contend_v against_o by_o professor_n and_o be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o cautionary_a bond_n in_o the_o indulgence_n after_o bothuel_n of_o which_o see_n pag._n 129._o and_o further_o they_o must_v be_v open_o &_o public_o hold_v and_o all_o person_n free_o admit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v for_o the_o inform_a trade_n expose_v to_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o jesuit_n and_o other_o spy_n &_o fly_v their_o delation_n in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v speak_v reflect_v on_o the_o government_n a_o great_a tentation_n to_o minister_n 4_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v upon_o their_o matter_n of_o preach_v which_o be_v so_o restricted_a &_o limit_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v say_v or_o do_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o &_o peace_n of_o his_o reign_n seditious_a or_o treasonable_a and_o in_o case_n any_o treasonable_a speech_n be_v utter_v the_o law_n be_v to_o take_v place_n against_o the_o guilty_a and_o none_o other_o present_a provide_v they_o reveal_v to_o any_o of_o the_o council_n the_o guilt_n so_o commit_v as_o in_o the_o former_a proclamation_n and_o in_o the_o last_o it_o be_v further_o declare_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v preach_v or_o teach_v which_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o he_o or_o his_o government_n here_o be_v the_o price_n at_o which_o they_o be_v to_o purchase_v their_o freedom_n a_o sad_a bargain_n to_o buy_v liberty_n &_o sell_v truth_n which_o yet_o hardly_o can_v be_v so_o exact_o pay_v but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o pretence_n for_o retrench_v it_o when_o he_o please_v for_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o overturning_a of_o a_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n or_o for_o confound_v all_o that_o serve_v grave_v image_n and_o for_o destruction_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o that_o give_v their_o power_n to_o that_o beast_n there_o will_v be_v something_o say_v against_o the_o well_o of_o his_o government_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v this_o and_o not_o delate_v it_o than_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v relevant_a or_o if_o he_o shall_v preach_v against_o the_o king_n religion_n as_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o babylon_n and_o discharge_v his_o conscience_n &_o duty_n in_o speak_v against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o time_n or_o let_v he_o preach_v against_o any_o public_a sin_n faithful_o a_o popish_a critic_n or_o romish_a bigot_n shall_v interpret_v it_o to_o be_v a_o alienation_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n from_o the_o king_n &_o his_o government_n but_o who_o can_v be_v faithful_a and_o preach_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n now_o but_o he_o must_v think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o absolute_a tyranny_n so_o declare_o state_v against_o god_n what_o watchman_n must_v not_o see_v it_o his_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o warn_v all_o people_n of_o his_o devilish_a design_n to_o destroy_v the_o church_n &_o nation_n and_o preach_v so_o that_o people_n may_v hate_v the_o whore_n and_o this_o pimp_n of_o she_o sure_o if_o he_o preach_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n he_o must_v preach_v against_o popery_n &_o tyranny_n and_o if_o he_o think_v this_o indulgence_n from_o absolute_a prerogative_n grant_v &_o accept_v on_o these_o term_n can_v supercede_v he_o from_o this_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o be_v no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o pleaser_n of_o man_n therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o clog_v with_o so_o many_o restriction_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n so_o clear_o violatory_a of_o covenant-engagement_n so_o cross_a to_o the_o constant_a contending_n &_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o act_n of_o ass._n see_v pag._n 80._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a defection_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o 11._o consider_v the_o scandal_n of_o it_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o offend_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o the_o acceptance_n and_o dishonour_n god_n disgrace_n the_o protestant_a profession_n wrong_v the_o interest_n thereof_o and_o betray_v their_o native_a country_n as_o thus_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o antichrist_n and_o partake_v of_o this_o cruel_a tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o beast_n who_o have_v always_o mischief_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o preparative_a for_o induce_v or_o enforce_v all_o that_o be_v hereby_o lull_v asleep_o either_o to_o take_v on_o his_o mark_n or_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o fiery_a fury_n afterward_o for_o hereby_o foreign_a church_n may_v think_v we_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o antichrist_n when_o we_o so_o kind_o accept_v his_o harbinger_n favour_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o stumble_v to_o see_v the_o minister_n of_o scotland_n who_o testimony_n use_v to_o be_v terrible_a to_o the_o popish_a and_o renown_v through_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n purchase_v a_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o bury_v &_o betray_v the_o cause_n into_o bondage_n &_o restraint_n and_o thus_o to_o be_v lay_v by_o from_o all_o active_a &_o open_a opposition_n to_o antichrist_n design_n in_o such_o a_o season_n the_o world_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o principle_n but_o their_o owned_a interest_n in_o this_o juncture_n seek_v their_o owned_a thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o late_a usurpation_n upon_o &_o overturning_a of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n that_o offend_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n they_o sustain_v thereby_o but_o if_o that_o arbitrary_a power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o their_o favour_n though_o with_o the_o same_o prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v comply_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v now_o alas_o sad_a &_o dolorous_a have_v be_v the_o scandal_n give_v &_o take_v by_o &_o from_o the_o decline_a minister_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o which_o have_v rend_v &_o rack_v the_o poor_a remnant_n and_o offend_v many_o both_o at_o home_n &_o abroad_o but_o none_o so_o stumble_v as_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o tender_a will_v be_v rich_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o 12._o consider_v the_o address_n make_v thereupon_o with_o such_o a_o stain_n of_o foulsome_a &_o blasphemous_a flattery_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o betray_n of_o the_o church_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a persecute_a party_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o incorporate_v with_o they_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o first_o of_o their_o address_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n of_o stand_v aloof_o from_o every_o appearance_n of_o be_v of_o their_o number_n it_o be_v date_v at_o edinburgh_n julj_fw-la 21._o 1687._o of_o this_o tenor_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o his_o majesty_n kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o your_o maj._n most_o loyal_a subject_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n in_o your_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o due_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o your_o maj._n gracious_a &_o surprise_a favour_n in_o not_o only_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o our_o long_a sad_a suffering_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o grant_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o public_a &_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n without_o any_o hazard_n as_o we_o bless_v the_o great_a god_n who_o have_v put_v this_o in_o your_o royal_a heart_n do_v with_o all_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o offer_v our_o most_o humble_a &_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o favour_n bestow_v be_v to_o we_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o our_o persuasion_n valuable_a above_o all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v ground_n from_o your_o maj._n to_o believe_v that_o our_o loyalty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o be_v presbyterian_o who_o as_o we_o have_v amid_o all_o former_a tentation_n endeavour_v so_o we_o be_v firm_o resolve_v still_o to_o preserve_v a_o entire_a loyalty_n in_o our_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n consonant_a to_o our_o know_a principle_n which_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o ow_v by_o presbyterian_o in_o all_o your_o maj._n dominion_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n so_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o your_o maj._n may_v find_v cause_n rather_o to_o enlarge_v than_o to_o diminish_v your_o favour_n towards_o we_o thorough_o persuade_v ourselves_o from_o your_o maj._n justice_n &_o
gospel_n &_o destruction_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n but_o through_o the_o ignorance_n &_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v who_o we_o shall_v hear_v by_o seek_v some_o satisfie_v evidence_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o christ_n the_o world_n have_v be_v leave_v louse_n in_o a_o licence_n to_o hear_v what_o they_o please_v and_o so_o have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n from_o monte_fw-fr bank_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a &_o wholesome_a potion_n of_o christ_n prescript_n from_o they_o that_o have_v power_n &_o skill_n to_o administer_v they_o hence_o the_o many_o sect_n &_o schism_n &_o error_n that_o have_v pester_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o this_o latitude_n &_o laxness_n of_o promiscous_a hear_n of_o all_o who_o they_o please_v who_o either_o the_o world_n authority_n impower_v or_o by_o other_o mean_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o place_n of_o preach_v without_o take_v any_o cognizance_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o character_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o not_o if_o this_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o people_n have_v scruple_v &_o refuse_v to_o hear_v these_o who_o they_o may_v know_v shall_v not_o have_v preach_v neither_o the_o great_a antichrist_n nor_o the_o many_o lesser_a antichrist_n will_v have_v have_v such_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v this_o day_n it_o be_v then_o of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o have_v this_o question_v clear_v neither_o be_v it_o of_o small_a difficulty_n to_o solve_v the_o intricacy_n of_o it_o what_o character_n to_o fix_v for_o a_o discovery_n of_o christ_n true_a minister_n who_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o love_n &_o esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o quality_n sake_n as_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v those_o character_n what_o judgement_n be_v incumbent_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o theiroun_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o their_o practice_n with_o out_o scandal_n on_o either_o hand_n or_o sin_n against_o their_o owned_a conscience_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n &_o extreme_n that_o inadvertency_n or_o precipitancy_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v rush_v upon_o so_o as_o to_o escape_v &_o sail_v by_o the_o scylla_n of_o sinful_a separation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o charybdis_n of_o sinful_a union_n &_o communion_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a especial_o how_o these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o break_a and_o disturb_v &_o divide_a case_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n also_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o question_v before_o this_o time_n and_o never_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n to_o cover_v sin_n &_o escape_v suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n so_o it_o have_v never_o be_v discuss_v by_o divine_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o case_n except_o what_o have_v be_v of_o late_a by_o some_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n from_o who_o i_o shall_v gather_v the_o most_o of_o my_o argument_n in_o as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o i_o can_v without_o wrong_v they_o the_o reason_n i_o fancy_n that_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o help_n from_o the_o learned_a on_o this_o head_n be_v partly_o that_o they_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o their_o owned_a time_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n when_o corruption_n &_o disorder_n may_v be_v orderly_o rectify_v and_o people_n may_v have_v access_n to_o get_v their_o scruple_n remove_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n by_o church-order_n in_o which_o case_n the_o learned_a &_o judicious_a mr_n durham_n have_v write_v excellent_o in_o his_o book_n on_o scandal_n but_o therein_o neither_o he_o nor_o other_o do_v consult_v nor_o can_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v and_o partly_o that_o foreign_a divine_n not_o have_v this_o for_o their_o exercise_n can_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o circumstantiate_a case_n and_o so_o be_v not_o fit_v nor_o competent_a arbiter_n to_o decide_v this_o contraversie_n hence_o many_o of_o they_o do_v wonder_n at_o our_o suffering_n upon_o this_o head_n every_o church_n be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o her_o owned_a testimony_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o learn_a of_o they_o as_o the_o great_a gisb._n voetius_fw-la in_o his_o polit_n eccles._n in_o several_a place_n come_v near_o to_o favour_v we_o where_o he_o allow_v people_n to_o leave_v some_o &_o hear_v such_o minister_n as_o they_o profit_v most_o by_o from_o these_o ground_n that_o people_n shall_v choose_v the_o best_a &_o most_o edify_a gift_n and_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o grant_v that_o upon_o several_a occasion_n one_o may_v abstain_v from_o explicit_a communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n for_o these_o reason_n that_o such_o communion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v either_o medii_fw-la or_o precepti_fw-la where_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v more_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o christian_a duty_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v communion_n with_o more_o purity_n in_o other_o place_n polit._n ecces_n quest._n 17._o pag._n 68_o and_o he_o approve_v of_o people_n refuse_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o corrupt_a minister_n because_o they_o may_v wait_v until_o they_o have_v occasion_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o if_o the_o best_a gift_n be_v to_o be_v covet_v why_o shall_v not_o the_o best_a minister_n be_v prefer_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n show_v by_o their_o deed_n that_o they_o honour_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n &_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o 11._o eph._n 5._o 11._o they_o shall_v not_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o godly_a the_o authority_n of_o such_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v strengthen_v voet._n polit_n eccles._n pag._n 637._o to_o 640._o but_o though_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o necessary_a to_o say_v somewhat_o to_o clear_v it_o with_o dependence_n upon_o light_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o up_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o blind_v or_o bribe_v with_o some_o prejudices_fw-la by_o which_o more_o light_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o point_n of_o withdraw_a from_o corrupt_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d ever_o be_v attain_v in_o former_a time_n which_o be_v all_o the_o good_a we_o have_v get_v of_o prelacy_n in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o may_v spare_v labour_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v make_v the_o argument_n vindicate_v this_o cause_n of_o suffer_v alittle_o more_o public_a and_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n espouse_v by_o the_o present_a &_o reproach_v party_n for_o their_o withdrawing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v stretch_v be_v no_o other_o than_o have_v be_v ow_v by_o our_o writer_n on_o this_o head_n to_o the_o intent_n it_o may_v appear_v there_o be_v no_o discrepancy_n but_o great_a likeness_n &_o harmony_n between_o the_o argument_n &_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a in_o the_o late_a informatorie_n vindication_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o touch_v this_o subject_n now_o that_o not_o only_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o suffering_n but_o many_o that_o suffer_v a_o while_n for_o it_o now_o have_v faint_v and_o condemn_v all_o their_o former_a contending_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n call_v in_o question_n all_o these_o reason_n that_o former_o satisfy_v satisfy_v they_o but_o to_o proceed_v with_o some_o distinctness_n in_o this_o thorny_a point_n some_o concessory_a assertion_n must_v first_o be_v premit_v and_o then_o our_o ground_n propound_v first_o i_o willing_o yield_v to_o &_o cordial_o close_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o assertion_n i._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n partaker_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n
the_o world_n than_o popery_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o tessera_fw-la that_o they_o be_v no_o enemy_n to_o the_o government_n as_o they_o call_v it_o o_o base_a and_o unworthy_a livery_n for_o the_o suffer_a son_n of_o zion_n to_o put_v on_o the_o signature_n of_o the_o society_n of_o her_o devourer_n hence_o if_o covenant_n &_o confederacy_n declare_v we_o be_v on_o their_o side_n can_v be_v make_v with_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n than_o this_o oath_n can_v not_o be_v take_v lawful_o but_o the_o former_a be_v prove_v above_o ergo_fw-la the_o latter_a follow_v this_o will_v yet_o more_o appear_v 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o party_n that_o set_v forth_o that_o declaration_n who_o the_o proclamation_n against_o it_o represent_v so_o odious_o &_o invidious_o who_o the_o oath_n impose_v oblige_v we_o to_o condemn_v be_v so_o represent_v as_o if_o they_o be_v maintainer_n of_o murder_v principle_n and_o perpetator_n of_o assassinate_a villainy_n inconsistent_a with_o peace_n or_o any_o good_a government_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v exterminate_v &_o destroy_v out_o of_o the_o land_n who_o therefore_o they_o prosecute_v &_o persecute_v so_o cruel_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n under_o colour_n of_o law._n 1._o the_o taker_n of_o this_o oath_n must_v have_v formal_o under_o their_o unhappy_a hand_n disoun_v &_o renounce_v they_o and_o all_o part_n or_o interest_n in_o they_o or_o society_n or_o sympathy_n with_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o suffer_a people_n of_o god_n more_o earnest_o contend_v witness_v wrestle_v for_o the_o faith_n &_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n and_o have_v suffer_v more_o for_o their_o adherance_n to_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o all_o its_o deformation_n &_o defection_n than_o any_o party_n within_o the_o land_n yet_o they_o have_v they_o reject_v as_o their_o companion_n though_o with_o some_o of_o they_o sometime_o they_o have_v have_v sweet_a company_n &_o communion_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o abjure_v &_o condemn_v their_o deed_n which_o duty_n &_o necessity_n drive_v they_o to_o 2._o hereby_o they_o have_v presumptuous_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o deed_n of_o their_o brethren_n before_o their_o murder_v enemy_n and_o that_o not_o a_o private_a discretive_a judgement_n but_o a_o public_a definitive_a sentence_n in_o their_o capacity_n by_o the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o declare_v it_o that_o can_v be_v by_o oath_n &_o subscription_n under_o their_o hand_n whereby_o they_o have_v condemn_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o their_o brethren_n who_o seal_v their_o testimony_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o compliance_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o finish_v it_o with_o honour_n &_o joy_n as_o foolish_a &_o frivolous_a profusion_n of_o their_o owned_a blood_n nay_o as_o just_a &_o legal_o inflict_v &_o execute_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v rebel_n of_o murder_v principle_n &_o practice_n for_o this_o can_v be_v vindicate_v from_o a_o more_o than_o indirect_a justify_n of_o all_o the_o murder_v severity_n execute_v upon_o they_o 3._o and_o hereby_o they_o have_v unkind_o and_o unchristian_o list_v themselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n against_o they_o and_o take_v part_n rather_o with_o their_o enemy_n than_o with_o they_o for_o thus_o they_o use_v to_o plead_v for_o it_o it_o when_o they_o press_v this_o oath_n upon_o they_o that_o scruple_v it_o when_o any_o war_n be_v declare_v against_o the_o king_n any_o of_o his_o maj._n soldier_n may_v question_v any_o man_n who_o he_o be_v for_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o for_o the_o king_n he_o may_v act_v against_o he_o as_o a_o enemy_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o declare_v for_o the_o king_n and_o disoune_n the_o rebel_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v by_o all_o as_o enemy_n which_o whatever_o weakness_n be_v in_o the_o argue_v plain_o discover_v that_o they_o take_v the_o abjure_v of_o that_o declaration_n in_o that_o juncture_n to_o be_v a_o man_n declare_v of_o what_o side_n he_o be_v for_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o the_o emitter_n of_o that_o declaration_n but_o for_o the_o king_n and_o his_o party_n which_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a oun_v of_o christ_n enemy_n and_o disow_v of_o his_o friend_n hence_o a_o disow_a of_o the_o lord_n persecute_v people_n and_o condemn_v their_o practice_n and_o a_o oun_a of_o their_o persecuter_n and_o espouse_v their_o side_n of_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a confederacy_n but_o the_o take_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v such_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o be_v say_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v a_o sinful_a confederacy_n 