persecution_n be_v another_o question_n elder_n be_v ordain_v &_o appoint_v to_o church_n act._n 14_o 23._o tit._n 1_o 5._o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o this_o place_n the_o first_o particular_a then_o must_v be_v a_o little_a more_o narrow_o examine_v he_o say_v that_o in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o there_o be_v noneplace_v but_o only_o a_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n &_o for_o this_o he_o cit_v clement_n epistle_n say_v the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n but_o by_o bishop_n here_o he_o can_v understand_v such_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o church_n for_o himself_o do_v abundant_o clear_v the_o contrary_n and_o what_o can_v be_v allaidge_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o mean_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o yet_o apparent_a only_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o other_o testimony_n which_o must_v also_o be_v look_v upon_o &_o examine_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o place_n itself_o speak_v as_o much_o for_o one_o deacon_n in_o a_o place_n as_o for_o one_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n for_o both_o be_v one_o as_o himself_o will_v acknowledge_v &_o as_o clear_o for_o more_o bishop_n as_o for_o more_o deacon_n in_o village_n or_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o well_o bishop_n in_o city_n &_o village_n as_o deacon_n but_o then_o he_o cit_v epiphanius_n contra_fw-la aeâ—…m_fw-la haeres_fw-la 75._o saying_n that_o at_o the_o first_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n appoint_v &_o then_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o presbyter_n &_o deacon_n for_o by_o these_o two_o officer_n all_o ecclesiastic_a office_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o where_o there_o be_v none_o find_v worthy_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n the_o place_n remain_v without_o one_o but_o where_o necessity_n require_v one_o &_o there_o be_v some_o find_v fit_a some_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n but_o for_o want_v of_o convenient_a number_n there_o can_v be_v no_o presbyter_n find_v out_o &_o in_o such_o place_n they_o be_v content_v with_o the_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n but_o what_o can_v epiphanius_n or_o any_o other_o writter_n in_o his_o time_n do_v as_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o present_a discourse_n must_v their_o testimony_n be_v believe_v without_o a_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n the_o same_o yea_o must_v they_o be_v believe_v when_o they_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v presbyter_n &_o deacon_n &_o again_o a_o time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v bishop_n &_o deacons_n what_o will_v this_o say_v so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n be_v distinct_a officer_n &_o not_o one_o &_o the_o same_o as_o be_v suppose_v of_o the_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n now_o under_o debate_n all_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v a_o distinct_a species_n of_o government_n but_o always_o one_o &_o the_o same_o whether_o the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v presbyter_n or_o bishop_n 3._o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n appoint_a of_o which_o there_o can_v no_o warrant_n be_v see_v in_o scripture_n for_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 14_o 23._o &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1_o 5._o for_o it_o be_v to_o city_n whither_o the_o apostle_n do_v most_o resort_v to_o plant_v church_n &_o not_o to_o country_n village_n where_o gentilism_n do_v long_o thereafter_o continue_v whence_o these_o of_o that_o religion_n be_v call_v pagani_n what_o will_v this_o speak_v for_o episcopal_a government_n so_o long_o as_o this_o one_o bishop_n can_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v not_o have_v presbyter_n under_o he_o or_o do_v he_o think_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o one_o preach_v presbyter_n be_v set_v over_o a_o parish_n or_o a_o village_n &_o that_o he_o &_o other_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n one_o or_o more_o of_o a_o neighbour_n city_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n or_o must_v he_o rule_v in_o that_o village_n independent_o mr_n stillingfleet_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v exerce_fw-la episcopal_a power_n therefore_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o the_o government_n may_v still_o be_v presbyterial_a 4_o how_o can_v epiphanius_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o if_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o who_o can_v do_v it_o else_o have_v they_o not_o the_o spirit_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o prompt_v they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a &_o expedient_a either_o they_o can_v not_o get_v man_n fit_a to_o be_v bishop_n or_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o be_v presbyter_n but_o this_o will_v suppone_v that_o at_o that_o time_n presbyter_n &_o bishop_n be_v destinct_n which_o still_v fleet_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v &_o epiphanius_n can_v give_v one_o instance_n of_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o &_o superior_a unto_o preach_v presbyter_n settle_v in_o a_o church_n alone_o with_o some_o few_o deacons_n the_o reader_n may_v see_v this_o passage_n more_o full_o examine_v by_o wallo_n messalinus_n pag._n 102._o &_o pag._n 277._o etc._n etc._n the_o next_o author_n which_o he_o cit_v be_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n out_o of_o eusebius_n say_v that_o john_n after_o his_o retâ—…n_n from_o paâ—…mos_n go_v abroad_o into_o several_a place_n in_o some_o constitute_a bishop_n in_o some_o set_n in_o order_n whole_a church_n in_o other_o choose_n â—…ur_n one_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o