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
of_o the_o church_n by_o prelate_n be_v overturn_v church_n session_n be_v establish_v the_o way_n of_o election_n &_o trial_n of_o minister_n contrary_a to_o the_o episcopal_a way_n be_v appoint_v &_o several_a other_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o right_a govern_n of_o the_o church_n be_v determine_v be_v draw_v up_o &_o present_v to_o the_o conncell_n may_v 20._o 1560._o whereupon_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o council_n to_o this_o effect_n we_o who_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n have_v advise_v with_o the_o article_n therein_o specify_v as_o be_v above_o mention_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n think_v the_o same_o good_a &_o conform_v to_o godâ—…_n word_n in_o all_o point_n conform_v to_o the_o note_n &_o addition_n here_o to_o eek_z &_o promise_v to_o set_v the_o samme_fw-fr forward_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n provide_v that_o the_o bishop_n abbot_n prior_n &_o other_o prelate_n &_o benefice_a man_n who_o else_o have_v adjoin_v they_o to_o we_o bruik_fw-mi the_o revenue_n of_o their_o benefice_n during_o their_o life_n time_n they_o sustain_v &_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o minister_n as_o herein_o be_v specify_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administrate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o act_n be_v subscribe_v by_o twenty_o six_o nobleman_n &_o among_o the_o rest_n by_o mr._n gordon_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n &_o by_o the_o dean_n of_o murray_n spottswood_n in_o his_o history_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o this_o book_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o prelate_n that_o he_o say_v pag._n 174._o it_o be_v frame_v by_o john_n knox_n partly_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n &_o partly_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v see_v at_o geneva_n neither_fw-mi of_o which_o church_n do_v favour_n prelate_n it_o be_v true_a the_o late_a historian_n the_o archprelate_n will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o superintendent_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o that_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o bishop_n but_o his_o fondo_fw-la mistake_n in_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o who_o will_v but_o consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o what_o the_o thought_n be_v which_o this_o archprelate_n have_v of_o this_o book_n which_o treat_v of_o those_o superintendent_o as_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o john_n knox_n &_o famous_a knox_n first_o nor_o last_o be_v never_o a_o friend_n to_o prelate_n or_o prelacy_n 2._o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o reform_a church_n such_o as_o geneva_n and_o those_o of_o germany_n &_o these_o church_n know_v no_o prelate_n 3._o he_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a nor_o a_o dream_n &_o so_o can_v never_o take_v effect_n but_o have_v it_o be_v a_o establish_n of_o prelacy_n it_o have_v be_v no_o dream_n in_o his_o account_n and_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o it_o have_v take_v effect_n 4._o he_o will_v &_o wish_v that_o john_n knox_n have_v retain_v the_o old_a policy_n &_o so_o this_o book_n contain_v a_o policy_n distinct_a from_o the_o old_a policy_n &_o a_o policy_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o prelacy_n 2._o what_o the_o thought_n be_v which_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o reform_a religion_n have_v of_o it_o now_o they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o therefore_o after_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o they_o do_v supplicate_v the_o parliament_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n &_o of_o all_o that_o discipline_n which_o do_v flow_v there_o from_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o with_o the_o discipline_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n but_o 3._o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o think_v that_o these_o reformer_n be_v so_o inconsiderate_a asâ—…_n to_o set_v up_o prelate_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n when_o they_o be_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o pull_v they_o down_o with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o popish_a prelate_n alone_o which_o they_o be_v labour_v to_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o when_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v popish_a prelate_n before_o have_v relinquish_v popery_n &_o embrace_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o have_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o mr_n gordoun_n in_o galloway_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o to_o exerce_fw-la the_o power_n of_o