performance_n of_o what_o be_v swear_v be_v like_a to_o hinder_v a_o great_a good_a that_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o not_o keep_v the_o oath_n that_o in_o that_o case_n a_o oath_n bind_v not_o at_o all_o protestant_n casuist_n as_o bishop_n sanderson_n do_v deny_v this_o principle_n without_o limitation_n thus_o express_v yet_o do_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v true_a when_o there_o concur_v some_o other_o thing_n as_o usual_o there_o do_v which_o may_v render_v the_o oath_n void_a or_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o unlawful_a or_o lose_v from_o it_o the_o impeditiveness_n of_o great_a good_a there_o have_v weight_n but_o we_o may_v say_v albeit_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o null_n or_o void_v of_o a_o oath_n yet_o if_o the_o stand_n to_o it_o be_v find_v impeditive_a of_o a_o great_a good_a to_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o a_o prior_n obligation_n than_o the_o oath_n be_v a_o obstacle_n of_o such_o a_o great_a good_a cease_v to_o bind_v the_o swearer_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v swear_v never_o to_o go_v near_o such_o a_o river_n or_o water_n have_v once_o be_v in_o hazard_n there_o yet_o where_o he_o see_v at_o some_o distance_n from_o it_o his_o brother_n like_a to_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o save_v his_o life_n the_o prior_n and_o great_a bond_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o god_n law_n command_v that_o bind_v he_o to_o go_v help_v his_o brother_n and_o lose_v he_o from_o his_o oath_n and_o as_o to_o our_o case_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o the_o clear_n upon_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o non-obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o second_o article_n the_o matter_n thereof_o still_o suppose_v as_o indifferent_a and_o episcopacy_n not_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n may_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v that_o there_o be_v by_o adhere_v to_o that_o oath_n as_o still_o bind_v a_o obstacle_n put_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o a_o great_a good_a and_o of_o great_a necessity_n and_o to_o the_o seek_v after_o that_o great_a good_a which_o we_o be_v pre-obliged_n by_o former_a bond_n to_o labour_v after_o be_v not_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n lie_v upon_o minister_n woe_n to_o we_o if_o we_o preach_v not_o and_o lie_v upon_o many_o minister_n antecedent_o to_o the_o â—aking_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o upon_o adhere_v to_o that_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o article_n prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o that_o great_a duty_n whereto_o we_o be_v pre-obliged_n shall_v it_o still_o be_v thlought_v to_o bind_v so_o that_o rather_o than_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v god_n lose_v we_o by_o a_o former_a obligation_n to_o a_o great_a duty_n we_o will_v by_o adhere_v to_o it_o put_v ourselves_o in_o incapacity_n according_a to_o law_n to_o serve_v any_o long_o in_o the_o ministry_n do_v there_o not_o also_o lie_v upon_o we_o all_o pre-obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n not_o against_o god_n law_n such_o as_o now_o episcopacy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o good_a of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o prevent_v horrid_a confusion_n which_o as_o matter_n go_v can_v be_v avoid_v by_o stick_v at_o that_o article_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n that_o shall_v arise_v from_o tender_v these_o great_a interest_n be_v as_o much_o and_o more_o than_o any_o peace_n of_o conscience_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o keep_v the_o oath_n which_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v any_o may_v perhaps_o upon_o examination_n be_v find_v rather_o a_o piece_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o will_n than_o peace_n of_o the_o conscience_n god_n have_v loose_v and_o set_v free_a conscience_n from_o that_o bond_n in_o hoc_fw-la rerum_fw-la statu_fw-la but_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o observe_v anent_o oath_n or_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o a_o covenant_n or_o oath_n though_o lawful_a and_o bind_a even_o in_o the_o strict_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o the_o rigid_a interpretation_n which_o some_o either_o through_o weakness_n or_o scruple_n or_o design_n may_v put_v upon_o it_o sometime_o soul_n may_v make_v snare_n of_o oath_n to_o themselves_o by_o overstretch_v they_o and_o so_o do_v run_v themselves_o into_o the_o perplexity_n they_o need_v not_o concern_v the_o covenant_n different_a interpretation_n and_o sense_n have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a interest_n of_o person_n of_o contrary_a judgement_n combine_v in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o the_o second_o article_n now_o in_o question_n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v if_o it_o be_v break_v by_o submission_n to_o or_o own_v the_o present_a episcopacy_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o scotland_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o overrigid_a strain_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o bend_v it_o against_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o clear_v of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o that_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o such_o church-office_n in_o scotland_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o that_o article_n there_o need_v not_o as_o to_o scotland_n a_o swear_v to_o extirpate_v office_n that_o be_v not_o in_o it_o at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o office_n there_o mention_v never_o be_v in_o it_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o timorcus_n pag._n 16._o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n intend_v nothing_o less_o in_o impose_v the_o covenant_n than_o the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o