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cause_n bishop_n king_n person_n 1,863 5 5.0530 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51052 The case of the accommodation lately proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane to the non-conforming ministers examined wherein also the antient Prostasia, or, Episcopus Præses is considered, and the Solemne League and Covenant occasionally vindicat : together with a copy of the two letters herein reviewed : vvhereunto also is subjoined an appendix in ansvver to a narrative of the issue of the treaty anent accommodation. McWard, Robert, 1633?-1687. 1671 (1671) Wing M231; ESTC R5121 109,669 138

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the_o act_n parliament_n 1612._o give_v unto_o bishop_n their_o church-power_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o to_o be_v found_v in_o nor_o flow_v from_o the_o supremacy_n but_o to_o proceed_v simple_o by_o way_n of_o ratification_n of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n make_v two_o year_n precede_v and_o by_o the_o same_o act._n 1612._o the_o act_n 1592._o establish_v aswell_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o presbiterian_a government_n and_o also_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v only_o rescind_v in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o article_n then_o conclude_v whereas_o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o parliament_n by_o the_o act_n 1662._o lay_v down_o the_o supremacy_n for_o the_o basis_n and_o ascrybe_a to_o himself_o the_o origin_n of_o ecclesiastic_a power_n restore_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o own_o commissioner_n and_o delegate_n and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o supremacy_n may_v transcend_v all_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v total_o rescind_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reserve_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o be_v above_o declare_v four_o in_o former_a time_n whatever_o be_v the_o error_n and_o wrong_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n or_o both_o in_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o bishop_n yet_o this_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o important_a that_o the_o church-assembly_n at_o first_o convene_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o after_o confirm_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v not_o upon_o the_o change_n discontinue_v but_o honest_a man_n do_v therein_o maintain_v both_o their_o right_n and_o possession_n except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v invade_v and_o they_o hinder_v by_o the_o bishop_n their_o prevalencie_n whereas_o of_o late_a not_o only_o be_v the_o former_a presbytry_n and_o synod_n raise_v &_o dissolve_v but_o the_o new_a meeting_n now_o convene_v in_o their_o place_n be_v appoint_v to_o sit_v down_o 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synod_n to_o the_o reader_n own_o ingenuous_a collection_n but_o to_o render_v my_o discourse_n the_o more_o easy_a i_o say_v that_o the_o presbitery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o so_o term_v among_o we_o be_v meeting_n for_o church-matter_n convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n call_v act_v by_o his_o authority_n in_o a_o precarious_a dependence_n upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o supremacy_n and_o this_o definition_n be_v so_o manefest_o the_o result_n of_o what_o be_v premise_v and_o compose_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o supremacy_n and_o proclamation_n so_o often_o mention_v that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o present_a question_n whether_o we_o may_v simple_o join_v in_o these_o meeting_n or_o not_o for_o see_v that_o not_o only_o this_o conjunction_n will_v be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o supremacy_n nothing_o different_a from_o yea_o rather_o worse_o than_o the_o sit_v in_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o a_o active_a submission_n to_o and_o own_v of_o prelacy_n in_o its_o high_a usurpation_n but_o even_o the_o article_n of_o accommodation_n by_o offer_v a_o mitigation_n do_v evident_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a principle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o a_o simple_a unqualified_a union_n with_o and_o in_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a debate_n the_o point_n therefore_o that_o come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v be_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o article_n do_v indeed_o contain_v such_o condescension_n and_o condition_n as_o may_v full_o relieve_v we_o of_o our_o just_a exception_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v most_o direct_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o my_o l_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v ane●●_n the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o law●_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o commend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o article_n and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v i_o be_o not_o so_o doubtful_a of_o the_o comissioner_n performance_n as_o i_o be_o still_o uncertain_a of_o what_o be_v offer_v the_o brethren_n who_o confer_v in_o the_o abbey_n tell_v we_o that_o presbytery_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o before_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v pass_v from_o his_o negative_a voice_n and_o so_o forth_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o offer_n or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o conscience_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o still_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o which_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v and_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o be_v a_o court_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n and_o act_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n any_o other_o court_n call_v by_o the_o king_n and_o act_v by_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n if_o in_o matter_n proper_o ecclesiastic_a be_v but_o a_o complexed_a usurpation_n against_o christ_n who_o the_o government_n be_v both_o in_o the_o constituent_a and_o actor_n if_o in_o civil_n than_o it_o be_v whole_o without_o the_o minister_n sphere_n and_o not_o to_o be_v meddle_v in_o by_o they_o now_o that_o before_o the_o 1638._o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o sit_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o lord_n court_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v by_o succession_n the_o same_o