3._o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n &_o qualification_n of_o so_o solemn_a &_o serious_a a_o piece_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o way_n of_o invocate_a his_o holy_a name_n as_o a_o oath_n be_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o take_n of_o this_o impose_v oath_n of_o abjuration_n be_v a_o dreadful_a &_o heinous_a breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n by_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a in_o the_o worst_a sort_n and_o so_o can_v be_v hold_v guiltless_a i_o prove_v it_o thus_o a_o oath_n which_o can_v be_v take_v in_o truth_n judgement_n &_o righteousness_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o three_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o oath_n which_o can_v be_v take_v in_o truth_n judgement_n &_o righteousness_n which_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v take_v by_o any_o conscientious_a man_n in_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n simplicity_n 〈…〉_z mind_n singleness_n &_o honesty_n in_o the_o intention_n not_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n than_o the_o imposer_n have_v and_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a sense_n of_o it_o sine_fw-la juramento_fw-la and_o extra_fw-la for_o if_o he_o take_v it_o according_a to_o their_o meaning_n than_o he_o shall_v swear_v it_o unlawful_a ever_o to_o declare_v war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o consequent_o never_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o he_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o we_o may_v rise_v in_o arm_n for_o our_o owned_a defence_n we_o make_v &_o must_v declare_v a_o defensive_a war._n and_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o sense_n &_o meaning_n who_o impose_v they_o these_o two_o oath_n never_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o this_o of_o abjuration_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o then_o also_o shall_v he_o swear_v it_o unlawful_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n to_o kill_v any_o such_o as_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o church_n state_n army_z or_o country_n either_o in_o peace_n or_o war_n for_o that_o be_v their_o thought_n and_o sensus_fw-la vel_fw-la juramenti_fw-la ipsius_fw-la vel_fw-la extra_fw-la juramentum_fw-la and_o in_o part_n for_o their_o exemption_n &_o immunity_n from_o all_o condign_a punishment_n this_o oath_n be_v contrive_v but_o in_o fine_a how_o can_v this_o oath_n be_v take_v in_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v not_o apparent_a either_o that_o the_o declare_v of_o a_o war_n against_o the_o king_n or_o kill_v some_o for_o some_o cause_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v lawful_a that_o serve_v he_o be_v to_o be_v abjure_v &_o disoun_v or_o that_o the_o declaration_n do_v assert_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o a_o subscribe_v to_o a_o manifest_a falsehood_n invoke_v god_n to_o be_v witness_n thereto_o 2._o this_o oath_n can_v be_v take_v in_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o knowledge_n &_o deliberation_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o term_n of_o it_o have_v much_o obscure_a ambiguity_n declare_v a_o war_n and_o kill_v any_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n may_v be_v construct_v in_o several_a sense_n good_a &_o bad_a but_o here_o they_o be_v indefinite_o express_v and_o universal_o condemn_v particular_o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o have_v several_a face_n and_o can_v never_o be_v swear_v in_o judgement_n for_o if_o it_o denote_v a_o causality_n and_o signify_v as_o much_o as_o quia_fw-la or_o quatenus_fw-la than_o all_o declaration_n of_o war_n against_o any_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o king_n whatsoever_o upon_o whatsoever_o ground_n and_o all_o kill_n of_o any_o serve_v he_o though_o in_o our_o owned_a defence_n must_v be_v universal_o condemn_v for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la if_o it_o import_v a_o restriction_n exclude_v other_o thing_n in_o the_o declaration_n but_o oblige_v to_o abjure_v only_o that_o than_o it_o imply_v also_o a_o affirmation_n that_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o will_v not_o appear_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o that_o will_v serious_o ponder_v
other_o from_o concert_v that_o same_o necessary_a witness_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o will_v change_v both_o matter_n &_o manner_n in_o manage_v the_o war._n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v for_o the_o old_a controvert_v head_n of_o popery_n with_o fire_n &_o faggot_n as_o former_o for_o refuse_v to_o worship_v our_o lady_n or_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n these_o weapon_n &_o engine_n be_v so_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n that_o they_o will_v not_o work_v now_o as_o they_o do_v before_o and_o that_o old_a bawd_n of_o babylon_n be_v become_v so_o ugly_a and_o out_o of_o date_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v her_o beauty_n can_v be_v so_o bewitch_a except_o she_o put_v on_o a_o new_a busk_n but_o her_o elder_a daughter_n the_o prelatical_a church_n of_o the_o same_o complexion_n with_o herself_o except_o that_o she_o be_v colour_v with_o protestant_a paint_n be_v fit_a for_o his_o service_n to_o allure_v our_o land_n into_o fornication_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v entyce_v must_v be_v force_v to_o communion_n with_o she_o by_o fining_n confyning_n exaction_n extortion_n &_o imposition_n of_o oath_n etc._n etc._n religion_n must_v be_v little_o concern_v here_o for_o there_o be_v preach_v enough_o and_o of_o protestant_a doctrine_n too_o and_o without_o the_o monkie-trick_n &_o montebank_n show_v &_o foppery_n of_o english-popish_a ceremony_n &_o lyturgical_a service_n what_o will_v they_o be_v at_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o yield_v to_o this_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o scotish-spanish-inquisition_n that_o will_v rack_v the_o purse_n the_o body_n &_o conscience_n and_o all_o this_o be_v one_o complex_fw-la head_n of_o suffering_n and_o think_v a_o very_a small_a one_o by_o many_o but_o now_o find_v this_o will_v not_o do_v his_o business_n yet_o it_o look_v too_o like_o religion_n still_o he_o have_v therefore_o invent_v a_o new_a machine_n he_o will_v not_o now_o persecute_v nor_o force_v the_o conscience_n at_o all_o so_o good_a nature_a be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o lieutenant_n grow_v in_o their_o old_a age_n for_o matter_n of_o mere_a religion_n nay_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o who_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o this_o long_a time_n but_o only_o in_o all_o the_o violent_a course_n exercise_v against_o these_o sufferer_n he_o have_v be_v magistratical_o chastise_v the_o disobedience_n &_o rebellion_n of_o a_o few_o turbulent_a traitor_n who_o will_v not_o oune_v the_o government_n and_o thus_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o rebellion_n &_o disow_a authority_n he_o have_v have_v access_n &_o success_n to_o destroy_v almost_o a_o innumerable_a number_n of_o honest_a &_o innocent_a faithful_a &_o fruitful_a lover_n of_o christ_n who_o though_o indeed_o they_o have_v have_v their_o suffering_n state_v upon_o those_o point_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n &_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n not_o love_v their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n who_o blood_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o shedder_n thereof_o and_o he_o will_v make_v inquisition_n for_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o overturn_v overturn_v &_o take_v his_o own_o right_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v contend_v nevertheless_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n too_o prevalent_a with_o many_o to_o misregard_n the_o case_n &_o cause_n of_o these_o contender_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o represent_v they_o favourablie_o and_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n difficulty_n &_o discouragement_n together_o consider_v will_v soon_o cool_v my_o courage_n and_o at_o first_o blush_n make_v i_o leave_v off_o before_o i_o begin_v be_v i_o not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n these_o reproach_v people_n be_v suffer_v for_o and_o that_o their_o great_a suffering_n &_o reproach_n be_v both_o alike_o unjust_a from_o both_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v vindicate_v they_o &_o bring_v forth_o their_o righteousness_n as_o the_o light_n &_o their_o judgement_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n â—n_v his_o owned_a time_n in_o confidence_n of_o which_o depend_v on_o his_o conduct_n i_o shall_v undertake_v as_o brief_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o represent_v their_o case_n and_o clear_v the_o cause_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v their_o contest_v with_o their_o pesecute_a enemy_n wiâ—h_v who_o i_o only_o deal_v at_o present_a it_o not_o be_v my_o purpose_n to_o descend_v particular_o into_o their_o necessitate_a contending_n with_o comply_v brethren_n partly_o because_o they_o will_v make_v the_o volume_n to_o excresce_fw-it unto_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n &_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v elsewhere_o yet_o in_o effect_n these_o also_o be_v not_o only_o here_o narrative_o deduce_v but_o whatever_n be_v odious_a in_o they_o be_v vindicate_v &_o what_o be_v difficult_a in_o some_o measure_n enodate_v but_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o desiderated_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o distinct_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o step_v of_o this_o woeful_a defection_n against_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o testimony_n have_v be_v state_v but_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n advertise_v i_o touch_v only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v seal_v by_o severe_a suffering_n from_o enemy_n it_o be_v a_o task_n transcend_v my_o capacity_n and_o a_o theme_n wherein_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o my_o leisure_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o such_o a_o sad_a and_o shameful_a subject_n though_o the_o world_n indeed_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n that_o they_o that_o will_v do_v it_o can_v and_o they_o that_o will_v &_o shall_v do_v it_o will_v not_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n not_o only_o to_o scotland_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n already_o can_v see_v the_o light_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o light_n which_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o disingenuous_a prudence_n of_o some_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o defection_n be_v embezil_v &_o suppress_v i_o mean_v that_o excellent_a &_o faithful_a history_n of_o defection_n the_o posthumou_n work_v of_o famous_a mr._n m'ward_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o if_o they_o that_o have_v it_o in_o keep_v will_v do_v themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o publish_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o discover_v from_o whence_o to_o what_o and_o how_o that_o church_n have_v fall_v &_o degenerate_a nor_o so_o great_a dissicultie_n in_o that_o indisputable_a &_o indispensable_a duty_n that_o such_o a_o day_n call_v for_o in_o search_v &_o try_v our_o way_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o necessity_n for_o my_o poor_a essay_n to_o invite_v &_o incite_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v cognizance_n &_o compassion_n of_o poor_a perish_a scotland_n i_o wish_v that_o they_o who_o have_v it_o may_v consult_v more_o their_o owned_a duty_n and_o credit_n and_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o church_n edification_n the_o day_n testimony_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v rob_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o treasure_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v treason_n against_o christ_n &_o sacrilege_n against_o the_o church_n &_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o publish_v it_o the_o world_n must_v know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v but_o it_o not_o be_v my_o design_n now_o to_o detect_v or_o reflect_v upon_o all_o the_o defection_n of_o that_o decline_a &_o by_o declension_n divide_v &_o by_o division_n almost_o only_o not_o destroy_v church_n i_o shall_v meddle_v with_o they_o no_o further_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v the_o cause_n refer_v the_o knowledge_n and_o account_n of_o they_o either_o to_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o gross_a of_o they_o or_o to_o the_o more_o particular_a enarration_n of_o they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o paper_n emit_v &_o publish_v by_o the_o contender_n against_o they_o of_o which_o one_o be_v of_o this_o same_o year_n edition_n entitle_v the_o informatory_n vindication_n of_o a_o poor_a waste_v misrepresented_a remnant_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o may_v be_v evident_a that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o darkness_n &_o distress_n defection_n &_o division_n under_o which_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v so_o long_o &_o be_v still_o labour_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o poor_a
except_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v against_o tyranny_n because_o that_o tyrant_n be_v not_o such_o a_o usurper_n nor_o such_o a_o violater_n of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o these_o that_o we_o have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o all_o but_o as_o to_o the_o manage_n the_o testimony_n they_o far_o out_o strip_v their_o successor_n in_o this_o generation_n in_o conduct_n &_o courage_n prudence_n &_o zeal_n as_o be_v above_o hintend_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v some_o more_o when_o several_a plot_n of_o papist_n lord_n have_v be_v discover_v conspire_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o they_o be_v by_o the_o king_n indulgence_n favour_v and_o some_o be_v also_o persuade_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o famous_a mr_n davidson_n oppose_v with_o great_a resolution_n declare_v before_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n that_o it_o favour_v much_o of_o defection_n in_o these_o day_n that_o such_o notorious_a rebel_n 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upon_o it_o so_o that_o in_o seek_v both_o you_o shall_v lose_v both_o to_o the_o like_a effect_n mr_n robert_n bruce_n in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o psal_n 51._o give_v faithful_a warning_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v not_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v party_n in_o this_o cause_n no_o the_o quarrel_n be_v betwixt_o a_o great_a prince_n and_o they_o what_o be_v we_o but_o silly_a man_n yet_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o set_v we_o in_o this_o office_n that_o we_o shall_v oppone_v to_o the_o manifest_a usurpation_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v there_o a_o more_o forcible_a mean_v to_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n than_o to_o let_v barrabas_n that_o nobilitate_fw-la malefactor_n pass_v free_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o war_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n it_o put_v on_o the_o copestone_n that_o so_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a as_o their_o call_v &_o this_o cause_n crave_v fie_o upon_o false_a brethren_n to_o see_v they_o dumb_a so_o faint_v heart_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o chock_n not_o only_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v the_o thing_n they_o think_v which_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o a_o pastor_n but_o speak_v direct_o against_o their_o former_a doctrine_n they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v put_v at_o but_o incontinent_a they_o will_v turn_v and_o make_v their_o gift_n weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v none_o so_o malicious_a as_o a_o apostate_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o slide_v back_o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o faithful_a witness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o preach_v as_o the_o king_n will_v have_v he_o against_o his_o owned_a conscience_n to_o justify_v &_o proclaim_v the_o king_n innocency_n in_o a_o forge_a conspiracy_n against_o he_o be_v put_v from_o his_o church_n in_o edinburgh_n and_o be_v request_v in_o a_o insinuate_a manner_n to_o desist_v from_o preach_v but_o for_o nine_o or_o ten_o day_n he_o condescend_v at_o first_o think_v the_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o that_o night_n his_o body_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o fever_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o he_o promise_v he_o shall_v never_o obey_v their_o commandment_n any_o more_o these_o be_v faithful_a man_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o challenge_v themselves_o in_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o their_o short_a come_n &_o defection_n at_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n march_n 30._o 1596._o the_o great_a solemnity_n ever_o have_v be_v see_v in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n so_o that_o the_o place_n may_v worthy_o have_v be_v call_v bochim_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v such_o a_o day_n when_o even_o the_o most_o faithful_a among_o we_o shall_v mourn_v over_o our_o far_a more_o aggravate_v defection_n but_o if_o they_o mourn_v then_o for_o these_o first_o degree_n of_o declension_n we_o may_v say_v quam_fw-la gravius_fw-la ingemiscerent_fw-la illi_fw-la fortes_fw-la viri_fw-la qui_fw-la propter_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n libertatem_fw-la olim_fw-la in_o acie_n decertarunt_fw-la si_fw-la nostram_fw-la hanc_fw-la ignaviam_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la gravius_fw-la dicam_fw-la conspicerent_fw-la i_o know_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o that_o some_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o worthy_n allege_v they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o hear_v &_o join_v with_o prelatical_a man_n dispense_n the_o ordinance_n but_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v easy_o refell_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o period_n wherein_o they_o be_v but_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o may_v bear_v with_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v after_o we_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o they_o they_o be_v then_o advance_v and_o still_o gain_v ground_n we_o be_v now_o decline_v and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v more_o rich_a to_o 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that_o way_n therefore_o must_v keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o their_o communion_n but_o next_o if_o we_o consider_v their_o practice_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o worthy_n be_v not_o such_o conformist_n as_o our_o complyer_n will_v make_v they_o what_o if_o we_o find_v among_o they_o meeting_n that_o be_v call_v &_o count_v as_o seditious_a &_o schismatic_a as_o we_o be_v now_o we_o find_v a_o field_n meet_v yea_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o dumfermling_n without_o &_o against_o the_o king_n warrant_v when_o the_o â—_z be_v shut_v against_o they_o anno_fw-la 1585._o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o pat_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o that_o we_o find_v private-meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n discharge_v by_o open_a proclamation_n anno_fw-la 1624._o wherein_o it_o be_v charge_v that_o they_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n contemn_v &_o impugn_a their_o doctrine_n disobey_v &_o control_v their_o 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answer_v the_o false_a imputation_n of_o conformity_n on_o these_o witness_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n but_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o part_n of_o a_o letter_n of_o one_o of_o the_o banish_a minister_n at_o that_o time_n discover_v his_o mind_n about_o hear_v these_o man_n that_o be_v then_o serve_v the_o time_n mr_n john_n welsh_n write_v to_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n what_o my_o mind_n be_v concern_v the_o root_n of_o these_o branch_n the_o bearer_n will_v show_v you_o more_o full_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v orthodox_n but_o apostate_n they_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o calling_n by_o receive_v a_o antichristian_a and_o bring_v in_o of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v the_o kingdom_n culpable_a and_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o such_o a_o high_a perfidy_n against_o a_o oath_n so_o solemn_o enact_v &_o give_v and_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v christian_n but_o stranger_n apostate_n &_o persecutor_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v hear_v any_o more_o either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o consistory_n college_n or_o synod_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n we_o see_v then_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n they_o be_v not_o dissonant_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o present_a reproach_v sufferer_n ii_o as_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o their_o testimony_n against_o all_o the_o invader_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n do_v speak_v forth_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sincere_a &_o pure_a zeal_n so_o their_o practice_n be_v conform_v show_v forth_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o strictness_n and_o averseness_n from_o all_o sinful_a compliance_n even_o with_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v now_o account_v of_o very_a minute_n &_o inconsiderable_a consequence_n and_o for_o which_o honest_a sufferer_n now_o be_v flout_v at_o as_o fool_n when_o that_o oath_n be_v form_v for_o acknowledge_v the_o supremacy_n there_o be_v a_o clause_n add_v which_o may_v have_v be_v think_v to_o salve_v the_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n i_o fear_v many_o now_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o subscribe_v with_o such_o a_o qualification_n yet_o the_o faithful_a than_o perceive_v the_o sophistry_n that_o it_o make_v it_o rather_o worse_o affirm_v that_o that_o brat_n of_o hell_n be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v several_a eminent_a man_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o both_o by_o advice_n &_o example_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n comply_v and_o plead_v also_o from_o the_o illegality_n of_o that_o imposition_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o subscription_n of_o law_n a_o thing_n never_o require_v before_o of_o any_o subject_n if_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v punish_v according_a to_o the_o law_n when_o many_o honest_a faithful_a patriot_n for_o their_o attempt_n at_o ruthven_n to_o deliver_v the_o country_n from_o a_o vermin_n of_o villain_n that_o abuse_v the_o 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minister_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v commit_v to_o ward_v for_o refuse_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o queen_n before_o her_o execution_n in_o forthringam_n castle_n 1586._o they_o refuse_v not_o simple_o to_o pray_v for_o she_o but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o her_o life_n as_o if_o she_o have_v be_v innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n lay_v to_o her_o charge_n which_o have_v import_v a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o proceed_n against_o she_o afterward_o in_o the_o year_n 1600._o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n will_v not_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o king_n from_o a_o pretend_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o gowrie_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o credit_n nor_o assurance_n and_o will_v not_o crave_v pardon_n for_o it_o neither_o for_o this_o mr_n robert_n bruce_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o never_o obtain_v it_o again_o in_o edinburgh_n but_o
