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
from_o all_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o violence_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o prove_v they_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a he_o think_v all_o our_o complaint_n of_o the_o outrage_n and_o tumult_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a but_o be_v not_o the_o cameronian_n presbyterian_o to_o what_o communion_n then_o do_v they_o belong_v have_v they_o any_o principle_n discipline_n or_o worship_n different_a from_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o their_o lead_a man_n late_o own_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n without_o retract_v any_o article_n of_o doctrine_n or_o disow_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o so_o zealous_o recommend_v to_o their_o follower_n in_o the_o west_n this_o be_v a_o very_a pleasant_a fancy_n that_o the_o author_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o hide_v the_o tumult_n and_o insurrection_n of_o that_o party_n by_o change_v the_o name_n of_o presbyterian_a into_o cameronian_n the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n as_o ready_o all_o schismatic_n do_v split_v themselves_o into_o two_o great_a faction_n viz._n the_o primianist_n and_o the_o maximianist_n what_o sacrilegious_a villainy_n they_o commit_v and_o all_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o zeal_n and_o reformation_n every_o body_n know_v but_o pray_v what_o a_o impertinent_a apology_n can_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o donatist_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o barbarity_n commit_v upon_o the_o clergy_n their_o family_n church_n altar_n and_o sacred_a utensil_n milevit_fw-la and_o upon_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o their_o communion_n but_o that_o such_o indignity_n be_v not_o commit_v by_o the_o sober_a intelligent_a donatist_n they_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o the_o reformation_n of_o abuse_n by_o orderly_a and_o imperial_a edict_n their_o zeal_n against_o the_o traditores_fw-la only_o put_v they_o upon_o extraordinary_a attempt_n of_o reformation_n it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o african_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n clergy_n there_o be_v sad_o oppress_v and_o run_v down_o by_o a_o company_n of_o mad_a and_o ungovernable_a enthusiast_n but_o the_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a donatist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o be_v either_o the_o primianist_n or_o the_o maximianist_n that_o commit_v such_o extravagancy_n and_o disorder_n or_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a they_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o circumcellian_o a_o three_o division_n of_o that_o unhappy_a family_n now_o the_o author_n make_v just_a such_o another_o apology_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o scotland_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n in_o the_o western_a shire_n be_v miserable_o harass_v but_o the_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a presbyterian_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v we_o do_v easy_o grant_v he_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o be_v most_o instrumental_a in_o the_o disaster_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o sober_a man_n though_o the_o most_o intelligent_a among_o they_o do_v contrive_v and_o manage_v the_o irregular_a heat_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o partisan_n but_o to_o expose_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o apology_n a_o little_a more_o close_o we_o know_v no_o opinion_n that_o mr._n cameron_n propagate_v or_o entertain_v that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o he_o follow_v most_o close_o and_o ingenuous_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o old_a and_o zealous_a presbyterian_o and_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v mr._n cameron_n be_v not_o a_o man_n very_o proper_a to_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a sect._n he_o build_v upon_o the_o notion_n that_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v oblige_v for_o this_o word_n cameronian_n to_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n who_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o word_n but_o a_o presbyterian_a who_o zeal_n for_o his_o faction_n after_o the_o example_n of_o mr._n cameron_n over_o drive_v he_o violent_o beyond_o all_o bound_n of_o discretion_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v their_o artifice_n in_o this_o the_o word_n presbyterian_a be_v know_v in_o england_n but_o the_o word_n cameronian_n be_v not_o and_o therefore_o this_o distinction_n for_o distinction_n be_v of_o great_a use_n sometime_o of_o presbyterian_a and_o cameronian_n be_v a_o very_a plausible_a defence_n in_o england_n to_o disprove_v all_o the_o complaint_n make_v by_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o if_o the_o cameronian_n be_v a_o new_a species_n of_o schismatic_n different_a from_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o that_o we_o have_v three_o considerable_a division_n of_o christian_n in_o scotland_n the_o episcopal_a party_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o cameronian_n whereas_o indeed_o we_o know_v of_o none_o but_o two_o and_o the_o cameronian_n be_v those_o presbyterian_o that_o have_v study_v their_o own_o principle_n most_o accurate_o and_o draw_v from_o those_o principle_n such_o practical_a conclusion_n as_o they_o natural_o and_o necessary_o yield_v i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o author_n can_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o cameronian_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n know_v that_o those_o presbyterian_o who_o he_o nickname_n cameronian_n do_v assert_v their_o presbyterian_a