superintendent_o mr_n gordoun_n with_o all_o his_o moyen_fw-fr can_v not_o obtain_v that_o power_n so_o that_o spotiswood_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o latin_a pamphlet_n call_v refutatio_fw-la libelli_fw-la de_fw-la regimine_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n pag._n 4._o &_o also_o in_o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o the_o former_a bishop_n who_o join_v with_o the_o reformer_n keep_v still_o their_o full_a power_n &_o jurisdiction_n bewray_v his_o impudence_n &_o falsehood_n his_o word_n in_o his_o epistle_n be_v these_o et_fw-la prasulibus_fw-la pristiâ—…s_fw-la modo_fw-la â—…idei_fw-la orthodoxa_fw-la non_fw-la restitissent_fw-la nec_fw-la ademptâ—…_n dignitas_fw-la nec_fw-la imminuta_fw-la fuisset_fw-la jurisdictio_fw-la quod_fw-la ita_fw-la liquet_fw-la ut_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la inâ—…iciari_fw-la sit_fw-la nâ—…gare_fw-la solemn_a in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la meridie_fw-la lucere_fw-la &_o in_o the_o book_n he_o say_v quotquot_fw-la autem_fw-la a_o puriore_fw-la cultu_fw-la non_fw-la abâ—…orrebant_fw-la â—…is_fw-la jâ—…_n utendi_fw-la fruendi_fw-la episcopatuum_fw-la fructibus_fw-la &_o privilegiis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la jurisdictio_fw-la etiam_fw-la quam_fw-la ante_fw-la usurpabant_fw-la quatâ—…nus_fw-la religionis_fw-la incolumâ—…t_fw-la as_o pateretur_fw-la continuata_fw-la this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o impudence_n thus_o to_o avow_v palpable_a untrueth_n &_o that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o historian_n may_v for_o ever_o after_o be_v suspect_v let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o his_o history_n which_o he_o write_v in_o english_a &_o which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v more_o easy_o understand_v &_o so_o discover_v his_o falsehood_n he_o dare_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o these_o bishop_n enjoy_v the_o rent_n of_o their_o benefice_n see_v pag._n 175._o moreover_o 4._o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n itself_o give_v the_o clear_a ground_n of_o their_o appoint_v of_o these_o superintendent_o in_o these_o word_n we_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o god_n have_v â—…ndued_v with_o his_o singular_a grace_n among_o we_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o several_a place_n there_o to_o make_v their_o continual_a residence_n that_o then_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o realm_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o all_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a murmur_n but_o also_o be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v think_v it_o expedient_a at_o this_o time_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a who_o perchance_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n true_o preach_v shall_v come_v to_o some_o knowledge_n and_o many_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n shall_v attain_v to_o some_o feel_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v provoke_v to_o seek_v far_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v nothing_o more_o earnest_o then_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v once_o universal_o preach_v throughout_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o superintendent_o be_v only_o choose_v for_o that_o present_a exigent_n when_o there_o be_v so_o few_o learned_a &_o able_a minister_n &_o so_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n destitute_a of_o minister_n so_o that_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a &_o the_o labourer_n very_o few_o superstition_n &_o popery_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n &_o people_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o continow_v therein_o have_v either_o no_o minister_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o or_o such_o only_a who_o be_v ready_a to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o superstitious_a course_n &_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n at_o that_o time_n while_o the_o church_n be_v but_o in_o siâ—…ri_n that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o able_a of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o travel_v through_o such_o &_o such_o place_n of_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o to_o see_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o faithful_a &_o able_a minister_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n but_o 5._o so_o cautious_a be_v the_o reformer_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v those_o to_o be_v bishop_n either_o in_o name_n or_o thing_n for_o as_o their_o work_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o they_o give_v they_o a_o extraordinary_a name_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o who_o have_v be_v bishop_n before_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n to_o
