n and_o then_o to_o stretch_v their_o invention_n and_o spend_v their_o pain_n for_o find_v colour_n and_o plausibility_n to_o set_v it_o off_o with_o beza_n therefore_o i_o say_v have_v be_v thus_o at_o pain_n to_o digest_v his_o thought_n the_o best_a way_n he_o can_v on_o this_o subject_n and_o withal_o be_v possible_o not_o a_o little_a elevate_v that_o the_o lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o a_o foreign_a kingdom_n shall_v consult_v he_o and_o ask_v his_o advice_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o a_o national_a church_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o it_o seem_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o lordship_n question_n and_o therein_o give_v he_o a_o scheme_n which_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v consider_v he_o need_v be_v at_o little_o more_o pain_n than_o to_o transcribe_v the_o genevian_a establishment_n but_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o main_a controversy_n which_o have_v be_v start_v by_o his_o disciple_n melvil_n in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o it_o be_v do_v at_o his_o instignation_n and_o write_v this_o his_o book_n wherein_o though_o he_o assert_v not_o the_o absolute_a vnlawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o he_o call_v humane_a episcopacy_n he_o have_v not_o brow_n enough_o for_o that_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o paper_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o wondrous_o dangerous_a as_o be_v so_o natural_o apt_a to_o degenerate_a into_o the_o devilish_a the_o satanical_a episcopacy_n this_o book_n i_o say_v come_v to_o scotland_n about_o this_o time_n viz._n either_o in_o the_o end_n of_o 1577._o or_o the_o begin_n of_o 1578._o and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o who_o now_o can_v hold_v up_o his_o head_n to_o plead_v for_o prelacy_n here_o be_v a_o book_n write_v by_o the_o famous_a mr._n beza_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o great_a mr._n calvin_n the_o present_a great_a luminary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n our_o elder_a sister_n church_n the_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o christendom_n who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v now_o that_o parity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o popish_a prelacy_n abolish_v and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v this_o book_n come_v seasonable_o to_o help_v the_o good_a new_a cause_n for_o it_o behove_v to_o take_v some_o time_n before_o it_o can_v merit_v the_o name_n of_o the_o good_a old_a one_o for_o we_o have_v already_o see_v how_o slow_o and_o weak_o it_o advance_v before_o the_o book_n come_v but_o now_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o gather_v strength_n apace_o and_o advance_v with_o a_o witness_n nay_o at_o the_o very_a next_o assembly_n it_o be_v in_o a_o pretty_a flourish_a condition_n this_o next_o ass._n meet_v apr._n 24._o anno_fw-la 1578._o and_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n be_v choose_v moderator_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o sect_n have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o praeses_fw-la of_o the_o assembly_n and_o present_o
whereby_o they_o express_o condemn_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o reformer_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o say_v though_o it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o prove_v their_o recession_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformer_n in_o this_o matter_n our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n be_v bind_v by_o one_fw-mi express_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1648_o not_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o first_o swear_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o occasion_n be_v this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o year_n 1648_o most_o part_v of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n of_o scotland_n have_v come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n the_o kingdom_n have_v be_v involve_v in_o by_o the_o horrid_a rebellion_n which_o have_v then_o prevail_v too_o long_o and_o too_o successful_o and_o willing_a to_o acquit_v themselves_o for_o once_o as_o dutiful_a subject_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o suffer_a sovereign_n at_o that_o time_n most_o sad_o oppress_v and_o keep_v in_o prison_n by_o a_o prevail_a party_n of_o his_o most_o undutiful_a subject_n enter_v into_o a_o most_o dutiful_a confederacy_n common_o call_v duke_n hamiltons_n engagement_n by_o the_o presbyterian_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n and_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o make_v suitable_a preparation_n provide_v arm_n levy_a man_n etc._n etc._n to_o form_v a_o army_n the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n be_v general_o against_o it_o preach_v and_o pray_v damnation_n and_o ruin_n to_o the_o undertaker_n condemn_v the_o undertake_n as_o unlawful_a and_o perjurious_a as_o traitorous_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o what_o not_o particular_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edenburg_n the_o lead_a presbytery_n the_o presbytery_n which_o sit_v upon_o the_o watch-tower_n of_o the_o nation_n show_v i_o must_v say_v remarkable_a though_o i_o can_v say_v good_a example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n and_o june_n they_o rack_v their_o invention_n for_o fall_v on_o method_n to_o crush_v and_o disappoint_v the_o design_n of_o the_o engager_n for_o instance_n they_o set_v on_o foot_n this_o politic_a in_o the_o respective_a parish_n within_o their_o district_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o kirk-session_n shall_v form_v supplication_n against_o the_o engagement_n and_o give_v they_o in_o to_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v to_o give_v they_o in_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o thereby_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o how_o much_o their_o undertake_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n the_o device_n take_v effect_n in_o some_o parish_n the_o kirk-session_n of_o edinburgh_n holy-rude-chouse_n duddingstown_n liberton_n rutho_n curry_n cramond_n give_v