but_o our_o minister_n that_o venture_v their_o life_n in_o preach_v in_o the_o field_n have_v have_v a_o certain_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n &_o be_v seal_v sensible_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o &_o confession_n of_o more_o that_o christ_n minister_n &_o witness_n employ_v about_o the_o great_a gospel_n message_n clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n &_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o command_n lie_v upon_o they_o must_v preach_v &_o the_o people_n must_v hear_v they_o not_o withstand_v of_o all_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n divine_n grant_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o suspend_v from_o the_o exercise_n than_o he_o can_v depose_v from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o see_v apollon_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la majest_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la part._n 1._o pag._n 334._o etc._n etc._n rutherf_n due_a right_n of_o presb._n pag._n 430._o etc._n etc._n for_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o man_n more_o than_o unto_o god_n the_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n may_v be_v appeal_v unto_o act._n 4._o 19_o they_o must_v not_o cease_v wherever_o they_o have_v a_o call_v &_o occasion_n to_o teach_v &_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 5._o ult_n necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o in_o all_o thing_n they_o must_v approve_v themselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n etc._n etc._n by_o honour_n &_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n &_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a &_o yet_o well_o know_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 8_o 9_o they_o must_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n &_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o dare_v any_o say_v then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n or_o tyrant_n law_n can_v exauctorate_v a_o minister_n or_o silence_v he_o by_o his_o owned_a proper_a elicit_a act_n as_o king_n or_o tyrant_n or_o formal_o &_o immediate_o will_v mischief_n frame_v into_o a_o law_n warrant_v such_o iniquity_n or_o a_o act_n of_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n rescind_v the_o mandate_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n or_o exempt_a people_n from_o obedience_n due_a thereunto_o or_o will_v the_o bishop_n canon_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n or_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o that_o stand_v condemn_v themselves_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n &_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o case_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v except_o odious_a &_o invidious_a calumny_n the_o ordinary_a lot_n of_o the_o most_o faithful_a against_o the_o present_a preacher_n in_o the_o field_n which_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v in_o their_o late_a informatory_n vindication_n and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v touch_v see_v therefore_o they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n as_o his_o servant_n they_o must_v resolve_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o he_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o lay_v up_o their_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n especial_o now_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a necessity_n when_o defection_n be_v yet_o grow_v cover_v countenance_v more_o &_o more_o division_n nothing_o abate_v but_o new_a oil_n cast_v daily_a into_o the_o flame_n of_o devour_a contention_n the_o people_n general_o drown_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o the_o time_n snare_n &_o sin_n and_o like_a to_o be_v over_o whelm_v in_o the_o inundation_n of_o black_a popery_n now_o come_v in_o at_o the_o open_a sluice_n of_o this_o wicked_a toleration_n with_o the_o congratulation_n of_o addressing_z minister_n when_o now_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a and_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o great_a then_o be_v the_o necessity_n and_o double_a must_v the_o woe_n be_v that_o abide_v such_o minister_n as_o be_v silent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o great_a &_o inexcusable_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o come_v out_o and_o countenance_v faithful_a minister_n the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n from_o who_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n mal._n 2._o 7._o especial_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o have_v palpable_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o necessary_a testimony_n of_o the_o day_n see_v then_o faithful_a minister_n must_v preach_v &_o people_n must_v hear_v where_o can_v they_o meet_v with_o conveniency_n &_o safety_n &_o freedom_n except_o either_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o this_o wicked_a toleration_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v or_o else_o go_v to_o the_o field_n 5._o it_o must_v be_v obtain_v also_o that_o the_o minister_n have_v a_o right_a to_o preach_v in_o this_o unfixed_a manner_n wherever_o they_o have_v a_o call_v their_o relation_n now_o in_o this_o disturb_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v more_o extensive_o than_o in_o its_o settle_a condition_n for_o understanding_n which_o we_o must_v distinguish_v a_o three_o or_o fourfold_a relation_n that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v into_o first_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o have_v his_o commission_n from_o christ_n as_o his_o master_n and_o this_o relation_n he_o have_v universal_o wherever_o he_o be_v second_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o a_o catholic_n minister_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o primary_n relation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o minister_n be_v set_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o three_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o in_o scotland_n a_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v out_o himself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o that_o church_n four_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereunto_o he_o have_v a_o fix_a relation_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n this_o last_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a relation_n but_o when_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o relation_n or_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v hold_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o call_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n stand_v &_o bind_v see_v m_o r_o durham_n degression_n on_o this_o particular_a on_o revel_n chap._n 2._o pag._n 89._o etc._n etc._n in_o quarto_fw-la for_o tho'_o he_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n officer_n have_v a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v nevertheless_o he_o may_v exerce_fw-la ministerial_a act_n authoritative_o upon_o occasion_n warrantable_o call_v for_o the_o same_o in_o other_o church_n as_o herald_n of_o one_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n wherever_o it_o be_v especial_o in_o a_o break_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o all_o the_o restriction_n his_o ministerial_a relation_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v only_o a_o tie_n &_o call_v to_o officiate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o he_o have_v right_a to_o preach_v every_o where_o as_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o he_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n the_o master_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o master_n authority_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o servant_n ministerial_a authority_n can_v be_v deny_v at_o least_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n as_o well_o as_o a_o minister_n 2._o he_o have_v commission_n from_o christ_n principal_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o far_o as_o his_o ministry_n can_v reach_v according_a to_o the_o second_o relation_n 3._o his_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v principal_a that_o which_o be_v fix_v to_o a_o part_n be_v only_o subordinate_a because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a 4._o his_o commission_n be_v indefinite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o will_v sâ—it_v as_o well_o in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o another_o 5._o the_o same_o great_a end_n of_o the_o church_n great_a good_a &_o edification_n which_o warrant_n fix_v of_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o church_n peaceable_a state_n will_v warrant_n his_o officiate_a more_o large_o in_o her_o disturb_a state_n 6._o else_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n stand_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o a_o disturb_a &_o destroy_v church_n and_o all_o his_o
some_o have_v y_o r_o hand_n struck_fw-ge off_o &_o hang_v other_o behead_v some_o hang_v &_o quarter_a 〈◊〉_d some_o torture_v by_o bool_n thumbkins_n firematche_n some_o take_v &_o instant_o shoot_v in_o 〈◊〉_d field_n some_o banish_v other_o perish_v in_o shipwreck_n woman_n hang_v other_o drown_v of_o stake_n in_o the_o sea_n a_o hind_n let_v loose_a or_o a_o historical_a representation_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o in_o all_o its_o period_n together_o with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a testimony_n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o malignant_a enemy_n of_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o state_v for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n and_o seal_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o reproach_v remnant_n of_o presbyterian_o there_o witness_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time._n wherein_o several_a controversy_n of_o great_a consequence_n be_v inquire_v into_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n clear_v concern_v hearing_n of_o the_o curate_n own_v of_o the_o present_a tyranny_n take_v of_o ensnare_a oath_n &_o bond_n frequent_v of_o field_n meeting_n defensive_a resistance_n of_o tyrannical_a violence_n with_o several_a other_o subordinate_a question_n useful_a for_o these_o time_n by_o a_o lover_n of_o true_a liberty_n psal._n 94._o 20._o shall_v the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v fellowship_n with_o thou_o that_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n prov._n 28._o 15._o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n &_o a_o range_a bear_n so_o be_v a_o wicked_a ruler_n over_o the_o poor_a people_n hos._n 8._o 4._o they_o have_v set_v up_o king_n but_o not_o by_o i_o they_o have_v make_v prince_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o revel_v 12._o 11._o and_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n print_a in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxvii_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n presume_v it_o be_v thy_o desire_n to_o answer_v the_o holy_a &_o honourable_a designation_n i_o accost_v thou_o with_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o assure_v thou_o it_o be_v my_o design_n to_o answer_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o expectation_n which_o the_o title_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v offer_v in_o the_o hope_n that_o wherein_o i_o come_v short_a as_o i_o indeed_o confess_v not_o only_o my_o jealous_a fear_n but_o my_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o my_o insufficiency_n for_o such_o a_o great_a undertake_n thy_o christian_a tenderness_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o my_o weakness_n and_o not_o to_o any_o want_n of_o worth_n in_o the_o cause_n i_o manage_v which_o be_v true_o worthy_a weighty_a noble_a &_o honourable_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n in_o exercise_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o give_v i_o all_o the_o encouragement_n i_o have_v in_o dependence_n on_o his_o furniture_n who_o cause_n it_o be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o essay_n so_o it_o animate_v my_o ambition_n albeit_o i_o can_v manage_v it_o with_o any_o proportion_n to_o its_o merit_n yet_o to_o move_v the_o christian_a reader_n to_o make_v enquiry_n about_o it_o and_o then_o sure_o i_o be_o he_o will_v find_v it_o be_v truth_n i_o plead_v for_o though_o my_o plea_n be_v weak_a all_o i_o shall_v further_o say_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o title_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o work_n though_o book_n use_v not_o to_o be_v require_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o name_n which_o often_o be_v arbitrar_o impose_v more_o for_o the_o author_n fancy_n and_o the_o time_n fashion_n than_o for_o the_o reader_n instruction_n yet_o see_v the_o time_n injury_n do_v oblige_v the_o author_n to_o conceal_v his_o name_n the_o title_n will_v not_o obscure_o notify_v it_o to_o some_o for_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o signify_v also_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o aim_v at_o give_v goodly_a word_n not_o suggare_v with_o parasitick_a sweetness_n nor_o paint_v with_o affect_a pedantry_n but_o fair_o bring_v forth_o in_o unhampered_a freedom_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o humane_a &_o christian_a liberty_n in_o its_o due_a &_o true_a boundary_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o discourse_n as_o some_o may_v remember_v on_o that_o text_n whence_o this_o title_n be_v take_v gen._n 49._o 21._o naphtali_n be_v a_o hind_n let_v loose_a in_o prosecute_n of_o which_o the_o speaker_n with_o several_a other_o fall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hunter_n to_o learn_v the_o worth_n of_o that_o interrupt_a subject_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o a_o occasion_n be_v give_v and_o interpret_v by_o the_o author_n to_o be_v a_o call_v to_o study_v more_o the_o preciousness_n of_o that_o privilege_n predicate_v of_o naphtali_n which_o be_v the_o right_a anâ—_n property_n of_o the_o wrestle_a tribe_n of_o israel_n the_o persecute_a witness_n of_o christ_n now_o every_o where_o prey_v upon_o and_o now_o providence_n have_v open_v a_o door_n for_o deliver_v himself_o as_o a_o roe_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hunter_n he_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o as_o necessary_a a_o piece_n of_o service_n as_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o bring_v to_o light_v his_o lucubration_n thereupon_o with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o discover_v to_o all_o that_o be_v free_a bear_v and_o be_v not_o content_v slave_n mancipate_v in_o a_o stupid_a subjection_n to_o tyrant_n absoluteness_n that_o this_o character_n of_o naphtali_n satisfy_v with_o favour_n and_o full_a with_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hind_n let_v loose_a from_o the_o yoke_n of_o tyrannical_a slavery_n be_v far_o preferable_a in_o the_o account_n of_o all_o that_o understand_v to_o be_v christian_n or_o man_n to_o that_o infamous_a stigma_fw-la of_o issachar_n the_o sin_n shame_n &_o misery_n of_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o strong_a ass_n couch_v under_o two_o burden_n and_o he_o see_v that_o rest_n be_v good_a and_o the_o land_n that_o it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o bow_v his_o shoulder_n to_o bear_v and_o become_v a_o servant_n unto_o tribute_n but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o altogether_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o title_n be_v not_o inept_o apply_v to_o the_o subject_n and_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o party_n who_o case_n and_o cause_n and_o contending_n be_v here_o treat_v of_o be_v know_v to_o have_v the_o same_o situation_n of_o residence_n in_o scotland_n that_o naphtali_n have_v in_o israel_n viz._n the_o west_n and_o the_o south_n deut._n 33._o 23._o will_v be_v find_v among_o all_o our_o tribe_n most_o apposite_o to_o bear_v the_o signature_n of_o naphtali_n who_o in_o their_o wrestle_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o israel_n have_v most_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o field_n and_o chief_o to_o deserve_v his_o elegy_n be_v a_o hind_n call_v wild_a by_o nickname_n in_o the_o scorn_n of_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n but_o true_o weak_a in_o their_o present_a wilderness_n condition_n to_o wrestle_v against_o the_o force_n &_o fraud_n of_o their_o cruel_a &_o cunning_a hunter_n who_o cease_v not_o when_o they_o have_v now_o get_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o roe_n and_o hind_n of_o the_o field_n make_v fast_o asleep_a under_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o lion_n den_n &_o mountain_n of_o leopard_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_o so_o call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o seek_v and_o pursue_v the_o chase_n of_o they_o for_o a_o prey_n yet_o real_o they_o be_v let_v loose_a and_o not_o only_o suffer_v to_o run_v loose_a as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o hunter_n by_o the_o unwatchfullness_n of_o their_o keeper_n but_o make_v to_o escape_v loose_a by_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n from_o the_o net_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o fouler_n and_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o these_o beast_n of_o prey_n to_o who_o authority_n they_o will_v not_o oune_v a_o willing_a subjection_n and_o be_v such_o hind_n so_o let_v loose_a they_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o give_v goodly_a word_n for_o the_o worth_n and_o honour_n and_o royalty_n of_o their_o princely_a master_n and_o for_o the_o precious_a liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v endote_v and_o entrust_v his_o spouse_n and_o child_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o goodly_a word_n of_o his_o patience_n until_o he_o return_v as_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o bether_o this_o be_v
the_o party_n who_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o wild_a folk_n of_o scotland_n the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o their_o manifold_a chase_n the_o craft_n keenness_n &_o cruelty_n of_o their_o hunter_n and_o the_o goodlyness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a period_n with_o the_o present_a and_o that_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v vindicate_v by_o the_o former_a be_v resume_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n wrestle_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o deduce_v through_o all_o the_o most_o signal_n step_v of_o this_o long_o propagate_v and_o hereditary_a war._n and_o lest_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v goodly_a enough_o nor_o my_o notion_n grateful_a to_o the_o critic_n of_o this_o age_n who_o cast_v every_o thing_n as_o new_a and_o nice_a which_o be_v someway_o singular_a and_o not_o suit_v to_o their_o sentiment_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o cause_n here_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v be_v not_o of_o yesterday_o but_o old_a than_o their_o grandfather_n who_o oppose_v it_o i_o dare_v avouch_v without_o vanity_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o author_n of_o great_a note_n &_o repute_v in_o our_o church_n both_o ancient_a &_o modern_a namely_o buchanan_n knox_n calderwood_n act_n of_o general_a assembly_n cawses_n of_o wrath_n lex_fw-la rex_fw-la apologetical_a relation_n napthali_n ius_n populi_n history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n banders_n disband_v rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la and_o some_o other_o author_n much_o respect_v who_o authority_n more_o always_o repel_v by_o rage_n than_o ever_o yet_o resist_v by_o reason_n though_o i_o value_v more_o than_o all_o the_o vain_a oblatration_n of_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o imputation_n of_o its_o novelty_n and_o to_o counterbalance_v the_o weight_n that_o may_v be_v lay_v on_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o great_a that_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n on_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o represent_v with_o that_o candour_n and_o care_n that_o lest_o any_o shall_v cavil_v that_o they_o be_v wrest_v or_o wrong_v when_o make_v to_o speak_v so_o pat_o to_o the_o present_a controversy_n i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o transcribe_v their_o word_n than_o to_o borrow_v their_o matter_n dress_v up_o in_o my_o own_o except_o where_o the_o prolixity_n &_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o argument_n as_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o which_o i_o adduce_v they_o for_o as_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v primar_o intend_v do_v impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o abridge_n they_o which_o yet_o be_v most_o in_o their_o owned_a word_n though_o reduce_v into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n but_o this_o obloquy_n of_o novelty_n be_v anticipate_v when_o i_o reflect_v on_o the_o help_n i_o have_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o hand_n i_o be_o rather_o afraid_a the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v be_v comtemn_v as_o obsolete_a and_o antiquate_a than_o cast_v at_o for_o new_a speculation_n however_o i_o be_o content_a yea_o it_o be_v my_o ambition_n that_o nothing_o here_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o i_o but_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v this_o be_v a_o old_a plea_n and_o that_o the_o party_n here_o plead_v for_o who_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o many_o singularity_n be_v a_o people_n who_o ask_v the_o old_a path_n and_o the_o good_a way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v therein_o and_o though_o their_o path_n be_v not_o now_o much_o pave_v by_o the_o frequency_n of_o passenger_n and_o multitude_n of_o professor_n walk_v therein_o and_o albeit_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v some_o way_n singular_a that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n state_v as_o head_n of_o suffer_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o untrodden_a path_n but_o the_o same_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o period_n of_o our_o church_n and_o assert_v by_o the_o great_a confessor_n though_o never_o before_o seal_v by_o martyr_n as_o for_o the_o argument_n i_o bring_v to_o clear_v &_o confirm_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v account_v i_o or_o borrow_a from_o other_o i_o be_o very_o indifferent_a if_o they_o prove_v the_o point_n they_o be_v bring_v for_o which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v but_o of_o this_o â—_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v nothing_o here_o can_v be_v condemn_v until_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o grave_a author_n be_v confute_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v which_o will_v be_v ad_fw-la calendas_fw-la graecas_fw-la or_o against_o the_o 30._o of_o february_n there_o be_v something_o beside_o here_o which_o will_v challenge_v consideration_n the_o design_n then_o of_o this_o work_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n even_o no_o less_o than_o to_o essay_n the_o discuss_v the_o difficulty_n of_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o open_a enemy_n about_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o testimony_n the_o vindicate_a of_o all_o the_o head_n of_o suffering_n sustain_v thereupon_o these_o 27_o year_n past_a the_o propose_v of_o the_o right_a state_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o former_a period_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o propagation_n &_o prosecution_n of_o the_o witnessing_n wrestle_n and_o suffering_n for_o it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v not_o only_o how_o great_a the_o suffering_n have_v be_v since_o this_o fatal_a catastrophe_n and_o overturning_a of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o unhappy_a restauration_n of_o tyranny_n and_o prelacy_n but_o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v be_v state_v be_v not_o nicety_n and_o novelty_n as_o they_o be_v reproach_v and_o repute_v by_o many_o but_o worthy_a and_o weighty_a truth_n of_o great_a value_n and_o validity_n and_o of_o near_a affinity_n unto_o &_o conformity_n with_o the_o continue_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o testimony_n in_o all_o former_a period_n so_o that_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n must_v be_v contain_v a_o compendious_a history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n her_o testimony_n in_o all_o age_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o it_o yea_o in_o effect_v a_o short_a epitome_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o famous_a forecited_a author_n as_o far_o as_o we_o need_v to_o consult_v they_o concern_v the_o controversy_n of_o the_o present_a time_n with_o adversary_n which_o be_v much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o much_o to_o be_v undertake_v in_o so_o small_a a_o volume_n but_o consider_v that_o many_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o cause_n yea_o the_o most_o part_n who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o it_o be_v such_o who_o have_v neither_o access_n nor_o time_n nor_o capacity_n to_o revolve_v the_o voluminous_a labour_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n for_o light_n in_o this_o case_n i_o have_v do_v my_o best_a to_o bring_v they_o into_o one_o body_n of_o a_o portable_a bulk_n with_o as_o great_a brevity_n as_o can_v consist_v well_o with_o any_o measure_n of_o perspicuity_n not_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o i_o think_v may_v some_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v some_o part_n of_o the_o present_a testimony_n every_o undertake_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o several_a disadvantage_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a this_o have_v many_o discourage_a and_o difficult_a one_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o such_o representation_n to_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o a_o seditious_a libel_n and_o so_o may_v be_v send_v to_o the_o flame_n to_o be_v confute_v and_o to_o inflame_v the_o fury_n of_o these_o firebrand_n already_o hell-hot_a into_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o rage_n against_o the_o author_n that_o ever_o cruelty_n itself_o at_o its_o full_a freedom_n do_v exert_v against_o truth_n and_o reason_n arraign_v and_o cast_v for_o sedition_n and_o treason_n the_o only_a sanctuary_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v in_o prospect_n of_o this_o to_o have_v the_o great_a care_n that_o nothing_o be_v speak_v but_o what_o the_o speaker_n may_v dare_v to_o affirm_v in_o the_o face_n of_o cruelty_n itself_o a_o second_o common_a disadvantage_n be_v obvious_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o fancy_n have_v great_a force_n than_o faith_n and_o nothing_o be_v please_v but_o what_o be_v parasitical_a or_o attemper_v to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o great_a not_o of_o the_o best_a and_o naked_a truth_n without_o the_o fairding_n of_o flattery_n or_o painting_n of_o that_o pâkiness_n which_o be_v common_o applaud_v as_o