commissioner_n be_v send_v from_o both_o house_n to_o scotland_n earnest_o invite_v to_o a_o near_a union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o desire_v assistance_n from_o this_o nation_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o that_o their_o great_a distress_n and_o this_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n produce_v the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n first_o draw_v up_o in_o scotland_n and_o approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o afterward_o embrace_v in_o england_n to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a party_n and_o to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wish_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o just_a liberty_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o do_v import_v their_o sincere_a &_o constant_a endeavour_n in_o their_o several_a place_n &_o calling_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o uniformity_n in_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n error_n &_o profanity_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o right_n &_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n the_o discovery_n &_o punishment_n of_o incendary_n the_o retain_v of_o the_o peace_n &_o union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mutual_a assistance_n &_o defence_n of_o all_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o perform_v all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o walk_v exemplar_o one_o before_o another_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n comprehend_v the_o purpose_n of_o all_o prior_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o all_o posterior_n covenant_n to_o which_o christ_n witness_n do_v always_o adhere_v for_o which_o the_o present_a witness_n do_v suffer_v &_o contend_v that_o covenant_n which_o the_o representative_a of_o church_n &_o state_n in_o the_o three_o nation_n do_v solemn_o subscribe_v &_o swear_v for_o themselves_o &_o posterity_n of_o which_o the_o obligation_n either_o to_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o punishment_n continue_v indispensible_o on_o the_o generation_n which_o for_o the_o moral_a equity_n oâ—_n its_o matter_n the_o formality_n of_o its_o manner_n the_o importance_n of_o its_o purpose_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o its_o end_n no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v disannul_v disable_v or_o dispense_v that_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o at_o their_o enter_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o secure_v &_o establish_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o blessing_n &_o privilege_n therein_o express_v and_o avouch_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n as_o they_o have_v avouch_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o covenant_n which_o in_o all_o the_o controversy_n it_o have_v occasion_v do_v never_o receive_v a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o from_o the_o malice_n &_o opposition_n of_o its_o adversary_n that_o covenant_n which_o malignant_n do_v malign_v &_o deny_v and_o sectary_n scorn_v &_o lay_v aside_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n which_o have_v be_v many_o way_n traduce_v &_o reproach_v by_o enemy_n and_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v reflect_v on_o by_o any_o serious_a in_o this_o land_n without_o a_o honourable_a &_o fragrant_a remembrance_n especial_o that_o retortion_n of_o adversary_n of_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o imposition_n upon_o recusant_n to_o justify_v their_o cruelty_n upon_o its_o asserter_n now_o be_v to_o be_v refell_v not_o with_o confutation_n of_o its_o importance_n but_o with_o disdain_n of_o its_o impudence_n for_o who_o be_v the_o recusant_n but_o wicked_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o church_n &_o nation_n who_o for_o their_o malignancy_n be_v then_o to_o be_v prosecute_v not_o for_o their_o scruple_v at_o a_o covenant_n but_o for_o their_o contumacious_a contempt_n of_o a_o law_n this_o be_v no_o violence_n do_v to_o their_o conscience_n for_o as_o they_o have_v none_o and_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o so_o they_o be_v never_o trouble_v for_o that_o but_o for_o their_o opposition_n &_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o common_a cause_n however_o it_o go_v through_o at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n in_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o unite_a church_n may_v be_v promote_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n and_o desire_v the_o assembly_n of_o scotland_n to_o send_v thither_o their_o commissioner_n which_o according_o nominate_v &_o elect_v mr_n alexander_n henderson_n mr_n robert_n dowglas_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n robert_n balzie_n mr_n george_n gillespie_n minister_n and_o john_n earl_n of_o cassils_n john_n lord_n maitland_n and_o sir_n archbald_n johnstoun_n of_o waristoun_n rule_v elder_n to_o propone_n consult_v treat_n &_o conclude_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n heresy_n schism_n superstition_n &_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o so_o much_o desire_v union_n of_o the_o whole_a island_n in_o one_o form_n of_o church_n government_n one_o confession_n of_o faith_n one_o common_a catechism_n &_o one_o directory_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n forces_n be_v also_o send_v to_o assist_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n which_o be_v favour_v with_o great_a success_n in_o their_o entreprize_n till_o that_o war_n be_v end_v by_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o tyranny_n at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o its_o upholder_n but_o that_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o malignant_a faction_n be_v bring_v much_o under_o in_o england_n attempt_v not_o unlike_o the_o syrian_n who_o think_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o god_n of_o the_o hill_n &_o valley_n both_o to_o try_v the_o fortune_n of_o war_n in_o scotland_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o treacherous_a &_o truculent_a traitor_n montrose_n gather_v a_o army_n of_o wicked_a apostate_n &_o irish_a murderer_n who_o prevail_v for_o a_o time_n do_v punish_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o hypocrisy_n &_o self-seeking_a of_o such_o in_o this_o land_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o in_o his_o covenant_n at_o length_n be_v defeat_v at_o philiphaugh_n in_o the_o year_n 1645._o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n &_o warrant_n from_o the_o king_n as_o the_o assembly_n that_o year_n feb._n 13._o remonstrate_v it_o to_o himself_o warn_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o guilt_n which_o cleave_v to_o his_o throne_n be_v such_o as_o whatsoever_o flatter_v preacher_n or_o unfaithful_a counsellor_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o not_o timely_o repent_v can_v not_o but_o involve_v himself_o &_o his_o posterity_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o his_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o best_a subject_n for_o his_o permit_v the_o mass_n &_o other_o idolatry_n in_o his_o family_n &_o dominion_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o the_o assembly_n do_v zealous_o incite_v the_o parliament_n to_o a_o speedy_a course_n of_o justice_n against_o these_o incendary_n &_o murderer_n as_o the_o only_a mean_a of_o cleanse_v the_o land_n from_o that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n then_o current_n and_o of_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o solemn_o &_o seasonable_o warn_v all_o rank_n to_o applaud_v the_o glory_n &_o righteousness_n of_o that_o judgement_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o apostate_n &_o murderer_n and_o to_o search_v to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o that_o dispensation_n wherein_o many_o public_a sin_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n be_v point_v at_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o desolation_n and_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v there_o very_o encomiastical_o vindicate_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o repent_v of_o it_o say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v not_o mention_v it_o without_o great_a joy_n &_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n as_o that_o which_o have_v draw_v many_o blessing_n after_o it_o and_o unto_o which_o god_n have_v give_v manifold_a evident_a testimony_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o covenant_n begin_v to_o be_v take_v in_o england_n but_o sensible_o the_o condition_n of_o affair_n there_o be_v change_v to_o the_o better_a and_o our_o force_n send_v into_o that_o kingdom_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o covenant_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_o &_o manifest_o assist_v &_o bless_v from_o heaven_n that_o we_o have_v what_o to_o answer_v the_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v we_o concern_v that_o business_n &_o that_o which_o may_v make_v iniquity_n itself_o to_o stop_v her_o mouth_n but_o which_o be_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o all_o victory_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n &_o uniformity_n therein_o between_o both_o kingdom_n a_o principal_a end_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v so_o far_o
pattern_n of_o purity_n &_o strictness_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o degree_n of_o conformity_n &_o compliance_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n &_o constitution_n as_o may_v regulate_v we_o in_o our_o contending_n about_o present_a defection_n and_o teach_v we_o what_o account_n to_o make_v of_o they_o and_o how_o to_o carry_v towards_o they_o which_o if_o advert_v unto_o will_v evince_v how_o manifest_a &_o manifold_a the_o declining_n of_o many_o have_v be_v from_o the_o late_a reformation_n that_o yet_o pretend_v to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o and_o how_o justifieable_a the_o aversation_n &_o abstraction_n of_o the_o present_a reproach_v suffer_v party_n be_v from_o all_o these_o defection_n and_o the_o daub_n of_o they_o because_o so_o much_o deviate_a &_o decline_v from_o the_o attain_a reformation_n i_o need_v not_o repeat_v how_o prelacy_n and_o all_o the_o part_n &_o pendicles_a of_o that_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o condemn_v in_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o reabjure_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o â—ins_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n where_o also_o we_o come_v under_o sacred_a &_o inviolable_a engagment_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n thereof_o which_o do_v clear_o file_v the_o present_a countenance_v &_o submit_v to_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n in_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o among_o the_o gross_a of_o defection_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n &_o covenant-obligation_n to_o extirpate_v they_o as_o much_o as_o the_o countenance_v of_o popish_a priest_n be_v inconsistent_a therewith_o be_v both_o equal_o covenant_v to_o be_v extirpate_v next_o though_o in_o this_o period_n tyranny_n be_v in_o its_o retrograde_a motion_n erastian_n supremacy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o not_o so_o much_o question_v as_o former_o be_v hold_v explode_v with_o exsecration_n out_o of_o door_n &_o out_o of_o doubt_n yet_o the_o testimony_n be_v still_o continue_v against_o it_o in_o the_o uninterupted_a maintain_v of_o the_o church_n privilege_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n against_o all_o encroaching_n of_o adversary_n and_o therefore_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o late_a detestable_a indulgence_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o former_a period_n against_o the_o supremacy_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v yea_o many_o particular_n may_v be_v instance_a wherein_o the_o accepter_n have_v decline_v from_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n then_o prosecute_v not_o only_o in_o their_o confederate_n with_o malignant_a usurper_n for_o the_o pretend_a benefit_n of_o they_o by_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v register_v in_o a_o act_n of_o assembly_n ordain_v all_o person_n in_o ecclesiastic_a office_n for_o the_o like_a or_o lesser_a degree_n of_o compliance_n yea_o even_o for_o procure_v protection_n from_o malignant_a enemy_n to_o be_v suspend_v from_o their_o office_n &_o all_o exercise_n thereof_o at_o edinb_n 1646._o sess_z 14_o nor_o only_a in_o their_o take_n sinful_a instruction_n from_o they_o restrict_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n but_o in_o admit_v themselves_o by_o their_o patronage_n to_o be_v by_o they_o present_v to_o their_o prelimited_a &_o preimposed_a congregation_n which_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o abolish_v patronage_n condemn_v by_o the_o assembly_n for_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o so_o present_v be_v make_v too_o much_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o church_n &_o people_n liberty_n obstructive_a of_o the_o gospel_n freedom_n &_o faithful_a plainness_n and_o occasion_n of_o much_o base_a flattery_n &_o partiality_n and_o in_o subject_v to_o homologate_a &_o fortify_v a_o sacrilegion_n supremacy_n overturning_a the_o intrinsic_a power_n of_o the_o church_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o article_n thereof_o and_o in_o their_o suffering_n themselves_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o either_o by_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v &_o withdraw_v from_o that_o bless_a union_n &_o conjunction_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v &_o promove_v according_a to_o the_o 6_o art._n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o in_o their_o strengthen_v the_o erastian_n usurpation_n of_o enemy_n encroach_a upon_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o christ_n prerogative_n against_o which_o be_v be_v engage_v express_o in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n where_o also_o we_o have_v these_o word_n art._n 2._o because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v maintain_v &_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n &_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v or_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o next_o we_o have_v many_o demonstration_n of_o the_o zeal_n &_o strictness_n of_o these_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o synodical_a determination_n of_o censure_n to_o be_v pass_v upon_o many_o ministerial_a corruption_n which_o will_v condemn_v the_o present_a course_n of_o cover_v &_o countenance_v they_o and_o commend_v the_o contending_n of_o a_o poor_a reproach_v party_n against_o they_o in_o their_o conscientious_a abstract_n from_o they_o of_o which_o determination_n i_o shall_v rehearse_v some_o among_o the_o enormity_n &_o corruption_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o calling_n this_o be_v one_o one_o 4._o 5._o silenee_n in_o the_o public_a cause_n some_o account_v it_o a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o speak_v ambiguous_o whereof_o the_o remedy_n be_v be_v 15._o that_o beside_o all_o other_o scandal_n silence_n or_o ambiguous_a speak_n in_o the_o public_a cause_n be_v seasonable_o censure_v gen._n ass._n at_o edinb_n junij_fw-la 13._o 1646._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o act_n against_o withdrawer_n from_o minister_n but_o in_o the_o self_n same_o act_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o preach_v declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n from_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o reprove_v the_o sin_n &_o error_n and_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o time_n and_o in_o all_o these_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n wherein_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a they_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v gen_n ass._n edinb_n aug._n 24._o 1647._o sess._n 19_o then_o there_o be_v that_o act_n august_n 3._o 1648._o sess._n 26._o for_o censure_v minister_n for_o their_o silence_n and_o not_o speak_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n call_v it_o a_o great_a scandal_n through_o some_o minister_n their_o reserve_v &_o not_o declare_v themselves_o against_o the_o prevalent_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v that_o all_o that_o do_v not_o apply_v their_o doctrine_n to_o these_o corruption_n which_o be_v the_o pastoral_a gift_n and_o that_o be_v cold_a or_o want_v of_o spiritual_a zeal_n dissemble_v of_o public_a sin_n that_o all_o such_o be_v censure_v even_o to_o deprivation_n for_o forbear_v or_o pass_v in_o silence_n the_o error_n &_o exorbitancy_n of_o sectary_n in_o england_n or_o the_o defection_n current_n at_o home_n the_o plot_n &_o practice_n of_o malignant_n the_o principle_n &_o tenant_n of_o erastianisme_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v too_o spare_v general_a or_o ambiguous_a in_o their_o application_n &_o reproof_n and_o continue_v so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o be_v pleaser_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o server_n of_o christ_n for_o give_v themselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n for_o defraud_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n yea_o for_o be_v high_o guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n in_o not_o give_v they_o warning_n and_o in_o that_o seasonable_a &_o necessary_a warning_n of_o the_o gen._n ass._n edinb_n juij_fw-la 27._o 1649._o sess._n 27._o we_o be_v teach_v how_o they_o resent_v the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o minister_n continue_v in_o defection_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o &_o carry_v to_o they_o where_o they_o say_v it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o many_o of_o the_o evil_n wherewith_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n have_v be_v afflict_v in_o our_o age_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v because_o of_o the_o negligence_n of_o some_o and_o corruption_n of_o other_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o course_n of_o backslide_v be_v carry_v on_o until_o it_o please_v god_n to_o stir_v
