endure_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o own_o test._n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o inquire_v whither_o they_o have_v stick_v so_o precise_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformer_n that_o they_o be_v in_o bona_n fide_fw-la to_o insist_v on_o such_o a_o topick_n and_o i_o think_v they_o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v notorious_o desert_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformer_n i._o in_o the_o faith_n ii_o in_o the_o worship_n iii_o in_o the_o discipline_n and_o iv._o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i._o i_o say_v they_o have_v forsake_v our_o reformer_n as_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reformer_n digest_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n anno_fw-la 1560._o they_o get_v it_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n that_o same_o year_n it_o be_v again_o ratify_v anno_fw-la 1567._o and_o in_o many_o subsequent_a parliament_n it_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v the_o public_a authorize_v standard_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o national_a church_n for_o more_o than_o eighty_o year_n our_o reformer_n design_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o national_a church_n for_o ever_o when_o the_o baron_n and_o minister_n give_v in_o their_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n for_o one_fw-mi establishment_n of_o the_o reformation_n anno_fw-la 1560._o they_o be_v call_v upon_o and_o commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o to_o draw_v into_o plain_a and_o several_a head_n the_o sum_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v maintain_v and_o will_v desire_v the_o parliament_n to_o establish_v as_o wholesome_a true_a and_o only_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v receive_v within_o the_o realm_n and_o they_o willing_o accept_v the_o command_n and_o within_o four_o day_n present_v the_o confession_n which_o be_v ratify_v 220._o and_o that_o its_o establishment_n may_v pass_v with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n and_o formality_n of_o law_n the_o earl_n marshal_v protest_v that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v alter_v 279._o yet_o now_o our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n have_v set_v up_o a_o quite_o different_a standard_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o westminster_n confession_n and_o have_v get_v it_o now_o ratify_v by_o this_o current_a parliament_n anno_fw-la 1690._o it_o be_v never_o before_o ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n i_o call_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a standard_n of_o faith_n indeed_o whosoever_o diligent_o compare_v both_o confession_n shall_v ready_o find_v it_o such_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v many_o thing_n keep_v out_o of_o the_o westminster_n confession_n which_o be_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o reformer_n and_o many_o thing_n put_v in_o the_o westminster_n confession_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o reformer_n and_o many_o thing_n nice_o minutely_o precise_o and_o peremptory_o determine_v and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o mysterious_a matter_n in_o the_o westminster_n confession_n which_o our_o reformer_n think_v fit_a as_o be_v indeed_o proper_a to_o express_v in_o very_a general_n and_o accommodable_a term_n but_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o not_o a_o few_o plain_n evident_a and_o irreconcilable_a contradiction_n and_o now_o by_o this_o present_a parliament_n in_o its_o last_o session_n particular_o upon_o the_o twelve_o day_n of_o june_n anno_fw-la 1693_o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o no_o person_n be_v admit_v or_o continue_v for_o hereafter_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o preacher_n within_o this_o church_n unless_o he_o subscribe_v the_o westminster_n confession_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o own_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n to_o which_o he_o will_v constant_o adhere_v and_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o and_o own_o god_n know_v how_o many_o proposition_n not_o only_o not_o require_v nor_o profess_v by_o our_o reformer_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o principle_n and_o now_o let_v the_o world_n judge_n if_o our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o our_o reformer_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n ii_o they_o have_v forsake_v they_o yet_o more_o in_o the_o point_n of_o worship_n and_o here_o a_o vast_a field_n open_v for_o to_o this_o head_n i_o reduce_v artificial_o or_o inartificial_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o i_o adduce_v nothing_o but_o wherein_o our_o brethren_n have_v desert_v our_o reformer_n the_o public_a prayer_n the_o public_a praise_n the_o public_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o their_o ceremony_n solemnity_n and_o circumstance_n etc._n etc._n general_o whatever_o use_v to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o liturgy_n 1._o in_o the_o general_n our_o reformer_n be_v far_o from_o condemn_v liturgy_n or_o set-form_n in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o they_o prefer_v public_a composure_n to_o these_o that_o be_v private_a composure_n digest_v by_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o the_o church_n to_o composure_n digest_v by_o the_o private_a spirit_n of_o particular_a minister_n and_o premeditate_a and_o well_o digest_v composure_n though_o perform_v by_o private_a person_n to_o the_o too_o frequent_o rash_a indigested_a incomposed_a performance_n of_o the_o extemporary_a gift_n they_o prefer_v office_n which_o be_v the_o production_n of_o grave_n sedate_n well_o ponder_v thought_n to_o office_n which_o be_v most_o the_o production_n of_o animal_n heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o fancy_n john_n knox_n himself_o one_o who_o have_v as_o much_o fire_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o have_v give_v scope_n to_o the_o extemporary_a spirit_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v as_o any_o of_o our_o reformer_n have_v even_o a_o set_a form_n of_o grace_n or_o thanksgiving_n after_o meat_n 366._o he_o have_v a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o public_a after_o sermon_n 384._o and_o he_o have_v set-form_n of_o prayer_n read_v every_o day_n in_o his_o family_n 266._o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o principle_n ouâ—_n reformer_n for_o seven_o year_n together_o use_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v when_o by_o the_o importunity_n and_o persuasion_n of_o john_n knox_n principal_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o not_o only_o they_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o the_o english_a liturgy_n they_o continue_v still_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o from_o condemn_v liturgy_n they_o do_v not_o lay_v it_o aside_o to_o take_v up_o none_o they_o choose_v another_o to_o succeed_v it_o they_o choose_v that_o which_o go_v then_o general_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o order_n of_o geneva_n or_o the_o book_n of_o common_a order_n since_o under_o the_o name_n of_o knox_n liturgy_n or_o the_o old_a scottish_a liturgy_n this_o liturgy_n continue_v in_o use_n not_o only_o all_o the_o time_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n subsist_v by_o imparity_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o even_o for_o many_o decade_n of_o year_n after_o the_o presbyterian_a spirit_n and_o party_n turn_v prevalent_a it_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o use_v and_o in_o so_o good_a esteem_n that_o when_o it_o be_v move_v by_o some_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o burnt-island_n in_o march_n anno_fw-la 1601._o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a prayer_n in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o convenient_a for_o these_o time_n and_o a_o change_n be_v desirable_a the_o assembly_n reject_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v good_a that_o the_o prayer_n already_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n shall_v neither_o be_v alter_v nor_o delete_v but_o if_o any_o brother_n will_v have_v any_o other_o prayer_n add_v as_o more_o proper_a for_o the_o time_n they_o shall_v first_o present_v they_o to_o be_v try_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 558._o here_o indeed_o be_v caution_n and_o concern_v about_o the_o public_a worship_n worthy_a of_o a_o general_n assembly_n nay_o the_o first-rate_a presbyterian_o themselves_o use_v the_o book_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o other_o people_n when_o mr._n robert_n bruce_n of_o who_o zeal_n for_o the_o good_a cause_n no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v doubt_v be_v relegated_a to_o innerness_n anno_fw-la 1605._o he_o remain_v there_o four_o year_n teach_v every_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n and_o every_o wednesday_n and_o exercise_v at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o prayer_n every_o other_o night_n 496._o and_o master_n john_n strimgeour_n another_o prime_a champion_n for_o the_o cause_n when_o he_o appear_v before_o the_o high_a commission_n march_v 1_o anno_fw-la 1620_o and_o be_v challenge_v for_o not_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n particular_o for_o not_o minister_a the_o eucharist_n to_o the_o people_n on_o their_o knee_n answer_v there_o be_v no_o warrantable_a form_n direct_v or_o approven_v by_o the_o kirk_n beside_o that_o
