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
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
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
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 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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
on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a to_o upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o reform_v they_o for_o of_o all_o advice_n those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o reform_v the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v manage_v most_o nice_o and_o tender_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o vindicator_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v very_o glad_a when_o they_o can_v discover_v the_o trip_n of_o their_o adversary_n if_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v clamorous_o allege_v by_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n of_o that_o hierareby_o of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n continue_v from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n until_o now_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v threaten_v employ_v the_o people_n in_o the_o west_n to_o make_v and_o gather_v story_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n 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saint_n they_o love_v a_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a style_n and_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v but_o that_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n may_v be_v preach_v without_o affectation_n and_o yet_o with_o all_o requisite_a gravity_n and_o recollection_n if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o libel_n gather_v by_o presbyterian_o it_o may_v provoke_v their_o enemy_n to_o recriminate_a and_o if_o the_o vindicator_n think_v that_o such_o scurrilous_a write_n can_v serve_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n i_o wish_v he_o more_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n i_o condemn_v all_o such_o method_n in_o all_o party_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v allowable_a we_o can_v tell_v he_o that_o many_o of_o his_o associate_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v very_o scandalous_a some_o of_o they_o adulterer_n some_o fornicator_n some_o blasphemer_n some_o whole_a presbyterian_a family_n incestuous_a sed_fw-la praestat_fw-la motos_fw-la componere_fw-la fluctus_fw-la if_o i_o rejoice_v in_o this_o recrimination_n i_o be_v not_o a_o good_a christian_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v those_o proud_a and_o supercillous_a man_n in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a mortal_n encompass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n with_o other_o man_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o father_n for_o argument_n rather_o than_o the_o cameronian_n zealot_v in_o the_o western_a shire_n and_o if_o they_o beat_v the_o clergy_n at_o those_o weapon_n they_o deserve_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o observation_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o know_v not_o a_o more_o unblamable_a company_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n than_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n of_o scotland_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o five_o of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a nation_n who_o can_v not_o undergo_v the_o severe_a examination_n use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n preparatory_a to_o ordination_n i_o wish_v that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o christian_a use_n of_o their_o present_a trial_n and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o proof_n of_o that_o greatness_n of_o soul_n that_o qualify_v man_n for_o the_o priesthood_n that_o all_o round_a about_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n seneca_n ep._n tell_v we_o that_o to_o do_v good_a even_o when_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o infamy_n be_v noble_a and_o heroic_a and_o a_o great_a than_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o bad_a report_n god_n will_v clear_v our_o innocence_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o meridian_n elevation_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o design_v the_o reformation_n of_o sinner_n and_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soon_o we_o retire_v into_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o our_o 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he_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v press_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o that_o the_o people_n can_v not_o own_v they_o 87._o as_o their_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o invite_v by_o popular_a election_n but_o the_o vindicator_n shall_v consider_v that_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v turn_v against_o his_o party_n in_o the_o north_n of_o scotland_n it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o presbytery_n for_o the_o bresbyterian_n there_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o carry_v their_o election_n by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n but_o do_v not_o he_o remember_v that_o several_n of_o the_o remonstrator_n presbyterian_o have_v be_v induct_v to_o their_o church_n by_o some_o troop_n of_o english_a horse_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o the_o people_n owe_v all_o deference_n and_o spiritual_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o if_o a_o word_n pastoral_a relation_n may_v be_v found_v between_o a_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n by_o cromwell_n trooper_n why_o not_o by_o king_n charles_n the_o second_v dragoon_n but_o do_v not_o the_o vindicator_n remember_v that_o some_o have_v be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o old_a college_n of_o aberdeen_n without_o the_o regular_a and_o collegiate_n election_n by_o the_o same_o very_a force_n that_o have_v plant_v some_o remonstrator_n minister_n and_o that_o without_o any_o trial_n or_o examination_n when_o their_o more_o deserve_a predecessor_n be_v most_o tyrannical_o remove_v but_o not_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o vindicator_n the_o method_n of_o admit_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o the_o most_o unexceptionable_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v for_o when_o the_o candidate_n for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a
