unstedfastnesse_n the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o great_a changeling_n have_v here_o give_v the_o poor_a and_o mean_a account_n scarce_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o colour_n to_o his_o reproach_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o notice_n the_o great_a pretence_n of_o this_o complaint_n viz_o that_o in_o the_o revolution_n we_o have_v see_v the_o covenant_n have_v prove_v so_o uneasy_a i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o in_o this_o the_o very_a scripture_n of_o truth_n may_v also_o be_v construe_v a_o hundred_o fold_n more_o uneasy_a but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o who_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o plead_v for_o a_o compliant_a liberty_n for_o all_o these_o so_o contrary_a change_n that_o be_v go_v over_o we_o must_v not_o only_o slack_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n but_o of_o all_o honesty_n and_o ingenuity_n among_o man_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o he_o that_o will_v be_v faithful_a aswell_o as_o he_o that_o will_v live_v 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principal_a obligation_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n viz._n the_o bond_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o so_o great_a unanimity_n explain_v in_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a term_n confirm_v both_o by_o treaty_n and_o pacificationsâ—_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o full_a authority_n both_o of_o king_n parliament_z and_o general_z assembly_n certain_o this_o be_v that_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o thought_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o league_n do_v so_o transport_v he_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o regard_v and_o therefore_o he_o go_v on_o and_o first_o he_o insinuat_v a_o excuse_n for_o some_o who_o he_o say_v in_o yeeldance_n to_o the_o power_n that_o press_v it_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o this_o church_n do_v take_v theâ—_n covenant_n in_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o least_o schismatic_a sense_n sure_a this_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o author_n mistake_n that_o it_o must_v only_o be_v his_o own_o apology_n his_o head_n still_o run_v upon_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n and_o no_o doubt_n his_o sense_n thereof_o aswell_o for_o popery_n as_o prelacy_n be_v as_o moderate_v and_o little_a schismatic_n as_o may_v be_v sor_n all_o know_v he_o to_o be_v large_a as_o catholic_a in_o the_o common_a exception_n as_o christian._n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligement_n to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o this_o debate_n main_o respect_v i_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o think_v it_o capable_a of_o two_o sense_n let_v be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a but_o next_o he_o say_v he_o can_v clear_v they_o of_o a_o great_a sin_n that_o not_o only_o frame_v such_o a_o engine_n but_o violent_o impose_v it_o upon_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n not_o minister_n and_o other_o public_a person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n oâ—_n the_o people_n thereby_o engage_v such_o drove_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a person_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o â—iâ—ill_a as_o church_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n thing_n hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o and_o therefore_o certain_o as_o far_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o to_o tie_v they_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o greaâ—er_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o thus_o he_o a_o weighty_a accusation_n indeed_o if_o well_o found_v but_o though_o the_o simple_a reflection_n who_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v viz._n the_o great_a wise_a and_o most_o religious_a court_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n not_o lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o a_o prelatic_a influence_n which_o their_o sottish_a clergy_n may_v not_o contradict_v but_o use_v all_o liberty_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o suffrage_n may_v make_v every_o one_o so_o advertent_fw-la as_o to_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o exception_n yet_o because_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n last_o reserve_v i_o shall_v review_v it_o particular_o and_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o deceitful_a phrase_n of_o frame_v engine_n which_o he_o use_v his_o first_o challenge_n be_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v violent_o impose_v upon_o all_o rank_n not_o only_o minister_n and_o public_a person_n but_o upon_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n of_o â—he_n land_n certain_o to_o take_v their_o word_n according_a to_o their_o obvious_a import_n a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o be_v by_o a_o few_o violent_a and_o monstruous_a tyrant_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o prevail_v against_o these_o nation_n do_v cudgel_v all_o rank_n in_o they_o to_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereas_o the_o know_a truth_n that_o not_o only_o the_o nation_n do_v by_o â—heir_a representative_n unanimous_o but_o by_o themselves_o for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n cheerful_o engage_v therein_o do_v render_v the_o calumny_n very_o palpable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o few_o that_o do_v refuse_v it_o but_o suppose_v â—his_n to_o have_v be_v their_o single_a deserve_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o their_o suffering_n be_v so_o just_a and_o notwithstanding_o moderate_a and_o their_o number_n so_o small_a as_o i_o have_v above_o observe_v that_o it_o can_v give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o exception_n the_o next_o thing_n object_v be_v that_o drove_n of_o ignorant_a person_n be_v engage_v to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernement_n religious_a and_o civil_a &c_n &c_n who_o will_v forbear_v a_o â—ree_n and_o round_a reply_n to_o such_o a_o confident_a assertion_n he_o come_v forâ—h_n in_o a_o simulat_fw-la pity_n of_o poor_a ignorant_o and_o a_o great_a resentment_n of_o their_o be_v by_o other_o abuse_v and_o yet_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o himself_o betray_v as_o crass_a ignorance_n in_o this_o passage_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o among_o the_o drove_n he_o mention_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o proportion_n a_o impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o superlative_o presumptuous_a and_o for_o prove_v of_o this_o i_o only_o ask_v he_o be_v not_o every_o soul_n bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v his_o king_n his_o country_n and_o his_o neighbour_n right_n prerogative_n and_o privilege_n who_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o be_v he_o therefore_o bind_v to_o know_v they_o all_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o who_o see_v not_o the_o ridiculous_a vanity_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o a_o empty_a dilemma_n to_o be_v clear_a therefore_o and_o distinct_a in_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o very_o stiff_a opponent_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o a_o oath_n bind_v simple_o to_o particular_n of_o mere_a fact_n do_v no_o doubt_n require_v to_o the_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v swear_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o taker_n both_o know_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o and_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a thus_o he_o who_o engage_v by_o oath_n to_o certain_a specific_a privilege_n agree_v unto_o be_v no_o doubt_n in_o conscience_n first_o oblige_v to_o know_v both_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n else_o can_v not_o satisfy_v the_o forementioned_a command_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o a_o oath_n do_v bind_v not_o to_o matter_n
be_v evident_a to_o the_o author_n that_o that_o very_a scruple_n be_v make_v by_o some_o member_n in_o parliament_n and_o resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o than_o it_o be_v in_o be_v in_o england_n leave_v a_o latitude_n for_o episcopacy_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o so_o that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v likewise_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o there_o be_v in_o scotland_n at_o present_a the_o name_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n and_o commissary_n yet_o that_o none_o of_o tâ—ose_n at_o all_o do_v exerce_fw-la any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n under_o that_o name_n neither_o any_o other_o as_o chancellor_n or_o surrogat_n etc._n etc._n by_o delegation_n from_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n from_o all_o power_n and_o share_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n and_o this_o with_o we_o and_o import_v so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o discipline_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o even_o of_o minister_n in_o scotland_n when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n may_v likewise_o understand_v that_o article_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n whatsoever_o even_o the_o most_o moderate_a especial_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v restore_v under_o the_o express_a name_n of_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n never_o consider_v how_o different_a the_o nature_n and_o model_n and_o way_n oâ—_n exercise_v it_o may_v be_v though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o that_o the_o due_a regulate_v of_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o either_o the_o retain_v or_o alter_v of_o the_o name_n but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o certain_o it_o concern_v they_o now_o to_o consider_v it_o when_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o that_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n itself_o do_v very_o genuinly_a consist_v with_o such_o a_o qualify_a &_o distinctive_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o very_a composer_n or_o empower_n of_o it_o or_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o do_v so_o understand_v and_o intend_v it_o and_o unless_o they_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o that_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n &_o moderation_n rather_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o first_o mistake_n and_o excessive_a zeal_n as_o for_o love_n of_o it_o to_o divide_v from_o their_o church_n and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n it_o may_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o england_n who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n do_v possible_o except_v against_o that_o article_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v the_o total_a renounciation_n and_o abolition_n of_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o see_v that_o be_v the_o real_a event_n and_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v many_o other_o strong_a and_o weighty_a reason_n for_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v little_a curious_a to_o inquire_v what_o past_a among_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o and_o what_o distinction_n or_o different_a sense_n either_o the_o word_n of_o that_o article_n may_v admit_v or_o those_o contriver_n may_v intend_v by_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o frame_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—ully_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v there_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n &_o clause_n &_o those_o too_o oâ—_n so_o versatile_a &_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n thicket_n of_o brier_n &_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o &_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n &_o disput_n among_o they_o about_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n &_o the_o tie_n &_o obligement_n of_o those_o doubtful_a clause_n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n &_o revolution_n of_o affair_n as_o always_o may_v &_o often_o do_v even_o within_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long_o live_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o their_o excuse_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n who_o in_o yeeldance_n to_o the_o power_n that_o press_v it_o and_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n do_v take_v that_o covenant_n in_o the_o most_o moderate_a &_o least_o schismatical_a sense_n that_o the_o term_n can_v admit_v yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o clear_v they_o of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n that_o not_o only_o frame_v such_o a_o engine_n but_o violent_o impose_v it_o upon_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n not_o minister_n &_o other_o public_a person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o community_n of_o the_o people_n thereby_o engage_v such_o drove_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a person_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o &_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a as_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o