andrews_n nou._n 25._o 1617._o at_o this_o assembly_n no_o more_o can_v be_v get_v yield_v to_o but_o private_a communion_n &_o that_o minister_n shall_v give_v the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n to_o each_o communicant_a but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o maj._n &_o therefore_o he_o write_v sharp_a letter_n to_o the_o archbishop_n &_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v on_o christmas_n day_n &_o to_o celebrat_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n anno_fw-la 1618._o there_o be_v another_o meeting_n call_v at_o perth_n august_n 25_o unto_o which_o the_o king_n send_v seven_o nobleman_n &_o fifteen_o baron_n &_o gentleman_n spotiswood_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o moderate_v &_o read_v the_o king_n minace_v letter_n &_o name_v a_o committee_n for_o the_o articl_n nothing_o regard_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o gratify_v the_o king_n the_o honest_a party_n offer_v reason_n both_o for_o a_o delay_n &_o against_o the_o ceremony_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a spotiswood_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v send_v all_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o refuse_v unto_o the_o king_n &_o ask_v the_o vote_n of_o many_o who_o have_v no_o commission_n &_o so_o obtain_v what_o the_o desire_a for_o all_o accord_v unto_o the_o five_o article_n viz_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n private_a communion_n private_a baptism_n observation_n of_o holy_a day_n &_o confirmation_n of_o child_n except_o one_o nobleman_n one_o doctor_z 45._o minister_n but_o when_o the_o honest_a party_n look_v back_o to_o the_o many_o informality_n at_o this_o meeting_n 1._o no_o lawful_a premonition_n but_o only_o 20_o day_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o be_v absent_a 2._o no_o liberty_n to_o choose_v a_o moderator_n 3._o no_o free_a dispute_v or_o vote_a but_o member_n overawe_v 4._o the_o assembly_n prelimited_a by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o article_n 5._o such_o as_o want_v commission_n do_v vote_n &_o other_o who_o have_v commission_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o vote_n etc._n etc._n they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n &_o publish_v their_o reason_n in_o print_n after_o the_o dissolve_v of_o this_o meeting_n spotiswood_n to_o make_v all_o sure_a ratify_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o high_a commission_n &_o though_o he_o &_o other_o have_v say_v that_o if_o they_o will_v give_v way_n to_o the_o pass_v of_o the_o act_n to_o humour_n his_o maj._n no_o man_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o obey_v yet_o now_o by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o high_a commission_n they_o force_v many_o to_o obey_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o deposition_n imprisonement_n &_o confinement_n &_o so_o they_o rage_n without_o all_o law_n but_o at_o length_n anno_fw-la 1621._o there_o be_v a_o parliament_n convene_v unto_o which_o the_o honest_a minister_n give_v in_o a_o supplication_n for_o safe_a liberty_n to_o enjoy_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n saorament_n &_o discipline_n &_o open_o profess_v swear_v &_o practise_v by_o prince_n pastor_n &_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n without_o innovation_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o faithful_a honest_a minister_n to_o be_v smite_v &_o the_o stock_n to_o be_v commit_v to_o wolf_n &_o blind_a guide_n but_o july_n 24._o they_o be_v all_o discharge_v forth_o of_o the_o town_n by_o open_a proclamation_n the_o presenter_n of_o the_o petition_n mr_n andrew_n duncane_n minister_v be_v crail_n be_v incarcerate_v when_o the_o minister_n remove_v conform_v to_o the_o proclamation_n they_o leave_v in_o write_v behind_o they_o strong_a reason_n why_o the_o parliament_n shall_v not_o ratify_v the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_v assembly_n at_o perth_n &_o show_v both_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o point_n of_o formality_n &_o the_o illegality_n of_o any_o such_o ratification_n as_o be_v against_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n his_o maj._n proclamation_n publish_v &_o print_v &_o the_o national_n covenant_n &_o upon_o several_a other_o ground_n as_o also_o they_o leave_v a_o most_o christian_n &_o faithful_a admonition_n to_o the_o well_o affect_a nobility_n baron_n &_o burgese_n member_n of_o parliament_n unto_o constancy_n &_o faithfulness_n yea_o moreover_o in_o case_n all_o this_o shall_v not_o prevail_v they_o leave_v a_o protestation_n in_o write_v but_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v it_o to_o present_a goat_n not_o access_n &_o so_o be_v