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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plantation_n of_o christianity_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v no_o christian_a church_n come_v near_o the_o apostolical_a method_n and_o more_o happy_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n than_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n but_o you_o may_v put_v the_o vindicator_n in_o mind_n they_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o never_o think_v the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n so_o essential_a a_o constitution_n of_o that_o pastoral_n relation_n for_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n order_v the_o presbytery_n to_o name_v a_o minister_n to_o such_o parish_n as_o be_v malignant_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n so_o this_o pretend_a popular_a election_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o prove_v unserviceable_a to_o advance_v their_o tyranny_n be_v immediate_o reject_v for_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v any_o such_o inherent_a right_n in_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o 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until_o the_o year_n 49._o when_o the_o discipline_n be_v in_o its_o zeaith_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n preach_v against_o but_o malignancy_n and_o the_o king_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v possess_v by_o the_o kirk_n presbyterian_o in_o other_o country_n quiet_o submit_v to_o lay_v patron_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o bishop_n take_v care_v that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v ordain_v what_o harm_n can_v the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d by_o such_o presentation_n may_v not_o the_o clergy_n examine_v such_o candidate_n 〈◊〉_d offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n accurate_o and_o narrow_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o most_o tri_a and_o supersicial_a student_n do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n nay_o there_o be_v so_o many_o mean_a and_o abject_a art_n requisite_a to_o promote_v a_o clergyman_n if_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o popular_a election_n hold_v necessary_a that_o a_o ingenuous_a man_n can_v proslitute_v himself_o to_o such_o servile_a and_o popular_a method_n as_o for_o the_o grave_n and_o retire_v clergyman_n he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o be_v prefer_v and_o if_o some_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a patron_n do_v not_o force_v he_o out_o of_o his_o solitude_n he_o be_v like_a to_o die_v among_o his_o book_n and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v serve_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n by_o such_o as_o lest_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o insinuation_n and_o it_o will_v continue_v so_o until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o the_o vindicator_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o clergy_n press_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o worship_n but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o doxology_n and_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n at_o baptism_n that_o they_o themselves_o object_v against_o be_v not_o these_o mighty_a grievance_n to_o tender_a conscience_n the_o vindicator_n tell_v we_o that_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o against_o the_o use_n of_o those_o form_n but_o they_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o the_o prelatist_n do_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o before_o the_o year_n 1638._o make_v use_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o after_o the_o year_n 38._o until_o cromwell_n army_n invade_v our_o nation_n they_o never_o leave_v off_o the_o use_n of_o those_o catholic_n and_o christian_a form_n but_o such_o of_o the_o remonstrator_n as_o be_v deep_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o usurper_n then_o leave_v off_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n draw_v as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o spiritual_a height_n and_o pretend_a purity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o the_o army_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o that_o time_n in_o our_o nation_n vary_v in_o its_o outward_a figure_n and_o in_o their_o notion_n about_o it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o school_n and_o the_o wise_a question_n of_o universal_a and_o objectum_fw-la attributionis_fw-la logicae_fw-la the_o vindicator_n be_v content_a to_o use_v such_o form_n but_o not_o as_o the_o episcopal_a church_n do_v command_v it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o unity_n and_o society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o though_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o preserve_v and_o support_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o he_o think_v he_o may_v leave_v the_o communion_n the_o church_n without_o either_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o those_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v short_a abstract_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o yet_o no_o people_n be_v now_o so_o violent_a as_o they_o in_o press_v subscription_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a confession_n at_o westminster_n and_o that_o without_o any_o exception_n restriction_n or_o explication_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o edinburgh_n the_o 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be_v very_o far_o from_o propagate_a their_o
