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doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v fasten_v their_o crown_n much_o sure_a give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n to_o reign_v in_o their_o subject_n heart_n make_v subject_n dutiful_a more_o out_o of_o conscience_n than_o fear_n and_o by_o forbid_a resistance_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n lay_v a_o much_o strong_a tie_v upon_o man_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o life_n and_o fortune_n or_o all_o other_o humane_a penalty_n can_v ever_o have_v do_v and_o no_o question_n have_v the_o roman_a emperor_n understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o christianity_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o they_o will_v have_v protect_v and_o encourage_v it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o christian_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o maxim_n which_o christ_n leave_v they_o prince_n be_v true_o happy_a in_o such_o subject_n christ_n do_v indeed_o put_v a_o sword_n into_o his_o minister_n hand_n to_o punish_v notorious_a sinner_n when_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o cut_v man_n off_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exemption_n grant_v to_o any_o person_n king_n and_o emperor_n themselves_o be_v to_o fall_v under_o this_o heavy_a censure_n when_o their_o offence_n deserve_v it_o but_o though_o minister_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o shut_v they_o sometime_o out_o of_o church_n as_o st._n ambrose_n do_v theodosius_n the_o great_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o thrust_v they_o off_o their_o throne_n or_o wrest_v their_o sceptre_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o know_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v only_o spiritual_a and_o do_v not_o therefore_o meddle_v with_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o enjoy_v as_o prince_n but_o ready_o obey_v in_o all_o other_o case_n those_o who_o they_o exclude_v from_o their_o assembly_n and_o thus_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n for_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v afterward_o quite_o spend_v and_o religion_n have_v put_v on_o a_o new_a face_n the_o riches_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n make_v they_o stretch_v their_o authority_n further_o than_o christ_n design_v it_o and_o then_o do_v they_o begin_v to_o declare_v that_o prince_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v forfeit_v their_o crown_n and_o all_o other_o their_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a privilege_n the_o great_a advances_n gregory_n the_o seven_o and_o his_o successor_n make_v in_o several_a attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o their_o vanity_n to_o see_v themselves_o on_o a_o sudden_a raise_v to_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n make_v they_o vigorous_o pursue_v such_o course_n and_o thunder_v their_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o forfeiture_n so_o liberal_o that_o
himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o christian_n 1_o pet._n 2._o v._n 21._o for_o though_o it_o behove_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o suffer_v yet_o what_o be_v necessary_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v voluntary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v imitable_a if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n we_o must_v trace_v his_o glorious_a footstep_n take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o like_o faithful_a soldier_n follow_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n when_o he_o call_v we_o what_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o sake_n sure_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o command_v ourselves_o from_o do_v violence_n to_o any_o to_o forbear_v even_o act_v against_o our_o persecutor_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o become_v sufferer_n with_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o no_o other_o resistance_n than_o what_o he_o make_v himself_o and_o what_o the_o scripture_n heb._n 12._o v_o 4._o mention_n of_o resist_v to_o blood_n christ_n follower_n be_v only_o to_o fight_v his_o battle_n in_o the_o noble_a army_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o in_o this_o no_o doubt_n we_o perform_v a_o true_a act_n of_o religion_n more_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n more_o agreeable_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o any_o other_o service_n whatsoever_o after_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ascensson_n the_o apostle_n do_v careful_o observe_v the_o rule_n he_o leave_v they_o their_o carriage_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v humble_a peaceable_a and_o gentle_a when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n they_o treat_v they_o with_o respect_n but_o do_v never_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n nor_o upbraid_v they_o with_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n as_o we_o too_o frequent_o hear_v do_v in_o our_o chief_a judicature_n st._n paul_n act_n 23._o have_v speak_v irreverent_o to_o the_o highpriest_n who_o unjust_o command_v he_o to_o be_v smite_v while_o a_o prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n before_o trial_n or_o sentence_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o make_v a_o apology_n declare_v that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o quality_n of_o he_o before_o who_o he_o stand_v and_o that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n he_o stand_v indeed_o upon_o his_o privilege_n and_o appeal_v from_o a_o inferior_a magistrate_n unto_o caesar_n act_n 25._o but_o in_o this_o he_o own_v the_o high_a