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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n according_a see_v word_n 2,821 5 3.5360 3 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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perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sco●land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v 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with_o such_o a_o qualify_a and_o distinctive_a sense_n and_o also_o the_o meaning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o composer_n and_o imposer_n for_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o prelacy_n be_v but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o delusion_n but_o now_o i_o hope_v to_o awaken_v this_o dreamer_n who_o add_v that_o unless_o we_o make_v it_o appeare●_n that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o the_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o fi●st_a mistake_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o ●his_n i_o hearty_o close_a and_o therefore_o see_v not_o to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n w●at_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v viz_o that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o among_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n or_o 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in_o these_o way_n proceed_v without_o the_o least_o
thing_n question_v be_v to_o we_o without_o doubt_n and_o only_o draw_v in_o debate_n by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o corrupt_a man_n not_o that_o i_o think_v that_o even_o in_o matter_n most_o certain_a bit●er_a passion_n revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n or_o malice_n be_v allowable_a nay_o this_o be_v rather_o my_o author_n supposition_n and_o his_o insinuation_n as_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v abundant_o obvious_a but_o as_o i_o be_o true_o persuade_v that_o all_o ●hese_fw-mi be_v in_o every_o case_n unworthy_a either_o of_o truth_n or_o a_o christian_a temper_n so_o i_o be_o assure_v a_o impartial_a discerner_n will_v find_v no_o less_o of_o vain_a contempt_n &_o saucy_a undervaluiug_n couch_v in_o the_o author_n be_v affect_v smoothness_n than_o there_o do_v appear_v of_o passion_n in_o the_o most_o impotent_a rail_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o the_o rod_n of_o pride_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n i_o have_v sometime_o use_v a_o rod_n for_o his_o 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the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o confidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a ●hings_n but_o if_o his_o own_o practice_n may_v have_v any_o more_o credit_n than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v easy_a according_a to_o his_o acceptation_n of_o peace_n both_o to_o redargue_v this_o his_o advice_n of_o falsehood_n and_o also_o to_o exhibit_v a_o more_o true_a account_n of_o his_o method_n for_o as_o in_o the_o small_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n by_o he_o acknowledge_v for_o such_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o on_o his_o side_n he_o have_v of_o late_o show_v a_o great_a zeal_n and_o confidence_n than_o ever_o he_o do_v heretofore_o in_o all_o the●e_n strange_a revelution_n and_o important_a occasion_n of_o testimony_n both_o against_o error_n and_o profanity_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o want_n of_o zeal_n ●or_a god_n together_o with_o his_o compliance_n with_o the_o uppermost_a power_n for_o the_o time_n have_v be_v his_o only_a advantage_n but_o why_o trifle_v i_o with_o such_o a_o person_n if_o we_o love_v either_o our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n true_a peace_n let_v we_o first_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n his_o righteousness_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n for_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o account_v nothing_o small_a or_o doubtful_a which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o wherein_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v visible_o concern_v whether_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v such_o or_o not_o i_o need_v not_o again_o affirm_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o da●k_n and_o such_o a_o pertinent_a reflection_n in_o t●e_v close_o of_o the_o example_n which_o the_o author_n 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entreat_v the_o question_n may_v he_o so_o stated●_n for_o he_o trust_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o ready_a rather_o to_o aba●e_v of_o that_o powe●_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_v even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v therefore_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o author_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n in_o as-much_a as_o we_o do_v not_o only_o question_v the_o power_n but_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o fix_a praeses_fw-la for_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o church_n a_o mere_a fomentation_n of_o pride_n and_o in_o its_o tendency_n be_v inductive_a of_o the_o high_a usurpation_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v therefore_o by_o we_o express_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 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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
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o 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the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v 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the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ●oub●ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o 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 the_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 counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
