to_o connive_v a_o while_n at_o at_o their_o insolence_n for_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o people_n into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o king_n be_v to_o betray_v his_o own_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o when_o three_o nobleman_n be_v bring_v to_o trial_n before_o the_o justice_n the_o minister_n will_v needs_o order_v the_o process_n in_o october_n 1593._o and_o to_o back_v they_o they_o stir_v up_o multitude_n of_o the_o rabble_n to_o arm_n thereby_o to_o force_v justice_n to_o decide_v in_o their_o favour_n nor_o will_v they_o disband_v or_o abstain_v from_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n in_o arm_a crowd_n although_o the_o king_n and_o council_n do_v by_o proclamation_n prohibit_v they_o if_o this_o be_v presbyterian_a government_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o anno_fw-la 1590._o 1591._o 1592._o and_o 1593._o presbyter_n have_v it_o sole_o but_o all_o this_o time_n bishop_n do_v exist_v by_o law_n enjoy_v their_o rent_n and_o preach_v in_o their_o church_n if_o you_o trust_v not_o we_o notice_n the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o jac._n 6._o chap._n 7._o minister_n be_v order_v to_o be_v present_v by_o the_o patron_n to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o diocese_n note_v at_o this_o time_n most_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v popish_a which_o occasion_v the_o protestant_n to_o appoint_v superintendent_o anno_fw-la 1572._o parl._n 3_o jac._n 6._o chap_n 45._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o superintendent_o note_v both_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v contemporary_a then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o like_a own_a chap._n 46._o 48._o and_o 54._o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1573._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v own_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 4._o par._n jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1578._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 63._o parl._n 5._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1579._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 71._o parliam_fw-la 6._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n appear_v from_o act_n 100_o parl._n 7._o jac._n 6._o the_o like_a appear_v from_o the_o act_n 106_o and_o 114_o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o the_o bishop_n authority_n full_o own_a act._n 132._o parl._n 8._o jac._n 6_o in_o the_o year_n 1587._o it_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n exist_v then_o by_o act_n 28._o parl._n 11._o jac._n 6._o also_o in_o that_o 11._o parl._n it_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n that_o prelacy_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n even_o although_o their_o temporalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o 111._o act_n of_o that_o 11._o parl._n in_o the_o year_n 1591._o 1592._o 1593._o and_o 1594._o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n nor_o their_o meeting_n in_o synod_n and_o assembly_n without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o royal_a authority_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o exerce_v some_o part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o in_o all_o parliament_n and_o convention_n of_o estate_n the_o prelate_n do_v do_v always_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n as_o the_o record_n and_o sederunt_n of_o all_o the_o parliament_n will_v prove_v in_o the_o year_n 1596._o leslie_n bishop_n of_o ross_n die_v at_o brussels_n mr._n david_n lindsey_n be_v present_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o bishopric_n the_o very_a next_o year_n in_o the_o year_n 1598._o there_o be_v a_o conference_n appoint_v at_o falkland_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o some_o appoint_v by_o the_o king_n to_o meet_v with_o they_o where_o they_o agree_v on_o ten_o article_n or_o proposition_n of_o policy_n for_o the_o church_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o clergy_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o diocese_n some_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v foolish_a but_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a that_o the_o king_n shall_v comply_v with_o those_o hot_a head_n in_o some_o thing_n for_o at_o that_o time_n several_n begin_v to_o debate_v his_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v all_o quiet_a at_o home_n yet_o still_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o bishop_n do_v then_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o that_o although_o something_o concern_v they_o be_v debate_v yet_o their_o office_n and_o order_n be_v not_o in_o the_o year_n 1600_o these_o forementioned_a article_n be_v approve_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o monross_n march_v 28_o 1600._o and_o to_o that_o assembly_n mr._n dury_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a tool_n with_o mr._n melvil_n for_o parity_n at_o his_o death_n do_v write_v a_o exhortation_n disow_v his_o former_a error_n and_o earnest_o advise_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o choose_v good_a bishop_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o year_n 1601._o the_o king_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v at_o brunt_n island_n where_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v enact_v both_o for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o reclaim_v the_o popish_a nobility_n from_o their_o error_n which_o prove_v more_o effectual_a and_o pacific_a than_o all_o the_o former_a furious_a method_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v promote_v by_o a_o hot_a head_v man_n call_v davidson_n who_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n incite_v they_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o king_n hypocrisy_n and_o other_o error_n the_o assembly_n will_v have_v proceed_v to_o censure_v he_o but_o the_o