principle_n when_o other_o be_v very_o silent_a and_o upon_o this_o they_o value_v themselves_o as_o the_o most_o pious_a active_a and_o ingenuous_a of_o the_o whole_a party_n who_o differ_v not_o from_o other_o in_o their_o principle_n but_o do_v exceed_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n in_o high_a degree_n of_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o combination_n but_o pray_v what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o cameronian_n have_v do_v that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v do_v upon_o presbyterian_a principle_n for_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n among_o they_o that_o the_o people_n may_v especial_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o pastor_n reform_v the_o church_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v slack_a or_o remiss_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o opposite_a unto_o the_o design_a reformation_n now_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n upon_o their_o hypothesis_n be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o advance_v this_o glorious_a reformation_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o most_o barbarous_a rabble_a of_o the_o clergy_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n can_v religion_n prosper_v in_o our_o nation_n unless_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o adherent_n be_v extirpate_v and_o be_v not_o presbyterian_a government_n the_o immediate_a and_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o presbyterian_a discipline_n the_o administration_n of_o his_o royal_a kingdom_n and_o sceptre_n and_o may_v we_o be_v less_o serious_a in_o assert_v his_o kingly_a office_n than_o in_o defend_v his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o scotland_n upon_o all_o turn_v wrestle_v with_o authority_n about_o this_o great_a truth_n and_o do_v the_o author_n think_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o interpose_v in_o so_o critical_a a_o juncture_n to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n that_o their_o squeamish_a conscience_n groan_v under_o for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o episcopacy_n to_o presbytery_n be_v of_o this_o consequence_n as_o they_o print_v and_o preach_v every_o where_o what_o be_v there_o in_o those_o last_o tumultuous_a rabbling_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v disow_v wherein_o be_v the_o cameronian_n to_o be_v blame_v because_o forsooth_o this_o author_n think_v that_o the_o actor_n of_o those_o villainy_n we_o complain_v of_o be_v perhaps_o not_o so_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o rejoice_v in_o what_o be_v do_v but_o he_o wish_v it_o may_v have_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o great_a caution_n and_o secrecy_n lest_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n may_v take_v occasion_n to_o represent_v they_o and_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a colour_n i_o think_v the_o author_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o say_v the_o cammeronians_n be_v not_o intelligent_a for_o certain_o they_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o the_o best_a direction_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o their_o agent_n give_v they_o exact_a intelligence_n of_o what_o they_o may_v venture_v upon_o and_o when_o according_o asleep_o company_n of_o wicked_a incendiary_n who_o have_v declare_v war_n against_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o when_o he_o govern_v the_o nation_n by_o those_o law_n that_o be_v make_v in_o time_n of_o peace_n by_o the_o most_o unanimous_a and_o solemn_a parliament_n that_o ever_o the_o nation_n have_v and_o who_o declare_v in_o their_o seditious_a pamphlet_n and_o paper_n that_o he_o have_v forfeit_v all_o right_n to_o the_o crown_n because_o forsooth_o he_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o man_n who_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o revolution_n as_o they_o be_v direct_v fall_v violent_o upon_o the_o clergy_n and_o drive_v they_o from_o their_o house_n and_o residence_n to_o the_o scandal_n
former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n on_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfoction_n and_o nigh_o conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethres_n and_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o very_a assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o to_o exonerate_v our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o accession_n unto_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o 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the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v prelimited_a the_o assembly_n by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n former_o mention_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n choose_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n do_v incite_v too_o hard_a course_n against_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o 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issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o particular_a protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approbation_n or_o ratification_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o their_o commissioner_n especial_o their_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o judicatories_n and_o in_o the_o army_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o warning_n declaration_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v minister_n their_o doctrine_n and_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v not_o be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o due_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o convene_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v what_o further_a reason_n shall_v have_v weight_n for_o strengthen_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o