maintain_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o of_o old_a take_v the_o canonical_a oath_n do_v not_o swear_v the_o contradictory_n thereto_o when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o they_o who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o contradict_v that_o oath_n if_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o second_o article_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o cease_v whereof_o afterward_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o oath_n will_v be_v clear_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o reverened_a person_n entrust_v by_o law_n to_o call_v for_o that_o promise_n from_o minister_n do_v not_o search_v into_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n all_o they_o seek_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o be_v present_o in_o power_n be_v by_o law_n ordinary_a overseer_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o chief_a ordainer_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o it_o be_v say_v where_o obedience_n be_v promise_v there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n because_o obedience_n formal_o can_v be_v but_o to_o a_o lawful_a authority_n therefore_o he_o that_o in_o his_o conscience_n think_v a_o bishop_n office_n unlawful_a can_v so_o much_o as_o promise_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o his_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n he_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o establish_v that_o which_o he_o account_v unlawful_a but_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o obedience_n under_o a_o reduplication_n and_o as_o formal_o obedience_n they_o call_v for_o if_o it_o be_v obedience_n material_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o thing_n real_o lawful_a they_o be_v satisfy_v 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o obedience_n as_o formal_o obedience_n be_v require_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v promise_v or_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v any_o lawful_a authority_n for_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n wherein_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v superior_a to_o other_o minister_n and_o give_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o as_o church-minister_n their_o office_n and_o superiority_n be_v unlawful_a yet_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o king_n majesty_n commissioner_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a for_o regulate_v the_o external_a order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o empower_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o do_v they_o be_v also_o presbyter_n and_o have_v power_n with_o other_o in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o their_o power_n be_v not_o lawful_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o strict_a presbyterian_o will_v not_o find_v ground_n to_o disow_v their_o office_n in_o that_o consideration_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n main_o which_o bear_v off_o brethren_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n and_o rank_n from_o submit_v to_o and_o concur_v in_o their_o duty_n under_o the_o present_a government_n 1._o their_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n 2._o their_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o their_o former_a engagement_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o conceive_v still_o bind_v they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o their_o fear_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o these_o to_o bear_v they_o off_o from_o that_o which_o for_o the_o present_a be_v find_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o evil_n fear_v shall_v come_v and_o brethren_n in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n not_o able_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o than_o suffering_n may_v be_v the_o more_o comfortable_a but_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o of_o ruler_n under_o he_o consider_v the_o temper_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v make_v all_o these_o fear_n vain_a and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o be_v too_o thoughtful_a or_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n before_o the_o time_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o brethren_n that_o bear_v off_o from_o concurrence_n if_o they_o do_v well_o in_o withdraw_v their_o counsel_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o respect_n with_o person_n in_o present_a authority_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o instrumental_a to_o prevent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v fear_v 2._o as_o to_o their_o thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n something_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o unquestioned_a duty_n even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n something_a also_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o presbyter_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n for_o external_a order_n of_o church-affair_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o in_o that_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o dispute_v much_o for_o their_o church-capacity_n or_o rule_n over_o presbyter_n or_o anent_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o order_n of_o church-minister_n only_o as_o to_o this_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o brethren_n 1._o where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o all_o christ_n testament_n any_o precept_n for_o mere_a presbyter_n preach_v and_o unpreach_v in_o a_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v ordination_n to_o minister_n to_o judge_v in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n ministerial_o and_o do_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o where_o they_o can_v find_v