he_o set_v over_o the_o church_n but_o of_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v utter_o silent_a &_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o undoâ—…_n ed_z thing_n &_o what_o will_v mr_n stillingfleet_n gather_v from_o 〈◊〉_d he_o seat_v it_o down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o walo_n messalinus_n pag._n â—…25_n in_o majoribus_fw-la urbibus_fw-la plures_fw-la i._n e._n it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v moâ—…_n presbyter_n ordain_v in_o great_a town_n and_o few_o in_o lesser_a towâ—…_n bâ—…_n village_n or_o little_a parish_n one_o only_a especial_o when_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d number_n of_o believer_n and_o now_o let_v any_o â—…dge_v it_o there_o câ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n gather_v thence_o for_o episcopal_a government_n &_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n for_o this_o end_n he_o must_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o passage_n 〈◊〉_d do_v nothing_o he_o must_v prove_v out_o of_o it_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d some_o place_n do_v settle_v presbyterian_a government_n &_o 〈◊〉_d place_n episcopal_a otherwise_o he_o be_v but_o beat_v the_o wind_n for_o no_o asserter_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n do_v ever_o yet_o find_v themselves_o necessitate_v to_o maintain_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v set_v up_o a_o equal_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n or_o yet_o a_o plurality_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n in_o each_o village_n or_o country_n place_n or_o such_o as_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v his_o point_n will_v not_o yet_o be_v prove_v at_o leâ—…_n he_o cit_v ambrose_n or_o rather_o â—…ilarius_fw-la in_fw-la eph._n 4._o saying_n primum_fw-la enim_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n at_o first_o all_o do_v teach_v &_o all_o do_v baptize_v at_o any_o time_n or_o on_o any_o day_n but_o when_o the_o church_n take_v in_o all_o place_n about_o there_o be_v conventicle_n institute_v &_o there_o be_v governor_n &_o other_o office_n appoint_v that_o so_o none_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o that_o office_n which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o he_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o ordain_v &_o therefore_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o every_o point_n agree_v with_o the_o ordination_n which_o now_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o this_o can_v speak_v home_o to_o the_o point_n iâ—…_n not_o discernible_a for_o the_o author_n be_v to_o give_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v viz_o because_o matter_n be_v other_o way_n settle_v in_o his_o time_n then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v any_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n settle_v church_n with_o distinct_a form_n oâ—…_n model_n because_o after_o age_n do_v so_o who_o will_v believe_v this_o consequence_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v
govern_v it_o outward_o by_o his_o law_n &_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o therefore_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a which_o be_v neither_o contain_v in_o his_o law_n nor_o dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n ans._n no_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o government_n which_o presbyterian_o do_v account_v necessary_a be_v both_o contain_v in_o his_o law_n &_o dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o be_v show_v &_o they_o reject_v all_o other_o form_n only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o law_n nor_o dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n he_o reply_v 2._o that_o if_o this_o correspondency_n hold_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v equal_o bind_v to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n ans._n the_o christian_a liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a shall_v not_o be_v abridge_v in_o the_o least_o nor_o shall_v this_o correspondency_n be_v press_v so_o exact_o &_o strait_o as_o to_o make_v it_o bleed_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o grant_v that_o in_o nothing_o the_o correspondency_n will_v hold_v it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n much_o be_v leave_v to_o christian_a liberty_n now_o &_o so_o under_o the_o law_n in_o several_a thing_n much_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o model_n of_o government_n shall_v come_v in_o among_o circumstance_n be_v to_o speak_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o sure_a ground_n especial_o when_o the_o change_n of_o the_o model_n will_v be_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o new_a officer_n which_o himself_o will_v not_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n leave_v to_o christian_a liberty_n he_o reply_v 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o disparity_n betwixt_o the_o gospel_n &_o jewish_a state_n as_o will_v weaken_v the_o argument_n ans._n of_o these_o disparity_n he_o name_v four_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o viz._n our_o christian_a freedom_n from_o ceremony_n &_o the_o like_a but_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o christian_n now_o must_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o form_n of_o government_n they_o will_v popish_a prelatical_a erastian_n independent_a morellian_n or_o presbyterian_a must_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choice_n what_o officer_n they_o will_v or_o must_v they_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o cut_v out_o their_o work_n to_o they_o it_o be_v good_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n where_o with_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o turn_v that_o liberty_n unto_o licentiousness_n &_o to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o due_a bound_n mr_n silling_n fleet_n will_v