king_n will_v not_o allow_v it_o say_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n that_o these_o hot_a head_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o or_o some_o few_o in_o the_o year_n 1602._o the_o king_n in_o a_o assembly_n at_o halyrood-house_n do_v show_v great_a clemency_n to_o some_o fiery_a minister_n who_o the_o assembly_n will_v have_v censure_v as_o also_o he_o give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o nation_n by_o his_o excellent_a proposal_n for_o establish_v provision_n both_o for_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o this_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o five_o of_o august_n appoint_v a_o anniversary_n thanksgiving_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o gowry_n conspiracy_n before_o the_o diet_n appoint_v for_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n the_o crown_n of_o england_n do_v fall_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o death_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n so_o there_o be_v no_o meeting_n of_o church_n general_n assembly_n for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o few_o remain_v hot_a head_v presbyter_n be_v very_o busy_a on_o the_o king_n removal_n so_o far_o and_o fear_v the_o excellent_a order_n of_o the_o english_a church_n the_o great_a safety_n and_o peace_n of_o britain_n depend_v on_o a_o entire_a and_o full_a concord_n of_o the_o island_n they_o be_v apprehensive_a that_o upon_o such_o consideration_n the_o king_n will_v hearty_o promote_v a_o further_a establishment_n of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o this_o juncture_n do_v busy_o stir_v up_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o undoubted_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o though_o the_o king_n for_o good_a reason_n when_o he_o go_v to_o england_n adjourn_v the_o general_n assembly_n from_o july_n 1604_o to_o july_n 1605._o yet_o these_o man_n prevail_v with_o nine_o of_o the_o fifty_o presbytery_n of_o scotland_n to_o keep_v the_o meet_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n prorogation_n where_o thirteen_o person_n meet_v do_v most_o seditious_o run_v into_o such_o declaration_n against_o the_o statute_n and_o stand_v law_n as_o be_v by_o the_o judicature_n declare_v treason_n and_o for_o which_o several_n of_o the_o thirteen_o be_v condemn_v before_o the_o justice_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v either_o to_o acknowledge_v or_o revoke_v their_o seditious_a pasquil_n but_o they_o be_v afterward_o pardon_v by_o the_o king_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o chancellor_n encourage_v their_o meeting_n in_o july_n 1604._o and_o prove_v it_o which_o force_v the_o chancellor_n to_o prove_v likewise_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o connive_v at_o his_o be_v a_o papist_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v of_o the_o church_n land_n upon_o condition_n he_o shall_v own_v they_o against_o episcopacy_n whereupon_o the_o king_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v betray_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o hatred_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o chancellor_n will_v betray_v episcopacy_n for_o greed_n of_o their_o temporalty_n so_o far_o my_o author_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o infer_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o
it_o be_v from_o that_o manuscript_n that_o i_o copy_v the_o follow_a account_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o church_n be_v never_o govern_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o officer_n but_o by_o different_a order_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o entry_n to_o this_o narration_n let_v we_o remark_n say_v my_o author_n that_o none_o of_o our_o martyr_n do_v ever_o impugn_v or_o oppose_v imparity_n in_o the_o church_n or_o preach_v or_o write_v against_o it_o you_o can_v name_v one_o testimony_n unless_o you_o argue_v from_o their_o preach_n against_o popish_a tyranny_n and_o unwarrantable_a exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o then_o unheard_a of_o parity_n and_o all_o who_o write_v of_o those_o martyr_n and_o first_o reformer_n omit_v not_o to_o praise_v they_o for_o their_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o superior_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a these_o martyr_n will_v have_v pseach_v against_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n as_o well_o in_o a_o company_n of_o arbitrary_a presbyter_n as_o they_o do_v when_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o one_o or_o few_o and_o that_o presbyter_n may_v be_v tyrant_n witness_v the_o scot_n history_n from_o the_o year_n 1639_o to_o 1652._o at_o which_o time_n cromwell_n though_o no_o friend_n to_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o weary_v with_o the_o insolence_n and_o confusion_n of_o presbytery_n that_o he_o dismiss_v it_o solemn_o at_o barrow-moor_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o positive_a evidence_n the_o very_a first_o establish_v reformation_n in_o scotland_n be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o 6_o of_o july_n 1560_o be_v the_o three_o day_n after_o the_o pacification_n at_o leith_n be_v conclude_v on_o betwixt_o the_o lord_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n assist_v by_o the_o queen_n of_o england_n general_n and_o ambassader_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o queen_n regent_n the_o popish_a lord_n and_o clergy_n assist_v by_o the_o french_a ambassador_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o name_n of_o francis_n and_o mary_n their_o sourreigns_n superintendent_o the_o protestant_a lord_n and_o clergy_n do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o protestant_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n they_o do_v distribute_v their_o preacher_n among_o the_o chief_a town_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o do_v nominate_v five_o superintendent_o