other_o from_o concert_v that_o same_o necessary_a witness_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o will_v change_v both_o matter_n &_o manner_n in_o manage_v the_o war._n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v for_o the_o old_a controvert_v head_n of_o popery_n with_o fire_n &_o faggot_n as_o former_o for_o refuse_v to_o worship_v our_o lady_n or_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n these_o weapon_n &_o engine_n be_v so_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n that_o they_o will_v not_o work_v now_o as_o they_o do_v before_o and_o that_o old_a bawd_n of_o babylon_n be_v become_v so_o ugly_a and_o out_o of_o date_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v her_o beauty_n can_v be_v so_o bewitch_a except_o she_o put_v on_o a_o new_a busk_n but_o her_o elder_a daughter_n the_o prelatical_a church_n of_o the_o same_o complexion_n with_o herself_o except_o that_o she_o be_v colour_v with_o protestant_a paint_n be_v fit_a for_o his_o service_n to_o allure_v our_o land_n into_o fornication_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v entyce_v must_v be_v force_v to_o communion_n with_o she_o by_o fining_n confyning_n exaction_n extortion_n &_o imposition_n of_o oath_n etc._n etc._n religion_n must_v be_v little_o concern_v here_o for_o there_o be_v preach_v enough_o and_o of_o protestant_a doctrine_n too_o and_o without_o the_o monkie-trick_n &_o montebank_n show_v &_o foppery_n of_o english-popish_a ceremony_n &_o lyturgical_a service_n what_o will_v they_o be_v at_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o yield_v to_o this_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o scotish-spanish-inquisition_n that_o will_v rack_v the_o purse_n the_o body_n &_o conscience_n and_o all_o this_o be_v one_o complex_fw-la head_n of_o suffering_n and_o think_v a_o very_a small_a one_o by_o many_o but_o now_o find_v this_o will_v not_o do_v his_o business_n yet_o it_o look_v too_o like_o religion_n still_o he_o have_v therefore_o invent_v a_o new_a machine_n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v nor_o force_v the_o conscience_n at_o all_o so_o good_a nature_a be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o lieutenant_n grow_v in_o their_o old_a age_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n nay_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o who_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o this_o long_a time_n but_o only_o in_o all_o the_o violent_a course_n exercise_v against_o these_o sufferer_n he_o have_v be_v magistratical_o chastise_v the_o disobedience_n &_o rebellion_n of_o a_o few_o turbulent_a traitor_n who_o will_v not_o oune_v the_o government_n and_o thus_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o rebellion_n &_o disow_a authority_n he_o have_v have_v access_n &_o success_n to_o destroy_v almost_o a_o innumerable_a number_n of_o honest_a &_o innocent_a faithful_a &_o fruitful_a lover_n of_o christ_n who_o though_o indeed_o they_o have_v have_v their_o suffering_n state_v upon_o those_o point_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n &_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n not_o love_v their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n who_o blood_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o shedder_n thereof_o and_o he_o will_v make_v inquisition_n for_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o overturn_v overturn_v &_o take_v his_o own_o right_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v contend_v nevertheless_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n too_o prevalent_a with_o many_o to_o misregard_n the_o case_n &_o cause_n of_o these_o contender_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v they_o favourablie_o and_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n difficulty_n &_o discouragement_n together_o consider_v will_v soon_o cool_v my_o courage_n and_o at_o first_o blush_n make_v i_o leave_v off_o before_o i_o begin_v be_v i_o not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n these_o reproach_v people_n be_v suffer_v for_o and_o that_o their_o great_a suffering_n &_o reproach_n be_v both_o alike_o unjust_a from_o both_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v vindicate_v they_o &_o bring_v forth_o their_o righteousness_n as_o the_o light_n &_o their_o judgement_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n â—n_v his_o owned_a time_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o depend_v on_o his_o conduct_n i_o shall_v undertake_v as_o brief_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o represent_v their_o case_n and_o clear_v the_o cause_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v their_o contest_v with_o their_o pesecute_a enemy_n wiâ—h_v who_o i_o only_o deal_v at_o present_a it_o not_o be_v my_o purpose_n to_o descend_v particular_o into_o their_o necessitate_a contending_n with_o comply_v brethren_n partly_o because_o they_o will_v make_v the_o volume_n to_o excresce_fw-it unto_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n &_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v elsewhere_o yet_o in_o effect_n these_o also_o be_v not_o only_o here_o narrative_o deduce_v but_o whatever_n be_v odious_a in_o they_o be_v vindicate_v &_o what_o be_v difficult_a in_o some_o measure_n enodate_v but_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o desiderated_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o distinct_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o step_v of_o this_o woeful_a defection_n against_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o testimony_n have_v be_v state_v but_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n advertise_v i_o touch_v only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v seal_v by_o severe_a suffering_n from_o enemy_n it_o be_v a_o task_n transcend_v my_o capacity_n and_o a_o theme_n wherein_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o my_o leisure_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o such_o a_o sad_a and_o shameful_a subject_n though_o the_o world_n indeed_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n that_o they_o that_o will_v do_v it_o can_v and_o they_o that_o will_v &_o shall_v do_v it_o will_v not_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n not_o only_o to_o scotland_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n already_o can_v see_v the_o light_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o light_n which_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o disingenuous_a prudence_n of_o some_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o defection_n be_v embezil_v &_o suppress_v i_o mean_v that_o excellent_a &_o faithful_a history_n of_o defection_n the_o posthumou_n work_v of_o famous_a mr._n m'ward_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o if_o they_o that_o have_v it_o in_o keep_v will_v do_v themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o publish_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o discover_v from_o whence_o to_o what_o and_o how_o that_o church_n have_v fall_v &_o degenerate_a nor_o so_o great_a dissicultie_n in_o that_o indisputable_a &_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o such_o a_o day_n call_v for_o in_o search_v &_o try_v our_o way_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o necessity_n for_o my_o poor_a essay_n to_o invite_v &_o incite_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v cognizance_n &_o compassion_n of_o poor_a perish_a scotland_n i_o wish_v that_o they_o who_o have_v it_o may_v consult_v more_o their_o owned_a duty_n and_o credit_n and_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o church_n edification_n the_o day_n testimony_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v rob_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v treason_n against_o christ_n &_o sacrilege_n against_o the_o church_n &_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o publish_v it_o the_o world_n must_v know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v but_o it_o not_o be_v my_o design_n now_o to_o detect_v or_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o defection_n of_o that_o decline_a &_o by_o declension_n divide_v &_o by_o division_n almost_o only_o not_o destroy_v church_n i_o shall_v meddle_v with_o they_o no_o further_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v the_o cause_n refer_v the_o knowledge_n and_o account_n of_o they_o either_o to_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o gross_a of_o they_o or_o to_o the_o more_o particular_a enarration_n of_o they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o paper_n emit_v &_o publish_v by_o the_o contender_n against_o they_o of_o which_o one_o be_v of_o this_o same_o year_n edition_n entitle_v the_o informatory_n vindication_n of_o a_o poor_a waste_v misrepresented_a remnant_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o may_v be_v evident_a that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o darkness_n &_o distress_n defection_n &_o division_n under_o which_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v so_o long_o &_o be_v still_o labour_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o poor_a
waste_v wound_a rend_v &_o almost_o ruin_v but_o still_o wrestle_v &_o witness_v remnant_n of_o professor_n &_o confessor_n of_o christ_n there_o who_o though_o they_o have_v not_o only_o have_v their_o soull_n exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o scorn_v of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n &_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a but_o their_o body_n also_o kill_v all_o day_n long_o and_o count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n have_v yet_o through_o grace_n endeavour_v to_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n &_o have_v not_o love_v their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n &_o have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n contend_v both_o against_o profess_a enemy_n &_o also_o decline_v friend_n sustain_v from_o both_o the_o utmost_a of_o rage_n &_o reproach_n and_o since_o that_o little_a book_n give_v a_o account_n what_o their_o contenâ—ings_n have_v be_v against_o their_o backdraw_a brethren_n on_o the_o right_n &_o left_a hand_n i_o shall_v spare_v labour_n to_o offer_v a_o discussion_n of_o they_o only_a endeavour_n to_o make_v it_o not_o difficult_a to_o decide_v &_o determine_v on_o who_o side_n truth_n lie_v by_o what_o be_v here_o hint_v i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o advertise_v the_o reader_n of_o one_o thing_n further_o that_o as_o this_o reproach_v people_n for_o who_o testimony_n i_o be_o plead_v be_v now_o the_o only_a party_n that_o be_v persecute_v in_o scotland_n some_o few_o except_v who_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o pretend_a favour_n of_o the_o current_a indemnity_n &_o their_o persecution_n still_o continue_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o impudent_a as_o well_o as_o ensnare_a declaration_n of_o universal_a liberty_n to_o all_o dissenter_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o their_o honour_n &_o happiness_n to_o be_v think_v incapable_a of_o tyrannical_a &_o antichristian_a favour_n so_o their_o past_a &_o present_a oppression_n &_o suffering_n be_v only_o here_o in_o general_a agregated_a describe_v as_o to_o their_o kind_n &_o vindicate_v as_o to_o their_o cause_n the_o particular_a deduction_n of_o their_o number_n weight_n &_o measure_n of_o their_o name_n that_o have_v be_v martyr_v &_o murder_v both_o by_o formality_n of_o law_n &_o without_o all_o formality_n of_o law_n by_o sea_n &_o land_n city_n &_o country_n on_o scaffold_n &_o in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o suffering_n &_o of_o the_o form_n of_o their_o trial_n &_o testimony_n be_v intend_v short_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v emit_v &_o publish_v in_o a_o book_n by_o itself_o which_o will_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n as_o rare_a instance_n of_o the_o injustice_n illegality_n &_o inhumanity_n of_o the_o scotish_n inquisition_n &_o of_o the_o innocency_n zeal_n ingenuity_n &_o patience_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n as_o ready_o can_v be_v instance_a in_o these_o latter_a age_n only_o here_o be_v a_o taste_n till_o more_o come_v which_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v for_o its_o design_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n the_o information_n &_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o serious_a sympathiser_n with_o zions_n sorrow_n &_o the_o conviction_n or_o confutation_n of_o reproacher_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o make_v they_o surcease_v from_o their_o invidious_a charge_n of_o thing_n whereof_o the_o innocency_n be_v here_o vindicate_v i_o have_v obtain_v all_o my_o design_n &_o shall_v desire_v to_o give_v the_o lord_n the_o praise_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n of_o this_o page_n it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o the_o reader_n to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o sentence_n of_o great_a author_n which_o relate_v to_o some_o head_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n erasm._n ut_fw-mi atagen_fw-mi aliás_fw-la vocalis_fw-la captus_fw-la obiwtescit_fw-la ita_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la servitus_fw-la adimit_fw-la vocem_fw-la qui_fw-la liberi_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la libere_fw-la nazianzen_n melius_fw-la est_fw-la pro_fw-la pielate_fw-la dissidium_fw-la quam_fw-la concordia_fw-la fucata_fw-la bernard_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la sumitur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la utilius_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la scandalum_fw-la oriatur_fw-la quam_fw-la veritas_fw-la relinquatur_fw-la bracton_n rex_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la bene_fw-la regit_fw-la tyramius_fw-la qui_fw-la populum_fw-la opprimit_fw-la cicero_n amittit_fw-la be_v omne_fw-la imperii_fw-la jus_o qui_fw-fr eâ—_n imperio_fw-la rempublicam_fw-la oppugnat_fw-la aristot._n qui_fw-la legi_fw-la paret_fw-la be_v deo_n &_o legi_fw-la paret_fw-la qui_fw-la regi_fw-la homini_fw-la &_o belluae_fw-la sweton_n sub_fw-la paena_fw-la perjurii_fw-la non_fw-la tenentur_fw-la fidem_fw-la fervare_fw-la regi_fw-la degeneri_fw-la ambros._n qui_fw-la non_fw-la repellit_fw-la a_o socio_fw-la injuriam_fw-la si_fw-la potest_fw-la tam_fw-la est_fw-la in_o vitio_fw-la quam_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la facit_fw-la chamier_n at_o cives_fw-la omnes_fw-la jus_o habent_fw-la insurgendi_fw-la contra_fw-la tyrannos_fw-la qui_fw-la vi_fw-la aperta_fw-la regna_fw-la occupant_fw-la barclai_n contra_fw-la monarchom_n tyrannos_fw-la ut_fw-la host_n publicos_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la ab_fw-la universo_fw-it populo_fw-la sed_fw-la à _fw-la singulis_fw-la etiam_fw-la impeti_fw-la caedique_fw-la jure_fw-la optimo_fw-la posse_fw-la tota_fw-la antiquitas_fw-la censuit_fw-la a_o historical_a representation_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o period_n thereof_o with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a testimony_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o impression_n of_o all_o that_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o the_o day_n spirit_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o doleful_a &_o dreadful_a case_n &_o crisis_n that_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v reckon_v the_o kill_n of_o the_o witness_n yet_o all_o that_o have_v or_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n will_v judge_v it_o no_o impeachment_n to_o the_o prophecy_n to_o say_v it_o be_v either_o very_o like_a or_o near_a unto_o it_o when_o now_o the_o devil_n be_v come_v down_o in_o great_a wrath_n as_o know_v his_o time_n be_v but_o short_a and_o therefore_o exert_v all_o the_o energy_n of_o the_o venom_n &_o violence_n craft_n &_o cruelty_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o antichrist_n alias_o pope_n his_o captain_n general_n be_v now_o universal_o prevail_v and_o ply_v all_o his_o hellish_a engine_n to_o batter_v down_o &_o bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o everlasting_a darkness_n what_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v destroy_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o crown_a head_n or_o horn_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o tyrant_n alias_o king_n of_o europe_n his_o council_n of_o war_n be_v advance_v their_o prerogative_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o nation_n &_o church_n privilege_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o absoluteness_n &_o improve_n &_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o promove_v their_o master_n the_o devil_n &_o antichrist_n interest_n to_o who_o they_o have_v gift_v the_o church_n mancipate_v their_o own_o and_o sacrifice_v the_o nation_n interest_n and_o that_o with_o such_o combination_n of_o counsel_n &_o countenance_n of_o providential_a success_n that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n the_o principality_n of_o earth_n &_o the_o providence_n of_o heaven_n overrule_a all_o thing_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n or_o the_o divine_a purpose_n &_o purchase_v &_o prediction_n seem_v to_o conspire_v to_o produce_v that_o prodigious_a period_n and_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la of_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o the_o commencement_n be_v so_o far_o advance_v that_o now_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n either_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o kill_a or_o the_o witness_n for_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n kill_v either_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v calâ—ed_v &_o choose_v &_o faithful_a be_v kill_v for_o their_o testimony_n or_o faint_v in_o their_o zeal_n and_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n they_o be_v cool_v or_o cajole_v from_o their_o testimony_n some_o be_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o their_o ease_n settle_v on_o their_o lees_n &_o sleep_v in_o a_o stupid_a security_n and_o while_o the_o lord_n be_v roar_v from_o above_o &_o he_o &_o their_o enemy_n rage_v about_o they_o &_o design_v to_o raze_v they_o after_o they_o have_v ruin_v their_o neighbour_n they_o be_v rot_v away_o under_o the_o destructive_a distemper_n of_o detestable_a neutrality_n loathsome_a lulâ—warmness_n decline_v &_o decay_v in_o corruption_n defection_n division_n distraction_n confusion_n &_o so_o judicial_o infatuate_v with_o darkness_n &_o delusion_n that_o they_o forget_v &_o forgo_v the_o necessary_a testimony_n of_o the_o day_n other_o again_o outwearied_a with_o the_o length_n &_o weight_n of_o the_o trial_n under_o the_o tentation_n of_o antichrist_n formidable_a strength_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o a_o deceitful_a prospect_n of_o a_o ensnare_a liberty_n on_o the_o other_o be_v overcome_v either_o to_o be_v hector_v or_o flatter_v from_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o in_o these_o church_n comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v free_a from_o persecution_n at_o this_o
time_n the_o witness_n for_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n kill_v other_o church_n which_o be_v keep_v &_o contend_v for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n be_v so_o waste_v &_o almost_o wear_v out_o with_o persecution_n affliction_n &_o calamity_n that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v &_o be_v so_o much_o daily_a kill_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v there_o have_v be_v &_o be_v a_o great_a slaughter_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o can_v give_v the_o large_a &_o most_o lamentable_a account_n of_o their_o suffering_n or_o which_o of_o they_o have_v have_v the_o great_a &_o most_o grievous_a experience_n of_o the_o treachery_n &_o truculency_n violence_n &_o villainy_n of_o atheistical_a &_o papistical_a enemy_n whether_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n howl_v under_o the_o paw_n of_o that_o devour_a lion_n the_o french_a tyrant_n or_o the_o protestant_n of_o hungary_n under_o the_o tear_a claw_n of_o that_o ravenous_a eagle_n the_o tyrant_n of_o austria_n or_o those_o of_o piedemont_n under_o the_o grassant_a tyranny_n of_o that_o little_a tyâ—er_n of_o savoy_n the_o account_n they_o give_v in_o print_n the_o report_v they_o bring_v with_o they_o in_o their_o flight_n from_o their_o respective_a country_n &_o the_o little_a hint_n we_o have_v in_o gazette_n &_o news_n letter_n must_v needs_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n if_o not_o extort_v a_o compassion_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o pressure_n &_o that_o with_o such_o a_o parity_n that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a which_o preponderats_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v comparison_n nor_o aggravate_v nor_o extenuate_v the_o suffering_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beyond_o or_o below_o their_o due_a measure_n but_o will_v presume_v to_o plead_v that_o scotland_n another_o ancient_n &_o sometime_o famous_a reform_a church_n be_v enroll_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o suffer_a church_n beside_o these_o mention_v and_o crave_v that_o she_o may_v have_v a_o share_n of_o that_o charity_n &_o sympathy_n which_o be_v the_o demand_n &_o desire_v of_o afflict_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o the_o fellow_n member_n of_o that_o same_o body_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v this_o her_o due_a that_o whereas_o among_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n witness_n be_v kill_v in_o some_o particular_a respect_n &_o each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o own_o proper_a complaint_n of_o it_o some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o persecution_n some_o of_o defection_n division_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o all_o respect_n both_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o witness_n for_o christ_n be_v kill_v with_o a_o witness_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o sometime_o renown_a famous_a faithful_a &_o fruitful_a reform_a covenant_v church_n of_o scotland_n famous_a for_o unity_n faithful_a for_o verity_n fruitful_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n which_o now_o for_o these_o 27_o year_n past_a under_o the_o domination_n of_o the_o late_a tyrant_n &_o present_a usurper_n of_o britain_n have_v be_v so_o waste_v with_o oppression_n wound_v with_o persecution_n rend_v with_o division_n ruin_v with_o defection_n that_o now_o she_o be_v as_o much_o despise_v as_o she_o be_v before_o admire_v and_o her_o witness_n &_o testimony_n for_o reformation_n be_v now_o as_o far_o depress_v &_o suppress_v in_o obscurity_n as_o it_o be_v former_o declare_v &_o depredicate_v in_o glory_n &_o honour_n and_o yet_o which_o shall_v move_v the_o great_a commiseration_n her_o witnessing_n &_o wrestle_n trial_n &_o tentation_n have_v not_o be_v inferior_a in_o manner_n or_o measure_n quality_n or_o continuance_n to_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a church_n tho'_o in_o extent_n not_o so_o great_a because_o her_o precinct_n be_v not_o so_o large_a whereby_o the_o number_n of_o she_o oppress_v &_o murder_a child_n can_v not_o be_v so_o multiply_v though_o her_o martyr_n be_v more_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o murder_n more_o illegal_a than_o can_v be_v instance_a in_o any_o of_o they_o during_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a enumeration_n or_o enarration_n whereof_o can_v be_v here_o exhibit_v but_o be_v refer_v &_o reserve_v to_o a_o peculiar_a treatise_n of_o that_o subject_a which_o ere_o long_o the_o world_n may_v see_v only_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o compendious_a account_n of_o the_o kind_n &_o cause_n ground_n and_o head_n of_o their_o suffering_n who_o have_v be_v most_o slight_v &_o least_o sympathise_v with_o though_o they_o have_v sustain_v the_o great_a severity_n of_o any_o and_o inend_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o most_o principal_a head_n upon_o which_o their_o suffering_n have_v be_v state_v whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o impartial_a man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o there_o have_v be_v &_o yet_o be_v a_o great_a &_o grievous_a &_o some_o way_n uparallele_v persecution_n in_o scotland_n at_o least_o inferior_a to_o none_o which_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v cu_o consider_v with_o any_o proportion_n to_o the_o importance_n thereof_o but_o tho'_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n it_o be_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n the_o method_n i_o have_v propose_v to_o prosecute_v it_o withal_o will_v discover_v it_o which_o be_v 1._o to_o give_v a_o brief_a &_o summary_n account_n of_o the_o series_n &_o succession_n success_n &_o result_n of_o the_o several_a contending_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n against_o his_o enemy_n in_o scotland_n from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o present_a suffering_n as_o now_o state_v can_v be_v condemn_v if_o the_o former_a be_v approven_v 2._o to_o rehearse_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n method_n &_o measure_n that_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o 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except_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v against_o tyranny_n because_o that_o tyrant_n be_v not_o such_o a_o usurper_n nor_o such_o a_o violater_n of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o these_o that_o we_o have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o all_o but_o as_o to_o the_o manage_n the_o testimony_n they_o far_o out_o strip_v their_o successor_n in_o this_o generation_n in_o conduct_n &_o courage_n prudence_n &_o zeal_n as_o be_v above_o hintend_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v some_o more_o when_o several_a plot_n of_o papist_n lord_n have_v be_v discover_v conspire_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o they_o be_v by_o the_o king_n indulgence_n favour_v and_o some_o be_v also_o persuade_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o famous_a mr_n davidson_n oppose_v with_o great_a resolution_n declare_v before_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n that_o it_o favour_v much_o of_o defection_n in_o these_o day_n that_o such_o notorious_a rebel_n 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he_o which_o no_o christian_a king_n shall_v control_v but_o assist_v otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a subject_n to_o christ._n sir_n when_o you_o be_v in_o your_o swedle_a clout_n christ_n reign_v free_o in_o this_o land_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n but_o now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o your_o council_n which_o be_v devilish_a &_o pernicious_a be_v this_o that_o you_o may_v be_v serve_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o your_o purpose_n &_o grandour_n jew_n &_o gentile_n papist_n &_o protestant_n because_o the_o minister_n &_o protestant_n in_o scotland_n be_v too_o strong_a &_o control_v the_o king_n they_o must_v be_v weaken_v &_o bring_v low_a by_o stir_v up_o a_o party_n against_o they_o and_o the_o king_n be_v equal_a &_o indifferent_a both_o shall_v be_v fain_o to_o flee_v to_o he_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v well_o settle_v but_o sir_n let_v god_n wisdom_n be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n this_o will_v prove_v mere_a &_o mad_a folly_n for_o his_o curse_n can_v but_o light_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o in_o seek_v both_o you_o shall_v lose_v both_o to_o the_o like_a effect_n mr_n robert_n bruce_n in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o psal_n 51._o give_v faithful_a warning_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v not_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v party_n in_o this_o cause_n no_o the_o quarrel_n be_v betwixt_o a_o great_a prince_n and_o they_o what_o be_v we_o but_o silly_a man_n yet_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o set_v we_o in_o this_o office_n that_o we_o shall_v oppone_v to_o the_o manifest_a usurpation_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v there_o a_o more_o forcible_a mean_v to_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n than_o to_o let_v barrabas_n that_o nobilitate_fw-la malefactor_n pass_v free_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o war_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n it_o put_v on_o the_o copestone_n that_o so_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a as_o their_o call_v &_o this_o cause_n crave_v fie_o upon_o false_a brethren_n to_o see_v they_o dumb_a so_o faint_v heart_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o chock_n not_o only_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v the_o thing_n they_o think_v which_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o a_o pastor_n but_o speak_v direct_o against_o their_o former_a doctrine_n they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v put_v at_o but_o incontinent_a they_o will_v turn_v and_o make_v their_o gift_n weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v none_o so_o malicious_a as_o a_o apostate_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o slide_v back_o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o faithful_a witness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o preach_v as_o the_o king_n will_v have_v he_o against_o his_o owned_a conscience_n to_o justify_v &_o proclaim_v the_o king_n innocency_n in_o a_o forge_a conspiracy_n against_o he_o be_v put_v from_o his_o church_n in_o edinburgh_n and_o be_v request_v in_o a_o insinuate_a manner_n to_o desist_v from_o preach_v but_o for_o nine_o or_o ten_o day_n he_o condescend_v at_o first_o think_v the_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o that_o night_n his_o body_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o fever_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o he_o promise_v he_o shall_v never_o obey_v their_o commandment_n any_o more_o these_o be_v faithful_a man_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o challenge_v themselves_o in_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o their_o short_a come_n &_o defection_n at_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n march_n 30._o 1596._o the_o great_a solemnity_n ever_o have_v be_v see_v in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n so_o that_o the_o place_n may_v worthy_o have_v be_v call_v bochim_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v such_o a_o day_n when_o even_o the_o most_o faithful_a among_o we_o shall_v mourn_v over_o our_o far_a more_o aggravate_v defection_n but_o if_o they_o mourn_v then_o for_o these_o first_o degree_n of_o declension_n we_o may_v say_v quam_fw-la gravius_fw-la ingemiscerent_fw-la illi_fw-la fortes_fw-la viri_fw-la qui_fw-la propter_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n libertatem_fw-la olim_fw-la in_o acie_n decertarunt_fw-la si_fw-la nostram_fw-la hanc_fw-la ignaviam_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la gravius_fw-la dicam_fw-la conspicerent_fw-la i_o know_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o that_o some_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o worthy_n allege_v they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o hear_v &_o join_v with_o prelatical_a man_n dispense_n the_o ordinance_n but_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v easy_o refell_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o period_n wherein_o they_o be_v but_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o may_v bear_v with_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v after_o we_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o they_o they_o be_v then_o advance_v and_o still_o gain_v ground_n we_o be_v now_o decline_v and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v more_o rich_a to_o 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that_o way_n therefore_o must_v keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o their_o communion_n but_o next_o if_o we_o consider_v their_o practice_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o worthy_n be_v not_o such_o conformist_n as_o our_o complyer_n will_v make_v they_o what_o if_o we_o find_v among_o they_o meeting_n that_o be_v call_v &_o count_v as_o seditious_a &_o schismatic_a as_o we_o be_v now_o we_o find_v a_o field_n meet_v yea_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o dumfermling_n without_o &_o against_o the_o king_n warrant_v when_o the_o â—_z be_v shut_v against_o they_o anno_fw-la 1585._o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o pat_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o that_o we_o find_v private-meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n discharge_v by_o open_a proclamation_n anno_fw-la 1624._o wherein_o it_o be_v charge_v that_o they_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n contemn_v &_o impugn_a their_o doctrine_n disobey_v &_o control_v their_o discipline_n abstain_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o to_o participate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o long_o before_o that_o we_o find_v the_o sincerer_n sort_n scruple_v to_o hear_v bishop_n adamson_n not_o withstand_v that_o he_o be_v absolve_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o afterward_o the_o doubt_n be_v propon_v to_o the_o assembly_n if_o it_o be_v a_o slander_n to_o a_o christian_a to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o sermon_n of_o they_o that_o be_v suspend_v from_o all_o function_n in_o the_o ministry_n the_o assembly_n answer_v there_o be_v no_o slander_n in_o the_o case_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v slanderous_a to_o resort_v and_o why_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n to_o think_v it_o slanderous_a or_o scandalous_a to_o resort_v to_o they_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v suspend_v all_o of_o they_o by_o a_o spiritual_a cognizance_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v suspend_v corporal_o for_o their_o villainy_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o access_n orderly_o to_o do_v it_o 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answer_v the_o false_a imputation_n of_o conformity_n on_o these_o witness_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n but_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o part_n of_o a_o letter_n of_o one_o of_o the_o banish_a minister_n at_o that_o time_n discover_v his_o mind_n about_o hear_v these_o man_n that_o be_v then_o serve_v the_o time_n mr_n john_n welsh_n write_v to_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n what_o my_o mind_n be_v concern_v the_o root_n of_o these_o branch_n the_o bearer_n will_v show_v you_o more_o full_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v orthodox_n but_o apostate_n they_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o calling_n by_o receive_v a_o antichristian_a and_o bring_v in_o of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v the_o kingdom_n culpable_a and_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o such_o a_o high_a perfidy_n against_o a_o oath_n so_o solemn_o enact_v &_o give_v and_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v christian_n but_o stranger_n apostate_n &_o persecutor_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v hear_v any_o more_o either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o consistory_n college_n or_o synod_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n we_o see_v then_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n they_o be_v not_o dissonant_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o present_a reproach_v sufferer_n ii_o as_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o their_o testimony_n against_o all_o the_o invader_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n do_v speak_v forth_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sincere_a &_o pure_a zeal_n so_o their_o practice_n be_v conform_v show_v forth_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o strictness_n and_o averseness_n from_o all_o sinful_a compliance_n even_o with_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v now_o account_v of_o very_a minute_n &_o inconsiderable_a consequence_n and_o for_o which_o honest_a sufferer_n now_o be_v flout_v at_o as_o fool_n when_o that_o oath_n be_v form_v for_o acknowledge_v the_o supremacy_n there_o be_v a_o clause_n add_v which_o may_v have_v be_v think_v to_o salve_v the_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n i_o fear_v many_o now_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o subscribe_v with_o such_o a_o qualification_n yet_o the_o faithful_a than_o perceive_v the_o sophistry_n that_o it_o make_v it_o rather_o worse_o affirm_v that_o that_o brat_n of_o hell_n be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v several_a eminent_a man_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o both_o by_o advice_n &_o example_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n comply_v and_o plead_v also_o from_o the_o illegality_n of_o that_o imposition_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o subscription_n of_o law_n a_o thing_n never_o require_v before_o of_o any_o subject_n if_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v punish_v according_a to_o the_o law_n when_o many_o honest_a faithful_a patriot_n for_o their_o attempt_n at_o ruthven_n to_o deliver_v the_o country_n from_o a_o vermin_n of_o villain_n that_o abuse_v the_o king_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v charge_v to_o crave_v pardon_n &_o take_v remission_n they_o will_v do_v neither_o judge_v it_o a_o base_a condemn_v of_o duty_n which_o put_v a_o brand_n upon_o our_o sneak_a supplicator_n &_o petitioner_n &_o pardon-monger_n as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o race_n of_o such_o worthy_n who_o scorn_v such_o baseness_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o extremity_n of_o their_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o intercommune_v &_o banishment_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o the_o earl_n of_o gowrie_n accept_v of_o a_o remission_n he_o afterward_o condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o desire_v that_o his_o old_a friend_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o friendship_n to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o just_o suspect_v mr_n black_a when_o he_o have_v the_o same_o favour_n offer_v to_o he_o refuse_v altogether_o leave_v so_o do_v he_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o and_o approve_v the_o court_n proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n confere_v with_o the_o councillor_n crave_v that_o some_o penalty_n shall_v be_v condescend_v unto_o for_o satisfy_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o honour_n will_v not_o condescend_v to_o any_o how_o light_n soever_o lest_o thereby_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o approve_v the_o judicatorie_a &_o their_o proceed_v the_o imprison_v minister_n for_o decline_v the_o council_n have_v it_o in_o their_o offer_n that_o if_o they_o will_v without_o any_o confession_n of_o offence_n only_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o majesty_n pro_fw-la scandalo_fw-la accepto_fw-la non_fw-la dato_fw-la they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o their_o place_n but_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o they_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o convince_v they_o in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ._n again_o in_o another_o case_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o such_o strictness_n as_o be_v much_o scorn_v now_o a_o day_n the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v commit_v to_o ward_v for_o refuse_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o queen_n before_o her_o execution_n in_o forthringam_n castle_n 1586._o they_o refuse_v not_o simple_o to_o pray_v for_o she_o but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o her_o life_n as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n lay_v to_o her_o charge_n which_o have_v import_v a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o proceed_n against_o she_o afterward_o in_o the_o year_n 1600._o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n will_v not_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o king_n from_o a_o pretend_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o gowrie_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o credit_n nor_o assurance_n and_o will_v not_o crave_v pardon_n for_o it_o neither_o for_o this_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o never_o obtain_v it_o again_o in_o edinburgh_n but_o
now_o for_o refuse_v such_o compel_v &_o impose_v devotion_n to_o pray_v or_o praise_v for_o the_o king_n poor_a people_n be_v much_o condemn_v i_o know_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o these_o faithful_a sufferer_n in_o those_o day_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o submit_v to_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o obey_v &_o keep_v their_o confinement_n i_o shall_v grant_v there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o and_o much_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o their_o circumstance_n when_o the_o court_n procedure_v against_o they_o be_v not_o so_o illegal_a their_o authority_n be_v not_o so_o tyrannical_a nor_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v disoun_v and_o they_o be_v so_o state_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v guilt_n upon_o they_o in_o make_v their_o escape_n whereas_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o find_v very_o faithful_a man_n break_v their_o confinement_n as_o mr_n john_n murray_n confine_v about_o dumfreis_n perceive_v there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o bishop_n malice_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o no_o worse_a case_n than_o he_o be_v he_o resolve_v without_o licence_n either_o of_o king_n or_o council_n to_o transport_v himself_o so_o do_v also_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n iii_o for_o resistance_n of_o superior_a power_n we_o have_v in_o this_o period_n first_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o nobleman_n a_o ruthven_n anno_fw-la 1582._o who_o take_v the_o king_n and_o seize_v on_o that_o arrant_a traitor_n enemy_n to_o the_o church_n &_o country_n the_o earl_n of_o arran_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o king_n correspondence_n with_o papist_n his_o usurp_a the_o supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n and_o oppress_v the_o minister_n all_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o wicked_a councillor_n who_o therefore_o they_o remove_v from_o he_o the_o king_n himself_o emit_v a_o declaration_n allow_v this_o deed_n the_o general_a assembly_n approve_v of_o it_o and_o persuade_v to_o a_o concurrence_n with_o it_o and_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o ratify_v it_o as_o a_o most_o lawful_a &_o laudable_a action_n at_o length_n the_o fox_n escape_v &_o change_v all_o and_o retract_v his_o former_a declaration_n the_o lord_n again_o rally_v and_o enterprise_n the_o take_n of_o the_o castle_n of_o stirling_n and_o gain_v it_o but_o afterward_o surrender_v it_o after_o which_o the_o earl_n of_o gowrie_n be_v execute_v and_o minister_n be_v command_v to_o retract_v the_o approbation_n of_o ruthven_n business_n but_o they_o refuse_v and_o many_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o england_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v banish_v but_o in_o the_o year_n 1585._o they_o return_v with_o more_o success_n and_o take_v the_o castle_n of_o stirling_n the_o cowardly_a king_n do_v again_o acknowledge_v &_o justify_v their_o enterprise_n that_o they_o need_v no_o apology_n of_o word_n weapon_n have_v speak_v well_o enough_o and_o get_v they_o audience_n to_o clear_v their_o own_o cause_n but_o he_o after_o carriage_n declare_v he_o as_o crafty_a &_o false_a as_o he_o be_v cowardly_a &_o fearful_a again_o we_o have_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o resist_v when_o the_o minister_n be_v trouble_v upon_o mr_n blacks_n bussiness_n and_o there_o be_v a_o intention_n to_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n they_o advise_v they_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o call_v if_o their_o flock_n will_v save_v they_o from_o violence_n and_o yet_o this_o violence_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o king_n and_o his_o emissary_n as_o to_o that_o point_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n iv._o there_o be_v little_a occasion_n for_o the_o question_n about_o the_o king_n authority_n in_o this_o period_n but_o general_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o usurpation_n and_o his_o cowardice_n make_v he_o incapable_a of_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v raise_v commotion_n in_o civil_a thing_n yet_o we_o remark_n that_o whatsoever_o authority_n he_o usurp_v beyond_o his_o sphere_n that_o be_v disoun_v &_o decline_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o supremacy_n next_o that_o they_o resent_v &_o represent_v very_o harsh_o any_o aspire_n to_o absoluteness_n as_o mr_n andrew_n melvin_n can_v give_v it_o no_o better_a name_n nor_o entertain_v no_o better_a notion_n of_o it_o then_o to_o term_v it_o the_o bloody_a guillie_n as_o he_o inveigh_v against_o it_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o and_o next_o in_o this_o same_o period_n we_o have_v a_o very_a good_a description_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o king_n himself_o allow_v not_o to_o be_v ow_v which_o out_o of_o a_o king_n mouth_n abundant_o justify_v the_o disow_a of_o the_o present_a tyranny_n this_o same_o king_n james_n in_o a_o speech_n to_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1609._o say_v a_o king_n degenerate_v into_o a_o tyrant_n when_o he_o leave_v to_o rule_v by_o 〈◊〉_d much_o more_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n person_n right_n &_o liberty_n to_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n impose_v unlawful_a tax_n raise_v force_n make_v war_n upon_o his_o subject_n to_o pillage_n plunder_v waist_n and_o spoil_v his_o kingdom_n period_n v._o contain_v the_o testimony_n for_o the_o last_o reformation_n from_o prelacy_n in_o all_o its_o step_n from_o the_o year_n 1638_o to_o 1660._o the_o follow_a period_n from_o the_o year_n 1638._o to_o 1660_o continue_v &_o advance_v the_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a height_n of_o purity_n &_o power_n that_o either_o this_o church_n or_o any_o other_o do_v ever_o arrive_v unto_o with_o a_o gradation_n succession_n &_o complication_n of_o wonder_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n justice_n &_o mercy_n signal_o &_o singular_o oun_v &_o seal_v it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n comfort_v of_o his_o people_n conviction_n of_o indifferent_a neutral_n and_o consternation_n of_o all._n now_o after_o a_o long_a winter_n and_o night_n of_o deadness_n &_o darkness_n the_o sun_n return_v with_o a_o amiable_a approach_n of_o light_n &_o life_n now_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a the_o rain_n be_v over_o &_o go_v the_o flower_n appear_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o time_n of_o sing_v of_o bird_n be_v come_v and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o turtle_n be_v hear_v in_o our_o land_n now_o the_o second_o time_n the_o testimony_n come_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o active_a manner_n as_o before_o it_o be_v passive_a as_o the_o one_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v to_o follow_v interchangeable_o upon_o the_o other_o especial_o in_o scotland_n and_o the_o last_o always_o the_o great_a which_o give_v ground_n to_o hope_n though_o it_o be_v now_o our_o turn_n to_o suffer_v that_o when_o the_o summer_n come_v again_o after_o this_o winter_n and_o the_o day_n after_o this_o night_n the_o next_o active_a testimony_n shall_v be_v more_o notable_a than_o any_o that_o go_v before_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o same_o as_o before_o for_o the_o concern_v of_o christ_n kingly_a prerogative_n but_o with_o some_o more_o increase_n as_o to_o its_o opposite_n for_o these_o grow_v successive_o in_o every_o period_n the_o last_o always_o include_v all_o that_o go_v before_o the_o first_o period_n have_v gentilism_n principal_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o second_o popery_n the_o three_o popery_n &_o tyranny_n the_o four_o prelacy_n &_o supremacy_n this_o five_o have_v all_o together_o and_o sectarianisme_n also_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o former_a have_v always_o the_o opposite_n on_o one_o hand_n but_o this_o have_v they_o in_o extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n both_o fight_v against_o one_o another_o and_o both_o fight_v together_o against_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o she_o against_o both_o till_o at_o length_n one_o of_o her_o opposite_n prevail_v viz._n the_o secterian_a party_n and_o that_o prevail_v bring_v in_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n the_o malignant_a which_o now_o domineer_v over_o all_o together_o wherefore_o because_o this_o period_n be_v in_o itself_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n the_o revolution_n therein_o emergent_a so_o eminent_a the_o reformation_n therein_o prosecute_v want_v little_a of_o its_o perfect_a compliment_n the_o deformation_n succeed_v in_o its_o deviation_n from_o the_o pattern_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v see_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v fall_v and_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o present_a reproach_v sufferer_n have_v lose_v or_o leave_v their_o ground_n we_o must_v give_v a_o short_a deduction_n of_o the_o rise_v progress_n &_o end_v of_o the_o contending_n of_o that_o period_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o forementioned_a misery_n &_o mischief_n that_o the_o pride_n of_o prelacy_n and_o tyrannical_a supremacy_n have_v multiply_v beyond_o measure_n upon_o this_o church_n &_o nation_n and_o at_o the_o height_n of_o all_o their_o haughtiness_n when_o they_o be_v set_v up_o their_o dagon_n and_o erect_v altar_n for_o he_o