show_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v extant_a ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o subscribe_v extract_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n subscribe_v and_o present_v at_o st._n andrews_n 20._o july_n 1651._o by_o mr._n a._n g._n moderator_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n mr._n samuel_n rutherford_n mr._n james_n guthery_n mr._n patrick_n gillespy_n mr._n john_n meinzies_n mr._n ephraim_n melvin_n mr._n john_n carstaires_o mr._n william_n adair_n mr._n thomas_n wyllie_n mr._n john_n nevoy_n mr._n james_n simpson_n mr._n william_n guthery_n mr._n alexander_n moncreif_a mr._n john_n hamilton_n in_o inderkip_n mr._n robert_n muire_v mr._n john_n hart._n mr._n andrew_n donaldson_n mr._n robert_n keith_n and_o ten_o other_o minister_n right_o reverend_n we_o be_v constrain_v by_o many_o necessity_n and_o by_o transfer_v of_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o your_o subsequent_a meeting_n and_o have_v lay_v to_o heart_n what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o so_o sad_a a_o dispensation_n and_o so_o sore_a a_o controversy_n against_o the_o land_n we_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o you_o that_o we_o be_v much_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n relate_v to_o the_o inbringing_a and_o entrusting_a of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o there_o issue_v forth_o one_o act_n with_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o prejudice_n as_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o presbytery_n election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n which_o have_v need_n to_o be_v look_v on_o lest_o the_o freedom_n of_o this_o high_a court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o such_o preparative_n be_v infringe_v we_o wish_v it_o be_v your_o wisdom_n care_v that_o begin_v evil_n be_v remedy_v our_o bleed_a wound_n with_o tender_a hand_n bind_v up_o and_o that_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n smoke_v in_o our_o bowel_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o do_v in_o all_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o your_o wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n of_o respect_n to_o precious_a man_n who_o we_o much_o honour_n and_o love_n in_o the_o lord_n though_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o most_o disser_n from_o they_o in_o judgement_n protest_v that_o the_o foresay_a proceed_n be_v not_o ratify_v and_o approven_v by_o you_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o
the_o world_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o very_o recent_a and_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o lead_a presbyterian_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o achievement_n so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o constant_a genius_n and_o former_a practice_n for_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a advocate_n plead_v late_o before_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o mr._n wallace_n that_o they_o that_o pillage_v the_o king_n house_n be_v a_o company_n of_o grave_a reasonable_a think_v man_n command_v by_o a_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n we_o see_v then_o by_o this_o one_o single_a instance_n the_o spirit_n of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n that_o run_v through_o his_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o rabble_n reformation_n be_v concert_v by_o the_o ringleader_n of_o the_o faction_n then_o he_o must_v own_o that_o the_o tumult_n be_v not_o the_o accidental_a effort_n of_o some_o angry_a inconsiderable_a people_n 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enterprise_n i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v high_o indecent_a to_o name_v particular_a man_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o wasp_n and_o hornet_n you_o see_v then_o by_o the_o reflection_n i_o have_v make_v of_o this_o general_n topick_n what_o the_o superstructure_n must_v be_v the_o next_o thing_n under_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v himself_o and_o his_o party_n be_v his_o fancy_n of_o a_o interregnum_fw-la he_o tell_v we_o grave_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n that_o what_o be_v do_v against_o the_o clergy_n be_v do_v in_o a_o interregnum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v high_o provoke_v by_o the_o clergy_n that_o they_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o be_v but_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v and_o that_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o excuse_n yet_o it_o extenuate_v what_o those_o zealous_a patriot_n do_v at_o that_o time_n to_o advance_v the_o glorious_a reformation_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o his_o wild_a imagination_n of_o a_o interregnum_fw-la which_o can_v proper_o fall_v out_o in_o a_o hereditary_a monarchy_n for_o the_o king_n never_o die_v for_o though_o the_o law_n be_v not_o put_v in_o execution_n in_o that_o interval_n of_o confusion_n and_o uncertainty_n yet_o they_o retain_v their_o legal_a force_n and_o authority_n the_o government_n be_v indeed_o in_o a_o convulsive_a motion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o perform_v the_o ordinary_a function_n of_o order_n and_o justice_n but_o do_v he_o think_v that_o because_o humane_a law_n be_v in_o that_o interval_n hinder_v that_o therefore_o the_o godly_a and_o zealous_a presbyterian_o be_v loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n be_v there_o no_o security_n against_o the_o violent_a hand_n of_o those_o saint_n but_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o law_n how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o neighbour_n when_o they_o venture_v upon_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o character_n that_o cornelius_n tacitus_n