until_o the_o year_n 1590._o towit_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o set_n down_o and_o swear_v of_o this_o abjuration_n and_o therefore_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v be_v then_o condemn_v in_o the_o abjuration_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o for_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v condemn_v that_o which_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v approve_v and_o practise_v three_o notwithstanding_o that_o act_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n yet_o these_o point_n of_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o express_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a by_o that_o whole_a assembly_n wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v call_v in_o question_n anno_fw-la 1575._o 1576._o as_o shall_v be_v evident_o clear_v when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o discuss_v the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n four_o those_o point_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a head_n damn_v and_o confute_v by_o god_n word_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n then_o of_o a_o long_a time_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n contain_v either_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o profess_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n contrary_a to_o these_o point_n of_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o brethren_n or_o more_o particular_a flock_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o point_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v damn_v then_o by_o god_n word_n or_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o so_o this_o passage_n do_v not_o more_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o purpose_n than_o the_o former_a chap._n ix._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o those_o word_n we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o this_o passage_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o false_a citation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a two_o yet_o be_v there_o as_o great_a impertinency_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v assume_v upon_o this_o proposition_n to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n and_o therefore_o detest_a and_o abjure_v but_o if_o this_o assumption_n be_v true_a than_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a monarch_n and_o the_o divers_a degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n distinguish_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o charge_n over_o all_o the_o particular_a flock_n in_o judea_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o their_o fellow-labourer_n titâ—u_o timothy_n and_o other_o have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preheâ—ninence_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n as_o bishop_n have_v now_o which_o may_v be_v qualify_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o venerable_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o live_v either_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o near_o to_o they_o so_o likewise_o those_o reverend_a father_n themselves_o as_o polycarpus_n ignatius_n cyprian_n austin_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v esteem_v no_o better_o yea_o likewise_o our_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o province_n shall_v have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n so_o that_o the_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n must_v be_v think_v to_o have_v instead_o of_o a_o laudable_a reformation_n bring_v in_o a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o the_o principal_a word_n which_o they_o do_v most_o urge_v be_v the_o last_o câ—â—â—se_n of_o this_o passage_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v make_v clear_a as_o they_o allege_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v what_o be_v make_v clear_a in_o the_o assembly_n we_o know_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o clear_a god_n willing_a to_o 〈◊〉_d who_o eye_n be_v not_o blind_v with_o partial_a affection_n that_o those_o reason_n produce_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o end_n thereof_o at_o length_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a they_o can_v bring_v be_v foolish_a childish_a and_o ridiculous_a unworthy_a of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v be_v account_v among_o the_o people_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v to_o discuss_v their_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o explain_v the_o word_n hierarchy_n and_o show_v what_o hierarchy_n be_v here_o condemn_v first_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o the_o ancient_a grocian_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o certain_a magistracy_n the_o charge_n whereof_o be_v to_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o of_o temple_n altar_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v translate_v by_o anâ—ient_a christian_a writer_n to_o signify_v the_o sacred_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v even_o in_o presbyterial_a government_n there_o be_v three_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v charge_n of_o sacred_a thing_n of_o distinct_a power_n and_o authority_n towit_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o those_o order_n may_v be_v â—afely_o call_v a_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n they_o who_o understand_v the_o greek_a word_n know_v perfect_o that_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a thing_n or_o a_o holy_a government_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o these_o ecclesiastical_a function_n have_v every_o one_o their_o own_o point_n of_o government_n and_o that_o about_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o abhor_v the_o word_n since_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o to_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v it_o because_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o ethnic_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v abhor_v for_o this_o cause_n more_o than_o the_o word_n episcopus_fw-la presbyter_fw-la and_o pastor_n which_o do_v signify_v also_o among_o the_o ethnic_n certain_a office_n or_o magistracy_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o their_o writing_n or_o be_v it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n neither_o can_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v reject_v take_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n and_o separate_v papistical_a corruption_n from_o it_o more_o than_o the_o other_o title_n give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n which_o all_o have_v be_v abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o that_o this_o word_n hierarchy_n may_v be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o will_v bring_v no_o other_o testimony_n than_o that_o of_o calvin_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n he_o in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-la nâ—cessitatâ—_n refâ—rmanda_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n say_v if_o they_o will_v set_v we_o down_o such_o a_o hierarchy_n wherein_o bishop_n have_v so_o pre-eminence_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n depend_v from_o he_o as_o from_o their_o head_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o wherein_o they_o do_v so_o entertain_v society_n amoâ—gst_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v but_o by_o his_o truth_n then_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o thâ—se_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v exâ—crable_a who_o will_v not_o reverence_v such_o a_o hierarchy_n and_o with_o all_o humble_a obedience_n receive_v the_o same_o where_o we_o see_v that_o calvin_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n neither_o wicked_a nor_o antichristian_a and_o such_o be_v this_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n wherein_o bishop_n