its_o assembly_n and_o all_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o its_o office-bearer_n or_o meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o his_o majesty_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o moreover_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o whereby_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v ancient_o confirm_v and_o which_o by_o vertew_n of_o the_o above_o mention_v act_n rescissory_a do_v now_o in_o so_o far_o by_o the_o act_n 1612._o stand_v rescind_v in_o respect_n that_o it_o do_v also_o limit_v the_o king_n prerogative_n to_o be_v without_o prejudice_n or_o derogation_n to_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a censure_n special_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o act_n i_o say_v 1592._o be_v now_o for_o this_o reason_n total_o annul_v in_o all_o the_o head_n article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o from_o which_o act_n of_o restitution_n although_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a church-constitution_n may_v be_v very_o obvious_o gather_v yet_o there_o be_v two_o other_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n the_o one_o be_v that_o concern_v a_o national_a synod_n wherein_o his_o majesty_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n do_v more_o absolute_o appoint_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o member_n thereof_o then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a civil_a court_n unquestionable_o dependent_a upon_o his_o royal_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o aswell_o the_o 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form_n at_o present_a to_o be_v find_v in_o be_v in_o this_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o i_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a erection_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o in_o the_o year_n 1606._o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v by_o the_o then_o parliament_n first_o enact_v and_o by_o the_o next_o act_n their_o restitution_n be_v thereon_o also_o found_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o act_n 1612._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v turn_v to_o exercise_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o diocesian_a visitation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o be_v also_o rescind_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o betwixt_o the_o former_a practice_n and_o the_o late_a establishment_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparity_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o apparent_a resemblance_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v be_v nevertheless_o accompany_v by_o such_o real_a and_o material_a difference_n that_o it_o do_v only_o the_o more_o notable_o evince_v the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o method_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n beyond_o all_o that_o the_o same_o design_n in_o former_a time_n can_v suggest_v king_n james_n be_v indeed_o bend_v for_o prelacy_n as_o all_o do_v acknowledge_v but_o by_o seek_v thereby_o to_o qualify_v and_o oversway_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o effect_n to_o subvert_v all_o government_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o absurdity_n which_o his_o better_a understanding_n do_v prudent_o forbear_v and_o nothing_o save_v either_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o grow_a iniquity_n or_o the_o precipitancie_n of_o our_o time_n can_v have_v produce_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o and_o the_o former_a time_n the_o particular_n follow_v will_v easy_o evince_v and_o first_o it_o be_v true_a the_o parliament_n 1606._o do_v by_o their_o first_o act_n declare_v the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o in_o general_a over_o all_o estate_n person_n and_o cause_n without_o the_o least_o derogation_n to_o the_o explication_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parl._n 1592._o whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o supremacy_n have_v be_v assert_v declare_v and_o exercise_v in_o order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a person_n meeting_n and_o matter_n not_o only_o far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n pretend_v to_o in_o civils_n but_o above_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v arrogate_v either_o by_o pope_n or_o temporal_a potentate_n next_o by_o the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o forementioned_a parliament_n 1606._o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v indeed_o restore_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o to_o what_o to_o ecclesiastic_a power_n presidencie_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n fie_o not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o their_o former_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n live_n land_n teind_n rent_n etc._n etc._n and_o chief_o and_o especial_o against_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n 1587._o these_o though_o unjust_o bestow_v be_v yet_o proper_a subject_n for_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n pure_o ecclesiastic_a they_o right_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v without_o their_o line_n whereas_o by_o the_o late_a act._n 1662._o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n restore_v the_o bishop_n both_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o also_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n power_n of_o ordination_n and_o other_o above_o rehearse_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o supreme_a head_n whence_o all_o church-pove_a do_v flow_v and_o to_o who_o the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a a_o attempt_n so_o impertinent_a to_o secular_a power_n and_o subversive_a of_o the_o very_a subject_a matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n that_o the_o former_a time_n not_o from_o any_o great_a tenderness_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o mere_o from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o inconsistencie_n do_v not_o once_o dream_v of_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n king_n james_n who_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o neither_o do_v his_o prerogative_n extend_v to_o the_o proper_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v thereupon_o found_v and_o that_o for_o he_o to_o assume_v the_o disposal_n and_o dispense_n thereof_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o destroy_v it_o although_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o restore_v the_o bishop_n to_o their_o honour_n temporality_n and_o possession_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o power_n ecclesiastic_a by_o they_o acclaim_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o compass_v the_o same_o only_a by_o the_o suffrage_n &_o determination_n of_o church-assembly_n and_o according_o we_o see_v