power_n which_o some_o among_o we_o have_v learned_a to_o reject_v he_o plead_v not_o any_o exemption_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostleship_n though_o he_o can_v not_o reasonable_o expect_v much_o favour_n where_o a_o nero_n be_v to_o be_v his_o judge_n his_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n be_v no_o less_o remarkable_a than_o his_o practice_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n beside_o what_o st._n paul_n have_v in_o the_o first_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n we_o may_v there_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o subject_n his_o position_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o enforce_v they_o be_v so_o convince_a that_o have_v he_o live_v in_o our_o time_n and_o hear_v all_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o submission_n he_o can_v not_o have_v answer_v they_o more_o clear_o nor_o in_o few_o word_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v dictate_v what_o he_o and_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n judas_n do_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a age_n and_o design_v to_o lay_v such_o sure_a ground_n of_o christian_a obedience_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v in_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o regulate_v their_o life_n by_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v it_o add_v a_o little_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o testimony_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n under_o which_o they_o then_o be_v have_v the_o world_n in_o those_o day_n be_v govern_v by_o christian_a prince_n who_o submit_v their_o sceptre_n to_o the_o cross_n have_v glory_v in_o show_v themselves_o nurse_v father_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o infancy_n their_o doctrine_n may_v then_o have_v seem_v suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o nor_o can_v they_o have_v allow_v too_o much_o to_o prince_n who_o be_v like_a to_o use_v their_o power_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v their_o prince_n though_o heathen_n be_v nerva_n antonius_n or_o aurelius_n person_n remarkable_a for_o their_o justice_n and_o clemency_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n in_o this_o doctrine_n but_o their_o preach_v up_o submission_n to_o such_o monster_n as_o claudius_n or_o nero_n under_o who_o cruelty_n the_o roman_a empire_n then_o groan_v do_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o political_a maxim_n nor_o biased_a by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o lay_v down_o general_a and_o inviolable_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v at_o all_o time_n and_o towards_o all_o prince_n the_o froward_a as_o well_o as_o the_o gentle_a those_o who_o do_v unjust_o persecute_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o vouchsafe_v they_o protection_n and_o certain_o in_o this_o and_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v the_o apostle_n word_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o all_o subject_n the_o most_o dutiful_a to_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o prince_n no_o barbarous_a usage_n no_o oppression_n can_v make_v they_o swerve_v from_o their_o first_o principle_n of_o patient_a submission_n they_o have_v always_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o bless_a saviour_n in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n nor_o do_v they_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o john_n 18._o v_o 36._o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o they_o be_v his_o servant_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o fight_v they_o know_v he_o intend_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o prince_n in_o set_v up_o his_o monarchy_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o a_o fragment_n of_o egesippus_fw-la a_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n how_o domitian_n like_o another_o herod_n be_v jealous_a of_o christ_n return_n to_o dethrone_v he_o raise_v a_o heavy_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n give_v particular_a order_n that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o secure_v whereupon_o some_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v bring_v before_o he_o and_o examine_v first_o concern_v their_o own_o condition_n which_o they_o easy_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a and_o afterward_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n they_o show_v so_o plain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o commence_v proper_o when_o other_o end_v be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a that_o have_v satisfy_v the_o emperor_n and_o free_v he_o from_o any_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n design_n upon_o his_o crown_n they_o themselves_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o a_o stop_n be_v immediate_o put_v to_o the_o persecution_n the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o golden_a age_n of_o the_o church_n never_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o jealousy_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o that_o empire_n in_o the_o frequent_a rebellion_n against_o the_o government_n or_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o emperor_n person_n the_o christian_n keep_v constant_a to_o their_o allegiance_n when_o by_o side_v with_o such_o usurper_n as_o cassius_n albinus_n niger_n parthenius_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v not_o only_o have_v free_v themselves_o from_o bloody_a yoke_n but_o have_v also_o in_o all_o probability_n make_v sure_a of_o large_a immunity_n they_o can_v never_o be_v wrought_v on_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o establish_a authority_n they_o be_v persuade_v how_o ill_o soever_o the_o emperor_n may_v manage_v their_o trust_n yet_o that_o their_o commission_n be_v seal_v by_o god_n nay_o sometime_o the_o christian_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o persecution_n by_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o rebel_n as_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o adrian_n when_o barochebas_n and_o the_o jew_n not_o be_v able_a upon_o their_o revolt_n to_o engage_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o party_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o their_o sword_n against_o the_o church_n kill_v most_o