subject_n &_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n thing_n hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n and_o decision_n of_o they_o &_o therefore_o certain_o as_o far_o off_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o yet_o to_o tie_v they_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o certain_o they_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n they_o require_v neither_o subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v and_o far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v real_o commendable_a even_o in_o those_o we_o account_v our_o great_a enemy_n &_o not_o to_o take_v any_o part_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standard_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a contest_v postscript_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o copy_v out_o the_o passage_n cite_v in_o this_o paper_n &_o of_o add_v these_o few_o thought_n that_o then_o occur_v touch_v that_o subject_n i_o will_v have_v neither_o of_o they_o understode_fw-la as_o intend_a any_o way_n to_o reflect_v upon_o or_o judge_v other_o church_n where_o this_o government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v only_o argumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la &_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o person_n and_o notion_n and_o scruple_n we_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o in_o this_o church_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o figned_a to_o come_v to_o very_a few_o hand_n yet_o i_o wish_v that_o what_o be_v here_o represent_v be_v by_o some_o better_a way_n bring_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o mostâ—_n that_o if_o it_o be_v posfible_a their_o extreme_a fervour_n may_v be_v somewhat_o allay_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o they_o be_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o the_o neighbour_n kingdom_n account_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o desirable_a and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yea_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o say_v yet_o further_o that_o i_o think_v
a_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o preface_n any_o thing_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o treaty_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n that_o have_v since_o be_v practise_v i_o shall_v take_v its_o term_n from_o their_o most_o assure_a warrant_n viz._n the_o article_n late_o give_v in_o at_o paseley_n to_o the_o mimister_n there_o conveening_a under_o the_o title_n and_o of_o the_o tenor_n follow_v article_n propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o dissent_v brother_n will_v come_v to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n anent_o church-government_n and_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o shall_v have_v liberty_n at_o their_o entry_n to_o the_o say_a meeting_n to_o declare_v and_o enter_v it_o in_o what_o form_n they_o please_v 2._o that_o all_o church_n affair_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o 3._o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n 4._o that_o intrant_v be_v lawful_o present_v by_o the_o patron_n and_o due_o try_v by_o the_o presbytery_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytrie_n for_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o theiâ—_n solemn_a ordination_n and_o admission_n at_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o impossibility_n or_o extreme_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v in_o touch_v that_o affair_n it_o shall_v be_v referable_a to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o my_o l._n commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n 6._o that_o no_o intrant_fw-la shall_v be_v engage_v to_o any_o canonical_a oath_n or_o subscription_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o his_o opinion_n anent_o that_o government_n shall_v not_o prejudge_v he_o in_o this_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o declare_v these_o be_v the_o condition_n offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o intend_a accommodation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o for_o a_o due_a understanding_n of_o their_o import_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o meeting_n call_v presbytery_n synod_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o which_o the_o brethren_n be_v invite_v and_o for_o that_o end_n we_o must_v not_o only_o transpose_v the_o five_o article_n to_o the_o first_o place_n and_o supply_v it_o with_o such_o other_o probability_n as_o may_v be_v have_v but_o also_o arise_v a_o little_a high_o to_o remember_v the_o change_n that_o we_o have_v late_o see_v and_o from_o what_o and_o to_o what_o they_o have_v carry_v we_o for_o see_v our_o join_n in_o the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o or_o under_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o demand_v of_o we_o it_o be_v so_o little_a possible_a without_o this_o previous_a examination_n right_o and_o fair_o to_o define_v the_o case_n in_o contratraversie_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o acquit_v the_o preposterousness_n and_o deficiency_n in_o the_o article_n of_o a_o great_a error_n than_o a_o common_a mistake_n the_o thing_n then_o which_o come_v first_o to_o be_v note_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o which_o i_o shall_v represent_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o impartiality_n that_o i_o hope_v none_o shall_v deny_v it_o be_v that_o this_o church_n have_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o abrogat_fw-la and_o abjure_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o bishop_n and_o set_v up_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o its_o pure_a simplicity_n and_o parity_n we_o together_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n solemn_o engage_v constant_o to_o adhere_v unto_o and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o establish_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n reform_v and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o these_o novation_n after_o which_o time_n the_o church_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n do_v enjoy_v a_o ministry_n and_o government_n true_o ecclesiastic_a commit_v to_o they_o by_o and_o depend_v upon_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n thereafter_o by_o a_o act_n rescissory_a it_o be_v declare_v and_o statute_n by_o both_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1640._o and_o 1641._o agreeable_o to_o the_o oath_n former_o take_v that_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o kirk_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o in_o the_o general_n provincial_a and_o ptesbyterial_a assembly_n with_o the_o kirk_n session_n establish_v by_o act._n p._n 1592._o &_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o the_o year_n 1643._o the_o whole_a kingdom_n do_v again_o swear_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n schism_n superstition_n profannesse_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o engagement_n we_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o to_o continow_v in_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o to_o promove_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n thus_o matter_n stand_v both_o in_o obligation_n and_o general_a observance_n until_o the_o year_n 1661._o at_o which_o time_n the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v have_v prepare_v their_o way_n by_o exalt_v of_o the_o prerogative_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o by-gone_a time_n special_o that_o of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o bond_n they_o at_o one_o blow_v rescinde_v all_o parliament_n after_o the_o year_n 1633._o and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o civil_a sanction_n and_o its_o continowance_n by_o another_o act_n permit_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v only_o precarious_a during_o the_o king_n pleasure_n afterwards_o all_o ecclesiastic_a meeting_n in_o synod_n presbytry_n and_o session_n be_v by_o proclamation_n the_o 9_o january_n 1662._o discharge_v until_o they_o shall_v be_v authorize_v and_o order_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n then_o nominat_fw-la by_o his_o majesty_n upon_o their_o enter_v into_o the_o government_n of_o their_o respective_a see_v by_o which_o mean_n the_o former_a government_n be_v overturn_v and_o raze_v unto_o the_o very_a foundation_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o man_n can_v effectuate_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v be_v the_o new_a structure_n and_o frame_n that_o be_v raise_v in_o its_o place_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o parliament_n again_o meet_v by_o their_o first_o act_n for_o re-establish_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n lay_v it_o for_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v unto_o his_o majesty_n as_o a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n they_o do_v thereby_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n not_o only_o to_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o their_o accustom_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n but_o also_o to_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o power_n of_o ordination_n censure_n and_o all_o church-discipline_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v of_o know_a loyalty_n and_o prudence_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o all_o scruple_n the_o parliament_n do_v further_a rescinde_v all_o former_a act_n by_o which_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o
for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o assertion_n the_o act_n &_o other_o thing_n by_o i_o premise_v do_v abundant_o clear_v it_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o king_n have_v no_o such_o power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v uncontroverted_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n and_o the_o supremacy_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o restitution_n be_v to_o they_o a_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n than_o any_o of_o these_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n intend_v by_o the_o accommodation_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o accommodator_n either_o by_o conviction_n or_o condescendence_n to_o have_v remove_v it_o however_o i_o may_v not_o digress_v only_o i_o be_o assure_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la against_o whatsoever_o opponent_n 1._o that_o this_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o administration_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n when_o no_o magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n adduceable_a whereupon_o it_o can_v accrease_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n from_o the_o people_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n over_o and_o about_o which_o the_o original_a power_n be_v to_o they_o competent_a to_o which_o this_o church-power_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v reckon_v 3._o that_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o good_a king_n and_o emperor_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v no_o way_n flow_v from_o any_o inherent_a right_n or_o prerogative_n they_o have_v conversant_a in_o these_o matter_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a product_n of_o necessity_n sustain_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o work_n &_o deficiency_n of_o the_o more_o proper_a mean_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v due_o consider_v i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o supremacy_n will_v very_o quick_o evanish_v and_o therefore_o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o see_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v a_o high_a usurpation_n against_o our_o lord_n &_o master_n all_o court_n depend_v thereon_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o &_o partake_v therein_o what_o ever_o opinion_n a_o man_n do_v reserve_v or_o whatever_o declaration_n be_v make_v anent_o it_o must_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o here_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n what_o be_v the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o be_v the_o present_a minister_n no_o presbyter_n but_o their_o be_v no_o such_o haste_n neither_o have_v these_o thing_n any_o further_a connexion_n then_o that_o the_o present_a minister_n be_v not_o presbyter_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o denote_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o true_o i_o think_v in_o ingenuity_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v special_o see_v that_o although_o they_o hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n by_o mission_n from_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v from_o the_o king_n on_o who_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n depend_v whereupon_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o government_n do_v as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v do_v and_o that_o thereby_o true_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v only_o subsist_v then_o these_o meeting_n which_o recognosce_fw-la his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a for_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n which_o they_o acclaime_v can_v no_o more_o be_v true_o such_o than_o