the_o inferior_a member_n to_o correct_v the_o head_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o exeme_v from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v albeit_o the_o bishop_n do_v decline_v upon_o many_o just_a reason_n this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n which_o be_v at_o length_n express_v in_o their_o declinature_n yet_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v decline_v from_o the_o same_o the_o last_o corruption_n they_o remark_n in_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o a_o law_n if_o any_o omit_v that_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o personal_a fault_n it_o be_v great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a office_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v then_o condemn_v in_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v not_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o nomination_n or_o election_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o be_v nominate_v and_o present_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o those_o of_o the_o chapton_n only_o and_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o move_v they_o â—o_z despiteful_o to_o condemn_v that_o estate_n in_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o require_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v their_o commission_n only_o from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n they_o will_v have_v condescend_v to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o their_o function_n 1._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o they_o confess_v that_o albeit_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n have_v not_o power_n over_o more_o â—locks_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n they_o may_v exercise_v it_o lawful_o 2._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o both_o party_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o among_o the_o pastor_n one_o may_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v certain_a bound_n comprehend_v many_o particular_a parish_n and_o therein_o to_o plant_v minister_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a petition_n they_o make_v to_o the_o regent_n be_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n excepâ—_z such_o as_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n ought_v to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o have_v be_v do_v we_o see_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a flock_n their_o sit_n in_o council_n and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n to_o have_v be_v lawful_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o then_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n such_o a_o commission_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o point_n of_o their_o office_n how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v exercise_v they_o lawful_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a exception_n against_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n this_o commission_n 1._o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n this_o commission_n to_o exercise_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o representative_a church_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o bishop_n over_o certain_a bound_n over_o the_o which_o they_o receive_v jurisdiction_n as_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bound_n of_o asia_n minor_a thereabouts_o commission_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o receive_v or_o repel_v accusation_n give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o by_o consequent_a to_o judge_v and_o correct_v or_o censure_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n receive_v titus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o creta_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n unto_o other_o in_o these_o nation_n where_o they_o travel_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o that_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o call_v in_o controversy_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v except_o those_o who_o will_v impudent_o deny_v all_o tâ—rue_a record_n of_o antiquity_n since_o all_o the_o oâ—thodox_a father_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o do_v with_o unanimous_a consent_n testify_v the_o same_o the_o which_o commission_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o of_o succeed_a age_n confirm_v by_o continual_a practice_n uncontrolled_a for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by_o any_o orthodox_a writer_n until_o this_o last_o age_n that_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n begin_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 3._o the_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o can_v not_o have_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o commonwealth_n yet_o so_o soon_o as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n authorize_v by_o law_n than_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o civil_a law_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o better_a obedience_n thereto_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o do_v earnest_o supplicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o some_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n may_v have_v place_n in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n whereby_o law_n be_v establish_v to_o further_a therein_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n nè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la the_o which_o supplication_n christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a zeal_n do_v grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v authorise_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n to_o sit_v in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o privilege_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a prelate_n do_v enjoy_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o advancement_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n moâ—e_n wicked_a sacrilege_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o privilege_n