mers_n winram_n for_o fife_n the_o laird_n of_o dun_n for_o angus_n and_o merns_n willock_n for_o glasgow_n and_o carsewell_n for_o argyle_n and_o the_o isle_n these_o be_v all_o who_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o knox_n and_o spotswood_n 149._o and_o spotswood_n add_v with_o this_o small_a number_n be_v the_o plantation_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o undertake_v and_o can_v we_o think_v though_o all_o these_o have_v be_v presbyter_n due_o ordain_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o carry_v on_o the_o scottish_a reformation_n far_o yet_o 4._o petrie_n 222._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o dec._n 1560_o consist_v of_o 44_o person_n and_o i_o find_v exact_o 44_o name_n record_v in_o my_o mss._n extract_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n but_o of_o all_o these_o 44_o there_o be_v not_o above_o nine_o at_o most_o who_o be_v call_v minister_n so_o that_o at_o least_o more_o than_o thirty_o be_v but_o lay-brethren_n according_a to_o the_o then_o way_n of_o reckon_a probable_o they_o be_v general_o such_o if_o you_o speak_v in_o the_o dialect_n and_o reckon_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o short_a 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o any_o who_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n than_o that_o they_o be_v general_o layman_n who_o promote_v our_o violent_a and_o disorder_v reformation_n as_o spotswood_n just_o call_v it_o 60._o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o be_v one_o argument_n which_o prevail_v with_o our_o reformer_n to_o declare_v against_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n and_o apostolic_a ceremony_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o head_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n 154._o and_o as_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o deduce_v matter_n as_o to_o my_o first_o enquiry_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a to_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o it_o but_o i_o have_v no_o inclination_n for_o it_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o piety_n in_o dispatch_n when_o the_o long_a one_o insist_o on_o a_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o must_v still_o the_o more_o expose_v the_o failure_n of_o our_o reformation_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o reformer_n proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n whether_o our_o scottish_a reformer_n whatever_o their_o character_n be_v be_v of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a principle_n whether_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o parity_n and_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n among_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o enquiry_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v pretty_a far_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o main_a question_n for_o the_o article_n as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o take_v it_o aim_n at_o this_o that_o our_o reformation_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o such_o a_o dislike_n to_o prelacy_n or_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n as_o make_v prelacy_n or_o such_o a_o superiority_n ever_o since_o a_o great_a and_o insupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_v to_o this_o nation_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o article_n what_o else_o be_v it_o than_o that_o our_o reformer_n be_v presbyterian_a but_o whether_o or_o not_o this_o be_v true_o intend_v as_o it_o be_v true_o very_o hard_o to_o know_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o article_n this_o be_v certain_a this_o enquiry_n be_v material_a and_o pertinent_a and_o if_o it_o face_n not_o the_o article_n direct_o undoubted_o iâ—_n do_v it_o by_o fair_a consequence_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n use_v with_o confidence_n enough_o to_o assert_v that_o our_o reformer_n be_v of_o their_o principle_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a argument_n by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o influence_n the_o populace_n and_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o go_v as_o near_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v and_o set_v it_o in_o its_o due_a light_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v competent_o do_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v attentive_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o follow_a deduction_n and_o i._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o while_o our_o reformation_n be_v on_o the_o wheel_n and_o for_o some_o year_n after_o its_o public_a establishment_n there_o be_v no_o such_o controversy_n agitate_a in_o europe_n as_o this_o concern_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o parity_n or_o imparity_n among_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n pretend_v universal_a headship_n be_v call_v in_o question_n indeed_o and_o call_v in_o question_n it_o be_v run_v down_o with_o all_o imaginable_a reason_n some_o year_n before_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o reformation_n that_o controversy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o which_o be_v accurate_o ventilate_v by_o the_o patron_n of_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o consider_v what_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o pontifician_n it_o be_v likewise_o true_a that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n be_v inquire_v into_o in_o most_o province_n every_o where_o where_o the_o truth_n begin_v to_o dawn_n and_o the_o reformation_n be_v encourage_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o in_o such_o scrutiny_n bishop_n will_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o general_a defection_n from_o the_o ancient_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o the_o vast_a dissimilitude_n between_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o same_o order_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n both_o as_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o trust_n and_o their_o way_n of_o live_v and_o who_o doubt_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v too_o general_o culpable_a it_o be_v far_a true_a that_o some_o country_n when_o they_o reform_v religion_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n they_o erect_v as_o they_o think_v their_o civil_a constitution_n can_v best_a bear_v they_o and_o have_v once_o set_v they_o up_o what_o wonder_v if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o justify_v they_o and_o maintain_v their_o lawfulness_n thus_o for_o instance_n mr._n calvin_n erect_v a_o model_n of_o the_o democratical_a size_n at_o geneva_n because_o that_o state_n have_v then_o cast_v itself_o into_o a_o democracy_n and_o the_o protestant_n in_o france_n partly_o for_o conveniency_n partly_o in_o imitation_n of_o calvin_n platform_n fall_v upon_o a_o method_n of_o govern_v their_o church_n without_o bishop_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v with_o some_o other_o church_n as_o in_o switzerland_n etc._n etc._n while_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n other_o church_n think_v it_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o reform_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n without_o alter_v the_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n but_o then_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o history_n that_o all_o this_o while_n from_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o the_o reformation_n i_o mean_v till_o some_o year_n after_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o our_o reformation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o controversy_n insist_v on_o by_o protestant_n either_o in_o their_o debate_n with_o the_o papist_n or_o with_o one_o another_o as_o that_o about_o the_o divine_a and_o unalterable_a institution_n of_o parity_n or_o imparity_n among_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o challenge_v my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o protestant_a confession_n of_o faith_n for_o their_o side_n of_o the_o question_n nay_o more_o i_o dare_v challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o protestant_a divine_a of_o note_n who_o in_o these_o time_n maintain_v their_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n who_o maintain_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o imparity_n among_o christian_a pastor_n before_o theodore_n beza_n do_v it_o if_o he_o do_v it_o sure_o i_o be_o they_o can_v without_o the_o great_a impudence_n pretend_v that_o mr._n calvin_n the_o only_a transmarine_a divine_a i_o can_v find_v consult_v by_o our_o reformer_n about_o matter_n relate_v to_o our_o reformation_n be_v of_o their_o principle_n for_o whoso_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o consult_v his_o commentary_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n particular_o on_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o or_o some_o chapter_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n of_o institution_n or_o his_o book_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o his_o epistle_n particular_o his_o epistle_n direct_v to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n date_v octob._n 22._o 1548._o or_o to_o cranmer_n archbishop_n of_o
canterbury_n 135._o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n 316._o to_o ithavius_fw-la bishop_n of_o vladislavia_n date_v decem._n 1_o an._n 1558_o col._n or_o his_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n if_o a_o bishop_n or_o curate_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n 466._o or_o last_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o king_n of_o poland_n 190._o wherein_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o pride_n and_o ambition_n that_o introduce_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v indeed_o her_o patriarch_n and_o primate_fw-la for_o the_o expedition_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n as_o if_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o poland_n one_o archbishop_n shall_v have_v the_o precedency_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o that_o he_o may_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o but_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o for_o cherish_n unity_n among_o his_o colleague_n and_o brethren_n and_o next_o to_o he_o there_o shall_v be_v provincial_a or_o city_n bishop_n for_o keep_v all_o thing_n orderly_o in_o the_o church_n nature_n teach_v say_v he_o that_o from_o every_o college_n incumbat_fw-la one_o shall_v be_v choose_v who_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a management_n of_o affair_n but_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n for_o one_o man_n as_o the_o pope_n do_v to_o arrogate_v that_o to_o himself_o which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a ability_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o whole_a universe_n whoso_o shall_v perpend_v these_o write_n of_o mr._n calvin_n i_o say_v shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v very_o far_o from_o maintain_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n nay_o far_a yet_o i_o challenge_v