to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v exact_o follow_v so_o ill_a a_o pattern_n set_v they_o by_o papist_n beside_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o man_n who_o set_v up_o for_o some_o further_a degree_n in_o reformation_n think_v sit_v to_o communicate_v their_o counsel_n with_o cardinal_n richelieu_n who_o they_o in_o france_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n then_o alive_a to_o the_o protestant_a interest_n and_o indeed_o how_o that_o cardinal_n creature_n a_o bigotish_a friar_n who_o he_o employ_v at_o that_o time_n in_o scotland_n can_v go_v along_o in_o their_o counsel_n and_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o root_v out_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o popery_n be_v a_o thing_n yet_o unaccountable_a and_o the_o more_o to_o alienate_v people_n heart_n from_o the_o new_a liturgy_n they_o do_v malicious_o give_v out_o that_o it_o be_v forge_v at_o rome_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o pope_n yet_o the_o king_n friend_n may_v have_v defy_v they_o to_o show_v so_o much_o of_o popish_a counsel_n in_o the_o frame_n or_o introduce_v that_o mistake_a book_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o method_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o oppose_v it_o the_o king_n perceive_v how_o successful_o they_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n and_o gain_v many_o of_o his_o subject_n to_o their_o party_n by_o fright_v they_o with_o popery_n and_o arbitrary_a power_n dispatch_v the_o marquis_n of_o hamilton_n into_o scotland_n in_o quality_n of_o commissioner_n with_o order_n to_o issue_v out_o a_o declaration_n contain_v all_o the_o assurance_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v of_o his_o majesty_n firmness_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n together_o with_o his_o engagement_n upon_o his_o royal_a word_n not_o to_o enjoin_v the_o liturgy_n nor_o think_v of_o any_o innovation_n unless_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o none_o can_v reasonable_o except_v against_o whereupon_o those_o of_o the_o other_o party_n be_v apprehensive_a lest_o this_o may_v remove_v most_o of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o government_n use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hinder_v the_o marquis_n from_o publish_v the_o king_n declaration_n and_o when_o this_o can_v no_o long_o be_v do_v get_v time_n enough_o to_o form_v a_o most_o bold_a protestation_n by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evade_v all_o that_o be_v allege_v against_o they_o and_o to_o justify_v their_o whole_a conduct_n declare_v roundly_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n that_o if_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o their_o proceed_n they_o be_v resolve_v of_o themselves_o to_o call_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o will_v be_v more_o favourable_a to_o they_o the_o king_n declaration_n be_v thus_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n render_v ineffectual_a and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n grow_v still_o great_a a_o way_n be_v think_v on_o how_o thing_n may_v be_v accommodate_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v render_v tolerable_a the_o royal_a party_n therefore_o propose_v that_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o the_o covenanter_n who_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o loyal_a intention_n will_v vindicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n by_o except_v his_o majesty_n and_o declare_v that_o in_o their_o bond_n they_o never_o design_v any_o opposition_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o this_o most_o reasonable_a demand_v the_o head_n of_o that_o party_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o grant_v and_o no_o wonder_n if_o their_o reject_v so_o fair_a and_o so_o easy_a a_o proposal_n give_v those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o their_o covenant_n occasion_n to_o complain_v that_o their_o practice_n now_o begin_v to_o discover_v itself_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o they_o at_o first_o pretend_v for_o whereas_o in_o the_o covenant_n they_o declare_v from_o their_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o they_o have_v no_o intention_n nor_o desire_v to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n it_o seem_v hard_o now_o to_o reconcile_v this_o and_o other_o such_o expression_n with_o their_o threaten_v to_o assume_v the_o king_n be_v undoubted_a prerogative_n in_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o with_o their_o refuse_v to_o give_v the_o king_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o except_v he_o in_o their_o mutual_a bond_n even_o when_o by_o his_o commissioner_n he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v it_o there_o remain_v yet_o one_o expedient_a for_o the_o king_n to_o ruin_v all_o they_o have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v to_o renew_v his_o father_n covenant_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n for_o ever_o to_o defeat_v their_o malicious_a suggestion_n of_o