gather_v true_a material_n again_o the_o vindicator_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v k._n william_n a_o idolater_n though_o he_o communicate_v with_o 115._o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o when_o some_o of_o his_o party_n mount_v the_o desk_n and_o declaim_v their_o maccaronicks_n they_o positive_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v idolatrous_a again_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v that_o the_o clergy_n who_o address_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v any_o measure_n of_o wit_n yet_o their_o contrivance_n be_v found_v on_o deep_a consult_v but_o let_v i_o tell_v the_o vindicator_n that_o no_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n have_v the_o monopoly_n of_o prudence_n the_o most_o cautious_a step_n may_v be_v sometime_o frustrate_v and_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v sometime_o wide_o mistake_v their_o measure_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n 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therefore_o he_o will_v have_v ordinatio_fw-la in_o that_o epistle_n of_o st._n jerom_n to_o evagrius_n to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o something_o though_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o name_v in_o st._n jreom_o and_o if_o it_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o something_o as_o the_o vindicator_n profound_o reason_n why_o not_o the_o order_n of_o a_o meeting_n and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o order_n of_o a_o meeting_n why_o not_o the_o order_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n yet_o all_o this_o time_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o the_o meeting_n be_v a_o authoritative_a appoint_v of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v treat_v of_o or_o only_o preside_v as_o moderator_n among_o they_o when_o the_o collective_a body_n themselves_o appoint_v the_o meeting_n because_o i_o say_v this_o be_v leave_v uncertain_a perhaps_o the_o vindicator_n will_v judge_v it_o most_o convenient_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o ordinatio_fw-la signify_v the_o order_n of_o a_o dromedary_n it_o have_v be_v more_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o certain_o the_o order_n of_o such_o a_o animal_n make_v not_o so_o great_a a_o distinction_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n how_o contrary_a such_o a_o fancy_n be_v to_o the_o receive_a exposition_n of_o that_o word_n will_v best_o appear_v when_o we_o consider_v other_o place_n in_o the_o work_n of_o s._n jerom_n where_o the_o word_n ordinare_fw-la be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o new_a critic_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n jerom_n comment_n 1._o epist_n ad_fw-la timothe_n cap._n 3._o ab_fw-la initio_fw-la primum_fw-la laicos_fw-la instituit_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la optimi_fw-la quique_fw-la in_o facordotium_fw-la eliguntur_fw-la &_o sic_fw-la dicit_fw-la quales_fw-la debeant_fw-la ordinari_fw-la then_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v according_a to_o this_o late_a discovery_n that_o the_o apostle_n declare_v such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v again_o s._n jerom_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epist_n to_z titus_n in_o those_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o may_v ordain_v he_o have_v these_o word_n quae_fw-la desunt_fw-la recto_fw-la tenore_fw-la corrige_n &_o tunc_fw-la demum_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la poteris_fw-la ordinare_fw-la cum_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la fuerint_fw-la recti_fw-la when_o all_o have_v be_v blameless_a in_o the_o church_n than_o thou_o may_v appoint_v presbyter_n to_o meet_v and_o again_o in_o his_o catalogue_n scriptorum_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la speak_v of_o s._n james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n jacobus_n qui_fw-la appellatur_fw-la frater_fw-la domini_fw-la cognomento_fw-la iustùs_fw-la post_fw-la passionem_fw-la domini_fw-la statim_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n hierosolymorum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o
lead_v they_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o the_o canonical_a and_o universal_a method_n of_o the_o church_n be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o mother_n when_o she_o tender_o bind_v up_o their_o wound_n and_o offer_v her_o assistance_n to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n and_o danger_n i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o distinction_n of_o occasional_a and_o fix_a communion_n why_o may_v not_o one_o do_v that_o constant_o since_o the_o common_a tie_v of_o christianity_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v occasional_o but_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o their_o conscience_n allow_v they_o now_o and_o then_o to_o hear_v a_o episcopal_a presbyter_n preach_v or_o read_v though_o they_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o the_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n such_o as_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o may_v have_v this_o occasional_a communion_n with_o papist_n grecian_n jew_n and_o mahumetan_n for_o they_o all_o teach_v some_o great_a and_o common_a truth_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v but_o second_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o scots_a presbyterian_o be_v schismatic_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n because_o by_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o if_o they_o have_v live_v one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n before_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v then_o a_o necessity_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o scruple_n at_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n the_o solemnity_n and_o festivity_n the_o public_a fast_n the_o altar_n the_o hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n