force_v to_o affix_v copy_n thereof_o upon_o public_a place_n of_o the_o town_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o have_v these_o article_n ratify_v which_o make_v some_o honest_a member_n with_o draw_v several_a informality_n be_v use_v contrary_a to_o the_o usual_a freedom_n of_o parliament_n much_o pain_n take_v to_o gain_v some_o &_o after_o the_o report_n be_v make_v to_o go_v that_o the_o parliament_n will_v not_o rise_v for_o several_a day_n to_o come_v which_o make_v several_a member_n the_o more_o secure_a saturday_n the_o 4_o of_o august_n be_v pitch_v upon_o as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o close_v of_o the_o business_n &_o all_o the_o article_n be_v put_v together_o &_o the_o question_n state_v aggree_n or_o disaggree_v &_o what_o by_o one_o way_n &_o another_o the_o act_n be_v ratify_v but_o observable_a it_o be_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v his_o protestation_n against_o this_o ratification_n from_o heaven_n though_o spotiswood_n blasphemous_o parallele_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n show_v of_o himself_o at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n for_o at_o the_o very_a instant_n when_o the_o king_n commissioner_n arise_v to_o touch_v this_o act_n with_o the_o sceptre_n there_o come_v in_o at_o the_o window_n a_o great_a lightning_n &_o after_o that_o another_o great_a &_o then_o a_o three_o most_o terrible_a immediate_o there_o follow_v a_o extraordinary_a darkness_n astonish_v all_o the_o lightning_n be_v second_v with_o three_o terrible_a clap_n of_o thunder_n &_o then_o their_o come_v a_o extradinary_a great_a shower_n of_o hail_n &_o after_o all_o this_o such_o a_o terrible_a shower_n of_o rain_n that_o make_v the_o street_n to_o run_v like_o river_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o parliament_n be_v constrain_v to_o stay_v within_o door_n a_o hour_n &_o a_o half_a &_o go_v home_o thereafter_o without_o their_o robe_n upon_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n when_o these_o act_n be_v publish_v at_o the_o cross_n the_o minister_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o protestation_n affix_v a_o copy_n thereof_o upon_o the_o church_n door_n &_o another_o upon_o the_o cross_n &_o a_o three_o upon_o the_o palace_n gate_n of_o haliroodhouse_n &_o take_v instrument_n in_o these_o word_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n profess_v the_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o our_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o same_o i_o protest_v against_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v conclude_v in_o prejudice_n of_o our_o privilege_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n thereof_o &_o adhere_v to_o my_o former_a protestation_n make_v &_o fix_v on_o the_o tolbooth_n door_n &_o other_o place_n &_o to_o all_o the_o protestation_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o precede_a parliament_n and_n god_n from_o heaven_n do_v declare_v his_o dissent_n for_o dure_v the_o time_n of_o the_o read_n of_o these_o act_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o thunder_n fire_n lightning_n &_o rain_n and_o thereafter_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o whole_a country_n feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o anger_n for_o the_o corn_n do_v rot_v through_o excessive_a reins_n water_n become_v so_o great_a that_o they_o sweep_v away_o in_o several_a place_n corn_n cattle_n house_n plenish_n people_n &_o all_o the_o great_a bridge_n of_o perth_n where_o these_o act_n be_v first_o conclude_v be_v take_v away_o &_o never_o repair_v to_o this_o day_n yea_o &_o the_o whole_a town_n almost_o drown_v many_o of_o the_o sea-towne_n which_o favour_v the_o article_n receive_v great_a damage_n by_o sea_n and_o there_o follow_v three_o year_n dearth_n &_o famine_n &_o epidemic_a disease_n whereof_o many_o die_v thus_o do_v the_o lord_n plead_v from_o heaven_n his_o controversy_n &_o testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o those_o course_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o the_o prelate_n have_v now_o all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n prosecute_v their_o work_n &_o tyrannize_v over_o all_o rank_n so_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o cross_v their_o command_n than_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n himself_o for_o they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o bound_n such_o gentleman_n as_o they_o please_v imprison_a what_o magistrate_n they_o think_v fit_a upon_o any_o light_a occasion_n be_v it_o but_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o own_o old_a minister_n after_o he_o have_v be_v silence_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o not_o sist_z
