for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o assertion_n the_o act_n &_o other_o thing_n by_o i_o premise_v do_v abundant_o clear_v it_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o king_n have_v no_o such_o power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v uncontroverted_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n and_o the_o supremacy_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o restitution_n be_v to_o they_o a_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n than_o any_o of_o these_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n intend_v by_o the_o accommodation_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o accommodator_n either_o by_o conviction_n or_o condescendence_n to_o have_v remove_v it_o however_o i_o may_v not_o digress_v only_o i_o be_o assure_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la against_o whatsoever_o opponent_n 1._o that_o this_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o administration_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n when_o no_o magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n adduceable_a whereupon_o it_o can_v accrease_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n from_o the_o people_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n over_o and_o about_o which_o the_o original_a power_n be_v to_o they_o competent_a to_o which_o this_o church-power_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v reckon_v 3._o that_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o good_a king_n and_o emperor_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v no_o way_n flow_v from_o any_o inherent_a right_n or_o prerogative_n they_o have_v conversant_a in_o these_o matter_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a product_n of_o necessity_n sustain_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o work_n &_o deficiency_n of_o the_o more_o proper_a mean_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v due_o consider_v i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o supremacy_n will_v very_o quick_o evanish_v and_o therefore_o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o see_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v a_o high_a usurpation_n against_o our_o lord_n &_o master_n all_o court_n depend_v thereon_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o &_o partake_v therein_o what_o ever_o opinion_n a_o man_n do_v reserve_v or_o whatever_o declaration_n be_v make_v anent_o it_o must_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o here_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n what_o be_v the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o be_v the_o present_a minister_n no_o presbyter_n but_o their_o be_v no_o such_o haste_n neither_o have_v these_o thing_n any_o further_a connexion_n then_o that_o the_o present_a minister_n be_v not_o presbyter_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o denote_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o true_o i_o think_v in_o ingenuity_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v special_o see_v that_o although_o they_o hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n by_o mission_n from_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v from_o the_o king_n on_o who_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n depend_v whereupon_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o government_n do_v as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v do_v and_o that_o thereby_o true_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v only_o subsist_v then_o these_o meeting_n which_o recognosce_fw-la his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a for_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n which_o they_o acclaime_v can_v no_o more_o be_v true_o such_o than_o he_o who_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o sovereign_n mission_n will_v pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o what_o need_v of_o more_o word_n if_o the_o present_a conform_a minister_n and_o there_o meeting_n have_v disclained_a jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a head_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o own_o no_o power_n thereof_o but_o what_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a wherewith_o nevertheless_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o at_o all_o vest_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v disallow_v all_o church-government_n and_o medling_n and_o meeting_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o hold_v their_o commission_n and_o warrant_n from_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n what_o concurrence_n can_v we_o make_v in_o on_z and_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o by_o what_o salvo_fw-la may_n my_o sit_v and_o act_v be_v justify_v in_o a_o meeting_n in_o the_o power_n whereof_o i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o partake_v for_o my_o part_n since_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o true_a head_n but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o another_o to_o who_o they_o do_v refer_v &_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o power_n if_o we_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v both_o detest_v this_o usurpation_n and_o disclaim_v all_o share_n in_o any_o power_n save_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o these_o assembly_n i_o think_v until_o they_o first_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o mistake_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v rational_o blame_v we_o for_o separation_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o entry_n qualify_v either_o by_o declaration_n or_o protestation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o free_n of_o the_o party_n from_o a_o apparent_a constructive_a accession_n to_o certain_a accidental_a corruption_n that_o may_v be_v in_o a_o meeting_n to_o which_o he_o be_v otherwise_o oblige_v to_o join_v yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o case_n where_o the_o very_a constitution_n itself_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_a and_o corrupt_a that_o none_o can_v active_o partake_v therein_o without_o sin_n this_o remedy_n here_o offer_v be_v altogether_o insignificant_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o although_o this_o reservation_n of_o opinion_n and_o declaration_n permit_v can_v be_v a_o salvo_fw-la as_o to_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o constitution_n yet_o without_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v in_o such_o conjunction_n of_o the_o person_n also_o with_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v there_o may_v be_v a_o assembly_n nay_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o evil_a doer_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hate_n and_o even_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o enclose_v he_o and_o pierce_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n want_v not_o a_o specious_a name_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o a_o simple_a protestation_n may_v warrant_v constant_a presence_n in_o these_o case_n but_o rather_o incline_v with_o jeremiah_n to_o leave_v and_o to_o draw_v from_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n what_o for_o assembly_n the_o present_a church-meeting_n be_v i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o tender_a than_o it_o be_v superflous_a to_o utter_v only_o this_o i_o will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o such_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o no_o declaration_n can_v warrant_v any_o fellowship_n therein_o i_o be_o certain_a that_o the_o subsumption_n viz._n that_o such_o be_v the_o court_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o unbiased_a man_n upon_o these_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o notorious_a perjury_n intrusion_n profanitie_n and_o insufficiency_n unquestionable_o make_v out_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o article_n bear_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a &_o principal_a condescendence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o place_n that_o aswell_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o brethren_n as_o possible_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o at_o first_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n reason_n as_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o this_o accommodation_n i_o have_v reserve_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o at_o more_o length_n and_o on_o all_o fair_a and_o probable_a supposition_n in_o supplement_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n and_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o advantageous_a sense_n that_o the_o proposer_n can_v desire_v i_o add_v that_o consistent_o therewith_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o constant_a moderator_n whence_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o declare_a purpose_n wave_v any_o further_a exception_n against_o the_o nullity_n of_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 proposal_n as_o the_o final_a approbation_n of_o all_o matter_n to_o be_v therein_o treat_v the_o other_o be_v the_o late_a act_n 1669._o assert_v the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o supreme_a authority_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a be_v so_o full_o declare_v to_o appertain_v to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o vertew_n thereof_o he_o may_v dispose_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o person_n ecclesiastic_a and_o enact_v concern_v the_o church_n meeting_n and_o matter_n therein_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o more_o absolute_a power_n in_o any_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v devise_v in_o his_o favour_n these_o act_n lie_v so_o well_o together_o i_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o joint_a consideration_n and_o from_o they_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o last_o revolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o invasion_n make_v upon_o the_o church_n government_n by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o bishop_n and_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o happen_v in_o their_o former_a introduction_n precede_v the_o year_n 1612_o but_o that_o the_o alteration_n make_v be_v plain_o fundamental_a and_o that_o by_o his_o majesty_n assume_v all_o church-power_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o proper_a right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n without_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v with_o the_o pope_n a_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o effect_n and_o convey_v the_o same_o by_o these_o communication_n alone_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dispense_v and_o to_o such_o person_n and_o meeting_n as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o appoint_v and_o make_v to_o himself_o accountable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o genus_fw-la of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n recognosce_v by_o presbytery_n as_o only_o fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o our_o lord_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n let_v be_v its_o specification_n from_o our_o classical_a 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