any_o example_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n do_v these_o act_n without_o some_o superior_a officer_n act_v with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o act_n or_o where_o there_o be_v any_o inhibition_n either_o express_a or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o gospel-minist_a shall_v in_o any_o case_n have_v superiority_n in_o power_n over_o other_o in_o church-affair_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v if_o descend_v from_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o age_n after_o christ_n or_o in_o any_o history_n or_o record_n relate_v to_o these_o time_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o after-age_n it_o can_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church-officer_n as_o a_o unpreach_a elder_n join_v in_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n with_o preaching-elders_a in_o act_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n from_o which_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o can_v be_v exclude_v and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n or_o power_n of_o any_o such_o person_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v from_o these_o writer_n find_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o exercise_v of_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o minister_n i._n e._n by_o mere_a preaching-presbyters_a without_o some_o one_o state_v precedent_n over_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o these_o action_n and_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o shall_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o primitive_a church_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n be_v most_o able_a to_o show_v we_o which_o way_n they_o go_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n it_o be_v too_o horrid_a a_o thing_n to_o imagine_v and_o that_o which_o a_o modest_a christian_a can_v hardly_o down_o with_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o châ—â—â—t_n shall_v agree_v to_o so_o substantial_a a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o exclude_v one_o sâ—â—t_n of_o officer_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o to_o take_v in_o another_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o early_o statim_fw-la post_fw-la tempora_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la aut_fw-la eorum_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la say_v molinaeus_n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la episcop_n winton_n bishop_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o time_n when_o some_o of_o they_o especial_o john_n be_v live_v viventibus_fw-la videntibus_fw-la &_o non_fw-la
be_v good_a that_o these_o former_a principle_n be_v better_o remember_v and_o use_v in_o the_o present_a case_n further_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o their_o paper_n print_v octob._n 5._o 1659._o pag._n 8._o of_o that_o paper_n speak_v very_o sober_o disclaim_v it_o as_o none_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o no_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v be_v suffer_v by_o they_o we_o be_v say_v they_o clear_a that_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o common_a practice_n in_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v agreement_n by_o accommodation_n though_o difference_n of_o judgement_n remain_v etc._n etc._n again_o say_v they_o we_o ready_o yield_v that_o as_o we_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n man_n in_o a_o church_n may_v compose_v debate_n by_o put_v end_n to_o contention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o judgement_n and_o therein_o we_o judge_v the_o apostle_n have_v set_v the_o rule_n before_o we_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o a_o golden_a rule_n indeed_o the_o practice_n whereof_o in_o its_o just_a sense_n may_v bring_v we_o much_o sweet_a peace_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n concern_v the_o case_n of_o submission_n to_o and_o act_v in_o duty_n with_o meeting_n anent_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o or_o member_n there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o a_o man_n great_o learn_v and_o know_v to_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o bishop_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a theodore_n beza_n be_v write_v to_o by_o some_o minister_n in_o england_n who_o except_v against_o some_o custom_n in_o the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o that_o church_n their_o controversy_n have_v not_o then_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n only_o some_o custom_n in_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n in_o external_a order_n be_v most_o stand_v upon_o he_o beza_n epist_n 12._o though_o dislike_a these_o thing_n yet_o plain_o aver_v to_o they_o that_o these_o custom_n be_v not_o tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la as_o that_o for_o these_o they_o shall_v leave_v their_o ministry_n and_o by_o desert_v their_o church_n give_v advantage_n to_o satan_n who_o seek_v occasion_n to_o bring_v in_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n he_o wish_v they_o there_o to_o bear_v what_o they_o can_v amend_v to_o beware_v of_o all_o bitterness_n and_o albeit_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o other_o yet_o with_o a_o godly_a concord_n to_o resist_v satan_n who_o seek_v all_o occasion_n of_o tumult_n and_o infinite_a calamity_n and_o he_o do_v most_o grave_o obtest_v the_o minister_n with_o tear_n as_o he_o say_v ut_fw-la regiae_n majestati_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la praesulibus_fw-la suis_fw-la ex_fw-la animo_fw-la obsequantur_fw-la beza_n plead_v for_o hearty_a obedience_n in_o thing_n lawful_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v honourable_o in_o that_o epistle_n not_o hint_v at_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o