nay_o the_o dignity_n of_o metrapolitans_n be_v suppose_v as_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a by_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a so_o upon_o the_o presbyterian_a hypothesis_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v oblige_v if_o they_o have_v live_v among_o the_o ancient_n then_o to_o keep_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a conventicle_n when_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o patience_n make_v they_o shine_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n make_v they_o victorious_a over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n when_o by_o their_o fast_n and_o their_o prayer_n they_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o its_o lust_n and_o affection_n when_o they_o teach_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o majesty_n and_o simplicity_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pagan_n by_o their_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o those_o first_o christian_n i_o will_v choose_v their_o company_n at_o all_o adventure_n without_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o either_o christmas_n easter_n or_o good_a friday_n but_o three_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o must_v be_v schismatic_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o predecessor_n this_o i_o have_v touch_v a_o little_a before_o four_o i_o desire_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o name_v some_o schismatic_n in_o the_o record_n of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v now_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o church_n to_o be_v schismatic_n and_o then_o i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o such_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o presbyterian_o more_o eminent_o than_o to_o any_o rank_n of_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n i_o be_o mistake_v but_o five_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o st._n cyprian_n notion_n of_o schism_n since_o to_o separate_v from_o one_o own_o bishop_n be_v a_o just_a and_o apostolical_a notion_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o scotland_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o they_o have_v stubborn_o and_o factious_o conspire_v against_o the_o apostolical_a hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o i_o remark_n be_v his_o censure_n of_o the_o i_o piscopal_a clergy_n for_o preach_a morality_n pag._n 62._o and_o 63._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o letter_n write_v that_o the_o episcopal_a party_n understand_v the_o christian_a philosophy_n better_o and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o understand_v or_o preach_v better_a in_o scotland_n than_o under_o episcopacy_n the_o vindicator_n reply_v very_o witty_o that_o he_o think_v the_o commendation_n of_o a_o minister_n have_v be_v rather_o to_o understand_v christian_a divinity_n than_o christian_a philosophy_n but_o soft_o sir_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o nice_a distinction_n between_o christian_a divinity_n and_o christian_a philosophy_n for_o if_o philosophy_n be_v true_o christian_a it_o must_v be_v refine_v upon_o no_o low_a standard_n than_o the_o moral_n that_o our_o saviour_n practise_v and_o recommend_v and_o be_v not_o this_o christian_a divinity_n in_o it_o nature_n and_o tendency_n the_o author_n of_o that_o letter_n do_v not_o understand_v by_o philosophy_n the_o lame_a and_o defective_a system_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o rather_o that_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a rule_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o hope_v he_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o accuse_v the_o clergy_n that_o they_o recommend_v the_o pagan_a moral_n as_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o their_o hearer_n or_o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v neither_o believe_v nor_o exhort_v other_o to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o credenda_fw-la of_o our_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v fortify_v some_o excellent_a argument_n among_o the_o philosopher_n with_o christian_a motive_n and_o what_o the_o philosopher_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o dissidence_n and_o hesitation_n can_v not_o recommend_v but_o faint_o the_o christian_a preacher_n do_v assert_v bold_o since_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o invincible_a and_o infallible_a argument_n not_o only_o of_o our_o resurrection_n but_o of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v nothing_o true_o excellent_a among_o the_o pagan_a writer_n but_o what_o be_v in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o for_o the_o matter_n find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o pure_a moral_n and_o great_a height_n than_o the_o pagan_n can_v discern_v nor_o can_v i_o think_v but_o that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v make_v very_o good_a use_n of_o pagan_a moralist_n i_o always_o think_v seneca_n a_o very_a excellent_a book_n but_o if_o seneca_n be_v christianise_v as_o the_o vindicator_n speak_v i_o can_v see_v what_o fault_n the_o vindicator_n can_v find_v with_o seneca_n or_o marcus_n aurelius_n or_o any_o of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n for_o certain_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o true_a extent_n and_o latitude_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o evangelical_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n heb._n shall_v see_v god_n and_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n of_o that_o letter_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n do_v plain_o and_o serious_o recommend_v to_o their_o hearer_n the_o reformation_n of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o christian_a standard_n and_o true_o sir_n notwithstanding_o the_o vindicator_n sarcastic_a paraphrase_n i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o good_a philosophy_n nay_o more_o i_o think_v moral_a philosophy_n never_o