for_o the_o diocese_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v popish_a for_o there_o be_v no_o superintendent_o name_v then_o for_o galloway_n and_o argile_n because_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o diocese_n be_v protestant_n by_o the_o say_a treaty_n a_o parliament_n be_v to_o hold_v in_o august_n follow_v wherein_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o superintendent_o be_v give_v in_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n prepare_v by_o they_o and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n where_o it_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o affirmative_a in_o this_o parliament_n the_o bishop_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o first_o estate_n the_o popish_a bishop_n vote_v against_o the_o confession_n the_o protestant_a bishop_n viz._n galloway_n and_o argile_n and_o three_o abbot_n vote_v for_o it_o the_o sederunt_fw-la of_o this_o parliament_n be_v on_o record_n with_o its_o act_n and_o relate_v by_o spotswood_n pag._n 149._o in_o january_n thereafter_o the_o scottish_a protestant_a clergy_n offer_v a_o form_n of_o church_n policy_n one_o of_o its_o head_n be_v for_o superintendent_o who_o they_o name_n and_o appoint_v with_o distinct_a diocese_n for_o they_o and_o to_o show_v that_o these_o reformer_n do_v not_o treat_v of_o superintendent_o as_o a_o temporary_a resolution_n for_o that_o time_n only_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o superintendent_o in_o aftertime_n shall_v be_v strict_a than_o the_o present_a circumstance_n will_v allow_v and_o the_o last_o head_n of_o that_o policy_n prescribe_v some_o condition_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o future_a election_n of_o superintendent_o spotwood_n pag._n 150_o and_o 160_o and_o by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n pag._n 168._o it_o be_v express_o order_v that_o complaint_n against_o minister_n be_v notify_v to_o the_o superintendent_o and_o the_o petition_v present_v to_o the_o queen_n relate_v by_o knox_n hist_n pag._n 337._o bear_n as_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o superintendent_o minister_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1563._o john_n knox_n and_o other_o elect_v a_o superintendent_n for_o dumfries_n and_o the_o letter_n write_v from_o the_o assembly_n or_o convention_n of_o the_o scot_n church_n at_o edinburgh_n on_o the_o 27._o of_o december_n 1566._o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bear_v this_o superscription_n the_o superintendent_o minister_n and_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n to_o their_o brethren_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o england_n and_o at_o queen_n mary_n first_o arrival_n in_o scotland_n from_o france_n the_o superintendent_o and_o minister_n do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o a_o assembly_n knox_n bist_fw-ge pag._n 318._o in_o january_n 1572._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v meet_v at_o leith_n under_o the_o regent_n government_n and_o do_v agree_v on_o seven_o article_n of_o policy_n 1._o that_o all_o bishopric_n which_o be_v vacant_a and_o those_o be_v only_o four_o for_o where_o popish_a bishop_n be_v alive_a the_o be_fw-mi be_v not_o esteem_v vacant_a but_o supply_v by_o protestant_a superintendent_o shall_v be_v fill_v out_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o ministry_n second_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n in_o their_o diocese_n and_o the_o six_o article_n be_v that_o minister_n shall_v receive_v ordination_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o in_o diocese_n where_o no_o bishop_n be_v they_o shall_v receive_v ordination_n from_o the_o superintendent_o and_o in_o august_n thereafter_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v at_o perth_n and_o approve_v of_o all_o these_o article_n and_o according_o mr._n john_n douglas_n mr._n james_n bâ—yd_v mr._n james_n paton_n and_o mr._n andrew_n graham_n be_v place_v in_o the_o four_o vacant_a bishopric_n it_o be_v mr._n andrew_n melvil_n misfortune_n that_o he_o be_v neglect_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o year_n 1575._o he_o stir_v up_o one_o mr._n dury_n to_o impugn_v the_o episcopal_a order_n and_o all_o imparity_n this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o this_o debate_n be_v toss_v in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o it_o church_n and_o state_n immediate_o divide_v and_o much_o confusion_n rapine_n blood_n and_o other_o mischief_n do_v follow_v and_o then_o and_o since_o every_o fiery_a faction_n do_v lay_v hold_n on_o this_o schism_n as_o a_o fund_z whereon_o to_o build_v all_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o schism_n mr._n andrew_n and_o some_o minister_n lead_v by_o he_o do_v in_o the_o year_n 1578._o draw_v a_o book_n of_o policy_n stuff_v so_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o mr._n andrew_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proposal_n for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n than_o a_o establishment_n of_o a_o religious_a government_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o no_o not_o in_o these_o distract_a furious_a time_n even_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o our_o israel_n obtain_v approbation_n from_o any_o authority_n but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o groundless_a assertion_n and_o full_a of_o mischievous_a novelty_n indeed_o in_o the_o year_n 1580._o a_o assembly_n meet_v at_o dundee_n call_v by_o mr._n andrew_n and_o his_o associate_n without_o a_o shadow_n of_o any_o permission_n from_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o they_o declare_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o with_o this_o restriction_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v have_v neither_o foundation_n nor_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v all_o serious_a christian_n consider_v whether_o they_o will_v believe_v this_o famous_a