offer_v to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v against_o their_o office_n sunt_fw-la maximi_fw-la viri_fw-la say_v he_o qui_fw-la singulari_fw-la dei_fw-la opt._n max._n beneficio_fw-la papisticis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la successere_fw-la he_o account_v not_o they_o nor_o their_o office_n popish_a but_o say_v by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o the_o most_o great_a and_o good_a god_n they_o have_v succeed_v the_o popish_a bishop_n or_o come_v in_o their_o place_n even_o as_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n protestant_n minister_n have_v come_v in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o popish_a priest_n and_o how_o well_o he_o esteem_v of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o office_n likely_o abate_v somewhat_o of_o his_o peremptoriness_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n with_o some_o as_o he_o have_v cause_n may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o what_o he_o say_v in_o that_o epistle_n exhorrescimus_fw-la ut_fw-la contra_fw-la regiae_n majestatis_fw-la &_o episcoporum_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la ministri_fw-la suô_o ministeriô_o fungantur_fw-la but_o from_o his_o epistle_n to_o grindal_n bishop_n of_o london_n epist_n 23._o commend_v grindal_n christian_n patience_n and_o lenity_n add_v majori_fw-la posthac_fw-la paena_fw-la digni_fw-la erunt_fw-la qui_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la ivam_fw-la aspernabuntur_fw-la close_v his_o epistle_n deus_fw-la te_fw-la custodiat_fw-la &_o intanâ—â—_n commisso_fw-la tibi_fw-la munere_fw-la sancto_fw-la svo_fw-la spiritu_fw-la regat_fw-la &_o magis_fw-la aâ—_n magis_fw-la confirmet_fw-la and_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n to_o that_o same_o bishop_n he_o say_v dominus_fw-la te_fw-la istic_fw-la at_o london_n speculatorem_fw-la &_o judicem_fw-la constituit_fw-la by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v far_o from_o beza_n mind_n that_o minister_n shall_v give_v no_o obedience_n to_o bishop_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thing_n undoubted_o lawful_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v refuse_v concurrence_n with_o bishop_n in_o order_v the_o church_n and_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n 2._o the_o present_a question_n concern_v the_o case_n and_o carriage_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o minister_n 1._o some_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o synod_n although_o call_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n command_n signify_v by_o his_o most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n where_o bishop_n do_v preside_v they_o refuse_v also_o to_o come_v to_o presbytery_n where_o a_o moderator_n pretend_v no_o more_o power_n than_o any_o of_o themselves_o preside_v be_v nominate_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o next_o meet_v of_o the_o synod_n such_o meeting_n they_o withdraw_v from_o albeit_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o to_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n and_o suppress_v according_a to_o their_o power_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n upon_o their_o judgement_n nor_o subscription_n require_v nor_o declaration_n that_o they_o allow_v any_o thing_n they_o count_v amiss_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o any_o constituent_a member_n thereof_o yea_o where_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o entreat_v for_o this_o to_o case_v their_o conscience_n by_o signify_v their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v overcome_v anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o anent_o the_o member_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o will_v do_v this_o with_o that_o inoffensive_a modesty_n humility_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o such_o meeting_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o that_o become_v and_o after_o that_o to_o concur_v in_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n concern_v such_o minister_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o such_o meeting_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o carry_v on_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n or_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 2._o the_o other_o rank_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o who_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o act_n of_o council_n at_o glasgow_n and_o of_o parliament_n whereto_o it_o relate_v do_v rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o ministry_n then_o to_o seek_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o collation_n thereupon_o from_o the_o bishop_n yea_o who_o will_v quit_v their_o ministry_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o will_v once_o come_v in_o term_n of_o treat_v with_o a_o bishop_n to_o try_v upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n therein_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o brethren_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n several_a thing_n be_v worthy_a their_o most_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v render_v they_o somewhat_o jealous_a of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o present_a way_n 1._o have_v not_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n a_o undoubted_a power_n to_o convocate_v synod_n when_o he_o see_v it_o needful_a never_o be_v there_o any_o protestant_n minister_n no_o nor_o christian_n minister_n before_o this_o time_n who_o be_v convocate_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o church-meeting_n by_o the_o sovereign_a christian_a magistrate_n do_v refuse_v to_o come_v at_o his_o command_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o rank_n or_o degree_n of_o subject_n that_o can_v without_o the_o stain_n of_o sinful_a disobedience_n refuse_v to_o meet_v upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n and_o minister_n can_v plead_v exemption_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o subject_n 2._o brethren_n will_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v their_o not-coming_a to_o the_o synod_n upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n because_o that_o command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n be_v join_v with_o another_o command_v to_o concur_v dutiful_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o