that_o very_a covenant_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o so_o many_o as_o the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o scruple_v and_o for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v this_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o illegal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_n of_o it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o persuade_v it_o be_v certain_o most_o pertinent_a if_o it_o be_v true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistence_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n and_o as_o both_o these_o assertion_n i_o believe_v upon_o the_o exact_a if_o impartial_a and_o impassionat_a inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a so_o they_o be_v own_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o themselves_o have_v publish_v their_o opinion_n in_o print_n under_o this_o title_n two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n humble_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o reverend_a minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n print_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1661._o beside_o other_o passage_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n page_z 11_o and_o 12._o be_v these_o word_n and_o as_o these_o be_v our_o general_a end_n and_o motive_n so_o we_o be_v induce_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o synodical_a government_n conjunct_a with_o a_o fix_a presidency_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o other_o term_n will_v be_v so_o general_o agree_v on_o etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a government_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o more_o universal_a concord_n if_o ever_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o blessing_n however_o it_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o well_o inform_v conscience_n 3._o it_o will_v promote_v the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n &_o godliness_n without_o disorder_n and_o promote_v order_n without_o hinder_v discipline_n and_o godliness_n 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silence_v though_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o menton_fw-fr it_o that_o it_o will_v save_v the_o nation_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n without_o wrong_v the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o break_v any_o other_o oath_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o they_o add_v that_o the_o prelacy_n disclaim_v in_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o engross_a o●_n the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n absolute_o by_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o there_o delegate_n chancellor_n surrogate_v and_o official_o etc._n etc._n exclude_v whole_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o all_o share_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v one_o of_o prime_a note_n among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o large_a treatise_n of_o church-government_n do_v clear_o evince_v that_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v express_o declare_v it_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o only_o against_o the_o particular_a frame_n as_o it_o be_v word_v in_o the_o article_n itself_o for_o our_o principal_a model_n in_o england_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wrong_a to_o make_v that_o supposition_n concern_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o mistake_n the_o brethren_n that_o be_v dissatisfy_v have_v possible_o better_a acquit_v their_o duty_n by_o free_a admonition_n and_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o all_o thing_n then_o by_o leave_v of_o their_o station_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v the_o breach_n i_o fear_v very_o hard_o to_o cure_v and_o in_o humane_a appearance_n near_o to_o incurable_a but_o there_o be_v much_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o as_o follow_v the_o dictat_fw-la of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o they_o owe_v and_o i_o hope_v pay_v the_o same_o back_n again_o to_o these_o that_o do_v the_o same_o in_o another_o way_n &_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ready_a &_o happy_a way_n of_o reunite_a those_o that_o be_v mutual_o so_o mind_v the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o in_o due_a time_n this_o one_o word_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v arise_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o a●y_v man_n that_o calm_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o church_n no_o change_n at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o discipline_n itself_o but_o when_o it_o fall_v on_o matter_n easy_o inflammable_a how_o little_a a_o spark_n how_o great_a a_o fire_n will_v it_o kindle_v because_o every_o on_o have_v not_o the_o book_n i_o have_v transcribe_v here_o mr_n baxter_n own_o word_n baxt._n of_o church_n government_n 3._o p._n c._n 1._o p._n 276._o a_o episcopacy_n desirable_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fix_a precedent_n durante_fw-la vitâ_fw-la p._n 297._o p._n 330._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o be_v engage_v against_o all_o prelacy_n by_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o can_v yield_v to_o so_o much_o as_o you_o do_v without_o perjury_n ans._n that_o this_o be_v utter_o untrue_a i_o thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v present_v to_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o prelacy_n join_v to_o popery_n many_o grave_n and_o reverend_a divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v 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if_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v introduce_v and_o continue_v against_o their_o will_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o consider_v the_o thing_n without_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n official_o etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o article_n and_o be_v on_o purpose_n so_o express_v