call_v god_n &_o the_o king_n late_o reprint_v &_o publish_v by_o his_o maj._n royal_a proclaâ—…tion_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n in_o their_o duty_n &_o allegiance_n for_o thus_o be_v that_o oath_n word_v ay_o a._n b._n do_v true_o &_o sincere_o acknowledge_v profess_v tostifie_v &_o declare_v in_o my_o conscience_n before_o god_n &_o the_o world_n that_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n king_n james_n be_v lawful_a and_o â—…ightfull_a king_n of_o this_o realm_n &_o of_o all_o other_o his_o maj._n dominion_n &_o country_n &_o that_o the_o pope_n neither_o of_o himself_o nor_o by_o any_o authority_n by_o the_o church_n &_o see_v of_o rome_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n with_o any_o other_o have_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o depose_v the_o king_n or_o to_o dispose_v of_o any_o of_o his_o maj._n dominion_n or_o kingdom_n or_o to_o authorise_v any_o foreign_a prince_n to_o invade_v or_o annoy_v he_o or_o his_o country_n or_o to_o discharge_v any_o of_o his_o subject_n of_o their_o allegiance_n &_o obedience_n to_o his_o maj._n or_o to_o give_v licence_n or_o leave_v to_o any_o of_o they_o to_z bear_v arm_n raise_v tumult_n or_o to_o offer_v any_o violence_n or_o hurt_v to_o his_o maj._n royal_a person_n state_n or_o government_n or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o maj._n subject_n within_o his_o maj._n dominion_n also_o i_o do_v swear_v from_o my_o heart_n that_o notwithstanding_o any_o declaration_n or_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o deprivation_n make_v or_o grant_v or_o to_o be_v make_v or_o grant_v by_o the_o pope_n or_o his_o successor_n or_o by_o any_o authority_n derive_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o or_o he_o see_v against_o the_o say_a king_n his_o 〈◊〉_d or_o successor_n or_o any_o absolution_n of_o the_o say_n subject_n from_o their_o obedience_n i_o will_v beâ—…_n faith_n &_o true_a allegiance_n to_o his_o maj._n his_o air_n &_o successor_n &_o he_o &_o they_o will_v defend_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n against_o all_o conspiracy_n &_o attempt_n whatsoever_o which_o shall_v be_v make_v against_o his_o or_o their_o person_n their_o crown_n &_o dignity_n by_o â—…easone_n or_o colour_n of_o any_o such_o sentence_n &_o declaration_n or_o otherwise_o &_o will_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o disclose_v &_o make_v know_v unto_o his_o maj._n his_o air_n &_o successor_n all_o treason_n or_o treitour_n or_o conspiracy_n which_o i_o shall_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o to_o be_v against_o he_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o i_o do_v further_a swear_v that_o i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n abhoâ—…e_n detest_v &_o abjure_v as_o impious_a &_o heretical_a this_o damnable_a doctrine_n &_o position_n that_o prince_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o deprive_v by_o the_o pope_n may_v be_v depose_v or_o murder_v by_o their_o subject_n or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v &_o in_o conscience_n be_o resolve_v that_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o person_n what_o soever_o have_v power_n to_o absolve_v i_o of_o this_o oath_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o which_o i_o acknowledge_v by_o good_a &_o lawful_a authority_n to_o be_v lawful_o minister_v unto_o i_o and_o do_v reâ—…unce_v all_o pardon_n &_o dispensation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o do_v plane_o &_o sincere_o acknowledge_v &_o swear_v according_a to_o these_o express_a word_n by_o i_o speak_v &_o according_a to_o the_o plain_a &_o common_a sense_n &_o understanding_n of_o the_o same_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a evasion_n or_o secret_a reservation_n whatsoever_o and_o i_o do_v make_v this_o recognition_n &_o acknowledgement_n hearty_o willing_o &_o true_o upon_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o a_o christian._n so_o help_v i_o god_n this_o be_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n &_o how_o far_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a which_o be_v late_o tender_v be_v easy_o discern_v these_o few_o word_n in_o the_o short_a oath_n only_a supreme_a governor_n in_o this_o kingdom_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n contain_v the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o &_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o scruple_n for_o they_o hold_v forth_o two_o thing_n the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o matter_n civil_a &_o his_o supremacy_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v true_a minister_n ought_v both_o to_o be_v &_o to_o carry_v duti_fw-la full_o as_o become_v subject_n &_o to_o refuise_v nothing_o lawful_a which_o be_v require_v of_o subject_n but_o oath_n be_v matter_n about_o which_o much_o tenderness_n &_o carefulness_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v