up_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o few_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o oppose_v &_o resist_v the_o same_o and_o to_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o land_n since_o which_o time_n the_o silence_n of_o some_o minister_n &_o the_o compliance_n of_o other_o have_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o backslide_n of_o many_o among_o the_o people_n who_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n complain_v that_o they_o get_v not_o warning_n or_o that_o if_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o some_o other_o hold_v their_o peace_n or_o do_v justify_v they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o backslide_n we_o can_v look_v upon_o such_o minister_n no_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o these_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reckon_v for_o all_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n &_o defection_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o land_n the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o such_o as_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n make_v they_o contemptible_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v his_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o his_o law_n because_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o savour_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o many_o of_o they_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n further_o more_o to_o evidence_n the_o purity_n &_o power_n of_o zeal_n burn_v &_o blaze_v in_o these_o day_n in_o their_o contending_n against_o public_a enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n i_o shall_v instance_n some_o of_o their_o act_n &_o testimony_n clear_o condemn_v the_o manifold_a compliance_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o which_o may_v contribute_v somewhat_o to_o justify_v the_o reproach_v preciseness_n of_o a_o remnant_n stand_v at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o act_n for_o censure_v the_o complyer_n with_o the_o public_a enemy_n of_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n gen._n ass._n edinb_n junij_fw-la 17._o 1646._o sess._n 14._o where_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o great_a &_o scandalous_a provocation_n &_o grievous_a defection_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n to_o comply_v with_o these_o malignant_n such_o as_o james_n graham_n then_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n even_o to_o procure_v protection_n from_o they_o or_o to_o have_v invite_v they_o to_o their_o house_n or_o to_o have_v drink_v james_n graham_n his_o health_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o other_o such_o gross_a degree_n of_o compliance_n censure_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o communion_n ay_o &_o while_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o yet_o now_o for_o refuse_v these_o degree_n of_o compliance_n for_o not_o have_v the_o protectior_fw-la of_o a_o pass_n from_o the_o wicked_a court_n of_o malignant_a enemy_n by_o take_v a_o wicked_a oath_n and_o for_o refuse_v to_o drink_v the_o king_n health_n a_o great_a enemy_n than_o ever_o james_n graham_n be_v some_o poor_a conscientious_a people_n have_v not_o only_o be_v murdereâ—_n by_o enemy_n but_o mock_v &_o condemn_v by_o professores_fw-la there_o be_v a_o act_n likewise_o &_o declaration_n against_o all_o new_a oath_n or_o bond_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n impose_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n gen._n ass._n edinb_n july_n 28._o 1648._o sess._n 18._o enjoin_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forbear_v the_o swear_n or_o subscribe_v any_o new_a oath_n or_o bond_n in_o this_o cause_n without_o advice_n &_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o any_o negative_a oath_n or_o bond_n which_o may_v any_o way_n limit_n or_o restrain_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o national_a or_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n yet_o now_o for_o refuse_v oath_n not_o only_o limit_v in_o covenant_v duty_n but_o contradict_v &_o condemn_v many_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n many_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v their_o life_n but_o also_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n have_v a_o wide_a conscience_n to_o swallow_v such_o bait_n it_o be_v know_v how_o pertinacious_a the_o most_o faithful_a in_o those_o day_n be_v in_o their_o contending_n against_o association_n in_o any_o undertake_n for_o the_o cause_n with_o person_n disaffect_v to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o i_o need_v not_o give_v any_o account_n of_o this_o be_v it_o not_o that_o now_o that_o principle_n be_v quite_o invert_v and_o poor_a adherer_n to_o it_o for_o their_o abstract_n &_o substract_v their_o concurrence_n with_o such_o promiscuous_a association_n be_v much_o hate_v &_o flout_v therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o hint_n of_o their_o sentiment_n of_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n julij_fw-la 25._o 1648._o sess._n 14._o the_o gen._n assembly_n say_v it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o parliament_n that_o for_o secure_v of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a &_o malignant_a party_n be_v declare_v enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o that_o all_o association_n either_o in_o force_n or_o counsel_n with_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o latter_a be_v avoid_v and_o in_o their_o declaration_n concern_v the_o present_a danger_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n julij_fw-la ult_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 21._o they_o say_v suppose_v the_o end_n of_o that_o engagement_n be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o mean_n &_o way_n of_o prosecution_n be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a avoid_n of_o rock_n on_o both_o hand_n but_o a_o join_n with_o malignant_n to_o suppress_v sectary_n a_o join_a hand_n with_o a_o black_a devil_n to_o beat_v a_o white_a devil_n they_o be_v bad_a physician_n who_o will_v so_o cure_v one_o disease_n as_o to_o breed_v another_o as_o evil_a or_o worse_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v all_o confederacy_n &_o association_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o true_a religion_n whether_o canaanites_n exod._n 23._o 32._o and_o 24._o 12_o 15._o deut._n 7._o 2._o or_o other_o heathen_n 1._o king._n 11._o 1_o 2._o more_o argument_n against_o association_n may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o excellent_a discussion_n of_o this_o useful_a case_n concern_v association_n &_o confederacy_n with_o idolater_n infidel_n heretic_n or_o any_o other_o know_v enemy_n of_o truth_n or_o godliness_n by_o famous_a mr_n g._n gillespie_n publish_v at_o that_o same_o time_n whereunto_o be_v append_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v these_o golden_a word_n in_o it_o word_n fit_o speak_v in_o that_o season_n when_o he_o be_v a_o die_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v hear_v of_o some_o motion_n &_o begining_n of_o compliance_n with_o these_o who_o have_v be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n destructive_a to_o religion_n &_o the_o kingdom_n liberty_n i_o can_v but_o discharge_v my_o conscience_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o all_o such_o compliance_n i_o know_v &_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a witness_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thesis_n that_o the_o late_a engagement_n be_v contrary_a &_o destructive_a to_o the_o covenant_n will_v also_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o appendix_n that_o compliance_n with_o any_o who_o have_v be_v active_a in_o that_o engagement_n be_v most_o sinful_a &_o unlawful_a i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o that_o compliance_n they_o be_v so_o many_o but_o above_o all_o that_o which_o will_v heighten_v this_o sin_n even_o to_o the_o heaven_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a backslide_n but_o a_o backslide_n into_o that_o very_a sin_n which_o be_v special_o point_v at_o &_o punish_v by_o the_o prevailency_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n god_n just_o make_v they_o thorn_n &_o scourge_n who_o be_v take_v in_o as_o friend_n alas_o shall_v we_o split_v twice_o upon_o the_o same_o rock_n yea_o run_v upon_o it_o when_o god_n have_v set_v a_o beacon_n on_o it_o yea_o i_o may_v say_v shall_v we_o thus_o out_o face_n &_o out_o dare_v the_o almighty_a by_o protect_v his_o &_o our_o enemy_n by_o make_v peace_n &_o friendship_n with_o they_o when_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v burn_v against_o they_o i_o musâ—_n here_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n the_o word_n of_o ezrah_n 9_o 14_o o_o happy_a scotland_n if_o thou_o can_v now_o improve_v &_o not_o abuse_v this_o golden_a opportunity_n but_o if_o thou_o help_v the_o ungodly_a &_o love_v they_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n wrath_n upon_o wrath_n and_o woe_n upon_o woe_n shall_v be_v
capable_a of_o exerce_v any_o power_n or_o place_n in_o church_n or_o state._n but_o find_v this_o not_o yet_o sufficient_a security_n for_o this_o unsettled_a settlement_n because_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o people_n stand_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o only_o according_a to_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v the_o fundamental_a condition_n whereupon_o their_o allegiance_n be_v found_v as_o among_o all_o people_n the_o article_n mutual_o consent_v betwixt_o they_o and_o these_o who_o they_o set_v over_o they_o be_v the_o constituent_a fundamental_n of_o government_n and_o well_o know_v that_o he_o &_o his_o associate_n by_o violate_v these_o condition_n have_v loose_v the_o people_n from_o all_o subjection_n to_o he_o or_o any_o derive_v power_n from_o he_o whereby_o the_o people_n may_v just_o plead_v that_o since_o he_o have_v keep_v no_o condition_n they_o be_v not_o now_o oblige_v to_o he_o he_o therefore_o contrive_v a_o new_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o in_o public_a trust_n both_o in_o church_n &_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v make_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o that_o boundless_a breaker_n of_o all_o bond_n sacred_a &_o civil_a and_o his_o successor_n also_o without_o any_o reciprocal_a obligation_n from_o he_o to_o they_o or_o any_o reserve_a restriction_n limitation_n or_o qualification_n as_o all_o humane_a authority_n by_o god_n ordinance_n must_v be_v bound_v whereby_o the_o swearer_n have_v by_o oath_n homologate_v the_o overturning_a of_o the_o very_a basis_n of_o the_o government_n make_v free_a people_n slave_n to_o the_o subverter_n thereof_o betray_v their_o native_a brethren_n &_o posterity_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o tyranny_n and_o have_v in_o effect_n as_o real_o as_o if_o in_o plain_a term_n affirm_v that_o whatsoever_o tyranny_n shall_v command_v or_o do_v either_o as_o to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n subvert_v of_o religion_n destroy_v of_o liberty_n or_o persecute_v all_o the_o godly_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o stupid_o endure_v it_o but_o active_o concur_v with_o it_o and_o assist_v in_o all_o this_o tyranny_n alas_o there_o be_v no_o public_a testimony_n against_o this_o trick_n to_o bring_v people_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n except_o by_o some_o who_o suffer_v for_o conscientious_a refuse_v it_o while_o many_o other_o do_v take_v it_o think_v to_o salve_v the_o matter_n by_o their_o pitiful_a quibleng_fw-mi sense_n of_o give_v cesar_n his_o due_n where_o as_o this_o cesar_n for_o who_o these_o loyal_a allegâ—ers_n plead_v be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a cesar_n but_o such_o a_o cesar_n nero_n or_o caligula_n that_o if_o he_o get_v his_o due_n it_o will_v be_v in_o another_o kind_n strange_a can_v presbyterian_o swear_v that_o allegiance_n which_o be_v substitute_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_a &_o burn_a covenant_n or_o can_v they_o swear_v it_o to_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v break_v &_o bury_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o who_o have_v swear_v it_o may_v have_v another_o right_a and_o another_o allegiance_n than_o that_o of_o the_o covenant_n have_v then_o remit_v to_o we_o all_o allegiance_n found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n however_o have_v now_o prepare_v &_o furnish_v himself_o with_o tool_n so_o qualify_v for_o his_o purpose_n in_o church_n &_o state_n he_o prosecute_v his_o persecution_n with_o such_o fervour_n &_o fury_n rage_n &_o revenge_n imposition_n &_o oppression_n and_o with_o arm_a form_v force_v against_o the_o faithful_a follow_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o contempt_n even_o of_o his_o abuse_a authority_n that_o at_o length_n in_o the_o year_n 1666_o a_o small_a party_n be_v compel_v to_o go_v to_o defensive_a arm_n which_o whatever_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o court_n as_o it_o be_v know_v how_o desirous_a they_o have_v be_v of_o a_o insurrection_n when_o they_o think_v themselves_o sure_a to_o suppress_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o vent_n for_o their_o cruelty_n and_o how_o one_o of_o the_o brother_n have_v be_v hear_v say_v that_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o wish_n he_o will_v have_v they_o all_o turn_v rebel_n and_o go_v to_o arm_n yet_o it_o waâ—_n no_o predetermined_a design_n of_o that_o poor_a handful_n for_o sir_n james_n turner_n pursue_v his_o cruel_a order_n in_o galoway_n send_v some_o soldier_n to_o apprehend_v a_o poor_a old_a man_n who_o his_o neighbour_n compassionate_v entreat_v the_o soldier_n to_o loose_v he_o as_o he_o lie_v bind_v but_o be_v answer_v with_o draw_v sword_n and_o necessitate_a to_o their_o own_o defence_n in_o which_o they_o relieve_v the_o man_n and_o disarm_v the_o soldier_n and_o further_o attack_v some_o other_o oppress_v that_o country_n disarm_v 10_o or_o 12_o more_o and_o kill_v one_o that_o make_v resistance_n whereupon_o the_o country_n be_v alarm_v and_o fear_v from_o sad_a experience_n sir_n james_n will_v certain_o avenge_v this_o affront_n upon_o the_o whole_a country_n without_o distinction_n of_o free_a &_o unfree_a they_o gather_v about_o 54_o horseman_n march_v to_o drumfreis_n take_v sir_n james_n turner_n prisoner_n and_o disarm_v the_o soldier_n without_o any_o more_o violence_n be_v thus_o by_o providence_n engage_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o retreat_n and_o get_v some_o concurrence_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n they_o come_v to_o lanerk_n where_o they_o renew_v the_o covenant_n and_o thence_o to_o pentland_n hill_n where_o by_o the_o holy_a disposal_n of_o god_n they_o be_v rout_v many_o kill_v and_o 130_o take_v prisoner_n who_o be_v treat_v so_o treacherous_o &_o truculent_o as_o turk_n will_v have_v blush_v to_o have_v see_v the_o like_a hence_o now_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o may_v see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o leave_v that_o enemy_n to_o he_o who_o we_o embrace_v to_o make_v such_o avow_a discovery_n of_o himself_o without_o a_o blush_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o scourge_v we_o with_o scorpion_n that_o we_o nourish_v and_o put_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o also_o how_o just_o at_o that_o time_n he_o leave_v we_o into_o such_o a_o damp_n that_o like_a ass_n we_o couch_v under_o all_o burden_n and_o few_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a draw_v on_o they_o meroz'_v curse_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o butcher_a brethren_n after_o we_o have_v sit_v &_o see_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n civil_a &_o sacred_a to_o be_v destroy_v in_o our_o sight_n without_o resentment_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n who_o call_v out_o these_o worthy_a patriot_n who_o fall_v at_o pentland_n to_o such_o a_o appearance_n for_o his_o interest_n do_v take_v a_o testimony_n of_o their_o hand_n with_o acceptance_n by_o suffering_n and_o singular_o countenance_v they_o in_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v success_n nor_o his_o presence_n to_o the_o enterprise_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o sort_n of_o infatuation_n without_o counsel_n &_o conduct_n to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o devourer_n that_o by_o a_o sad_a inadvertency_n they_o take_v in_o the_o tyrant_n interest_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n which_o shall_v have_v warn_v his_o people_n for_o the_o future_a to_o have_v state_v the_o quarrel_n otherwise_o ii_o by_o this_o time_n and_o much_o more_o after_o the_o king_n give_v as_o many_o proof_n &_o demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v true_a to_o antichrist_n in_o mind_v all_o the_o promise_n &_o treaty_n with_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o his_o be_v false_a to_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o covenant_n engagment_n with_o his_o people_n for_o in_o this_o same_o year_n 1666._o he_o with_o his_o dear_a &_o royal_a brother_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n contrive_v countenance_v &_o abet_v the_o burn_a of_o london_n evident_a by_o their_o employ_v their_o guard_n to_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o save_v their_o owned_a and_o to_o dismiss_v the_o incendiary_n the_o papist_n that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o fact_n the_o committee_n appoint_v to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o that_o business_n trace_v it_o for_n far_o that_o they_o dare_v go_v no_o further_o unless_o they_o will_v arraign_v the_o duke_n &_o charge_v the_o king_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o it_o be_v enact_v as_o criminal_a for_o any_o to_o say_v the_o king_n be_v a_o papist_n but_o have_v gain_v so_o much_o of_o his_o design_n in_o scotland_n where_o he_o have_v establish_v prelacy_n advance_a tyranny_n to_o the_o height_n of_o absoluteness_n and_o his_o supremacy_n almost_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o additional_a supply_n yea_o above_o the_o pope_n owned_a claim_n and_o have_v now_o bring_v his_o only_a opposite_n the_o few_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o low_a pass_n he_o go_v on_o by_o craft_n as_o well_o as_o cruelty_n to_o advance_v his_o owned_a in_o promote_a
suppose_v also_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v from_o who_o guiltiness_n the_o land_n can_v be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o execute_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v now_o be_v believe_v after_o they_o have_v violate_v all_o that_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v devise_v to_o bind_v they_o upon_o these_o account_n they_o reject_v that_o king_n and_o those_o associate_n with_o he_o in_o the_o government_n and_o declare_v they_o henceforth_o no_o lawful_a ruler_n as_o they_o have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o lawful_a subject_n they_o have_v destroy_v the_o establish_a religion_n overturn_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n take_v away_o christ_n church-government_n and_o change_v the_o civil_a into_o tyranny_n where_o none_o be_v associate_v in_o partake_v of_o the_o government_n but_o only_o these_o who_o will_v be_v find_v by_o justice_n guilty_a of_o criminal_n and_o declare_v they_o shall_v god_n give_v power_n set_v up_o government_n &_o governor_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o qualification_n require_v exod._a 18._o vers_fw-la 20._o and_o shall_v not_o commit_v the_o government_n to_o any_o single_a person_n or_o lineal_a succession_n be_v not_o tie_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o one_o single_a family_n and_o that_o kind_a be_v liable_a to_o most_o inconvenience_n &_o apt_a to_o degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o moreover_o that_o these_o man_n set_v over_o they_o shall_v be_v engage_v to_o govern_v principal_o by_o that_o civil_a &_o judicial_a law_n not_o that_o which_o be_v any_o way_n typical_a give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o best_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v be_v give_v by_o god_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o life_n &_o death_n and_o other_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o christian_a liberty_n exempt_n divorce_n &_o polygamy_n 6._o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o minister_n not_o only_o be_v defective_a in_o preach_v against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o ruler_n for_o overthrow_v religion_n but_o hinder_v other_o also_o who_o be_v willing_a and_o censure_v some_o that_o do_v it_o and_o have_v vote_v for_o acceptation_n of_o that_o liberty_n found_v upon_o &_o give_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blaspemous_o arrogate_v &_o usurp_v power_n and_o appear_v before_o their_o court_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v enact_v &_o authorize_v their_o minister_n whereby_o they_o have_v become_v the_o minister_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o they_o as_o they_o will_v and_o have_v preach_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pay_v that_o tribute_n declare_v to_o be_v impose_v for_o the_o bear_n down_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o advise_v poor_a prisoner_n to_o subscribe_v that_o bond_n which_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o subscribe_v they_o shall_v close_v that_o door_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n for_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o whore_n and_o stop_v all_o regress_n of_o man_n when_o once_o bring_v under_o tyranny_n to_o recover_v their_o liberty_n again_o they_o declare_v they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v hear_v they_o &c._n &c._n nor_o any_o who_o encourage_v &_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o trafficque_v for_o union_n with_o they_o 7._o that_o they_o be_v for_o a_o stand_a gospel_n ministry_n right_o choose_v &_o right_o ordain_v &_o that_o none_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n unless_o call_v &_o ordain_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o separation_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o they_o refel_v both_o the_o malice_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o calumny_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o separation_n it_o must_v be_v where_o the_o change_n be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o be_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n nor_o set_v up_o a_o new_a ministry_n but_o cleave_v to_o the_o same_o minister_n &_o ordinance_n that_o former_o they_o follow_v when_o other_o have_v flee_v to_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a authority_n which_o be_v like_o the_o old_a piece_n in_o the_o new_a garment_n 8._o that_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o in_o their_o civil_a natural_a &_o divine_a right_n &_o liberty_n and_o if_o any_o assault_n they_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o declare_v a_o war_n and_o take_v all_o advantage_n that_o one_o enemy_n do_v of_o another_o but_o trouble_n and_o injure_v none_o but_o those_o that_o injure_v they_o this_o be_v the_o compend_n of_o that_o paper_n which_o the_o enemy_n seize_v and_o publish_v while_o it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o rude_a draught_n and_o not_o polish_v digest_v nor_o consult_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o community_n yet_o whether_o or_o not_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n so_o to_o blaze_v their_o owned_a baseness_n in_o that_o paper_n true_o represent_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o proclaim_v their_o owned_a tyranny_n and_o the_o innocency_n &_o honesty_n of_o that_o people_n who_o thereby_o they_o be_v seek_v to_o make_v odious_a but_o in_o effect_n invite_v all_o lover_n of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n to_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o their_o difficulty_n &_o distress_n there_o discover_v however_o that_o poor_a party_n continue_v together_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o countenance_n of_o their_o covenant_v brethren_n who_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o leave_v both_o they_o to_o be_v murder_v and_o their_o testimony_n to_o be_v trample_v upon_o until_o the_o 22._o of_o julij_fw-la 1680._o upon_o the_o which_o day_n they_o be_v attack_v at_o airsmoss_n by_o a_o strong_a party_n of_o about_o 120_o horse_n well_o arm_v while_o they_o be_v but_o 23_o horse_n and_o 40_o foot_n at_o most_o and_o so_o fight_v valiant_o be_v at_o length_n rout_v not_o without_o their_o adversary_n testimony_n of_o their_o be_v resolute_a man_n several_a of_o zions_n precious_a mourner_n and_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n be_v kill_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n richard_n cameron_n seal_v &_o fulfil_v his_o testimony_n with_o his_o blood_n and_o with_o other_o the_o valiant_a and_o much_o honour_a gentleman_n david_n hackstoun_n of_o rathillet_n be_v after_o many_o receive_a wound_n apprehend_v bring_v in_o to_o edinburgh_n and_o there_o resolute_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n and_o disow_v the_o authority_n of_o king_n &_o council_n and_o all_o their_o tyrannical_a judicatory_n be_v cruel_o murder_v but_o countenance_v eminent_o of_o the_o lord_n now_o remain_v mr_n donald_n cargil_n deprive_v of_o his_o faithful_a colleague_n destitute_a of_o his_o brethren_n concurrence_n but_o not_o of_o the_o lord_n counsel_n &_o conduct_n by_o which_o he_o be_v prompt_v &_o help_v to_o prosecute_v the_o testimony_n against_o the_o universal_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n &_o nation_n tyranny_n of_o enemy_n backslide_v of_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o his_o master_n on_o all_o hand_n and_o consider_v in_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o holy_a jealousy_n provoke_v and_o threaten_a wrath_n against_o the_o land_n for_o the_o sin_n especial_o of_o ruler_n who_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o heaven-daring_a insolence_n in_o all_o wickedness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v still_o grow_v &_o go_v on_o without_o control_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o testimony_n give_v against_o they_o by_o public_a preach_n protestation_n and_o declaration_n remonstrate_v their_o tyranny_n and_o disow_a their_o authority_n yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n &_o scandal_n to_o make_v the_o lord_n fierce_a anger_n break_v forth_o into_o a_o flame_n but_o be_v ow_v also_o by_o professor_n not_o only_o as_o magistrate_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a &_o protestant_a church_n and_o that_o however_o both_o the_o defensive_a arm_n of_o man_n have_v be_v use_v against_o they_o and_o the_o christian_a arm_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministerial_a weapon_n of_o preach_v yet_o that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n have_v not_o be_v authoritative_o exert_v against_o they_o therefore_o that_o no_o weapon_n which_o christ_n allow_v his_o servant_n under_o his_o standart_n to_o manage_v against_o his_o enemy_n may_v be_v want_v tho'_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o strengthen_v the_o solemnity_n &_o formality_n of_o the_o action_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o defect_n in_o this_o break_a case_n of_o the_o church_n can_v disable_v his_o authority_n nor_o deâ—ur_n the_o duty_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n and_o according_o in_o september_n