to_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy●_n and_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v 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praeses_fw-la it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o for_o the_o better_a defeat_v of_o this_o contrivance_n we_o resume_v the_o question_n &_o suppose_v this_o precedent_n to_o be_v both_o eligible_a &_o deposible_a by_o the_o very_a meeting_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o wave_v all_o o●her_a singularity_n inquire_v a_o little_a more_o accurat_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o wherein_o its_o difference_n from_o a_o ambulatory_a moderator_n do_v precise_o consist_v and_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o opposite_n then_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o present_a purpose_n to_o undervalue_v the_o difference_n inquire_v into_o unto_o the_o almost_o nothing_o of_o a_o formality_n depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o period_n of_o the_o two_o moderator_n their_o duration_n yet_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n wherein_o they_o or_o 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need_v to_o be_v advertise_v 3._o
parity_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o nor_o any_o other_o of_o his_o holy_a injunction_n of_o moderation_n humility_n meekness_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o church-government_n and_o all_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n over_o other_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o over_o their_o people_n if_o all_o imparity_n of_o rule_n in_o ecclesiastic_a person_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o great_a law_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v have_v be_v the_o first_o most_o signal_n transgressor_n it_o be_v answer_v if_o from_o the_o text_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o i_o be_v contend_v for_o a_o absolute_a parity_n in_o all_o respect_n among_o all_o church-officer_n and_o member_n in_o as_o much_o as_o thereby_o all_o their_o distinction_n with_o the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o pastor_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o without_o doubt_n the_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_o 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distinct_a answer_n 1._o that_o the_o parity_n by_o we_o plead_v be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o any_o of_o our_o lord_n holy_a injunction_n of_o moderation_n humility_n and_o meekness_n to_o insinuat_fw-la the_o tontrarie_a to_o be_v our_o assertion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o plain_a calumny_n see_v all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o high_a as_o well_o as_o the_o low_a of_o man_n constitute_v in_o lawful_a degree_n be_v liable_a to_o these_o sacred_a instruction_n but_o also_o a_o desingenuous_a artifice_n to_o make_v it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o take_v the_o command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o for_o a_o mere_a precept_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o thereby_o surrender_v one_o of_o our_o main_a argument_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v rather_o from_o the_o intimation_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o apostle_n their_o future_a condition_n then_o from_o any_o precept_n of_o humility_n that_o may_v be_v thence_o infer_v that_o it_o strong_o conclude_v my_o position_n 2._o although_o the_o command_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o do_v not_o prohibit_v the_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o church-officer_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a of_o our_o lord_n appointment_n which_o both_o manifest_a reason_n and_o the_o genuine_a import_n of_o the_o antithesis_fw-la do_v plain_o evince_v yet_o that_o all_o that_o superior_a eminency_n and_o coactive_a authority_n whereby_o the_o prince_n and_o great_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n be_v proper_o from_o other_o distinguish_v be_v here_o remove_v from_o church_n administration_n and_o lordly_a prelacy_n with_o all_o its_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n thereby_o discharge_v be_v obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n 3._o as_o these_o word_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n clear_v the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastic_a in_o opposition_n to_o secular_a rule_n so_o it_o be_v from_o the_o ensure_a ampliation_n but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n etc._n etc._n that_o consistentlie_o with_o the_o former_a declaration_n the_o parity_n by_o we_o plead_v of_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o order_n &_o all_o imparity_n whatsoever_o among_o church-officer_n result_v mere_o from_o a_o great_a eminency_n of_o place_n and_o dignity_n be_v utter_o exclude_v i_o say_v result_v mere_o from_o a_o great_a eminency_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a quality_n and_o employment_n and_o pastor_n and_o roll_a elder_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a charge_n be_v state_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o imparity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v but_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o imparity_n not_o from_o any_o special_a power_n trust_v or_o gift_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n but_o from_o a_o high_a place_n and_o dignity_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o large_a interest_n in_o the_o government_n confer_v by_o man_n upon_o the_o person_n therewith_o vest_v i_o affirm_v that_o not_o only_o among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o order_n but_o among_o all_o church-officer_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v a_o imparity_n of_o rule_n in_o ecclesiastic_a person_n as_o little_o countenance_v by_o the_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n