part_n be_v certain_o as_o little_a worth_n all_o the_o stir_n and_o vexation_n make_v about_o he_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o insignificant_a dignity_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o cause_n inferior_a to_o the_o late_a war_n which_o they_o do_v most_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n insufferable_a for_o wise_a men●_n so_o desirous_a of_o ease_n to_o set_v so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n disturb_v by_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o presidencie_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o this_o proposal_n be_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a establishment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o relax_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o former_a engagement_n but_o to_o the_o suppression_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n more_o absurd_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o its_o instrument_n prelacy_n which_o we_o have_v express_o and_o particular_o abjure_v can_v the_o author_n reasonable_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o rencontre_v in_o we_o a_o opposition_n commensurat_fw-la both_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o prize_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o man_n for_o poor_a perish_a interest_n do_v endeavour_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o introduce_v their_o mode_n and_o invention_n for_o no_o other_o end_n imaginable●_n then_o that_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o influence_n thereof_o they_o may_v have_v the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n still_o in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v not_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n more_o vigorous_o resist_v all_o these_o their_o intend_a corruption_n i_o ma●_n not_o here_o stand_v to_o discuss_v the_o specious_a and_o flatter_a pretension_n hold_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o mere_a subtlety_n be_v by_o we_o oppose_v to_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n certain_o he_o who_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n be_v very_o cunning_a to_o set_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n on_o foot_n from_o the_o small_a and_o least_o suspicious_a beginning_n &_o yet_o thence_o by_o more_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a method_n than_o these_o which_o our_o author_n undervalue_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o very_a revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o withal_o consider_v in_o our_o own_o late_a experience_n the_o mien_n entry_n as_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n with_o the_o sudden_a elevation_n and_o corruption_n of_o king_n james_n his_o prelate_n unless_o he_o do_v very_o supine_o misregard_n the_o intimation_n of_o all_o present_a circumstance_n special_o that_o of_o a_o al-swaying_a supremacy_n already_o regnant_a can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o catch_v by_o such_o device_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a value_n thus_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v and_o overturn_v the_o righteous_a peace_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v their_o possession_n attain_v by_o wrong_n and_o violence_n a_o plea_n for_o their_o security_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o that_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o covenant_n &_o ranverse_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ministry_n they_o have_v get_v what_o the●_n desire_v and_o use_v force_n and_o compulsion_n against_o conscientious_a nonconformist_n until_o they_o be_v weary_v now_o they_o come_v forth_o to_o practice_v by_o flattery_n a_o few_o siren_n with_o charm_n of_o peace_n cant_v in_o nazianzen_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o try_v if_o these_o entice_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a and_o by_o a_o strange_o comprehensive_a spirituality_n both_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o one_o say_v he_o be_v for_o bishop_n another_o i_o be_o for_o presbytery_n that_o we_o be_v carnal_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o a_o divisive_a respect_n of_o person_n be_v equal_o against_o the_o discrimination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v certain_o distinguish_v but_o as_o in_o the_o competition_n of_o peace_n the_o heathen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v admonish_v the_o author_n and_o see_v that_o that_o peace_n be_v only_o precious_a which_o be_v found_v in_o &_o design_v for_o truth_n so_o when_o it_o be_v mere_o pretend_v for_o procure_v a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o a_o evil_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a delusion_n we_o know_v who_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o pretend_v for_o nay_o to_o pursue_v serious_o after_o peace_n without_o regard_n to_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v only_o a_o precipitant_a error_n and_o lie_a vision_n but_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v his_o people_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n shall_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o when_o the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o the_o sweetersound_a of_o unite_a mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n then_o and_o not_o