the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n i_o clear_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o a_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a proeslos_n for_o term_v of_o life_n in_o church-meeting_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v by_o we_o admissible_a and_o what_o compliance_n we_o may_v have_v â—or_a it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o paper_n go_v abroad_o from_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n as_o be_v suppose_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o speech_n at_o pase_o whereof_o the_o same_o strain_n i_o conceive_v for_o render_v of_o the_o debate_n more_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a review_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o paper_n we_o find_v it_o assert_v that_o episcopal_a government_n manage_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o 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divine_a warrant_n more_o pregnant_a than_o what_o in_o other_o particular_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o even_o by_o our_o opposite_n the_o follow_a head_n do_v plain_o evince_v and_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n king_n in_o zion_n sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v and_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n when_o he_o ascend_v on_o high_a send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n to_o gather_v feed_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o have_v appoint_v a_o government_n in_o his_o house_n suitable_a to_o these_o holy_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o more_o evident_o found_v upon_o the_o scripture-ground_n insinuat_fw-la then_o firm_a in_o its_o connexion_n and_o inference_n 2._o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v the_o only_a perpetual_a pastor_n ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o as_o for_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o seventy_o 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vestige_n of_o imparity_n either_o in_o power_n or_o presidencie_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a with_o a_o manifest_a equality_n except_o it_o be_v in_o some_o note_n of_o apparent_a pre-eminence_n in_o these_o by_o man_n esteem_v inferior_a express_o as_o it_o seem_v record_v to_o counterbalance_n the_o vanity_n of_o ambition_n of_o after_o age_n who_o in_o favour_n of_o other_o may_v imagine_v a_o superiority_n and_o such_o be_v the_o principal_a resort_n make_v to_o james_n his_o moderate_v rather_o then_o peter_n in_o the_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n paul_n resistance_n to_o peter_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n give_v to_o he_o by_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n and_o the_o like_a 4._o the_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v their_o successor_n both_o in_o their_o ordinary_a power_n and_o blessing_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o inequality_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n either_o from_o the_o immediacy_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o mission_n their_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o great_a eminency_n of_o gift_n or_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o lord_n choose_v witness_n and_o author_n of_o conversion_n to_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o ordain_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o perpetual_a and_o ordinary_a power_n give_v to_o and_o transmit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o in_o that_o they_o neither_o claim_v nor_o exercise_v either_o superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o other_o minister_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o they_o call_v and_o account_v they_o their_o brethren_n partner_n fellow-labourer_n and_o themselves_o fellow-elders_a with_o they_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o in_o on_o place_n paul_n ascribe_v to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o another_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o same_o paul_n who_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n 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exigent_n not_o admit_v of_o any_o other_o be_v great_o diminish_v &_o impair_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o which_o this_o man_n who_o manner_n be_v to_o multiply_v assertion_n without_o reason_n tell_v â—s_a in_o this_o place_n that_o when_o he_o have_v streach_v his_o subtlety_n on_o the_o tenterhooks_a he_o can_v not_o devise_v why_o we_o may_v not_o join_v in_o these_o meeting_n under_o the_o abovementioned_a restraint_n and_o again_o conclude_v that_o if_o after_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v we_o do_v still_o scruple_n either_o we_o must_v be_v darken_v or_o he_o must_v have_v owl_n eye_n to_o see_v clear_o where_o there_o be_v no_o light_n but_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o tattle_n and_o therefore_o i_o return_v to_o my_o author_n who_o proceed_v in_o his_o charge_n against_o many_o of_o we_o for_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o pour_v â—_z it_o be_v answer_v although_o to_o render_v a_o solid_a reason_n of_o man_n practice_n special_o when_o the_o same_o be_v only_o negative_a forbearance_n whereunto_o even_o the_o forbearer_n scruple_v and_o doubt_v do_v in_o a_o manner_n and_o â—or_a the_o time_n oblige_v be_v not_o my_o undertake_n yet_o that_o the_o accusation_n here_o imply_v be_v very_o unjust_a both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n object_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v out_o and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o allegiance_n that_o many_o of_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o better_a ground_n then_o that_o some_o of_o we_o because_o of_o a_o just_a detestation_n of_o the_o perjury_n intrusion_n profanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o curate_n do_v withdraw_v from_o their_o ministry_n special_o our_o true_a minister_n still_o remain_v though_o remove_v to_o corner_n and_o our_o attendance_n on_o the_o curate_n their_o ministry_n be_v express_o require_v as_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o his_o majesty_n government_n eccleastick_a o_o strange_a and_o civil_a now_o whether_o this_o reason_n will_v infer_v the_o conclusion_n make_v against_o we_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v not_o rather_o warrant_v the_o abstinence_n reproach_v as_o sinful_a separation_n to_o