do_v well_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o first_o day_n sabbath_n â—…st_v he_o let_v the_o morality_n of_o that_o pass_n with_o the_o morality_n of_o church_n government_n in_o specie_fw-la for_o his_o ground_n will_v lead_v he_o forth_o equal_o against_o both_o the_o second_o difference_n be_v this_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n &_o therefore_o of_o the_o argument_n hold_v christ_n must_v prescribe_v a_o civil_a government_n ans._n whether_o the_o goverâ—…ent_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d or_o not_o be_v not_o very_o material_a for_o this_o be_v certain_a moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o must_v christ_n be_v in_o his_o own_o house_n &_o church_n order_v all_o thing_n there_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n it_o be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n but_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n which_o be_v look_v after_o but._n 2._o have_v the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n no_o government_n where_o be_v their_o priest_n &_o their_o levite_n then_o &_o where_o be_v their_o sanhedrin_n lesser_a &_o great_a sure_o this_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o other_o tribe_n yea_o even_o from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o state_n and_o as_o a_o church_n they_o have_v other_o officer_n than_o the_o state_n have_v his_o three_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o whole_a &_o entire_a people_n when_o one_o set_v form_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v they_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o in_o form_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o apostle_n &_o therefore_o one_o can_v not_o serve_v it_o then_o &_o now_o when_o whole_a nation_n be_v convert_v a_o pastor_n &_o deacons_n may_v serve_v a_o a_o city_n when_o convert_n be_v few_o but_o can_v when_o increase_v to_o many_o congregation_n ans._n this_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o necessity_n of_o multiply_a officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n conform_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o will_v not_o evince_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v new_a officer_n it_o will_v plead_v for_o the_o enlargeing_n of_o the_o same_o species_n of_o government_n but_o not_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o new_a species_n though_o the_o garment_n cut_v out_o for_o one_o in_o his_o infancy_n will_v not_o serve_v he_o when_o grow_v in_o year_n yet_o a_o garment_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o cloth_n will_v serve_v 2._o it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o the_o church_n be_v small_a she_o behove_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n but_o now_o when_o she_o be_v grow_v large_a one_o bishop_n will_v suffice_v one_o will_v think_v that_o if_o the_o government_n have_v be_v episcopal_a then_o it_o shall_v be_v presbyterian_a now_o for_o the_o large_a the_o church_n be_v she_o require_v the_o more_o governor_n 3._o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n galatia_n asia_n syria_n &_o cylicia_n &_o so_o of_o many_o large_a country_n &_o territory_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o why_o may_v there_o not_o such_o a_o model_n of_o government_n be_v fall_v upon_o in_o those_o large_a country_n as_o will_v suit_n whole_a kingdom_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o presbyterian_a government_n will_v suit_n all_o church_n be_v they_o lesser_a be_v they_o large_a be_v there_o but_o one_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o country_n presbyterian_a government_n will_v sit_v that_o little_a church_n &_o again_o be_v there_o great_a kingdom_n &_o nation_n convert_v the_o same_o government_n will_v suit_n they_o &_o most_o certain_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v 5._o if_o the_o form_n of_o church_n governm_n which_o moses_n do_v appoint_v do_v suit_n the_o jew_n both_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n walke_a as_o a_o army_n &_o when_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o a_o formal_a &_o complete_a kingdom_n &_o where_o their_o number_n be_v multiply_v &_o when_o they_o be_v under_o various_a sort_n of_o civil_a government_n sometime_o under_o judge_n &_o sometime_o under_o king_n shall_v christ_n be_v less_o faithful_a &_o not_o appoint_v such_o a_o gospel_n government_n as_o will_v suit_n a_o great_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o lesser_a &_o suit_n the_o church_n under_o whatsoever_o kind_n of_o civil_a government_n she_o may_v be_v his_o four_o difference_n be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o the_o second_o for_o it_o be_v this_o the_o jew_n live_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n but_o christian_n under_o diverse_a form_n &_o then_o as_o church_n government_n at_o the_o first_o be_v form_v according_a to_o the_o civil_a government_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v now_o ans._n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n government_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v not_o yet_o prove_v &_o it_o can_v be_v yield_v ed_o without_o probation_n 2._o the_o parallel_n betwixt_o christ_n &_o moses_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o that_o both_o do_v follow_v one_o immediate_a copy_n but_o in_o this_o that_o both_o do_v institute_v a_o government_n according_a to_o god_n will_n &_o such_o a_o government_n as_o he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n &_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o that_o polity_n shall_v stand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o moses_n do_v appoint_v a_o government_n which_o shall_v unalterable_o endure_v so_o long_o as_o the_o temple_n the_o typical_a &_o dark_a dispensation_n shall_v stand_v so_o christ_n shall_v appoint_v a_o form_n which_o shall_v unalterable_o endure_v so_o long_o as_o the_o new_a dispensation_n shall_v last_v that_o be_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o christian_n look_v for_o no_o other_o change_n 3_o one_o &_o the_o same_o form_n of_o church_n government_n will_v suit_n all_o church_n now_o in_o all_o time_n come_v under_o what_o soever_o kind_a of_o civil_a government_n they_o be_v as_o have_v