he_o who_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o sovereign_n mission_n will_v pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o what_o need_v of_o more_o word_n if_o the_o present_a conform_a minister_n and_o there_o meeting_n have_v disclained_a jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a head_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o own_o no_o power_n thereof_o but_o what_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a wherewith_o nevertheless_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o at_o all_o vest_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v disallow_v all_o church-government_n and_o medling_n and_o meeting_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o hold_v their_o commission_n and_o warrant_n from_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n what_o concurrence_n can_v we_o make_v in_o on_z and_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o by_o what_o salvo_fw-la may_n my_o sit_v and_o act_v be_v justify_v in_o a_o meeting_n in_o the_o power_n whereof_o i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o partake_v for_o my_o part_n since_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o true_a head_n but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o another_o to_o who_o they_o do_v refer_v &_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o power_n if_o we_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v both_o detest_v this_o usurpation_n and_o disclaim_v all_o share_n in_o any_o power_n save_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o these_o assembly_n i_o think_v until_o they_o first_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o mistake_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v rational_o blame_v we_o for_o separation_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o entry_n qualify_v either_o by_o declaration_n or_o protestation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o free_n of_o the_o party_n from_o a_o apparent_a constructive_a accession_n to_o certain_a accidental_a corruption_n that_o may_v be_v in_o a_o meeting_n to_o which_o he_o be_v otherwise_o oblige_v to_o join_v yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o case_n where_o the_o very_a constitution_n itself_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_a and_o corrupt_a that_o none_o can_v active_o partake_v therein_o without_o sin_n this_o remedy_n here_o offer_v be_v altogether_o insignificant_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o although_o this_o reservation_n of_o opinion_n and_o declaration_n permit_v can_v be_v a_o salvo_fw-la as_o to_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o constitution_n yet_o without_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v in_o such_o conjunction_n of_o the_o person_n also_o with_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v there_o may_v be_v a_o assembly_n nay_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o evil_a doer_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hate_n and_o even_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o enclose_v he_o and_o pierce_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n want_v not_o a_o specious_a name_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o a_o simple_a protestation_n may_v warrant_v constant_a presence_n in_o these_o case_n but_o rather_o incline_v with_o jeremiah_n to_o leave_v and_o to_o draw_v from_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n what_o for_o assembly_n the_o present_a church-meeting_n be_v i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o tender_a than_o it_o be_v superflous_a to_o utter_v only_o this_o i_o will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o such_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o no_o declaration_n can_v warrant_v any_o fellowship_n therein_o i_o be_o certain_a that_o the_o subsumption_n viz._n that_o such_o be_v the_o court_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o unbiased_a man_n upon_o these_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o notorious_a perjury_n intrusion_n profanitie_n and_o insufficiency_n unquestionable_o make_v out_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o article_n bear_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a &_o principal_a condescendence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o place_n that_o aswell_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o brethren_n as_o possible_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o at_o first_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n reason_n as_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o this_o accommodation_n i_o have_v reserve_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o at_o more_o length_n and_o on_o all_o fair_a and_o probable_a supposition_n in_o supplement_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n and_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o advantageous_a sense_n that_o the_o proposer_n can_v desire_v i_o add_v that_o consistent_o therewith_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o constant_a moderator_n whence_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o declare_a purpose_n wave_v any_o further_a exception_n against_o the_o nullity_n of_o
the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n i_o clear_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o a_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a proeslos_n for_o term_v of_o life_n in_o church-meeting_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v by_o we_o admissible_a and_o what_o compliance_n we_o may_v have_v â—or_a it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o paper_n go_v abroad_o from_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n as_o be_v suppose_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o speech_n at_o pase_o whereof_o the_o same_o strain_n i_o conceive_v for_o render_v of_o the_o debate_n more_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a review_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o paper_n we_o find_v it_o assert_v that_o episcopal_a government_n manage_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o 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divine_a warrant_n more_o pregnant_a than_o what_o in_o other_o particular_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o even_o by_o our_o opposite_n the_o follow_a head_n do_v plain_o evince_v and_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n king_n in_o zion_n sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v and_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n when_o he_o ascend_v on_o high_a send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n to_o gather_v feed_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o have_v appoint_v a_o government_n in_o his_o house_n suitable_a to_o these_o holy_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o more_o evident_o found_v upon_o the_o scripture-ground_n insinuat_fw-la then_o firm_a in_o its_o connexion_n and_o inference_n 2._o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v the_o only_a perpetual_a pastor_n ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o as_o for_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o seventy_o 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vestige_n of_o imparity_n either_o in_o power_n or_o presidencie_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a with_o a_o manifest_a equality_n except_o it_o be_v in_o some_o note_n of_o apparent_a pre-eminence_n in_o these_o by_o man_n esteem_v inferior_a express_o as_o it_o seem_v record_v to_o counterbalance_n the_o vanity_n of_o ambition_n of_o after_o age_n who_o in_o favour_n of_o other_o may_v imagine_v a_o superiority_n and_o such_o be_v the_o principal_a resort_n make_v to_o james_n his_o moderate_v rather_o then_o peter_n in_o the_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n paul_n resistance_n to_o peter_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n give_v to_o he_o by_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n and_o the_o like_a 4._o the_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v their_o successor_n both_o in_o their_o ordinary_a power_n and_o blessing_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o inequality_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n either_o from_o the_o immediacy_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o mission_n their_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o great_a eminency_n of_o gift_n or_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o lord_n choose_v witness_n and_o author_n of_o conversion_n to_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o ordain_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o perpetual_a and_o ordinary_a power_n give_v to_o and_o transmit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o in_o that_o they_o neither_o claim_v nor_o exercise_v either_o superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o other_o minister_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o they_o call_v and_o account_v they_o their_o brethren_n partner_n fellow-labourer_n and_o themselves_o fellow-elders_a with_o they_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o in_o on_o place_n paul_n ascribe_v to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o another_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o same_o paul_n who_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n receive_v a_o solemn_a mission_n from_o a_o presbytery_n not_o consist_v of_o fellow-apostle_n but_o of_o other_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n gift_n there_o fore_o be_v indeed_o diverse_a and_o unequal_a and_o employment_n also_o be_v various_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o then_o exigence_n of_o a_o grow_a spread_a church_n but_o that_o either_o among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o they_o and_o the_o pastor_n by_o they_o ordain_v or_o among_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o there_o be_v the_o least_o imparity_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a power_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o passage_n mention_v do_v plain_o confirm_v the_o negative_a so_o there_o can_v no_o instance_n be_v adduce_v from_o scripture_n in_o the_o contrary_n we_o know_v timothy_n titus_n &_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v much_o talk_v of_o as_o the_o first_o superior_a bishop_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v as_o easy_o repone_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o enjoin_v or_o recommend_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o every_o pastor_n unless_o what_o be_v evident_o referable_a to_o his_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n there_o express_v 2._o the_o command_n give_v to_o titus_n to_o ordain_v elder_n be_v by_o way_n of_o express_a commission_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o exclusive_a of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o elder_n where_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n 3_o that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o very_a epistle_n more_o than_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n that_o both_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v and_o the_o thing_n and_o office_n thereby_o signify_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o last_o that_o the_o know_a use_n &_o elegancy_n of_o the_o singular_a number_n for_o the_o plural_a with_o the_o figurative_a speech_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v no_o