prelacy_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v resolve_v in_o parliament_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n that_o it_o be_v only_o intend_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o then_o establish_v in_o england_n and_o prâ—f_n p._n 23._o we_o do_v not_o say_v he_o think_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v against_o the_o primitive_a episcopacy_n which_o there_o he_o descrive_v to_o be_v a_o presidency_n of_o one_o minister_n over_o other_o so_o that_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o matter_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o when_o he_o explain_v the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o say_v it_o be_v only_o tyrannical_a bishop_n that_o be_v covenant_v against_o which_o baxter_n also_o call_v the_o sinful_a species_n of_o prelacy_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o disputation_n of_o church-government_n which_o he_o say_v be_v abjure_v only_o and_o not_o episcopacy_n and_o in_o that_o same_o dispute_n pag._n 4._o he_o declare_v that_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a minister_n since_o the_o reformation_n do_v judge_v episcopacy_n some_o of_o they_o lawful_a and_o some_o of_o they_o most_o fit_a and_o add_v that_o almost_o all_o of_o these_o that_o be_v of_o the_o late_a assâ—_n at_o westminster_n and_o most_o throughout_o the_o land_n do_v conform_v to_o episcopal_a government_n as_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o belieu_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o reconciliable_a to_o it_o moderate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v only_o establish_v they_o will_v submit_v to_o it_o as_o they_o do_v for_o he_o hear_v as_o he_o say_v but_o of_o few_o of_o they_o who_o have_v make_v recantation_n of_o their_o former_a conformity_n and_o contrary_o have_v know_v divers_a of_o they_o profess_v a_o reconciliableness_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o mr._n gataker_n do_v in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n profess_v his_o judgement_n thus_o mr_n baxter_n by_o who_o we_o may_v see_v their_o error_n or_o folly_n who_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o godly_a minister_n own_v episcopacy_n and_o also_o how_o reconciliable_a godly_a divine_n in_o the_o ass_n be_v to_o a_o regulate_v episcopacy_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o great_a grievance_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v redress_v be_v the_o bishop_n claim_n of_o a_o sole_a ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o court_n of_o lay_v chancellor_n etc._n etc._n set_v over_o minister_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o not_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n concur_v with_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o their_o preside_a and_o be_v superior_n in_o church-meeting_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a office_n mention_v under_o the_o name_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v abjure_v and_o therefore_o bishop_n be_v abjure_v mr._n vine_n in_o his_o consideration_n upon_o the_o king_n concession_n at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n will_v for_o lose_v this_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o incline_v to_o viz._n that_o as_o to_o
the_o seasonable_a case_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o church-government_n as_o noâ—_n reestablish_v by_o law_n brief_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n 1_o sam._n chap._n 15._o 22._o behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n confess_v suec_fw-la cap._n 14._o civilibus_fw-la legibus_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la pielate_fw-la non_fw-la pugnant_fw-la eo_fw-la cuique_fw-la christianus_n paret_fw-la promptiùs_fw-la quò_fw-la fide_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la imbutus_fw-la pleniùs_fw-la publish_a by_o order_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o evan_n tyler_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n 1662._o the_o case_n anent_o submission_n to_o the_o present_a church-government_n reestablish_v by_o law_n state_v and_o consider_v the_o exceed_a great_a bitterness_n of_o the_o continue_a and_o increase_a sad_a distraction_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n with_o charity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o shall_v put_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o most_o serious_a thought_n in_o consider_v how_o far_o they_o may_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o god_n without_o sin_n accommodate_v in_o follow_v unquestionable_a duty_n with_o and_o under_z the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o although_o as_o to_o a_o cordial_a allowance_n of_o the_o present_a change_n they_o can_v yet_o attain_v something_o remain_v whether_o of_o scruple_n or_o affection_n which_o make_v it_o unpleasing_a and_o their_o concurrence_n with_o it_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o their_o spirit_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v find_v no_o manifest_a transgression_n in_o concur_v under_o the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a duty_n they_o will_v wise_o put_v difference_n between_o gravamen_fw-la spiritus_fw-la and_o ligamen_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la something_o in_o the_o will_n that_o render_v they_o averse_a and_o the_o prevail_a clear_a light_n of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n to_o which_o how_o uneasy_a it_o be_v to_o attain_v in_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n they_o can_v tell_v who_o have_v true_o try_v it_o bind_v they_o up_o from_o concurrence_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o unlawful_a man_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o be_v zealous_a of_o his_o honour_n have_v need_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o their_o own_o zeal_n that_o it_o carry_v they_o not_o to_o the_o reject_v of_o a_o real_a duty_n which_o