covenant_n for_o though_o the_o sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n anno_fw-la 1581._o be_v not_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o anno_fw-la 1638._o either_o as_o concern_v prelacy_n or_o ceremony_n yet_o the_o covenant_n do_v strict_a against_o those_o as_o be_v afterward_o clear_v the_o covenant_n have_v still_o one_o sense_n &_o meaning_n though_o such_o as_o do_v live_v fifty_o &_o eight_o year_n after_o it_o be_v first_o draw_v up_o can_v not_o alike_o see_v it_o &_o discern_v it_o it_o be_v but_o little_a wonder_n that_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n after_o so_o many_o revolution_n the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n thereof_o can_v not_o be_v so_o obvious_a unto_o all_o as_o to_o overcome_v all_o doubt_n &_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v prudent_o resolve_v to_o suspend_v their_o approbation_n of_o those_o particular_n till_o they_o be_v try_v in_o free_a assembly_n and_o indeed_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o do_v search_v into_o the_o business_n &_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o reformer_n all_o scruple_n be_v loose_v &_o the_o people_n do_v cheerful_o assent_v unto_o the_o assembly_n determination_n for_o than_o they_o see_v that_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o ceremony_n of_o perth_n assembly_n &_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelate_n be_v abjure_v and_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o this_o author_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o ever_o after_o that_o assembly_n wherein_o that_o business_n be_v clear_v any_o say_v that_o such_o as_o take_v that_o covenant_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o vote_n for_o prelacy_n or_o for_o the_o ceremony_n so_o then_o this_o author_n bewray_v much_o ignorance_n or_o maliciousness_n or_o both_o when_o he_o thus_o argue_v as_o he_o do_v let_v he_o read_v the_o answer_n of_o those_o minister_n in_o these_o place_n cite_v by_o himself_o &_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a if_o he_o will_v to_o see_v his_o mistake_n one_o of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o assembly_n 1638._o do_v determine_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v swear_v anno_fw-la 1580._o etc._n etc._n be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o covenant_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o act_n sess_v 16._o and_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v thus_o this_o import_v not_o the_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 deacon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n but_o only_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pop_n as_o it_o abjure_v the_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n so_o far_o at_o he_o make_v they_o sacrament_n so_o than_o the_o dependence_n of_o these_o office_n on_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n be_v abjure_v &_o also_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o these_o office_n and_o as_o they_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o be_v his_o as_o be_v his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n and_o not_o the_o office_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n among_o protestant_n bishop_n be_v now_o loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n upon_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o long_a discourse_n and_o it_o may_v be_v short_o answer_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o abjure_v the_o hierarchy_n import_v the_o abjure_v of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o &_o be_v corrupt_v by_o he_o than_o it_o will_v full_o import_v the_o abjure_v of_o prelate_n because_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o as_o well_o in_o esse_fw-la as_o in_fw-la operari_fw-la &_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v abjure_v with_o this_o wicked_a hierarchy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o pope_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v debate_v whether_o bishop_n be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la or_o not_o &_o the_o historian_n peter_n suave_fw-la add_v the_o reason_n viz._n lest_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v that_o they_o be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la they_o shall_v not_o so_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o they_o do_v &_o he_o will_v have_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o that_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o pope_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o depend_v upon_o himself_o alone_o even_o in_o their_o be_v &_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o stand_v upon_o &_o therefore_o when_o his_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v they_o in_o their_o essence_n &_o be_v be_v abjure_v it_o be_v true_a if_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n have_v ever_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o institute_v such_o a_o officer_n distinct_a from_o a_o preach_a presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o prelate_n as_o may_v be_v do_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n &c_n &c_n the_o deacon_n &_o as_o himself_o will_v ready_o grant_v then_o indeed_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o abjure_v of_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n will_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o abjure_v of_o those_o corruption_n which_o attend_v those_o officer_n as_o these_o which_o attend_v presbyter_n &_o