my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n upon_o their_o ingenuity_n to_o tell_v i_o whither_o it_o be_v not_o a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o 1560._o that_o beza_n himself_o the_o true_a founder_n of_o their_o sect_n condemn_v prelacy_n if_o he_o do_v condemn_v it_o i_o say_v if_o he_o do_v maintain_v the_o necessity_n of_o parity_n and_o condemn_v prelacy_n for_o however_o he_o may_v seem_v upon_o several_a occasion_n not_o only_o to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o represent_v it_o as_o the_o most_o eligible_a but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o found_v it_o on_o scripture_n and_o represent_v episcopacy_n as_o a_o humane_a invention_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v that_o any_o where_o 〈◊〉_d call_v it_o absolute_o or_o simple_o unlawful_a on_o the_o contrary_a he_o say_v in_o express_a term_n propositam_fw-la that_o it_o be_v tolerable_a when_o it_o be_v due_o bound_v when_o the_o pure_a canon_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v keep_v in_o vigour_n to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o proper_a limit_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o be_v not_o for_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o our_o modern_a presbyterian_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o government_n be_v episcopal_a as_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v full_o from_o his_o letter_n so_o that_o whatever_o great_a degree_n of_o dislike_n to_o episcopacy_n he_o may_v have_v discover_v beyond_o his_o predecessor_n mr._n calvin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o his_o great_a aim_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o justify_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o live_v in_o and_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o whole_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o if_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o controversy_n agitate_a all_o the_o time_n our_o church_n be_v a_o reform_v nor_o for_o a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o then_o we_o have_v one_o fair_a presumption_n that_o our_o reformer_n be_v not_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o indispensibility_n of_o parity_n that_o be_v the_o side_n of_o a_o question_n which_o in_o these_o time_n be_v not_o begin_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o this_o presumption_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o ponderous_a if_o ii_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o reformer_n have_v any_o peculiar_a motive_n or_o occasion_n for_o advert_v to_o the_o pretend_a evil_n of_o prelacy_n or_o any_o peculiar_a interest_n to_o determine_v they_o for_o parity_n beyond_o other_o church_n or_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sharp-sighted_a to_o espy_v fault_n in_o prelacy_n or_o have_v opportunity_n or_o inclination_n to_o search_v more_o diligent_o or_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o these_o matter_n than_o other_o reformer_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o great_a one_o which_o take_v up_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o reformer_n and_o employ_v their_o most_o serious_a application_n this_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o who_o consider_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o so_o very_o obvious_a that_o g._n r._n himself_o fair_o confess_v it_o in_o his_o first_o vind._o ad_fw-la quest._n 1._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o error_n and_o idolatry_n of_o that_o way_n mean_v popery_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o of_o such_o immediate_a hazard_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o reformer_n mind_v these_o first_o and_o main_o and_o think_v it_o a_o great_a step_n to_o get_v these_o remove_v so_o that_o they_o take_v some_o more_o time_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o confess_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o their_o main_a think_v which_o indeed_o be_v very_o true_a and_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o who_o consider_v what_o a_o lame_a scheme_n be_v then_o dress_v up_o by_o they_o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o our_o reformer_n be_v more_o employ_v in_o reform_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o in_o think_v about_o church_n government_n from_o which_o together_o with_o the_o former_a presumption_n which_o be_v that_o our_o present_a controversy_n be_v not_o begin_v to_o be_v agitate_a in_o these_o time_n one_o of_o two_o thing_n must_v follow_v unavoidable_o viz._n either_o 1._o that_o if_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a and_o indispensible_a right_n of_o parity_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n their_o authority_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v value_v in_o a_o question_n about_o which_o they_o have_v think_v so_o little_a or_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v they_o be_v not_o for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n that_o be_v the_o side_n of_o a_o question_n which_o be_v not_o then_o agitate_a in_o any_o protestant_a church_n and_o as_o little_a in_o scotland_n as_o any_o to_o be_v ingenuous_a i_o think_v both_o inference_n good_a though_o it_o be_v only_o the_o last_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o at_o present_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o iii_o so_o far_o as_o my_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v i_o i_o have_v have_v a_o special_a eye_n on_o all_o our_o reformer_n as_o i_o find_v they_o in_o our_o history_n i_o have_v notice_v their_o sentiment_n about_o church_n government_n as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v and_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o among_o they_o who_o have_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o assert_v the_o divine_a and_o unalterable_a right_n of_o parity_n by_o our_o reformer_n here_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o martyr_n or_o 2._o confessor_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n before_o it_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o civil_a authority_n or_o 3._o such_o as_o live_v when_o it_o be_v public_o establish_v and_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o perfection_n such_o i_o think_v and_o such_o only_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o our_o reformer_n and_o here_o again_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o challenge_v my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n to_o adduce_v clear_a and_o plain_a proof_n that_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o man_n of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o our_o reformer_n be_v of_o the_o present_a principle_n of_o the_o party_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o seem_v to_o have_v lay_v no_o great_a stress_n on_o holy_a order_n and_o to_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o personal_a gift_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o sufficient_a call_v to_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_a office_n thus_o that_o excellent_a person_n mr._n george_n wishart_n who_o in_o most_o thing_n seem_v to_o have_v just_a notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n spirit_n than_o most_o of_o our_o other_o reformer_n when_o at_o his_o trial_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o this_o article_n that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o another_o man_n answer_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o st._n john_n say_v of_o all_o christian_n he_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n and_o st._n peter_n he_o have_v make_v we_o
can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o henry_n who_o be_v so_o serious_a with_o the_o king_n of_o scot_n be_v at_o no_o pain_n at_o all_o with_o his_o subject_n with_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n with_o such_o as_o might_n have_v influence_n either_o at_o the_o court_n or_o in_o the_o country_n no_o certain_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 4._o that_o when_o in_o the_o year_n 1540_o or_o 1541_o henry_n be_v earnest_a for_o a_o congress_n with_o james_n to_o try_v no_o doubt_n if_o meet_v face_n to_o face_n and_o personal_a and_o familiar_a converse_n and_o conference_n may_v prevail_v with_o he_o all_o our_o scottish_a protestant_n be_v mighty_a zealous_a that_o the_o interview_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o both_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v york_n may_v be_v punctual_o observe_v 525._o be_v not_o this_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o understand_v henry_n project_n and_o approve_v his_o design_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a james_n follow_v other_o counsel_n and_o disappoint_v the_o interview_n and_o therefore_o henry_n turn_v angry_a and_o raise_v war_n against_o he_o but_o then_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o james_n find_v his_o subject_n so_o backward_o as_o i_o show_v and_o be_v so_o unsuccessful_a in_o the_o management_n of_o that_o war_n that_o he_o contract_v melancholy_a and_o soon_o after_o die_v add_v to_o this_o 5._o that_o after_o james_n death_n henry_n persist_v in_o his_o concern_v to_o advance_v the_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n as_o well_o as_o in_o england_n to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v careful_a that_o those_o of_o the_o scottish_a nobility_n and_o gentry_n who_o be_v take_v prisoner_n at_o solway-moss_n may_v be_v lodge_v with_o such_o person_n as_o can_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o reform_a principle_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v that_o james_n be_v dead_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o daughter_n some_o few_o day_n old_a yet_o heiress_n of_o the_o crown_n he_o dispatch_v they_o for_o scotland_n to_o promote_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o match_n he_o be_v zealous_a to_o have_v make_v betwixt_o his_o son_n prince_n edward_n and_o our_o infant_n sovereign_a indeed_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a as_o he_o can_v have_v desire_v they_o get_v it_o carry_v in_o parliament_n and_o that_o they_o do_v it_o from_o a_o prospect_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o that_o conjunction_n