more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n 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which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practiâ—e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o â—ollow_v thaâ—_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppoâ—sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v â—ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswadedâ—_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pasâ—e_n they_o without_o â—ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o â—_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o any_o rational_a and_o probable_a instanced_a we_o â—ave_n indeed_o hear_v the_o proud_a calumny_n of_o prevail_a adversary_n but_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n viz._n â—_o that_o this_o landbeing_n in_o the_o begin_n lawful_o engage_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ensue_a and_o grow_v defection_n and_o novation_n very_o just_o both_o renew_v and_o explain_v their_o engagement_n and_o also_o censure_v such_o who_o by_o refuse_v their_o assent_n do_v evident_o declare_v their_o apostasy_n 2._o that_o not_o only_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o the_o very_a force_n of_o that_o obligement_n of_o constant_a defence_n and_o adherence_n contain_v in_o the_o national_a do_v so_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o visible_o necessary_a mean_v for_o that_o end_n and_o without_o which_o conjunction_n the_o prelatic_a party_n in_o england_n which_o have_v twice_o from_o thence_o perfidious_o attacâ—qued_v we_o prevail_v there_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n overwhelm_v we_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o this_o second_o covenant_n by_o any_o who_o have_v take_v the_o first_o can_v not_o but_o be_v construe_v a_o breach_n thereof_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n 3._o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o authority_n be_v demand_v and_o unjust_o refuse_v to_o that_o for_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n whereof_o government_n itself_o be_v set_v up_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n make_v the_o deed_n so_o do_v for_o want_v thereof_o unlawful_a and_o 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o recusant_n in_o our_o former_a time_n be_v either_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o number_n of_o the_o delinquent_n very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v be_v by_o the_o renversing_n and_o persecution_n of_o these_o laâ—e_a time_n so_o many_o degree_n exceed_v that_o it_o be_v ashame_n for_o any_o person_n of_o ingenuity_n by_o accuse_v the_o past_a and_o own_v the_o present_a to_o show_v such_o partiality_n these_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a truth_n and_o so_o full_o hold_v out_o by_o several_a write_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o same_o be_v due_o perpend_v all_o the_o vapour_n of_o this_o smoke_n must_v instant_o evanish_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v the_o author_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o relieve_v such_o who_o labour_n under_o a_o apprehend_a inconsistencie_n of_o these_o their_o oath_n with_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n &_o in_o prosecution_n hereof_o he_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o article_n &_o be_v on_o purpose_n express_v â—o_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n &_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o here_o i_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o mistake_n suppose_v our_o present_a church-government_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v abjure_v but_o a_o distinct_a from_o manage_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbytersâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o sun-light_n that_o our_o parliament_n do_v not_o only_o in_o preparation_n to_o the_o late_a change_n make_v void_a the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o authority_n of_o former_a parliament_n whereby_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abrogate_v but_o also_o restore_v and_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o church_n power_n and_o prerogative_n then_o former_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o yea_o unto_o the_o sole_a possession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o under_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o that_o their_o predecessor_n do_v ever_o acclaim_v as_o both_o from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o our_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o plain_o evince_v that_o so_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o same_o episcopacy_n abjure_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v by_o our_o late_a parliament_n again_o restore_v but_o second_o admit_v that_o our_o present_a frame_n be_v in_o esse_fw-la such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o accommodation_n offer_v as_o the_o mistake_n or_o rather_o wilful_a error_n of_o this_o passage_n do_v borrow_v its_o colour_n and_o pretext_n from_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o description_n there_o set_v down_o so_o the_o thing_n obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o clear_v thereof_o be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o case_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_n but_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a engagement_n of_o the_o first_o bind_v as_o to_o scotland_n to_o preserve_v and_o as_o to_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o reform_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o key_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o seâ—lement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o article_n be_v manifest_o subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o execution_n viz._n that_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o either_o general_o or_o special_o enumerat_a which_o two_o article_n the_o one_o to_o preserve_v the_o then_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n with_o so_o great_a contending_n late_o reform_v from_o this_o corruption_n among_o other_o of_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatiship_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n have_v be_v by_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v do_v certain_o make_v up_o a_o obligation_n most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o presidencie_n re-obtruded_n three_o if_o their_o luk-warm_a conciliator_n be_v as_o mindful_a to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o most_o high_a as_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n in_o place_n of_o this_o impertinent_a wrest_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o at-that-time-unsetled_n estate_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n than_o the_o establish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o hear_v they_o will_v rather_o consider_v their_o own_o and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o how_o in_o that_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o wrestle_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n we_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o defend_v that_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o attain_v and_o constant_o to_o reject_v and_o labour_v against_o all_o these_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o we_o be_v then_o deliver_v under_o which_o head_n of_o novation_n and_o corruption_n i_o be_o assure_v that_o every_o considerate_a person_n will_v so_o easy_o perceive_v this_o presidencie_n and_o moderatorship_n oâ—_n bishop_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v that_o he_o will_v almost_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o heedless_a exposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n put_v upon_o these_o covenant_n as_o pity_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o
perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scoâ—land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v &_o intend_v his_o logic_n shall_v so_o pitiful_o fail_v he_o as_o not_o to_o add_v and_o from_o that_o church_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o will_v have_v so_o clear_o restrict_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o article_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a at_o on_o glance_n he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o scotland_n as_o its_o primarie_a object_n to_o be_v impertinent_a but_o where_o there_o have_v appear_v no_o conscience_n in_o keep_v why_o do_v we_o expect_v much_o sense_n in_o interpret_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o therefore_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n &_o member_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o its_o self_n anent_o which_o we_o do_v now_o inquire_v &_o for_o clear_v thereof_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o solemn_a league_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v then_o establish_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o establishment_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v only_o covenant_v which_o though_o it_o do_v sufficient_o exclude_v this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o establishment_n and_o also_o unto_o sound_a doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o its_o subjoined_a explication_n whereby_o not_o only_a the_o episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o be_v among_o we_o &_o be_v now_o restore_v &_o advance_v but_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatorship_n as_o a_o novation_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o church_n be_v plain_o abjure_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o national_a by_o which_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o former_a swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v be_v first_o settle_v do_v manifest_o exclude_v this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la so_o the_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n to_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n therein_o describe_v only_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n where_o it_o then_o be_v be_v most_o improper_o make_v use_n of_o for_o explain_v our_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o case_n controvert_v now_o as_o to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o english_a author_n adduce_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o be_v not_o therein_o much_o concern_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o england_n and_o how_o that_o article_n of_o extirpation_n for_o that_o church_n principal_o provide_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o either_o by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o engagement_n lie_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o all_o corruption_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o setlement_n we_o then_o enjoy_v which_o be_v subject_n quite_o distinct_a and_o thereby_o this_o heap_n of_o citation_n gather_v by_o the_o author_n be_v by_o one_o blast_n dissipate_v but_o lest_o it_o may_v appear_v hard_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o such_o a_o precise_a form_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n in_o that_o same_o covenant_n leave_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o secret_a design_n of_o some_o unsound_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o can_v distinct_o know_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v evident_a that_o for_o we_o in_o scotland_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o england_n groan_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o prelacy_n shall_v instant_o upon_o our_o grant_n of_o assistance_n embrace_v presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o form_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o full_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o no_o experience_n and_o withal_o see_v we_o do_v hold_v presbyterian_a government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o common_a estimation_n then_o make_v in_o england_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n geneva_n the_o netherlands_o and_o france_n as_o the_o best_a reform_v the_o obligation_n provide_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n with_o the_o article_n of_o extirpation_n subjoin_v in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v certain_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o upon_o which_o we_o do_v very_o rational_o relyea_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o least_o impugn_a by_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o author_n cite_v viz._n that_o many_o grave_a man_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o therefore_o the_o particular_a description_n be_v subjoin_v as_o also_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n scruple_v the_o meaning_n of_o prelacy_n it_o be_v resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brother_n inâ—cotland_o â—cotland_z that_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o then_o in_o be_v in_o england_n and_o mr_n coleman_n administrate_v it_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n diâ—_n so_o explain_v it_o because_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o consistent_a that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o england_n have_v then_o attain_v we_o shall_v â—ave_n close_v with_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a oath_n for_o extirpate_v the_o evil_n discover_v and_o yet_o for_o a_o further_o advance_v rest_n upon_o the_o more_o general_a obligement_n so_o sure_o and_o safe_o caution_v until_o god_n shall_v give_v further_a light_n so_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o both_o party_n that_o the_o then_o prelacy_n be_v only_o express_o abjure_v and_o not_o all_o episcopacy_n see_v no_o species_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o by_o they_o reserve_v or_o by_o we_o consent_v to_o do_v nothing_o contradict_v why_o both_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n &_o set_v up_o of_o presbytery_n may_v not_o still_o be_v covenant_v unto_o under_o the_o general_a provision_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o a_o church_n convince_v of_o evil_n but_o not_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n may_v covenante_n against_o the_o evil_n in_o particular_a and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a obligement_n become_v bind_v to_o make_v a_o more_o exact_a