before_o may_v we_o look_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o and_o restore_v unto_o we_o his_o favour_n the_o fountain_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o real_a supplicant_n for_o peace_n &_o indeed_o to_o remove_v all_o the_o obstruction_n that_o may_v disappoint_v its_o firm_a enjoyment_n nay_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o the_o ●ord_n do_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n attain_v to_o that_o superexcel_a peace_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o establish_v and_o that_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n take_v from_o they_o but_o the_o author_n still_o long_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o outward_a peace_n not_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n leave_v and_o give_v to_o his_o follower_n exhort_v unto_o a_o temper_n receptive_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o their_o right_a application_n these_o be_v most_o beautiful_a grace_n but_o as_o they_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v propose_v for_o the_o preposterous_a court_v of_o this_o world_n peace_n i_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_o recommend_v in_o exclusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n incompatible_a with_o the_o author_n evil_a course_n but_o with_o a_o extension_n of_o charity_n to_o rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n and_o meekness_n towards_o wickedness_n beyond_o their_o know_a and_o just_a measure_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o ba●ge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v ●ollowers_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v ●his_fw-la that_o we_o love_v on_o another_o yet_o ●_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v first_o that_o in_o this_o point_n to_o confound_v person_n and_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o transfer_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v the_o former_a to_o t●e_v latter_a though_o never_o so_o detestable_a be_v but_o a_o silly_a sophism_n he_o who_o right_o estimate_v christian_n love_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n may_v be_v faithful_a when_o his_o kiss_n will_v prove_v deceitful_a next_o that_o though_o the_o author_n will_v alleviat_v our_o present_a difference_n as_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o opinion_n and_o humour_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v o_o that_o import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v t●e_v supremacy_n to_o the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o his_o house_n not_o to_o merit_v the_o privilege_v of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nay_o that_o in_o order_n to_o such_o david_n profession_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o not_o i_o grieve_v o_o lord_n with_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n may_v rather_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o this_o law_n of_o love_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n &_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n &_o root_v ha●reds_n fo●_n thing_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o do_v as_o certain_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n exception_n as_o the_o
abjure_v how_o can_v we_o in_o conscience_n again_o admit_v of_o it_o 2._o not_o to_o examine_v subtle_o and_o strict_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n power_n see_v its_o fixedness_n and_o its_o concomitant_a dignity_n that_o in_o a_o great_a part_n do_v advance_v this_o moderatorship_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v only_o a_o office_n unto_o a_o superority_n and_o thereto_o add_v a_o influence_n of_o power_n be_v rather_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o civil_n this_o fixedness_n with_o its_o many_o other_o prerogative_n and_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o expediency_n of_o humane_a affair_n very_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a yet_o in_o ecclesiastic_n the_o very_a same_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o contradistinction_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v found_v betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v clear_o render_v this_o fix_a presidency_n a_o undue_a gravamen_n imp_v upon_o the_o brotherly_a parity_n and_o just_a liberty_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o necessary_a privilege_n of_o the_o naked_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o propose_v direct_v the_o consultation●_n state_v the_o question_n ask_v of_o opinion_n and_o vote_n and_o the_o cast_a vote_n in_o case_n of_o equality_n be_v of_o such_o noment_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o affa●res_n that_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o unfixedness_n and_o accountablenesse_n of_o the_o chairman_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v they_o from_o abuse_n to_o enforce_v they_o by_o a_o fixation_n contrary_a to_o the_o lord_n appointment_n of_o a_o ministerial_a parity_n be_v not_o more_o unwarrantable_a than_o inconvenient_a but_o 3._o as_o these_o reason_n do_v militat_fw-la against_o the_o controvert_v presidency_n in_o its_o great_a simplicity_n so_o the_o presidency_n now_o offer_v unto_o we_o for_o all_o the_o abatement_n pretend_v be_v still_o that_o of_o a_o bishop_n absolute_o at_o this_o majesty_n nomination_n not_o accountable_a to_o these_o over_o who_o he_o preside_v vest_v with_o great_a temporalities●_n and_o lastly_a whole_o dependent_a upon_o the_o beck_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v without_o all_o question_n a_o thing_n most_o anti-scriptural_a unreasonable_a &_o disconform_v to_o all_o pure_a antiquity_n now_o that_o thus_o it_o is●_n both_o as_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n offered●_n &_o the_o censure_n i_o have_v pass_v upon_o it_o i_o here_o open_o challenge_v the_o author_n and_o all_o his_o partaker_n if_o they_o dare_v adventure_v to_o contradict_v i_o what_o other_o construction_n can_v therefore_o be_v make_v of_o the_o allege_a condescendence_n then_o that_o in_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o be_v only_o empty_a foolish_a pretension_n and_o what_o other_o judgement_n can_v be_v give_v upon_o the_o author_n offer_v to_o abate_v of_o his_o reasonable_a