kingdom_n defeat_v our_o force_n and_o oppress_v all_o that_o stand_v in_o any_o sort_n suspect_v of_o the_o crime_n of_o loyalty_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forward_o in_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o cromwell_n be_v so_o successful_a in_o the_o south_n of_o scâ—…tland_n as_o to_o have_v all_o besouth_o forth_o under_o his_o dominion_n great_a numbâ—…rs_n of_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o arm_n in_o the_o west_n and_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o nation_n for_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n and_o this_o much_o of_o the_o loyalty_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o this_o author_n pag._n 53._o to_o justify_v the_o procâ—…dings_n of_o their_o late_a râ—…sons_n general_n assembly_n in_o refuse_v to_o admit_v some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n into_o a_o share_n of_o their_o government_n upon_o the_o term_n desire_v by_o k._n william_n urge_v that_o they_o do_v noâ—…hing_v but_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n convocâ—…tion_n have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d they_o who_o 〈◊〉_d to_o admit_v thâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o same_o king_n dâ—…sire_n it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n in_o i_o to_o offer_v any_o vindication_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o learned_a and_o worthy_a meember_n of_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n who_o at_o that_o time_n oppose_v the_o design_a comprehension_n of_o the_o dissenter_n but_o i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v allowâ—…d_v to_o say_v that_o they_o wâ—…nt_v upon_o far_o better_a ground_n than_o our_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v such_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o condescend_v to_o address_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v here_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o â—…awfulness_n of_o what_o these_o â—…piscopal_a addresser_n do_v in_o desire_v to_o be_v unite_v with_o the_o prâ—…sbyterians_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v upon_o that_o question_n my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o scotland_n be_v â—…ar_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o deny_v the_o request_n of_o these_o episcopal_a minister_n that_o address_v they_o than_o those_o of_o the_o english_a convocation_n who_o obstruct_v the_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o term_n that_o be_v then_o propose_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n never_o offer_v any_o address_n to_o the_o convocotion_n declare_v their_o willingness_n to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n upon_o her_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o these_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v with_o have_v the_o presbyterian_o give_v but_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o abandon_v their_o schism_n upon_o the_o make_n of_o these_o alteration_n the_o clergy_n perhaps_o to_o further_a so_o desirable_a a_o work_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o ease_n as_o to_o their_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o those_o harmless_a rite_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o though_o indisferent_a in_o their_o nature_n yet_o be_v very_o signiâ—…icant_a in_o their_o use._n but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n ever_o to_o expect_v to_o reclaim_v the_o presbyterian_o from_o their_o schism_n upon_o such_o term_n since_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o the_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o woâ—…hip_n which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o esfect_a but_o to_o create_v more_o enemy_n to_o our_o communion_n be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n that_o be_v require_v in_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n now_o this_o be_v what_o the_o scâ—…ts_n assembly_n can_v urge_v in_o their_o defence_n since_o those_o of_o the_o lpiscopal_a clergy_n who_o have_v the_o freedom_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n petition_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punish_v scandalous_a and_o contumacious_a offender_n which_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n they_o deâ—…ired_v to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o as_o for_o their_o presbyterian_a ordination_n they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v positive_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o any_o such_o act_n as_o they_o think_v to_o be_v direct_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n which_o may_v have_v influence_v the_o â—…nglish_fw-fr convocation_n to_o oppose_v the_o alteration_n in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o worship_n which_o k._n william_n do_v then_o desire_v they_o to_o make_v and_o that_o be_v tâ—…e_v preservation_n and_o safâ—…ty_n of_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n they_o be_v â—…t_v that_o time_n sensible_a of_o the_o fatal_a overthrow_n of_o their_o neighbour_a church_n of_o scâ—…tland_n how_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o governmâ—…nt_n be_v â—…uite_o