to_o their_o apprehension_n sit_v too_o near_o a_o sin_n minister_n who_o sober-mindedness_a do_v great_o become_v will_v look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o grave_a divine_a upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o countryman_n praefervidum_fw-la scotorum_fw-la ingenium_fw-la do_v not_o too_o much_o touch_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o advert_v lest_o at_o this_o time_n too_o great_a animosity_n contribute_v to_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o woeful_a division_n to_o be_v entail_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o evil_a whereof_o will_v preponder_v all_o the_o good_a that_o any_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v viz._n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o weaken_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_n religion_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n thereof_o the_o destroy_n of_o true_a charity_n and_o love_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o their_o profit_v under_o the_o several_a ministry_n they_o live_v under_o and_o the_o create_v continual_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o ordinary_a fruit_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n whereof_o we_o carry_v the_o sad_a mark_n to_o this_o day_n have_v teach_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o brotherly_a accommodation_n and_o concurrence_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v undoubted_a duty_n albeit_o brethren_n be_v of_o different_a judgement_n anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o meeting_n or_o capacity_n of_o person_n that_o act_n in_o these_o duty_n grave_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n accommodation_n be_v main_o labour_v for_o and_o far_o carry_v on_o between_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o that_o they_o may_v concur_v in_o common_a act_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n with_o a_o reserve_n of_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o several_a principle_n the_o independent_o think_v the_o presbyterian_o have_v no_o judicial_a authority_n in_o these_o meeting_n the_o presbyterian_o though_o account_v this_o a_o error_n yet_o be_v willing_a in_o common_a unquestionable_a duty_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o also_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o mr._n viner_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o account_v of_o un-preaching_a elder_n as_o of_o a_o humane_a device_n as_o now_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v account_v of_o by_o many_o brethren_n yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n without_o the_o intermixture_n of_o these_o yea_o of_o they_o double_v the_o number_n to_o preach_v presbyter_n in_o each_o meeting_n which_o give_v they_o a_o overswaying_a power_n in_o the_o government_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a duty_n be_v it_o not_o also_o well_o know_v that_o among_o ourselves_o in_o this_o church_n brethren_n do_v ordinary_o concur_v in_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n in_o do_v their_o duty_n with_o these_o who_o they_o charge_v with_o a_o sinful_a schism_n a_o thing_n as_o much_o against_o the_o covenant_n as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a for_o withdraw_a from_o the_o meeting_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n and_o when_o brethren_n thus_o charge_v do_v withdraw_v their_o concurrence_n in_o some_o duty_n by_o several_a passage_n in_o that_o paper_n entitle_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o state_n of_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n how_o that_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v construct_v of_o pag._n 21._o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o they_o homologate_v with_o the_o tenet_n and_o practice_n of_o separatism_n deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o concurrence_n in_o a_o lawful_a necessary_a duty_n because_o of_o the_o personal_a sin_n of_o fellow-actor_n in_o it_o and_o pag._n 28._o speak_v of_o their_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o judicatories_n as_o lawful_a because_o the_o man_n who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v there_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o representer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o draw_v very_o deep_a for_o say_v he_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n they_o must_v not_o join_v with_o any_o inferior_a judicatories_n where_o they_o be_v nor_o in_o any_o lawful_a act_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n more_o than_o in_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o much_o of_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a withdrawer_n from_o concurrence_n in_o necessary_a duty_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la de_fw-la te_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n between_o those_o commissioner_n and_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v look_v on_o as_o new_a unwarrant_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o there_o may_v be_v now_o reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o meeting_n where_o they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o assembly_n where_o these_o commissioner_n sit_v but_o not_o to_o divert_v to_o a_o dispute_n here_o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v new_a or_o unwarrantable_a or_o less_o warrantable_a than_o the_o office_n of_o these_o commissioner_n which_o wise_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o very_a like_o episcopal_a there_o be_v herein_o a_o parity_n that_o as_o these_o now_o be_v judge_v so_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o excepter_n against_o they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o unlawful_o officiate_a as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o be_v these_o quarreller_n reprove_v for_o withdraw_a from_o the_o general_a assembly_n upon_o that_o account_n shall_v not_o that_o reproof_n be_v take_v home_o in_o the_o present_a case_n by_o such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v divers_a weight_n and_o divers_a measure_n use_v in_o such_o parity_n of_o case_n again_o it_o be_v assert_v pag._n 37._o to_o be_v a_o divisive_a principle_n that_o man_n will_v not_o concur_v in_o lawful_a duty_n because_o these_o with_o who_o they_o join_v will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o their_o judgement_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n ibid._n they_o challenge_v they_o for_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o a_o uncontroverted_a duty_n because_o the_o direction_n to_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o assembly_n which_o they_o can_v not_o own_o it_o