power_n warrant_v by_o primitive_a example_n then_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o reason_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n be_v no_o less_o false_a than_o the_o offer_v make_v be_v simulat_fw-la and_o elusory_a but_o see_v the_o author_n for_o all_o the_o warrant_n pretended●_n do_v at_o least_o acknowledge_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v thereby_o astrict_v but_o that_o he_o can_v come_v &_o go_v in_o their_o matter_n at_o his_o pleasure_n if_o he_o do_v indeed_o sincere_o hate_v schism_n as_o he_o profess_v let_v h●m_n also_o confess_v the_o violence_n do_v both_o to_o our_o conscience_n and_o person_n in_o such_o free_a &_o arbitrary_a thing_n nay_o in_o his_o dialect_n trifle_n and_o repent_v of_o his_o late_a inconsiderate_a accession_n pass_o therefore_o his_o delude_a belief_n of_o the_o bishop_n their_o not_o be_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v contrary_a to_o their_o continual_a practice_n &_o the_o church_n experience_n now_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1200_o year_n &_o upward_o and_o evident_o repugnant_a to_o the_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o case_n i_o go_v on_o to_o his_o next_o supposition_n viz._n that_o though_o bishop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n some_o what_o beyond_o their_o line_n yet_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o meeting_n for_o discipline_n which_o themselves_o approve_v and_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o neither_o the_o sinful_a thrust_v in_o of_o bishop_n nor_o yet_o their_o excessive_a stretchin●s_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o leave_v and_o withdraw_v when_o in_o former_a time_n k._n james_n introduce_v prelate_n into_o this_o church_n and_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n extend_v their_o usurpation_n many_o of_o the_o ●ords_n faithful_a servant_n in_o these_o day_n do_v neither_o desert_n nor_o withdraw_v but_o continue_v with_o much_o steadfastness_n do_v constant_o resist_v and_o testify_v against_o all_o the_o corruption_n then_o invade_v the_o true_a church-government_n whereof_o they_o be_v possess_v but_o as_o the_o author_n do_v here_o fallacious_o join_v our_o leave_v of_o our_o station_n which_o be_v false_a we_o have_v be_v thence_o violent_o expel_v and_o our_o withdraw_n from_o their_o meeting_n groundless_o allege_v to_o be_v by_o we_o approven_v which_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o whoever_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o late_a overturning_a by_o summary_n eject_v of_o many_o of_o we_o dissolve_v all_o our_o church_n assembly_n establish_v a_o new_a government_n not_o in_o but_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o prelate_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v any_o place_n will_v easy_o be_v convinced●_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o calumnious_o accuse_v by_o these_o who_o will_v have_v their_o own_o crime_n to_o be_v our_o sin_n of_o leave_v our_o station_n then_o clear_o justifiable_a for_o withdraw_v from_o these_o their_o court_n which_o be_v whole_o dependent_a on_o the_o supremacy_n and_o very_o corrupt_a assembly_n which_o we_o never_o approve_v but_o have_v express_o abjure_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o as_o g._n b._n apprehend_v it_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bishop_n undue_a assume_v of_o the_o presidency_n in_o these_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v by_o they_o restrain_v in_o and_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o power_n in_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n although_o these_o be_v very_o material_a grievance_n that_o we_o do_v abstain_v from_o their_o court_n no_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o over_z and_o above_o the_o forego_n cause_n we_o hold_v the_o very_a constitution_n to_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v from_o that_o of_o a_o true_a eccleasiastick_a judicatory_a call_v in_o our_o lord_n name_v and_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n unto_o meeting_n appoint_v mere_o by_o the_o king_n and_o recognosce_v his_o supremacy_n that_o we_o judge_v our_o not_o conveen_v therein_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o term_v a_o privative_a withdraw_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o negative_a disow_n of_o they_o as_o of_o assembly_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v either_o part_n or_o place_n which_o be_v a_o ground_n by_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o i_o ●ave_n above_o observe_v the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o complexe_n power_n and_o that_o as_o some_o of_o we_o have_v accept_v a_o liberty_n to_o preach_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n congregational_o without_o liberty_n to_o meet_v in_o presbytery_n and_o ordain_v so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o presbytery_n notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v f●om_o the_o full_a excercise_n of_o all_o their_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o the_o subject_n viz._n true_a presbytery_n utter_o cut_v off_o beside_o that_o it_o also_o labour_n of_o a_o manifest_a inconsequence_n in_o asmuch_o as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o first_o case_n all_o that_o he_o be_v permit_v and_o only_o forbear_v where_o a_o vis_fw-fr major_a do_v impede_fw-la be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o case_n he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o meeting_n and_o there_o by_o surcease_n the_o exercise_n of_o his_o function_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o c●pher_n for_o strengthen_v &_o increase_n of_o the_o bishop_n usurpation_n in_o effect_n tacit_o surrender_v the_o power_n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v which_o tacit_a surrender_v i_o do_v real_o judge_v to_o be_v more_o strong_o imply_v a●d_v of_o a_o more_o sinistruous_a consequence_n then_o can_v be_v purge_v by_o a_o naked_a protestation_n especial_o the_o same_o be_v precontrive_v &_o capitulat_fw-la whereby_o without_o doubt_n the_o significancy_n of_o this_o remedy_n most_o commend_v by_o the_o necessity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o surprisal_n of_o the_o