can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o may_v believe_v dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o there_o 280._o he_o not_o only_o tell_v that_o cassils_n have_v get_v these_o seed_n of_o knowledge_n at_o lambeth_n under_o cranmer_n '_o s_z influence_n which_o produce_v afterward_o a_o great_a harvest_n in_o scotland_n but_o also_o that_o the_o other_o prisoner_n be_v instruct_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o come_v to_o have_v very_o different_a thought_n of_o the_o change_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o england_n from_o what_o the_o scottish_a clergy_n have_v possess_v they_o with_o who_o have_v encourage_v their_o king_n to_o engage_v in_o the_o war_n by_o the_o assurance_n of_o victory_n since_o he_o fight_v against_o one_fw-mi heretical_a prince_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o they_o be_v send_v home_o and_o go_v away_o much_o please_v both_o with_o the_o splendour_n of_o the_o king_n court_n and_o with_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v see_v in_o england_n and_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v this_o author_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o be_v justify_v herein_o by_o all_o our_o historian_n especial_o buchanan_n as_o my_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n here_o be_v success_n of_o the_o english_a influence_n seven_o of_o the_o supreme_a order_n i._n e._n nobleman_n and_o 24_o of_o inferior_a quality_n considerable_a gentleman_n all_o enlighten_v in_o england_n for_o so_o buchanan_n number_v they_o 532._o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o protestant_a party_n in_o scotland_n when_o in_o this_o parliament_n wherein_o the_o match_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o english_a convert_v be_v agree_v to_o they_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o carry_v the_o regency_n for_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n prompt_v thereto_o chief_o by_o the_o persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o reformation_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o consentient_a account_n of_o buchanan_n knox_n and_o spotswood_n 71._o they_o carry_v it_o for_o the_o match_n with_o england_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o popish_a party_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o represent_v nay_o which_o be_v more_o because_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n they_o procure_v one_fw-mi act_n to_o be_v make_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o every_o man_n to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o translation_n which_o they_o then_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o treatise_n contain_v wholesome_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n 72._o indeed_o at_o that_o time_n the_o reformation_n be_v so_o far_o advance_v that_o the_o regent_n keep_v his_o two_o protestant_a chaplain_n guillam_n and_o rough_n both_o church_n of_o england_n man_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v who_o preach_v public_o to_o the_o court_n 72._o and_o declaim_v bold_o against_o the_o roman_a corruption_n so_o far_o advance_v that_o it_o stand_v fair_a within_o a_o short_a space_n to_o have_v get_v the_o public_a establishment_n if_o arran_n the_o regent_n to_o keep_v the_o pope_n cover_v on_o his_o title_n to_o the_o succession_n wherein_o without_o it_o there_o be_v a_o couple_n of_o sad_a chasm_n and_o for_o other_o worldly_a end_n have_v not_o play_v the_o jade_n by_o renounce_v his_o profession_n and_o return_v to_o the_o pope_n obedience_n observe_v further_o by_o the_o way_n that_o this_o first_o parliament_n of_o queen_n mary_n be_v hold_v in_o her_o name_n and_o by_o her_o authority_n upon_o the_o 13_o of_o march_n 1542_o 3_o as_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o our_o historian_n but_o the_o print_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o she_o be_v not_o crown_v till_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n thereafter_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v both_o lesly_n and_o buchanan_n 537._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o objection_n make_v then_o against_o the_o legality_n of_o the_o parliament_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v think_v on_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o illegal_a thing_n for_o scottish_a monarch_n to_o hold_v parliament_n before_o their_o coronation_n but_o this_o as_o i_o say_v by_o the_o way_n such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o reform_a party_n then_o and_o this_o strength_n under_o god_n advance_v so_o far_o principal_o by_o english_a influence_n and_o all_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o convince_a still_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o 6_o place_n that_o all_o alongst_o the_o popish_a clergy_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o very_o much_o offend_v with_o it_o and_o be_v at_o all_o imaginable_a pain_n to_o disappoint_v it_o and_o oppose_v it_o thus_o when_o henry_n send_v the_o bishop_n of_o st._n david_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v anno_fw-la 1535._o to_o treat_v with_o james_n about_o reform_v the_o clergy_n be_v in_o a_o dreadful_a pother_n how_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o interview_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a argument_n with_o the_o king_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o listen_v to_o it_o 521._o tell_v he_o it_o will_v ruin_v religion_n and_o that_o will_v ruin_v his_o soul_n his_o state_n his_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o pope_n himself_o be_v extreme_o solicitous_a how_o to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o he_o deem_v it_o for_o as_o lesly_n tell_v we_o 415._o his_o holiness_n find_v that_o henry_n have_v cast_v off_o his_o yoke_n and_o fear_v lest_o james_n shall_v transcribe_v his_o uncle_n copy_n send_v his_o legate_n to_o scotland_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o fortify_v he_o against_o henry_n impression_n and_o buchanan_n 517._o say_v he_o allow_v he_o the_o ten_o of_o all_o the_o benefice_n within_o the_o kingdom_n for_o three_o year_n time_n to_o keep_v he_o right_o again_o when_o henry_n anno_fw-la 1540_o insist_v the_o second_o time_n for_o one_fw-mi interview_n the_o clergy_n be_v in_o a_o whole_a sea_n of_o trouble_n they_o use_v all_o art_n 432._o and_o try_v all_o method_n to_o impede_fw-la it_o at_o last_o they_o sell_v upon_o the_o true_a knack_n and_o a_o true_a demonstration_n of_o their_o concern_v see_v it_o be_v a_o knack_n that_o look_v so_o unkind_o on_o their_o pocket_n which_o be_v to_o promise_v he_o money_n large_o no_o less_o than_o 30000_o crown_n yearly_a say_v buchanan_n knox_n
5._o neither_o will_v it_o be_v find_v of_o any_o force_n to_o say_v that_o buchanan_n have_v not_o the_o article_n nor_o spotswood_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v have_v it_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v consider_v his_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v one_o of_o his_o principal_a design_n in_o write_v his_o history_n this_o be_v of_o no_o force_n i_o say_v for_o one_a as_o for_o buchanan_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o aim_v principal_o at_o matter_n of_o state_n bring_v in_o church_n matter_n only_o by_o the_o by_o as_o we_o say_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o do_v not_o record_v they_o accurate_o and_o with_o all_o the_o preciseness_n of_o nicety_n and_o yet_o even_o as_o he_o sum_n up_o the_o petition_n he_o have_v something_o in_o it_o which_o plain_o import_v the_o petitioner_n have_v no_o thought_n to_o interrupt_v the_o continuation_n of_o imparity_n for_o thus_o he_o put_v the_o last_o article_n if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o former_a time_n 586._o ignorant_a or_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v advance_v to_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n they_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o other_o substitute_v in_o their_o office_n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o there_o have_v be_v honour_n ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o ministeria_fw-la different_a office_n among_o the_o clergy_n before_o so_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o petition_v for_o abrogate_a any_o of_o they_o but_o that_o these_o dignity_n may_v be_v better_o bestow_v and_o these_o office_n better_o provide_v the_o dignity_n and_o office_n be_v to_o continue_v no_o change_n to_o be_v make_v but_o of_o the_o dignitaries_n and_o officer_n 2._o as_o for_o spotswood_n as_o i_o grant_v it_o have_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o his_o purpose_n to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v in_o lesly_n so_o that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o lesly_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o discredit_v one_o historian_n account_n because_o another_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v whosoever_o read_v spotswood_n history_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o history_n will_v find_v a_o very_a great_a many_o such_o defect_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o very_a clear_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a considerable_a instance_n by_o and_o by_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o petition_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v i_o add_v another_o irrefragable_a evidence_n so_o i_o think_v of_o leslies_n integrity_n as_o to_o this_o article_n it_o be_v 6._o that_o when_o our_o reformer_n have_v carry_v the_o day_n and_o so_o come_v to_o establish_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o exact_o reduce_v to_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o the_o article_n in_o the_o election_n of_o superintendent_o as_o be_v clear_a both_o from_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o form_n of_o elect_v superintendent_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v both_o in_o the_o old_a scottish_a liturgy_n and_o in_o knox_n his_o history_n in_o the_o five_o head_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v appoint_v 159._o that_o the_o council_n shall_v nominate_v the_o superintendent_o or_o give_v commission_n to_o man_n of_o best_a knowledge_n and_o who_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o the_o gentleman_n and_o burgess_n