be_v duty_n let_v the_o impartial_a judge_n i_o shall_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o â—the_v assume_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o accuse_v discountenancer_n of_o separation_n have_v be_v the_o common_a artifices_fw-la by_o which_o every_o prevail_a sect_n or_o party_n have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v their_o opposite_n odious_a but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o assure_v that_o until_o the_o author_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n house_n which_o the_o curate_n have_v take_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v support_v do_v make_v they_o and_o their_o meeting_n the_o only_a church_n his_o objection_n of_o separation_n be_v lame_a and_o inconcludent_a and_o therefore_o see_v that_o the_o break_a ministry_n scatter_a flock_n and_o secret_a meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v still_o his_o true_a church_n both_o suffering_n and_o witness_v against_o the_o defection_n and_o intrusion_n of_o transgressor_n and_o see_v that_o the_o forbearance_n except_v against_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o just_a and_o hesitant_n aversation_n against_o the_o pretend_a ministry_n without_o either_o disprove_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n or_o reject_v and_o divide_v from_o other_o that_o find_v a_o great_a liberty_n his_o charge_n of_o separation_n be_v in_o this_o its_o extent_n palpable_o iniquous_a as_o for_o the_o cause_n assign_v for_o â—ur_n allege_v withdraw_v not_o from_o their_o ecclesiastic_a court_n for_o this_o point_n be_v already_o discuss_v but_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n &_o church-communion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v we_o as_o we_o think_v in_o the_o point_n of_o power_n â—oth_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v do_v plain_o disprove_v it_o the_o perjury_n intrusion_n profanity_n and_o insufficiency_n mention_v can_v not_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n palliate_v and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o author_n who_o labour_v so_o much_o by_o his_o extenuation_n to_o cloak_v the_o apostasy_n whereby_o he_o and_o other_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n break_v the_o covenant_n and_o change_v the_o ordinance_n will_v yet_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o be_v mock_v i_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v case_n wherein_o we_o may_v sufficient_o acquit_v ourselves_o by_o a_o free_a declare_v of_o our_o opinion_n and_o a_o modest_a desire_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o redress_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n though_o other_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o transgress_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o make_v this_o a_o salvo_fw-la for_o all_o case_n and_o in_o effect_n it_o do_v only_o hold_v where_o our_o silence_n at_o another_o transgression_n by_o break_v that_o command_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o brother_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o may_v strengthen_v the_o sinner_n hand_n and_o scandalize_v other_o so_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o insinuation_n here_o make_v of_o our_o desert_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v such_o a_o absurd_a calumny_n and_o the_o compliance_n require_v of_o we_o such_o a_o manifest_a partake_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n that_o i_o wonder_v at_o the_o author_n disingenuity_n and_o weakness_n in_o attacking_z we_o by_o such_o general_n what_o can_v be_v then_o say_v to_o what_o he_o subjoine_v viz._n otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n to_o relinquish_v either_o our_o communion_n with_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n sure_o this_o as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v a_o very_a pertinent_a and_o convince_a reflection_n seingâ—_n in_o the_o undervalue_a sense_n of_o any_o papist_n it_o will_v as_o easy_o redargue_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o rome_n but_o if_o in_o certain_a clear_a exigence_n either_o of_o testify_v against_o or_o not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o proportional_a withdraw_n be_v therefore_o all_o measure_n break_v and_o must_v we_o be_v hold_v for_o relinquisher_n on_o every_o occasion_n or_o because_o we_o be_v violent_o express_v must_v we_o therefore_o be_v repute_n wilful_a deserter_n who_o will_v not_o pity_v such_o dissolute_a folly_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o the_o concludency_n of_o the_o author_n argument_n whereby_o he_o will_v represente_v we_o as_o patronizer_n of_o endless_a division_n but_o if_o he_o mind_n to_o deal_v serious_o in_o this_o matter_n all_o we_o desire_v be_v that_o he_o will_v first_o lay_v down_o his_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o latitude_n of_o his_o comprehension_n and_o then_o fair_o subsume_v against_o we_o and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o unanswerable_o prove_v either_o his_o excess_n in_o the_o former_a or_o calumny_n in_o the_o latter_a than_o let_v he_o glory_n over_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o again_o essay_n to_o remove_v the_o great_a stick_n as_o he_o term_v it_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o wave_v forsooth_o its_o irregularity_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o their_o insinuat_fw-la weight_n number_n and_o influence_n upon_o such_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o himself_o he_o neither_o do_v adduce_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v out_o one_o and_o suppose_v the_o oath_n still_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o article_n against_o it_o do_v only_o oblige_v every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n and_o station_n to_o extirpate_v it_o but_o not_o to_o extirpate_v themselves_o out_o oâ—_n their_o calling_n and_o station_n if_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v introduce_v and_o continue_v against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o repete_fw-la what_o i_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v anent_o the_o present_a constitution_n quite_o different_a in_o its_o establishment_n and_o many_o degree_n worse_o than_o the_o former_a and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n against_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o ready_o grant_v but_o see_v it_o be_v notourâ—_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v at_o once_o