the_o subject_v assembly_n but_o see_v the_o bishop_n in_o his_o last_o conference_n have_v pass_v from_o this_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v it_o any_o further_o only_o the_o gradation_n here_o trace_v of_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n move_v i_o to_o inquire_v wherefore_o no_o mention_n of_o national_a assembly_n a_o court_n not_o only_o the_o supreme_a in_o that_o scale_n but_o so_o distinct_o define_v by_o a_o particular_a act_n viz._n act_n 4._o 1663._o in_o its_o member_n method_n of_o procedor_fw-la and_o extent_n of_o power_n that_o i_o can_v judge_v its_o omission_n accidental_a and_o undesign_v nay_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v a_o reserve_v which_o do_v so_o unquestionable_o secure_v the_o whole_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o prelacy_n and_o so_o evident_o redargue_v all_o the_o proposal_n make_v of_o a_o trepan_a mockery_n that_o as_o i_o serious_o marvel_v how_o the_o accommodator_n know_v of_o this_o ultimate_a resort_n so_o strong_o complicate_v of_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o supremacy_n and_o prelacy_n do_v not_o extend_v their_o other_o concession_n to_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v demur_v so_o i_o be_o no_o less_o to_o seek_v wherefore_o the_o brethren_n who_o treat_v do_v except_v so_o little_a against_o it_o i_o need_v not_o here_o exhibit_v any_o long_a description_n of_o this_o court_n which_o i_o have_v several_a time_n above_o mention_v the_o act_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o king_n in_o the_o very_a entry_n assume_v to_o himself_o not_o the_o indiction_n only_o which_o be_v all_o that_o after_o long_a contending_n the_o more_o consistent_a usurpation_n of_o former_a time_n do_v by_o the_o act_n 1612._o ascribe_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o national_a synod_n whereby_o have_v name_v and_o appoint_v the_o member_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrews_n for_o precedent_n with_o a_o express_a limitation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o his_o majesty_n order_n and_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o determine_v concern_v doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n to_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n to_o be_v signify_v in_o write_v to_o the_o precedent_n above_o name_v the_o ●ing_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o estate_n confirm_v the_o same_o as_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o our_o church-assembly_n provide_v that_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v always_o present_a and_o that_o no_o act_n or_o o●der_n be_v own_v as_o such_o but_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o precedent_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o member_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n prerogative_n or_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o last_o that_o no_o act_n matter_n or_o cause_n be_v debate_v consult_v and_o conclude_v but_o what_o shall_v be_v allow_v and_o confirm_v by_o his_o majesty_n or_o his_o commissioner_n for_o the_o time_n now_o i_o say_v this_o act_n and_o constitution_n still_o stand_v &_o remain_v let_v any_o ingenuous_a person_n declare_v single_o what_o he_o think_v all_o the_o proposal_n so_o long_o tinckle_v upon_o can_v signify_v or_o what_o liberty_n have_v the_o dissent_v presbyterian_a brethren_n which_o may_v not_o hereby_o be_v restrain_v and_o render_v ineffectual_a and_o what_o abatement_n be_v there_o condescend_v unto_o of_o the_o exorbitant_a power_n of_o prelacy_n which_o be_v not_o here_o either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o repair_v and_o in_o a_o word_n what_o good_a can_v we_o expect_v by_o any_o accommodation_n which_o may_v not_o by_o this_o frame_n be_v certain_o frustrate_a and_o make_v void_a i_o have_v not_o in_o this_o place_n note_v the_o strange_a and_o palpable_a usurpation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o over_o his_o church_n which_o this_o device_n and_o project_n containe●_n because_o as_o in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o our_o present_a establishment_n the_o vestige_n of_o that_o wickedness_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o act_n that_o they_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o high_a exaltation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v very_o easy_o be_v gather_v that_o the_o bishop_n policy_n in_o his_o silence_n on_o this_o point_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o intention_n than_o the_o reservation_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o very_a colluvy_n of_o all_o corruption_n of_o church-government●_a derive_v its_o influence_n and_o perversion_n unto_o all_o inferior_a and_o subordinat_a assembly_n do_v render_v all_o the_o other_o overture_n of_o agreement_n elufory_n and_o insignificant_a the_o four_o article_n be_v that_o intrant_v be_v lawful_o present_v by_o the_o patron_n and_o ●●ly_o try_v by_o the_o presbytery_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n for_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o their_o solemn_a ordination_n and_o admission_n at_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o impossibility_n or_o extreme_a inconveniency_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v in_o touch_v that_o affair_n it_o shall_v be_v referable_a to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o the_o committee_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n this_o be_v the_o article_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o sound_a the_o very_a entry_n offend_v not_o that_o i_o judge_v that_o for_o the_o single_a cause_n of_o patronage_n be_v restore_v and_o presentation_n make_v requisite_a for_o intitul_a to_o a_o stipend_n or_o benefice_n intrant_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v plain_a shall_v stand_v off_o and_o may_v not_o lawful_o enter_v that_o way_n no_o though_o patronage_n be_v indeed_o in_o themselves_o a_o heavy_a grievance_n and_o in_o their_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n partial_a and_o sinful_a and_o upon_o these_o ground_n by_o a_o express_a act_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o abolish_v yet_o to_o intrant_n otherwise_o innocent_a they_o be_v certain_o only_o the_o great_a injury_n but_o the_o thing_n i_o except_v be_v 1._o that_o