of_o town_n within_o the_o diocese_n be_v always_o make_v privy_a to_o the_o election_n and_o in_o the_o order_n for_o elect_v superintendent_o as_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o old_a liturgy_n and_o knox_n history_n 289._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o council_n have_v give_v charge_n and_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o lothian_n to_o choose_v master_n john_n spotswood_n superintendent_n sufficient_a warning_n be_v make_v by_o public_a edict_n to_o the_o church_n of_o edinburgh_n linlithgow_n sterling_n trenent_n hadingtown_n and_o dumbar_n as_o also_o to_o earl_n lord_n baron_n gentleman_n or_o other_o that_o have_v or_o may_v claim_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o election_n to_o be_v present_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1561._o now_o lay_v these_o two_o thing_n together_o and_o what_o be_v the_o result_n what_o else_o than_o give_v power_n to_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n of_o the_o diocese_n to_o elect_v their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o article_n as_o lesly_n have_v it_o in_o his_o breviate_v of_o the_o petition_n thus_o we_o have_v find_v lesly_n honest_a and_o his_o account_n just_a and_o genuine_a and_o thereby_o as_o i_o take_v it_o this_o proposition_n fair_o demonstrate_v that_o our_o reformer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v presbyterian_a so_o far_o from_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o indispensable_a right_n of_o parity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v clear_a for_o imparity_n for_o episcopacy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o second_o petition_n which_o i_o mention_v and_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o full_a form_n in_o knox_n history_n though_o it_o do_v not_o name_n bishop_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o plain_a and_o decretory_n that_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n be_v no_o way_n inimicous_a to_o prelacy_n if_o i_o may_v make_v use_n of_o a_o word_n make_v fashionable_a by_o a_o nobleman_n of_o the_o fashion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v plain_o for_o it_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v so_o full_o and_o fair_o express_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o article_n of_o that_o petition_n that_o i_o will_v here_o transcribe_v it_o word_n for_o word_n 131._o last_o we_o require_v most_o humble_o that_o the_o wicked_a slanderous_a and_o detestable_a life_n of_o prelate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a may_v be_v reform_v that_o the_o people_n by_o they_o have_v not_o occasion_n as_o of_o many_o day_n they_o have_v have_v to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o the_o preach_v whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v messenger_n and_o if_o thâ—â—_n suspect_v that_o we_o rather_o envy_v their_o honour_n or_o covet_v their_o riches_n and_o possession_n than_o zealous_o desire_v their_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n we_o be_v content_a that_o not_o only_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o approve_a law_n of_o justinian_n the_o emperor_n decide_v the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o either_o malevolent_o or_o ignorant_o we_o ask_v more_o than_o these_o forenamed_a have_v require_v and_o continual_o do_v require_v of_o able_a and_o true_a minister_n in_o christ_n church_n we_o refuse_v not_o correction_n as_o your_o majesty_n with_o right_a judgement_n shall_v think_v meet_a but_o if_o all_o the_o forenamed_a shall_v condemn_v that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o we_o require_v then_o we_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v your_o majesty_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o long_a custom_n which_o they_o have_v have_v to_o live_v at_o their_o lust_n they_o be_v compel_v either_o to_o desist_v from_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n or_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o become_v true_a minister_n so_o that_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a face_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v reduce_v ignorance_n may_v be_v expel_v true_a doctrine_n and_o good_a manner_n may_v once_o again_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o this_o realm_n here_o our_o reformer_n lay_v down_o a_o complexe_n rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o crave_v the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n may_v be_v reform_v this_o complexe_n rule_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o approve_a law_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n this_o be_v that_o solid_a orthodox_n proper_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o reformation_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o as_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n his_o rule_n and_o the_o rule_n wherein_o our_o reformer_n agree_v with_o the_o english_a reformer_n by_o this_o rule_n our_o reformer_n be_v content_a that_o all_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v deâ—ided_v they_o refuse_v not_o correction_n if_o they_o ask_v more_o than_o this_o rule_n require_v they_o condemn_v no_o more_o than_o this_o rule_n condemn_v this_o rule_n approve_v all_o they_o be_v ask_v in_o short_a they_o require_v no_o more_o than_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o grave_n and_o godly_a face_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v restore_v as_o it_o be_v in_o justinian_n time_n let_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v reduce_v to_o that_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o clergy_n live_v and_o rule_v and_o discharge_v their_o
the_o case_n of_o the_o countess_n of_o argyle_n anno_fw-la 1567._o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n in_o be_v present_a at_o the_o christen_n of_o the_o prince_n afterward_o james_n the_o six_o which_o be_v perform_v after_o the_o popish_a manner_n she_o behove_v therefore_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v order_v to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o superintendent_n of_o lothian_n within_o who_o bound_n the_o scandal_n be_v commit_v shall_v appoint_v so_o both_o spot_n and_o pet._n 359._o 26._o another_o branch_n be_v to_o restore_v criminal_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n if_o they_o have_v any_o dependence_n on_o the_o church_n after_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o penance_n and_o receive_v absolution_n thus_o thomas_n duncanson_n reader_n at_o sterling_n have_v fall_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n for_o this_o he_o be_v silence_v he_o have_v perform_v his_o penance_n and_o be_v absolve_v then_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o the_o general_n ass._n meet_v at_o eden_n decem._n 25._o 1563._o whither_o have_v make_v public_a repentance_n he_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o office_n and_o the_o assembly_n determine_v he_o may_v not_o till_o the_o church_n of_o stirling_n shall_v make_v request_n to_o the_o superintendent_n for_o he_o 242._o 27._o to_o the_o superintendent_o be_v reserve_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v statute_v by_o the_o gen._n ass._n at_o eden_n july_n 1._o 1562._o that_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n the_o minister_n give_v notice_n to_o the_o superintendent_n with_o who_o advice_n excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v pronounce_v so_o the_o mss._n and_o both_o the_o mss._n and_o petrie_n have_v another_o long_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o eden_n sept._n 25._o 1565._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 346._o 28._o it_o belong_v also_o to_o they_o to_o delate_v atrocious_a criminal_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o condign_a corporal_a punishment_n may_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o find_v it_o enact_v by_o a_o convention_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o mss._n meet_v at_o eden_n decem._n 15._o 1567._o to_o wait_v on_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o parliament_n that_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n make_v search_v within_o their_o bound_n if_o the_o crime_n of_o incest_n or_o adultery_n be_v commit_v and_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o superintendent_n that_o he_o may_v notifye_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o superintendent_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o discipline_n but_o because_o several_a thing_n may_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o not_o formal_o and_o direct_o yet_o reductive_o and_o by_o way_n of_o analogical_a subordination_n their_o power_n extend_v even_o to_o these_o thing_n also_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o two_o 29._o then_o because_o university_n college_n and_o school_n be_v the_o seminary_n of_o learning_n and_o by_o consequence_n nursery_n for_o the_o ministry_n the_o power_n of_o superintendent_o over_o they_o be_v very_o considerable_a thus_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o 162._o if_o e._n g._n the_o principal_a or_o head_n of_o any_o college_n within_o the_o university_n of_o st._n andrews_n die_v the_o member_n of_o the_o college_n be_v swear_v to_o follow_v their_o conscience_n be_v to_o nominate_v three_o of_o the_o most_o sufficient_a man_n within_o the_o university_n this_o do_v the_o superintendent_n of_o pife_n by_o himself_o or_o his_o special_a procurator_n with_o the_o rector_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o principal_n be_v to_o choose_v one_o of_o these_o three_o and_o constitute_v he_o principal_a and_o when_o the_o rector_n be_v choose_v he_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o superintendent_n 163._o by_o that_o same_o book_n and_o again_o by_o that_o same_o book_n ibid._n the_o money_n collect_v in_o every_o college_n for_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n be_v to_o be_v count_v and_o employ_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o superintendent_n further_o the_o gen._n ass._n convene_v at_o eden_n jan._n 25._o 1565._o present_v this_o article_n in_o a_o petition_n to_o the_o queen_n that_o none_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o have_v charge_n of_o school_n college_n or_o university_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v