arrive_v at_o its_o true_a elevation_n and_o meridian_n purity_n but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o do_v the_o vindicator_n know_v better_a philosophy_n than_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o to_o the_o roman_n we_o preach_v that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n we_o preach_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v 17._o with_o knowledge_n shall_v show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n 26._o his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n we_o preach_v that_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o this_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a because_o true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n we_o preach_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n bath_n appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o 12._o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o true_o sir_n i_o think_v this_o very_a good_a morality_n and_o
external_a evidence_n there_o be_v no_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v only_o accessible_a to_o omniscience_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a but_o the_o vindicator_n may_v remember_v that_o the_o dissent_v ministe_n in_o and_o faith_n about_o london_n in_o their_o late_a agreement_n require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o as_o mark_n of_o orthodoxy_n than_o the_o subsoription_n of_o 36_o article_n the_o vindicator_n insinuate_v that_o though_o the_o clergy_n do_v subscribe_v they_o yet_o they_o preach_v against_o they_o this_o be_v another_o stroke_n of_o his_o good_a nature_n and_o civility_n and_o he_o may_v beconvince_v long_o ever_o now_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v not_o so_o very_o pliable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o conviction_n in_o view_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n even_o when_o he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v be_v very_o active_a to_o reduce_v they_o to_o extraordinary_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n nay_o 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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 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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
and_o simoniacal_o short_o thereafter_o bargain_n with_o a_o nobleman_n that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o then_o his_o co-presbyter_n who_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o successful_a handle_v he_o to_o purpose_n but_o with_o such_o indiscretion_n that_o in_o pursue_v he_o they_o trample_v on_o the_o king_n and_o all_o the_o civil_a authority_n in_o so_o far_o that_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o answer_v for_o illegal_a invasion_n on_o the_o king_n authority_n they_o do_v bold_o protest_v that_o though_o they_o compear_v in_o civility_n to_o the_o king_n yet_o that_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n 〈◊〉_d council_n right_o in_o any_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n this_o be_v on_o the_o 12_o of_o april_n 1582._o and_o short_o thereafter_o in_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n hold_v at_o st._n andrews_n mr._n andrew_n melvil_n tell_v the_o master_n of_o request_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o king_n to_o stop_v some_o of_o their_o illegal_a procedure_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meddle_v in_o civil_a matter_n but_o in_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v so_o the_o practice_n on_o these_o ground_n do_v short_o follow_v for_o on_o the_o 23d_o of_o august_n 1582._o the_o king_n be_v make_v prisoner_n by_o a_o faction_n of_o lord_n at_o the_o house_n of_o ruthwen_n and_o on_o the_o 13_o of_o october_n 1582._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n at_o edenburg_n do_v by_o a_o act_n approve_v of_o that_o perduellion_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v good_a service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o chucrh_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o january_n 1583._o two_o ambassador_n come_v from_o france_n and_o one_o from_o england_n to_o endeavour_v the_o king_n liberty_n the_o assembly_n order_v the_o minister_n to_o declaim_v against_o the_o impious_a design_n of_o liberate_v the_o king_n and_o they_o do_v rail_v at_o the_o ambassador_n by_o name_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o rabble_n their_o faithful_a confederate_n on_o all_o occasion_n not_o to_o suffer_v the_o badge_n of_o the_o french_a order_n esprit_fw-fr to_o be_v see_v on_o their_o street_n it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n a_o badge_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o show_v their_o good_a manner_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sound_a doctrine_n the_o king_n have_v appoint_v the_o magistrate_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o entertain_v the_o ambassador_n on_o the_o 16_o of_o february_n 1583._o the_o minister_n appoint_v a_o solemn_a fast_o on_o that_o very_a day_n and_o civil_o preach_v from_o morning_n till_o night_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o such_o end_n and_o with_o so_o little_a rule_n curse_v the_o magistrate_n and_o their_o company_n and_o be_v with_o difficulty_n keep_v from_o excommunicate_v they_o the_o king_n have_v deliver_v himself_o from_o his_o restraint_n mr._n dury_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ministry_n open_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o king_n and_o mr._n melvil_n declaim_v frequent_o against_o the_o king_n for_o which_o he_o be_v call_v before_o the_o council_n but_o he_o bold_o decline_v the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o judge_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la of_o what_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n even_o though_o it_o be_v high_a treason_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v to_o england_n from_o whence_o he_o kindle_v that_o conspiracy_n which_o short_o thereafter_o bring_v