give_v of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v kind_a and_o affectionate_a to_o their_o own_o kindred_n but_o they_o retain_v adversus_fw-la omnes_fw-la alios_fw-la hostile_a odium_fw-la juvenal_n give_v the_o same_o character_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v he_o think_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o interregnum_fw-la can_v justify_v what_o modest_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o colenti_fw-la and_o be_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o party_n that_o he_o shall_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n unless_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o humane_a law_n why_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o open_o and_o joint_o contemn_v its_o most_o essential_a precept_n but_o he_o say_v the_o people_n be_v much_o injure_v and_o provoke_v by_o the_o clergy_n what_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n do_v i_o know_v not_o if_o i_o make_v a_o estimate_n of_o their_o proceed_n against_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o clergyman_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n i_o declare_v sincere_o to_o you_o i_o never_o know_v one_o of_o they_o that_o prosecute_v the_o dissenter_n without_o great_a reluctancy_n nay_o i_o know_v many_o of_o they_o that_o interpose_v with_o sincere_a kindness_n and_o vigour_n for_o their_o parishioner_n frequent_o and_o with_o success_n too_o when_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o clergy_n do_v prosecute_v the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o law_n they_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o but_o what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v endanger_v the_o legal_a and_o lineal_a monarchy_n be_v undermine_v and_o the_o government_n by_o such_o frequent_a shake_n most_o likely_a to_o relapse_n into_o its_o former_a state_n of_o civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n be_v poison_v with_o dark_a and_o enthusiastic_a principle_n speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n take_v place_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o a_o schism_n unreasonable_a in_o its_o beginning_n and_o disow_v by_o all_o protestant_a church_n and_o the_o learnede_a presbyterian_o compertissimum_fw-la be_v propagate_v in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o all_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n and_o ought_v the_o clergy_n to_o look_v on_o and_o continue_v idle_a spectator_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a be_v so_o dare_o and_o factious_o invade_v be_v they_o not_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o stop_v this_o career_n of_o insolence_n and_o villainy_n and_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n by_o all_o the_o soft_a method_n of_o tenderness_n and_o meekness_n yet_o the_o boutefeu_n and_o incendiary_n be_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o lash_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o our_o governor_n do_v nothing_o then_o but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n unless_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o their_o own_o honour_n dignity_n and_o estate_n unto_o the_o caprice_n and_o ambition_n of_o some_o bigoted_a covenanter_n but_o i_o will_v ask_v the_o vindicator_n whether_o they_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o never_o prosecute_v any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v the_o more_o kind_o treat_v upon_o this_o last_o revolution_n i_o know_v several_n of_o they_o who_o have_v be_v most_o spiteful_o use_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o though_o former_o they_o do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a office_n that_o lay_v in_o their_o power_n the_o clergy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o laity_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o crush_v and_o extirpate_v the_o beginning_n of_o rebellion_n and_o the_o attempt_n of_o such_o as_o preach_v the_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n until_o at_o last_o the_o rebel_n justify_v in_o their_o book_n and_o sermon_n open_a and_o avow_v murder_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o natural_a consequence_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o party_n appear_v thus_o terrible_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o our_o governor_n shall_v look_v on_o and_o suffer_v their_o own_o throat_n to_o be_v cut_v their_o family_n to_o be_v forfeit_v their_o king_n to_o be_v dethrone_v their_o
church_n polity_n to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o entire_a scheme_n of_o their_o government_n to_o be_v deface_v and_o all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n and_o upon_o no_o wise_a consideration_n than_o because_o their_o enemy_n pretend_a religion_n and_o give_v most_o sacred_a name_n to_o the_o most_o abominable_a crime_n and_o now_o again_o that_o they_o be_v uppermost_a they_o be_v very_o angry_a that_o man_n do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o suffer_v their_o folly_n and_o tyranny_n to_o overspread_v the_o nation_n without_o contradiction_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o their_o minister_n do_v suffer_v upon_o the_o restitution_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o why_o they_o will_v not_o take_v presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n nor_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n they_o will_v possess_v their_o benefice_n against_o the_o law_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o authority_n but_o be_v any_o of_o they_o turn_v out_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n lighton_n so_o 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it_o be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o present_o without_o examination_n