his_o inclination_n to_o popery_n which_o be_v there_o so_o plain_o renounce_v or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n see_v how_o disingenuous_a they_o be_v if_o they_o offer_v to_o oppose_v that_o covenant_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v swear_v his_o majesty_n accept_v of_o this_o motion_n be_v please_v to_o give_v his_o commissioner_n authority_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o recommend_v the_o covenant_n he_o shall_v absolute_o revoke_v the_o liturgy_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n after_o a_o general_a pardon_n to_o such_o of_o his_o subject_n as_o have_v be_v mislead_v be_v willing_a to_o return_v to_o their_o allegiance_n and_o last_o that_o for_o examine_v all_o their_o just_a grievance_n he_o shall_v declare_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a intention_n to_o call_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n where_o neither_o bishop_n nor_o other_o be_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o censure_n but_o proceed_v against_o in_o a_o due_a and_o legal_a form_n according_a to_o their_o misdemeanour_n upon_o the_o news_n of_o the_o king_n covenant_n which_o come_v thus_o accompany_v with_o so_o many_o and_o so_o large_a expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o with_o such_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o his_o gracious_a inclination_n to_o purchase_v his_o subject_n affection_n at_o any_o rate_n some_o who_o before_o despair_v of_o a_o good_a issue_n and_o other_o who_o begin_v to_o shake_v in_o their_o allegiance_n be_v again_o confirm_v nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o dangerous_a breach_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o that_o the_o jealousy_n of_o popery_n and_o innovation_n be_v sufficient_o remove_v all_o party_n will_v henceforth_o concur_v in_o express_v their_o duty_n to_o his_o majesty_n but_o it_o prove_v much_o otherwise_o with_o those_o who_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n who_o no_o indulgence_n can_v sweeten_v nor_o concession_n satisfy_v with_o contempt_n do_v they_o reject_v the_o proffer_n of_o pardon_n because_o accept_v thereof_o may_v have_v perhaps_o argue_v gild_n and_o a_o tacit_a yield_v the_o point_n when_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n the_o king_n covenant_n which_o have_v be_v so_o dear_a to_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o former_a reign_n and_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o which_o their_o new_a covenant_n have_v first_o take_v root_n be_v now_o cry_v down_o as_o a_o hellish_a contrivance_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o all_o that_o subscribe_v it_o be_v declare_v perjure_v though_o they_o have_v make_v their_o own_o hitherto_o pass_v with_o the_o common_a people_n for_o the_o same_o to_o be_v short_a all_o be_v now_o at_o stake_n and_o they_o like_v to_o be_v ruin_v by_o their_o own_o art_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o pull_v off_o the_o mask_n find_v then_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o pretend_v the_o late_a king_n authority_n they_o flee_v to_o a_o great_a protest_v their_o adherence_n to_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o immediate_o seal_v from_o heaven_n have_v they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o evidence_n for_o that_o seal_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o still_o make_v good_a their_o party_n but_o when_o their_o prevaricate_a be_v already_o so_o plain_a people_n be_v extreme_o credulous_a to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n i_o shall_v only_o adventure_v to_o say_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o their_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n because_o they_o want_v that_o of_o his_o vicegerent_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o most_o zealous_a espouser_n of_o that_o interest_n whatever_o assurance_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v of_o god_n approve_v what_o they_o then_o do_v will_v be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o own_v it_o a_o thing_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n for_o all_o establish_a government_n to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o pretence_n of_o this_o nature_n see_v at_o this_o rate_n all_o who_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o
upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n prince_n be_v lay_v aside_o subject_n absolve_v from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n free_o dispose_v of_o when_o and_o to_o who_o they_o please_v so_o that_o under_o colour_n of_o maintain_v christ_n prerogative_n they_o refuse_v to_o give_v unto_o caesar_n what_o be_v caesar_n far_o from_o pay_v tribute_n as_o christ_n have_v do_v king_n be_v force_v to_o turn_v their_o tributary_n and_o by_o set_v up_o a_o new_a power_n in_o every_o kingdom_n they_o make_v prince_n contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n great_a loser_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o these_o heavy_a pressure_n have_v the_o christian_a world_n for_o several_a age_n groan_v when_o god_n raise_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o reformation_n in_o our_o father_n who_o among_o the_o manifold_a corruption_n of_o rome_n observe_v the_o ill_a treatment_n prince_n have_v there_o meet_v with_o and_o resolve_v that_o in_o restore_v to_o christianity_n its_o ancient_a lustre_n prince_n shall_v again_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o prerogative_n entail_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n this_o make_v the_o first_o reformer_n inveigh_v so_o bitter_o against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o see_v and_o enforce_v upon_o