overturn_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o not_o only_o the_o biâ—…hops_n turn_v out_o both_o of_o their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a right_n but_o 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n most_o barbarous_o treat_v â—…nd_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n and_o church_n this_o cruel_a treatment_n which_o their_o brethren_n in_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v from_o that_o dissent_v party_n may_v juâ—…tly_o aâ—…arm_v the_o english_a clergy_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o usage_n from_o the_o pâ—…esbyterians_n here_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o do_v thâ—…m_o any_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a interest_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v in_o that_o â—…irst_n parliament_n aâ—…ter_v the_o revolution_n it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v of_o the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n lest_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o obstacle_n in_o establish_v another_o as_o they_o be_v hardly_o able_a at_o that_o time_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a member_n of_o that_o parliament_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o have_v the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v once_o dissolve_v they_o will_v have_v thâ—…own_v in_o so_o many_o stop_v and_o hindrance_n against_o a_o new_a establishment_n of_o the_o â—…urgy_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o will_v have_v start_v so_o many_o new_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v solve_v about_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v occasion_v such_o infinite_a deâ—…ys_n therein_o as_o will_v have_v make_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o our_o liturgy_n a_o tâ—…ing_n almost_o impossible_a if_o the_o parliament_n have_v offer_v to_o ratisie_n the_o service-book_n with_o the_o alteration_n the_o convocation_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v therein_o before_o they_o dissolve_v this_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o many_o member_n of_o that_o convocation_n may_v have_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o consent_v to_o some_o alteration_n in_o those_o indisferent_a ceremony_n the_o presbyterian_o so_o groundless_o exclaim_v against_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v not_o have_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o continue_v in_o their_o notorious_a and_o wretched_a schism_n but_o for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v the_o present_a establishment_n without_o have_v any_o security_n for_o another_o be_v what_o none_o can_v expect_v from_o any_o prudent_a or_o reasonable_a society_n three_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n may_v perhaps_o be_v the_o more_o remiss_a in_o promote_a a_o union_n with_o the_o diâ—…senters_n upon_o the_o term_n propose_v because_o they_o see_v no_o probability_n of_o preserve_v thereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o profess_v to_o own_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o unity_n with_o we_o that_o may_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o biâ—…hops_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o that_o intend_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o communion_n i_o say_v unless_o they_o own_o these_o catholic_n painciple_n of_o unity_n in_o common_a with_o we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o will_v remain_v we_o any_o long_a than_o their_o interest_n show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o a_o union_n with_o they_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n in_o stead_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o great_a rent_n and_o breach_n in_o our_o communion_n whenever_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o their_o interest_n again_o to_o erect_v altar_n against_o altar_n but_o our_o scot_n
some_o remark_n upon_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o scot_n presbyterian_a eloquence_n wherein_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v vindicated_n and_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o out_o church_n of_o scotland_n defend_v against_o the_o lie_n and_o calumny_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a pamphleteer_n deut._n xxxiii_o 29._o thy_o enemy_n shall_v be_v find_v liar_n unto_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v tread_v upon_o their_o high_a place_n psal._n v._n 9_o for_o there_o be_v no_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o mouth_n their_o inward_a part_n be_v very_a wickedness_n imprimatur_fw-la dec._n 20._o 1693._o guil._n lancaster_n london_n print_v for_o joseph_n hindmarsh_n at_o the_o golden-ball_n over-against_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1694._o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n how_o soon_o i_o entertain_v any_o thought_n publish_v a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n and_o cle_n gy_n i_o be_v easy_o determine_v to_o send_v abroad_o under_o your_o lordship_n protection_n you_o haâ—…_n be_v such_o a_o eminent_a sufferer_n and_o confessor_n those_o woeful_a calamity_n of_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v