you_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nay_o you_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v against_o their_o party_n be_v do_v rather_o against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o enemy_n than_o the_o petulance_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n therefore_o they_o insinuate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o all_o reason_n against_o they_o proceed_v from_o profanity_n and_o atheism_n or_o from_o man_n void_a of_o all_o principle_n and_o religion_n you_o may_v as_o easy_o reason_v a_o bedlamite_n out_o of_o his_o fancy_a honour_n and_o principality_n as_o persuade_v any_o of_o their_o delude_a disciple_n that_o they_o 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the_o bible_n and_o all_o be_v malignant_n in_o their_o dialect_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_o add_v to_o this_o the_o universal_a and_o restless_a endeavour_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o ruin_v the_o person_n estate_n and_o family_n of_o all_o that_o oppose_v their_o design_n and_o their_o discipline_n be_v make_v a_o engine_n to_o pry_v into_o the_o great_a secret_n of_o family_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a chaplain_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o minister_n intelligencer_n complain_v in_o his_o prayer_n of_o what_o he_o think_v amiss_o in_o the_o family_n or_o neighbourhood_n nay_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n groan_v under_o this_o tyrannical_a pedantry_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v under_o the_o egyptian_n when_o their_o bloody_a scaffold_n stand_v erect_v for_o some_o whole_a week_n together_o then_o it_o be_v that_o their_o modest_a minister_n say_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v like_a to_o prosper_v when_o they_o justify_v one_o crime_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o another_o and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o their_o arbitrary_a tyranny_n from_o their_o success_n and_o prosperity_n when_o their_o turkish_a argument_n of_o force_n and_o arm_n run_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o now_o forsooth_o they_o must_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v rigid_a and_o peevish_a and_o severe_a to_o their_o parishioner_n when_o perhaps_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n the_o ten_o part_n of_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o yet_o the_o law_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o give_v up_o the_o name_n of_o recusant_n and_o do_v not_o we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o since_o the_o late_a revolution_n have_v out_o do_v the_o diligence_n of_o all_o man_n against_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n for_o the_o whole_a faction_n apply_v their_o utmost_a force_n since_o the_o revolution_n to_o ruin_v her_o neighbour_n and_o possess_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o place_n civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o people_n upon_o earth_n that_o value_n government_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v it_o be_v the_o idol_n they_o bow_v to_o there_o be_v nothing_o gratify_v their_o high_a passion_n so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o tyrannize_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v once_o under_o their_o foot_n they_o will_v look_v cheerful_a their_o blood_n will_v circulate_v more_o brisk_o until_o this_o be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n nor_o peace_n for_o mankind_n the_o discipline_n the_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o geneve_n must_v wrestle_v with_o all_o authority_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o former_a excuse_n do_v not_o serve_v his_o design_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o insinuate_v all_o a_o long_a his_o book_n that_o most_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v wicked_a man_n but_o let_v i_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o infamous_a accusation_n who_o make_v they_o judge_n of_o the_o scandalous_a clergy_n who_o delegate_n be_v they_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o punishment_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o very_a few_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o western_a shire_n but_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o general_o the_o clergy_n in_o those_o shire_n be_v grave_a sober_a and_o assiduous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o gain_v those_o enthusiast_n from_o their_o schism_n and_o delusion_n and_o be_v very_o successful_a in_o this_o christian_a design_n if_o a_o new_a indulgence_n after_o the_o defeat_n at_o bothwel_n bridge_n have_v not_o buoy_v up_o their_o interest_n as_o for_o the_o scandalous_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o western_a presbyterian_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o one_o of_o the_o vindicator_n own_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o a_o party_n and_o indeed_o of_o such_o a_o party_n who_o from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n place_v much_o of_o their_o strength_n in_o reproach_v the_o clergy_n if_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o character_n we_o ought_v rather_o all_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n to_o lament_v it_o rather_o than_o insult_v and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o it_o indeed_o a_o minister_n who_o employment_n be_v to_o fit_v other_o man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a and_o scandalous_a opposition_n to_o his_o rule_n be_v the_o most_o monstrous_a thing_n in_o nature_n all_o the_o satirical_a write_n of_o the_o poet_n and_o all_o the_o invective_n of_o orator_n can_v furnish_v one_o word_n to_o give_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o that_o loathsome_a creature_n