christ_n come_v in_o as_o partner_n in_o the_o same_o bargain_n with_o antichrist_n vassal_n and_o the_o lord_n ark_n have_v a_o place_n with_o dagon_n and_o its_o priest_n &_o follower_n consent_v to_o it_o and_o the_o builder_n of_o babel_n &_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v make_v to_o build_v together_o under_o the_o same_o protection_n and_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n which_o to_o oppose_v the_o accepter_n can_v stand_v in_o the_o gap_n nor_o lift_v up_o a_o standart_n against_o they_o liberty_n indeed_o shall_v be_v universal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n as_o cyrus_n his_o proclamation_n be_v general_n who_o be_v there_o among_o you_o of_o all_o his_o people_n his_o god_n be_v with_o he_o but_o a_o toleration_n of_o idolater_n blasphemer_n &_o heretic_n as_o papist_n etc._n etc._n be_v odious_a to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n express_o command_v idolater_n to_o die_v the_o death_n and_o all_o seducer_n &_o entycer_n to_o apostasy_n from_o god_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n without_o pity_n and_o commend_v all_o righteous_a magistrate_n that_o execute_v judgement_n according_o as_o asa_n hezekiah_n etc._n etc._n yea_o even_o heathen_a magistrate_n that_o add_v their_o sanction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o artaxerxes_n be_v approven_v for_o that_o statute_n that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o king_n judgement_n shall_v be_v execute_v speedy_o upon_o he_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v never_o repeal_v but_o confirm_v in_o that_o the_o sword_n be_v give_v to_o magistrate_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o and_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v evil_a among_o who_o seducer_n that_o be_v evil_a worker_n &_o idolater_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v rank_v be_v such_o as_o do_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n to_o mankind_n ephesus_z be_v commend_v because_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thyatira_n reprove_v for_o suffering_n jezebel_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o toleration_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v speak_v against_o churchman_n but_o will_v any_o think_v that_o will_v be_v approven_v in_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a in_o church_n officer_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n &_o honour_n of_o these_o horn_n speak_v of_o revel_n 17._o to_o eat_v the_o whore_n flesh_n &_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n and_o shall_v that_o be_v restrict_v only_o to_o be_v do_v against_o the_o great_a antichrist_n &_o not_o be_v duty_n against_o the_o lesser_a antichrist_n the_o limb_n of_o the_o great_a one_o it_o be_v record_v of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n that_o among_o other_o device_n he_o use_v to_o root_v out_o christianity_n this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o give_v toleration_n open_o to_o all_o the_o different_a profession_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o heretical_a in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v exact_o ape_v by_o james_n the_o apostate_n now_o for_o the_o same_o end_n it_o be_v also_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 20._o 20._o 4._o assert_v that_o for_o their_o publish_v such_o opinion_n or_o maintain_v of_o such_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o christianity_n whether_o concern_v faith_n worship_n or_o conversation_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o such_o erroneous_a opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o either_o in_o their_o owned_a nature_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o publish_v or_o maintain_v they_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o external_a peace_n &_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n they_o may_v lawful_o be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o proceed_v against_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o toleration_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n &_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n in_o all_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o contending_n in_o the_o five_o period_n above_o relate_v and_o particular_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n against_o cromuels_n vast_a toleration_n &_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n mention_v above_o pag._n 76._o for_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v 10._o consider_v the_o term_n wherein_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o can_v make_v such_o a_o shameful_a bargain_n in_o the_o former_a proclamation_n it_o be_v grant_v express_o under_o several_a condition_n restriction_n &_o limitation_n whereof_o indeed_o some_o be_v retract_v in_o the_o latter_a as_o the_o restriction_n of_o it_o to_o moderate_a presbyterian_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v off_o by_o extend_v to_o all_o without_o reserve_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o owned_a may_n but_o be_v evident_o exclusive_a of_o all_o that_o will_v serve_v god_n in_o christ_n way_n and_o not_o after_o the_o mode_n prescribe_v it_o be_v so_o modify_v and_o restrict_v that_o all_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o it_o must_v be_v moderate_a presbyterian_o indeed_o which_o as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o court_n sense_n must_v be_v a_o ignominy_n to_o all_o that_o have_v zeal_n against_o antichrist_n the_o limitation_n also_o to_o private_a house_n and_o not_o to_o outhouse_n be_v further_a enlarge_v to_o chapel_n or_o place_n purposely_o hire_v but_o still_o it_o be_v stint_v to_o these_o which_o they_o must_v bargain_n for_o with_o councillor_n shiriff_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o none_o of_o these_o restriction_n &_o limitation_n be_v altogether_o remove_v but_o the_o condition_n of_o take_v the_o oath_n only_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o near_o to_o a_o equivalency_n homologate_v by_o the_o accepter_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o grant_a a_o prerogative_n &_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o law_n which_o be_v confirm_v &_o maintain_v by_o their_o acceptance_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o say_v to_o be_v remove_v they_o must_v be_v interpret_v to_o remain_v as_o the_o term_n condition_n restriction_n &_o limitation_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o toleration_n and_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o think_v fit_a by_o this_o proclamation_n further_o to_o declare_v do_v confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v further_a explication_n but_o no_o take_v off_o of_o former_a restriction_n hence_o it_o be_v yet_o clog_v with_o such_o provision_n &_o restriction_n as_o must_v make_v it_o very_o nauseous_a to_o all_o true_o tender_a 1_o the_o restriction_n as_o to_o the_o person_n still_o remain_v that_o only_o moderate_a presbyterian_o and_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o this_o indulgence_n allanerly_a and_o none_o other_o and_o such_o only_a who_o name_n must_v be_v signify_v to_o these_o sheriff_n steward_n bailiff_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o indulgence_n wherey_o all_o the_o zealous_a &_o faithful_a presbyterian_o be_v exclude_v for_o these_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o moderate_a and_o all_o that_o will_v improve_v it_o without_o a_o formal_a acceptance_n and_o all_o who_o for_o their_o former_a diligence_n in_o duty_n be_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o wicked_a law_n and_o dare_v not_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o those_o who_o be_v seek_v their_o life_n must_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 2_o it_o be_v restrict_v to_o certain_a place_n still_o which_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o next_o privy_a councillor_n &_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o warrant_n and_o must_v have_v their_o lease_n &_o licence_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o any_o place_n and_o field-meeting_n be_v severe_o interdict_v though_o signal_o countenance_v of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v bind_v &_o bound_v and_o by_o this_o acceptance_n their_o bloody_a law_n against_o preach_v in_o the_o open_a field_n where_o people_n can_v have_v free_a access_n with_o conveniency_n &_o safety_n be_v justify_v 3_o the_o manner_n of_o meet_v be_v restrict_v which_o must_v be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o peace_n &_o security_n of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v endanger_v and_o again_o that_o their_o meeting_n be_v peaceable_o hold_v which_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o matter_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o bind_v to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n so_o much_o former_o
be_v either_o positive_a &_o active_a or_o negative_a &_o passive_a the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o party_n not_o only_o leave_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v former_o join_v but_o also_o gather_v up_o new_a distinct_a church_n different_a from_o the_o former_a under_o another_o government_n &_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n disow_v those_o they_o leave_v the_o latter_a be_v when_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n of_o a_o decline_a church_n stand_v still_o &_o refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o backslide_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n after_o they_o have_v become_v obstinate_a in_o their_o defection_n hold_v closs_o by_o &_o adhere_v unto_o the_o reformation_n attain_v this_o famous_a mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o his_o due_a right_n of_o presbytry_n pag._n 253._o 254._o show_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o call_v it_o a_o non-union_n as_o that_o in_o augustine_n time_n when_o the_o faithful_a do_v separate_v from_o the_o donatist_n which_o be_v lawful_a &_o laudable_a 3._o mr_n rutherfoord_n there_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o worst_a &_o most_o part_n and_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o best_a &_o least_o part_n and_o these_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o worst_a &_o great_a part_n do_v notwithstanding_o retain_v a_o part_n of_o and_o a_o part_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o least_o &_o best_a part_n thereof_o as_o the_o godly_a in_o england_n who_o refuse_v the_o popish_a ceremony_n &_o antichristian_a bishop_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o now_o people_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o corrupt_a they_o can_v be_v count_v separatist_n because_o they_o hold_v still_o communion_n with_o the_o better_a tho'_o lesser_a part_n moreover_o he_o say_v pag._n 254._o 255._o that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o non-union_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n last_o he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n pag._n 258._o when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v defection_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o lesser_a part_n remain_v sound_a the_o greast_n part_n be_v the_o church_n of_o separatist_n tho'_o the_o manye_v &_o great_a part_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o right_a discipline_n the_o best_a tho'_o few_o be_v the_o church_n for_o truth_n be_v like_a life_n that_o retire_v from_o the_o manye_v member_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o remain_v in_o its_o fountain_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o major_a part_n which_o have_v make_v defection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v account_v separatist_n and_o not_o such_o who_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n tho'_o they_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o the_o corrupt_a majoritie_n thus_o the_o apol._n relat._n rehearse_v his_o word_n sect._n 14._o pag._n 292._o 293._o 4._o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n where_o the_o ordinance_n &_o ministry_n be_v not_o cast_v at_o as_o the_o apol_n rel._n say_v ibid._n 291._o so_o then_o so_o long_o as_o people_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v many_o mile_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nor_o cast_v at_o the_o church_n as_o no_o church_n tho'_o they_o sad_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v provoke_v by_o this_o dreadful_a defection_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o these_o man_n &_o their_o favourer_n to_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n nor_o at_o the_o ministry_n for_o they_o love_v those_o that_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n dear_o and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o hear_v they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a 5._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o write_v against_o separatist_n that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v lawful_a when_o the_o case_n so_o fall_v out_o that_o union_n can_v be_v keep_v up_o with_o she_o without_o sin_n voet._n polit._n eccles._n pag._n 68_o quest_n 17._o 6._o the_o grave_a author_n of_o rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la confut._n 3_o dial._n chap._n pag._n 7._o etc._n etc._n allow_v every_o separation_n be_v not_o schism_n even_o from_o the_o church_n which_o have_v essential_o yea_o and_o more_o than_o essential_o if_o it_o be_v from_o those_o tho'_o never_o so_o many_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o from_o whatever_o piece_n of_o duty_n &_o integrity_n be_v attain_v for_o this_o be_v still_o to_o be_v hold_v fast_o according_a to_o many_o scripture_n command_v so_o elias_n when_o god_n covenant_n be_v forsake_v be_v as_o another_o athanasius_n i_o and_o i_o only_o be_o leave_v in_o point_n of_o tenacious_a integrity_n 7._o next_o he_o say_v if_o we_o separate_v in_o that_o which_o a_o national_a church_n have_v command_v we_o as_o her_o member_n to_o disoune_n by_o her_o stand_a act_n &_o authority_n while_o those_o from_o who_o we_o separate_v oune_v that_o corruption_n 8._o likewise_o he_o there_o assert_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a forbearance_n of_o union_n &_o compliance_n with_o notorious_a backslider_n in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o sinful_a or_o inductive_a to_o it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o separation_n strict_o take_v the_o command_v of_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o hate_v the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n do_v clear_o include_v this_o 9_o he_o add_v many_o thing_n will_v warrant_v separation_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a minister_n or_o congregation_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n national_a nor_o infer_v it_o by_o mr_n durham_n acknowledgement_n on_o scandal_n pag._n 129._o for_o if_o scandal_n become_v excessive_a he_o allow_v to_o depart_v to_o another_o congregation_n 10._o last_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o command_v withdraw_v from_o person_n &_o society_n even_o in_o worship_n the_o precept_n rom._n 16._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o prov._n 19_o 27._o act._n 2._o 40._o will_v clear_o import_v this_o by_o consequence_n sure_o the_o minister_n &_o professor_n adhere_v to_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o scotland_n tho'_o the_o lesseâ—_n number_n these_o soldier_n who_o keep_v the_o general_n order_n be_v the_o true_a army_n not_o the_o deserter_n of_o the_o same_o but_o second_o it_o be_v in_o part_n clear_v by_o these_o assertion_n what_o be_v our_o mind_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v lay_v coun_n from_o scripture_n oracle_n all_o the_o cause_n &_o case_n justify_v &_o warrand_a withdraw_v from_o any_o minister_n with_o application_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o curate_n and_o accommodation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o all_o that_o the_o wanderer_n withdraw_v from_o with_o argument_n endeavour_v to_o evince_v the_o validity_n of_o they_o and_o evidence_v they_o be_v not_o new_a notion_n but_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o approven_v author_n have_v improve_v in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v omit_v the_o ordinary_a criticism_n in_o state_v the_o question_n in_o distinguish_v betwixt_o hear_v &_o join_v in_o worship_n and_o oun_v they_o as_o our_o minister_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o only_a essay_n to_o prove_v this_o thesis_n we_o can_v without_o sin_v oune_v church_n communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o the_o prelate_n or_o their_o curate_n as_o our_o minister_n but_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o any_o other_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a corruption_n which_o we_o can_v make_v out_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v what_o confirmation_n this_o thesis_n be_v strenthen_v with_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o church_n constitution_n of_o former_a period_n which_o be_v premit_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n nor_o make_v any_o repartition_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n represent_v above_o which_o contribute_v to_o clear_v it_o but_o short_o come_v to_o the_o argument_n i._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ambassador_n clothe_v with_o his_o commission_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o thief_n robber_n usurper_n and_o stranger_n who_o christ_n sheep_n will_v not_o nay_o must_v not_o hear_v john_n 10._o 1_o 5._o and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v or_o be_v hear_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o 15._o for_o such_o who_o we_o know_v may_v not_o lawful_o preach_v we_o can_v lawful_o hear_v these_o from_o who_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n we_o must_v account_v minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o such_o as_o we_o doubt_v to_o acknowledge_v minister_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o his_o