conventicle_n or_o the_o plain_a scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o all_o oecomenick_n counsel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a practice_n and_o to_o help_v their_o choice_n let_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o pious_a design_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o cast_v off_o bishop_n by_o the_o very_a next_o clause_n in_o their_o act_n viz._n that_o their_o next_o assembly_n shall_v consider_v how_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o patrimony_n and_o possession_n of_o bishop_n this_o be_v the_o primitive_a invasion_n of_o the_o king_n patronage_n and_o regale_n of_o the_o crown_n then_o presbyterian_a disciple_n begin_v to_o propagate_v their_o new_a gospel_n very_o zealous_o the_o first_o be_v one_o montgomery_n who_o at_o sterling_n propose_v that_o all_o such_o as_o speak_v for_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v censure_v but_o this_o zealous_a saint_n do_v most_o base_o
preferment_n receive_v persecution_n a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n he_o go_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n send_v he_o to_o the_o presbytery_n to_o undergo_v the_o ordinary_a trial_n of_o his_o literature_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o when_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n with_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n than_o the_o bishop_n serve_v a_o public_a â—dict_n at_o the_o church_n where_o the_o candidate_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v invite_v all_o the_o parishioner_n to_o come_v to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n against_o a_o appoint_a day_n to_o see_v if_o they_o have_v any_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o the_o candidate_n and_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o hurry_n but_o they_o have_v a_o competent_a time_n allow_v they_o to_o gather_v all_o possible_a information_n concern_v he_o from_o all_o quarter_n and_o if_o they_o can_v object_v any_o thing_n against_o he_o that_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n they_o be_v heardand_v the_o 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be_v very_o far_o from_o propagate_a their_o
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philosophorum_fw-la philosopher_n the_o decree_n be_v the_o act_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o he_o can_v be_v condemn_v such_o a_o unfortunate_a blunder_n as_o this_o be_v be_v never_o before_o see_v in_o print_n and_o yet_o the_o vindicator_n must_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o saint_n paul_n too_o true_o i_o think_v they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v hold_v forth_o but_o hide_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o boundless_a register_n of_o chimera_n nonentities_a and_o negation_n i_o think_v this_o deoretum_n praedamnatum_fw-la may_v keep_v company_n with_o such_o ancient_a gentleman_n of_o its_o own_o kindred_n and_o family_n and_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o vindicator_n you_o may_v advise_v he_o to_o read_v the_o calvinian_a hypothesis_n before_o he_o venture_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o perhaps_o 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themselves_o in_o a_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n line_n by_o which_o they_o may_v transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o former_a time_n to_o posterity_n no_o tradition_n of_o that_o antiquity_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o writing_n why_o then_o do_v they_o obtrude_v this_o fabulous_a story_n since_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o know_a rule_n of_o credibility_n we_o have_v no_o vestige_n of_o it_o from_o any_o author_n that_o live_v near_o those_o time_n the_o vindicator_n use_v to_o refer_v we_o in_o some_o instance_n to_o his_o own_o little_a book_n i_o do_v he_o a_o great_a kindness_n when_o i_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o learned_a du_fw-mi launoy_n and_o from_o several_a treatise_n and_o launoy_n reason_n of_o his_o which_o now_o i_o have_v not_o at_o command_n he_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o rule_v to_o distinguish_v fabulous_a account_n from_o true_a and_o solid_a history_n and_o not_o only_o from_o he_o but_o from_o hundred_o if_o they_o do_v but_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a rule_n of_o logic_n esseâ—_n indeed_o the_o presbyterian_o may_v have_v give_v we_o some_o of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n in_o that_o ancient_a period_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o this_o romantic_a account_n and_o if_o i_o dare_v interpose_v my_o opinion_n i_o think_v that_o the_o late_a illiterate_a monk_n advance_v this_o fable_n to_o gratify_v the_o pope_n design_n of_o exempt_n the_o religious_a order_n from_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n by_o which_o engine_n the_o bishop_n be_v keep_v low_a and_o the_o reformation_n hinder_v and_o the_o religious_a order_n encourage_v to_o check_v their_o authority_n in_o all_o place_n this_o be_v so_o know_v that_o it_o need_v neither_o proof_n nor_o illustration_n and_o this_o fiction_n of_o the_o culdee_n govern_v a_o church_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n invent_v in_o the_o day_n of_o barbarism_n and_o superstition_n seem_v natural_o calculate_v to_o advance_v this_o design_n and_o to_o depress_v the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n for_o the_o monk_n that_o propagate_v this_o story_n be_v more_o conversant_a in_o little_a legend_n than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o hardly_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o opposite_a to_o the_o universal_a testimony_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o age_n than_o this_o monkish_a fable_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n or_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o when_o all_o the_o