try_v by_o the_o superintendent_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mss._n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o grant_v at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o show_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o reformer_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v grant_v and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v propose_v again_o in_o the_o ass._n in_o july_n 1567._o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o eleven_o act_n of_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o in_o december_n that_o same_o year_n and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o laird_n of_o dun._n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearns_n in_o july_n 1568._o hold_v at_o visitation_n of_o the_o university_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o by_o formal_a sentence_n turn_v out_o all_o the_o popish_a member_n the_o very_a air_n and_o stile_n of_o the_o sentence_n as_o petrie_n have_v it_o 362._o be_v a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o the_o paramount_n power_n of_o superintendent_o for_o thus_o it_o run_v i_o john_n areskin_n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearns_n have_v commission_n of_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v the_o sheriffdom_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o bamf_n by_o the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o consent_v of_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n present_a decern_v conclude_v and_o for_o final_a sentence_n pronounce_v that_o master_n alexander_n anderson_n etc._n etc._n 30._o because_o bad_a principle_n may_v be_v disseminated_a by_o bad_a book_n and_o thereby_o both_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v endanger_v the_o revise_v and_o licens_v of_o book_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o superintendent_o by_o the_o general_n ass._n hold_v in_o june_n 1563._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o no_o work_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o print_n neither_o yet_o publish_v in_o writ_n touch_v religion_n or_o doctrine_n until_o such_o time_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o advise_v and_o approven_v by_o he_o or_o by_o such_o as_o he_o shall_v call_v of_o the_o most_o learned_a within_o his_o bound_n etc._n etc._n 237._o thus_o i_o have_v collect_v no_o few_o than_o thirty_o disparity_n betwixt_o superintendent_o as_o they_o be_v establish_v in_o scotland_n by_o our_o reformer_n and_o private_a parish_n minister_n each_o of_o they_o a_o demonstration_n of_o inequality_n either_o of_o power_n or_o figure_n perchance_o a_o more_o nice_a and_o accurate_a enquirer_n may_v find_v out_o more_o but_o methinks_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o superintendent_o and_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o churchman_n and_o have_v thus_o perform_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o think_v part_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o second_o part_n be_v needless_a for_o if_o these_o 30_o disparity_n amount_v not_o to_o one_fw-mi invincible_a proof_n that_o our_o church_n at_o the_o reformation_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o minister_n act_v in_o parity_n i_o may_v just_o despair_v of_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n yet_o because_o i_o know_v many_o simple_a and_o less_o think_v people_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o noise_n and_o dust_n our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n have_v raise_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o undertake_v which_o be_v ii_o to_o dissipate_v these_o mist_n wherewith_o our_o parity-man_n be_v so_o very_a earnest_n to_o involve_v and_o darken_v this_o prelatical_a power_n of_o superintendent_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o 1._o the_o establishment_n of_o superintendent_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o for_o the_o then_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n superintendency_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a stand_a office_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o episcopacy_n 3._o it_o be_v never_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o superintendency_n be_v only_o design_v to_o be_v a_o temporary_a not_o a_o perpetual_a stand_a office_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o calderwood_n 25._o speak_v of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v say_v he_o the_o whole_a be_v recommend_v to_o be_v perpetual_o observe_v except_o some_o few_o thing_n as_o the_o
be_v but_o the_o small_a party_n the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v against_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v serious_o persuade_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o affirm_v these_o article_n either_o indeliberate_o or_o faint_o for_o it_o be_v after_o reason_v and_o long_a disputation_n that_o they_o approve_v and_o affirm_v they_o and_o they_o be_v sufficient_o keen_a in_o the_o matter_n for_o they_o do_v it_o resolute_o 3._o the_o melvilian_a party_n be_v over-voted_n even_o as_o the_o question_n be_v then_o state_v the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n stand_v for_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o scotland_n and_o will_v not_o declare_v it_o unlawful_a from_o all_o which_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v if_o presbyterian_a parity_n do_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n with_o very_o great_a opposition_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o scotland_n neither_o be_v this_o all_o as_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v thus_o stand_v its_o ground_n and_o appear_v for_o imparity_n so_o it_o continue_v of_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o resolution_n with_o former_a assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n for_o by_o it_o it_o be_v resolve_v also_o that_o they_o may_v proceed_v against_o unjust_a possessor_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o notorious_a scandal_n not_o only_o by_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n but_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereupon_o the_o church_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o school_n shall_v be_v maintain_v be_v ex_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o ms._n and_o so_o petrie_n have_v it_o 387._o well!_o do_v the_o parity-man_n gain_v no_o ground_n in_o this_o assembly_n yes_o they_o do_v two_o thing_n they_o obtain_v which_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o they_o afterward_o they_o obtain_v 1._o and_o act_n to_o be_v make_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o particular_a congregation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n can_v not_o get_v this_o refuse_v after_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o affirm_v the_o abovementioned_a article_n for_o it_o be_v fair_o deduceable_a both_o from_o the_o second_o and_o three_o but_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o act_n do_v militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o essential_o of_o episcopacy_n it_o be_v high_o consistent_a with_o imparity_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o article_n evident_o import_v as_o much_o however_o as_o i_o say_v this_o prove_v very_o serviceable_a to_o the_o melvilian_a party_n afterward_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o for_o 2._o the_o earl_n of_o morton_n then_o regent_z whatever_o the_o presbyterian_a historian_n talk_v of_o his_o be_v so_o much_o for_o episcopacy_n make_v a_o very_a ill-favoured_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a fatal_a step_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o assembly_n take_v it_o in_o spotswood_n word_n 276._o the_o regent_n hear_v how_o the_o church_n have_v proceed_v and_o take_v ill_o the_o deposition_n of_o master_n james_n patton_n bishop_n of_o dunkeld_n who_o be_v in_o the_o former_a assembly_n deprive_v for_o dilapidation_n of_o his_o benefice_n send_v to_o require_v of_o they_o this_o assembly_n meet_v in_o april_n 1576_o whether_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o policy_n agree_v unto_o at_o leith_n and_o if_o not_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o settle_v upon_o some_o form_n of_o government_n at_o which_o they_o will_v abide_v the_o champion_n for_o parity_n have_v fair_o meet_v with_o a_o second_o repulse_n from_o this_o assembly_n as_o i_o have_v discourse_v and_o if_o all_o concern_v have_v act_v their_o part_n as_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v it_o be_v high_o credible_a that_o mother_n of_o confusion_n may_v have_v be_v quit_v crush_v and_o stifle_v for_o ever_o but_o that_o be_v not_o do_v the_o prelate_n themselves_o be_v negligent_a and_o unactive_a as_o spotswood_n intimate_v 276._o and_o here_o the_o regent_n make_v this_o proposition_n a_o proposition_n than_o which_o none_o can_v be_v make_v more_o surprise_o oblige_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n the_o common_a principle_n of_o conduct_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o have_v ask_v next_o if_o they_o have_v have_v thing_n for_o the_o ask_n for_o what_o can_v fall_v out_o more_o lucky_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o innovate_v than_o to_o have_v the_o old_a foundation_n shake_v and_o leave_v allow_v to_o erect_v new_a model_n so_o ill-favoured_a i_o say_v be_v this_o step_n which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v make_v by_o morton_n who_o by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o station_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v guard_v against_o all_o innovation_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v ask_v my_o reader_n allowance_n to_o make_v a_o little_a digression_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o digression_n and_o discourse_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v probable_a that_o morton_n make_v this_o proposition_n deliberate_o and_o from_o one_fw-mi intention_n to_o cherish_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o encourage_v their_o humour_n for_o innovate_a and_o confound_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v a_o bold_a question_n as_o not_o only_o be_v new_a but_o apparent_o cross_v the_o receive_a account_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a