defection_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o take_v on_o with_o he_o let_v the_o indulge_v and_o addressing_z minister_n advert_v to_o this_o and_o consider_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o true_o tender_a have_v reason_n to_o discountenance_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o palpable_a defection_n but_o undeniable_o this_o refall_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o curate_n ordination_n before_o they_o be_v curate_n for_o they_o that_o change_v their_o hold_n of_o a_o right_n and_o take_v a_o new_a right_n which_o be_v null_a they_o forego_v &_o forfeit_v their_o old_a right_n &_o all_o right_n but_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n have_v change_v their_o hold_v of_o their_o right_n and_o take_v a_o new_a one_o which_o be_v null_a therefore_o they_o have_v forgo_v &_o forefeit_v their_o old_a one_o the_o minor_a i_o prove_v thus_o they_o who_o have_v aright_o from_o christ_n by_o conveyance_n of_o his_o officer_n and_o take_v a_o new_a grant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o not_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o conveyance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v none_o of_o his_o officer_n they_o change_v their_o hold_n and_o take_v a_o new_a one_o which_o be_v null_a but_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n who_o have_v a_o right_a by_o conveyance_n of_o his_o officer_n have_v take_v a_o new_a grant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o not_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o conveyance_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o officer_n ergo_fw-la the_o stress_n of_o all_o will_v lie_v in_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o that_o the_o prelate_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o conveyance_n of_o a_o power_n from_o he_o be_v not_o from_o christ._n which_o i_o prove_v 1._o because_o his_o office_n be_v cross_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o gospel_n church-government_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v a_o gospel_n church_n ruler_n christ_n discharge_v his_o officer_n to_o exercise_v dominion_n or_o lordship_n luk._n 22._o 25._o or_o authority_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v but_o that_o the_o chief_a shall_v be_v only_o a_o minister_n math._n 22._o 25_o 26._o the_o apostle_n paul_n disclaim_v dominion_n over_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 1._o ult_n peter_n exhort_v the_o elder_n not_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o authority_n of_o church_n officer_n then_o be_v not_o a_o despotic_a power_n but_o a_o ministerial_a stewardship_n but_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v both_o a_o lordly_a title_n &_o power_n have_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o diocese_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o power_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o can_v be_v discharge_v hence_o he_o that_o subject_n his_o his_o ministry_n to_o the_o domination_n of_o a_o strange_a lord_n invert_v the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n church-government_n can_v be_v ow_v in_o his_o ministry_n but_o all_o curate_n subject_n their_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la 2._o because_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n distinct_a from_o &_o superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n or_o pastor_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n all_o one_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v episcopi_fw-la or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 17._o 28._o a_o ordainded_a elder_n must_v be_v a_o blameless_a bishop_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n tit._n 1._o 5_o 7._o again_o it_o can_v be_v show_v where_o the_o scripture_n mention_n either_o name_n qualification_n work_n duty_n or_o ordination_n of_o a_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o which_o be_v not_o likewise_o appropriate_a to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n bishop_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o purpose_a recitall_n of_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o yet_o a_o deacon_n be_v describe_v the_o mean_a officer_n in_o his_o work_n &_o qualification_n hence_o then_o if_o this_o diocesan_n prelate_n be_v such_o a_o uncouth_a beast_n that_o neither_o in_o name_n nor_o nature_n be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o the_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o be_v null_a but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la 3._o because_o every_o officer_n in_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o flock_n except_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n who_o be_v further_o extend_v now_o cease_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n be_v overseer_n over_o the_o flock_n act._n 20._o the_o elder_n that_o peter_n write_v to_o be_v over_o the_o flock_n but_o this_o diocesan_n antiscriptural_a monster_n pretend_v to_o be_v over_o the_o shepherd_n and_o invent_v new_a degree_n &_o order_n of_o superiority_n &_o inferiority_n of_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n beside_o &_o against_o the_o scripture_n which_o make_v all_o apostle_n alike_o &_o all_o evangelist_n so_o all_o teacher_n though_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n &_o superiority_n in_o diverse_a kind_n yet_o not_o in_o the_o same_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondarly_a prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o but_o not_o among_o teacher_n some_o above_o other_o in_o a_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n hence_o a_o officer_n over_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v not_o a_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o consequent_o any_o power_n convey_v from_o his_o be_v null_a but_o a_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n over_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n ergo_fw-la 4._o because_o every_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v equal_o and_o in_o perfect_a parity_n equal_a power_n &_o authority_n allow_v they_o of_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o the_o key_n both_o of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n all_o roll_a elder_n may_v rule_v alike_o and_o deserve_v equal_a honour_n and_o all_o preach_a elder_n have_v the_o like_a authority_n and_o the_o like_a honour_n confer_v upon_o they_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o the_o scripture_n attribute_n both_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n to_o all_o preach_a presbyter_n equal_o they_o must_v oversee_v the_o flock_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o they_o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o they_o must_v also_o feed_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o subjection_n &_o obedience_n be_v one_o to_o they_o all_o alike_o all_o that_o be_v over_o we_o and_o admonish_v we_o we_o must_v esteem_v high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o and_o obey_v &_o submit_v our_o self_n to_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n heb._n 13._o 17._o we_o find_v also_o excommunication_n belong_v to_o all_o alike_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o and_o ordination_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o the_o diocesan_n prelat_n take_v from_o presbyter_n to_o himself_o power_n of_o ordination_n assume_v only_o his_o curate_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o sole_a decisive_a power_n in_o church_n judicatories_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a voice_n like_o a_o diotrephes_n the_o first_o prelate_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n 3_o john_n 9_o the_o only_a precedent_n for_o prelacy_n in_o the_o scripture_n hence_o he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o be_v undivided_a &_o equal_a to_o all_o officer_n by_o christ_n appointment_n have_v none_o by_o christ_n allowance_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v a_o usurp_a diotrephes_n but_o the_o diocesan_n prelate_n will_v take_v all_o the_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o be_v undivided_a &_o equal_a to_o all_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v the_o prelate_n be_v no_o authorize_v church_n officer_n of_o christ_n no_o authority_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o so_o that_o such_o as_o betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o pretend_a power_n for_o warrant_v they_o in_o the_o function_n can_v warrantable_o claim_v no_o deference_n thereupon_o nor_o can_v be_v ow_v as_o minister_n whatever_o they_o be_v before_o for_o this_o be_v a_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o power_n &_o authority_n of_o prelate_n especial_o when_o the_o law_n command_v our_o hear_n as_o a_o submit_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o man_n come_v forth_o from_o the_o prelate_n have_v no_o other_o call_v or_o warrant_v but_o what_o the_o prelate_n give_v and_o so_o a_o receive_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o receive_n of_o the_o prelate_n as_o a_o refuse_v of_o they_o will_v be_v account_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o prelate_n &_o his_o power_n apol._n relat._n 15._o pag._n 272._o iii_o it_o be_v necessare_fw-la also_o that_o all_o with_o who_o we_o oune_v communion_n as_o minister_n shall_v be_v christ_n ambassador_n have_v then_o when_o we_o hear_v they_o and_o hold_v still_o their_o commission_n from_o christ_n as_o king_n and_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n convey_v not_o only_o from_o church_n officer_n in_o a_o way_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v as_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o
to_o speakevil_n of_o dignity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v filthy_a dreamer_n who_o despise_v dominion_n &_o speakevil_n of_o dignity_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o we_o allow_v the_o magistrate_n in_o whatsoever_o form_n of_o government_n all_o the_o power_n the_o scripture_n law_n of_o nature_n or_o nation_n or_o municipal_a do_v allow_v he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v the_o keeper_n &_o avenger_n of_o both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o power_n over_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o state_n suit_v to_o his_o capacity_n that_o be_v not_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a but_o objective_o for_o the_o church_n good_a a_o external_a power_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o church_n &_o protect_v she_o from_o outward_a violence_n or_o in_o ward_n disorder_n a_o imperate_a power_n of_o command_v all_o to_o do_v their_o respective_a duty_n a_o civil_a power_n of_o punish_v all_o even_o church_n officer_n for_o crime_n a_o secundary_a power_n of_o judicial_a approbation_n or_o condemnation_n or_o discretive_a in_o order_n to_o give_v his_o sanction_n to_o synodical_a result_v a_o cumulative_a power_n assisting_z &_o strengthen_v the_o church_n in_o all_o her_o privilege_n subservient_fw-fr though_o not_o servile_a coordinate_a with_o church_n power_n not_o subordinate_a though_o as_o a_o christian_a he_o be_v subject_a in_o his_o owned_a affair_n to_o wit_n civil_a not_o to_o be_v decline_v as_o judge_n but_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honour_a &_o strengthen_v with_o all_o his_o dwe_n we_o will_v give_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n but_o to_o tyrant_n that_o usurp_v &_o pervert_v both_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n &_o of_o cesar_n and_o of_o the_o people_n liberty_n we_o can_v render_v none_o of_o they_o neither_o god_n nor_o caesar_n nor_o our_o owned_a nor_o can_v we_o from_o conscience_n give_v he_o any_o other_o deference_n but_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o even_o to_o god_n to_o cesar_n &_o the_o people_n and_o in_o this_o though_o it_o do_v not_o sound_a now_o with_o court_n parasite_n nor_o with_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o royal_a indulgence_n &_o indemnity_n we_o bring_v forth_o but_o the_o transumpt_n of_o old_a principle_n according_a to_o which_o our_o father_n walk_v when_o they_o still_o contend_v for_o religion_n &_o liberty_n against_o the_o attempt_n &_o aggression_n of_o tyranny_n against_o both_o 5._o it_o must_v be_v concede_v it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o man_n in_o the_o place_n of_o magistracy_n a_o tyrant_n for_o as_o every_o escape_n error_n or_o act_v of_o unfaithfulness_n even_o know_v &_o continue_v in_o whether_o in_o a_o minister_n entry_n to_o the_o ministry_n or_o in_o his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o unminister_v he_o nor_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o or_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n so_o neither_o do_v every_o enormity_n misdemeanure_n or_o act_v of_o tyranny_n injustice_n perfidy_n or_o profanity_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o as_o to_o his_o way_n of_o entry_n to_o that_o office_n or_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o or_o in_o his_o private_a or_o personal_a behaviour_n denominate_v he_o a_o tyrant_n or_o usurper_n or_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o divest_v he_o of_o magistratical_a power_n and_o reject_v he_o as_o the_o lawful_a magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o or_o tuo_fw-la act_v contrary_a to_o the_o royal_a covenant_n or_o office_n that_o do_v denude_v a_o man_n of_o the_o royal_a dignity_n that_o god_n &_o the_o people_n give_v he_o david_n commit_v tuo_fw-la act_n of_o tyranny_n murder_n &_o adultery_n yet_o the_o people_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o their_o king_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o other_o ow_v still_o as_o king_n in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o he_o sin_v against_o a_o man_n or_o some_o particular_a person_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o sin_n against_o the_o state_n and_o the_o catholic_n good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n subvert_v law_n for_o than_o he_o will_v have_v turn_v tyrant_n and_o cease_v to_o have_v be_v lawful_a king._n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o tyrant_n in_o act_n and_o a_o tyrant_n in_o habit_n the_o first_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o king._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o every_o thing_n will_v not_o make_v a_o magistrate_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n so_o nothing_o will_v make_v a_o tyrant_n habitu_fw-la a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o every_o fault_n will_v not_o unminister_v a_o minister_n so_o some_o will_v oblige_v the_o people_n to_o reject_v his_o ministry_n as_o if_o he_o turn_v heretical_a &_o preach_v atheism_n mahumetanisme_n or_o the_o like_a the_o people_n though_o they_o can_v not_o formal_o depose_v he_o or_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n can_v not_o get_v he_o depose_v yet_o they_o may_v reject_v &_o disoune_v his_o ministry_n so_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o people_n have_v more_o power_n in_o create_v a_o magistrate_n than_o in_o make_v a_o minister_n and_o consequent_o they_o have_v more_o right_a and_o may_v have_v more_o light_n in_o disow_v a_o king_n as_o be_v unkinged_a then_o in_o disow_v a_o minister_n as_o be_v un-ministerd_a it_o will_v be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o fix_v upon_o some_o ordinary_a character_n of_o a_o tyrant_n which_o may_v discriminate_a he_o from_o a_o magistrate_n and_o be_v ground_n of_o disow_v he_o as_o such_o i_o shall_v rehearse_v some_o from_o very_a much_o approve_a author_n the_o application_n of_o which_o will_v be_v as_o apposite_a to_o the_o tuo_fw-la brother_n that_o we_o have_v be_v burden_a with_o as_o if_o they_o have_v intend_v a_o particular_a &_o exact_a description_n of_o they_o buchanan_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la regni_fw-la apud_fw-la scotos_fw-gr show_v that_o the_o word_n tyrant_n be_v at_o first_o honourable_a be_v attribute_v to_o they_o that_o have_v the_o full_a power_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o power_n be_v not_o astrict_v by_o any_o bond_n of_o law_n nor_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o cognition_n of_o judge_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a denomination_n of_o hero_n and_o think_v at_o first_o so_o honourable_a that_o it_o be_v attribute_n to_o the_o god_n but_o as_o nero_n &_o judas_n be_v sometime_o among_o the_o roman_n &_o jew_n name_n of_o great_a account_n but_o afterward_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o tuo_fw-la man_n of_o these_o name_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o flagitious_a will_v not_o have_v these_o name_n give_v to_o their_o child_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n ruler_n make_v this_o name_n so_o infamous_a by_o their_o wicked_a deed_n that_o all_o man_n abhor_v it_o as_o contagious_a &_o pestilentious_a and_o think_v it_o a_o more_o light_a reproach_n to_o be_v call_v a_o hangman_n then_o a_o tyrant_n thereafter_o he_o condescend_v upon_o several_a character_n of_o a_o tyrant_n 1._o he_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v a_o government_n by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n but_o by_o force_n invade_v it_o or_o intercept_v it_o by_o fraud_n be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o who_o domineer_v even_o over_o the_o unwilling_a for_o rex_fw-la volentibus_fw-la tyrannus_n invitis_fw-la imperat_fw-la and_o procure_v the_o supreme_a rule_n without_o the_o people_n consent_n even_o though_o for_o several_a year_n they_o may_v so_o govern_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o irksome_a which_o very_o well_o aggree_v with_o the_o present_a gentleman_n that_o rule_v over_o we_o who_o after_o he_o be_v by_o public_a vote_n in_o parliament_n seclude_v from_o the_o government_n of_o which_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o both_o kingdom_n make_v he_o incapable_a for_o his_o murder_n adultery_n &_o idolatry_n by_o force_n &_o fraud_n do_v intercept_v first_o a_o act_n for_o his_o succession_n in_o scotland_n and_o then_o the_o actual_a succession_n in_o england_n by_o blood_n &_o treachery_n usurp_a &_o intrude_a himself_n into_o the_o government_n without_o any_o compact_n with_o or_o consent_v of_o the_o people_n though_o now_o he_o study_v to_o make_v himself_o like_o another_o syracusan_a hiero_n or_o the_o florentine_a cosinodo_n medici_n in_o a_o mild_a moderation_n of_o his_o usurp_a power_n but_o the_o west_n of_o england_n and_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n both_o have_v feel_v the_o force_n of_o it_o 2._o tyrannus_n non_fw-la civibus_fw-la sed_fw-la sibi_fw-la gerit_fw-la imperium_fw-la neque_fw-la publicae_fw-la utilitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la suae_fw-la voluptatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o govern_v for_o the_o subject_n welfare_n or_o public_a ultility_n but_o for_o himself_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o that_o but_o to_o his_o owned_a lust_n act_v in_o this_o like_a robber_n who_o cunning_o dispose_v of_o what_o wicked_o they_o
we_o can_v expect_v to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o a_o sanctuary_n but_o for_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_a isai._n 8._o 8._o 12-14_a no_o peace_n obstruct_v the_o gospel_n or_o testimony_n or_o abstract_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n no_o peace_n tend_v to_o sinful_a security_n jer._n 8._o 11._o no_o peace_n lead_v to_o slavish_a stupidity_n no_o peace_n prompt_v to_o preposterous_a prudence_n in_o palliate_a sin_n or_o daub_v defection_n with_o untempered_a mortar_n no_o peace_n inconsistent_a with_o truth_n they_o must_v go_v together_o zech._n 1._o 19_o no_o peace_n that_o may_v not_o be_v follow_v with_o holiness_n heb._n 12._o 14._o but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o truth_n in_o duty_n contribute_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n psal._n 122._o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a jam._n 3._o 17._o now_o all_o that_o know_v the_o imposer_n of_o these_o bond_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n they_o be_v seek_v 3._o if_o we_o further_o inquire_v into_o their_o meaning_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o seek_v a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o it_o from_o their_o act_n &_o act_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o mean_v such_o a_o peaceable_a live_n as_o give_v obedience_n to_o their_o wicked_a law_n and_o be_v a_o compliance_n to_o their_o establish_a course_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o peaceable_a live_n as_o be_v opposite_a to_o their_o sense_n of_o sedition_n rebellion_n schism_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o interpret_v every_o seasonable_a duty_n to_o be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o peaceable_a live_n as_o they_o be_v presume_v not_o to_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o before_o and_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v opposite_a to_o that_o with_o which_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o turbulent_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o covenant_v profession_n as_o go_v to_o meeting_n withdraw_v from_o the_o curate_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o interpret_v not_o to_o be_v peaceable_a live_n 4._o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o covenant_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a contend_v with_o and_o opposition_n to_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v engage_v into_o in_o the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n which_o abjure_v all_o war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o all_o do_v injury_n to_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o consequent_o to_o peace_n &_o live_v peaceable_o with_o they_o iv._o of_o affinity_n to_o this_o be_v many_o other_o bond_n of_o regularity_n frequent_o renew_v &_o general_o impose_v and_o that_o with_o unparalelled_a illegality_n &_o rigour_n sometime_o by_o host_n of_o savage_a highlander_n sometime_o by_o circuit-court_n and_o by_o heretor_n upon_o their_o tenant_n and_o with_o such_o unheard_a of_o involvement_n that_o the_o master_n or_o heretor_fw-la be_v oblige_v for_o himself_o his_o wife_n child_n servant_n tenant_n and_o all_o under_o he_o to_o live_v orderly_o 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engage_v never_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n or_o any_o commissionate_a by_o he_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o the_o iniquity_n whereof_o be_v manifest_a for_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o covenant_n equivalent_a to_o a_o league_n offensive_a &_o defensive_a with_o they_o oblige_v never_o to_o offend_v or_o oppose_v they_o not_o to_o defend_v nor_o rescue_v our_o brethren_n against_o &_o from_o their_o murder_a violence_n 2._o this_o can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o truth_n judgement_n &_o righteousness_n for_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o far_o that_o may_v extend_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o this_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o make_v a_o stupid_a surrender_n of_o our_o life_n when_o the_o king_n turn_v so_o tyrannical_a as_o to_o send_v his_o cutthroat_n to_o demand_v they_o or_o authorise_v his_o bloody_a papist_n to_o massacre_v we_o they_o we_o must_v not_o resist_v upon_o this_o pretence_n 3._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o covenant_n that_o allow_v resistance_n in_o some_o case_n and_o oblige_v to_o assist_v &_o defend_v all_o that_o enter_v under_o the_o bond_n thereof_o 5._o this_o infer_v a_o oun_a of_o the_o present_a authority_n as_o the_o irresistible_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o obligation_n of_o live_v peaceable_o in_o subjection_n under_o it_o disprove_v above_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o part_n of_o that_o forecited_a letter_n of_o mr_n rutherfoord_v the_o 63._o in_o number_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o print_a letter_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o our_o conscientious_a sufferer_n on_o this_o point_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n &_o real_a purpose_n say_v he_o to_o live_v peaceable_o under_o the_o king_n authority_n but_o 1_o you_o do_v not_o so_o answer_v candid_o &_o imgenuous_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o ruler_n who_o to_o your_o knowledge_n mean_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n by_o authority_n than_o you_o do_v for_o you_o mean_v his_o just_a authority_n his_o 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their_o love_n &_o zeal_n to_o keep_v christ_n &_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o land_n after_o they_o have_v undergo_v &_o endure_v many_o hazard_n &_o hardship_n oppression_n &_o persecution_n for_o meet_v in_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o attrap_v and_o with_o such_o difficulty_n can_v escape_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o cruel_a man_n they_o be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o