subject_n allegiance_n and_o submission_n as_o duty_n from_o which_o none_o upon_o earth_n can_v absolve_v they_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o justice_n then_o do_v to_o prince_n prove_v under_o god_n a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o rescue_v many_o nation_n from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n nor_o be_v duty_n to_o prince_n only_o preach_v up_o at_o first_o but_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o continue_v as_o a_o fix_a principle_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n where_o next_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n relate_v immediate_o to_o god_n they_o have_v all_o along_o glory_v most_o in_o the_o loyalty_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o lay_v indispensible_a tie_n of_o obedience_n upon_o man_n towards_o his_o vicegerent_n so_o that_o as_o it_o pass_v with_o many_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o papist_n act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o church_n can_v hardly_o be_v good_a subject_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o protestant_n who_o be_v not_o conscientious_o dutiful_a and_o loyal_a swerve_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o though_o there_o be_v alas_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o such_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yet_o their_o corrupt_a practice_n must_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o stand_v condemn_v but_o while_o i_o ascribe_v to_o the_o reform_a religion_n the_o honour_n of_o reestablish_v prince_n in_o their_o right_n i_o be_o sorry_a any_o of_o my_o countryman_n shall_v renounce_v their_o share_n in_o it_o by_o pretend_v that_o our_o sovereign_n have_v forfeit_v his_o crown_n and_o that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o our_o allegiance_n these_o alas_o be_v word_n not_o hitherto_o know_v among_o orthodox_n protestant_n but_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o impious_a and_o condemn_a writer_n let_v we_o consult_v the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o see_v if_o any_o of_o they_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n let_v we_o send_v a_o impartial_a account_n of_o our_o case_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o monarchy_n to_o all_o the_o protestant_a university_n abroad_o whether_o in_o england_n france_n germany_n holland_n switzerland_n or_o geneva_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o any_o one_o society_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o tenet_n let_v we_o see_v if_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o one_o eminent_a protestant_a divine_a one_o single_a person_n of_o credit_n and_o learning_n that_o will_v own_v himself_o of_o this_o persuasion_n if_o we_o look_v back_o to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o can_v find_v nothing_o there_o that_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o heresy_n nor_o idolatry_n in_o those_o day_n do_v make_v void_a prince_n right_o to_o govern_v constantius_n a_o arrian_n and_o julian_n a_o renegade_n be_v own_a for_o emperor_n by_o those_o who_o detest_v their_o impiety_n as_o much_o as_o jovianus_n or_o theodosius_n who_o be_v orthodox_n the_o more_o degenerate_a age_n and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o church_n first_o teach_v we_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o some_o of_o we_o now_o go_v we_o must_v look_v no_o high_o than_o hildebrand_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o only_o to_o prostitute_n canonist_n and_o jesuit_n for_o testimony_n and_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o prince_n can_v so_o easy_o forfeit_v their_o crown_n for_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o well-meaning_a papist_n if_o not_o whole_a national_a church_n that_o will_v utter_o reject_v this_o monstrous_a doctrine_n and_o true_o than_o it_o be_v hard_a that_o we_o who_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o the_o most_o thorough_o reform_v shall_v contemn_v the_o pattern_n set_v we_o by_o the_o ancient_n diffent_v from_o all_o our_o brethren_n and_o side_n with_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o point_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o much_o expose_v now_o no_o wonder_n if_o we_o run_v into_o strange_a absurdity_n when_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v grant_v upon_o false_a supposition_n first_o we_o will_v have_v the_o king_n be_v right_a to_o commence_v only_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o coronation_n then_o we_o will_v have_v the_o coronation_n a_o compact_a or_o agreement_n with_o the_o people_n by_o which_o the_o prince_n forfeit_v his_o right_n if_o he_o do_v not_o due_o perform_v his_o part_n and_o last_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o late_a covenant_n pass_v for_o the_o coronation_n oath_n all_o which_o be_v inexcusable_a mistake_v first_o our_o law_n admit_v of_o no_o interregnum_fw-la but_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o one_o king_n reign_n from_o the_o very_a instant_a that_o another_o expire_v it_o be_v a_o axiom_n with_o we_o and_o in_o all_o other_o hereditary_a monarchy_n that_o the_o king_n never_o die_v the_o fatal_a blow_n that_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o late_a sovereign_n put_v the_o crown_n immediate_o upon_o his_o son_n head_n from_o that_o minute_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o our_o present_a sovereign_n which_o till_o then_o we_o owe_v to_o his_o father_n and_o they_o who_o resist_v he_o before_o his_o coronation_n be_v rebel_n as_o well_o as_o these_o who_o have_v do_v it_o since_o whatever_o therefore_o a_o coronation_n may_v have_v be_v ancient_o it_o be_v