that_o article_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la divisô_o but_o compositô_o which_o sure_v to_o mr._n baxter_n complex_fw-la frame_n and_o therefore_o assert_n that_o continue_v of_o bishop_n with_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n and_o ministerial_a meeting_n may_v be_v permit_v without_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o this_o learned_a man_n and_o other_o mention_v concede_fw-la what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o bend_v the_o covenant_n against_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v establish_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n not_o exclude_v but_o with_o consent_n of_o presbyter_n with_o as_o great_a moderation_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a episcopacy_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v than_o we_o stand_v bind_v against_o the_o english_a prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o dispute_v that_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o live_v under_o that_o frame_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n establishment_n among_o we_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o covenant_n describe_v to_o be_v renounce_v neither_o be_v we_o rash_o to_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o other_o church_n which_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o own_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o will_v allow_v we_o a_o discharge_n from_o meddle_v in_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_a in_o haste_n to_o give_v we_o any_o place_n or_o call_n in_o model_v their_o church-government_n to_o which_o all_o protestant_n church_n ought_v to_o pay_v reverence_n but_o again_o it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v in_o scotland_n fore_o from_o which_o the_o present_a be_v nothing_o different_a abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n before_o we_o have_v any_o deal_n with_o england_n anent_o change_n of_o their_o church-government_n ans_fw-fr if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o minister_n who_o reason_v with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o they_o be_v the_o prime_a promoter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o covenanter_n they_o who_o subscribe_v that_o covenant_n might_n with_o great_a liberty_n voice_n in_o a_o assembly_n concern_v episcopacy_n without_o prejudice_n notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n will_v persuade_v the_o doctor_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v as_o abjure_v episcopacy_n as_o the_o doctor_n thought_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o subscription_n have_v their_o liberty_n remain_v entire_a to_o voice_n for_o episcopacy_n in_o a_o assembly_n see_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n their_o four_o and_o ten_o demand_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o explication_n add_v anno_fw-la 1638._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o mention_v as_o abjure_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o abjure_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v but_o they_o who_o say_v so_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o abjure_v of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n import_v not_o a_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o deacon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n so_o call_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n canon_n sess_z 7._o as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n if_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o under_o that_o expression_n abjure_v these_o office_n neither_o do_v it_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n see_v these_o be_v part_n of_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n call_v hierarchy_n as_o well_o as_o this_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n more_o than_o of_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n but_o to_o abjure_v the_o hierarchy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o it_o also_o abjure_v his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n so_o far_o as_o he_o make_v they_o sacrament_n for_o sure_a order_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o marriage_n which_o he_o make_v two_o sacrament_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o be_v sacrament_n which_o the_o pope_n put_v on_o they_o even_o so_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v count_v and_o call_v wicked_a not_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o office_n comprehend_v under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a word_n hierarchy_n for_o then_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n shall_v be_v also_o count_v wicked_a and_o abjure_v but_o as_o to_o the_o dependence_n of_o all_o these_o office_n on_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n and_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o these_o office_n and_o flow_v from_o he_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v his_o depend_v on_o he_o corrupt_v by_o he_o there_o be_v wickedness_n in_o they_o or_o join_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v abjure_v as_o in_o another_o word_n of_o that_o