command_n to_o come_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o require_a concurrence_n which_o they_o can_v give_v as_o they_o say_v be_v this_o rational_a that_o where_o two_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v join_v the_o one_o undoubted_o lawful_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o other_o doubt_v of_o that_o subject_n shall_v disobey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o lawful_a because_o they_o have_v a_o doubt_n or_o unclearness_n anent_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o other_o command_n do_v it_o not_o become_v subject_n to_o go_v as_o far_o on_o in_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n as_o they_o see_v they_o may_v without_o sin_n against_o god_n then_o it_o be_v time_n to_o stop_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v put_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n command_n which_o they_o clear_o see_v they_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n have_v they_o come_v to_o the_o place_n it_o will_v pro_fw-la tanto_fw-la have_v show_v their_o respect_n to_o authority_n albeit_o they_o have_v humble_o declare_v themselves_o bind_v up_o from_o act_v by_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v in_o end_n find_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o have_v concur_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o refuse_v this_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v sufficient_o salve_v their_o conscience_n by_o a_o humble_a signification_n of_o their_o scruple_n as_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o not_o refuse_v to_o concur_v in_o undoubted_a duty_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n as_o they_o apprehend_v of_o any_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n 3._o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v for_o separation_n from_o the_o synod_n be_v it_o the_o want_n of_o liberty_n to_o choose_v a_o moderator_n or_o be_v it_o that_o he_o that_o preside_v be_v a_o bishop_n and_o claim_v more_o power_n than_o they_o can_v allow_v more_o than_o they_o think_v be_v due_a as_o of_o a_o negative_a voice_n or_o be_v it_o the_o want_n of_o unpreach_v elder_n in_o the_o meeting_n as_o to_o the_o 1._o be_v they_o able_a to_o show_v that_o every_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n or_o judicatory_a have_v by_o a_o dvine_a scriptural_a right_n a_o privilege_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n where_o be_v there_o any_o precept_n for_o this_o or_o any_o example_n of_o such_o election_n in_o scripture_n if_o all_o meeting_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n have_v this_o privilege_n than_o also_o their_o session_n where_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v constant_a moderator_n have_v this_o also_o which_o belike_o will_v not_o please_v they_o well_o that_o any_o of_o the_o meeting_n but_o themselves_o shall_v be_v choose_v there_o to_o preside_v or_o can_v they_o say_v that_o every_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n or_o judicatory_a have_v this_o privilege_n by_o a_o divine_a natural_a right_n if_o so_o no_o civil_a society_n or_o judicatory_a shall_v want_v it_o but_o all_o claim_n power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o precedent_n which_o be_v evil_a doctrine_n under_o a_o monarchy_n where_o power_n be_v in_o the_o prince_n to_o elect_v and_o name_v precedent_n for_o council_n session_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v they_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n upon_o who_o the_o external_a order_n of_o all_o the_o judicatories_n in_o he_o his_o dominion_n depend_v to_o nominate_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n conveen_v by_o he_o one_o grave_n and_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o number_n to_o order_v the_o action_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n to_o control_v the_o unruly_a can_v it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a council_n general_a or_o provincial_a though_o they_o have_v ecclesiastic_a precedent_n do_v always_o former_o choose_v their_o own_o precedent_n presides_n ecclesiastici_fw-la in_o vetustis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la nonnunquam_fw-la nominati_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n say_v zepperus_n eccles_n pol._n p._n 742_o as_o to_o the_o second_o the_o great_a exception_n be_v at_o the_o power_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o synod_n they_o be_v bishop_n claim_v in_o undue_a power_n as_o if_o authority_n sole_o reside_v in_o they_o at_o least_o they_o claim_v a_o negative_a voice_n ans_fw-fr 1._o be_v it_o so_o and_o be_v this_o a_o fault_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o fault_n who_o concur_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o another_o can_v be_v any_o good_a ground_n for_o brethren_n withdraw_v from_o their_o necessary_a duty_n especial_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o may_v be_v allow_v they_o for_o ease_v the_o scruple_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o be_v above_o say_v if_o i_o be_v only_o admit_v to_o consult_v in_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o meeting_n where_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v have_v equal_a authority_n with_o any_o that_o sit_v there_o can_v it_o be_v sin_n