historian_n but_o if_o i_o can_v make_v the_o affirmative_a very_o probable_a if_o not_o evident_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o may_v bring_v no_o small_a accession_n of_o light_n to_o the_o present_a subject_n i_o be_o insist_v on_o viz._n how_o presbyterianism_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o scotland_n i_o will_v therefore_o lay_v down_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o descourse_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a argument_n that_o morton_n make_v this_o proposition_n intentional_o to_o give_v scope_n and_o slacken_a reins_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o stand_v by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n if_o he_o have_v be_v serious_a for_o the_o establish_v government_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v suppress_v all_o melvil_n project_n for_o innovation_n he_o have_v visible_o the_o major_a part_n of_o this_o assembly_n of_o his_o side_n if_o that_o have_v be_v his_o aim_n no_o appearance_n that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v then_o infect_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o parity_n the_o nobility_n be_v general_o for_o the_o old_a constitution_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o no_o less_o authority_n than_o melvil_n own_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o beza_n cite_v before_o in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v many_o of_o the_o peer_n against_o they_o 401._o where_o then_o be_v there_o the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o crush_a the_o cockatrice_n in_o the_o egg_n if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n for_o it_o beside_o how_o inconsistent_a be_v the_o make_n of_o this_o proposition_n with_o the_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n of_o a_o regent_n the_o king_n be_v then_o a_o minor_a the_o nation_n have_v but_o just_a then_o emerge_v out_o of_o a_o vast_a ocean_n of_o civil_a broil_n and_o trouble_n which_o have_v long_o harass_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o confusion_n nothing_o more_o improper_a for_o it_o than_o to_o be_v involve_v again_o instant_o in_o jar_n and_o discord_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o such_o plot_n as_o i_o be_o endeavour_v to_o make_v probable_a he_o have_v he_o be_v certain_o very_o unfortunate_a in_o grant_v such_o a_o liberty_n for_o consider_v all_o thing_n it_o look_v so_o very_a like_o a_o plot_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v a_o think_a man_n that_o there_o be_v none_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n who_o have_v latitude_n enough_o to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o he_o think_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o interest_n he_o be_v wretched_o covetous_a as_o all_o historian_n agree_v and_o that_o vice_n alone_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o the_o worst_a thing_n he_o have_v observe_v little_a of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o extravagance_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v not_o observe_v avarice_n and_o a_o sordid_a temper_n to_o have_v put_v man_n
which_o be_v in_o print_n and_o i_o think_v his_o citation_n shall_v scarce_o be_v find_v among_o the_o unprint_v one_o but_o can_v not_o find_v this_o citation_n of_o our_o author_n what_o be_v next_o to_o be_v do_v i_o know_v that_o full_a well_o i_o turn_v to_o the_o 43._o page_n of_o his_o historian_n calderwood_n and_o there_o i_o find_v it_o word_n for_o word_n well!_o but_o be_v there_o no_o such_o period_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n not_o one_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_fw-mi act_n the_o six_o in_o number_n entitle_v anent_o the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n and_o of_o they_o that_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o which_o act_n i_o find_v insist_v on_o by_o the_o covenanter_n anno_fw-la 1638._o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o marquis_n of_o hamiltons_n declaration_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o december_n that_o year_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o large_a declaration_n 352._o as_o condemn_v episcopacy_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a this_o may_v be_v the_o act_n calderwood_n think_v he_o abridge_v in_o these_o word_n borrow_v from_o he_o by_o g._n r._n i_o shall_v set_v it_o down_o word_n for_o word_n that_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v if_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v by_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v now_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o who_o now_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n with_o advice_n of_o my_o lord_n regent_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n have_v declare_v and_o declare_v the_o aforesaid_a person_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n of_o jesus_n christ_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decern_v and_o declare_v that_o all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n before_z in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o year_n as_o also_o specify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o this_o parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v express_v and_o now_o ratify_v and_o approve_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n or_o that_o refuse_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o ministrate_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_v kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n this_o be_v the_o act_n now_o here_o not_o one_o word_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a not_o one_o word_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o in_o the_o kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o that_o shall_v ever_o flow_v from_o the_o say_v kirk_n not_o one_o word_n of_o correct_v of_o manner_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o act_n calderwood_n aim_v at_o he_o give_v the_o world_n a_o very_a odd_a abridgement_n of_o it_o and_o g._n r._n shall_v consider_v thing_n a_o little_a better_o and_o not_o take_v they_o upon_o trust_n to_o find_v argument_n on_o they_o so_o ridiculous_o but_o do_v not_o this_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n let_v the_o world_n judge_n if_o it_o do_v what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o all_o this_o act_n aim_v at_o be_v only_o to_o define_v that_o church_n which_o then_o be_v to_o have_v the_o legal_a establshment_n and_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n this_o church_n it_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n which_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o evangel_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n then_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a i_o say_v this_o be_v all_o that_o act_n aim_v at_o not_o one_o word_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o discipline_n of_o government_n or_o polity_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n of_o prelacy_n or_o parity_n of_o equality_n or_o inequality_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n or_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v afterward_o be_v all_o one_o to_o this_o act_n so_o long_o as_o pastor_n whither_o act_v in_o parity_n or_o imparity_n and_o people_n keep_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o admini_v the_o sacrament_n what_o be_v there_o here_o like_o a_o condemnation_n of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v this_o the_o way_n of_o parliamentary_a condemnation_n to_o condemn_v one_fw-mi office_n or_o one_fw-mi order_n or_o a_o jurisdiction_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v without_o either_o name_n it_o or_o describe_v it_o in_o term_n so_o circumstantiate_v as_o the_o world_n may_v understand_v by_o they_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v to_o condemn_v a_o thing_n especial_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n without_o so_o much_o as_o repeal_n any_o one_o of_o many_o act_n which_o establish_v or_o ratify_v it_o before_o sure_o if_o this_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n this_o parliament_n happen_v upon_o a_o new_a style_n a_o singular_a style_n a_o style_n never_o use_v before_o never_o use_v since_o beside_o if_o this_o be_v the_o act_n g._n r._n intend_v i_o will_v earnest_o desire_v he_o to_o name_n but_o any_o one_o man_n who_o live_v in_o these_o time_n and_o understand_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o this_o act._n how_o blind_a be_v master_n andrew_n melvil_n how_o blind_a be_v all_o the_o presbyterian_a fraternity_n that_o all_o the_o five_o year_n they_o be_v fight_v against_o prelacy_n can_v never_o hit_v on_o this_o act_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o long_o tolerate_v see_v it_o be_v against_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o parliament_n be_v they_o so_o little_o careful_a of_o act_n of_o parliamant_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o cite_v they_o for_o their_o purpose_n mr._n andrew_n melvil_n in_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v letter_n to_o beza_n date_v novemb_n 13._o 1579._o write_v thus_o we_o have_v not_o cease_v these_o five_o year_n to_o fight_v against_o pseudepiscopacy_n many_o of_o the_o nobility_n resist_v we_o and_o to_o press_v the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n we_o have_v many_o of_o the_o peer_n against_o we_o for_o they_o allege_v if_o pseudepiscopacy_n be_v take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o estate_n be_v pull_v down_o etc._n etc._n now_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o peer_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o already_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n what_o a_o dunce_n be_v the_o l._n glamis_n chancellor_n of_o scotland_n by_o consequence_n one_o oblige_v by_o his_o station_n to_o understand_v something_o i_o think_v of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o those_o who_o he_o consult_v about_o the_o letter_n he_o write_v to_o the_o same_o beza_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o tell_v the_o gentleman_n blunt_o that_o episcopacy_n subsist_v by_o law_n periculosum_fw-la that_o the_o prelate_n make_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o parliament_n without_o they_o and_o that_o the_o legal_a establishment_n of_o the_o order_n and_o its_o lie_v so_o very_a near_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o civil_a constitution_n make_v it_o extreme_o dangerous_a to_o alter_v it_o far_o more_o to_o abolish_v it_o but_o what_o need_v more_o let_v the_o reader_n cast_v back_o his_o eye_n on_o the_o article_n agree_v on_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o nobility_n and_o baron_n in_o july_n 1567._o that_o same_o year_n by_o which_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o all_o the_o popish_a bishop_n shall_v be_v deprive_v and_o that_o superintendent_o shall_v succeed_v in_o their_o place_n and_o then_o let_v he_o consider_v if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o g._n r._n continue_v i_o hope_v say_v he_o none_o will_v affirm_v that_o prelatical_a jurisdiction_n then_o be_v or_o be_v soon_o after_o establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o scotland_n be_v not_o our_o author_n pretty_a forward_o at_o hope_v will_v none_o affirm_v it_o i_o do_v affirm_v it_o and_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o if_o our_o author_n have_v but_o look_v to_o the_o very_a next_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n the_o seven_o in_o number_n nay_o if_o he_o have_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n some_o ten_o line_n upward_o in_o that_o same_o 43._o page_n of_o calderwoods_n history_n he_o will_v have_v see_v the_o prelacy_n of_o