know_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n unanimous_o declare_v for_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a man_n obruisset_fw-la the_o great_a conquest_n or_o the_o most_o remarkable_a action_n unless_o they_o be_v timeous_o commit_v to_o writing_n unwritten_a tradition_n go_v but_o a_o short_a way_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o support_v itself_o with_o any_o certainty_n for_o any_o number_n of_o year_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o the_o scotish_n church_n have_v any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a government_n than_o what_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o sad_a that_o there_o be_v no_o parallel_n instance_n of_o any_o other_o church_n from_o abroad_o by_o who_o be_v they_o convert_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o as_o be_v instrumental_a in_o their_o conversion_n will_v plant_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n among_o they_o that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o themselves_o and_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o government_n among_o the_o more_o polite_a and_o learned_a nation_n who_o because_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o learning_n may_v soon_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o presbyterian_o if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o parity_n and_o that_o we_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o fabulous_a monk_n in_o some_o remote_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n to_o support_v our_o hierarchy_n and_o that_o in_o a_o age_n of_o shameful_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n when_o they_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n and_o multiply_v their_o visionary_a legend_n i_o ask_v how_o the_o vindicator_n will_v treat_v we_o if_o we_o appear_v with_o our_o culdee_n against_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o father_n the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o counsel_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o famous_a see_v and_o the_o glorious_a cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o by_o their_o zeal_n and_o suffering_n enlighten_v the_o world_n i_o think_v he_o will_v treat_v we_o very_o huff_o and_o let_v we_o hear_v more_o than_o once_o his_o oft_o repeat_v and_o belove_v metaphor_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n will_v not_o he_o preface_n tell_v we_o of_o our_o bold_a and_o silly_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n however_o when_o the_o vindicator_n name_v good_a author_n foreign_a or_o domestic_a in_o the_o three_o four_o five_o six_o or_o seven_o century_n and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o credibility_n or_o history_n we_o need_v yield_v to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v his_o testimony_n let_v he_o hieron_n read_v blondel_n again_o and_o see_v whether_o that_o great_a antiquary_n can_v name_v any_o ancient_a writer_n to_o uphold_v this_o monastic_a dream_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o priest_n in_o scotland_n before_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o concession_n to_o favour_n presbytery_n for_o they_o have_v their_o mission_n and_o ordination_n from_o bishop_n in_o other_o place_n to_o who_o they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o travel_n and_o success_n and_o this_o be_v ordinary_a before_o nation_n be_v convert_v but_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o faith_n all_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n be_v then_o encourage_v to_o continue_v among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o confident_o affirm_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o record_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n there_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n over_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n the_o primitive_a confessor_n and_o martyr_n travail_v the_o world_n over_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o christianity_n some_o bishop_n some_o presbyter_n some_o deacon_n some_o layman_n but_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o convert_v than_o they_o become_v a_o organical_a church_n and_o have_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n constitute_v until_o their_o sound_n go_v unto_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 184._o he_o run_v down_o the_o author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o one_o not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n because_o forsooth_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v with_o reverence_n enough_o of_o mr._n gray_n sermon_n in_o that_o page_n cite_v on_o 185._o the_o margin_n the_o vindicator_n discover_v much_o of_o his_o own_o creep_a genius_n when_o he_o discourse_n of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n against_o the_o private_a administration_n of_o baptism_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o pursue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o wilderness_n of_o little_a impertinency_n their_o pretend_a assembly_n will_v have_v do_v better_a if_o they_o have_v leave_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o discretion_n of_o minister_n in_o all_o place_n it_o be_v certain_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o all_o public_a solemnity_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o apparent_a necessity_n to_o recede_v from_o so_o laudable_a a_o custom_n but_o to_o make_v discourse_n to_o the_o people_n on_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o altogether_o new_a and_o unnecessary_a if_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v serious_o explain_v there_o need_v no_o more_o and_o to_o think_v a_o sermon_n in_o the_o modern_a and_o usual_a notion_n necessary_a be_v as_o great_a superstition_n as_o that_o of_o they_o who_o fancy_n that_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o follow_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la which_o phrase_n be_v very_o little_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n and_o perhaps_o other_o who_o shall_v teach_v the_o people_n do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v it_o neither_o next_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o vindicator_n pag._n 174._o that_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o human_a ceremony_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o