but_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 of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o swell_v that_o volumn_n into_o a_o prodigious_a bulk_n if_o their_o ignorant_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n may_v be_v believe_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o accuse_v but_o i_o think_v the_o vindicator_n himself_o be_v not_o of_o so_o profligate_v a_o water_n conscience_n as_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o such_o malicious_a report_n we_o have_v have_v late_a instance_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a activity_n against_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o clergy_n no_o man_n can_v escape_v a_o libel_n that_o enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a benefice_n nothing_o can_v have_v make_v the_o presbyterian_o more_o contemptible_a than_o this_o treacherous_a and_o sneak_a method_n of_o libel_v when_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o man_n that_o those_o scurrilous_a paper_n be_v intend_v for_o no_o more_o than_o to_o ruin_n and_o disgrace_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o deserve_a man_n and_o it_o be_v very_o odd_a that_o they_o 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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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great_a fast_n and_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 there_o be_v some_o about_o he_o who_o may_v expose_v his_o explication_n of_o the_o decree_n as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v his_o latin_a reason_v against_o idolatry_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v his_o historical_a argument_n from_o the_o culdee_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o scotland_n in_o the_o primitive_a pag_n time_n before_o popery_n enter_v and_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v that_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o for_o any_o weight_n or_o historical_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o learned_a blondel_n make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o support_v that_o imaginary_a hypothesis_n from_o some_o ancient_a testimony_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o buchanan_n history_n and_o that_o learned_a historian_n take_v it_o unwary_o from_o his_o contemporary_a monk_n boctius_n and_o other_o or_o such_o as_o be_v little_o remove_v from_o his_o own_o age_n blondel_n 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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 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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 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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 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
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
ratification_n thereof_o and_o this_o we_o crave_v to_o be_v record_v in_o your_o register_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n and_o exoneration_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o lord_n give_v you_o wisdom_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o pour_v out_o upon_o you_o a_o spirit_n of_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o the_o land_n of_o build_v up_o our_o breach_n we_o rest_v your_o wisdom_n love_v brethren_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n subscribe_v and_o send_v from_o pearth_n to_o dundee_n to_o which_o place_n the_o assembly_n be_v adjourn_v from_o s._n andrews_n upon_o the_o 21._o july_n 1651._o by_o m._n alexander_n dunlap_n william_n sumervell_n john_n mauld_n james_n donaldson_n john_n veatch_n john_n hamilton_n in_o carmichael_n alexander_n barterem_n minister_n and_o william_n brown_a of_o dolphington_n a_o rule_v elder_a postscript_n when_o the_o printer_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o former_a sheet_n there_o appear_v here_o a_o scurrilous_a pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o scot_n presbyterian_a eloquence_n in_o three_o part_n if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o character_n of_o the_o author_n you_o must_v read_v the_o book_n and_o perhaps_o by_o so_o do_v you_o may_v meet_v with_o something_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o which_o can_v so_o easy_o fall_v under_o word_n he_o appear_v with_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o thunder_n that_o passion_n and_o rage_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o he_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o violence_n and_o indignation_n and_o bluster_n with_o so_o much_o fury_n that_o at_o first_o view_v you_o may_v perceive_v he_o as_o great_a a_o separatist_n from_o good_a nature_n and_o modesty_n as_o he_o be_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o her_o worship_n he_o divide_v his_o pamphlet_n into_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o he_o complain_v of_o cruel_a law_n make_v against_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o the_o former_a reign_n in_o the_o second_o he_o meddle_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scot_n presbyterian_a eloquence_n in_o the_o three_o he_o assault_v the_o sermon_n and_o life_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n as_o to_o the_o first_o king_n charles_n ii_o and_o our_o subordinate_a governor_n make_v no_o law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n but_o what_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n when_o the_o king_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o hereditary_a right_n and_o the_o nation_n deliver_v from_o their_o egyptian_a bondage_n the_o parliament_n be_v call_v they_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n and_o sundamental_a constitution_n and_o because_o they_o have_v so_o sad_o smart_v under_o their_o cruel_a taskmaster_n the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n