take_v from_o they_o without_o a_o direct_a cross_v of_o christ_n institution_n and_o the_o horrid_a sin_n of_o rob_v his_o people_n of_o their_o indisputable_a privilege_n patronage_n be_v one_fw-mi intolerable_a grievance_n and_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o church_n they_o have_v be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o pester_v the_o church_n with_o a_o bad_a ministry_n they_o come_v in_o among_o the_o late_a antichristian_a corruption_n and_o usurpation_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v obious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o put_v strange_a comment_n on_o it_o by_o their_o practice_n well!_o what_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n indeed_o affirm_v head_n 4._o that_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o every_o several_a congregation_n to_o elect_a their_o own_o minister_n but_o it_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o that_o same_o very_a breath_n it_o add_v and_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v negligent_a therein_o the_o space_n of_o 40_o day_n the_o superintendent_n with_o his_o council_n may_v present_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o man_n after_o trial_n be_v find_v qualify_v and_o the_o church_n can_v just_o reprehend_v nothing_o in_o his_o life_n doctrine_n or_o utterance_n then_o we_o judge_v say_v our_o reformer_n the_o church_n which_o before_o be_v destitute_a unreasonable_a if_o they_o refuse_v he_o who_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o council_n and_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o person_n appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a unless_o that_o the_o same_o church_n have_v present_v a_o man_n better_o or_o as_o well_o qualify_v to_o examination_n before_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a trial_n be_v take_v of_o the_o person_n present_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n present_v a_o man_n unto_o a_o church_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o provide_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o church_n have_v another_o sufficient_a in_o their_o judgement_n for_o that_o charge_n who_o they_o present_v to_o the_o learned_a minister_n and_o next_o reform_v church_n to_o be_v examine_v in_o this_o case_n the_o presentation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o shall_v be_v appoint_v pastor_n must_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o presentation_n of_o the_o council_n or_o great_a church_n unless_o the_o person_n present_v by_o the_o inferior_a church_n be_v judge_v unable_a for_o the_o regiment_n by_o the_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v avoid_v that_o no_o man_n be_v intrude_v or_o thrust_v in_o upon_o any_o congregation_n but_o this_o liberty_n with_o all_o care_n must_v be_v reserve_v for_o every_o several_a church_n to_o have_v their_o voice_n and_o suffrage_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o call_v that_o violent_a intrusion_n when_o the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n regard_v only_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n offer_v unto_o they_o a_o man_n sufficient_a to_o instruct_v they_o who_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v force_v to_o admit_v before_o just_a examination_n so_o that_o book_n add_v to_o this_o this_o consideration_n that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o popish_a clergy_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o all_o the_o benefice_n the_o reform_a clergy_n have_v not_o then_o so_o much_o as_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o three_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o before_o these_o thing_n lay_v together_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o perceive_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o prudential_n consideration_n our_o reformer_n be_v incline_v to_o give_v the_o people_n so_o much_o power_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v much_o for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o live_v by_o the_o benevolence_n of_o the_o parish_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o grant_v they_o this_o power_n as_o of_o divine_a right_n no_o such_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o once_o insinuate_v as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v plain_o nothing_o but_o a_o liberty_n and_o no_o injury_n no_o violence_n be_v do_v to_o a_o parish_n even_o in_o these_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o council_n of_o the_o church_n give_v they_o a_o minister_n without_o their_o own_o election_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a 2._o that_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o whole_a period_n above_o our_o reformer_n the_o compiler_n of_o the_o book_n i_o mean_v abstract_v from_o the_o then_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o incline_v that_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clergy_n than_o of_o the_o people_n which_o i_o be_o much_o incline_v to_o think_v be_v not_o only_o then_o but_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o prevail_a sentiment_n and_o all_o the_o world_n see_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sentiment_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o popular_a election_n i_o have_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o set_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n thus_o in_o its_o due_a light_n that_o our_o brethren_n may_v not_o complain_v it_o be_v neglect_v not_o that_o my_o cause_n require_v it_o for_o that_o book_n be_v never_o law_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o so_o i_o may_v fair_o have_v omit_v it_o let_v we_o try_v next_o what_o be_v true_o the_o public_a and_o authoritative_a sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n the_o first_o which_o i_o find_v of_o that_o nature_n be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o september_n 1565._o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o june_n immediate_o before_o have_v complain_v that_o some_o vacant_a benefice_n have_v be_v bestow_v by_o the_o queen_n on_o some_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n 342._o the_o queen_n answer_v she_o think_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o deprive_v she_o of_o the_o patronage_n belong_v to_o she_o and_o this_o general_a assembly_n in_o september_n answer_v thus_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o that_o her_o majesty_n or_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v be_v defraud_v of_o their_o just_a patronage_n but_o we_o mean_v whensoever_o her_o majesty_n or_o any_o other_o patron_n do_v present_a any_o person_n unto_o a_o benefice_n that_o the_o person_n present_v shall_v be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o present_a the_o superintendent_o and_o as_o the_o presentation_n of_o the_o benefice_n belong_v to_o the_o patron_n so_o the_o collation_n by_o law_n and_o reason_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 193._o agreeable_o we_o find_v by_o the_o 7_o act_n 1_o parl._n jac._n 6._o anno_fw-la 1567._o the_o parliament_n hold_v by_o murray_n regent_n it_o be_v enact_v in_o pursuance_n no_o doubt_n of_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o nobility_n and_o baron_n and_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o july_n that_o year_n that_o the_o patron_n shall_v present_v a_o qualify_a person_n within_o six_o month_n to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o these_o part_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572_o the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o respective_a patron_n 52._o and_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o march_n 1574_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o collation_n upon_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v without_o consent_n of_o three_o qualify_a minister_n etc._n etc._n 66._o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o august_n that_o same_o year_n supplicate_v the_o regent_n that_o bishop_n may_v be_v present_v to_o vacant_a bishopric_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n 1578_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o country_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v 84._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 12._o §_o 10._o condemn_v patronage_n as_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v place_n in_o the_o light_n of_o reformation_n 114._o but_o then_o it_o be_v as_o true_a 1._o that_o that_o same_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1581._o which_o first_o ratify_v this_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o laic_a patronage_n shall_v remain_v whole_a unjointed_a and_o undivided_a unless_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o patron_n 99_o so_o that_o let_v they_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o act_n of_o this_o presbyterian_a