deacons_n as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o the_o abjure_v of_o his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n import_v not_o the_o abjure_a of_o marriage_n in_o itself_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o undertake_v by_o this_o author_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v ever_o assert_v by_o the_o reformer_n oâ—…_n that_o church_n no_o not_o by_o mr_n craig_n the_o penner_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o prelate_n as_o superior_a unto_o &_o distinct_a from_o preach_v presbyter_n be_v officer_n of_o god_n appointment_n certane_o when_o they_o be_v abjure_v they_o be_v simple_o abjure_v so_o that_o till_o he_o demonstrative_o clear_a that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v institute_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o preach_v presbyter_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o &_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o abjure_v they_o and_o so_o when_o all_o those_o three_o be_v abjure_v they_o can_v be_v abjure_v after_o one_o &_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n be_v abjure_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o abuse_n that_o be_v the_o abuse_n &_o corruption_n which_o adher_v to_o these_o officer_n as_o they_o be_v make_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v but_o when_o prelate_n be_v abjure_v not_o only_o be_v their_o abuse_n or_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o they_o abjure_v but_o the_o very_a use_n be_v abjure_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o officer_n not_o appoint_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o abuse_n and_o prelate_n as_o to_o their_o be_v depend_v only_o on_o the_o pope_n but_o say_v he_o bishop_n now_o be_v loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n &_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 &_o make_v all_o christian_a bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n &_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 sit_v 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 the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o wicked_a hierarchy_n ans._n this_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v by_o the_o national_a assembly_n 1638._o in_o the_o forecited_a act_n where_o they_o say_v and_n howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wherever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v his_o viz._n invocation_n of_o saint_n canonisation_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v his_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o laâ—…full_a 〈◊〉_d and_o canonisation_n of_o saint_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n so_o that_o the_o bishop_n their_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o out_o from_o among_o the_o officer_n &_o part_n of_o that_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o so_o far_o as_o protestant_n church_n admit_v of_o prelate_n in_o so_o far_o they_o be_v unreformed_a from_o popery_n this_o be_v one_o 〈◊〉_d betwixt_o papist_n &_o protestant_n it_o be_v the_o prelate_n their_n depend_v on_o the_o pope_n that_o make_v the_o scottish_a reformer_n condemn_v they_o as_o his_o
government_n be_v which_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o &_o to_o continue_v in_o &_o consequent_o what_o government_n be_v abjure_v thereby_o therefore_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o that_o government_n be_v which_o the_o church_n do_v own_o &_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n here_o for_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o it_o be_v church_n government_n by_o presbytery_n synod_n &_o assembly_n which_o they_o both_o before_o at_z &_o after_o that_o time_n do_v own_o &_o defend_v till_o it_o be_v violent_o take_v away_o and_o if_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o will_v amount_v to_o this_o they_o will_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v at_o that_o time_n and_o whether_o their_o citation_n shall_v do_v so_o or_o not_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v judge_v when_o he_o have_v consider_v &_o lay_v together_o these_o two_o &_o twenty_o particular_n into_o which_o the_o citation_n shall_v be_v branch_v forth_o 1._o when_o the_o church_n have_v be_v wreâ—…ing_v &_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o bishop_n from_o the_o year_n 1571_o unto_o the_o year_n 1575._o &_o be_v continual_o weary_v with_o complaint_n give_v in_o against_o they_o they_o enter_v at_o last_o into_o a_o search_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o &_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n to_o which_o he_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n &_o so_o it_o can_v not_o design_n a_o distinct_a officer_n 2._o anno_fw-la 1576._o the_o assembly_n do_v censure_v such_o prelate_n as_o have_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a flock_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v unanimous_o agree_v upon_o 4_o at_o another_o assembly_n that_o same_o year_n the_o moderator_n tell_v montrose_n chanceler_n seaton_n &_o lindsay_n that_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o this_o church_n 5._o at_o that_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o be_v pastor_n of_o one_o flock_n shall_v usurp_v no_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n shall_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o empire_n over_o their_o particular_a eldership_n &_o shall_v not_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n 6._o an._n 1579_o the_o assembly_n judge_v that_o every_o meeting_n for_o exercise_n may_v be_v account_v a_o presbytery_n 7._o an._n 1580._o after_o deliberation_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o prelate_n be_v pretend_v &_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o such_o shall_v dimit_v &_o leave_v the_o examine_v as_o a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n &_o this_o be_v