in_o i_o to_o go_v so_o far_o in_o my_o duty_n as_o i_o be_o permit_v to_o do_v to_o testify_v against_o sin_n to_o give_v my_o best_a counsel_n for_o suppress_v thereof_o and_o for_o advancement_n of_o holiness_n if_o i_o be_v abridge_v and_o restrain_v as_o to_o that_o authority_n which_o i_o think_v be_v due_a to_o i_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o these_o who_o do_v restrain_v i_o and_o not_o i_o shall_v i_o do_v no_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n because_o i_o can_v do_v all_o that_o i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v as_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o restrain_v by_o another_o but_o second_o be_v it_o not_o grant_v by_o most_o judicious_a divine_n that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o power_n in_o several_a case_n to_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o just_a authority_n when_o the_o suspension_n of_o it_o tenderh_n to_o a_o public_a good_a may_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n resolve_v to_o give_v to_o one_o person_n of_o their_o number_n a_o negative_a voice_n in_o government_n so_o as_o to_o do_v nothing_o without_o he_o baxt._n church_n gover_n pag._n 18._o and_o excellent_a mr._n vines_n when_o at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n the_o king_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v off_o that_o that_o in_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n with_o a_o negative_a voice_n do_v counsel_v both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o concession_n as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v all_o the_o blood_n misery_n and_o confusion_n that_o after_o may_v ensue_v lay_v at_o their_o door_n see_v his_o consideration_n on_o the_o king_n concession_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o negative_a voice_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n put_v bishop_n into_o a_o state_v presidency_n and_o yet_o presbyter_n be_v admit_v to_o rule_v with_o bishop_n judicious_a and_o sober_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v so_o great_a weight_n on_o it_o as_o to_o refuse_v their_o concurrence_n in_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a duty_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o yet_o one_o thing_n will_v be_v remember_v that_o brethren_n be_v at_o a_o very_a clear_a disadvantage_n in_o withdraw_v from_o presbyterial_a meeting_n where_o they_o know_v the_o moderator_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v claim_v more_o power_n than_o any_o of_o themselves_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o concur_v with_o these_o meeting_n must_v be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o moderator_n in_o their_o particular_a presbytery_n but_o he_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d the_o synod_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o authority_n and_o consent_n of_o bishop_n and_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v any_o particular_a presbytery_n do_v not_o brethren_n remember_v that_o in_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n rule_v there_o be_v restraint_n lay_v upon_o presbytery_n in_o matter_n far_o high_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n than_o that_o and_o little_a din_n about_o the_o same_o but_o three_o if_o the_o brethren_n refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o synod_n for_o want_n of_o unpreach_v elder_n there_o who_o office_n they_o account_v of_o divine_a institution_n they_o will_v remember_v that_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n blondel_n vines_n baxter_n and_o many_o other_o look_v upon_o these_o as_o a_o humane_a device_n and_o their_o reason_n move_v they_o be_v weighty_a but_o let_v they_o be_v as_o they_o be_v imagine_v by_o the_o brethren_n yet_o can_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o without_o out_o their_o fault_n render_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o concur_v in_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n where_o these_o be_v not_o can_v the_o absence_n or_o removal_n of_o these_o suppose_v church-officer_n render_v a_o synod_n of_o minister_n with_o their_o precedent_n unlawful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v join_v with_o because_o other_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v right_a to_o shall_v we_o run_v from_o our_o duty_n especial_o this_o be_v do_v without_o our_o fault_n a_o
contradicentibus_fw-la as_o be_v manifest_a by_o history_n in_o the_o successor_n of_o mark_n at_o alexandria_n and_o other_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v up_o so_o early_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o not_o contradict_v it_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n mind_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o piety_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a and_o knowledge_n too_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n have_v it_o be_v judge_v a_o wrong_v of_o christ_n ordinance_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o time_n of_o such_o fiery_a persecution_n christ_n minister_n shall_v be_v carry_v with_o ambition_n to_o seek_v the_o superiority_n over_o other_o in_o a_o office_n against_o his_o mind_n or_o that_o people_n will_v have_v yield_v to_o the_o ambitious_a course_n of_o pastor_n how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o time_n without_o any_o know_a exception_n shall_v have_v take_v up_o that_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n without_o any_o co-action_n to_o it_o by_o civil_a power_n without_o any_o advice_n or_o direction_n from_o general_a assembly_n and_o council_n which_o then_o be_v not_o in_o be_v if_o this_o way_n have_v not_o be_v universal_o judge_v lawful_a yea_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v descend_v from_o a_o high_a warrant_n then_o voluntary_a agreement_n of_o