covenant_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n be_v abjure_v yet_o in_o that_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o abjure_v but_o mean_a time_n the_o office_n themselves_o which_o be_v say_v to_o make_v up_o that_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o abjure_v nor_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v but_o purge_v from_o what_o be_v his_o or_o any_o dependence_n on_o he_o or_o corruption_n flow_v from_o he_o and_o so_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n among_o protestant_n bishop_n now_o be_v loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o make_v all_o christian_a bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n portion_v out_o to_o they_o such_o measure_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a as_o their_o style_n in_o this_o country_n import_v of_o old_a ego_fw-la n._n dei_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la sedis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la episcopus_fw-la i_o say_v the_o office_n of_o the_o protestant_n bishop_n be_v no_o more_o a_o part_n now_o of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n then_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o deacon_n but_o further_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n 1._o the_o enjoyner_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o subject_n be_v king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n he_o have_v himself_o with_o his_o family_n subscribe_v that_o oath_n and_o covenant_n give_v charge_n to_o all_o commissioner_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o realm_n to_o crave_v the_o same_o confession_n from_o their_o parishioner_n and_o proceed_v against_o the_o refuser_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o charge_n bear_v march_z 2._o 1580._o this_o be_v the_o first_o injunction_n for_o take_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n who_o favour_v it_o and_o profess_v it_o from_o papist_n who_o be_v sound_a practise_v with_o foreigner_n against_o he_o and_o it_o and_o for_o clear_v the_o king_n and_o his_o court_n from_o aspersion_n but_o that_o the_o king_n by_o that_o covenant_n intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o protestant_n episcopacy_n it_o be_v most_o improbable_a and_o by_o many_o thing_n the_o contrary_a appear_v 1._o the_o instrument_n in_o pen_v that_o covenant_n at_o the_o king_n command_n be_v mr._n john_n craig_n his_o minister_n a_o very_a learned_a man_n who_o but_o nine_o year_n before_o jan_n 12._o anno_fw-la 1571._o have_v give_v his_o consent_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o then_o do_v meet_v at_o leith_n that_o commissioner_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o join_v with_o these_o who_o the_o council_n shall_v appoint_v for_o settle_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o these_o commissioner_n he_o himself_o be_v one_o and_o with_o he_o dun_n the_o superintendent_n of_o angus_n winrame_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n and_o other_o the_o resolution_n they_o come_v to_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o most_o qualify_v of_o the_o ministry_n some_o choose_v by_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n to_o who_o vacant_a archbishoprics_a and_o bishopric_n may_v be_v dispon_v and_o they_o to_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o exerce_fw-la spiritual_fw-la jurisdiction_n in_o their_o several_a diocese_n and_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o they_o for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n
and_o for_o obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o according_o some_o be_v provide_v to_o bishopric_n at_o that_o time_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n in_o the_o follow_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n march_n 1571._o take_v exception_n at_o these_o article_n of_o agreement_n it_o be_v true_a at_o perth_n august_n 1572._o they_o receive_v the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o protestation_n it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o interim_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o learned_a penner_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n allow_v of_o bishop_n a_o few_o year_n before_o this_o covenant_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o evidence_n that_o he_o change_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o he_o do_v in_o that_o draught_n of_o the_o confession_n mean_v protestant_n bishop_n which_o then_o he_o approve_v by_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v abjure_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o king_n himself_o that_o he_o mind_v no_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o protestant_n bishop_n by_o that_o covenant_n may_v be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o when_o he_o and_o his_o family_n take_v that_o covenant_n and_o when_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o the_o subject_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n know_v in_o this_o church_n as_o a_o government_n by_o presbytery_n the_o whole_a government_n consist_v in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n exerce_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o or_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n of_o country_n who_o exercise_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n other_o government_n there_o be_v not_o but_o by_o some_o single_a person_n have_v power_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n quarrel_v what_o they_o do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v then_o real_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o king_n do_v swear_v himself_o or_o put_v other_o to_o swear_v against_o the_o church-government_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n and_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n till_o july_n 12_o 1580._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n mind_v not_o to_o swear_v down_o protestant_n episcopacy_n by_o that_o covenant_n