than_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o these_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v sacrilegious_a in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o sacrilegious_a in_o the_o other_o 4._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o history_n that_o since_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n therein_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n do_v not_o only_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n but_o also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o do_v much_o good_a by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n to_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n before_o popish_a tyranny_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v any_o formal_a parliament_n in_o scotland_n the_o prelate_n make_v up_o the_o three_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v 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asinus_fw-la i_o confess_v that_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o syllogism_n in_fw-la primâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la by_o convert_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o universal_a as_o quic_fw-la quid_fw-la habet_fw-la aures_fw-la est_fw-la asinus_fw-la tu_fw-la habes_fw-la aures_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o the_o major_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o so_o likewise_o their_o syllogism_n may_v be_v deduce_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o convert_v the_o major_a and_o make_v it_o universal_a but_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o their_o proposition_n thus_o all_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n but_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o episcopal_a government_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o so_o the_o major_n be_v evident_o also_o false_a neither_o do_v their_o reason_n any_o way_n prove_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v aswell_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o order_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o primitive_a church_n after_o they_o be_v the_o popish_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o therein_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o likewise_o that_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o they_o grant_v that_o their_o pastor_n be_v bishop_n their_o elder_n presbyter_n and_o their_o deacon_n be_v ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o but_o they_o seem_v to_o object_v that_o their_o deacon_n be_v not_o preach_v and_o baptise_v deacon_n as_o we_o be_v and_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o only_a distributer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a good_n i_o answer_v their_o deacon_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o as_o unlike_o to_o apostolic_a deacon_n and_o therefore_o our_o deacon_n and_o popish_a deacon_n more_o christian_n and_o like_a to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o stephen_n who_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o deacon_n be_v a_o preacher_n and_o for_o his_o preach_n suffer_v martyrdom_n act._n 7._o philip_n be_v a_o deacon_n and_o yet_o both_o a_o preacher_n and_o baptizer_n act._n 8._o 5._o and_o 12._o and_o so_o we_o must_v esteem_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o deacon_n have_v the_o same_o power_n nor_o be_v they_o able_a to_o show_v the_o contrary_a we_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a therefore_o in_o this_o point_n rather_o to_o join_v with_o papist_n wherein_o they_o adhere_v to_o god_n word_n and_o sound_a antiquity_n than_o to_o their_o new_a invent_a opinion_n disagree_v from_o both_o this_o reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a informality_n thereof_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v well_o please_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o man_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o either_o will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o inquire_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v inquire_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n dare_v not_o publish_v their_o opinion_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writ_n because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n sess._n 23._o act._n 17._o prohibit_v any_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n or_o degree_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v against_o this_o assembly_n or_o any_o act_n thereof_o under_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n therefore_o leave_v the_o informality_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o answer_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o all_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o hierarchy_n we_o grant_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o we_o have_v declare_v but_o that_o all_o such_o be_v wicked_a and_o antichristian_a we_o deny_v and_o have_v even_o calvin_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o presbyterial_a discipline_n for_o our_o warrant_n as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o exception_n they_o make_v that_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n
therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o foolish_a logomachy_n or_o strife_n about_o word_n to_o allow_v the_o one_o title_n and_o condemn_v the_o other_o second_o it_o may_v aswell_o be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o minister_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o preach_v pastor_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v charge_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n to_o their_o roll_a elder_n only_a which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n apostle_n evangelist_n and_o bishop_n three_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o diocese_n or_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a parish_n first_o because_o there_o be_v point_n agree_v upon_o by_o both_o party_n before_o this_o assembly_n and_o approve_v by_o a_o special_a act_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o cap._n 11._o second_o because_o this_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n and_o visitor_n and_o long_o after_o this_o time_n four_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o power_n of_o convocation_n of_o synodal_a assembly_n and_o their_o moderation_n therein_o for_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v this_o power_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o superintendent_n as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o assembly_n cap._n 5._o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v lawful_a under_o any_o title_n whatsoever_o five_o neither_o do_v they_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o their_o sit_a and_o voice_n in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o other_o civil_a judicatory_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o that_o pastor_n may_v and_o shall_v assist_v their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o