thereof_o upon_o practice_n or_o upon_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_a management_n of_o affair_n may_v be_v the_o better_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o almost_o in_o every_o trust_n and_o employment_n let_v be_v in_o this_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o there_o be_v below_o that_o excess_n of_o malversation_n which_o can_v be_v charge_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o conclude_v a_o removel_n a_o great_a many_o inferior_a degree_n of_o maladministration_n which_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o quality_n they_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o rejection_n yet_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v of_o singular_a prejudice_n and_o just_a as_o a_o free_a election_n do_v deliberate_a upon_o proper_a and_o improper_a so_o may_v these_o small_a transgression_n very_o rational_o require_v a_o charge_n without_o merit_a deposition_n whence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o beside_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o presbytery_n power_n and_o privilege_n this_o fix_a 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its_o difficulty_n remove_v out_o of_o my_o way_n by_o the_o simple_a proposal_n but_o the_o thing_n here_o remark_v and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o proestos_n and_o presbyerian_a moderator_n be_v further_a apparent_a be_v that_o the_o former_a have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o right_n of_o presidencie_n a_o concomitant_a special_a honour_n above_o his_o brethren_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o he_o without_o a_o gross_a solecism_n in_o prelatic_a heraldry_n the_o temporary_a moderator_n be_v indeed_o attend_v by_o a_o agreeable_a respect_n but_o as_o he_o be_v vest_v with_o no_o proper_a right_n to_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o simple_o officiat_n by_o the_o assembly_n free_a nomination_n and_o as_o its_o instrument_n and_o mouth_n which_o during_o pleasure_n it_o choose_v for_o the_o more_o orderly_a management_n of_o its_o affair_n so_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n that_o deny_v the_o employment_n be_v of_o no_o high_a degree_n and_o equal_o transient_a whereas_o 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though_o by_o a_o free_a suffrage_n in_o a_o place_n form_v and_o erect_v in_o a_o ordinary_a office_n with_o its_o know_a special_a power_n and_o privilege_n and_o to_o possess_v by_o the_o right_a thence_o result_v and_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o same_o employment_n but_o only_o by_o the_o way_n of_o a_o free_a and_o revocable_a mandat_fw-la and_o commmission_n absolute_o depend_v at_o the_o constituent_v pleasure_n be_v wide_o distant_a so_o particular_a distinguish_a quality_n of_o the_o proestos_n in_o his_o proper_a right_n and_o power_n his_o exemption_n from_o a_o arbitrary_a removal_n and_o his_o more_o advance_a dignity_n be_v thereby_o notable_o declare_v and_o therefore_o see_v he_o do_v enjoy_v his_o place_n jure_fw-la svo_fw-la as_o lawyer_n speak_v and_o do_v not_o precariouslie_o hang_v â—or_a the_o continuance_n of_o its_o exercise_n upon_o the_o presbytery_n free_a and_o simple_a goodwill_n as_o our_o changeable_a moderator_n do_v he_o can_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v say_v to_o be_v only_o a_o instrument_n for_o order_n dignify_v with_o no_o high_a esteem_n but_o be_v in_o â—ffect_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o power_n thereto_o pertain_v render_v the_o chief_a and_o head_n and_o accompany_v with_o a_o peculiar_a honour_n inseparable_a from_o such_o a_o superiority_n if_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v that_o even_o in_o our_o own_o custom_n the_o moderator_n once_o elect_v do_v always_o continue_v out_o his_o couâ—se_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o this_o arbitrary_a put_v off_o here_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v that_o his_o time_n bâ—ing_v short_a and_o not_o ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la there_o can_v scarce_o be_v any_o necessity_n for_o make_v of_o such_o change_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o not_o make_v thereof_o be_v so_o far_o â—rom_o impugn_v that_o it_o much_o commend_v the_o difference_n by_o i_o explain_v for_o if_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o office_n as_o by_o we_o use_v the_o certain_a time_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o the_o presbytery_n reserve_v of_o a_o absolute_a control_n have_v be_v of_o that_o efficacy_n as_o even_o to_o prevent_v the_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v this_o laâ—t_n privilege_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v more_o concludent_fw-la in_o our_o behalf_n then_o if_o the_o presbytery_n have_v make_v many_o remove_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o elect_a aâ—d_n design_v for_o a_o câ—rtain_a space_n and_o a_o not_o alter_v observance_n that_o do_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o affair_n no_o but_o as_o the_o presbytery_n retain_v of_o the_o absolute_a power_n over_o their_o moderator_n be_v both_o their_o privilege_n by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o also_o the_o great_a check_n of_o all_o abuse_n incident_a through_o his_o weakness_n or_o malice_n so_o it_o