the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n and_o other_o to_o the_o scaffold_n these_o seditious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n move_v the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o on_o the_o 22d_o day_n of_o may_n in_o a_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n by_o a_o solemn_a act_n to_o assert_v the_o king_n sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n as_o his_o undoubted_a ancient_a right_n and_o that_o it_o be_v treason_n to_o decline_v his_o authority_n in_o any_o matter_n and_o discharge_v all_o assembly_n convocation_n and_o all_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o prohibit_v all_o faction_n and_o seditious_a preach_n sermon_n and_o all_o slanderous_a speech_n against_o the_o king_n the_o minister_n declaim_v against_o this_o and_o reproach_v this_o act_n of_o parliament_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o the_o king_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o allow_v mr._n melvil_n and_o his_o complice_n to_o return_v to_o their_o church_n but_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o this_o favour_n than_o mr._n andrew_n call_v a_o assembly_n to_o st._n andrews_n it_o consist_v of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n and_o one_o mr._n robert_n wilky_a a_o regent_n professor_n and_o laic_a be_v choose_v moderator_n there_o in_o a_o most_o ridiculous_a manner_n they_o cite_v the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n on_o twenty_o four_o hour_n to_o compear_v before_o they_o and_o he_o not_o compear_v they_o cause_v a_o young_a indiscreet_a fellow_n call_v hunter_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o have_v accession_n to_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n late_o mention_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o parliament_n and_o a_o assembly_n meet_v this_o very_a year_n at_o edinburgh_n will_v have_v take_v up_o this_o difference_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o do_v absolve_v the_o archbishop_n from_o excommunication_n yet_o mr._n andrew_n and_o his_o adherent_n protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n and_o declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o absolution_n yet_o the_o archbishop_n shall_v be_v still_o esteem_v as_o one_o deliver_v to_o satan_n until_o sign_n of_o true_a repentance_n appear_v and_o though_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o magnify_v their_o assembly_n and_o their_o pretend_a parity_n yet_o when_o the_o far_o major_a number_n be_v against_o their_o humour_n they_o regard_v not_o their_o plurality_n for_o in_o anno_fw-la 1591._o when_o the_o synod_n of_o st._n andrews_n have_v determine_v to_o constitute_v one_o mr._n weems_n minister_n at_o leuchars_n mr._n melvil_n and_o some_o few_o more_o viz._n six_o be_v for_o one_o mr._n walace_n and_o when_o the_o far_o major_a part_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o opinion_n though_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v invade_v when_o bishop_n or_o prince_n oppose_v the_o majority_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o mr._n melvil_n and_o his_o six_o withdraw_v to_o another_o place_n and_o admit_v mr._n walace_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o leuchars_n and_o the_o synod_n do_v admit_v mr._n weems_n but_o this_o have_v almost_o engage_v the_o parishioner_n in_o blood_n and_o the_o scussle_v can_v not_o be_v end_v until_o melvil_n faction_n prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o synod_n that_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o shall_v be_v minister_n at_o that_o church_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o insist_v on_o this_o be_v to_o let_v they_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n see_v how_o just_o our_o dislike_n of_o a_o parity_n in_o church_n offices_n be_v found_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a warrant_n for_o it_o from_o scripture_n apostolic_a practice_n primitive_a father_n council_n or_o any_o well_o establish_v christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o best_a plea_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o pretend_a parity_n that_o be_v allege_v among_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o scotland_n we_o judge_v it_o fit_v first_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o imparity_n then_o and_o always_o thereafter_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o parity_n be_v always_o reject_v by_o our_o king_n parliament_n and_o the_o most_o and_o best_a of_o our_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o immorality_n and_o sedition_n of_o such_o as_o contend_v for_o parity_n give_v we_o no_o invitation_n to_o be_v among_o their_o successor_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o and_o 1591._o and_o 1592._o be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o danger_n twice_o be_v he_o captive_n and_o constant_o in_o great_a trouble_n by_o the_o sedition_n of_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n and_o his_o fiery_a complice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o he_o do_v consent_n to_o grant_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o this_o of_o necessity_n to_o evite_v a_o threaten_a rebellion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o chancellor_n maitland_n who_o in_o council_n advise_v the_o king_n to_o give_v they_o much_o of_o their_o will_n for_o that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o short_a way_n to_o make_v they_o odious_a as_o already_o they_o be_v troubleseme_v to_o the_o nation_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v turn_v out_o by_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v never_o a_o act_n or_o motion_n of_o abolish_n episcopacy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o continue_v in_o their_o diocese_n and_o church_n always_o thereafter_o and_o in_o the_o very_a year_n 1594._o cunnigham_n bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v babtize_v prince_n henry_n at_o sterling_n but_o the_o king_n be_v force_v