particular_a inquiry_n thereinto_o for_o the_o time_n do_v without_o all_o peradventure_o most_o convince_o redargue_v these_o weak_a quibling_n boâ—h_o of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o calumny_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o tâ—e_v folly_n and_o bitterness_n of_o these_o reproach_n whereby_o this_o author_n upon_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o what_o do_v equal_o militat_fw-la against_o all_o our_o general_a obligation_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v please_v to_o asperse_v the_o covenant_n as_o a_o hodge_n podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a what_o can_v not_o these_o thing_n lie_v easy_o enough_o together_o in_o a_o oath_n which_o yet_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o church_n true_a government_n the_o righteous_a privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o call_v that_o evil_a doâ—rs_n may_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o rebel_n purge_v out_o of_o the_o land_n upon_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v both_o of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n thing_n either_o impertinent_a to_o any_o or_o in_o themselves_o incompatible_a or_o be_v it_o because_o that_o our_o author_n have_v by_o confound_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o betray_v at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n government_n unto_o the_o supremacy_n as_o former_o under_o the_o usurper_n he_o little_o regard_v either_o the_o subject_n liberty_n or_o his_o prince_n his_o authority_n and_o be_v know_v to_o have_v always_o his_o pretend_a charity_n as_o contract_v towards_o zealous_a godly_a protestant_n as_o dilate_a unto_o irreligious_a papist_n and_o prelatist_n pollute_v his_o own_o conscience_n and_o render_v it_o unclean_a that_o therefore_o even_o this_o sacred_a oath_n be_v become_v unclean_a and_o nauseat_v unto_o he_o what_o can_v he_o reply_v to_o these_o thing_n or_o can_v he_o assign_v we_o a_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o assertion_n he_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n of_o they_o but_o will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v any_o concernment_n in_o or_o obligation_n to_o they_o no_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o inference_n no_o less_o nay_o more_o absurd_a then_o to_o allege_v that_o none_o be_v bind_v or_o may_v swear_v to_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n authority_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o all_o his_o prerogative_n or_o rather_o that_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v his_o person_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v his_o picture_n to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o all_o man_n have_v undoubted_o a_o interest_n more_o or_o less_o remote_a in_o these_o mattersâ—_n so_o they_o either_o real_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o knowledge_n proportionable_a to_o their_o engagement_n thereto_o to_o which_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v most_o proper_o accessary_a the_o author_n add'_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o o_o how_o desirable_a be_v it_o that_o this_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a be_v indeed_o the_o special_a and_o main_a care_n of_o all_o man_n but_o to_o offer_v to_o confine_v poor_a people_n knowledge_n and_o obligation_n to_o their_o soul_n interest_n alone_o with_o a_o aim_n so_o palpable_a to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n abandon_v to_o lust_n and_o tyranny_n according_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o these_o adversary_n against_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v engage_v in_o savour_v more_o of_o hypocrisy_n then_o true_a spirituality_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n of_o god_n house_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o have_v be_v experiment_a to_o be_v of_o such_o important_a influence_n as_o to_o the_o promove_v the_o great_a work_n and_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n glory_n and_o wherein_o no_o doubt_n the_o interest_n of_o all_o soul_n be_v involve_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v in_o this_o pretence_n of_o abstraction_n and_o self_n confinement_n yet_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o very_a gallio_n temper_n that_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o although_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n have_v no_o such_o direct_a tendency_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o only_o assure_v that_o in_o the_o then_o juncture_n of_o affair_n their_o defence_n be_v of_o notable_a subservience_n to_o the_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n principal_o covenant_v but_o that_o of_o themselves_o and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o their_o import_n they_o be_v so_o much_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o sense_n let_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n that_o to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o concernment_n therein_o and_o engagement_n thereto_o by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o their_o soul_n true_a interest_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o all_o ingenuous_a person_n a_o very_a cunning_a and_o deceitful_a impertinency_n now_o from_o the_o premise_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o author_n conclude_v in_o these_o term_n so_o that_o to_o thy_fw-mi they_o viz._n the_o common_a people_n by_o a_o religious_a &_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n &_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o etc._n etc._n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o oath_n do_v neither_o tie_n to_o know_v all_o these_o nor_o yet_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a but_o be_v enter_v into_o from_o the_o universal_a feel_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o the_o invasion_n make_v and_o threaten_v both_o against_o religion_n and_o liberty_n do_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o such_o assertory_n and_o accessary_a covenant_n only_o bind_v every_o on_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o suitable_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o he_o either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o such_o general_a and_o important_a concern_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n the_o ignorance_n and_o insolence_n of_o this_o inference_n do_v in_o deep_a astonishment_n only_o prompt_v i_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v the_o o_o adversary_n the_o lord_n who_o have_v choose_v this_o poor_a church_n rebuke_v thou_o be_v not_o the_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o a_o brand_n pluck_v out_o of_o tâ—e_v fire_n but_o behold_v how_o he_o wipe_v his_o mouth_n certain_o say_v he_o they_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o no_o all_o pious_a holy_a tender_a soul_n but_o see_v i_o have_v remove_v the_o calumny_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o comparison_n i_o will_v not_o recriminat_fw-la yet_o we_o must_v hear_v a_o little_a of_o the_o man_n praise_n viz._n that_o whatever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n they_o neither_o require_v subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n but_o 1._o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a distinguish_a reason_n give_v for_o this_o practice_n we_o must_v conclude_v policy_n to_o be_v the_o only_a motive_n of_o this_o pretend_a moderation_n 2._o the_o oath_n with_o the_o act_n 1612._o prescribe_v to_o be_v take_v of_o intrant_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o true_o chargeable_a with_o a_o lax_n dubious_a and_o ensnare_a generality_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o of_o these_o who_o conform_v to_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v the_o author_n be_v confound_v with_o his_o own_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o therein_o they_o swear_v to_o the_o supremacy_n a_o infinite_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o the_o point_n wherein_o this_o oath_n be_v real_o peccant_a in_o all_o the_o foul_a reproach_n wherewith_o the_o covenant_n be_v false_o load_v be_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n preeminency_n and_o authority_n grant_v and_o belong_v to_o his_o highness_n or_o unite_v to_o his_o royal_a crown_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v positiuè_n to_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n grant_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o distinction_n of_o righteous_a or_o unrighteous_a but_o also_o without_o any_o restriction_n to_o their_o place_n &_o calling_n now_o not_o to_o retort_v the_o author_n impertinency_n as_o if_o this_o oath_n do_v tie_v all_o intrant_n either_o to_o know_v
part_n be_v certain_o as_o little_a worth_n all_o the_o stir_n and_o vexation_n make_v about_o he_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o insignificant_a dignity_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o cause_n inferior_a to_o the_o late_a war_n which_o they_o do_v most_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n insufferable_a for_o wise_a menâ—_n so_o desirous_a of_o ease_n to_o set_v so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n disturb_v by_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o presidencie_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o this_o proposal_n be_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a establishment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o relax_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o former_a engagement_n but_o to_o the_o suppression_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n more_o absurd_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o its_o instrument_n prelacy_n which_o we_o have_v express_o and_o particular_o abjure_v can_v the_o author_n reasonable_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o rencontre_v in_o we_o a_o opposition_n commensurat_fw-la both_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o prize_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o man_n for_o poor_a perish_a interest_n do_v endeavour_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o introduce_v their_o mode_n and_o invention_n for_o no_o other_o end_n imaginableâ—_n then_o that_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o influence_n thereof_o they_o may_v have_v the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n still_o in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v not_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n more_o vigorous_o resist_v all_o these_o their_o intend_a corruption_n i_o maâ—_n not_o here_o stand_v to_o discuss_v the_o specious_a and_o flatter_a pretension_n hold_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o mere_a subtlety_n be_v by_o we_o oppose_v to_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n certain_o he_o who_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n be_v very_o cunning_a to_o set_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n on_o foot_n from_o the_o small_a and_o least_o suspicious_a beginning_n &_o yet_o thence_o by_o more_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a method_n than_o these_o which_o our_o author_n undervalue_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o very_a revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o withal_o consider_v in_o our_o own_o late_a experience_n the_o mien_n entry_n as_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n with_o the_o sudden_a elevation_n and_o corruption_n of_o king_n james_n his_o prelate_n unless_o he_o do_v very_o supine_o misregard_n the_o intimation_n of_o all_o present_a circumstance_n special_o that_o of_o a_o al-swaying_a supremacy_n already_o regnant_a can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o catch_v by_o such_o device_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a value_n thus_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v and_o overturn_v the_o righteous_a peace_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v their_o possession_n attain_v by_o wrong_n and_o violence_n a_o plea_n for_o their_o security_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o that_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o covenant_n &_o ranverse_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ministry_n they_o have_v get_v what_o theâ—_n desire_v and_o use_v force_n and_o compulsion_n against_o conscientious_a nonconformist_n until_o they_o be_v weary_v now_o they_o come_v forth_o to_o practice_v by_o flattery_n a_o few_o siren_n with_o charm_n of_o peace_n cant_v in_o nazianzen_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o try_v if_o these_o entice_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a and_o by_o a_o strange_o comprehensive_a spirituality_n both_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o one_o say_v he_o be_v for_o bishop_n another_o i_o be_o for_o presbytery_n that_o we_o be_v carnal_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o a_o divisive_a respect_n of_o person_n be_v equal_o against_o the_o discrimination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v certain_o distinguish_v but_o as_o in_o the_o competition_n of_o peace_n the_o heathen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v admonish_v the_o author_n and_o see_v that_o that_o peace_n be_v only_o precious_a which_o be_v found_v in_o &_o design_v for_o truth_n so_o when_o it_o be_v mere_o pretend_v for_o procure_v a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o a_o evil_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a delusion_n we_o know_v who_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o pretend_v for_o nay_o to_o pursue_v serious_o after_o peace_n without_o regard_n to_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v only_o a_o precipitant_a error_n and_o lie_a vision_n but_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v his_o people_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n shall_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o