commissioner_n be_v send_v from_o both_o house_n to_o scotland_n earnest_o invite_v to_o a_o near_a union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o desire_v assistance_n from_o this_o nation_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o that_o their_o great_a distress_n and_o this_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n produce_v the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n first_o draw_v up_o in_o scotland_n and_o approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o afterward_o embrace_v in_o england_n to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a party_n and_o to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wish_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o just_a liberty_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o do_v import_v their_o sincere_a &_o constant_a endeavour_n in_o their_o several_a place_n &_o calling_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o uniformity_n in_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n the_o 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for_o themselves_o &_o posterity_n of_o which_o the_o obligation_n either_o to_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o punishment_n continue_v indispensible_o on_o the_o generation_n which_o for_o the_o moral_a equity_n oâ—_n its_o matter_n the_o formality_n of_o its_o manner_n the_o importance_n of_o its_o purpose_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o its_o end_n no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v disannul_v disable_v or_o dispense_v that_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o at_o their_o enter_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o secure_v &_o establish_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o blessing_n &_o privilege_n therein_o express_v and_o avouch_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n as_o they_o have_v avouch_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o covenant_n which_o in_o all_o the_o controversy_n it_o have_v occasion_v do_v never_o receive_v a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o from_o the_o malice_n &_o opposition_n of_o its_o adversary_n that_o covenant_n which_o malignant_n do_v malign_v &_o deny_v and_o sectary_n scorn_v &_o lay_v aside_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n which_o have_v be_v many_o way_n traduce_v &_o reproach_v by_o enemy_n and_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v reflect_v on_o by_o any_o serious_a in_o this_o land_n without_o a_o honourable_a &_o fragrant_a remembrance_n especial_o that_o retortion_n of_o adversary_n of_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o imposition_n upon_o recusant_n to_o justify_v their_o cruelty_n upon_o its_o asserter_n now_o be_v to_o be_v refell_v not_o with_o confutation_n of_o its_o importance_n but_o with_o disdain_n of_o its_o impudence_n for_o who_o be_v the_o recusant_n but_o wicked_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o church_n &_o nation_n who_o for_o their_o malignancy_n be_v then_o to_o be_v prosecute_v not_o for_o their_o scruple_v at_o a_o covenant_n but_o for_o their_o contumacious_a contempt_n of_o a_o law_n this_o be_v no_o violence_n do_v to_o their_o conscience_n for_o as_o they_o have_v none_o and_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o so_o they_o be_v never_o trouble_v for_o that_o but_o for_o their_o opposition_n &_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o common_a cause_n however_o it_o go_v through_o at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n in_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o unite_a church_n may_v be_v promote_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n and_o desire_v the_o assembly_n of_o scotland_n to_o send_v thither_o their_o commissioner_n which_o according_o nominate_v &_o elect_v mr_n alexander_n henderson_n mr_n robert_n dowglas_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n robert_n balzie_n mr_n george_n gillespie_n minister_n and_o john_n earl_n of_o cassils_n john_n lord_n maitland_n and_o sir_n archbald_n johnstoun_n of_o waristoun_n rule_v elder_n to_o propone_n consult_v treat_n &_o conclude_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n heresy_n schism_n superstition_n &_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o so_o much_o desire_v union_n of_o the_o whole_a island_n in_o one_o form_n of_o church_n government_n one_o confession_n of_o faith_n one_o common_a catechism_n &_o one_o directory_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n forces_n be_v also_o send_v to_o assist_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n which_o be_v favour_v with_o great_a success_n in_o their_o entreprize_n till_o that_o war_n be_v end_v by_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o tyranny_n at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o its_o upholder_n but_o that_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o malignant_a faction_n be_v bring_v much_o under_o in_o england_n attempt_v not_o unlike_o the_o syrian_n who_o think_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o god_n of_o the_o hill_n &_o valley_n both_o to_o try_v the_o fortune_n of_o war_n in_o scotland_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o treacherous_a &_o truculent_a traitor_n montrose_n gather_v a_o army_n of_o wicked_a apostate_n &_o irish_a murderer_n who_o prevail_v for_o a_o time_n do_v punish_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o hypocrisy_n &_o self-seeking_a of_o such_o in_o this_o land_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o in_o his_o covenant_n at_o length_n be_v defeat_v at_o philiphaugh_n in_o the_o year_n 1645._o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n &_o warrant_n from_o the_o king_n as_o the_o assembly_n that_o year_n feb._n 13._o remonstrate_v it_o to_o himself_o warn_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o guilt_n which_o cleave_v to_o his_o throne_n be_v such_o as_o whatsoever_o flatter_v preacher_n or_o unfaithful_a counsellor_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o not_o timely_o repent_v can_v not_o but_o involve_v himself_o &_o his_o posterity_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o his_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o best_a subject_n for_o his_o permit_v the_o mass_n &_o other_o idolatry_n in_o his_o family_n &_o dominion_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o the_o assembly_n do_v zealous_o incite_v the_o parliament_n to_o a_o speedy_a course_n of_o justice_n against_o these_o incendary_n &_o murderer_n as_o the_o only_a mean_a of_o cleanse_v the_o land_n from_o that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n then_o current_n and_o of_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o solemn_o &_o seasonable_o warn_v all_o rank_n to_o applaud_v the_o glory_n &_o righteousness_n of_o that_o judgement_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o apostate_n &_o murderer_n and_o to_o search_v to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o that_o dispensation_n wherein_o many_o public_a sin_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n be_v point_v at_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o desolation_n and_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v there_o very_o encomiastical_o vindicate_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o repent_v of_o it_o say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v not_o mention_v it_o without_o great_a joy_n &_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n as_o that_o which_o have_v draw_v many_o blessing_n after_o it_o and_o unto_o which_o god_n have_v give_v manifold_a evident_a testimony_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o covenant_n begin_v to_o be_v take_v in_o england_n but_o sensible_o the_o condition_n of_o affair_n there_o be_v change_v to_o the_o better_a and_o our_o force_n send_v into_o that_o kingdom_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o covenant_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_o &_o manifest_o assist_v &_o bless_v from_o heaven_n that_o we_o have_v what_o to_o answer_v the_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v we_o concern_v that_o business_n &_o that_o which_o may_v make_v iniquity_n itself_o to_o stop_v her_o mouth_n but_o which_o be_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o all_o victory_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n &_o uniformity_n therein_o between_o both_o kingdom_n a_o principal_a end_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v so_o far_o
up_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o few_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o oppose_v &_o resist_v the_o same_o and_o to_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o land_n since_o which_o time_n the_o silence_n of_o some_o minister_n &_o the_o compliance_n of_o other_o have_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o backslide_n of_o many_o among_o the_o people_n who_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n complain_v that_o they_o get_v not_o warning_n or_o that_o if_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o some_o other_o hold_v their_o peace_n or_o do_v justify_v they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o backslide_n we_o can_v look_v upon_o such_o minister_n no_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o these_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reckon_v for_o all_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n &_o defection_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o land_n the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o such_o as_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n make_v they_o contemptible_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v his_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o his_o law_n because_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o savour_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o many_o of_o they_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n further_o more_o to_o evidence_n the_o purity_n &_o power_n of_o zeal_n burn_v &_o blaze_v in_o these_o day_n in_o their_o contending_n against_o public_a enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n i_o shall_v instance_n some_o of_o their_o act_n &_o testimony_n clear_o condemn_v the_o manifold_a compliance_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o which_o may_v contribute_v somewhat_o to_o justify_v the_o reproach_v preciseness_n of_o a_o remnant_n stand_v at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o act_n for_o censure_v the_o complyer_n with_o the_o public_a enemy_n of_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n gen._n ass._n edinb_n junij_fw-la 17._o 1646._o sess._n 14._o where_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o great_a &_o scandalous_a provocation_n &_o grievous_a defection_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n to_o comply_v with_o these_o malignant_n such_o as_o james_n graham_n then_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n even_o to_o procure_v protection_n from_o they_o or_o to_o have_v invite_v they_o to_o their_o house_n or_o to_o have_v drink_v james_n graham_n his_o health_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o other_o such_o gross_a degree_n of_o compliance_n censure_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o communion_n ay_o &_o while_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o yet_o now_o for_o refuse_v these_o degree_n of_o compliance_n for_o not_o have_v the_o protectior_fw-la of_o a_o pass_n from_o the_o wicked_a court_n of_o malignant_a enemy_n by_o take_v a_o wicked_a oath_n and_o for_o refuse_v to_o drink_v the_o king_n health_n a_o great_a enemy_n than_o ever_o james_n graham_n be_v some_o poor_a conscientious_a people_n have_v not_o only_o be_v murdereâ—_n by_o enemy_n but_o mock_v &_o condemn_v by_o professores_fw-la there_o be_v a_o act_n likewise_o &_o declaration_n against_o all_o new_a oath_n or_o bond_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n impose_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n gen._n ass._n edinb_n july_n 28._o 1648._o sess._n 18._o enjoin_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forbear_v the_o swear_n or_o subscribe_v any_o new_a oath_n or_o bond_n in_o this_o cause_n without_o advice_n &_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o any_o negative_a oath_n or_o bond_n which_o may_v any_o way_n limit_n or_o restrain_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o national_a or_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n yet_o now_o for_o refuse_v oath_n not_o only_o limit_v in_o covenant_v duty_n but_o contradict_v &_o condemn_v many_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v their_o life_n but_o also_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n have_v a_o wide_a conscience_n to_o swallow_v such_o bait_n it_o be_v know_v how_o pertinacious_a the_o most_o faithful_a in_o those_o day_n be_v in_o their_o contending_n against_o association_n in_o any_o undertake_n for_o the_o cause_n with_o person_n disaffect_v to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o i_o need_v not_o give_v any_o account_n of_o this_o be_v it_o not_o that_o now_o that_o principle_n be_v quite_o invert_v and_o poor_a adherer_n to_o it_o for_o their_o abstract_n &_o substract_v their_o concurrence_n with_o such_o promiscuous_a association_n be_v much_o hate_v &_o flout_v therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o hint_n of_o their_o sentiment_n of_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n julij_fw-la 25._o 1648._o sess._n 14._o the_o gen._n assembly_n say_v it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o parliament_n that_o for_o secure_v of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o malignant_a party_n be_v declare_v enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o that_o all_o association_n either_o in_o force_n or_o counsel_n with_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o latter_a be_v avoid_v and_o in_o their_o declaration_n concern_v the_o present_a danger_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n julij_fw-la ult_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 21._o they_o say_v suppose_v the_o end_n of_o that_o engagement_n be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o mean_n &_o way_n of_o prosecution_n be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a avoid_n of_o rock_n on_o both_o hand_n but_o a_o join_n with_o malignant_n to_o suppress_v sectary_n a_o join_a hand_n with_o a_o black_a devil_n to_o beat_v a_o white_a devil_n they_o be_v bad_a physician_n who_o will_v so_o cure_v one_o disease_n as_o to_o breed_v another_o as_o evil_a or_o worse_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v all_o confederacy_n &_o association_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o true_a religion_n whether_o canaanites_n exod._n 23._o 32._o and_o 24._o 12_o 15._o deut._n 7._o 2._o or_o other_o heathen_n 1._o king._n 11._o 1_o 2._o more_o argument_n against_o association_n may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o excellent_a discussion_n of_o this_o useful_a case_n concern_v association_n &_o confederacy_n with_o idolater_n infidel_n heretic_n or_o any_o other_o know_v enemy_n of_o truth_n or_o godliness_n by_o famous_a mr_n g._n gillespie_n publish_v at_o that_o same_o time_n whereunto_o be_v append_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v these_o golden_a word_n in_o it_o word_n fit_o speak_v in_o that_o season_n when_o he_o be_v a_o die_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v hear_v of_o some_o motion_n &_o begining_n of_o compliance_n with_o these_o who_o have_v be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n destructive_a to_o religion_n &_o the_o kingdom_n liberty_n i_o can_v but_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o all_o such_o compliance_n i_o know_v &_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a witness_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thesis_n that_o the_o late_a engagement_n be_v contrary_a &_o destructive_a to_o the_o covenant_n will_v also_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o appendix_n that_o compliance_n with_o any_o who_o have_v be_v active_a in_o that_o engagement_n be_v most_o sinful_a &_o unlawful_a i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o that_o compliance_n they_o be_v so_o many_o but_o above_o all_o that_o which_o will_v heighten_v this_o sin_n even_o to_o the_o heaven_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a backslide_n but_o a_o backslide_n into_o that_o very_a sin_n which_o be_v special_o point_v at_o &_o punish_v by_o the_o prevailency_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n god_n just_o make_v they_o thorn_n &_o scourge_n who_o be_v take_v in_o as_o friend_n alas_o shall_v we_o split_v twice_o upon_o the_o same_o rock_n yea_o run_v upon_o it_o when_o god_n have_v set_v a_o beacon_n on_o it_o yea_o i_o may_v say_v shall_v we_o thus_o out_o face_n &_o out_o dare_v the_o almighty_a by_o protect_v his_o &_o our_o enemy_n by_o make_v peace_n &_o friendship_n with_o they_o when_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v burn_v against_o they_o i_o musâ—_n here_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n the_o word_n of_o ezrah_n 9_o 14_o o_o happy_a scotland_n if_o thou_o can_v now_o improve_v &_o not_o abuse_v this_o golden_a opportunity_n but_o if_o thou_o help_v the_o ungodly_a &_o love_v they_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n wrath_n upon_o wrath_n and_o woe_n upon_o woe_n shall_v be_v
supremacy_n which_o be_v the_o successive_a head_n of_o the_o former_a testimony_n and_o also_o now_o extend_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n against_o tyranny_n and_o not_o only_o against_o the_o substance_n &_o essence_n of_o these_o in_o the_o abstract_n but_o against_o substance_n &_o circumstance_n abstract_a &_o concrete_a root_n &_o branch_n head_n &_o tail_n of_o they_o and_o all_o comply_v with_o they_o conform_v to_o they_o or_o countenance_v of_o they_o or_o any_o thing_n conductive_a for_o they_o or_o deduce_v from_o they_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n direct_o or_o indirect_o formal_o or_o interpretative_o this_o be_v that_o extensive_a and_o very_a comprehensive_a testimony_n of_o the_o present_a period_n as_o it_o be_v now_o state_v &_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o which_o in_o all_o its_o part_n point_n &_o pendicles_a be_v most_o direct_o relative_a and_o dilucid_o reducible_a to_o a_o complex_fw-la witness_v for_o the_o declarative_a glory_n of_o christ_n kingship_n and_o headship_n over_o all_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v that_o creature_n have_v to_o contend_v for_o either_o as_o man_n or_o as_o christian_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o testimony_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a manuduction_n to_o the_o progress_n &_o result_v of_o its_o managment_n during_o the_o exile_n of_o the_o royal_a brother_n it_o be_v undeniable_o know_v that_o they_o be_v by_o their_o mother_n caress_n and_o the_o jesuit_n allurement_n seduce_v to_o abjure_v the_o reform_a religion_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o induce_v person_n to_o that_o never_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o not_o only_o they_o write_v to_o the_o pope_n many_o promise_n of_o promote_a his_o project_n if_o ever_o they_o shall_v recover_v the_o power_n into_o their_o hand_n again_o and_o often_o frequent_v the_o mass_n themselves_o but_o also_o by_o their_o example_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o future_a hope_n prevail_v with_o many_o of_o their_o dependent_n &_o attendant_n abroad_o to_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o it_o be_v also_o unquestionable_o know_v that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n of_o his_o exile_n â—e_v renew_v &_o confirm_v by_o private_a letter_n to_o presbyterian_o his_o many_o reiterated_a engagment_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v &_o will_v continue_v the_o same_o man_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o scotland_n wherein_o doubtless_o as_o he_o be_v a_o expert_a artist_n he_o equivocate_v and_o mean_v in_o his_o heart_n he_o will_v continue_v as_o treacherous_a as_o ever_o which_o help_v to_o keep_v a_o loyal_a impression_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o too_o many_o and_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o good_a of_o he_o of_o which_o they_o be_v ashamed_a afterward_o and_o immediate_o before_o his_o return_n it_o be_v know_v what_o promise_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o declaration_n from_o breda_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v also_o the_o second_o time_n with_o great_a treachery_n than_o at_o the_o first_o to_o all_o protestant_n that_o will_v live_v peaceable_o under_o his_o government_n begin_n now_o to_o weigh_v out_o his_o perfidy_n &_o perjury_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n in_o offer_v to_o tolerote_n that_o in_o a_o indulgence_n which_o he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v as_o a_o duty_n but_o in_o all_o this_o he_o purpose_v nothing_o but_o to_o engyre_v &_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o the_o people_n over_o credulous_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v not_o obstruct_v his_o return_n which_o a_o jealousy_n of_o his_o intend_a tyranny_n will_v have_v awaken_v they_o to_o withstand_v and_o so_o have_v seat_v himself_o and_o strengthen_v his_o power_n against_o the_o attempt_n of_o any_o who_o his_o conscience_n may_v suggest_v a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o resist_v he_o he_o think_v himself_o discharge_v from_o all_o obligation_n of_o covenant_n oath_n or_o promise_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n have_v be_v pledge_v and_o from_o the_o first_o hour_n of_o his_o arrival_n he_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n set_v himself_o to_o affront_n &_o defy_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n for_o invite_v he_o so_o unanimous_o to_o sway_v their_o sceptre_n in_o pollute_v &_o infect_v the_o people_n with_o all_o debauchery_n &_o monstrous_a villainy_n and_o commence_v his_o incestous_a whoredom_n that_o very_o first_o night_n he_o come_v to_o his_o palace_n wherein_o he_o continue_v to_o his_o die_a day_n outvy_v all_o for_o vileness_n yet_o he_o go_v on_o delude_v our_o church_n with_o his_o dissimulation_n and_o will_v not_o discover_v all_o his_o wickedness_n hatch_v in_o his_o heart_n at_o first_o till_o his_o design_n shall_v be_v ripe_a but_o direct_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n declare_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o protect_v &_o preserve_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n without_o violation_n wherein_o it_o be_v