now_o only_o look_v upon_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o instalment_n upon_o which_o our_o prince_n title_n to_o reign_n do_v no_o way_n depend_v else_o it_o will_v be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o will_v go_v about_o whereas_o it_o be_v ordinary_o put_v off_o till_o such_o time_n as_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v with_o the_o most_o solemnity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o coronation_n be_v no_o such_o compact_a as_o destroy_v the_o prince_n title_n if_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o part_n for_o where_o he_o have_v his_o crown_n by_o inheritance_n his_o coronation_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o title_n but_o not_o his_o title_n of_o his_o coronation_n which_o can_v never_o make_v he_o lose_v what_o it_o do_v not_o give_v he_o nor_o yet_o weaken_v the_o right_n which_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o predecessor_n death_n as_o our_o king_n owe_v his_o crown_n to_o his_o birth_n and_o not_o to_o any_o suffrage_n or_o mutual_a agreement_n with_o his_o people_n so_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o his_o coronation_n alter_v his_o right_n and_o make_v that_o conditional_a and_o capable_a of_o be_v lose_v which_o be_v before_o absolute_a and_o hereditary_a in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o prince_n commence_v only_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v crown_v they_o will_v be_v in_o uneasy_a and_o dangerous_a circumstance_n till_o that_o be_v over_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o their_o coronation_n limit_v their_o birthright_n or_o make_v their_o title_n more_o precarious_a they_o will_v contrive_v to_o have_v this_o solemnity_n among_o the_o last_o performance_n of_o their_o life_n last_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o double_a fallacy_n first_o in_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o the_o coronation_n oath_n and_o second_o in_o infer_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o crown_n where_o the_o coronation_n oath_n be_v break_v when_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o king_n be_v not_o make_v good_a the_o covenant_n we_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v thereby_o cancel_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v which_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o own_o supposition_n be_v not_o true_a unless_o we_o allow_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o coronation_n oath_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a see_v the_o
world_n may_v easy_o seign_v a_o warrant_n from_o god_n and_o so_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o authority_n that_o very_a resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o their_o covenant_n which_o make_v they_o fierce_o oppose_v the_o king_n and_o reject_v his_o act_n of_o grace_n prompt_v they_o to_o join_v with_o his_o motion_n for_o a_o general_n assembly_n because_o from_o thence_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o draw_v some_o advantage_n and_o though_o the_o king_n may_v just_o have_v refuse_v to_o make_v good_a his_o proffer_v when_o they_o have_v so_o undutiful_o reject_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o yet_o be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v his_o subject_n in_o every_o thing_n the_o commissioner_n have_v order_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n no_o soon_o be_v they_o sure_a of_o a_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 21_o of_o november_n 1638._o but_o engine_n be_v set_v on_o work_n to_o dispose_v thing_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o marquis_n of_o hamilton_n be_v to_o preside_v there_o for_o his_o majesty_n propose_v some_o preliminary_n to_o regulate_v election_n and_o to_o prevent_v such_o disorder_n and_o dispute_n as_o be_v like_a to_o arise_v if_o they_o observe_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n every_o where_o these_o the_o table_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o allege_v that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v do_v without_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o king_n commissioner_n preliminary_n be_v reject_v they_o themselves_o dare_v adventure_v to_o agree_v upon_o eight_o article_n or_o direction_n to_o presbytery_n wherein_o they_o determine_v the_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o assembly_n in_o every_o one_o of_o which_o all_o indifferent_a person_n think_v the_o table_n guilty_a of_o a_o more_o open_a encroachment_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o church_n than_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o marquis_n for_o his_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n among_o other_o unwarrantable_a method_n none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o their_o direct_n lay-elder_n from_o every_o parish_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o member_n for_o the_o assembly_n nor_o can_v these_o roll_a elder_n fail_v to_o carry_v the_o election_n as_o they_o please_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o six_o minister_n be_v declare_v candidate_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v oblige_v to_o retire_v as_o have_v no_o vote_n in_o choose_v or_o reject_v themselves_o and_o then_o the_o remain_a minister_n be_v lessen_v after_o this_o manner_n in_o number_n be_v plain_o out-voted_n everywhere_o by_o the_o elder_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o ever_o secular_a man_n have_v the_o name_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n nor_o need_v they_o have_v question_v the_o 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our_o able_a minister_n can_v well_o have_v