when_o the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o the_o sweetersound_a of_o unite_a mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n then_o and_o not_o before_o may_v we_o look_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o and_o restore_v unto_o we_o his_o favour_n the_o fountain_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o real_a supplicant_n for_o peace_n &_o indeed_o to_o remove_v all_o the_o obstruction_n that_o may_v disappoint_v its_o firm_a enjoyment_n nay_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o the_o â—ord_n do_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n attain_v to_o that_o superexcel_a peace_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o establish_v and_o that_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n take_v from_o they_o but_o the_o author_n still_o long_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o outward_a peace_n not_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n leave_v and_o give_v to_o his_o follower_n exhort_v unto_o a_o temper_n receptive_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o their_o right_a application_n these_o be_v most_o beautiful_a grace_n but_o as_o they_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v propose_v for_o the_o preposterous_a court_v of_o this_o world_n peace_n i_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_o recommend_v in_o exclusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n incompatible_a with_o the_o author_n evil_a course_n but_o with_o a_o extension_n of_o charity_n to_o rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n and_o meekness_n towards_o wickedness_n beyond_o their_o know_a and_o just_a measure_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o baâ—ge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v â—ollowers_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v â—his_fw-la that_o we_o love_v on_o another_o yet_o â—_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v first_o that_o in_o this_o point_n to_o confound_v person_n and_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o transfer_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v the_o former_a to_o tâ—e_v latter_a though_o never_o so_o detestable_a be_v but_o a_o silly_a sophism_n he_o who_o right_o estimate_v christian_n love_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n may_v be_v faithful_a when_o his_o kiss_n will_v prove_v deceitful_a next_o that_o though_o the_o author_n will_v alleviat_v our_o present_a difference_n as_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o opinion_n and_o humour_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v o_o that_o import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v tâ—e_v supremacy_n to_o the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o his_o house_n not_o to_o merit_v the_o privilege_v of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nay_o that_o in_o order_n to_o such_o david_n profession_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o not_o i_o grieve_v o_o lord_n with_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n may_v rather_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o this_o law_n of_o love_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n &_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n &_o root_v haâ—reds_n foâ—_n thing_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o do_v as_o certain_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n exception_n as_o the_o
thing_n question_v be_v to_o we_o without_o doubt_n and_o only_o draw_v in_o debate_n by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o corrupt_a man_n not_o that_o i_o think_v that_o even_o in_o matter_n most_o certain_a bitâ—er_a passion_n revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n or_o malice_n be_v allowable_a nay_o this_o be_v rather_o my_o author_n supposition_n and_o his_o insinuation_n as_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v abundant_o obvious_a but_o as_o i_o be_o true_o persuade_v that_o all_o â—hese_fw-mi be_v in_o every_o case_n unworthy_a either_o of_o truth_n or_o a_o christian_a temper_n so_o i_o be_o assure_v a_o impartial_a discerner_n will_v find_v no_o less_o of_o vain_a contempt_n &_o saucy_a undervaluiug_n couch_v in_o the_o author_n be_v affect_v smoothness_n than_o there_o do_v appear_v of_o passion_n in_o the_o most_o impotent_a rail_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o the_o rod_n of_o pride_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n i_o have_v sometime_o use_v a_o rod_n for_o his_o 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be_v also_o christian_n nay_o it_o be_v like_a he_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o of_o we_o be_v christ_n minister_n why_o then_o be_v we_o so_o hardly_o deal_v with_o why_o eject_v banish_v imprison_a and_o confine_v â—or_a disagree_v in_o thing_n far_o inferior_a to_o tâ—ese_n wherein_o we_o agree_v yea_o in_o his_o own_o acceptation_n but_o mode_n and_o formality_n how_o will_v he_o excuse_v this_o inconsequence_n and_o inequality_n or_o do_v he_o think_v that_o â—he_v vain_a pretence_n of_o authority_n abuse_v against_o usâ—_n do_v preponderat_a to_o this_o his_o great_a consideration_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o his_o so_o active_a concurrence_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o pasly_n he_o be_v not_o for_o debateâ—_n when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o reply_n and_o therefore_o here_o restrain_v himself_o with_o this_o advice_n that_o if_o we_o love_v either_o our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v two_o thing_n the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o confidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a â—hings_n but_o if_o his_o own_o practice_n may_v have_v any_o more_o credit_n than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v easy_a according_a to_o his_o acceptation_n of_o peace_n both_o to_o redargue_v this_o his_o advice_n of_o falsehood_n and_o also_o to_o exhibit_v a_o more_o true_a account_n of_o his_o method_n for_o as_o in_o the_o small_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n by_o he_o acknowledge_v for_o such_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o on_o his_o side_n he_o have_v of_o late_o show_v a_o great_a zeal_n and_o confidence_n than_o ever_o he_o do_v heretofore_o in_o all_o theâ—e_n strange_a revelution_n and_o important_a occasion_n of_o testimony_n both_o against_o error_n and_o profanity_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o want_n of_o zeal_n â—or_a god_n together_o with_o his_o compliance_n with_o the_o uppermost_a power_n for_o the_o time_n have_v be_v his_o only_a advantage_n but_o why_o trifle_v i_o with_o such_o a_o person_n if_o we_o love_v either_o our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n true_a peace_n let_v we_o first_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n his_o righteousness_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n for_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o account_v nothing_o small_a or_o doubtful_a which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o wherein_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v visible_o concern_v whether_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v such_o or_o not_o i_o need_v not_o again_o affirm_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o daâ—k_n and_o such_o a_o pertinent_a reflection_n in_o tâ—e_v close_o of_o the_o example_n which_o the_o author_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o attend_v with_o so_o little_a application_n be_v a_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o other_o confirmation_n but_o he_o that_o follow_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o now_o the_o author_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o paper_n tell_v we_o and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o real_o if_o i_o have_v but_o the_o half_a of_o the_o author_n confidence_n i_o think_v i_o can_v point_v out_o the_o very_a man_n it_o be_v true_a a_o weak_a monastic_a spirit_n long_v habituat_fw-la to_o a_o affect_a abstraction_n &_o stoicism_n may_v render_v a_o man_n less_o capable_a of_o strong_a passion_n and_o consequent_o for_o a_o time_n exempt_v he_o from_o these_o rude_a eruption_n of_o rage_n but_o whether_o he_o rage_n or_o laugh_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n and_o if_o appearance_n hold_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n which_o his_o last_o promotion_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v upon_o his_o dormant_a corruption_n it_o be_v like_a we_o may_v very_o short_o have_v a_o prelatic_a experiment_n of_o both_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o light_n and_o our_o strength_n and_o none_o that_o love_v his_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v assame_v now_o follow_v the_o second_o paper_n or_o letter_n almost_o of_o the_o same_o strain_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o review_v it_o more_o succinct_o after_o the_o author_n have_v excuse_v his_o not_o adduce_v of_o a_o positive_a divine_a warrant_n for_o his_o moderate_a episcopacy_n by_o demand_v of_o we_o the_o like_a for_o our_o church-assembly_n and_o their_o subordination_n which_o i_o have_v already_o full_o answer_v he_o bring_v we_o in_o object_v that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishopâ—_n or_o whatever_o else_o he_o be_v call_v our_o question_n be_v about_o their_o power_n and_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v entreat_v the_o question_n may_v he_o so_o statedâ—_n for_o he_o trust_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o ready_a rather_o to_o abaâ—e_v of_o that_o poweâ—_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_v even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v therefore_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o author_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n in_o as-much_a as_o we_o do_v not_o only_o question_v the_o power_n but_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o fix_a praeses_fw-la for_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o church_n a_o mere_a fomentation_n of_o pride_n and_o in_o its_o tendency_n be_v inductive_a of_o the_o high_a usurpation_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v therefore_o by_o we_o express_o
exigent_n not_o admit_v of_o any_o other_o be_v great_o diminish_v &_o impair_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o which_o this_o man_n who_o manner_n be_v to_o multiply_v assertion_n without_o reason_n tell_v â—s_a in_o this_o place_n that_o when_o he_o have_v streach_v his_o subtlety_n on_o the_o tenterhooks_a he_o can_v not_o devise_v why_o we_o may_v not_o join_v in_o these_o meeting_n under_o the_o abovementioned_a restraint_n and_o again_o conclude_v that_o if_o after_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v we_o do_v still_o scruple_n either_o we_o must_v be_v darken_v or_o he_o must_v have_v owl_n eye_n to_o see_v clear_o where_o there_o be_v no_o light_n but_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o tattle_n and_o therefore_o i_o return_v to_o my_o author_n who_o proceed_v in_o his_o charge_n against_o many_o of_o we_o for_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o pour_v â—_z it_o be_v answer_v although_o to_o render_v a_o solid_a reason_n of_o man_n practice_n special_o when_o the_o same_o be_v only_o negative_a forbearance_n whereunto_o even_o the_o forbearer_n scruple_v and_o doubt_v do_v in_o a_o manner_n and_o â—or_a the_o time_n oblige_v be_v not_o my_o undertake_n yet_o that_o the_o accusation_n here_o imply_v be_v very_o unjust_a both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n object_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v out_o and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o allegiance_n that_o many_o of_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o better_a ground_n then_o that_o some_o of_o we_o because_o of_o a_o just_a detestation_n of_o the_o perjury_n intrusion_n profanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o curate_n do_v withdraw_v from_o their_o ministry_n special_o our_o true_a minister_n still_o remain_v though_o remove_v to_o corner_n and_o our_o attendance_n on_o the_o curate_n their_o ministry_n be_v express_o require_v as_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o his_o majesty_n government_n eccleastick_a o_o strange_a and_o civil_a now_o whether_o this_o reason_n will_v infer_v the_o conclusion_n make_v against_o we_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v not_o rather_o warrant_v the_o abstinence_n reproach_v as_o sinful_a separation_n to_o be_v duty_n let_v the_o impartial_a judge_n i_o shall_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o â—the_v assume_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o accuse_v discountenancer_n of_o separation_n have_v be_v the_o common_a artifices_fw-la by_o which_o every_o prevail_a sect_n or_o party_n have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v their_o opposite_n odious_a but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o assure_v that_o until_o the_o author_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n house_n which_o the_o curate_n have_v take_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v support_v do_v make_v they_o and_o their_o meeting_n the_o only_a church_n his_o objection_n of_o separation_n be_v lame_a and_o inconcludent_a and_o therefore_o see_v