worship_n of_o god_n appoint_v it_o be_v true_a the_o vindicator_n have_v not_o in_o this_o place_n any_o discourse_n to_o prove_v this_o unlawful_a but_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o theological_a hint_n that_o be_v intersperse_v in_o his_o defamatory_n libel_n but_o may_v not_o ceremony_n of_o human_a appointment_n if_o they_o decent_o and_o grave_o express_v our_o affection_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o solomon_n advise_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o patriarchal_a dispensation_n viz._n that_o of_o put_v off_o our_o shoe_n when_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a place_n as_o moses_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o because_o the_o place_n he_o stand_v upon_o be_v holy_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v a_o advertisement_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v ordinary_o do_v by_o all_o the_o eastern_a nation_n when_o he_o approach_v the_o place_n of_o god_n peculiar_a residence_n and_o pray_v be_v it_o not_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n expressive_a of_o their_o reverence_n and_o adoration_n in_o like_a manner_n sackcloth_n and_o ash_n do_v among_o all_o nation_n signify_v grief_n and_o sorrow_n therefore_o in_o their_o humiliation_n they_o be_v use_v to_o express_v their_o remorse_n and_o contrition_n the_o presbyterian_o fix_v upon_o a_o word_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n they_o repeat_v it_o with_o indignation_n and_o then_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v present_o let_v fly_v their_o thought_n to_o some_o monstrous_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o such_o ugly_a thing_n stick_v to_o their_o imagination_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o master_n john_n frown_v when_o he_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o the_o word_n significant_a ceremony_n shall_v disturb_v their_o imagination_n why_o may_v not_o we_o express_v our_o thought_n passion_n and_o affection_n by_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n since_o both_o be_v innocent_a and_o both_o serve_v the_o same_o design_n but_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o use_v significant_a ceremony_n when_o they_o impose_v the_o covenant_n he_o that_o swear_v be_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n bare_a you_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o not_o the_o left_a and_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o not_o otherwise_o extend_v it_o be_v bare_a and_o not_o cover_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o human_a institution_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nature_n teach_v mankind_n to_o approach_n god_n with_o all_o the_o decent_a mark_n of_o distance_n and_o adoration_n and_o they_o that_o declaim_v most_o against_o ceremony_n do_v practice_n they_o frequent_o only_o they_o do_v this_o more_o awkward_o and_o with_o a_o figure_n become_v their_o singularity_n but_o this_o will_v never_o convince_v the_o intelligent_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o better_a than_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n true_a religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o innocent_a decency_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o affect_v nothing_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a or_o singular_a our_o saviour_n leave_v we_o this_o example_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o affect_v no_o custom_n different_a from_o the_o jew_n if_o the_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v if_o they_o decent_o express_v our_o reverence_n or_o our_o humiliation_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o word_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o public_a order_n and_o uniformity_n nor_o can_v they_o change_v their_o nature_n by_o be_v command_v for_o such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v be_v use_v and_o which_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v use_v may_v very_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n sit_v for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v never_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o posture_n of_o reverence_n yet_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n fit_v all_o of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n what_o they_o signify_v by_o it_o i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o that_o which_o become_v prayer_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appendage_n or_o expression_n but_o not_o constituent_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v foolish_o and_o peevish_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o i_o may_v put_v the_o vindicator_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o scotland_n read_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o what_o he_o suggest_v according_a to_o his_o wont_a candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o rather_o a_o open_a avow_v of_o their_o principle_n when_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o unite_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o another_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o pag._n 196_o 197._o the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n that_o be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o vindicator_n book_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o bishop_n that_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o government_n