over_o ●ther_n elder_n and_o deacons_n and_o the_o whole_a s●ock_n or_o by_o the_o apostle_n their_o practice_n as_o our_o lord_n discourse_n and_o command_v to_o the_o twelve_o upon_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o brother_n do_v certain_o condemn_v that_o proedrie_n whereunto_o they_o pretend_v as_o for_o our_o author_n anticipation_n viz._n that_o to_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a person_n will_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o their_o imparity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o rule_n say_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a transgressor_n it_o be_v like_o many_o other_o his_o mistake_n wherein_o th●_n glance_n of_o a_o inconsiderate_a fancy_n do_v very_o visiliet_a preoccupy_v his_o judgement_n for_o see_v the_o imparity_n which_o our_o lord_n do_v condemn_v and_o we_o do_v disow_v be_v a_o imparity_n consi●●ing_v in_o the_o inequality_n of_o place_n and_o dignity_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n and_o not_o that_o imparity_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o extraordinary_a office_n power_n or_o gift_n of_o our_o lord_n ordain_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o imparity_n of_o the_o apostle_n extraordinary_a officer_n compare_v with_o ordinary_a presbyter_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o contradict_v and_o that_o the_o author_n by_o imagine_v the_o answer_n of_o their_o be_v extraordinary_a person_n to_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a transgressor_n do_v only_o show_v his_o extraordinary_a inadvertence_n and_o real_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a order_n of_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v nevertheless_o most_o express_o state_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o their_o person_n all_o succeed_a pastor_n in_o a_o exact_a equality_n and_o clear_o discharge_v all_o pretension_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o majoritie_n or_o preference_n among_o they_o and_o that_o even_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la by_o any_o claim_n of_o succession_n to_o these_o superior_a officer_n at_o first_o by_o our_o lord_n institute_v i_o do_v not_o only_a wonder_n to_o find_v my_o author_n in_o this_o objection_n so_o foolish_o and_o raw_o confound_v the_o imparity_n of_o place_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n by_o we_o from_o god_n word_n reject_v with_o the_o imparity_n of_o order_n by_o the_o lord_n establish_v but_o be_o full_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o a_o fix_a precedent_n be_v yet_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o distin_a &_o order_n of_o superior_a prelate_n although_o in_o the_o seem_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o which_o we_o most_o intend_v in_o return_v whereunto_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o every_o inconsideration_n be_v not_o a_o just_a exception_n to_o make_v void_a a_o oath_n the_o author_n own_o inconsideration_n in_o this_o very_a allegiance_n be_v too_o manifest_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o that_o strait_a he_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o their_o church_n and_o nation_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o distraction_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o happy_a discovery_n nay_o that_o the_o very_o vex_a bishop_n shall_v not_o for_o their_o own_o peace_n have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o still_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o maintain_v a_o thing_n nothing_o repugnant_a to_o their_o pretension_n but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o serious_a i_o say_v true_a presbyterian-government_n do_v not_o admit_v among_o the_o lord_n minister_n of_o any_o state_v imparity_n either_o in_o power_n prerogative_n or_o presidency_n one_o or_o all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o controver●ed_a episcopacy_n therefore_o they_o be_v what_o all_o man_n hitherto_o constant_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o episcopacy_n by_o preserve_a union_n be_v perfective_a of_o presbytery_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o any_o lawful_a mean_a preserve_a union_n be_v indeed_o perfective_a of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o government_n but_o see_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o only_o not_o at_o all_o a_o mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o presbytery_n or_o its_o union_n what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o government_n or_o its_o union_n in_o general_n but_o be_v also_o in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o union_n never_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o more_o conducible_a than_o presbytery_n but_o either_o by_o the_o destroy_n or_o tyrannous_a suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n thereof_o by_o which_o the_o right_a side_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v maintain_v i_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o censure_v the_o author_n before_o go_v observe_v as_o pitiful_o groundless_a it_o be_v true_a our_o presbytery_n do_v not_o retain_v union_n as_o it_o be_v desire_v but_o what_o then_o if_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n do_v either_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n or_o avert_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o best_a of_o mean_n be_v therefore_o the_o mean_v itself_o to_o be_v condemn_v or_o if_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v no_o choice_n a_o mean_a shall_v be_v devise_v by_o man_n more_o promise_v in_o appearance_n as_o to_o that_o wherein_o the_o mean_v ordain_v have_v not_o through_o our_o fault_n be_v so_o successful_a and_o withal_o if_o this_o invention_n shall_v be_v infallible_o attend_v with_o far_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n ought_v we_o either_o in_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o