observe_v he_o alter_v the_o style_n and_o speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o religion_n &_o righteousness_n our_o great_a security_n for_o all_o interest_n entrust_v to_o he_o but_o only_o of_o law_n by_o which_o as_o his_o practice_n expound_v it_o afterward_o he_o mean_v the_o prelatical_a church_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o father_n since_o which_o time_n he_o reckon_v there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o rebellion_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n &_o preludie_v of_o our_o base_a defection_n &_o degeneration_n into_o blind_a blockish_a &_o brutish_a stupidity_n that_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o perfidy_n we_o not_o only_o at_o first_o tempt_v he_o to_o perjury_n in_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o mock-engagment_a in_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o god_n be_v mock_v his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v his_o covenant_n prostitute_v the_o church_n cheat_v &_o the_o state_n betray_v but_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v break_v his_o yoke_n from_o off_o our_o neck_n by_o send_v he_o to_o exile_v ten_o year_n where_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v imbibe_v all_o that_o venom_n &_o tyrannical_a violence_n which_o he_o afterward_o vent_v in_o revenge_n upon_o the_o nation_n and_o after_o we_o have_v long_o smart_v for_o our_o first_o transaction_n with_o he_o yet_o not_o withstand_v of_o all_o this_o we_o believe_v he_o again_o and_o issachar-like_a couch_v under_o his_o burden_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o withstand_v that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o witness_v against_o the_o readmission_n &_o restauration_n of_o the_o head_n &_o tail_n of_o malignant_n but_o let_v they_o come_v in_o peaceable_o to_o the_o throne_n without_o any_o security_n to_o the_o covenant_v cause_n or_o for_o our_o civil_a or_o religious_a interest_n and_o by_o piece_n meal_n at_o their_o owned_a ease_n leisure_n &_o pleasure_n to_o overturn_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o reintroduce_v the_o old_a antichristian_a yoke_n of_o abjure_a prelacy_n and_o blasphemous_a sacrelegious_a supremacy_n and_o absolute_a arbitrary_a tyranny_n with_o all_o their_o abomination_n which_o he_o and_o with_o he_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o nobility_n gentry_n clergy_n &_o commonality_n by_o he_o corrupt_v without_o regard_n to_o faith_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n or_o man_n do_v promote_v &_o propagate_v until_o the_o nation_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o great_a revolt_n from_o &_o rebellion_n against_o god_n that_o ever_o can_v be_v record_v in_o any_o age_n or_o generation_n nay_o attend_v with_o great_a &_o grosser_n aggravation_n than_o ever_o any_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o before_o we_o who_o have_v have_v the_o great_a privilege_n that_o ever_o any_o church_n have_v since_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o great_a light_n the_o great_a effect_n of_o matchless_a magnify_a love_n the_o great_a conviction_n of_o sin_n the_o great_a resolution_n &_o solemn_a engagment_n against_o it_o and_o the_o great_a reformation_n from_o it_o that_o ever_o any_o have_v to_o abuse_v &_o affront_n o_o heaven_n be_v astonish_v at_o this_o &_o horrible_o afraid_a for_o scotland_n have_v change_v her_o glory_n and_o the_o crown_n have_v fall_v from_o off_o her_o head_n by_o a_o unparalelled_a apostasy_n a_o free_a &_o voluntary_a wilful_a &_o deliberate_a apostasy_n a_o avove_v &_o declare_v &_o authorize_v apostasy_n tyrannical_o carry_v on_o by_o military_a violence_n &_o cruelty_n a_o most_o universal_a &_o every_o way_n unprecedented_a apostasy_n i_o must_v a_o little_a change_n my_o method_n in_o deduce_v the_o narration_n of_o this_o catastrophe_n and_o subdistinguish_v this_o unhappy_a period_n into_o several_a step_n show_v how_o the_o enemy_n opposition_n to_o christ_n advance_v and_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o
clergy_n as_o he_o shall_v nominate_v in_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o consist_v with_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v valide_fw-la &_o effectual_a and_o in_o the_o same_o act_n all_o law_n be_v rescind_v by_o which_o the_o sole_a power_n &_o jurisdiction_n within_o the_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n assembly_n and_o all_o which_o may_v be_v interpret_v to_o have_v give_v any_o church_n power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o the_o office_n bearer_n of_o the_o church_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o &_o subordination_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a by_o which_o prelate_n be_v redintegrate_v to_o all_o their_o privilege_n &_o preeminency_n that_o they_o possess_v anno_fw-la 1637._o and_o all_o their_o church_n power_n rob_v from_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o to_o depend_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o croun_n prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n whereby_o the_o king_n be_v make_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o church_n power_n and_o that_o exclusive_a even_o of_o christ_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o mention_a exception_n and_o his_o vassal_n the_o bishop_n as_o his_o clerk_n in_o ecclesiastic_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o for_o all_o their_o administration_n a_o great_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n than_o ever_o the_o papacy_n itself_o aspire_v unto_o yet_o albeit_o here_o be_v another_o display_v of_o a_o banner_n of_o defiance_n against_o christ_n in_o alter_v the_o church_n government_n of_o christ_n institution_n into_o the_o humane_a invention_n of_o lordly_a prelacy_n in_o assume_v a_o power_n by_o prerogative_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o give_v his_o creature_n patent_n for_o this_o effect_n to_o be_v his_o administrator_n in_o that_o usurp_a government_n there_o be_v no_o public_a ministerial_a at_o least_o unite_a testimony_n against_o this_o neither_o therefore_o the_o lord_n punish_v this_o sinful_a &_o shameful_a silence_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n though_o by_o man_n horrid_a wickedness_n when_o by_o another_o wicked_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n above_o 300_o minister_n be_v put_v from_o their_o charge_n and_o afterward_o for_o their_o nonconformity_n in_o not_o countenance_v their_o diocesan_n meet_v and_o not_o keep_v the_o anniversary_n day_n may_v 29._o the_o rest_n be_v violent_o thrust_v from_o their_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n and_o banish_v from_o their_o parish_n and_o adjudge_v unto_o a_o nice_a &_o strange_a confinement_n twenty_o mile_n from_o their_o owned_a parish_n six_o mile_n from_o a_o cathedral_n church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o three_o mile_n from_o a_o burgh_n whereby_o they_o be_v reduce_v in_o to_o many_o inconvenience_n yet_o in_o this_o fatal_a convulsion_n of_o the_o church_n general_o all_o be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n &_o baseness_n that_o a_o paper-proclamation_n make_v they_o all_o run_v from_o their_o post_n and_o obey_v the_o king_n order_n for_o their_o ejection_n thus_o be_v they_o give_v up_o because_o of_o their_o forbear_n to_o sound_v a_o alarm_n charge_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o point_n of_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o wake_n and_o acquit_v themselves_o like_o man_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o enemy_n to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o treasure_n of_o reformation_n which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o possession_n of_o by_o the_o tear_n prayer_n &_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o go_v before_o they_o instead_o of_o those_o prudential_a fumbling_n &_o fisfling_n then_o &_o since_o so_o much_o follow_v wherefore_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o holy_a righteousness_n leave_v that_o enemy_n against_o who_o they_o shall_v have_v cry_v &_o contend_v and_o to_o who_o eye_n they_o shall_v have_v hold_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v hold_v it_o first_o to_o their_o owned_a in_o case_n of_o unfaithful_a silence_n in_o not_o hold_v it_o to_o his_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o dissolve_v their_o assembly_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o privilege_n because_o of_o their_o not_o be_v so_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n as_o that_o a_o full_a &_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o that_o encroachment_n may_v be_v find_v upon_o record_n nevertheless_o somewere_v find_v faithful_a in_o that_o hour_n &_o pour_v of_o darkness_n who_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n patience_n and_o who_o be_v therefore_o keep_v in_o &_o from_o that_o tentation_n which_o carry_v many_o away_o into_o sad_a &_o shameful_a defection_n though_o not_o from_o suffer_v hard_a thing_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n &_o only_o these_o who_o feel_v most_o of_o their_o violence_n find_v grace_n help_v they_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o that_o day_n testimony_n be_v thereby_o prevent_v from_o a_o active_a yield_v to_o their_o imposition_n when_o they_o be_v make_v passive_o to_o suffer_v force_n however_o that_o season_n of_o a_o public_a testimony_n be_v lose_v and_o as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n never_o recover_v to_o this_o day_n the_o prelate_n be_v settle_v &_o readmit_v to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n they_o procure_v a_o act_n dogmatical_o condemn_v several_a material_a part_n &_o point_n of_o our_o covenant_v reformation_n to_o wit_n these_o position_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n for_o reformation_n or_o necessary_a self_n defence_n to_o enter_v into_o league_n or_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o particular_o declare_v that_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o explain_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n be_v &_o be_v iâ—_n themselves_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o be_v take_v by_o &_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n against_o the_o fundamental_a law_n &_o liberty_n thereof_o that_o all_o such_o gather_n &_o petition_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n be_v unlawful_a &_o seditious_a and_o whereas_o then_o people_n be_v lead_v unto_o these_o thing_n by_o have_v disseminated_a among_o they_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o come_v with_o petition_n &_o representation_n of_o grievance_n to_o the_o king_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o people_n to_o restrict_n their_o allegiance_n under_o such_o &_o such_o limitation_n and_o suspend_v it_o until_o he_o shall_v give_v security_n for_o religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v that_o all_o such_o position_n &_o practice_n found_v thereupon_o be_v treasonable_a and_o further_a do_v enact_v that_o no_o person_n by_o write_v pray_v preach_v or_o malicious_a or_o advise_v speak_v express_a or_o publish_v any_o word_n or_o sentence_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o the_o dislike_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n &_o supremacy_n or_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n or_o justify_v any_o of_o the_o deed_n act_n or_o thing_n declare_v against_o by_o that_o act._n yet_o not_o withstand_v of_o all_o this_o subversion_n of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n and_o restraint_n of_o assert_v these_o truth_n here_o trample_v upon_o either_o before_o man_n by_o testimony_n or_o before_o god_n in_o mourning_n over_o these_o indignity_n do_v unto_o he_o in_o evert_v these_o &_o all_o the_o part_n of_o reformation_n even_o when_o it_o come_v to_o daniel_n case_n of_o confession_n preach_v &_o pray_v truth_n interdict_v by_o law_n few_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a let_v be_v their_o window_n in_o a_o open_a avouch_v they_o to_o see_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n call_v for_o a_o testimony_n though_o afterward_o the_o lord_n spirit_v some_o to_o assert_v &_o demonstrate_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o truth_n &_o duty_n to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o judicious_a author_n of_o the_o apologetical_a relation_n who_o labour_n need_v no_o elagium_fw-la to_o commend_v they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o these_o man_n have_v now_o as_o they_o think_v subvert_v the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o provide_v also_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o its_o revival_n make_v act_n declare_v that_o if_o the_o out_v minister_n dare_v to_o continue_v to_o preach_v and_o presume_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o seditious_a person_n require_v of_o all_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o &_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o the_o king_n government_n ecclesiastical_a &_o civil_a and_o that_o who_o soever_o shall_v ordinary_o &_o wilful_o withdraw_v &_o absent_v from_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n in_o their_o ouâ—_n church_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n shall_v incur_v the_o penalty_n there_o insert_v thus_o the_o sometime_o chaste_a virgin_n who_o name_n be_v beulah_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o reform_a church_n
they_o be_v or_o to_o some_o other_o paroch_n where_o they_o may_v be_v ordinary_a hearer_n and_o to_o declare_v &_o condescend_v upon_o the_o paroch_n where_o they_o intend_v to_o have_v their_o residence_n after_o this_o they_o assume_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o these_o their_o curate_n as_o they_o please_v and_o transport_v they_o from_o place_n to_o place_n whereof_o the_o only_a ground_n be_v a_o simple_a act_n of_o council_n the_o instruction_n always_o go_v along_o with_o they_o as_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o the_o indulgence_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a what_o ever_o these_o minister_n allege_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o to_o cover_v its_o deformity_n in_o their_o balm_n to_o take_v away_o its_o stink_n and_o in_o their_o survey_v to_o gather_v plaster_n to_o scurf_n over_o its_o scurveyness_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o civil_a restraint_n and_o that_o they_o enter_v into_o their_o place_n by_o the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n a_o mere_a mock_n pretence_n for_o a_o prelimited_a imposition_n whereby_o that_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v base_o prostitute_v &_o abuse_v and_o that_o their_o testimony_n &_o protestation_n be_v a_o salvo_n for_o their_o conscience_n a_o mere_a outopian_a fancy_n that_o the_o indulgers_n with_o who_o they_o bargain_v never_o hear_v of_o otherwise_o as_o they_o do_v with_o some_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o testify_v against_o their_o encroachment_n they_o will_v soon_o have_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o ease_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o that_o doleful_a indulgence_n both_o in_o its_o rise_n contrivance_n conveyance_n grant_v &_o acceptance_n end_v &_o effect_n be_v a_o grievous_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o princely_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o usurper_n supremacy_n be_v homologate_v bow_v to_o comply_v with_o strengthen_v &_o establish_v the_o cause_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n betray_v his_o church_n privilege_n surrender_v his_o enemy_n harden_v his_o friend_n stumble_v and_o the_o remnant_n rend_v &_o ruin_v in_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v &_o deduce_v from_o the_o king_n supremacy_n and_o convey_v by_o the_o council_n in_o that_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n he_o give_v and_o they_o receive_v a_o licence_n &_o warrant_n to_o such_o as_o he_o nominate_v &_o elect_v and_o judge_v fit_a &_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o fix_v they_o in_o what_o particular_a paroch_n he_o please_v to_o assign_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o confinment_n in_o that_o he_o impose_v and_o they_o submit_v to_o restriction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o these_o particular_a paroch_n inhibit_v to_o preach_v elsewhere_o in_o the_o church_n and_o with_o these_o restriction_n he_o give_v and_o they_o receive_v instruction_n to_o regulate_v &_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o function_n all_o which_o be_v do_v without_o advice_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o have_v frequent_o be_v call_v &_o coveen_v before_o the_o council_n to_o give_v account_v of_o their_o ministerial_a exercise_n and_o some_o of_o they_o sentence_v silence_a &_o depose_v for_o allege_a disobedience_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a treason_n against_o christ_n which_o involve_v many_o in_o the_o actual_a guilt_n of_o it_o that_o day_n and_o many_o other_o who_o gape_v after_o it_o &_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o and_o for_o more_o at_o that_o time_n &_o since_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o misprision_n of_o treason_n in_o pass_v this_o also_o without_o a_o witness_n thus_o in_o holy_a judgement_n because_o of_o our_o indulge_v &_o connive_v at_o the_o usurper_n of_o christ_n throne_n he_o leave_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o take_v that_o wretched_a indulgence_n and_o another_o part_n instead_o of_o remonstrate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o that_o deed_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o palliate_v &_o plaster_n &_o patronize_v it_o in_o keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o king_n &_o council_n curate_n wherein_o they_o have_v show_v more_o zeal_n than_o ever_o against_o that_o wicked_a indulgence_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v some_o witness_n who_o pretty_a early_a do_v give_v signification_n of_o their_o resentment_n of_o this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o christ_n as_o mr_n william_n weer_n who_o have_v get_v the_o legal_a call_n of_o the_o people_n and_o discharge_v his_o duty_n honest_o be_v turn_v out_o and_o mr_n john_n burnet_n who_o write_v a_o testimony_n direct_v to_o the_o council_n show_v why_o he_o can_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o indulgence_n insert_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n where_o also_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o ten_o minister_n who_o draw_v up_o their_o reason_n of_o noncompliance_a with_o such_o a_o snare_n and_o mr_n alexander_n blair_n who_o upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o citation_n before_o the_o council_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o 29_o of_o maij_fw-la have_v with_o other_o make_v his_o appearance_n and_o get_v new_a copy_n of_o instruction_n present_v to_o they_o be_v move_v with_o zeal_n and_o remember_v who_o ambassador_n he_o be_v tell_v the_o council_n plain_o that_o he_o can_v receive_v no_o instruction_n from_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n otherwise_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v christ_n ambassador_n but_o they_o and_o herewith_o let_v their_o instruction_n drop_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n know_v of_o no_o other_o saluâ—_n or_o manner_n of_o testify_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o caseØ›_n for_o which_o he_o be_v imprison_v &_o die_v under_o confinement_n but_o afterward_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o some_o more_o explicit_a witness_n against_o that_o defection_n all_o this_o trouble_n be_v before_o the_o year_n 1673._o about_o which_o time_n find_v this_o device_n of_o indulgence_n prove_v so_o steadable_a for_o his_o service_n in_o scotland_n he_o be_v induce_v to_o try_v it_o also_o in_o england_n which_o he_o do_v almost_o with_o the_o same_o or_o like_a success_n &_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n of_o defection_n security_n &_o unfaithfulness_n the_o occasion_n be_v upon_o his_o war_n with_o the_o dutch_a which_o give_v another_o demonstrative_a discovery_n of_o his_o treachery_n &_o popish_a perfidy_n in_o break_v league_n with_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o one_o with_o the_o french_a to_o destroy_v religion_n &_o liberty_n in_o britain_n wherein_o the_o king_n of_o france_n assure_v he_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o his_o parliament_n and_o to_o reestablish_v the_o catholic_n religion_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n &_o ireland_n to_o compass_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o abate_v the_o pride_n &_o power_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o sole_a province_n of_o holland_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o king_n of_o england_n shall_v have_v zealand_n for_o a_o retreat_n in_o case_n of_o need_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o low_a country_n shall_v remain_v to_o the_o king_n of_o france_n if_o he_o can_v render_v himself_o master_n of_o it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o scotland_n while_o by_o the_o forementioned_a device_n he_o think_v he_o have_v utter_o suppress_v the_o gospel_n in_o house_n &_o field_n meeting_n he_o be_v so_o far_o disappoint_v that_o these_o very_a mean_n &_o machines_n by_o which_o he_o think_v to_o bury_v it_o do_v chief_o contribute_v to_o its_o revival_n for_o when_o by_o persecution_n many_o minister_n have_v be_v chase_v away_o by_o illegal_a law-sentence_n many_o have_v be_v banish_v away_o and_o by_o their_o ensnare_a indulgence_n many_o have_v be_v draw_v away_o from_o their_o duty_n and_o other_o be_v now_o sentence_v with_o confinement_n &_o restraint_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o choose_v &_o fix_v their_o residence_n where_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v their_o quiet_a &_o conscience_n both_o they_o be_v force_v to_o wander_v and_o disperse_v through_o the_o country_n and_o the_o people_n be_v tire_v of_o the_o cold_a &_o dead_a curate_n and_o want_v long_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o old_a pastor_n so_o long_v &_o hunger_v after_o the_o word_n that_o they_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n cost_n what_o it_o will_v which_o make_v they_o entertain_v the_o disperse_a minister_n more_o earnest_o and_o encourage_v they_o more_o to_o their_o duty_n by_o who_o endeavour_n through_o the_o mighty_a power_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n now_o shine_v through_o the_o cloud_n after_o so_o fatal_a &_o fearful_a a_o darkness_n that_o have_v overclouded_n the_o land_n for_o a_o while_n with_o such_o a_o resplendent_a brightness_n that_o it_o darken_v the_o prelatic_a locust_n and_o make_v they_o hiss_v and_o gnash_v their_o tongue_n for_o pain_n and_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o onlooker_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v exceed_o and_o go_v through_o at_o least_o the_o southern_a border_n of_o the_o kingdom_n