be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o praeses_fw-la over_o they_o with_o a_o power_n appertain_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a right_n during_o life_n and_o not_o commit_v to_o he_o by_o a_o revocable_a mandat_fw-la that_o not_o only_o elevate_v the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la to_o his_o distinguish_a superiority_n and_o dignity_n but_o in_o effect_n contain_v the_o seminal_a cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n that_o have_v thereon_o ensue_v now_o from_o these_o thing_n thus_o explain_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o fix_a praesesâ—rom_n â—rom_z our_o moderator_n appear_v manifest_o to_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o former_a import_v a_o ordinary_a settle_a office_n include_v a_o proper_a right_n and_o power_n to_o the_o person_n thereto_o appoint_v whereas_o the_o late_a do_v only_o imply_v a_o bare_a exercise_n whole_o dependent_a upon_o the_o presbytery_n pleasure_n 2._o that_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o first_o do_v derogat_n from_o the_o presbytery_n right_a by_o transfer_v it_o upon_o he_o whereas_o after_o the_o nomination_n of_o the_o second_o the_o presbytery_n right_o remain_v still_o entire_a and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v impair_v by_o the_o entrust_v of_o a_o particular_a member_n with_o its_o mere_a actual_a exercise_n 3._o the_o fix_a praeses_fw-la deprive_v the_o presbytery_n of_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o their_o liberty_n he_o be_v exempt_v from_o their_o arbitrarie_a control_n and_o power_n of_o change_v whereas_o our_o moderator_n be_v altogether_o obnoxious_a to_o their_o determination_n 4._o the_o fix_a praeses_fw-la be_v create_v by_o a_o deed_n convoy_v a_o right_n whereas_o our_o moderator_n be_v make_v by_o simple_a mandat_fw-la impart_v nothing_o save_v a_o precarious_a trust_n 5._o iâ—_n a_o allusion_n may_v add_v light_a the_o praeses_fw-la be_v set_v up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v head_n whereas_o the_o moderator_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n only_o appoint_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o meeting_n 6._o the_o praeses_fw-la his_o right_a and_o power_n and_o superiority_n do_v necessary_o attribute_v unto_o he_o a_o special_a eminency_n of_o dignity_n whereas_o our_o moderator_n
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 as_o they_o sell_v be_v authorize_v &_o order_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o thereafter_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n restore_v and_o impower_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o person_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a and_o declare_v arbiter_n by_o right_a of_o his_o crown_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o both_o be_v call_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v sit_v and_o act_n by_o vertew_n of_o a_o power_n acknowledge_v a_o subordination_n unto_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o sovereignty_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o be_v also_o to_o he_o make_v accountable_a i_o grant_v that_o for_o better_a conceal_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o supremacy_n &_o prelacy_n the_o present_a meeting_n be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o same_o bound_n &_o much_o under_o the_o same_o form_n and_o name_n with_o the_o old_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o see_v their_o precarious_a dependence_n on_o bishop_n with_o the_o bishop_n their_o proper_a &_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o the_o church_n be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o above_o cite_v act._n 1662._o that_o therefore_o the_o present_a church-government_n as_o it_o be_v freqent_o call_v in_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n so_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v his_o majesty_n government_n and_o not_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v not_o invest_v he_o therewith_o either_o by_o deputation_n or_o surrender_n be_v evident_a above_o exception_n neither_o be_v these_o thing_n so_o only_o in_o the_o law_n and_o appointment_n as_o be_v by_o some_o allege_a no_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o bishop_n their_o depose_n and_o suspend_v in_o synod_n after_o have_v ask_v mere_o pro_fw-la forma_fw-la the_o advice_n of_o a_o few_o next_o to_o they_o without_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a their_o renverse_v the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n &_o control_v whole_a synod_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o his_o majesty_n grant_v of_o the_o high_a commission_n impower_v secular_o to_o appoint_v minister_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o deposition_n and_o suspension_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_n to_o punish_v by_o fine_v consign_v &_o imprison_a his_o remove_n and_o place_v bishop_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o his_o late_a grant_v a_o commission_n of_o oversight_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o the_o diocese_n of_o glasgow_n to_o he_o who_o most_o scruple_v at_o a_o patent_n of_o the_o bishopric_n because_o of_o its_o temporality_n these_o example_n i_o say_v do_v clear_o bring_v up_o our_o practice_n the_o full_a length_n of_o all_o enact_v have_v thus_o explain_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o present_a ecclesiastic_a constitution_n in_o its_o authority_n principle_n and_o practice_n whole_o different_a from_o any_o model_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v in_o this_o church_n i_o think_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o method_n i_o may_v leave_v the_o description_n of_o the_o present_a prebytery_n and_o 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 aneâ—â—_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 lawâ—_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