they_o take_v care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o gentle_a law_n both_o the_o reclaim_v the_o delude_v and_o secure_v their_o own_o safety_n the_o frequent_a attempt_n and_o insurrection_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o afterward_o oblige_v they_o to_o make_v 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covenant_n what_o apology_n need_v there_o be_v make_v against_o the_o unreasonable_a clamour_n of_o such_o desperate_a incendiary_n especial_o when_o their_o cruelty_n towards_o the_o episcopal_a church_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n after_o the_o year_n 1637._o be_v unparalleled_a in_o history_n as_o they_o be_v diabolical_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n impose_v upon_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n within_o the_o nation_n and_o child_n at_o the_o school_n not_o except_v with_o great_a tyranny_n malice_n and_o violence_n than_o the_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n ever_o practise_v what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o the_o king_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o and_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n why_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n have_v lose_v his_o right_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o defend_v his_o calm_a and_o obedient_a subject_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o religious_a harpy_n who_o will_v needs_o persuade_v the_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o much_o to_o be_v dread_v as_o any_o the_o least_o transgression_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n may_v more_o plausible_o be_v accuse_v of_o cruelty_n if_o they_o have_v make_v severe_a law_n against_o the_o consequence_n of_o presbyterian_a opinion_n rather_o than_o against_o the_o open_a and_o avow_v effort_n of_o treachery_n and_o rebellion_n prudence_n and_o caution_n may_v arm_v they_o against_o the_o first_o but_o self-defence_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n their_o own_o honour_n and_o safety_n must_v needs_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o second_o in_o short_a you_o will_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n but_o a_o ill_o contrive_v abstract_n of_o the_o hind_n let_v loose_a and_o you_o know_v that_o the_o episcopalian_o take_v care_n to_o compendise_n that_o book_n and_o publish_v it_o of_o new_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o principle_n practice_n and_o humour_n of_o that_o sect_n who_o they_o oppose_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a defence_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o government_n than_o the_o hind_n let_v loose_a if_o due_o consider_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o will_v only_o say_v this_o that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o state_n under_o king_n charles_n ii_o in_o scotland_n have_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o what_o all_o wise_a great_a and_o good_a man_n have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n than_o the_o clamour_n of_o this_o party_n against_o their_o ministry_n be_v rather_o a_o honour_n to_o than_o a_o accusation_n against_o their_o proceed_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o record_n of_o public_a transaction_n preserve_v in_o our_o nation_n the_o rebellion_n under_o king_n charles_n i._n and_o ii_o and_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v and_o the_o manifesto_n artifices_fw-la make_v use_v of_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n unto_o misery_n and_o enthusiasm_n can_v never_o be_v forget_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n extant_a but_o the_o act_n of_o their_o general_a assembly_n they_o sufficient_o vindicate_v king_n charles_n two_o and_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n from_o any_o shadow_n of_o cruelty_n and_o rigour_n but_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o the_o learned_a and_o loyal_a mackenzie_n advocate_n in_o his_o short_a and_o accurate_a defence_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o 2d_n government_n where_o he_o attack_n and_o baffle_v by_o reason_n law_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o nation_n the_o little_a cavil_n and_o exception_n start_v against_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a monarch_n a_o book_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v answer_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o write_v against_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o they_o may_v as_o wise_o run_v a_o tilt_n against_o a_o rock_n as_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v any_o part_n of_o its_o main_a design_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a the_o historical_a retorsion_n so_o undeniable_a and_o the_o villainy_n of_o their_o faction_n and_o combination_n so_o transparent_a that_o to_o meddle_v with_o that_o book_n will_v more_o and_o more_o discover_v their_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o renew_v their_o correction_n and_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o think_v still_o he_o have_v do_v the_o nation_n good_a service_n and_o he_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o his_o opinion_n that_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o little_a and_o hide_a nursling_n of_o presbytery_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o 27._o it_o be_v a_o lie_v that_o sir_n george_n mackenzie_n pretend_v he_o will_v not_o publish_v it_o though_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o copy_n surreptitious_o procure_v to_o come_v abroad_o without_o his_o immediate_a order_n and_o direction_n and_o when_o he_o see_v it_o convenient_a he_o recommend_v it_o to_o his_o friend_n to_o publish_v it_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