christ_n come_v in_o as_o partner_n in_o the_o same_o bargain_n with_o antichrist_n vassal_n and_o the_o lord_n ark_n have_v a_o place_n with_o dagon_n and_o its_o priest_n &_o follower_n consent_v to_o it_o and_o the_o builder_n of_o babel_n &_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v make_v to_o build_v together_o under_o the_o same_o protection_n and_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n which_o to_o oppose_v the_o accepter_n can_v stand_v in_o the_o gap_n nor_o lift_v up_o a_o standart_n against_o they_o liberty_n indeed_o shall_v be_v universal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n as_o cyrus_n his_o proclamation_n be_v general_n who_o be_v there_o among_o you_o of_o all_o his_o people_n his_o god_n be_v with_o he_o but_o a_o toleration_n of_o idolater_n blasphemer_n &_o heretic_n as_o papist_n etc._n etc._n be_v odious_a to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n express_o command_v idolater_n to_o die_v the_o death_n and_o all_o seducer_n &_o entycer_n to_o apostasy_n from_o god_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n without_o pity_n and_o commend_v all_o righteous_a magistrate_n that_o execute_v judgement_n according_o as_o asa_n hezekiah_n etc._n etc._n yea_o even_o heathen_a magistrate_n that_o add_v their_o sanction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o artaxerxes_n be_v approven_v for_o that_o statute_n that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o king_n judgement_n shall_v be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v never_o repeal_v but_o confirm_v in_o that_o the_o sword_n be_v give_v to_o magistrate_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o and_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v evil_a among_o who_o seducer_n that_o be_v evil_a worker_n &_o idolater_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v rank_v be_v such_o as_o do_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n to_o mankind_n ephesus_z be_v commend_v because_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thyatira_n reprove_v for_o suffering_n jezebel_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o toleration_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v speak_v against_o churchman_n but_o will_v any_o think_v that_o will_v be_v approven_v in_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a in_o church_n officer_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n &_o honour_n of_o these_o horn_n speak_v of_o revel_n 17._o to_o eat_v the_o whore_n flesh_n &_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n and_o shall_v that_o be_v restrict_v only_o to_o be_v do_v against_o the_o great_a antichrist_n &_o not_o be_v duty_n against_o the_o lesser_a antichrist_n the_o limb_n of_o the_o great_a one_o it_o be_v record_v of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n that_o among_o other_o device_n he_o use_v to_o root_v out_o christianity_n this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o give_v toleration_n open_o to_o all_o the_o different_a profession_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o heretical_a in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v exact_o ape_v by_o james_n the_o apostate_n now_o for_o the_o same_o end_n it_o be_v also_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 20._o 20._o 4._o assert_v that_o for_o their_o publish_v such_o opinion_n or_o maintain_v of_o such_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o christianity_n whether_o concern_v faith_n worship_n or_o conversation_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o such_o erroneous_a opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o either_o in_o their_o owned_a nature_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o publish_v or_o maintain_v they_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o external_a peace_n &_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n they_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o proceed_v against_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o toleration_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n &_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n in_o all_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o contending_n in_o the_o five_o period_n above_o relate_v and_o particular_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n against_o cromuels_n vast_a toleration_n &_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n mention_v above_o pag._n 76._o for_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v 10._o consider_v the_o term_n wherein_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o can_v make_v such_o a_o shameful_a bargain_n in_o the_o former_a proclamation_n it_o be_v grant_v express_o under_o several_a condition_n restriction_n &_o limitation_n whereof_o indeed_o some_o be_v retract_v in_o the_o latter_a as_o the_o restriction_n of_o it_o to_o moderate_a presbyterian_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v off_o by_o extend_v to_o all_o without_o reserve_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o owned_a may_n but_o be_v evident_o exclusive_a of_o all_o that_o will_v serve_v god_n in_o christ_n way_n and_o not_o after_o the_o mode_n prescribe_v it_o be_v so_o modify_v and_o restrict_v that_o all_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o it_o must_v be_v moderate_a presbyterian_o indeed_o which_o as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o court_n sense_n must_v be_v a_o ignominy_n to_o all_o that_o have_v zeal_n against_o antichrist_n the_o limitation_n also_o to_o private_a house_n and_o not_o to_o outhouse_n be_v further_a enlarge_v to_o chapel_n or_o place_n purposely_o hire_v but_o still_o it_o be_v stint_v to_o these_o which_o they_o must_v bargain_n for_o with_o councillor_n shiriff_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o none_o of_o these_o restriction_n &_o limitation_n be_v altogether_o remove_v but_o the_o condition_n of_o take_v the_o oath_n only_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o near_o to_o a_o equivalency_n homologate_v by_o the_o accepter_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o grant_a a_o prerogative_n &_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o law_n which_o be_v confirm_v &_o maintain_v by_o their_o acceptance_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o say_v to_o be_v remove_v they_o must_v be_v interpret_v to_o remain_v as_o the_o term_n condition_n restriction_n &_o limitation_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o toleration_n and_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o think_v fit_a by_o this_o proclamation_n further_o to_o declare_v do_v confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v further_a explication_n but_o no_o take_v off_o of_o former_a restriction_n hence_o it_o be_v yet_o clog_v with_o such_o provision_n &_o restriction_n as_o must_v make_v it_o very_o nauseous_a to_o all_o true_o tender_a 1_o the_o restriction_n as_o to_o the_o person_n still_o remain_v that_o only_o moderate_a presbyterian_o and_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o this_o indulgence_n allanerly_a and_o none_o other_o and_o such_o only_a who_o name_n must_v be_v signify_v to_o these_o sheriff_n steward_n bailiff_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o indulgence_n wherey_o all_o the_o zealous_a &_o faithful_a presbyterian_o be_v exclude_v for_o these_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o moderate_a and_o all_o that_o will_v improve_v it_o without_o a_o formal_a acceptance_n and_o all_o who_o for_o their_o former_a diligence_n in_o duty_n be_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o wicked_a law_n and_o dare_v not_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o those_o who_o be_v seek_v their_o life_n must_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 2_o it_o be_v restrict_v to_o certain_a place_n still_o which_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o next_o privy_a councillor_n &_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o warrant_n and_o must_v have_v their_o lease_n &_o licence_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o any_o place_n and_o field-meeting_n be_v severe_o interdict_v though_o signal_o countenance_v of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v bind_v &_o bound_v and_o by_o this_o acceptance_n their_o bloody_a law_n against_o preach_v in_o the_o open_a field_n where_o people_n can_v have_v free_a access_n with_o conveniency_n &_o safety_n be_v justify_v 3_o the_o manner_n of_o meet_v be_v restrict_v which_o must_v be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o peace_n &_o security_n of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v endanger_v and_o again_o that_o their_o meeting_n be_v peaceable_o hold_v which_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o matter_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o bind_v to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n so_o much_o former_o
contend_v against_o by_o professor_n and_o be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o cautionary_a bond_n in_o the_o indulgence_n after_o bothuel_n of_o which_o see_n pag._n 129._o and_o further_o they_o must_v be_v open_o &_o public_o hold_v and_o all_o person_n free_o admit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v for_o the_o inform_a trade_n expose_v to_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o jesuit_n and_o other_o spy_n &_o fly_v their_o delation_n in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v speak_v reflect_v on_o the_o government_n a_o great_a tentation_n to_o minister_n 4_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v upon_o their_o matter_n of_o preach_v which_o be_v so_o restricted_a &_o limit_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v say_v or_o do_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o &_o peace_n of_o his_o reign_n seditious_a or_o treasonable_a and_o in_o case_n any_o treasonable_a speech_n be_v utter_v the_o law_n be_v to_o take_v place_n against_o the_o guilty_a and_o none_o other_o present_a provide_v they_o reveal_v to_o any_o of_o the_o council_n the_o guilt_n so_o commit_v as_o in_o the_o former_a proclamation_n and_o in_o the_o last_o it_o be_v further_o declare_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v preach_v or_o teach_v which_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o he_o or_o his_o government_n here_o be_v the_o price_n at_o which_o they_o be_v to_o purchase_v their_o freedom_n a_o sad_a bargain_n to_o buy_v liberty_n &_o sell_v truth_n which_o yet_o hardly_o can_v be_v so_o exact_o pay_v but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o pretence_n for_o retrench_v it_o when_o he_o please_v for_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o overturning_a of_o a_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n or_o for_o confound_v all_o that_o serve_v grave_v image_n and_o for_o destruction_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o that_o give_v their_o power_n to_o that_o beast_n there_o will_v be_v something_o say_v against_o the_o well_o of_o his_o government_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v this_o and_o not_o delate_v it_o than_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v relevant_a or_o if_o he_o shall_v preach_v against_o the_o king_n religion_n as_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o babylon_n and_o discharge_v his_o conscience_n &_o duty_n in_o speak_v against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o time_n or_o let_v he_o preach_v against_o any_o public_a sin_n faithful_o a_o popish_a critic_n or_o romish_a bigot_n shall_v interpret_v it_o to_o be_v a_o alienation_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n from_o the_o king_n &_o his_o government_n but_o who_o can_v be_v faithful_a and_o preach_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n now_o but_o he_o must_v think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o absolute_a tyranny_n so_o declare_o state_v against_o god_n what_o watchman_n must_v not_o see_v it_o his_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o warn_v all_o people_n of_o his_o devilish_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n &_o nation_n and_o preach_v so_o that_o people_n may_v hate_v the_o whore_n and_o this_o pimp_n of_o she_o sure_o if_o he_o preach_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n he_o must_v preach_v against_o popery_n &_o tyranny_n and_o if_o he_o think_v this_o indulgence_n from_o absolute_a prerogative_n grant_v &_o accept_v on_o these_o term_n can_v supercede_v he_o from_o this_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o be_v no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o pleaser_n of_o man_n therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o clog_v with_o so_o many_o restriction_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n so_o clear_o violatory_a of_o covenant-engagement_n so_o cross_a to_o the_o constant_a contending_n &_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o act_n of_o ass._n see_v pag._n 80._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a defection_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o 11._o consider_v the_o scandal_n of_o it_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o offend_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o the_o acceptance_n and_o dishonour_n god_n disgrace_n the_o protestant_a profession_n wrong_v the_o interest_n thereof_o and_o betray_v their_o native_a country_n as_o thus_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o antichrist_n and_o partake_v of_o this_o cruel_a tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o beast_n who_o have_v always_o mischief_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o preparative_a for_o induce_v or_o enforce_v all_o that_o be_v hereby_o lull_v asleep_o either_o to_o take_v on_o his_o mark_n or_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o fiery_a fury_n afterward_o for_o hereby_o foreign_a church_n may_v think_v we_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o antichrist_n when_o we_o so_o kind_o accept_v his_o harbinger_n favour_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o stumble_v to_o see_v the_o minister_n of_o scotland_n who_o testimony_n use_v to_o be_v terrible_a to_o the_o popish_a and_o renown_v through_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n purchase_v a_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o bury_v &_o betray_v the_o cause_n into_o bondage_n &_o restraint_n and_o thus_o to_o be_v lay_v by_o from_o all_o active_a &_o open_a opposition_n to_o antichrist_n design_n in_o such_o a_o season_n the_o world_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o principle_n but_o their_o owned_a interest_n in_o this_o juncture_n seek_v their_o owned_a thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o late_a usurpation_n upon_o &_o overturning_a of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n that_o offend_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n they_o sustain_v thereby_o but_o if_o that_o arbitrary_a power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o their_o favour_n though_o with_o the_o same_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v now_o alas_o sad_a &_o dolorous_a have_v be_v the_o scandal_n give_v &_o take_v by_o &_o from_o the_o decline_a minister_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o which_o have_v rend_v &_o rack_v the_o poor_a remnant_n and_o offend_v many_o both_o at_o home_n &_o abroad_o but_o none_o so_o stumble_v as_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o tender_a will_v be_v rich_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o 12._o consider_v the_o address_n make_v thereupon_o with_o such_o a_o stain_n of_o foulsome_a &_o blasphemous_a flattery_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o betray_n of_o the_o church_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a persecute_a party_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o incorporate_v with_o they_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o first_o of_o their_o address_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n of_o stand_v aloof_o from_o every_o appearance_n of_o be_v of_o their_o number_n it_o be_v date_v at_o edinburgh_n julj_fw-la 21._o 1687._o of_o this_o tenor_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o his_o majesty_n kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o your_o maj._n most_o loyal_a subject_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n in_o your_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o due_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o your_o maj._n gracious_a &_o surprise_a favour_n in_o not_o only_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o our_o long_a sad_a suffering_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o grant_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o public_a &_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n without_o any_o hazard_n as_o we_o bless_v the_o great_a god_n who_o have_v put_v this_o in_o your_o royal_a heart_n do_v with_o all_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o offer_v our_o most_o humble_a &_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o favour_n bestow_v be_v to_o we_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o our_o persuasion_n valuable_a above_o all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v ground_n from_o your_o maj._n to_o believe_v that_o our_o loyalty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o be_v presbyterian_o who_o as_o we_o have_v amid_o all_o former_a tentation_n endeavour_v so_o we_o be_v firm_o resolve_v still_o to_o preserve_v a_o entire_a loyalty_n in_o our_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n consonant_a to_o our_o know_a principle_n which_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o ow_v by_o presbyterian_o in_o all_o your_o maj._n dominion_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n so_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o your_o maj._n may_v find_v cause_n rather_o to_o enlarge_v than_o to_o diminish_v your_o favour_n towards_o we_o thorough_o persuade_v ourselves_o from_o your_o maj._n justice_n &_o
stand_v in_o their_o way_n of_o advance_v their_o curse_a design_n the_o next_o drift_n be_v when_o they_o have_v empty_v the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o vermin_n of_o ignorant_a &_o scandalous_a curate_n to_o force_v the_o people_n to_o conformity_n and_o to_o disoune_n &_o discountenance_v their_o owned_a minister_n first_o by_o severe_a edict_n of_o exorbitant_a fine_v not_o only_o the_o person_n themselves_o contraveening_a but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o superiority_n over_o they_o &_o rigorous_a execution_n of_o these_o fine_n to_o the_o depopulation_n of_o a_o poor_a country_n by_o military_a force_n whereby_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o bound_n still_o enjoy_v a_o minister_n who_o the_o people_n can_v hear_v the_o profane_a soldier_n will_v beset_v that_o church_n in_o time_n of_o worship_n and_o cause_n all_o within_o to_o pay_v their_o fine_n or_o take_v the_o garment_n from_o they_o that_o can_v not_o and_o beat_v they_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o where_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v with_o a_o curate_n the_o soldier_n will_v come_v and_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o parishioner_n and_o amerciate_v the_o absent_v in_o such_o fine_n as_o they_o please_v in_o other_o place_n they_o go_v to_o private_a house_n and_o by_o force_n drive_v they_o to_o church_n even_o though_o sick_a &_o unable_a but_o where_o the_o dissenter_n be_v numerous_a great_a band_n of_o legal_a robber_n be_v send_v to_o exact_v &_o extort_v these_o exorbitant_a fine_n by_o plunder_v quarter_a beat_v wound_a bind_a man_n like_o beast_n chase_v away_o from_o house_n and_o harrass_v whole_a countryside_n in_o a_o hideous_a manner_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o insolence_n some_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v compel_v to_o subscribe_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o the_o captain_n have_v use_v they_o civil_o &_o discreet_o though_o the_o account_n of_o other_o of_o that_o place_n manifest_v the_o violence_n to_o have_v be_v so_o monstrous_a that_o it_o justify_v the_o great_a barbarity_n show_v their_o exaction_n to_o have_v be_v intolerable_a both_o for_o the_o quantity_n without_o all_o proportion_n or_o pity_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o consume_v &_o waste_v poor_a people_n provision_n by_o their_o very_a dog_n and_o spare_v no_o more_o these_o who_o conform_v than_o other_o who_o do_v not_o conform_v at_o all_o and_o punish_v husband_n for_o their_o wife_n yea_o double_v &_o triple_v the_o same_o exaction_n after_o payment_n next_o though_o at_o first_o they_o do_v not_o imprison_v any_o for_o simple_a absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o curate_n yet_o they_o begin_v to_o fill_v prison_n with_o such_o as_o at_o any_o time_n show_v more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n against_o the_o curate_n intrusion_n and_o testify_v their_o dissatisfaction_n to_o his_o face_n for_o which_o some_o be_v imprison_v scourge_v stigmatise_v and_o thereafter_o carry_v to_o barbadoes_n other_o because_o they_o will_v not_o give_v the_o prelate_n their_o title_n of_o lord_n when_o conveened_a before_o they_o be_v also_o scourge_v and_o one_o minister_n seize_v for_o preach_v and_o offend_v the_o prelate_n by_o the_o same_o fault_n be_v carry_v first_o to_o the_o thief_n hole_n lay_v in_o iron_n in_o company_n with_o a_o madman_n and_o then_o banish_v to_o shetland_n the_o cold_a &_o wild_a of_o all_o the_o scot_n island_n 3._o but_o when_o fine_v will_v not_o do_v and_o still_o the_o people_n be_v more_o averse_a from_o the_o curate_n by_o get_v some_o time_n occasion_n of_o hear_v their_o owned_a minister_n in_o private_a hence_o be_v house_n force_v &_o search_v many_o hail_v to_o prison_n and_o several_a necessitate_v to_o escape_v at_o window_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n spy_v send_v unto_o &_o set_v in_o suspect_a place_n to_o seize_v &_o fall_v upon_o such_o as_o they_o find_v at_o such_o meeting_n or_o but_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v there_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o both_o man_n &_o woman_n young_a &_o old_a have_v be_v drag_v to_o prison_n &_o there_o close_o keep_v as_o malefactor_n beside_o several_a other_o outrageous_a &_o illegal_a act_n of_o violence_n &_o oppression_n commit_v against_o they_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o law_n equity_n &_o conscience_n 4._o after_o pentland_n defeat_n they_o rule_v by_o rage_n more_o than_o either_o law_n or_o reason_n there_o 40._o prisoner_n who_o be_v take_v upon_o quarter_n and_o solemn_a parol_n to_o have_v their_o life_n spare_v yet_o treacherous_o &_o bloody_o be_v all_o hang_v except_o 5._o that_o be_v reprieve_v who_o have_v much_o of_o the_o lord_n presence_n at_o their_o death_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n strengthen_v they_o to_o seal_v a_o noble_a testimony_n one_o of_o they_o a_o much_o honour_a young_a minister_n only_o for_o have_v a_o sword_n about_o he_o though_o not_o present_v at_o the_o fight_n do_v first_o most_o patient_o endure_v the_o cruel_a torture_n of_o the_o boot_n a_o cruel_a engine_n of_o iron_n whereby_o with_o wedge_n the_o leg_n be_v torture_v until_o the_o marrow_n come_v out_o of_o the_o bone_n and_o afterward_o death_n with_o great_a courage_n &_o constancy_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n at_o their_o execution_n they_o then_o begin_v that_o barbarity_n never_o practise_v in_o scotland_n before_o but_o frequent_o &_o all_o most_o always_o at_o all_o the_o execution_n since_o to_o beat_v drum_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hear_v after_o this_o conflict_n many_o be_v forefault_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o intercommune_v with_o inhibition_n to_o all_o to_o reset_v conceal_v or_o correspond_v with_o any_o that_o have_v escape_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o rebellion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o soldier_n be_v permit_v to_o take_v free_a quarter_n in_o the_o country_n and_o license_v to_o all_o the_o abuse_n that_o either_o rapine_n or_o cruelty_n may_v suggest_v to_o examine_v man_n by_o torture_n threatnen_v to_o kill_v or_o roast_v alive_a all_o that_o will_v not_o delate_v all_o they_o know_v be_v accessary_a to_o that_o rise_n to_o strip_v they_o who_o do_v so_o much_o as_o resett_a the_o fugitive_n &_o thrust_v they_o into_o prison_n in_o cold_a hunger_n &_o nakedness_n and_o crowd_n they_o so_o with_o number_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o stand_v together_o have_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o owned_a excrement_n superad_v yea_o to_o mâ—rther_n without_o process_n such_o as_o will_v not_o nay_o can_v not_o discover_v those_o persecute_a people_n but_o not_o only_a time_n but_o heart_n &_o tongue_n will_v fail_v to_o relate_v all_o the_o violence_n &_o insolence_n the_o stobbing_n wound_n strip_v &_o imprisoâ—ings_n of_o mensperson_n violent_a break_n of_o their_o house_n both_o by_o day_n &_o night_n beat_n of_o wife_n &_o child_n ravish_n of_o woman_n force_n of_o they_o by_o fire_n matches_n &_o other_o torture_n to_o discover_v their_o husband_n &_o near_a relation_n although_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o drive_v away_o all_o their_o good_n that_o can_v be_v carry_v away_o without_o respect_n to_o guilt_n or_o innocency_n and_o all_o the_o cruelty_n that_o be_v exercise_v without_o a_o check_n by_o these_o ruffian_n at_o that_o time_n ii_o after_o all_o these_o tender_a mercy_n &_o clemency_n or_o cruelty_n which_o his_o gracious_a maj._n be_v please_v to_o confer_v or_o commit_v upon_o these_o poor_a contender_n for_o religion_n &_o liberty_n he_o and_o his_o cabal_n the_o council_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o suppress_v they_o with_o oppression_n and_o force_n distrust_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o know_v the_o people_n will_v no_o more_o observe_v than_o he_o will_v observe_v a_o promise_n or_o oath_n and_o diffide_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o sword_n which_o he_o have_v above_o their_o head_n he_o propose_v term_n of_o bargain_v with_o they_o whereupon_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o live_v and_o to_o which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o prescript_n therefore_o beside_o the_o old_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n &_o supremacy_n that_o be_v still_o go_v among_o hand_n he_o cause_v coin_v new_a one_o to_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o to_o live_v orderly_o mean_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o time_n whereby_o after_o he_o have_v wrought_v such_o destruction_n to_o their_o body_n &_o estate_n &_o almost_o nothing_o be_v leave_v they_o but_o a_o bit_n of_o a_o conscience_n he_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o that_o too_o verify_v the_o constant_a character_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o only_o consult_v to_o cast_v a_o man_n down_o from_o his_o excellency_n what_o be_v a_o man_n excellency_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o these_o man_n have_v fear_v conscience_n of_o their_o ow_v not_o capable_a of_o