field_n though_o with_o the_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n of_o all_o wether_n without_o a_o shelter_n yet_o propose_v the_o advantage_n both_o of_o conveniency_n for_o meet_v in_o great_a number_n and_o of_o secrecy_n in_o the_o remote_a recess_n of_o wild_a moor_n &_o mountain_n and_o of_o safety_n in_o betake_v themselves_o to_o inaccessible_a natural_a strength_n safe_a either_o for_o flight_n or_o resistance_n and_o withal_o have_v occasion_n there_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o reformation_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n though_o many_o have_v a_o pretend_a 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little_a clear_v and_o to_o essay_n the_o same_o i_o will_v offer_v first_o some_o concession_n second_o some_o postulata_fw-la or_o supposed_n ground_n three_o some_o more_o special_a consideration_n which_o will_v conduce_v to_o clear_v the_o case_n first_o that_o we_o may_v more_o distinct_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n here_o plead_v for_o and_o what_o be_v that_o which_o these_o people_n suffer_v for_o here_o vindicated_n let_v these_o concession_n be_v premise_v 1._o now_o under_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o place_n more_o sacred_a than_o another_o to_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v astrict_v and_o which_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o house_n &_o habitation_n whither_o he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n to_o resort_v and_o attend_v as_o under_o the_o legal_a &_o typical_a dispensation_n be_v order_v there_o be_v a_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n cause_v his_o name_n to_o dwell_v deut._n 12._o 5_o 11._o but_o now_o neither_o in_o the_o mountain_n nor_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o father_n will_v be_v worship_v but_o every_o where_o and_o any_o where_o in_o spirit_n &_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 21_o 23_o 24._o and_o the_o apostle_n will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n &_o doubt_a 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o we_o abhor_v therefore_o the_o english_a &_o popish_a superstition_n of_o consecrate_a place_n and_o assert_v that_o all_o be_v alike_o in_o this_o respect_n house_n or_o field_n 2._o in_o the_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n or_o when_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v order_n decency_n &_o conveniency_n do_v require_v that_o there_o be_v appoint_v place_n sequestrate_n &_o appropriate_v for_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n according_a to_o that_o general_n rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o &_o in_o order_n 1_o cot._v 14._o ult_n and_o in_o that_o case_n private_a conventicle_n set_v up_o in_o a_o schismatical_a competition_n with_o public_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v but_o even_o then_o private_a meeting_n for_o prayer_n &_o conference_n be_v necessary_a lawful_a &_o laudable_a but_o now_o the_o church_n be_v break_v by_o a_o crew_n of_o schismatical_a intruder_n who_o have_v occupy_v the_o place_n of_o public_a assembly_n and_o thrust_v out_o the_o lod_n minister_n it_o be_v these_o we_o scare_v at_o and_o not_o the_o place_n 3._o suppose_v a_o magistrate_n shall_v interdict_v &_o discharge_v the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o restrain_v from_o the_o church_n but_o leave_v all_o other_o place_n free_a to_o meet_v in_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v prohibit_v the_o house_n but_o leave_v freedom_n for_o the_o field_n or_o discharge_v the_o field_n and_o give_v liberty_n in_o house_n in_o that_o case_n we_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o the_o place_n out_o of_o contempt_n though_o it_o be_v duty_n then_o to_o witness_v against_o such_o a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n do_v to_o the_o church_n in_o take_v away_o their_o meeting_n place_n yet_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a to_o stickle_v &_o strive_v for_o one_o spot_n if_o we_o may_v have_v another_o then_o when_o only_o exclude_v out_o of_o a_o place_n and_o not_o include_v or_o conclude_v and_o restrict_v to_o other_o place_n nor_o otherwise_o rob_v of_o the_o church_n privilege_n we_o may_v go_v to_o house_n when_o shut_v out_o of_o church_n and_o go_v to_o field_n when_o shut_v out_o of_o house_n and_o back_o again_o to_o house_n when_o discharge_v thence_o but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n for_o we_o be_v either_o interdict_v of_o all_o place_n or_o if_o allow_v any_o it_o be_v under_o such_o confinement_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beside_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o from_o who_o we_o can_v take_v no_o order_n to_o determine_v our_o meeting_n nor_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v our_o liberty_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o authority_n or_o favour_n which_o we_o can_v oune_v nor_o trust_n nor_o accept_v of_o any_o protection_n from_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o place_n of_o field_n or_o house_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o nor_o be_v it_o that_o which_o he_o main_o oppose_v but_o it_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n faithful_o preach_v that_o we_o be_v seek_v to_o promove_v &_o improve_v and_o he_o be_v seek_v to_o suppress_v the_o contest_v betwixt_o he_o &_o we_o be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o we_o profess_v without_o oun_v he_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o its_o exercise_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o matter_n &_o object_n of_o these_o religious_a exercise_n which_o be_v the_o eyesore_n of_o antichrist_n he_o prosecute_v with_o such_o rage_n the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n thereof_o 4._o even_o in_o this_o case_n when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o flee_v unto_o another_o as_o the_o lord_n allow_v &_o direct_v math._n 10._o 23._o and_o if_o occasional_o we_o find_v a_o house_n either_o public_a or_o a_o church_n or_o a_o private_a dwell_a house_n that_o may_v be_v safe_a or_o convenient_a or_o capacious_a of_o the_o number_n gather_v we_o think_v it_o indifferent_a to_o meet_v there_o or_o in_o the_o field_n but_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o people_n and_o more_o congruous_a for_o the_o day_n testimony_n to_o keep_v the_o field_n in_o their_o meeting_n even_o though_o it_o irritate_fw-la the_o incense_a enemy_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v second_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o postulata_fw-la or_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v consider_v or_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o infer_v from_o they_o the_o necessity_n &_o expediency_n of_o field_n meeting_n at_o this_o time_n in_o these_o circumstance_n which_o consequent_o vindicate_v the_o suffering_n that_o have_v be_v thereupon_o state_v former_o and_o be_v still_o continue_v 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n that_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o whether_o they_o have_v minister_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n allow_v it_o or_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n their_o necessity_n duty_n &_o interest_n make_v it_o indispensable_a in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o mutual_a help_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o if_o they_o fall_v the_o one_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o fellow_n eccles._n 4._o 9_o 10._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o mutual_a encouragement_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n to_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o mal._n 3._o 16_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o cherish_v mutual_a love_n which_o be_v the_o new_a commandment_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n john_n 13._o 34_o 35._o a_o principle_n which_o they_o be_v all_o thaught_n of_o god._n 1_o thess._n 4._o 9_o
private_a house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n who_o have_v appoint_v that_o any_o who_o ow_v he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o like_a case_n at_o it_o be_v now_o his_o servant_n may_v imitate_v their_o master_n for_o though_o all_o christ_n action_n be_v not_o imitable_a such_o as_o these_o of_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o divine_a prerogative_n as_o his_o take_n of_o the_o ass_n without_o the_o ouner_n liberty_n and_o the_o act_n oâ—_n his_o mediatory_a prerogative_n which_o he_o do_v as_o mediator_n but_o all_o his_o gracious_a action_n and_o moral_a upon_o moral_a ground_n and_o relative_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o relative_n duty_n be_v not_o only_o imitable_a but_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o imitation_n therefore_o that_o superstitious_a &_o ridiculous_a cavil_v that_o such_o meeting_n in_o field_n or_o house_n be_v conventickles_n gather_v separate_a congregation_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o for_o this_o will_v reflect_v upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wâ—y_v of_o preach_v and_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o propogate_a the_o gospel_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o all_o age_n â—ince_n which_o have_v always_o be_v by_o that_o way_n which_o they_o call_v keep_v of_o conventickles_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o gather_n of_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v only_o a_o search_n or_o seek_v after_o the_o lord_n sheep_n that_o be_v make_v to_o wander_v through_o all_o the_o mountain_n and_o upon_o every_o 〈…〉_z and_o 〈…〉_z which_o be_v scatter_v by_o corrupt_a sheephâ—â—â—_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n ezek._n 34._o 5_o 6._o and_o preach_v to_o all_o who_o will_v come_v &_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o such_o place_n where_o they_o may_v get_v it_o do_v most_o safe_o and_o may_v be_v most_o free_a from_o distraction_n &_o trouble_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o be_v wait_v to_o find_v they_o out_o that_o they_o may_v hail_v they_o to_o prison_n or_o kill_v they_o 8._o as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v special_o allege_v to_o be_v unseasonable_a especial_o when_o there_o be_v a_o little_a breathe_n and_o some_o relaxation_n from_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o awaken_v sleep_v dog_n by_o such_o irritate_v course_n be_v think_v not_o consistent_a with_o christian_a prudence_n this_o be_v the_o old_a pretence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o prefer_v that_o to_o duty_n but_o as_o we_o know_v no_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n but_o a_o peace_n of_o confederacy_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n which_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o and_o know_v of_o no_o relaxation_n of_o persecution_n against_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o witness_v against_o they_o so_o let_v what_o have_v be_v say_v above_o in_o the_o 3._o hypothesis_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o publickness_n in_o our_o meeting_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v be_v consider_v and_o let_v the_o scripture_n be_v consult_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o that_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o must_v be_v a_o witness_n &_o testimony_n keep_v up_o as_o be_v prove_v above_o and_o not_o only_o that_o minister_n must_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o but_o that_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v the_o very_a season_n of_o a_o testimony_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o these_o season_n especial_o 1._o when_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o relent_v from_o their_o stiffness_n &_o severity_n will_v compound_v with_o his_o witness_n and_o give_v they_o some_o liberty_n but_o not_o total_a as_o pharaoh_n will_v let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v but_o stay_v their_o flock_n and_o now_o our_o pharaoh_n will_v give_v some_o liberty_n to_o serve_v god_n but_o with_o a_o reservation_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o subject_n from_o his_o arbitrary_a government_n but_o moses_n think_v it_o then_o a_o season_n to_o testify_v though_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v thereby_o continue_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o a_o hoof_n be_v leave_v behind_o for_o say_v he_o we_o know_v not_o with_o what_o we_o must_v serve_v the_o lord_n until_o we_o câ—me_v 〈◊〉_d exod._n 10._o 24_o 25_o 26._o so_o must_v we_o testify_v for_o eveâ—â—_n close_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n this_o day_n 2._o when_o there_o to_o â—lâ—ration_n of_o idolatry_n and_o confederacy_n with_o idolater_n and_o suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o penal_a law_n against_o they_o or_o pardon_v of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v punish_v in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o that_o messenger_n that_o come_v from_o gilgal_n give_v his_o testimony_n at_o bochim_n against_o their_o toleration_n of_o idolatrous_a altar_n and_o confederacy_n with_o the_o canaanite_n judg._n 2._o 1_o 2._o he_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n indeed_o but_o he_o be_v only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o minister_n be_v who_o be_v call_v so_o rev._n 2._o 1._o for_o heavenly_a spirit_n have_v bring_v a_o heavenly_a message_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o never_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n the_o lord_n have_v commit_v such_o a_o treasure_n to_o earthen_a vessel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o and_o this_o come_v from_o gilgal_n not_o from_o heaven_n so_o the_o man_n of_o god_n testify_v against_o eâ—i_n for_o his_o toleration_n of_o wicked_a priest_n tho'_o they_o be_v his_o owned_a son_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 2d_o etc._n etc._n so_o samuel_n witness_v against_o saul_n for_o his_o toleration_n &_o indemnity_n grant_v to_o agag_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 23._o so_o the_o prophet_n against_o ahab_n for_o spare_v benhadad_o 1_o king._n 20._o 42._o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o this_o and_o he_o of_o pergamus_fw-la and_o he_o of_o thyatira_n be_v condemn_v for_o omit_v this_o testimony_n and_o allow_v a_o toleration_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n &_o jezebel_n revel_v 2._o 2_o 14_o 20._o in_o such_o a_o case_n of_o universal_a compliance_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o people_n indulge_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o protection_n of_o such_o a_o confederacy_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o fear_v he_o must_v not_o say_v a_o confederacy_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v for_o sign_n &_o wonder_n in_o israel_n isai._n 8._o 12_o 13_o 18._o but_o now_o idolatrous_a mass-altar_n be_v set_v up_o none_o throw_v down_o penal_a statute_n against_o papist_n be_v stop_v &_o disable_v and_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n be_v congratulate_v &_o say_v a_o confederacy_n in_o their_o address_n for_o the_o same_o 3._o when_o the_o universal_a apostasy_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o error_n be_v prevail_v and_o few_o syde_v themselves_o in_o a_o avow_a opposition_n against_o it_o as_o elijah_n choose_v that_o time_n when_o the_o people_n be_v halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n 1_o king._n 18._o 21._o and_o general_o all_o the_o prophet_n &_o servant_n of_o christ_n consult_v always_o the_o people_n necessity_n for_o the_o time_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o great_a necessity_n than_o now_o when_o popery_n be_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n 4._o 〈…〉_z man_n be_v chief_a in_o power_n as_o when_o haman_n be_v 〈◊〉_d mordecai_n will_v not_o give_v he_o one_o bow_n though_o all_o 〈◊〉_d people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v endanger_v by_o such_o a_o provocation_n esther_n 3._o 2._o and_o when_o tyrant_n &_o usurper_n be_v set_v up_o without_o the_o lord_n approbation_n than_o they_o that_o have_v the_o lord_n trumpet_n shall_v set_v it_o to_o their_o mouth_n hos._n 8._o 1_o 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n now_o 5._o when_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o their_o testimony_n the_o lord_n people_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n and_o enemy_n design_v to_o massacre_v they_o then_o if_o they_o altogether_o hold_v their_o peace_n at_o such_o a_o time_n there_o shall_v enlargement_n &_o deliverance_n arise_v another_o way_n but_o they_o and_o their_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v who_o be_v silent_a then_o as_o mordecai_n say_v to_o esther_n est_fw-la 4._o 14._o and_o who_o know_v not_o the_o cruel_a design_n of_o the_o papist_n now_o 6._o when_o iniquity_n be_v universal_o abound_v and_o hypocrisy_n among_o professor_n than_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v cry_v aloud_o &_o not_o spare_v isai._n 58._o 1._o as_o the_o â—ase_n be_v this_o day_n 7._o when_o the_o concern_v of_o truth_n a_o 〈…〉_z glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o illustrious_o vindicate_v as_o he_o give_v we_o to_o expect_v
the_o chief_a of_o our_o fundamental_a land-rights_a and_o the_o cardinal_n condition_n of_o the_o establish_a policy_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v only_o oune_v man_n for_o magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o this_o testimony_n by_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o owned_a life_n can_v be_v give_v expedient_o any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o field_n it_o be_v also_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o freedom_n &_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel-ministrie_n and_o for_o their_o hold_v their_o unremoveable_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v infringe_v by_o these_o tyrannical_a act_n and_o maintain_v by_o these_o exercise_n which_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o be_v contend_v for_o above_z &_o beyond_o all_o other_o that_o can_v be_v contend_v for_o or_o defend_v especial_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o those_o that_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o take_v it_o away_o there_o will_v no_o man_n quite_o any_o of_o his_o good_n upon_o a_o sentence_n come_v from_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n and_o shall_v minister_n or_o people_n be_v hector_v or_o fool_v from_o such_o a_o privilege_n by_o they_o that_o have_v no_o such_o power_n 6._o the_o keep_n of_o field-meeting_n now_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o our_o covenant_n the_o oun_a whereof_o be_v declare_v criminal_a by_o that_o same_o law_n that_o discharge_v these_o meeting_n in_o which_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n and_o to_o defend_v all_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o to_o oppose_v all_o their_o opposite_n and_o endeavour_v their_o exstirpation_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n we_o be_v swear_v because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o maintain_v &_o defend_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n &_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v &_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o since_o then_o the_o oun_a of_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v both_o discharge_v together_o and_o the_o oun_a of_o the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v to_o a_o public_a opposition_n against_o the_o discharger_n and_o a_o avow_a maintinance_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n whereof_o this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a &_o chief_a liberty_n now_o leave_v to_o be_v maintain_v to_o keep_v meeting_n where_o we_o may_v testify_v against_o they_o without_o dependence_n on_o their_o toleration_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o these_o meeting_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v which_o only_o can_v be_v in_o the_o field_n with_o conveniency_n 7._o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o will_v be_v a_o harden_v &_o encourage_v of_o these_o enemy_n in_o their_o wicked_a design_n of_o banish_v all_o these_o meeting_n out_o of_o the_o land_n which_o manifest_o will_v be_v defeat_n by_o a_o resolute_a refusal_n of_o all_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o discharge_n of_o they_o and_o they_o that_o do_v submit_v and_o give_v they_o over_o do_v evident_o contribute_v to_o the_o effectuate_a that_o wicked_a design_n which_o be_v certain_a do_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o terminate_v upon_o a_o simple_a suppression_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o further_a be_v intend_v to_o exstirpate_v all_o meeting_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o which_o there_o be_v any_o testimony_n against_o they_o to_o comply_v therefore_o with_o such_o a_o forbearance_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n will_v lay_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o these_o their_o design_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v their_o contrivance_n so_o universal_o comply_v with_o wherein_o they_o may_v boast_v that_o at_o length_n they_o have_v prevail_v to_o put_v quite_o away_o that_o eyesore_n of_o they_o field-meeting_n 8._o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o be_v a_o stumble_n to_o the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n who_o may_v think_v that_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o work_n be_v but_o of_o man_n and_o so_o have_v come_v to_o naught_o and_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o faint_a &_o succumb_a at_o last_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o testimony_n as_o be_v quite_o overcome_v and_o that_o indeed_o all_o have_v embrace_v &_o accept_v this_o present_a toleration_n and_o be_v all_o alike_o sleep_v under_o the_o shade_n and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o bramble_n 9_o final_o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o will_v be_v very_o scandalous_a to_o the_o posterity_n and_o to_o stranger_n who_o shall_v read_v the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n to_o find_v that_o as_o prelacy_n come_v in_o without_o a_o joint_a witness_n and_o the_o monstrous_a blasphemous_a &_o sacrilegious_a supremacy_n be_v erect_v without_o a_o testimony_n in_o its_o season_n so_o black_a popery_n itself_o and_o tyranny_n be_v introduce_v by_o a_o toleration_n which_o lay_v they_o all_o by_o from_o a_o testimony_n against_o these_o who_o