that_o the_o break_a ministry_n scatter_a flock_n and_o secret_a meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v still_o his_o true_a church_n both_o suffering_n and_o witness_v against_o the_o defection_n and_o intrusion_n of_o transgressor_n and_o see_v that_o the_o forbearance_n except_v against_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o just_a and_o hesitant_n aversation_n against_o the_o pretend_a ministry_n without_o either_o disprove_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n or_o reject_v and_o divide_v from_o other_o that_o find_v a_o great_a liberty_n his_o charge_n of_o separation_n be_v in_o this_o its_o extent_n palpable_o iniquous_a as_o for_o the_o cause_n assign_v for_o â—ur_n allege_v withdraw_v not_o from_o their_o 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wait_v for_o a_o redress_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n though_o other_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o transgress_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o make_v this_o a_o salvo_fw-la for_o all_o case_n and_o in_o effect_n it_o do_v only_o hold_v where_o our_o silence_n at_o another_o transgression_n by_o break_v that_o command_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o brother_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o may_v strengthen_v the_o sinner_n hand_n and_o scandalize_v other_o so_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o insinuation_n here_o make_v of_o our_o desert_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v such_o a_o absurd_a calumny_n and_o the_o compliance_n require_v of_o we_o such_o a_o manifest_a partake_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n that_o i_o wonder_v at_o the_o author_n disingenuity_n and_o weakness_n in_o attacking_z we_o by_o such_o general_n what_o can_v be_v then_o say_v to_o what_o he_o subjoine_v viz._n otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n to_o relinquish_v either_o our_o communion_n with_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n sure_o this_o as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v a_o very_a pertinent_a and_o convince_a reflection_n seingâ—_n in_o the_o undervalue_a sense_n of_o any_o papist_n it_o will_v as_o easy_o redargue_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o rome_n but_o if_o in_o certain_a clear_a exigence_n either_o of_o testify_v against_o or_o not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o proportional_a withdraw_n be_v therefore_o all_o measure_n break_v and_o must_v we_o be_v hold_v for_o relinquisher_n on_o every_o occasion_n or_o because_o we_o be_v violent_o express_v must_v we_o therefore_o be_v repute_n wilful_a deserter_n who_o will_v not_o pity_v such_o dissolute_a folly_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o the_o concludency_n of_o the_o author_n argument_n whereby_o he_o will_v represente_v we_o as_o patronizer_n of_o endless_a division_n but_o if_o he_o mind_n to_o deal_v serious_o in_o this_o matter_n all_o we_o desire_v be_v that_o he_o will_v first_o lay_v down_o his_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o latitude_n of_o his_o comprehension_n and_o then_o fair_o subsume_v against_o we_o and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o unanswerable_o prove_v either_o his_o excess_n in_o the_o former_a or_o calumny_n in_o the_o latter_a than_o let_v he_o glory_n over_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o again_o essay_n to_o remove_v the_o great_a stick_n as_o he_o term_v it_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o wave_v forsooth_o its_o irregularity_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o their_o insinuat_fw-la weight_n number_n and_o influence_n upon_o such_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o himself_o he_o neither_o do_v adduce_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v out_o one_o and_o suppose_v the_o oath_n still_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o article_n against_o it_o do_v only_o oblige_v every_o man_n in_o his_o call_n and_o station_n to_o extirpate_v it_o but_o not_o to_o extirpate_v themselves_o out_o oâ—_n their_o calling_n and_o station_n if_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v introduce_v and_o continue_v against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o repete_fw-la what_o i_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v anent_o the_o present_a constitution_n quite_o different_a in_o its_o establishment_n and_o many_o degree_n worse_o than_o the_o former_a and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n against_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o ready_o grant_v but_o see_v it_o be_v notourâ—_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v at_o once_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v â—oubâ—ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
that_o very_a covenant_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o so_o many_o as_o the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o scruple_v and_o for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v this_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o illegal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_n of_o it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o persuade_v it_o be_v certain_o most_o pertinent_a if_o it_o be_v true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistence_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n and_o as_o both_o these_o assertion_n i_o believe_v upon_o the_o exact_a if_o impartial_a and_o impassionat_a inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a so_o they_o be_v own_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o themselves_o have_v publish_v their_o opinion_n in_o print_n under_o this_o title_n two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n humble_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o reverend_a minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n print_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1661._o beside_o other_o passage_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n page_z 11_o and_o 12._o be_v these_o word_n and_o as_o these_o be_v our_o general_a end_n and_o motive_n so_o we_o be_v induce_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o synodical_a government_n conjunct_a with_o a_o fix_a presidency_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o other_o term_n will_v be_v so_o general_o agree_v on_o etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a government_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o more_o universal_a concord_n if_o ever_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o blessing_n however_o it_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o well_o inform_v conscience_n 3._o it_o will_v promote_v the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n &_o godliness_n without_o disorder_n and_o promote_v order_n without_o hinder_v discipline_n and_o godliness_n 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silence_v though_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o menton_fw-fr it_o that_o it_o will_v save_v the_o nation_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n without_o wrong_v the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o break_v any_o other_o oath_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o they_o add_v that_o the_o prelacy_n disclaim_v in_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o engross_a oâ—_n the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n absolute_o by_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o there_o delegate_n chancellor_n surrogate_v and_o official_o etc._n etc._n exclude_v whole_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o all_o share_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v one_o of_o prime_a note_n among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o large_a treatise_n of_o church-government_n do_v clear_o evince_v that_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v express_o declare_v it_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o only_o against_o the_o particular_a frame_n as_o it_o be_v word_v in_o the_o article_n itself_o for_o our_o principal_a model_n in_o england_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wrong_a to_o make_v that_o supposition_n concern_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o mistake_n the_o brethren_n that_o be_v dissatisfy_v have_v possible_o better_a acquit_v their_o duty_n by_o free_a admonition_n and_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o all_o thing_n then_o by_o leave_v of_o their_o station_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v the_o breach_n i_o fear_v very_o hard_o to_o cure_v and_o in_o humane_a appearance_n near_o to_o incurable_a but_o there_o be_v much_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o as_o follow_v the_o dictat_fw-la of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o they_o owe_v and_o i_o hope_v pay_v the_o same_o back_n again_o to_o these_o that_o do_v the_o same_o in_o another_o way_n &_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ready_a &_o happy_a way_n of_o reunite_a those_o that_o be_v mutual_o so_o mind_v the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o in_o due_a time_n this_o one_o word_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v arise_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o aâ—y_v man_n that_o calm_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o church_n no_o change_n at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o discipline_n itself_o but_o when_o it_o fall_v on_o matter_n easy_o inflammable_a how_o little_a a_o spark_n how_o great_a a_o fire_n will_v it_o kindle_v because_o every_o on_o have_v not_o the_o book_n i_o have_v transcribe_v here_o mr_n baxter_n own_o word_n baxt._n of_o church_n government_n 3._o p._n c._n 1._o p._n 276._o a_o episcopacy_n desirable_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fix_a precedent_n durante_fw-la vitâ_fw-la p._n 297._o p._n 330._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o be_v engage_v against_o all_o prelacy_n by_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o can_v yield_v to_o so_o much_o as_o you_o do_v without_o perjury_n ans._n that_o this_o be_v utter_o untrue_a i_o thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v present_v to_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o prelacy_n join_v to_o popery_n many_o grave_n and_o reverend_a divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o thereupon_o the_o follow_a concatenation_n in_o the_o parenthesis_n be_v give_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v church_n government_n by_o arch_n bishop_n bishop_n there_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch_n dean_n and_o all_o the_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hyerarchie_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n or_o frame_v that_o be_v covenant_v against_o and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o existent_a that_o be_v take_v down_o 2._o when_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n take_v the_o covenant_n mr_n thomas_n coleman_n that_o give_v it_o they_o do_v so_o explain_v it_o and_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o intent_n to_o covenant_n against_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o upon_o this_o explication_n it_o be_v take_v and_o certain_o the_o parliament_n be_v most_o capable_a of_o give_v the_o 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there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o kiâ—k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o powâ—r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