so_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n m._n robert_n pont_n who_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o commissioner_n of_o caithenes_n have_v licence_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v a_o civil_a judicatory_n that_o proviso_n which_o be_v add_v to_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o unlawfulness_n in_o the_o office_n provide_v they_o neglect_v not_o their_o own_o charge_n nor_o by_o flattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n if_o any_o do_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o personal_a fault_n and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n for_o bishop_n may_v do_v more_o good_a in_o those_o place_n for_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o long_a stay_n in_o edinburgh_n far_o from_o their_o own_o particular_a charge_n attend_v the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o to_o disturb_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o many_o of_o the_o covenant_a minister_n have_v do_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o since_o they_o be_v not_o account_v by_o the_o church_n unlawful_a in_o themselves_o how_o can_v this_o be_v that_o this_o assembly_n have_v just_o condemn_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o except_o the_o ambiguity_n lurk_v in_o these_o word_n which_o be_v there_o add_v and_o often_o repeat_v as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o scotland_n signify_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v bishop_n at_o that_o time_n which_o they_o do_v condemn_v and_o not_o episcopacy_n absolute_o it_o may_v be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v some_o corruption_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o who_o have_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o office_n aright_o retain_v some_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o for_o these_o personal_a fault_n the_o office_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v of_o itself_o since_o these_o corruption_n may_v have_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o office_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o by_o the_o new_a re-establishment_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o and_o certain_o they_o understand_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v remake_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o whereof_o some_o be_v corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o competent_a to_o that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o scotland_n by_o general_a assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n other_o of_o they_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n which_o can_v be_v convince_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o either_o by_o god_n word_n or_o testimony_n of_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o few_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o a_o little_a before_o show_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o proud_a dote_n about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim_n 6._o 4._o 2._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o they_o addict_v not_o themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o their_o diocese_n be_v their_o particular_a flock_n then_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o he_o to_o who_o the_o general_a charge_n of_o many_o parish_n be_v commit_v shall_v astrict_v himself_o to_o one_o parish_n only_o nor_o can_v the_o contrary_a be_v convince_v from_o god_n word_n wherein_o we_o find_v no_o such_o division_n of_o parish_n as_o be_v now_o 3._o they_o challenge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v call_v lord_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o first_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o call_v lord_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o rule_n over_o their_o brethren_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o temporal_a lordship_n bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o liberality_n of_o prince_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o council_n then_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n like_o as_o dominus_fw-la in_o latin_a and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la greek_a be_v sometime_o a_o word_n signify_v absolute_a and_o illimitated_a dominion_n so_o we_o see_v that_o divers_a emperor_n albeit_o in_o effect_n they_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n yet_o do_v they_o refuse_v often_o the_o title_n of_o dominus_fw-la because_o it_o be_v odious_a to_o people_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n bishop_n be_v not_o call_v lord_n neither_o do_v they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o such_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a dominion_n as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n but_o otherwise_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v only_o a_o word_n of_o honour_n competent_a to_o every_o man_n of_o respect_n to_o who_o it_o please_v the_o prince_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o give_v that_o title_n as_o in_o france_n we_o see_v the_o bishop_n be_v no_o otherwise_o intitute_v than_o other_o ordinary_a gentleman_n call_v they_o mounsieur_fw-fr so_o likewise_o in_o spain_n and_o italy_n signior_n which_o title_n be_v also_o give_v to_o any_o other_o man_n of_o worth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n whereby_o this_o title_n of_o lord_n be_v give_v to_o bishop_n and_o not_o for_o any_o absolute_a dominion_n they_o arrogate_v thereby_o 4._o they_o account_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v further_a bound_n to_o visit_v than_o they_o may_v lawful_o they_o will_v say_v convenient_o but_o that_o corruption_n may_v easy_o be_v amend_v by_o division_n of_o the_o diocese_n as_o be_v late_o do_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o st._n andrews_n without_o abolish_n the_o whole_a office_n 5._o that_o a_o pastor_n shall_v have_v criminal_a jurisdiction_n we_o answer_v they_o have_v not_o this_o as_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o privilege_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n annex_v to_o their_o temporal_a land_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o by_o their_o steward_n or_o bailifâ—es_n 6._o they_o count_v it_o a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n or_o presbytery_n this_o be_v but_o a_o suppose_a corruption_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n indeed_o and_o a_o most_o uncomely_a and_o confuse_a disorder_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o