former_o have_v valiant_o resolute_o &_o faithful_o contend_v against_o all_o lesser_a corruption_n but_o at_o last_o when_o that_o come_v and_o strict_a prohibition_n of_o all_o public_a meeting_n but_o under_o the_o covert_a thereof_o be_v emit_v than_o all_o be_v persuade_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o course_n how_o astonish_a will_v it_o be_v to_o read_v that_o all_o these_o contending_n seal_v with_o so_o much_o precious_a blood_n shall_v come_v to_o such_o a_o pitiful_a period_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o second_o positive_a ground_n of_o suffer_v head_n v._o the_o principle_n of_o &_o testimony_n for_o defensive_a arm_n vindicated_n this_o truth_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n that_o can_v hardly_o be_v illustrate_v by_o demonstration_n not_o for_o the_o darkness_n thereof_o but_o for_o its_o self_n evidence_v clearness_n be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o further_a elucidation_n than_o what_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o rational_a understanding_n by_o its_o simple_a proposition_n as_o first_o principle_n can_v hardly_o be_v prove_v because_o they_o need_v no_o probation_n and_o can_v be_v make_v clear_a than_o they_o be_v and_o such_o as_o can_v consent_v to_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o conceive_v any_o probation_n of_o they_o so_o this_o truth_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o be_v congenite_fw-la with_o and_o irradicate_v in_o every_o nature_n that_o have_v a_o self_n which_o it_o can_v preserve_v can_v scarce_o be_v more_o illustrate_v that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o than_o that_o it_o can_v do_v so_o and_o therefore_o to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o true_a respect_n to_o their_o owned_a as_o well_o as_o a_o due_a concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a to_o make_v a_o doubt_n or_o debate_v of_o this_o be_v it_o not_o that_o a_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v now_o prevail_a that_o be_v as_o great_a monster_n in_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v malignant_a in_o religion_n and_o as_o great_a perverter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v subverter_n of_o municipal_a law_n and_o everter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o for_o oun_v this_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o use_v the_o practice_n of_o defensive_a resistance_n for_o self_n preservation_n against_o tyrannical_a violence_n have_v set_v up_o such_o monument_n of_o rage_n &_o cruelty_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o many_o innocent_a people_n as_o be_v never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o before_o it_o have_v be_v indeed_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a of_o man_n have_v maintain_v this_o principle_n in_o all_o age_n but_o the_o bare_a assert_v the_o principle_n when_o extort_a by_o severe_a inquisition_n be_v never_o a_o cause_n of_o take_v the_o life_n of_o any_o before_o this_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o poor_a sufâ—erers_n in_o scotland_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o or_o not_o such_o appearance_n for_o defence_n as_o the_o tyranny_n of_o ruler_n have_v force_v people_n to_o be_v rebellion_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n assert_v and_o therefore_o tho'_o many_o that_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n have_v be_v as_o free_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o resistance_n as_o any_o yet_o because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v be_v criminal_o process_v arraign_v &_o condemn_v to_o the_o death_n and_o against_o this_o truth_n they_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o indignation_n either_o because_o the_o light_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v â—id_v have_v some_o heat_n with_o it_o to_o search_v they_o or_o because_o they_o fear_v the_o impression_n of_o this_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n more_o than_o other_o know_v that_o they_o deserve_v the_o
give_v to_o we_o to_o remember_v lot_n wife_n turn_v into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n to_o season_v we_o lest_o the_o stink_n of_o our_o destruction_n and_o what_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o be_v all_o that_o the_o posterity_n get_v for_o a_o warning_n not_o to_o tread_v our_o path_n as_o for_o the_o few_o that_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n they_o have_v be_v so_o discruciate_v with_o perplexity_n in_o their_o conflict_n with_o the_o rage_n of_o enemy_n and_o reproach_n of_o friend_n and_o fear_v of_o these_o snare_n attend_v every_o lot_n or_o occupation_n they_o can_v put_v themselves_o in_o that_o they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o desire_v death_n as_o their_o best_a refuge_n and_o only_a retreat_n wherein_o they_o may_v find_v rest_n from_o all_o these_o racking_n for_o in_o no_o place_n can_v they_o escape_v the_o reach_n of_o some_o of_o these_o imposition_n nor_o the_o noise_n of_o their_o clamorous_a contending_n of_o argument_n that_o plead_v for_o it_o but_o some_o have_v have_v more_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n than_o language_n to_o plead_v for_o he_o and_o more_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v than_o learning_n to_o dispute_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o where_o pure_a zeal_n for_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o his_o bleed_a interest_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v afresh_o and_o put_v to_o open_a shame_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o be_v require_v to_o help_v forward_o the_o war_n against_o he_o be_v in_o integrity_n &_o vigour_n it_o will_v burn_v with_o its_o flame_n those_o knot_n that_o it_o can_v in_o haste_v loose_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o be_v zealous_a without_o knowledge_n than_o lose_v or_o let_v go_v such_o a_o opportunity_n of_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n yea_o when_o it_o can_v do_v no_o more_o expire_v with_o a_o ichabod_n in_o its_o mouth_n but_o short_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n i_o shall_v 1._o permit_v some_o concession_n 2._o propose_v some_o parallel_n question_n 3._o offer_v some_o reason_n to_o clear_v it_o 1._o i_o shall_v willing_o grant_v in_o the_o general_n concern_v pay_v of_o exaction_n imposition_n or_o emolument_n 1._o they_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a as_o tribute_n &_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o power_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n attend_v continual_o upon_o this_o very_a thing_n rom._n 13._o 6_o 7._o so_o stipend_n and_o all_o outward_a encouragment_n be_v due_a to_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o sow_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o shall_v reap_v these_o carnal_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 11_o 12._o fynes_n also_o and_o all_o legal_a amercement_n for_o delinquency_n against_o just_a law_n must_v be_v pay_v deut._n 22._o 19_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v due_a by_o law_n to_o officer_n appoint_v by_o law_n for_o keep_v delinquent_n in_o custody_n as_o all_o debt_n whatsoever_o but_o tyrant_n exaction_n enact_v &_o exact_v for_o promove_v their_o wicked_a design_n against_o religion_n &_o liberty_n hireling_n salary_n for_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o intrusion_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n arbitrary_a imposition_n of_o pecuniary_a punishment_n for_o clear_a duty_n and_o extort_a hiring_n of_o the_o subordinate_a instrument_n of_o persecuter_n oppression_n be_v no_o wise_a due_a and_o can_v be_v debt_n and_o therefore_o no_o equity_n to_o pay_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pay_v they_o when_o due_a and_o debt_n either_o by_o law_n or_o contract_n even_o tho'_o they_o shall_v be_v afterward_o abuse_v and_o misimproven_v to_o pernicious_a end_n but_o these_o payment_n for_o such_o wicked_a end_n either_o particular_o specify_v &_o express_v in_o the_o very_a act_n appoint_v they_o or_o open_o avouch_v by_o the_o exactor_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o imposition_n fundamental_o appoint_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o the_o after_o misapplication_n thereof_o make_v by_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v therewith_o be_v no_o more_o imputable_a unto_o the_o land_n or_o payer_n than_o be_v the_o theft_n of_o a_o collector_n steal_v or_o run_v away_o with_o the_o same_o without_o make_v count_n or_o reckon_n to_o superior_n it_o be_v then_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o former_a imposition_n be_v peacable_o pay_v tho'_o we_o see_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o their_o use_n be_v pervert_v and_o they_o be_v use_v against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o land_n and_o god_n people_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n or_o declare_v as_o the_o end_n of_o these_o exaction_n but_o what_o fall_v out_o be_v by_o the_o personal_a abuse_n and_o perversion_n of_o those_o in_o power_n which_o be_v rheir_o ow_v personal_a fault_n and_o posteriour_a to_o the_o legal_a engagement_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o payment_n thereof_o by_o the_o land_n in_o their_o representative_n 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pay_v they_o sometime_o even_o when_o fundamental_o and_o original_o from_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o they_o be_v not_o due_a but_o illegal_o or_o usurpative_o challenge_v &_o exact_v if_o afterward_o they_o be_v by_o dedition_n or_o voluntary_a engagement_n legal_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o true_a representative_n but_o not_o so_o when_o they_o be_v never_o either_o lawful_o enact_v or_o legal_o exact_v or_o voluntary_o engage_v by_o the_o representative_n except_o such_o as_o represent_v the_o enslavement_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o betray_v the_o country_n religion_n liberty_n property_n and_o all_o precious_a interest_n and_o declare_o impose_v to_o further_a the_o destruction_n of_o all_o nor_o can_v any_o with_o reason_n say_v that_o this_o case_n be_v but_o like_o the_o case_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o the_o foot_n of_o enemy_n pay_v to_o they_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ground_n as_o be_v regret_v &_o lament_v by_o nehemiah_n chap._n 9_o 36_o 37._o for_o so_o they_o must_v say_v the_o exaction_n now_o in_o debate_n be_v their_o redemption-money_n and_o by_o these_o they_o purchase_v their_o liberty_n of_o life_n &_o land_n and_o oune_n themselves_o to_o be_v a_o people_n under_o conquest_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o be_v both_o exact_v &_o pay_v as_o test_n of_o their_o allegiance_n as_o subject_n and_o badge_n of_o their_o loyalty_n &_o obedience_n but_o this_o be_v answer_v before_o head_n 2._o conces_n 7._o 7._o 2._o pag._n if_o any_o shall_v object_v the_o practice_n of_o christ_n tho'_o otherwise_o free_a yet_o pay_v custom_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v it_o be_v full_o solve_v ibid._n head_n 2._o conces_n 9_o pag._n here_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o hint_n 1_o that_o which_o make_v â—hem_n marvel_v at_o his_o wise_a answer_n be_v that_o he_o leave_v the_o title_n unstated_a and_o the_o claim_v unresolved_a whether_o it_o belong_v to_o cesar_n or_o not_o and_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o general_a to_o give_v nothing_o to_o cesar_n with_o prejudice_n to_o what_o be_v god_n which_o condemn_v all_o the_o payment_n we_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v all_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o war_n against_o god._n 2_o cesar_n be_v no_o tyrant_n nor_o usurper_n at_o this_o time_n because_o they_o have_v legal_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o several_a caesar_n successive_o before_o 3_o it_o be_v lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o the_o offence_n &_o scandal_n lie_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n of_o pay_v the_o exaction_n and_o it_o be_v against_o all_o religion_n to_o say_v that_o both_o the_o do_n and_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o same_o act_n can_v give_v offence_n but_o 4_o make_v the_o case_n like_o we_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v pay_v or_o permit_v to_o pay_v a_o taxation_n profess_o impose_v for_o levy_v a_o war_n against_o he_o or_o banish_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n out_o of_o the_o land_n or_o to_o fill_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o greedy_a pharisee_n devour_v widow_n house_n for_o their_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n or_o that_o he_o will_v have_v pay_v or_o suffer_v to_o pay_v their_o extortion_n if_o any_o have_v be_v exact_v of_o he_o or_o his_o disciple_n for_o his_o preach_v or_o work_a miracle_n or_o if_o help_n or_o hire_n have_v be_v demand_v for_o encourage_v those_o that_o rise_v to_o stone_n he_o for_o his_o good_a deed_n 4._o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pay_v a_o part_n to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a when_o it_o be_v extort_a only_o by_o force_n &_o threaten_n and_o not_o exact_v by_o law_n when_o it_o be_v a_o yield_v only_o to_o a_o lesser_a suffering_n and_o not_o a_o consent_n to_o a_o sin_n to_o shift_v suffer_v the_o objection_n of_o a_o man_n be_v seize_v by_o a_o robber_n transact_v with_o
all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n and_o all_o authority_n even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n a_o institute_n right_a by_o the_o father_n inauguration_n which_o have_v set_v he_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n a_o acquisite_a right_n by_o his_o owned_a purchase_n by_o which_o he_o have_v merit_v &_o obtain_v not_o only_a subject_n to_o govern_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n a_o bellical_a right_n by_o conquest_n make_v the_o people_n fall_v under_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o overcome_v those_o that_o make_v war_n with_o he_o a_o hereditary_a right_n by_o proximity_n of_o blood_n &_o primogeniture_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v high_o than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n a_o elective_a right_n by_o his_o people_n choice_n &_o surrender_n a_o croun_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crow_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o espousal_n in_o a_o humble_a recognizance_n of_o all_o which_o right_n we_o oune_v &_o avouch_v that_o he_o have_v that_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o invisible_a without_o a_o copartner_n or_o competitor_n either_o coordinate_a or_o subordinate_a in_o prescribe_v law_n by_o no_o humane_a authority_n to_o be_v reverse_v in_o appoint_v ordinance_n immutable_a without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n institute_v a_o government_n which_o no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v without_o blasphemy_n arrogate_v a_o power_n either_o to_o invert_v or_o evert_v change_n or_o overturn_v and_o constitute_v officer_n which_o must_v depend_v only_o on_o his_o authority_n and_o his_o alone_a and_o must_v be_v clothe_v only_o with_o his_o commission_n and_o his_o alone_a guide_v by_o his_o instruction_n &_o his_o alone_a act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n &_o prescribe_v platform_n and_o his_o alone_a without_o any_o dependence_n on_o subordination_n to_o licence_n warrant_v or_o indulgence_n from_o any_o mortal_a and_o therefore_o we_o disoune_v &_o detest_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n and_o will_v discountenance_v prelacy_n supremacy_n popery_n and_o all_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o his_o institution_n who_o be_v sole_a &_o supreme_a lawgiver_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o will_v submit_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o nothing_o that_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o signify_v our_o respect_n unto_o they_o hence_o we_o will_v take_v none_o of_o their_o oath_n subscribe_v none_o of_o their_o bond_n yield_v to_o none_o of_o their_o imposition_n pay_v none_o of_o their_o exaction_n neither_o will_v we_o hear_v or_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o any_o minister_n but_o the_o faithful_a authorize_v ambassador_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n whatever_o either_o rage_n or_o reproach_n we_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o assert_v &_o affirm_v also_o that_o our_o exalt_v prince_n be_v king_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n &_o prince_n decree_n justice_n as_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o rule_v over_o we_o with_o just_a boundary_n that_o they_o may_v not_o exceed_v and_o true_a character_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o &_o pay_v they_o deference_n and_o therefore_o who_o soever_o shall_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o and_o extend_v their_o power_n beyond_o &_o above_o his_o prescript_n be_v neither_o call_v to_o nor_o qualify_v for_o nor_o improve_n the_o office_n for_o the_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o usurp_a tyrant_n &_o not_o magistrate_n nor_o minister_n of_o justice_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v the_o sword_n by_o his_o preceptive_a will_n only_o as_o lion_n bear_n wolf_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o rod_n by_o his_o providential_a will_n in_o that_o case_n we_o may_v be_v passive_o subject_a when_o we_o can_v do_v better_a but_o will_v never_o oune_v conscientious_a allegiance_n to_o they_o nor_o oune_v they_o as_o our_o lawful_a magistrar_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o their_o idol_n they_o have_v set_v up_o nor_o prostitute_v either_o conscience_n or_o liberty_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o will_v endeavour_v under_o our_o master_n banner_n &_o conduct_v to_o preserve_v whatever_o he_o have_v entrust_v to_o we_o religion_n life_n liberty_n estate_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o possess_v as_o they_o unjust_o possess_v what_o their_o god_n give_v they_o and_o will_v maintain_v a_o war_n of_o constant_a opposition_n to_o they_o against_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v a_o war_n for_o ever_o without_o parley_n treaty_n of_o peace_n capitulation_n composition_n truce_n or_o any_o transaction_n we_o will_v neither_o meddle_v nor_o make_v with_o they_o less_o or_o more_o nor_o seek_v their_o favour_n nor_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v on_o any_o term_n that_o may_v imply_v any_o obligation_n to_o surcease_v from_o our_o duty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o irreconcilable_a opposition_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n now_o i_o shall_v come_v more_o distinct_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o offer_v a_o short_a vindication_n of_o the_o head_n &_o ground_n of_o our_o great_a suffering_n divide_v they_o into_o their_o principal_a part_n which_o i_o reduce_v to_o two_o viz_o negative_n &_o positives_n the_o negative_a ground_n i_o reckon_v three_o principal_o 1._o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n 2._o for_o refuse_v to_o oune_v a_o tyrannical_a magistracy_n 3._o for_o refuse_v to_o swear_v &_o subscribe_v their_o unlawful_a impose_v oath_n chief_o that_o of_o abjuration_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o suffer_v unto_o death_n the_o positive_a ground_n be_v also_o three_o 1._o for_o frequent_v field-meeting_n to_o receive_v gospel-ordinancs_a from_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o for_o maintain_v the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o defensive_a resistance_n of_o superior_a power_n 3._o for_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n &_o duty_n of_o offensive_a revenge_n in_o execute_v justice_n upon_o murder_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a necessity_n in_o prosecute_a which_o i_o shall_v intertexe_v some_o subordinate_a question_n relate_v to_o their_o respective_a head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discuss_v they_o brief_o head_n i._o where_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n be_v vindicated_n and_o the_o question_n of_o hear_v curate_n be_v clear_v this_o question_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v nice_a and_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o person_n of_o gallio_n or_o laodiceds_n temper_n indifferent_a &_o lukwarm_a disposition_n consult_v their_o owned_a more_z they_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v it_o pass_v without_o any_o enquiry_n with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o all_o who_o be_v true_o tender_a in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n free_a of_o the_o time_n contagion_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a impression_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o be_v jealous_a especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a zeal_n of_o god_n eat_v they_o up_o in_o a_o just_a indignation_n at_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o he_o in_o usurp_v the_o office_n &_o corrupt_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o all_o who_o true_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o put_v a_o due_a value_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n the_o corruption_n whereof_o this_o question_n touch_v it_o will_v be_v account_v of_o great_a importance_n there_o be_v three_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n concern_v which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v we_o very_o weighty_a caution_n viz_o what_o we_o shall_v hear_v mark._n 4._o 24._o how_o we_o shall_v hear_v luk._n 8._o 18._o and_o who_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o last_o of_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o state_v as_o the_o other_o two_o yet_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v find_v it_o as_o clear_o determine_v and_o as_o many_o caution_n to_o guard_v from_o err_v in_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o that_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n in_o it_o be_v very_o weighty_a and_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o there_o have_v be_v more_o advertency_n in_o this_o point_n there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o inconsideration_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o hear_v nor_o will_v that_o itch_a humour_n &_o luxuriancy_n of_o lust_n in_o heap_v up_o teacher_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n have_v be_v so_o much_o encourage_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o the_o church_n disgrace_n of_o the_o