gospel_n &_o destruction_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n but_o through_o the_o ignorance_n &_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v who_o we_o shall_v hear_v by_o seek_v some_o satisfie_v evidence_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o christ_n the_o world_n have_v be_v leave_v louse_n in_o a_o licence_n to_o hear_v what_o they_o please_v and_o so_o have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n from_o monte_fw-fr bank_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a &_o wholesome_a potion_n of_o christ_n prescript_n from_o they_o that_o have_v power_n &_o skill_n to_o administer_v they_o hence_o the_o many_o sect_n &_o schism_n &_o error_n that_o have_v pester_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o this_o latitude_n &_o laxness_n of_o promiscous_a hear_n of_o all_o who_o they_o please_v who_o either_o the_o world_n authority_n impower_v or_o by_o other_o mean_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o place_n of_o preach_v without_o take_v any_o cognizance_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o character_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o not_o if_o this_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o people_n have_v scruple_v &_o refuse_v to_o hear_v these_o who_o they_o may_v know_v shall_v not_o have_v preach_v neither_o the_o great_a antichrist_n nor_o the_o many_o lesser_a antichrist_n will_v have_v have_v such_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v this_o day_n it_o be_v then_o of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o have_v this_o question_v clear_v neither_o be_v it_o of_o small_a difficulty_n to_o solve_v the_o intricacy_n of_o it_o what_o character_n to_o fix_v for_o a_o discovery_n of_o christ_n true_a minister_n who_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o love_n &_o esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o quality_n sake_n as_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v those_o character_n what_o judgement_n be_v incumbent_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o theiroun_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o their_o practice_n with_o out_o scandal_n on_o either_o hand_n or_o sin_n against_o their_o owned_a conscience_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n &_o extreme_n that_o inadvertency_n or_o precipitancy_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v rush_v upon_o so_o as_o to_o escape_v &_o sail_v by_o the_o scylla_n of_o sinful_a separation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o charybdis_n of_o sinful_a union_n &_o communion_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a especial_o how_o these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o break_a and_o disturb_v &_o divide_a case_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n also_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o question_v before_o this_o time_n and_o never_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n to_o cover_v sin_n &_o escape_v suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n so_o it_o have_v never_o be_v discuss_v by_o divine_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o case_n except_o what_o have_v be_v of_o late_a by_o some_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n from_o who_o i_o shall_v gather_v the_o most_o of_o my_o argument_n in_o as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o i_o can_v without_o wrong_v they_o the_o reason_n i_o fancy_n that_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o help_n from_o the_o learned_a on_o this_o head_n be_v partly_o that_o they_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o their_o owned_a time_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n when_o corruption_n &_o disorder_n may_v be_v orderly_o rectify_v and_o people_n may_v have_v access_n to_o get_v their_o scruple_n remove_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n by_o church-order_n in_o which_o case_n the_o learned_a &_o judicious_a mr_n durham_n have_v write_v excellent_o in_o his_o book_n on_o scandal_n but_o therein_o neither_o he_o nor_o other_o do_v consult_v nor_o can_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v and_o partly_o that_o foreign_a divine_n not_o have_v this_o for_o their_o exercise_n can_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o circumstantiate_a case_n and_o so_o be_v not_o fit_v nor_o competent_a arbiter_n to_o decide_v this_o contraversie_n hence_o many_o of_o they_o do_v wonder_n at_o our_o suffering_n upon_o this_o head_n every_o church_n be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o her_o owned_a testimony_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o learn_a of_o they_o as_o the_o great_a gisb._n voetius_fw-la in_o his_o polit_n eccles._n in_o several_a place_n come_v near_o to_o favour_v we_o where_o he_o allow_v people_n to_o leave_v some_o &_o hear_v such_o minister_n as_o they_o profit_v most_o by_o from_o these_o ground_n that_o people_n shall_v choose_v the_o best_a &_o most_o edify_a gift_n and_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o grant_v that_o upon_o several_a occasion_n one_o may_v abstain_v from_o explicit_a communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n for_o these_o reason_n that_o such_o communion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v either_o medii_fw-la or_o precepti_fw-la where_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v more_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o christian_a duty_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v communion_n with_o more_o purity_n in_o other_o place_n polit._n ecces_n quest._n 17._o pag._n 68_o and_o he_o approve_v of_o people_n refuse_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o corrupt_a minister_n because_o they_o may_v wait_v until_o they_o have_v occasion_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o if_o the_o best_a gift_n be_v to_o be_v covet_v why_o shall_v not_o the_o best_a minister_n be_v prefer_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n show_v by_o their_o deed_n that_o they_o honour_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n &_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o 11._o eph._n 5._o 11._o they_o shall_v not_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o godly_a the_o authority_n of_o such_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v strengthen_v voet._n polit_n eccles._n pag._n 637._o to_o 640._o but_o though_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o necessary_a to_o say_v somewhat_o to_o clear_v it_o with_o dependence_n upon_o light_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o up_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o blind_v or_o bribe_v with_o some_o prejudices_fw-la by_o which_o more_o light_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o point_n of_o withdraw_a from_o corrupt_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d ever_o be_v attain_v in_o former_a time_n which_o be_v all_o the_o good_a we_o have_v get_v of_o prelacy_n in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o may_v spare_v labour_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v make_v the_o argument_n vindicate_v this_o cause_n of_o suffer_v alittle_o more_o public_a and_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n espouse_v by_o the_o present_a &_o reproach_v party_n for_o their_o withdrawing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v stretch_v be_v no_o other_o than_o have_v be_v ow_v by_o our_o writer_n on_o this_o head_n to_o the_o intent_n it_o may_v appear_v there_o be_v no_o discrepancy_n but_o great_a likeness_n &_o harmony_n between_o the_o argument_n &_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a in_o the_o late_a informatorie_n vindication_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o touch_v this_o subject_n now_o that_o not_o only_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o suffering_n but_o many_o that_o suffer_v a_o while_n for_o it_o now_o have_v faint_v and_o condemn_v all_o their_o former_a contending_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n call_v in_o question_n all_o these_o reason_n that_o former_o satisfy_v satisfy_v they_o but_o to_o proceed_v with_o some_o distinctness_n in_o this_o thorny_a point_n some_o concessory_a assertion_n must_v first_o be_v premit_v and_o then_o our_o ground_n propound_v first_o i_o willing_o yield_v to_o &_o cordial_o close_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o assertion_n i._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n partaker_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n
call_v in_o one_o hope_n profess_v one_o lord_n confess_v one_o faith_n seal_v with_o one_o baptism_n eph._n 4._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n be_v good_a &_o pleasant_a and_o like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n upon_o the_o head_n that_o run_v down_o upon_o aaron_n beard_n psal._n 133._o 1_o 2._o a_o fragrant_a ointment_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v compose_v aright_o of_o gospel-simple_n according_a to_o divine_a art_n and_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a &_o then_o peaceable_a and_o not_o make_v up_o of_o adulterate_a politic_n that_o union_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n for_o its_o author_n the_o scripture_n for_o its_o rule_n peace_n for_o its_o bond_n &_o beauty_n love_v for_o its_o cement_n faith_n for_o its_o foment_n christ_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o truth_n &_o holiness_n for_o its_o constant_a companion_n can_v but_o be_v intense_o desire_v enixe_o endeavour_v and_o fervent_o follow_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n &_o subject_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n which_o make_v division_n &_o schism_n not_o only_o a_o great_a misery_n but_o a_o grand_a sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n &_o duty_n and_o consistent_a with_o holiness_n &_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o apostasy_n &_o defection_n it_o be_v but_o a_o confederacy_n &_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o true_a union_n can_v neither_o be_v attain_v nor_o retain_v nor_o recover_v except_o the_o sinful_a cause_n of_o division_n defection_n and_o the_o holy_a overrule_a cause_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v remove_v in_o turn_v to_o &_o follow_v he_o ii_o tho'_o there_o be_v not_o perfect_a union_n but_o diversity_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o several_a case_n there_o may_v be_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n in_o its_o ordinance_n and_o ministry_n as_o 1._o we_o may_v have_v a_o catholic_n communion_n with_o all_o christian_a minister_n &_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v as_o such_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o the_o foundation_n sure_a and_o so_o we_o may_v meet_v for_o worship_n with_o all_o devout_a man_n in_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n whether_o they_o be_v parthian_n or_o mede_n or_o elamites_n or_o french_a or_o dutch_a etc._n etc._n tho'_o differ_v in_o controversy_n of_o lesser_a moment_n not_o overturning_a that_o if_o they_o hold_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n thereof_o jew_n turk_n or_o pagan_n for_o there_o be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o col._n 3._o 11._o but_o if_o they_o be_v heretic_n we_o can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o 2._o we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o special_a communion_n with_o all_o protestant_a minister_n &_o member_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n consider_v as_o such_o more_o strict_o and_o upon_o strict_a condition_n provide_v they_o hold_v not_o only_o the_o universal_a of_o christian_n but_o the_o general_n testimony_n of_o protestant_n against_o the_o great_a &_o lesser_a antichrist_n tho'_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o circumstantial_a point_n not_o reform_v and_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o protestant_a testimony_n against_o popery_n &_o all_o heresy_n nor_o decline_v from_o their_o owned_a reformation_n by_o defection_n or_o schism_n and_o consequently_n its_o lawful_a to_o oune_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n and_o take_v ordination_n from_o they_o tho'_o they_o have_v some_o form_n not_o allowable_a from_o which_o they_o be_v never_o reform_v because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o protestant_a testimony_n but_o with_o the_o sectarian_n or_o schismatic_n or_o apostate_n among_o they_o we_o can_v oune_v that_o special_a communion_n 3._o we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o particular_a communion_n upon_o yet_o strict_a condition_n with_o all_o our_o covenant_v brethren_n minister_n &_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n &_o ireland_n consider_v as_o such_o provide_v they_o hold_v not_o only_o the_o universal_a not_o only_o the_o more_o special_a protestant_a testimony_n against_o the_o great_a &_o lesser_a antichrist_n but_o the_o covenant_v testimony_n for_o the_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n against_o popery_n prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n &_o profanness_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n tho'_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o those_o controversial_a point_n never_o reform_v and_o which_o be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n and_o do_v not_o overturn_v the_o covenant_v testimony_n but_o with_o those_o that_o contradict_v &_o counteract_v that_o we_o can_v oune_v that_o particular_a communion_n 4._o we_o may_v have_v yet_o a_o near_a organical_a communion_n upon_o strict_a condition_n still_o with_o all_o the_o minister_n &_o member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o scotland_n constitute_v &_o confederate_n under_o one_o reform_a government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n provide_v they_o hold_v not_o only_o all_o the_o former_a testimony_n under_o the_o foresay_a consideration_n but_o the_o presbyterian_a testimony_n as_o state_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o swear_v to_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o engagement_n of_o that_o church_n found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o popery_n prelacy_n erastianisme_n sectarianisme_n toleration_n schism_n &_o defection_n tho'_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o we_o never_o reform_v never_o consider_v in_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n never_o engage_v against_o in_o our_o covenant_n never_o state_v as_o the_o word_n of_o patience_n and_o matter_n of_o testimony_n but_o with_o those_o that_o oppose_v suppress_v reproach_n and_o abandon_v this_o testimony_n we_o can_v oune_v this_o organical_a communion_n in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v have_v yet_o a_o strict_a congregational_a communion_n upon_o strict_a condition_n in_o and_o with_o the_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a meeting_n or_o society_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o any_o minister_n or_o minister_n due_o &_o true_o admit_v to_o that_o function_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n whether_o in_o a_o fix_a or_o unfixed_a relation_n provice_v he_o hold_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n under_o all_o the_o former_a consideration_n and_o ounes_z and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o true_a receive_v principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n found_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o declaration_n or_o testimony_n former_a or_o latter_a particular_a or_o more_o general_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o tho'_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o of_o the_o integral_a &_o not_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o covenant_v reformation_n but_o with_o such_o as_o deny_v or_o decline_v from_o it_o by_o schism_n or_o defection_n or_o compliance_n with_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o we_o can_v oune_v this_o congregational_a communion_n in_o this_o break_a state_n of_o the_o church_n iii_o tho'_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o church_n to_o brangle_v &_o lessen_v the_o comfort_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o yet_o we_o may_v keep_v fellowship_n with_o a_o true_a church_n tho'_o in_o many_o thing_n faulty_a and_o corrupt_a as_o all_o church_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o this_o militant_a state._n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v many_o corruption_n in_o their_o practice_n yet_o no_o separation_n be_v enjoin_v from_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o pergaâ—â—â—_n &_o thyatira_n though_o they_o have_v many_o corruption_n &_o deficiency_n in_o discipline_n in_o a_o toleration_n of_o heretic_n and_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v as_o mr_n durham_n show_v in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o revel_n chap._n 2._o lect._n 6._o pag._n 148_o 149._o as_o also_o chap._n 18._o lect._n 1_o pag._n 585._o in_o 4_o to_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v especial_o in_o these_o case_n 1._o in_o the_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v only_o begin_v then_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v tolerate_v before_o they_o be_v gradual_o reform_v which_o in_o a_o adult_n state_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v 2._o in_o a_o grow_a case_n of_o the_o church_n advance_v out_o of_o corruption_n then_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o while_o they_o be_v ascend_v &_o wrestle_v up_o the_o hill_n which_o in_o a_o decline_a state_n when_o the_o church_n be_v go_v backward_o must_v not_o be_v yield_v unto_o see_v that_o objection_n of_o hear_v prelatical_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o
be_v either_o positive_a &_o active_a or_o negative_a &_o passive_a the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o party_n not_o only_o leave_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v former_o join_v but_o also_o gather_v up_o new_a distinct_a church_n different_a from_o the_o former_a under_o another_o government_n &_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n disow_v those_o they_o leave_v the_o latter_a be_v when_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n of_o a_o decline_a church_n stand_v still_o &_o refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o backslide_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n after_o they_o have_v become_v obstinate_a in_o their_o defection_n hold_v closs_o by_o &_o adhere_v unto_o the_o reformation_n attain_v this_o famous_a mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o his_o due_a right_n of_o presbytry_n pag._n 253._o 254._o show_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o call_v it_o a_o non-union_n as_o that_o in_o augustine_n time_n when_o the_o faithful_a do_v separate_v from_o the_o donatist_n which_o be_v lawful_a &_o laudable_a 3._o mr_n rutherfoord_n there_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o worst_a &_o most_o part_n and_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o best_a &_o least_o part_n and_o these_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o worst_a &_o great_a part_n do_v notwithstanding_o retain_v a_o part_n of_o and_o a_o part_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o least_o &_o best_a part_n thereof_o as_o the_o godly_a in_o england_n who_o refuse_v the_o popish_a ceremony_n &_o antichristian_a bishop_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o now_o people_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o corrupt_a they_o can_v be_v count_v separatist_n because_o they_o hold_v still_o communion_n with_o the_o better_a tho'_o lesser_a part_n moreover_o he_o say_v pag._n 254._o 255._o that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o non-union_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n last_o he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n pag._n 258._o when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v defection_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o lesser_a part_n remain_v sound_a the_o greast_n part_n be_v the_o church_n of_o separatist_n tho'_o the_o manye_v &_o great_a part_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o right_a discipline_n the_o best_a tho'_o few_o be_v the_o church_n for_o truth_n be_v like_a life_n that_o retire_v from_o the_o manye_v member_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o remain_v in_o its_o fountain_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o major_a part_n which_o have_v make_v defection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v account_v separatist_n and_o not_o such_o who_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n tho'_o they_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o the_o corrupt_a majoritie_n thus_o the_o apol._n relat._n rehearse_v his_o word_n sect._n 14._o pag._n 292._o 293._o 4._o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n where_o the_o ordinance_n &_o ministry_n be_v not_o cast_v at_o as_o the_o apol_n rel._n say_v ibid._n 291._o so_o then_o so_o long_o as_o people_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v many_o mile_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nor_o cast_v at_o the_o church_n as_o no_o church_n tho'_o they_o sad_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v provoke_v by_o this_o dreadful_a defection_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o these_o man_n &_o their_o favourer_n to_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n nor_o at_o the_o ministry_n for_o they_o love_v those_o that_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n dear_o and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o hear_v they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a 5._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o write_v against_o separatist_n that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v lawful_a when_o the_o case_n so_o fall_v out_o that_o union_n can_v be_v keep_v up_o with_o she_o without_o sin_n voet._n polit._n eccles._n pag._n 68_o quest_n 17._o 6._o the_o grave_a author_n of_o rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la confut._n 3_o dial._n chap._n pag._n 7._o etc._n etc._n allow_v every_o separation_n be_v not_o schism_n even_o from_o the_o church_n which_o have_v essential_o yea_o and_o more_o than_o essential_o if_o it_o be_v from_o those_o tho'_o never_o so_o many_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o from_o whatever_o piece_n of_o duty_n &_o integrity_n be_v attain_v for_o this_o be_v still_o to_o be_v hold_v fast_o according_a to_o many_o scripture_n command_v so_o elias_n when_o god_n covenant_n be_v forsake_v be_v as_o another_o athanasius_n i_o and_o i_o only_o be_o leave_v in_o point_n of_o tenacious_a integrity_n 7._o next_o he_o say_v if_o we_o separate_v in_o that_o which_o a_o national_a church_n have_v command_v we_o as_o her_o member_n to_o disoune_n by_o her_o stand_a act_n &_o authority_n while_o those_o from_o who_o we_o separate_v oune_v that_o corruption_n 8._o likewise_o he_o there_o assert_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a forbearance_n of_o union_n &_o compliance_n with_o notorious_a backslider_n in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o sinful_a or_o inductive_a to_o it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o separation_n strict_o take_v the_o command_v of_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o hate_v the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n do_v clear_o include_v this_o 9_o he_o add_v many_o thing_n will_v warrant_v separation_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a minister_n or_o congregation_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n national_a nor_o infer_v it_o by_o mr_n durham_n acknowledgement_n on_o scandal_n pag._n 129._o for_o if_o scandal_n become_v excessive_a he_o allow_v to_o depart_v to_o another_o congregation_n 10._o last_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o command_v withdraw_v from_o person_n &_o society_n even_o in_o worship_n the_o precept_n rom._n 16._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o prov._n 19_o 27._o act._n 2._o 40._o will_v clear_o import_v this_o by_o consequence_n sure_o the_o minister_n &_o professor_n adhere_v to_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o scotland_n tho'_o the_o lesseâ—_n number_n these_o soldier_n who_o keep_v the_o general_n order_n be_v the_o true_a army_n not_o the_o deserter_n of_o the_o same_o but_o second_o it_o be_v in_o part_n clear_v by_o these_o assertion_n what_o be_v our_o mind_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v lay_v coun_n from_o scripture_n oracle_n all_o the_o cause_n &_o case_n justify_v &_o warrand_a withdraw_v from_o any_o minister_n with_o application_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o curate_n and_o accommodation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o all_o that_o the_o wanderer_n withdraw_v from_o with_o argument_n endeavour_v to_o evince_v the_o validity_n of_o they_o and_o evidence_v they_o be_v not_o new_a notion_n but_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o approven_v author_n have_v improve_v in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v omit_v the_o ordinary_a criticism_n in_o state_v the_o question_n in_o distinguish_v betwixt_o hear_v &_o join_v in_o worship_n and_o oun_v they_o as_o our_o minister_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o only_a essay_n to_o prove_v this_o thesis_n we_o can_v without_o sin_v oune_v church_n communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o the_o prelate_n or_o their_o curate_n as_o our_o minister_n but_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o any_o other_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a corruption_n which_o we_o can_v make_v out_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v what_o confirmation_n this_o thesis_n be_v strenthen_v with_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o church_n constitution_n of_o former_a period_n which_o be_v premit_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n nor_o make_v any_o repartition_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n represent_v above_o which_o contribute_v to_o clear_v it_o but_o short_o come_v to_o the_o argument_n i._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ambassador_n clothe_v with_o his_o commission_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o thief_n robber_n usurper_n and_o stranger_n who_o christ_n sheep_n will_v not_o nay_o must_v not_o hear_v john_n 10._o 1_o 5._o and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v or_o be_v hear_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o 15._o for_o such_o who_o we_o know_v may_v not_o lawful_o preach_v we_o can_v lawful_o hear_v these_o from_o who_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n we_o must_v account_v minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o such_o as_o we_o doubt_v to_o acknowledge_v minister_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o his_o