man_n we_o do_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n till_o it_o be_v make_v by_o one_o aerius_n in_o the_o four_o age_n who_o epiphanius_n call_v a_o frantic_a man_n he_o be_v enrage_v that_o eustathius_n who_o he_o undervalue_v in_o comparison_n of_o himself_o be_v prefer_v to_o he_o and_o get_v the_o bishopric_n which_o he_o ambitious_o aim_v at_o begin_v to_o talk_v against_o the_o dignity_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o be_v therefore_o count_v by_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n no_o child_n in_o knowledge_n a_o heretic_n in_o whatever_o sense_n they_o mean_v and_o also_o he_o be_v just_o censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o blondel_n gers_n bucer_n molinaeus_n to_o andrews_n as_o a_o disturber_n of_o a_o lawful_a order_n in_o the_o church_n albeit_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o think_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n or_o apostolical_a now_o let_v brethren_n in_o modesty_n consider_v how_o unlike_o it_o be_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o begin_v so_o early_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o their_o contradiction_n that_o be_v so_o universal_o submit_v to_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_n church_n not_o only_o these_o infect_v with_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n but_o the_o eastern_a church_n that_o disclaim_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o that_o for_o 1500._o year_n after_o christ_n without_o any_o contradiction_n save_v of_o one_o man_n who_o never_o have_v a_o marrow_n no_o not_o i_o whatever_o be_v say_v concern_v he_o by_o some_o that_o be_v still_o own_a by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o pope_n not_o only_o by_o these_o of_o the_o lutheran_n way_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la nisi_fw-la superintendens_fw-la say_v jerom_n epist_n ad_fw-la euagrum_fw-la but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o calvinean_a way_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o zepperus_n eccles_n pol._n and_o formal_o that_o be_v even_o own_a as_o lawful_a be_v well-moderated_n by_o the_o stout_a disputer_n against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o it_o albeit_o man_n in_o their_o passionate_a strain_n to_o popular_a auditory_n sometime_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o anti-christian_n and_o popish_a domination_n yet_o in_o the_o protestant_n episcopacy_n that_o be_v own_v there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o the_o pope_n then_o there_o be_v of_o a_o mass-priest_n in_o a_o minister_n or_o of_o a_o conclave_n of_o cardinal-presbyters_a in_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o presbytery_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v now_o be_v the_o very_a primitive_a episcopacy_n which_o timorcus_n descrive_v ep._n 10._o sect._n 25._o affirm_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n be_v do_v by_o brethren_n under_o the_o bishop_n without_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o do_v nothing_o without_o they_o in_o these_o and_o avow_v the_o same_o not_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o now_o be_v be_v that_o same_o office_n for_o substance_n which_o ignatius_n have_v at_o antioch_n polycarp_n at_o smyrna_n â—ornâ—lius_fw-la in_o rome_n iraeneus_n at_o lion_n in_o france_n cyprian_n in_o carthage_n and_o many_o other_o have_v in_o other_o place_n before_o the_o niven_n council_n and_o which_o chrysostome_n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o have_v after_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n that_o our_o bishop_n as_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o office_n and_o place_n for_o substance_n these_o do_v so_o they_o may_v imitate_v their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v notable_a instrument_n for_o advance_v god_n glory_n in_o their_o station_n but_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o hold_v of_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o government_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v too_o great_a a_o imputation_n upon_o this_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n for_o lay_v aside_o the_o time_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n since_o the_o year_n 1638._o wherein_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o army_n there_o have_v be_v small_a opportunity_n for_o a_o serious_a free_a disquisition_n anent_o these_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o before_o that_o year_n episcopacy_n have_v be_v for_o a_o far_o long_a time_n own_v by_o this_o reform_a church_n then_o presbytery_n have_v be_v for_o until_o the_o year_n 1580._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v real_o use_v in_o scotland_n till_o the_o year_n 1580._o in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n declare_v it_o unlawful_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o get_v their_o presbytery_n set_v up_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n till_o twelve_o year_n after_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o make_v that_o act_n at_o dundee_n bishop_n be_v in_o the_o land_n for_o so_o the_o act_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o import_v forasmuch_o say_v they_o as_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o realm_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o their_o order_n they_o give_v to_o process_n the_o several_a bishop_n if_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o office_n now_o from_o the_o time_n of_o general_a reformation_n from_o popery_n to_o the_o time_n of_o that_o act_n of_o dundee_n there_o be_v full_a twenty_o year_n the_o reformation_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o during_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v govern_v by_o some_o singulares_fw-la personae_fw-la