for_o suppose_v the_o general_n assembly_n in_o that_o same_o year_n 1580_o july_n 12._o do_v pass_v a_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n the_o like_a whereof_o have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o this_o church_n before_o yet_o the_o very_a year_n follow_v 1581._o though_o the_o king_n and_o council_n have_v present_v the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o they_o and_o the_o people_n in_o several_a parish_n at_o their_o order_n or_o by_o their_o persuasion_n yet_o that_o very_o same_o year_n a_o act_n of_o council_n be_v make_v confirm_v express_o that_o agreement_n 1571._o at_o leith_n concern_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v do_v six_o month_n after_o the_o send_v the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n act_n for_o subscribe_v this_o be_v in_o october_n that_o in_o march_n 1581._o now_o be_v it_o any_o way_n probable_a that_o the_o king_n and_o council_n have_v they_o intend_v to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o confession_n shall_v within_o six_o month_n make_v a_o act_n for_o confirm_v a_o former_a agreement_n for_o establish_v episcopacy_n and_o this_o act_n of_o council_n be_v no_o secret_a for_o the_o king_n open_o avow_v it_o in_o the_o business_n concern_v montgomery_n bishop_n of_o glasgow_n who_o the_o king_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v process_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o accept_n a_o bishopric_n because_o as_o he_o say_v he_o have_v so_o late_o ratify_v the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n 1571._o neither_o do_v the_o assembly_n or_o any_o minister_n speak_v of_o that_o deed_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n albeit_o in_o these_o day_n they_o have_v a_o way_n of_o use_v liberty_n enough_o and_o more_o than_o be_v sit_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o intention_n of_o king_n and_o council_n who_o enjoin_v it_o first_o and_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o subject_n do_v not_o abjure_v episcopacy_n why_o shall_v the_o subject_n take_v themselves_o bind_v as_o swear_v down_o episcopacy_n by_o that_o oath_n see_v every_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o have_v declare_v that_o in_o that_o national_a covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o year_n 1580_o and_o they_o enjoin_v that_o all_o shall_v subscribe_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o many_o have_v do_v so_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v a_o covenant_n or_o oath_n when_o few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o man_n be_v live_v who_o take_v that_o covenant_n or_o if_o live_v few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la vinculum_fw-la personale_fw-la so_o say_v the_o casuist_n so_o no_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o define_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o dead_a man_n in_o take_v a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a unless_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o authentic_a express_a evidence_n that_o such_o be_v their_o meaning_n in_o take_v the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n in_o their_o life-time_n now_o all_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n have_v produce_v in_o their_o large_a act_n sess_z 16._o declare_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v anno_fw-la 1580._o amount_n to_o nothing_o more_o but_o this_o that_o before_o jul._n 1580._o at_o which_o time_n some_o month_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o subject_n the_o church_n be_v and_o have_v be_v some_o year_n labour_v against_o bishop_n who_o notwithstanding_o continue_v till_o after_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o that_o after_o the_o year_n 1580._o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n to_o that_o office_n by_o the_o assembly_n but_o all_o their_o citation_n of_o act_n come_v not_o to_o this_o point_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o word_n in_o it_o nor_o do_v these_o ancient_a assembly_n after_o 1580._o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n man_n be_v then_o live_v who_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v against_o covenant_n to_o admit_v of_o episcopacy_n but_o they_o go_v upon_o other_o ground_n in_o oppugn_v that_o office_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o assembly_n of_o minister_n who_o have_v take_v that_o covenant_n be_v never_o hear_v to_o plead_v against_o episcopacy_n though_o they_o love_v it_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n and_o that_o fifty_o eight_o year_n after_o when_o most_o or_o all_o of_o these_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o be_v wear_v out_o a_o generation_n rise_v that_o will_v plead_v that_o their_o ancestor_n take_v that_o covenant_n in_o that_o sense_n abjure_v episcopacy_n whereas_o there_o be_v in_o no_o act_n of_o these_o ancient_a assembly_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v or_o at_o the_o take_n of_o it_o any_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v their_o mind_n in_o take_v that_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o old_a abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n no_o nor_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o within_o six_o year_n after_o that_o year_n 1580._o a_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n thereto_o annex_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n prefer_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_v and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_a only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n it_o seem_v within_o six_o year_n the_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n retract_v the_o act_n of_o dundee_n 1581._o but_o 3._o strange_a it_o be_v that_o the_o company_n meet_v at_o glasgow_n a_o assembly_n against_o which_o as_o much_o be_v say_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n as_o against_o any_o other_o in_o our_o church_n have_v power_n