church_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o dependence_n upon_o &_o subordination_n to_o christ_n as_o king_n who_o ascend_v far_o above_o principality_n &_o power_n appoint_v &_o give_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o ministry_n eph._n 4._o 8._o 11._o and_o set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o give_v they_o commission_n to_o go_v &_o teach_v the_o nation_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o all_o power_n that_o be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n &_o earth_n math._n 28._o 18_o 19_o if_o then_o they_o take_v a_o new_a hold_v &_o close_a with_o a_o new_a conveyance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o from_o a_o new_a architectonick_a usurp_a power_n in_o the_o church_n encroach_a on_o christ_n royal_a prerogative_n we_o dare_v not_o homologat_v such_o a_o affront_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o give_v they_o the_o respect_n of_o his_o ambassador_n when_o they_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o subject_a even_o in_o ministerial_a function_n to_o another_o head_n then_o christ_n for_o than_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o man_n &_o by_o man_n and_o not_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a because_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n col._n 2._o 19_o hence_o those_o that_o receive_v &_o derive_v their_o church-power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n then_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v and_o subject_v to_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n do_v receive_v &_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n then_o christ_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v the_o second_o be_v prove_v thus_o those_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o derive_v their_o church-power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a &_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o magistrate_n beside_o christ_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n do_v derive_v etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v evident_a for_o whosoever_o have_v a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n in_o &_o over_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o same_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o church_n power_n the_o minor_a be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o forego_n historical_a deduction_n manifest_v the_o present_a prelacy_n to_o be_v gross_a erastianisme_n for_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v by_o law_n to_o be_v the_o croun_n right_a and_o a_o inherent_a perpetual_a prerogative_n and_o thereupon_o the_o bishop_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o it_o be_v express_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n in_o the_o church-office_n bearer_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o &_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o the_o supremacy_n and_o authorize_v by_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v declare_v accountable_a to_o the_o king_n for_o the_o administration_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o ecclesiastic_a supremacy_n he_o put_v excommunication_n &_o spiritual_a censure_n &_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n mere_o civil_a in_o the_o act_n for_o the_o high_a commission_n hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o church_n government_n he_o impart_v his_o authority_n to_o such_o as_o he_o please_v and_o the_o bishop_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o commissioner_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ecclesiastic_a power_n which_o be_v original_o in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o curate_n be_v only_o his_o under_o clerk_n all_o the_o stress_n will_v lie_v in_o prove_v that_o this_o monster_n of_o a_o supremacy_n from_o which_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v all_o their_o authority_n be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n on_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o usurp_v upon_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o only_o have_v all_o undoubted_a right_n to_o this_o architectonick_a &_o magisterial_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n his_o owned_a mediatory_a kingdom_n not_o only_o a_o essential_a right_n by_o his_o eternal_a godhead_n be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a isa._n 9_o 6._o mic._n 5._o 2._o in_o recognizance_n of_o which_o we_o oune_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n and_o one_o lord_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n &_o we_o by_o he_o 1._o cor._n 8._o 6._o but_o also_o a_o covenant-right_a by_o compact_a with_o the_o father_n to_o bear_v the_o glory_n &_o rule_n upon_o his_o throne_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n between_o they_o both_o zech._n 6._o 13._o a_o donative_n right_n by_o the_o father_n delegation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v all_o power_n give_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n math._n 28._o 18._o and_o all_o thing_n give_v unto_o his_o hand_n john_n 3._o 35._o and_o all_o judgement_n &_o authority_n to_o execute_v it_o even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n john_n 5._o 22_o 27._o and_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n eph._n 1._o 22._o a_o institute_n right_o by_o the_o father_n inaugaration_n who_o have_v set_v he_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n psal._n 2._o 6._o and_o appoint_v he_o governor_n that_o shall_v rule_v his_o people_n israel_n math._n 2._o 6._o a_o acquisite_a right_n by_o his_o owned_a purchase_n by_o which_o he_o have_v merit_v &_o obtain_v not_o only_o subject_n to_o govern_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n phil._n 2._o 9_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n as_o to_o be_v saviour_n of_o the_o body_n eph._n 5._o 23._o a_o bellical_a right_n by_o conquest_n make_v the_o people_n fall_v under_o he_o psal._n 45._o 4._o and_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psal._n 110._o 3._o and_o overcome_v those_o that_o make_v war_n with_o he_o rev._n 17._o 14._o a_o hereditary_a right_n by_o proximity_n of_o blood_n &_o primogeniture_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n psal._n 89._o 27._o and_o the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n col._n 1._o 18._o a_o elective_a right_n by_o his_o people_n choice_n &_o surrender_n have_v a_o croun_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crow_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o espousal_n cant_v 3._o ult_n by_o all_o which_o undoubted_a title_n it_o be_v his_o sole_a incommunicable_a prerogative_n without_o a_o copartner_n or_o competitor_n coordinate_a or_o subordinate_a to_o be_v judge_n &_o only_a lawgiver_n &_o king_n in_o spiritual_n isa._n 33._o 22._o to_o be_v that_o one_o lawgiver_n jam._n 4._o 12._o who_o only_o can_v give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o his_o officer_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n they_o have_v math._n 16._o 19_o to_o be_v that_o one_o master_n over_o all_o church_n officer_n who_o be_v but_o brethren_n math._n 23._o 8_o 10._o in_o who_o name_n only_o they_o must_v perform_v all_o church_n act_n and_o all_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o mortal_a math._n 28._o 18._o 19_o math._n 18._o 20._o from_o who_o only_o they_o receive_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 23._o to_o be_v the_o only_a instituter_n of_o his_o officer_n who_o have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 11._o who_o ambassador_n only_o they_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o from_o who_o they_o have_v authority_n for_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o in_o who_o name_n only_o they_o be_v to_o assemble_v and_o keep_v &_o fence_v their_o court_n both_o the_o least_o math._n 18._o 20._o and_o the_o great_a act._n 15._o but_o now_o all_o this_o be_v usurp_v by_o one_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o church_n member_n let_v be_v a_o church_n officer_n as_o such_o for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v neither_o as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n otherwise_o all_o magistrate_n will_v be_v church_n member_n hence_o they_o that_o have_v all_o their_o power_n from_o a_o mere_a usurper_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o be_v neither_o member_n nor_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n have_v none_o
&_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v manifest_a for_o if_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n than_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n or_o right_n so_o to_o do_v but_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o all_o true_a church_n have_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v above_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n the_o minor_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o prelate_n in_o to_o this_o church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a her_o judicatories_n be_v all_o cashier_a &_o discharge_v and_o all_o her_o officer_n turn_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o and_o all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n all_o that_o the_o curate_n can_v say_v be_v that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o patron_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o power_n from_o she_o for_o what_o they_o do_v all_o their_o right_n &_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o &_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o diocesan_n erastian_n prelat_n be_v make_v the_o king_n delegate_n &_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law._n this_o be_v mr_n smith_n 1_o sy_n &_o 6_o argum._n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o particular_a congregation_n acknowledge_v their_o owned_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o a_o few_o violent_a person_n arise_v and_o bring_v in_o a_o minister_n by_o plain_a force_n and_o cast_v out_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n be_v not_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n oblige_v to_o relinquish_v the_o intruder_n and_o not_o only_o discountenance_v he_o but_o endeavour_v his_o ejection_n this_o be_v our_o case_n napth_n pag._n 106._o 106._o 5._o prio_fw-la edit_fw-la 2._o if_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o these_o curate_n without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n than_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n but_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n therefore_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n the_o minor_a be_v all_o the_o question_n but_o instance_n will_v make_v it_o out_o as_o first_o the_o rob_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o substitute_v the_o bondage_n of_o patron_n presentation_n be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n but_o accept_v of_o curate_n as_o minister_n lawful_o call_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o want_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o have_v nothing_o for_o their_o warrant_n but_o a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n be_v a_o consent_v to_o that_o robbery_n and_o wicked_a substitution_n it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o say_v our_o forefather_n do_v submit_v to_o this_o and_o to_o a_o ministry_n who_o have_v no_o other_o call._n this_o be_v answer_v above_o in_o the_o narrative_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a consequence_n to_o say_v the_o posterity_n may_v return_v backward_o because_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o advance_v further_o forward_o second_o the_o thrust_v out_o of_o lawful_a minister_n without_o any_o cause_n but_o their_o adhere_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o thrust_v in_o other_o in_o their_o room_n who_o deny_v the_o same_o be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n on_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n be_v a_o consent_n to_o this_o violent_a extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o extrude_v &_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v they_o consent_v to_o the_o extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n and_o declare_v they_o confess_v the_o intrude_v his_o right_n be_v better_a than_o he_o who_o be_v extrude_v but_o they_o who_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n do_v leave_v the_o extrude_v to_o wit_n their_o old_a minister_n and_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v ergo_fw-la to_o say_v that_o people_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v protest_v against_o these_o encroachment_n be_v frivolous_a for_o withdraw_v be_v the_o best_a protestation_n and_o if_o after_o their_o protestation_n they_o still_o countenance_v the_o encroachment_n they_o shall_v undo_v their_o owned_a protestation_n the_o same_o argument_n will_v militate_v against_o countenance_v the_o indulge_v or_o any_o that_o obtain_v authority_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n by_o a_o power_n encroach_a on_o the_o church_n liberty_n there_o be_v a_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v here_o from_o math._n 23._o 2_o 3._o the_o scribe_n &_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v &_o do_v therefore_o they_o who_o without_o a_o title_n usurp_v the_o office_n may_v be_v hear_v ans._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v no_o way_n alike_o for_o then_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v confine_v in_o its_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n to_o that_o place_n where_o they_o intrude_v themselves_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o institute_v the_o new_a testament_n form_n of_o administration_n in_o its_o ordinance_n &_o officer_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v present_a may_v give_v a_o toleration_n durante_fw-la beneplacito_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o but_o 2._o our_o lord_n word_n bear_v no_o command_n for_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o not_o to_o reject_v sound_a doctrine_n because_o it_o come_v from_o they_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o bid_v they_o hear_v such_o as_o he_o call_v plant_n that_o his_o father_n have_v never_o plant_v who_o he_o bid_v let_v alone_o math._n 15._o 13_o 14._o and_o who_o be_v thief_n &_o robber_n who_o his_o sheep_n shall_v not_o hear_v v._o they_o must_v not_o only_o be_v minister_n &_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o then_o and_o there_o when_o &_o where_o we_o join_v with_o they_o but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v oune_v church_n communion_n with_o in_o the_o ordinance_n administrate_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o pervert_v &_o corrupt_v their_o ministry_n by_o preach_v &_o maintain_v error_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n our_o confession_n &_o principle_n of_o our_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o contradictory_n to_o our_o testimony_n found_v thereupon_o &_o agreeable_a thereunto_o maintain_v error_n condemn_v thereby_o or_o condemn_v truth_n maintain_v thereby_o we_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seek_v to_o turn_v we_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n we_o most_o put_v away_o that_o evil_a &_o not_o consent_v nor_o hearken_v to_o they_o deut._n 13._o 5_o 8._o we_o must_v cease_v to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n prov._n 19_o 27._o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o these_o leader_n that_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o err_v lest_o we_o be_v destroy_v with_o they_o isa._n 9_o 16._o we_o must_v mark_v these_o who_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v learned_a &_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o we_o must_v withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3_o 5._o if_o there_o come_v any_o &_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n in_o that_o work_n of_o his_o preach_n or_o practise_v against_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o word_n 2_o john_n 10_o 11._o hence_o we_o most_o not_o hear_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n but_o the_o curate_n be_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o hear_v they_o the_o minor_a be_v certain_a in_o that_o not_o only_o many_o of_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o point_n of_o popery_n &_o arminianism_n but_o all_o of_o they_o do_v teach_v false_a doctrine_n
puritan_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n dayesâ—_n whether_o it_o oblige_v to_o a_o king_n in_o idea_n and_o in_o a_o more_o general_a consideration_n as_o one_o who_o be_v say_v never_o to_o die_v or_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o have_v a_o mortaâ—_n man_n and_o a_o immortal_a enemy_n to_o all_o those_o precious_a interest_n for_o preservation_n of_o which_o he_o only_o receive_v his_o kingship_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v take_v in_o that_o of_o the_o imposer_n practical_o explain_v by_o their_o administration_n or_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n allege_v more_o legal_a these_o will_v be_v clear_a before_o it_o can_v be_v take_v with_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o oath_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o civil_a part_n of_o it_o or_o ecclesiastical_a no_o other_o explanation_n need_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o than_o what_o they_o give_v forth_o in_o their_o act_n on_o record_n the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o historical_a representation_n of_o the_o six_o &_o last_o period_n pag._n 111._o sense_n the_o ecclesiastical_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o act_n for_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n do_v sufficient_o sense_n explain_v &_o expound_v the_o civil_a part_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o crown_n and_o a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o have_v the_o sole_a choice_n &_o appointment_n of_o all_o officer_n of_o state_n the_o power_n of_o call_v holding_z &_o dissolve_v parliament_n and_o all_o convention_n &_o meeting_n of_o estate_n the_o power_n of_o army_n make_v of_o peace_n &_o war_n treaty_n &_o league_n with_o foreign_a prince_n or_o state_n or_o at_o home_n by_o the_o subject_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o it_o be_v high_a treason_n in_o the_o subject_n upon_o whatsoever_o ground_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n or_o make_v any_o treaty_n or_o league_n among_o themselves_o without_o his_o maj._n authority_n first_o interpon_v thereto_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n or_o function_n to_o convocate_v themselves_z for_o hold_v of_o council_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n or_o make_v league_n or_o bond_n upon_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o his_o maj._n special_a consent_n that_o the_o league_n &_o covenant_n and_o all_o treaty_n follow_v thereupon_o and_o act_n or_o deed_n that_o do_v or_o may_v relate_v thereunto_o be_v not_o obligatory_a and_o that_o none_o shall_v presume_v upon_o any_o pretext_n of_o any_o authority_n whatsoever_o to_o require_v the_o renew_n or_o swear_v of_o the_o say_a league_n &_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o this_o screw_v up_o the_o prerogative_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n be_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o defend_v all_o this_o jurisdiction_n justify_v and_o so_o these_o palpable_a encroachment_n on_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o scot_n parliament_n that_o by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o government_n always_o have_v a_o share_n in_o make_v law_n and_o peace_n &_o war_n these_o robbery_n of_o our_o natural_a privilege_n of_o defend_v ourselves_o by_o arm_n in_o case_n of_o the_o king_n tyranny_n &_o oppression_n and_o of_o convocate_a for_o consultation_n about_o the_o best_a mean_n thereof_o and_o these_o invasion_n upon_o our_o ecclesiastical_a privilege_n in_o keep_v general_n assembly_n for_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n prorenata_n always_o strenous_o contend_v for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n yea_o all_o these_o rescinding_n repealing_n and_o condemning_n of_o the_o way_n &_o manner_n method_n &_o measure_n of_o promote_a the_o covenant_v reformation_n be_v by_o this_o oath_n explain_v &_o by_o this_o act_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v part_n of_o that_o supremacy_n &_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v defend_v &_o maintain_v as_o like_o wise_a by_o many_o wicked_a act_n since_o promulgate_v which_o promote_v the_o supremacy_n to_o a_o vast_a degree_n of_o absoluteness_n which_o all_o do_v interpret_v what_o that_o supremacy_n be_v which_o be_v swear_v to_o be_v maintain_v to_o wit_n pure_a tyranny_n establish_v by_o law._n see_v the_o many_o grievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o lay_v out_o at_o large_a in_o apol._n relat._n sect._n 10._o 4._o here_o be_v absolute_a allegiance_n swear_v to_o a_o absolute_a power_n paramount_n to_o all_o law_n engage_v to_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_n as_o supreme_a over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n and_o to_o defend_v assist_v &_o maintain_v his_o say_a jurisdiction_n and_o never_o to_o decline_v his_o power_n there_o be_v no_o restriction_n here_o on_o obedience_n nor_o limitation_n on_o the_o power_n nor_o definition_n of_o the_o cause_n nor_o circumscription_n of_o the_o case_n in_o which_o that_o assistance_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v give_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o now_o absolute_a allegiance_n to_o a_o absolute_a power_n can_v be_v swear_v by_o any_o man_n of_o conscience_n nor_o owned_a by_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v prove_v head._n 2._o arg._n 6._o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a in_o any_o sense_n to_o swear_v such_o a_o oath_n to_o any_o mortal_a nay_o not_o to_o a_o david_n nor_o hezekiah_n because_o to_o swear_v unrestrict_v &_o unlimited_a allegiance_n to_o any_o man_n be_v a_o manifest_a mancipate_v of_o mankind_n not_o only_o to_o a_o ass-like_a subjection_n but_o to_o a_o servile_a obligation_n to_o maintain_v &_o uphold_v the_o person_n &_o government_n of_o mutable_a man_n be_v what_o they_o will_v turn_v to_o what_o they_o will_v it_o be_v know_v the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v degenerate_v and_o by_o this_o no_o remedy_n be_v leave_v to_o redress_v ourselves_o bâ—t_v our_o head_n heart_n and_o hand_n all_o tie_v up_o under_o a_o engagement_n to_o defend_v assist_v &_o maintain_v whosoever_o do_v hold_v the_o 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