particular_a person_n in_o several_a circuit_n in_o the_o land_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o commissioner_n or_o visitor_n of_o country_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n where_o popish_a bishop_n embrace_v the_o reformation_n they_o have_v their_o power_n continue_v and_o commission_n give_v to_o they_o for_o ordain_v minister_n and_o use_v jurisdiction_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n present_v any_o orthodox_n to_o vacant_a bishopric_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o by_o the_o assembly_n edinburgh_n aug._n 6._o 1573._o where_o the_o regent_n promise_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o vacant_a bishopric_n the_o assembly_n conclude_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o superintendent_o and_o the_o superintendent_n of_o lothian_n be_v call_v by_o john_n knox_n at_o his_o installing_n anno_fw-la 1560._o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lothian_n and_o these_o who_o represent_v that_o country_n promise_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o he_o as_o become_v the_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o for_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n bishop_n whether_o under_o that_o name_n or_o other_o name_n continue_v in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o our_o reformer_n be_v wise_a man_n then_o to_o put_v a_o presbytery_n in_o their_o creed_n for_o in_o the_o confession_n registrate_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1567._o which_o before_o have_v be_v present_v though_o they_o have_v zeal_n enough_o against_o
all_o thing_n that_o favour_v of_o popery_n yet_o in_o their_o confession_n there_o be_v nothing_o against_o bishop_n nor_o for_o a_o presbytery_n and_o act_n 24._o the_o former_a civil_a privilege_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v ratify_v according_o bishop_n do_v sit_v in_o that_o parliament_n also_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n they_o say_v not_o one_o policy_n or_o order_n can_v be_v for_o all_o church_n and_o all_o time_n but_o after_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o assembly_n albeit_o some_o provincial_a synod_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o out_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o in_o these_o province_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o presbytery_n before_o the_o year_n 1586._o nor_o any_o of_o these_o judicatories_n legal_o establish_v before_o 1592._o and_o within_o eighteen_o year_n after_o that_o or_o twenty_o bishop_n be_v set_v up_o again_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1610._o and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1612._o and_o continue_v so_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o eight_o year_n till_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o so_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o see_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o great_a stranger_n to_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v be_v long_o own_v than_o presbytery_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o modesty_n will_v require_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v this_o reform_a church_n as_o have_v in_o those_o time_n own_v a_o government_n unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o different_a fruit_n of_o government_n by_o presbytery_n and_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v to_o our_o cost_n sad_o experience_v but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o difficulty_n anent_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v popular_o plead_v by_o such_o as_o do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o controversy_n anent_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o point_n of_o 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that_o article_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la divisô_o but_o compositô_o which_o sure_v to_o mr._n baxter_n complex_fw-la frame_n and_o therefore_o assert_n that_o continue_v of_o bishop_n with_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n and_o ministerial_a meeting_n may_v be_v permit_v without_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o this_o learned_a man_n and_o other_o mention_v concede_fw-la what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o bend_v the_o covenant_n against_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v establish_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n not_o exclude_v but_o with_o consent_n of_o presbyter_n with_o as_o great_a moderation_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a episcopacy_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v than_o we_o stand_v bind_v against_o the_o english_a prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o dispute_v that_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o live_v under_o 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church-government_n ans_fw-fr if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o minister_n who_o reason_v with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o they_o be_v the_o prime_a promoter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o covenanter_n they_o who_o subscribe_v that_o covenant_n might_n with_o great_a liberty_n voice_n in_o a_o assembly_n concern_v episcopacy_n without_o prejudice_n notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n will_v persuade_v the_o doctor_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v as_o abjure_v episcopacy_n as_o the_o doctor_n thought_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o subscription_n have_v their_o liberty_n remain_v entire_a to_o voice_n for_o episcopacy_n in_o a_o assembly_n see_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n their_o four_o and_o ten_o demand_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o explication_n add_v