submit_v to_o reordination_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n not_o only_o of_o this_o but_o other_o reform_a church_n i_o know_v none_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o bishop_n will_v do_v it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o the_o foreign_a church_n or_o the_o french_a divine_n all_o of_o they_o the_o great_a man_n among_o other_o they_o be_v reordain_v when_o they_o come_v to_o england_n and_o they_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v never_o condemn_v by_o any_o public_a act_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n nor_o by_o none_o of_o their_o eminent_a divine_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v their_o ordination_n in_o france_n but_o rather_o wave_n the_o debate_n but_o she_o be_v determine_v to_o preserve_v a_o unquestionable_a succession_n of_o priest_n within_o her_o own_o bound_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n narrate_v in_o mr._n meldrum_n letter_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o i_o know_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o subscribe_v a_o paper_n and_o that_o the_o paper_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o archbishop_n letter_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o that_o now_o he_o repent_v for_o subscribe_v this_o paper_n and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o great_a friendship_n afterward_o with_o bishop_n scougal_n and_o do_v what_o other_o in_o that_o interval_n do_v yet_o he_o think_v that_o by_o all_o this_o he_o pay_v no_o formal_a canonical_a obedience_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a thing_n to_o live_v in_o or_o near_o a_o university_n as_o mr._n meldrum_n do_v distinction_n be_v very_o useful_a thing_n one_o have_v better_a carry_v a_o good_a bundle_n of_o they_o about_o he_o than_o all_o your_o famous_a elixir_n and_o essence_n one_o may_v pay_v material_a canonical_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o pay_v it_o formal_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o pay_v it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v swear_v canonical_a obedience_n formal_o and_o i_o have_v pay_v it_o material_o and_o shall_v never_o decline_v my_o bishop_n spiritual_a authority_n when_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o i_o think_v all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o national_a church_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o obey_v their_o spiritual_a governor_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o past_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o opposite_a faction_n since_o the_o revolution_n and_o now_o i_o think_v it_o high_a time_n to_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a that_o i_o promise_v viz._n to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o several_a period_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confident_a to_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n because_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o peruse_v a_o manuscript_n write_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o true_a learning_n relate_v to_o this_o very_a affair_n and_o it_o be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o found_v on_o our_o best_a historian_n but_o on_o the_o authentic_a record_n of_o parliament_n and_o
scotland_n declaim_v against_o the_o tyranny_n and_o encroachment_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o never_o against_o the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n as_o such_o that_o mr._n wisehart_n and_o some_o other_o of_o our_o most_o eminent_a reformer_n and_o martyr_n know_v no_o other_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o episcopacy_n the_o first_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n and_o other_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n follow_v his_o sentiment_n and_o that_o the_o first_o reformer_n submit_v to_o the_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n of_o such_o of_o the_o bishop_n as_o preach_v and_o promote_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n second_o that_o though_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v frequent_o weaken_v crush_a and_o interrupt_v by_o the_o popular_a insurrection_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o mr._n melvil_n faction_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o legal_o abolish_v but_o rather_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n secure_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o law_n ☞_o three_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o always_o watch_v the_o difficult_a posture_n of_o the_o king_n affair_n and_o whenever_o they_o find_v he_o at_o a_o disadvantage_n than_o they_o make_v he_o much_o more_o uneasy_a by_o popular_a tumult_n and_o insurrection_n four_o that_o the_o romish_a clergy_n never_o plead_v their_o exemption_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n more_o violent_o and_o factious_o than_o the_o melvilian_a tribe_n in_o scotland_n five_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o that_o very_a year_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v that_o presbytery_n be_v establish_v but_o that_o episcopacy_n in_o anno_fw-la 1592._o be_v still_o retain_v in_o all_o its_o legal_a right_n privilege_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v resist_v but_o by_o grant_v they_o great_a liberty_n and_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o necessitous_a circumstance_n that_o the_o king_n be_v in_o six_o that_o the_o most_o violent_a of_o their_o faction_n have_v not_o then_o the_o impudence_n to_o quarrel_v the_o superiority_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o mr._n melvil_n make_v his_o approach_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o plausible_a pretence_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v abuse_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v according_a to_o its_o primitive_a design_n and_o