in_o their_o supplication_n declare_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o engagement_n i_o have_v instance_a in_o the_o forwardness_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o these_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o other_o be_v asleep_o while_o they_o be_v so_o diligent_a the_o general_a assembly_n meet_v on_o the_o twelve_o of_o july_n they_o justify_v the_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n use_v before_o against_o the_o engagement_n with_o a_o witness_n they_o approve_v all_o the_o declaration_n remonstrance_n representation_n petition_n etc._n etc._n against_o it_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n they_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o secure_v religion_n so_o long_o as_o this_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v carry_v on_o they_o make_v act_n and_o declaration_n against_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o threaten_v all_o who_o shall_v obey_v they_o with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n they_o give_v out_o their_o public_a warning_n against_o it_o and_o write_v to_o their_o covenant_v brethren_n in_o england_n show_v their_o utter_a abhorrence_n of_o it_o they_o make_v their_o act_n declare_v silence_n about_o it_o a_o crime_n and_o require_v all_o minister_n to_o make_v the_o main_a current_n of_o their_o application_n in_o sermon_n against_o it_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v censure_v by_o their_o presbytery_n and_o to_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o real_a zeal_n in_o all_o this_o and_o for_o prevent_v all_o such_o ungodly_a engagement_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n they_o make_v this_o act_n that_o hereafter_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v take_v the_o covenant_n at_o their_o first_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n require_v provincial_a assembly_n and_o presbytery_n to_o be_v careful_a that_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o account_v thereof_o take_v in_o the_o visitation_n of_o particular_a kirk_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o presbytery_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o straighten_v christian_a communion_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o impose_v strange_a term_n on_o all_o who_o desire_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n let_v the_o world_n judge_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o for_o some_o year_n thereafter_o this_o act_n be_v observe_v perhaps_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o give_v one_fw-mi account_n of_o many_o strange_a thing_n which_o happen_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o act_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a with_o one_o instance_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o politic_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edenburg_n mention_v before_o the_o minister_n of_o south_n leith_n propose_v to_o that_o kirk-session_n the_o overture_n of_o supplicate_v against_o the_o engagement_n the_o plurality_n of_o the_o elder_n reject_v it_o this_o be_v in_o may_n or_o june_n the_o engagement_n as_o every_o body_n know_v be_v unsuccessful_a the_o army_n be_v rout_v at_o preston_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o kirk_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o malignant_n the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n therefore_o on_o the_o six_o of_o december_n that_o same_o year_n keep_v a_o visitation_n at_o the_o church_n of_o south_n leith_n they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n who_o of_o the_o elder_n refuse_v to_o supplicate_v against_o the_o engagement_n they_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o office_n and_o they_o order_v the_o minister_n to_o go_v about_o one_fw-mi election_n of_o a_o new_a session_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o upon_o the_o 8_o the_o of_o december_n they_o meet_v again_o to_o digest_v a_o method_n for_o renew_v the_o covenant_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o assembly_n act_n and_o particular_o they_o ordain_v that_o such_o seducer_n as_o dissuade_v other_o from_o petition_v against_o the_o engagement_n shall_v be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n nay_o upon_o the_o 24_o the_o of_o january_n 1648_o 9_o it_o be_v order_v particular_o that_o those_o in_o south_n leith_n who_o have_v accession_n to_o the_o paper_n draw_v in_o captain_n ramsey_n house_n which_o paper_n so_o far_o as_o one_o can_v conjecture_n from_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o witness_n about_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o one_fw-mi apologetic_n for_o their_o not_o supplicate_v as_o also_o those_o who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o corporation_n the_o town_n as_o i_o think_v be_v divide_v into_o four_o corporation_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o session_n to_o desire_v they_o to_o forbear_v supplicate_v against_o the_o engagement_n shall_v make_v public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o shall_v have_v permission_n to_o take_v the_o covenant_n so_o that_o at_o last_o as_o be_v obvious_a the_o matter_n result_v in_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o south_n leith_n and_o those_o who_o come_v from_o the_o corporation_n to_o the_o session_n to_o dissuade_v from_o supplicate_v can_v not_o have_v the_o sacrament_n without_o first_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v then_o deem_v till_o they_o shall_v make_v public_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o heinous_a gild_n of_o not_o supplicate_v and_o as_o seducer_n dissuade_v other_o from_o supplicate_v against_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o public_a register_n of_o that_o presbytery_n i_o know_v our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o deed_n of_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a party_n if_o this_o be_v say_v i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o reply_n 1._o what_o do_v the_o presbytery_n herein_o that_o be_v not_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o then_o 2._o as_o extravagant_a as_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n