offend_v we_o be_v that_o admit_v the_o thing_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o way_n of_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n in_o the_o manner_n represent_v yet_o see_v this_o presidency_n be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o lord_n command_v be_v not_o a_o holy_a but_o a_o unhallowed_a employment_n any_o form_n of_o benediction_n that_o can_v be_v thereto_o use_v be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o promise_n but_o a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o jealous_o love_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o conservation_n as_o if_o we_o judge_v that_o a_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n to_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a employment_n be_v apt_a to_o unhallow_a it_o no_o this_o alledgeance_n do_v too_o gross_o and_o caloumniouslie_o beg_v the_o question_n but_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o author_n will_v as_o soon_o prove_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n as_o he_o will_v rational_o persuade_v that_o this_o high_a employment_n be_v holy_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n be_v as_o little_a apt_a to_o hallow_v it_o or_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a instrument_n of_o make_v it_o better_o as_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o high_a place_n be_v of_o old_a when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v destroy_v in_o itself_o allowable_a or_o unto_o the_o lord_n acceptable_a the_o next_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o the_o degree_n or_o power_n of_o bishop_n beyond_o other_o presbyter_n be_v certain_o not_o to_o be_v so_o fit_o measure_v by_o any_o other_o rule_n as_o by_o the_o receive_v practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a counsel_n very_o right_a why_o shall_v not_o their_o origin_n and_o warrant_n and_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o their_o power_n go_v together_o but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v this_o primitive_a practice_n to_o be_v dislonant_n from_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a rule_n the_o author_n must_v pardon_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o disow_v both_o his_o rule_n and_o measure_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o this_o only_a unerring_a canon_n yet_o see_v he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o his_o deep_a ingenuity_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o wherein_o we_o account_v ourselves_o but_o little_a concern_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o for_o our_o warning_n we_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o the_o discovery_n he_o add_v then_o that_o by_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n and_o canon_n it_o will_v undoubted_o be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o some_o such_o particular_a power_n as_o what_o i_o know_v not_o but_o exortem_fw-la &_o eminenâ—em_fw-la potestatem_fw-la as_o hierom_n speak_v a_o man_n may_v hitherto_o have_v think_v that_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o the_o main_a thing_n acclaim_v by_o the_o author_n to_o his_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v a_o power_n of_o constant_a moderation_n in_o church_n meeting_n but_o here_o lest_o as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o shall_v frustrate_v his_o solemn_a consecration_n or_o rather_o the_o special_a ordination_n which_o he_o have_v just_a now_o assert_v he_o deal_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o plain_o and_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o in_o general_n of_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o power_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o primitive_a practice_n and_o ancient_a canon_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o most_o favourable_a conjecture_n from_o any_o probable_a pretence_n of_o either_o of_o these_o within_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n of_o the_o declination_n of_o the_o primeve_v purity_n please_v to_o form_v it_o but_o that_o by_o these_o same_o rule_n beside_o a_o certain_a particular_a power_n which_o he_o do_v not_o specify_v they_o shall_v have_v potestatem_fw-la exortem_fw-la &_o eminentem_fw-la and_o this_o no_o doubt_n in_o a_o congruous_a enough_o construction_n of_o the_o frequent_a hyperbole_n use_v by_o the_o father_n on_o this_o subject_n may_v arise_v as_o high_a as_o either_o ambition_n or_o interest_n shall_v please_v to_o to_o serve_v it_o this_o be_v then_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o lax_n comprehension_n of_o the_o author_n measure_n what_o have_v be_v the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o treaty_n or_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o assent_v close_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o superior_a episcopacy_n from_o the_o very_a fiâ—st_a degree_n of_o its_o ascend_n to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o its_o progress_n the_o continual_a decline_n oâ—_n pure_a christianity_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o antichristian_a papacy_n and_o as_o i_o be_o convince_v from_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o all_o the_o pretence_n make_v â—or_a it_o and_o its_o power_n and_o privilege_n either_o from_o the_o practice_n grace_n virtue_n or_o suffering_n of_o those_o century_n wherein_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n and_o growth_n be_v only_o the_o involution_n of_o that_o strange_a mystery_n whereby_o it_o most_o secret_o and_o subtle_o proceed_v to_o its_o most_o prodigious_a manifestation_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v in_o the_o same_o evidence_n that_o the_o accommodate_v of_o faithful_a man_n with_o it_o under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n whithin_v this_o land_n shall_v quick_o either_o prove_v the_o readvance_n of_o its_o pride_n domination_n and_o wickedness_n or_o else_o the_o great_a establishment_n of_o the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o as_o infallible_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o devil_n grand_a design_n in_o all_o these_o unwarrant_v contrivance_n but_o the_o author_n add_v for_o a_o salvo_fw-la to_o these_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o forego_n passage_n may_v suggest_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o lowly_a master_n do_v more_o possess_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v little_a or_o no_o dispute_n but_o the_o sweet_a contest_v of_o strive_v who_o shall_v yield_v most_o and_o give_v most_o honour_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o find_v he_o always_o a_o high_a pretender_n to_o gospel_n rule_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o his_o advantage_n if_o he_o once_o attain_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o either_o his_o fancy_n or_o interest_n do_v recommend_v to_o he_o then_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a letter_n how_o full_a be_v he_o of_o the_o high_a eulogy_n of_o peace_n &_o of_o earnest_a long_n after_o it_o how_o hateful_a &_o odious_a be_v contention_n &_o hatred_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o main_a antichristian_a character_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n now_o that_o he_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n &_o its_o eminency_n how_o sweet_o will_v he_o seem_v to_o commend_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a &_o lowly_a master_n but_o see_v it_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n that_o if_o this_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o prevalent_a not_o only_o our_o disput_n &_o contest_v about_o their_o matter_n will_v cease_v but_o the_o very_a subject_a oâ—_n they_o be_v at_o best_a a_o vain_a invention_n pretend_v to_o order_n will_v be_v total_o remove_v my_o hearty_a wish_v and_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o author_n will_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o witness_n his_o sincerity_n by_o a_o through_o and_o absolute_a conformity_n then_o by_o such_o partial_a application_n the_o 9_o and_o last_o consideration_n which_o the_o author_n offer_v be_v anent_o the_o great_a and_o know_a moderation_n of_o all_o the_o late_a reformer_n the_o present_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a brother_n in_o england_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n but_o have_v before_o answer_v this_o abundant_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o sway_v with_o such_o alledgeance_n as_o here_o to_o make_v repetition_n only_o he_o say_v it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o we_o shall_v affect_v so_o exorbitant_a a_o height_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o this_o point_n so_o far_o beyond_o what_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o these_o we_o have_v name_v or_o any_o other_o society_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n either_o of_o our_o own_o former_a time_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o this_o evil_a and_o hipocritical_a generation_n and_o it_o and_o the_o world_n wonder_n do_v so_o often_o trist_n that_o i_o be_o only_o sorry_a that_o we_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o author_n and_o all_o man_n to_o more_o of_o it_o and_o that_o our_o reproach_n for_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o rejoice_n shall_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o in_o midst_n of_o such_o backslide_n and_o perverseness_n then_o to_o the_o just_a and_o slender_a charge_n of_o a_o singular_a affected_a fervour_n
furious_a storm_n that_o break_v off_o and_o destroy_v the_o branch_n the_o root_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v by_o this_o bond_n make_v sure_a until_o the_o time_n of_o our_o restitution_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o first_o and_o most_o air_o appearance_n so_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o babel-confusion_n wherewith_o these_o master_n of_o confusion_n and_o rebuilder_n of_o babylon_n do_v upbraid_v we_o cause_n his_o work_n appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o glory_n unto_o their_o child_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o author_n say_v he_o hear_v that_o some_o take_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n for_o the_o same_o with_o our_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gloss_n of_o glasgow_n which_o yet_o he_o say_v do_v gross_o corrupt_v the_o text_n for_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o other_o nor_o have_v any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n even_o such_o as_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o power_n to_o bind_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n so_o different_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o their_o clear_a and_o genuine_a signification_n i_o can_v here_o in_o the_o close_o insist_v on_o all_o the_o impertinency_n huddle_v up_o in_o these_o few_o line_n though_o by_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n mean_v not_o only_a rome_n proper_a hierarchy_n usurp_a and_o pretend_v to_o a_o domination_n over_o we_o but_o also_o all_o such_o like_a corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n whether_o in_o its_o rise_n growth_n or_o consummation_n under_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o controvert_v episcopacy_n as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o that_o mystery_n must_v necessary_o be_v comprehend_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o this_o clause_n alone_o of_o this_o covenant_n that_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v abjure_v among_o we_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v both_o cumulative_a and_o concludent_fw-la above_o exception_n viz._n that_o albeit_o that_o it_o do_v principal_o relate_v to_o head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o popery_n yet_o it_o do_v also_o extend_v itself_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n &_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n whereby_o without_o question_n all_o the_o degree_n occasion_n &_o tendency_n either_o of_o worldly_a domination_n or_o undue_a elation_n of_o christ_n minister_n over_o his_o flock_n or_o among_o themselves_o be_v disclaim_v but_o thereby_o we_o do_v express_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o which_o head_n especial_o that_o of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o these_o time_n as_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o the_o government_n then_o in_o be_v be_v contain_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o take_n and_o subscribe_v of_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o be_v design_o enjoin_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o presbiterian_a government_n then_o complet_o perfect_v and_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o universal_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o in_o this_o matter_n any_o shadow_n of_o scruple_n shall_v remain_v i_o may_v here_o add_v for_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o when_o within_o a_o few_o year_n thereafrer_n king_n james_n and_o his_o court-faction_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o innovat_fw-la that_o form_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a precedent_n the_o faithful_a who_o oppose_v these_o course_n do_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n and_o public_a protestation_n yet_o extant_a very_o free_o testify_v against_o they_o as_o perjurious_a defection_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v take_v but_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a account_n of_o this_o oath_n which_o i_o have_v already_o exhibit_v be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o consonancy_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o interpretation_n make_v by_o the_o 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noticing_z of_o this_o reflection_n may_v almost_o be_v account_v a_o excess_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o if_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v true_o restore_v upon_o its_o own_o properâ—_n foundation_n and_o no_o thing_n impose_v beside_o this_o constant_a precedent_n both_o eligible_a &_o deposible_a by_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o moderat_o the_o practice_n of_o withdraw_v will_v be_v liable_a to_o more_o probable_a exception_n but_o see_v the_o very_o low_a condescendence_n that_o probable_o can_v be_v conjecture_v be_v immens_o distant_a from_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o a_o testimony_n flow_a from_o our_o present_a unrepented_a backslide_n with_o the_o far_o more_o probable_a ensue_a of_o evil_n then_o good_a upon_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o other_o circumstance_n obvious_a in_o our_o present_a condition_n do_v according_a to_o these_o ground_n and_o rule_n declare_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n still_o persuade_v to_o a_o humble_a tender_a prudent_a and_o witness_v separation_n i_o do_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o these_o debate_n finis_fw-la