before_o as_o be_v say_v above_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o the_o same_o assembly_n send_v some_o commissioner_n to_o his_o maj._n desire_v that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n until_o the_o meeting_n of_o a_o parliament_n 9_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1581._o at_o glasgow_n the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v explain_v &_o iâ—…_n be_v show_v that_o thereby_o the_o church_n do_v condemn_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n 10._o at_o this_o assembly_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v present_v &_o the_o plot_n of_o presbytery_n with_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o nobleman_n &_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n for_o further_a the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n &_o thus_o at_o the_o very_o present_v of_o the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v subscribe_v the_o king_n &_o the_o assembly_n agree_v in_o one_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v presbyterial_a &_o according_a to_o this_o harmonious_a desire_n presbytery_n be_v erect_v in_o several_a place_n 11._o in_o that_o same_o assembly_n the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o registres_n of_o the_o church_n &_o immediate_o after_o the_o covenant_n be_v insert_v that_o all_o posterity_n may_v see_v that_o the_o government_n which_o they_o swear_v to_o maintain_v &_o own_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n &_o thus_o that_o book_n of_o discipline_n &_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v 12._o anno_fw-la 1581._o the_o assembly_n will_v not_o suffer_v mr_n montgomery_n minister_n at_o sterlin_n to_o become_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n but_o command_v he_o to_o waire_z on_o his_o ministry_n at_o sterlin_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 13._o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o church_n a_o commission_n for_o erect_v of_o more_o presbytery_n be_v grant_v and_o a_o new_a ordinance_n make_v for_o subscribeing_n the_o covenant_n can_v any_o man_n now_o doubt_v what_o that_o government_n be_v which_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n own_v by_o that_o covenant_n 14._o anno_fw-la 1582._o a_o new_a commission_n be_v grant_v for_o erect_v of_o more_o presbytery_n &_o mr_n montgomery_n for_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o presbytery_n &_o prelacy_n be_v incompatible_a 15_o in_o another_o assembly_n that_o same_o year_n commission_n be_v give_v to_o some_o presbytery_n to_o try_v &_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o some_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o council_n to_o desire_v their_o approbation_n of_o a_o act_n for_o establish_v of_o presbytery_n synod_n &_o assembly_n do_v the_o church_n incline_v any_o thing_n to_o prelacy_n then_o 16._o anno_fw-la 1586._o it_o be_v determine_v at_o a_o assembly_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n officer_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n beside_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n &_o deacon_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n now_o 17._o anno_fw-la 1587._o it_o be_v ordain_v at_o a_o assembly_n that_o the_o admission_n of_o mr_n montgomery_n suppose_v but_o to_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o glasgow_n shall_v be_v annul_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n that_o slander_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o church_n 18._o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o letter_n draw_v up_o unto_o his_o maj._n show_v that_o they_o find_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o damn_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n 19_o anno_fw-la 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o of_o new_a the_o assembly_n desire_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n &_o discipline_n in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n 20._o it_o be_v ordain_v also_o that_o all_o intrant_n shall_v subscribe_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n especial_o the_o head_n controvert_v &_o also_o all_o who_o be_v present_o in_o office_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 21._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o the_o forementioned_a act_n be_v renew_v 22._o anno_fw-la 1592._o commissioner_n be_v send_v to_o attend_v the_o parliament_n &_o to_o desire_v a_o rescinde_v of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1584._o make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o of_o the_o church_n &_o a_o ratify_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n both_o which_o be_v grant_v now_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v from_o these_o particular_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n &_o whether_o these_o citation_n amount_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o this_o author_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o slight_v &_o undervalue_v so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v the_o pain_n take_v by_o that_o reverend_a assembly_n to_o clear_v the_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o first_o take_v it_o but_o he_o add_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o account_v unlawful_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n within_o six_o year_n after_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o name_n bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n &_o function_n thereto_o annex_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o a_o benefiâ—…e_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a anno_fw-la 1586._o there_o be_v a_o conference_n draw_v on_o at_o haly_n rude_a house_n by_o the_o king_n betwixt_o some_o minister_n &_o some_o who_o he_o do_v commissionat_a which_o do_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v a_o care_n of_o one_o flock_n that_o he_o