according_a to_o this_o proposal_n it_o seem_v minister_n former_o lawful_o call_v and_o ordain_v and_o now_o wrongful_o out_v shall_v have_v no_o regress_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n save_v by_o this_o method_n which_o certain_o in_o these_o circumstance_n can_v not_o but_o render_v the_o pressure_n far_o more_o uneasy_a 2._o what_o shall_v become_v of_o patronage_n pertain_v to_o bishop_n and_o of_o other_o church_n which_o be_v of_o their_o patrimony_n certain_o this_o be_v a_o point_n not_o so_o far_o without_o our_o line_n but_o at_o least_o in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o just_o grieve_v we_o it_o may_v make_v a_o part_n of_o our_o regrete_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o ordination_n here_o describe_v and_o pass_v the_o trial_n previous_o appoint_v it_o be_v propose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n for_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n of_o intrant_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n that_o in_o this_o matter_n can_v make_v a_o determination_n no_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n must_v both_o agree_v to_o this_o appointment_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n can_v over-rule_v he_o in_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o cunning_a slieness_n of_o this_o draught_n the_o bishop_n in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o treaty_n have_v still_o in_o this_o point_n of_o ordination_n keep_v himself_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o a_o negative_a voice_n and_o part_n in_o it_o be_v more_o than_o all_o his_o musty_a alledgeance_n from_o obscure_a antiquity_n and_o decline_a purity_n for_o his_o fix_a presidency_n will_v amount_v unto_o and_o to_o descend_v to_o posterior_n age_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v of_o a_o consequence_n no_o less_o dangerous_a as_o to_o the_o many_o corruption_n that_o then_o be_v creep_v in_o than_o the_o ascend_a to_o the_o prior_n time_n of_o scripture_n light_n will_v prove_v contrary_a to_o this_o prelatic_a arrogance_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n see_v both_o the_o humour_n and_o design_n of_o episcopacy_n engage_v he_o to_o be_v principal_a in_o the_o action_n of_o ordination_n therein_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o susfrage_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v nothing_o agreeable_a and_o can_v not_o be_v digest_v and_o what_o variety_n in_o his_o discourse_n this_o halt_a ambiguity_n have_v produce_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o such_o as_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o observe_v but_o now_o that_o we_o have_v he_o in_o write_v it_o be_v worth_a our_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o
invasion_n make_v by_o the_o prelate_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v b●_n the_o same_o authority_n ratify_v and_o approven_v but_o as_o by_o the_o latter_a act_n their_o be_v be_v not_o total_o dissolve_v so_o it_o be_v not_o unto_o the_o former_a that_o they_o do_v owe_v their_o fundamental_a establishment_n 3._o all_o that_o can_v be_v probable_o gather_v from_o what_o be_v promise_v be_v that_o possible_o to_o some_o such_o apparent_a mixture_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n now_o to_o be_v form_v as_o do_v result_v from_o t●e_v intrusion_n of_o prelate_n upon_o presbytery_n before_o the_o 1638._o the_o civil_a sanction_n may_v be_v interpose_v but_o since_o now_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o alter_v and_o that_o in_o effect_n at_o present_a there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o kind_n of_o true_a ecclesiastick-government_n or_o meeting_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o dependent_n nay_o that_o all_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v be_v some_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi device_n of_o supremacy_n accommodat_fw-la to_o its_o desire_n and_o direct_o and_o absolute_o subject_v to_o its_o pretend_a omnipotency_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o certain_a that_o this_o mistake_a project_n can_v afford_v we_o no_o clear_n if_o any_o man_n judge_v i_o uncharitable_a how_o glad_a will_v i_o be_v to_o be_v find_v real_o in_o ●he_n wrong_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o supremacy_n be_v rather_o more_o and_o more_o ascendent_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n either_o of_o its_o mitigation_n or_o of_o the_o rescission_n of_o the_o act_n for_o restitution_n etc._n etc._n anno_fw-la 1662._o and_o yet_o far_o less_a the_o retreat_v of_o the_o proclamation_n january_n 1662._o dissolve_v presbytery_n and_o of_o their_o and_o their_o true_a member_n reestablishment_n all_o requisite_a to_o give_v the_o lord_n commissioner_n offer_n if_o any_o such_o be_v make_v a_o genuine_a and_o satisfactory_a meaning_n why_o shall_v we_o preserve_v a_o illusive_a charity_n to_o plain_a and_o solid_a ingenuity_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v still_o contend_v the_o compare_v together_o of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o article_n i_o be_o certain_a will_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o inflexible_a opiniaster_n in_o the_o first_o part_n it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o king_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a his_o offer_n viz._n to_o set_v up_o presbytery_n as_o before_o 1638_o in_o the_o second_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o he_o will_v procure_v due_a security_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o free_a declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o true_a presbytery_n be_v right_o restore_v this_o security_n be_v clear_o superfluous_a and_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v in_o that_o integrity_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o supremacy_n on_o which_o they_o depend_v reduce_v to_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o then_o model_n by_o authorise_v the_o above_o mention_v mixture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o place_n of_o resolution_n we_o have_v only_o a_o arbitrary_a politic_a alteration_n a_o compliance_n wherewith_o no_o declaration_n &_o protestation_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a purge_n as_o i_o have_v already_o