persecute_v to_o such_o a_o height_n both_o in_o person_n and_o reputation_n mere_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o common_a principle_n that_o you_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o patronage_n of_o such_o a_o treatise_n as_o your_o due_n your_o merit_n have_v just_o advance_v you_o to_o such_o a_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o be_v a_o father_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o therefore_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o decline_v to_o espouse_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o their_o innocency_n the_o most_o of_o those_o person_n who_o vindication_n i_o have_v here_o undertake_v have_v sometime_o live_v in_o your_o grace_n diocese_n be_v personal_o know_v to_o you_o and_o you_o have_v have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o search_v into_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o i_o dare_v the_o more_o bold_o appeal_v to_o your_o lordship_n impartial_a judgement_n if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v here_o in_o their_o vindication_n be_v any_o more_o than_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o what_o the_o severe_a judge_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o due_n while_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o work_n to_o calumniate_v and_o accuse_v the_o clergy_n your_o grace_n be_v place_v in_o such_o a_o eminent_a station_n can_v not_o well_o expect_v to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o their_o malice_n the_o office_n you_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sacred_a character_n you_o have_v stamp_v upon_o you_o expose_v you_o more_o remarkable_o to_o the_o malice_n of_o such_o vermin_n as_o despise_v religion_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a but_o your_o lordship_n character_n and_o merit_n be_v so_o universal_o know_v that_o whatever_o malicious_a report_n be_v raise_v upon_o you_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n deserve_v noâ—…_n a_o particular_a confutation_n however_o your_o grace_n have_v be_v please_v to_o grâ—…tisie_n your_o enemy_n so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o their_o calumny_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o this_o treatise_n such_o a_o irreâ—…ragable_a assertion_n of_o your_o own_o innocency_n as_o can_v fail_v henceforward_o to_o sâ—…op_v the_o mouth_n of_o your_o most_o inverterate_a enemy_n my_o lord_n i_o do_v question_n but_o you_o be_v alwayâ—…_n ready_a under_o your_o trouble_n to_o practice_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o patience_n you_o have_v so_o often_o recommend_v to_o other_o and_o i_o hope_v god_n in_o his_o own_o good_a time_n will_v puâ—…_n a_o end_n to_o these_o nationaâ—…_n judgement_n and_o recall_v your_o lordship_n srom_o youâ—…_n exile_n to_o be_v again_o a_o ornament_n to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o assist_v in_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o make_v it_o more_o glorious_a and_o beautisul_n than_o the_o former_a that_o to_o the_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o our_o church-discipline_n we_o may_v have_v add_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n and_o then_o our_o church_n shall_v again_o flourish_v as_o a_o palmtree_n and_o forever_o after_o be_v immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n so_o beg_v your_o lordship_n paternal_a benediction_n i_o be_o with_o all_o duty_n my_o lord_n your_o grace_n most_o obsequious_a and_o faithful_a servant_n w._n s._n to_o the_o reader_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o undermine_a religion_n be_v to_o bring_v those_o who_o propagate_v it_o into_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n if_o once_o we_o receive_v bad_a impression_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o moral_n of_o our_o teacher_n we_o will_v not_o ready_o hearken_v to_o their_o exhortation_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o we_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v addict_v to_o those_o very_a sin_n and_o vice_n which_o they_o so_o vehement_o preach_v and_o exclaim_v against_o and_o denounce_v woeful_a judgmenâ—…s_n against_o all_o that_o practise_v they_o we_o easy_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o earnest_n with_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o we_o be_v tempt_v from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n this_o method_n of_o subvert_v religion_n have_v be_v always_o think_v so_o successful_a that_o if_o we_o look_v back_o into_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o since_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o its_o enemy_n to_o slander_n and_o revile_v those_o that_o do_v promulgate_v it_o to_o accusâ—…_n they_o of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n they_o can_v imagine_v think_v by_o this_o mâ—…ans_n to_o give_v such_o a_o fatal_a stroke_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o prevent_v its_o conquest_n over_o judaisme_n and_o the_o pagan_a worship_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o our_o râ—…ligion_n himsâ—…lf_n the_o holy_a and_o bless_a jesus_n reproach_v with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o glutton_n and_o a_o wine-bibber_n