simplicity_n seven_o i_o observe_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o legal_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n until_o the_o tragical_a rebellion_n in_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o his_o reign_n break_v forth_o and_o we_o need_v not_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o unwilling_a king_n charles_n the_o martyr_n be_v to_o abolish_v episcopacy_n eight_o that_o the_o royal_a authority_n never_o give_v way_n to_o their_o rebellion_n and_o insolence_n when_o they_o can_v hinder_v it_o but_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o grant_v they_o great_a liberty_n to_o avoid_v the_o heavy_a blow_n and_o thunder_n clap_v of_o their_o fury_n nine_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a evidence_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o the_o public_a record_n of_o parliament_n ten_o we_o may_v clear_o discern_v that_o the_o vindicator_n book_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o party_n be_v one_o hypocritical_a shuffle_v from_o top_n to_o bottom_n for_o if_o mr._n melvil_n the_o founder_n of_o presbytery_n and_o his_o confederate_n do_v affront_v the_o king_n person_n and_o decline_v his_o authority_n and_o provoke_v the_o rabble_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o archbishop_n and_o be_v so_o rude_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o foreign_a prince_n and_o profane_o appoint_v a_o fast_a with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o bassle_v the_o king_n to_o his_o tooth_n then_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o vindicator_n why_o all_o this_o apology_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o villainy_n as_o be_v the_o rabble_a of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o presbyterian_o do_v nothing_o upon_o this_o last_o revolution_n but_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o have_v not_o such_o opportunity_n to_o to_o vent_v their_o malice_n and_o by_o this_o unquestionable_a history_n he_o and_o all_o other_o may_v see_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o distinction_n of_o sober_a presbyterian_o and_o cameronian_n will_v serve_v he_o for_o the_o cameronian_n have_v no_o principle_n different_a from_o presbyterian_o nor_o the_o presbyterian_o from_o cameronian_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o resute_n the_o cameronian_n by_o presbyterian_a principle_n eleven_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o precede_a history_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o presbyterian_o that_o they_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o unity_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o lesser_a number_n if_o more_o popular_a than_o their_o brethren_n may_v remonstrate_v with_o that_o insolence_n and_o fury_n against_o the_o plurality_n as_o to_o stop_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a case_n of_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n twelsth_o the_o spirit_n of_o presbytery_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o tyranny_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v full_o poison_v with_o its_o principle_n whenever_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o public_a contradict_v their_o own_o peculiar_a plan_n and_o scheme_n they_o immediate_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o authority_n they_o former_o pretend_v to_o support_v and_o by_o general_a word_n which_o at_o the_o bottom_n have_v no_o particular_a signification_n but_o what_o they_o please_v to_o put_v upon_o they_o they_o pick_v quarrel_n and_o exception_n against_o all_o their_o own_o judicature_n government_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a this_o be_v visible_a as_o from_o many_o instance_n so_o from_o the_o famous_a protestation_n of_o several_a biggort_v incendiary_n against_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o anno_fw-la 1651._o because_o that_o general_n assembly_n do_v promote_v the_o public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o restore_a the_o king_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o government_n they_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v not_o right_o constitute_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v adhere_v to_o the_o protester_n that_o the_o public_a resolutioner_n have_v make_v defection_n because_o they_o be_v for_o bring_v again_o into_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n such_o as_o will_v probable_o serve_v the_o king_n against_o the_o rebellion_n then_o on_o foot_n upon_o such_o pretence_n they_o decline_v their_o supreme_a national_a judicatory_a and_o because_o that_o print_n be_v know_v but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o present_a generation_n and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o monument_n of_o their_o villainy_n and_o stubbornness_n it_o may_v be_v see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o letter_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v but_o that_o i_o wish_v my_o skill_n to_o serve_v you_o be_v equal_a to_o my_o zeal_n and_o affection_n for_o i_o be_o in_o all_o sincerity_n your_o most_o obedient_a servant_n the_o protestation_n of_o divers_a minister_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o also_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n right_o reverend_n how_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v that_o while_o we_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v with_o thanfulness_n by_o we_o unto_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o kirk_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n deep_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n so_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o obtain_v the_o same_o and_o for_o preserve_a purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o unspotted_a to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o that_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n in_o