full_o prove_v and_o this_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o term_v the_o bishop_n trust_v ridiculous_a but_o yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v other_o cause_n that_o do_v more_o provoke_v i_o to_o this_o character_n the_o one_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o governor_n will_v give_v a_o antecedent_n licence_n to_o transgress_v law_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o repeal_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v suppose_v that_o a_o testimony_n requisite_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o duty_n may_v be_v either_o forbear_v or_o suspend_v for_o want_v of_o a_o assure_a immunity_n whereas_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o wherever_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n do_v require_v our_o appearance_n though_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v least_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n that_o bring_v a_o snare_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v much_o less_o to_o be_v therewith_o balance_v i_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o faint_a and_o pusillanimous_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o confer_v in_o make_v this_o their_o scruple_n seem_v to_o have_v draw_v from_o the_o bishop_n this_o insinuat_fw-la sollution_n and_o i_o shall_v very_o have_v take_v it_o for_o a_o scornful_a indulgence_n if_o he_o have_v not_o to_o his_o hope_n adjoin_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o earnest_a intercession_n but_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o regrete_v &_o we_o hope_v shall_v be_v by_o the_o decliner_n themselves_o bitter_o mourn_v for_o that_o be_v in_o so_o just_a and_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n not_o only_o call_v but_o in_o effect_n open_o provoke_v and_o baffle_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n which_o reason_n to_o the_o demand_n make_v unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o so_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o tongue_n as_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n thereto_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n let_v be_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n in_o such_o a_o important_a exigence_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o pitiful_a caveat_n with_o the_o promise_n annex_v be_v at_o best_a but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o carnal_a condescendence_n unto_o a_o sinful_a fear_n if_o the_o lord_n call_v for_o our_o confession_n who_o ever_o hear_v that_o that_o which_o be_v its_o special_a grace_n even_o the_o obvious_a apprehension_n of_o hazard_n shall_v be_v its_o hindrance_n nay_o who_o be_v man_n in_o that_o case_n of_o who_o we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a but_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n require_v it_o not_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o foolish_a antidote_n to_o a_o vain_a solicitude_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o six_o &_o last_o article_n that_o no_o intrant_fw-la shall_v be_v engage_v to_o any_o canonical_a oath_n or_o subscription_n unto_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o his_o opinion_n anent_o tha●_n government_n shall_v not_o prejudge_v he_o in_o this_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o declare_v and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o only_a fair_a condescendence_n that_o of_o they_o all_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o just_a ease_n but_o see_v it_o be_v very_o inadequat_fw-la to_o the_o main_a difficulty_n and_o for_o a_o apparent_a liberty_n of_o opinion_n do_v certain_o tend_v according_a to_o the_o late_a morality_n of_o these_o time_n to_o involve_v we_o in_o many_o sinful_a and_o inconsistent_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o further_o urge_v it_o and_o now_o have_v finish_v the_o examination_n of_o these_o six_o article_n &_o therein_o among_o many_o other_o empty_a pretension_n and_o inextricable_a ambiguity_n rencounter_v a_o most_o cunning_a &_o viperous_a invective_n against_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n consist_v of_o the_o like_a number_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a politic_a complication_n of_o doubt_n and_o snare_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a redargution_n of_o the_o author_n presumption_n and_o malice_n i_o can_v but_o desire_v my_o reader_n impartial_o to_o consider_v both_o and_o what_o and_o with_o what_o success_n boht_fw-mi of_o we_o have_v object_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o though_o a_o all_o most_o infinite_a over_o proportion_n of_o matter_n for_o importance_n aswell_o as_o variety_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o humour_n interest_n opinion_n nay_o and_o almost_o of_o nation_n that_o ever_o concur_v in_o one_o treaty_n with_o the_o no_o less_o disproportion_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n in_o we_o the_o two_o antagonist_n do_v every_o way_n increase_n and_o accumulat_fw-la the_o disadvantage_n on_o my_o part_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o righteous_a cause_n that_o where_o in_o the_o attacking_z the_o covenant_n the_o author_n have_v carry_v back_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o shame_n and_o our_o scorn_n the_o truth_n not_o i_o have_v on_o the_o other_o side_n dissipate_v and_o rout_v his_o article_n with_o a_o entire_a victory_n which_o if_o he_o or_o any_o man_n account_v vain_a or_o a_o preposterous_a triumph_n it_o be_v only_a truth_n confidence_n and_o i_o do_v hereby_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o no_o less_o resolute_a defiance_n hitherto_o i_o have_v examine_v this_o overture_n of_o accommodation_n according_a to_o its_o term_n contain_v in_o the_o above-written_a article_n as_o for_o the_o exception_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o from_o its_o contrivance_n tendency_n and_o circumstance_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o it_o and_o other_o more_o remote_a argument_n they_o be_v so_o easy_o deduceable_a from_o the_o precede_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o prosecute_v they_o by_o any_o more_o distinct_a proposal_n that_o we_o may_v
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