his_o majesty_n both_o before_o this_o time_n at_o this_o time_n and_o after_o do_v show_v evident_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o divers_a protestation_n against_o those_o assembly_n which_o press_v to_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o presentation_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o place_n whensoever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a as_o he_o do_v at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n present_a m._n rob._n montgomery_n to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n see_v then_o that_o this_o abjuration_n or_o confession_n call_v it_o as_o they_o please_v be_v frame_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v abjure_v it_o must_v be_v also_o presuppon_v that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v swear_v or_o subscribe_v the_o same_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n otherwise_o they_o do_v swear_v false_o sophystical_o and_o by_o equivocation_n therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o honest_a man_n who_o have_v a_o efold_a and_o upright_a meaning_n in_o take_v their_o oath_n neither_o can_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o give_v any_o sure_a warrant_n to_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o king_n meaning_n for_o if_o this_o abjuration_n or_o covenant_n have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o there_o have_v be_v some_o appearance_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n now_o may_v give_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n act_n and_o the_o oath_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o the_o subject_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n especial_o such_o a_o unformall_a and_o unlawful_a one_o as_o this_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o false_a and_o vain_a fear_n wherewith_o they_o will_v burden_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v fearful_o perjure_v by_o establish_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretend_a oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v rather_o forswear_v and_o perjure_a who_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o their_o first_o oath_n have_v by_o their_o new_a rebellious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o have_v take_v their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o now_o by_o persuasion_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v break_v their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v their_o authority_n and_o ratify_v their_o disobedience_n by_o another_o oath_n be_v evident_o forswear_v as_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v do_v let_v they_o in_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n search_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o prick_v thereby_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o four_o several_a sentence_n of_o the_o abjuration_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o first_o have_v now_o show_v that_o neither_o by_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o by_o the_o appendix_n thereof_o call_v abjuration_n nor_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o by_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n here_o controvert_v be_v condemn_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n to_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v neither_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o perfect_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o a_o late_a foundation_n and_o may_v be_v in_o sum_n reduce_v to_o three_o sort_n first_o they_o bring_v certain_a break_a sentence_n â—ut_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o call_v the_o confession_n than_o some_o act_n of_o their_o late_a general_n assembly_n and_o three_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o they_o bring_v four_o several_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n falsify_v and_o wrest_v they_o strange_o as_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v some_o show_n of_o prove_v their_o determination_n the_o first_o passage_n be_v in_o these_o word_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n the_o second_o be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a nad_z particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o four_o be_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a to_o all_o these_o passage_n that_o by_o none_o of_o they_o be_v either_o episcopal_a government_n abjure_v for_o first_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o their_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o their_o charge_n over_o moc_fw-fr particular_a flock_n or_o of_o presbytery_n of_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o except_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o secret_a meaning_n these_o passage_n can_v serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o both_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n whereof_o this_o abjuration_n be_v a_o appendix_n and_o by_o the_o explain_a meaning_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o who_o appointment_n this_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereunto_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v thereby_o abjure_v and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sâ—nse_n can_v be_v able_a to_o pâ—ove_v their_o purpose_n second_o we_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n m._n alexander_n henrison_n and_o his_o associate_n the_o 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themselves_o jesuitical_a temporizer_n and_o time-server_n en_fw-fr grain_n abuse_v
that_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o have_v disouss_v those_o passage_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v in_o like_o manner_n to_o the_o act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o another_o and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n albeit_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o judicious_a reader_n out_o of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o assembly_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n we_o must_v consider_v they_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o end_n than_o we_o may_v show_v what_o weight_n and_o force_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n those_o act_n here_o cite_v by_o they_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a answer_n without_o tautology_n may_v be_v 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so_o bold_a a_o traitor_n but_o he_o find_v minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o countenance_v he_o and_o approve_v his_o do_n both_o private_o and_o public_o as_o witness_v their_o applaud_v the_o earl_n of_o bothwell_n in_o his_o treasonable_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o those_o money_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o geneva_n a_o part_n be_v employ_v to_o wage_v soldier_n for_o he_o i_o know_v and_o can_v name_v if_o i_o please_v both_o the_o deliverer_n and_o receiver_n thereof_o it_o be_v know_v also_o that_o minister_n of_o that_o sect_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o those_o attempt_n which_o common_o be_v call_v road_n as_o at_o the_o road_n of_o stritil_v the_o road_n of_o leith_n and_o the_o abbey_n road_n and_o at_o the_o 17._o day_n of_o december_n the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n find_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o 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