it_o become_v minister_n to_o look_v well_o to_o this_o &_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o oath_n rash_o advisement_n &_o deliberation_n be_v most_o requisite_a here_o especial_o in_o a_o time_n when_o snare_n abound_v &_o when_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o oath_n be_v tender_v of_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o the_o conscience_n the_o oath_n as_o to_o it_o be_v substance_n or_o main_a thing_n intend_v which_o lie_v wrap_v up_o in_o those_o few_o word_n last_o cite_v be_v not_o as_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o so_o clear_a as_o oath_n ought_v to_o be_v yea_o the_o imposer_n themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o but_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v word_v in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v only_o scruple_v at_o &_o which_o contain_v the_o substance_n &_o main_a thing_n intend_v it_o be_v at_o best_a ambiguous_a &_o general_a &_o for_o this_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o forbear_v to_o swear_v the_o same_o and_o that_o because_o every_o oath_n must_v be_v swear_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n &_o in_o righteousness_n jer._n 4_o 2._o but_o a_o unclear_a &_o ambiguous_a oath_n can_v be_v swear_v in_o truth_n because_o it_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o what_o be_v ambiguous_a be_v not_o true_a as_o doctor_n sanderson_n say_v the_o jur_n promis_fw-fr oblige_v prael_n 6._o §_o 10._o a_o preposition_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a &_o indefinite_a sense_n before_o the_o matter_n be_v distinguish_v be_v not_o a_o true_a proposition_n yea_o nor_o a_o proposition_n at_o all_o for_o a_o proposition_n as_o its_o definition_n clear_v shall_v signify_v either_o a_o truth_n or_o a_o falsehood_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n and_o therefore_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o king_n be_v only_o supreme_a governous_a over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n be_v ambiguous_a till_o it_o be_v clare_v by_o some_o distinction_n can_v be_v swear_v in_o truth_n because_o the_o truth_n thereof_o can_v be_v know_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n because_o such_o as_o swear_v it_o can_v be_v sure_a but_o that_o in_o take_v that_o oath_n they_o may_v be_v wrong_v other_o wrong_v parliament_n &_o which_o be_v worse_o wrong_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v king_n &_o head_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v swear_v in_o judgement_n because_o its_o meaning_n can_v be_v know_v but_o now_o see_v the_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o substantial_a part_n as_o it_o be_v now_o word_v be_v ambiguous_a &_o unclear_a reason_n will_v require_v that_o the_o tenderer_n thereof_o shall_v explain_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o &_o make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o may_v be_v but_o when_o this_o be_v refuise_v what_o can_v such_o do_v who_o be_v press_v to_o take_v that_o oath_n but_o refuise_v the_o same_o partly_o because_o of_o its_o ambiguity_n &_o partly_o because_o by_o the_o sense_n which_o by_o their_o other_o act_n &_o act_n they_o who_o tender_v it_o do_v put_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v to_o to_o be_v most_o unlawful_a all_o divine_n &_o casuist_n do_v grant_v that_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v take_v in_o his_o sense_n &_o meaning_n in_o who_o favour_n &_o for_o who_o sake_n &_o faifty_a it_o be_v conceive_v &_o who_o tender_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o sense_n the_o act_n &_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n do_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o civil_a part_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o here_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v no_o other_o explication_n need_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o then_o what_o they_o give_v forth_o in_o their_o act_n on_o record_n all_o which_o to_o cite_v here_o at_o length_n will_v be_v tedious_a the_o cite_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o maj._n prorogative_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o 11_o act_n anno_fw-la 1661._o &_o where_o the_o substance_n of_o many_o precede_a act_n be_v sum_v up_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o here_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o inherent_a privilege_n of_o the_o crown_n &_o a_o undowbted_a part_n of_o the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n of_o
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 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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 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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