anno_fw-la 1638._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o mention_v as_o abjure_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o abjure_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v but_o they_o who_o say_v so_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o abjure_v of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n import_v not_o a_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o deacon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n so_o call_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n canon_n sess_z 7._o as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n if_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o under_o that_o expression_n abjure_v these_o office_n neither_o do_v it_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n see_v these_o be_v part_n of_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n call_v hierarchy_n as_o well_o as_o this_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n more_o than_o of_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n but_o to_o abjure_v the_o hierarchy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o it_o also_o abjure_v his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n so_o far_o as_o he_o make_v they_o sacrament_n for_o sure_a order_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o marriage_n which_o he_o make_v two_o sacrament_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o be_v sacrament_n which_o the_o pope_n put_v on_o they_o even_o so_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v count_v and_o call_v wicked_a not_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o office_n comprehend_v under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a word_n hierarchy_n for_o then_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n shall_v be_v also_o count_v wicked_a and_o abjure_v but_o as_o to_o the_o dependence_n of_o all_o these_o office_n on_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n and_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o these_o office_n and_o flow_v from_o he_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v his_o depend_v on_o he_o corrupt_v by_o he_o there_o be_v wickedness_n in_o they_o or_o join_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v abjure_v as_o in_o another_o word_n of_o that_o covenant_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n be_v abjure_v yet_o in_o that_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o abjure_v but_o mean_a time_n the_o office_n themselves_o which_o be_v say_v to_o make_v up_o that_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o abjure_v nor_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v but_o purge_v from_o what_o be_v his_o or_o any_o dependence_n on_o he_o or_o corruption_n flow_v from_o he_o and_o so_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n among_o protestant_n bishop_n now_o be_v loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o make_v all_o christian_a bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n portion_v out_o to_o they_o such_o measure_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a as_o their_o style_n in_o this_o country_n import_v of_o old_a ego_fw-la n._n dei_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la sedis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la episcopus_fw-la i_o say_v the_o office_n of_o the_o protestant_n bishop_n be_v no_o more_o a_o part_n now_o of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n then_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o deacon_n but_o further_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n 1._o the_o enjoyner_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o subject_n be_v king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n he_o have_v himself_o with_o his_o family_n subscribe_v that_o oath_n and_o covenant_n give_v charge_n to_o all_o commissioner_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o realm_n to_o crave_v the_o same_o confession_n from_o their_o parishioner_n and_o proceed_v against_o the_o refuser_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o charge_n bear_v march_z 2._o 1580._o this_o be_v the_o first_o injunction_n for_o take_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n who_o favour_v it_o and_o profess_v it_o from_o papist_n who_o be_v sound_a practise_v with_o foreigner_n against_o he_o and_o it_o and_o for_o clear_v the_o king_n and_o his_o court_n from_o aspersion_n but_o that_o the_o king_n by_o that_o covenant_n intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o protestant_n episcopacy_n it_o be_v most_o improbable_a and_o by_o many_o thing_n the_o contrary_a appear_v 1._o the_o instrument_n in_o pen_v that_o covenant_n at_o the_o king_n command_n be_v mr._n john_n craig_n his_o minister_n a_o very_a learned_a man_n who_o but_o nine_o year_n before_o jan_n 12._o anno_fw-la 1571._o have_v give_v his_o consent_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o then_o do_v meet_v at_o leith_n that_o commissioner_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o join_v with_o these_o who_o the_o council_n shall_v appoint_v for_o settle_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o these_o commissioner_n he_o himself_o be_v one_o and_o with_o he_o dun_n the_o superintendent_n of_o angus_n winrame_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n and_o other_o the_o resolution_n they_o come_v to_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o most_o qualify_v of_o the_o ministry_n some_o choose_v by_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n to_o who_o vacant_a archbishoprics_a and_o bishopric_n may_v be_v dispon_v and_o they_o to_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o exerce_fw-la spiritual_fw-la jurisdiction_n in_o their_o several_a diocese_n and_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o they_o for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n