shuffle_v out_o the_o former_a to_o make_v place_n for_o the_o late_a certain_o as_o these_o thing_n do_v exact_o quadrat_fw-la to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o accidental_a difference_n here_o object_v so_o the_o change_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o a_o humane_a device_n upon_o such_o a_o pretence_n be_v like_a to_o ieroboam_n policy_n who_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o kingdom_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n than_o that_o parity_n and_o straightness_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o the_o party_n their_o great_a power_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n insolent_a pride_n be_v due_o cousider_v the_o oligarchik_a model_n of_o the_o author_n episcopoacie_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o object_v division_n than_o the_o lowly_a and_o equal_a presbytery_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o can_v refer_v their_o prevention_n except_o unto_o the_o over-awe_n either_o o●_n the_o papal_a tyranny_n or_o of_o a_o more_o absurd_a supremacy_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o to_o be_v the_o ultimat_fw-la progress_n of_o these_o vain_a delusion_n but_o have_v former_o meet_v with_o almost_o the_o same_o alledgeancee_n i_o proceed_v the_o author_n add_v and_o again_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o substance_n be_v salve_v in_o the_o present_a model_n their_o obligation_n be_v abundant_o preserve_v it_o be_v ans._n seeing_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v principal_o attend_v both_o in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o observation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o take_v of_o it_o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o oath_n although_o of_o its_o subject_n abstract_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v only_o a_o circumstance_n the_o distinction_n as_o here_o apply_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o captious_a than_o pertinent_a now_o that_o the_o thing_n chief_o intend_v in_o that_o article_n to_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o in_o be_v be_v to_o preserve_v presbytery_n from_o the_o reinvasion_n of_o all_o these_o corruptious_a from_o which_o it_o have_v be_v before_o so_o late_o vindicat_fw-la and_o reform_v and_o that_o of_o these_o corruptious_a the_o controvert_v presidencie_n or_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o notour_n that_o i_o can_v but_o marvel_v at_o the_o author_n so_o perverse_a dispute_n in_o the_o contrary_n but_o he_o say_v if_o no_o chip_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o the_o then_o presbyterian_a government_n may_v be_v alter_v even_o to_o the_o better_a then_o be_v the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o article_n anent_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n illusorie_n and_o a_o perfect_a cheat_n in_o as_o much_o as_o though_o the_o same_o rule_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o recee_n from_o the_o then_o frame_v of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n thus_o the_o author_n according_a to_o his_o accustom_a deceit_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o a_o alteration_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n do_v manifest_o intend_v and_o prosecut_v it_o with_o all_o the_o might_n and_o craft_n that_o they_o can_v adhibit_v yet_o for_o to_o delude_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n s●icketh_v not_o by_o insinuate_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v but_o chip_n and_o circumstance_n flat_o to_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o clear_a scripture_n &_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o this_o constant_a presidency_n in_o steed_n of_o be_v a_o chip_n or_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n repugnant_a to_o that_o parity_n which_o our_o lorth_n have_v command_v and_o wherein_o true_a presbytery_n be_v essential_o found_v and_o therefore_o be_v by_o we_o eject_v and_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o covenant_n establish_v in_o its_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o here_o except_v by_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a cavillation_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o it_o may_v well_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o ●aires_n with_o the_o covenant_n as_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o no_o such_o redargution_n of_o all_o calumny_n object_v as_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n the_o article_n question_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o head_n discover_v by_o divine_a light_n and_o after_o much_o wrestle_v recover_v from_o man_n corruption_n be_v direct_o and_o plain_o engage_v unto_o so_o such_o extrinseck_n and_o lesser_a circumstance_n as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o only_o determinable_a by_o a_o prudence_n regulat_fw-la by_o the_o general_a scripture-rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n either_o question_v or_o reform_v be_v not_o in_o this_o obliton_n of_o our_o oath_n otherwise_o comprehend_v or_o thereby_o render_v unalterable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o article_n oblige_v to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o same_o point_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n which_o qualification_n adject_v although_o through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v give_v the_o principal_a occasion_n both_o to_o perversion_n and_o calumny_n
religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o ●_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o inco●herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o sel●_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o wo●k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a lo●d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o 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