be_v not_o all_o his_o follower_n euâ—…n_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n chargâ—…d_v with_o atheism_n for_o contemn_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a idol_n with_o incestuous_a mixture_n and_o with_o eat_v child_n flesh_n in_o their_o holy_a and_o sacred_a mystery_n this_o heathâ—…nish_a and_o abominable_a practice_n of_o calumniate_a our_o adversary_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v copy_v by_o most_o of_o the_o sectary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o think_v by_o none_o more_o exact_o than_o our_o presbyterian_a dissenter_n who_o have_v never_o fail_v to_o lay_v out_o all_o their_o industâ—…y_n and_o wit_n in_o contrive_v forgerieâ—…_n and_o calumny_n against_o both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o the_o orthodox_n communion_n in_o our_o late_a civil_a war_n when_o the_o presbyterian_a schism_n prevail_v over_o this_o whole_a island_n when_o the_o church_n both_o of_o scotland_n and_o england_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o the_o clergy_n persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o poverty_n and_o want_n their_o persecutor_n to_o justify_v this_o their_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o they_o do_v industrious_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o credulous_a people_n as_o ignorant_a of_o their_o profession_n and_o high_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n load_v they_o with_o the_o most_o villainous_a and_o immoral_a crimâ—…s_n they_o can_v think_v of_o thus_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o english_a clergy_n at_o that_o time_n malicious_o assault_v and_o accuse_v of_o all_o the_o crime_n their_o enemy_n can_v invent_v against_o they_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o century_n of_o sâ—…andalous_a minister_n complain_v of_o to_o the_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1646._o so_o likâ—…wise_o in_o their_o present_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o revive_v their_o old_a practice_n of_o slander_v those_o who_o they_o have_v most_o unjust_o persecute_v when_o they_o have_v rabblâ—…d_v thâ—…_n clergy_n from_o their_o church_n and_o act_v such_o villainy_n and_o indignity_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n as_o the_o most_o savage_a barbarian_n will_v have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o noise_n of_o this_o persecution_n spread_v abroad_o they_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o publish_v and_o divulgâ—…_n all_o the_o lie_v and_o calumny_n they_o can_v invent_v against_o our_o clergy_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d they_o without_o any_o ground_n and_o think_v likewise_o by_o this_o stratagem_n to_o exasperate_v and_o raisâ—…_n the_o indignation_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n against_o they_o upon_o account_n of_o those_o heinous_a villaniâ—…s_n with_o which_o they_o malicious_o charge_v they_o such_o usage_n as_o this_o can_v not_o fail_v
be_v former_o instrument_n to_o bring_v we_o under_o popery_n and_o slavery_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a government_n as_o do_v concern_v it_o to_o punish_v severe_o i_o leave_v my_o reader_n to_o judge_v since_o to_o accuse_v the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n under_o any_o government_n of_o such_o odious_a crime_n as_o enslave_v their_o country_n be_v a_o direct_a insinuation_n against_o the_o government_n itself_o as_o if_o it_o by_o employ_v such_o kind_n of_o instrument_n do_v real_o design_n those_o mischief_n against_o the_o nation_n with_o which_o they_o upbraid_v their_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n and_o here_o i_o can_v enough_o admire_v the_o impudence_n of_o this_o author_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o english_a peer_n for_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n when_o he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o support_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v from_o the_o inâ—…luence_n of_o some_o foreign_a presbyterian_o and_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o english_a nobleman_n have_v not_o as_o good_a right_n to_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o church_n as_o any_o dutch_a presbyterian_a but_o to_o take_v off_o all_o church_n of_o england_n man_n from_o have_v any_o pity_n or_o 〈◊〉_d compassion_n upon_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o our_o church_n he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o scotland_n be_v so_o very_a sar_n disferent_a from_o that_o of_o england_n that_o although_o our_o clergy_n be_v sufferer_n sor_n the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o law_n establish_v in_o that_o nation_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v say_v â—…o_o suffer_v for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o not_o deserve_v that_o fellowfeeling_n and_o countenance_n which_o some_o worthy_a member_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v please_v to_o show_v they_o his_o first_o instance_n to_o show_v the_o dâ—…erence_n betwixt_o the_o two_o constâ—…tutions_n be_v this_o that_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o we_o by_o the_o tyrâ—…nny_n of_o our_o 〈◊〉_d now_o suppose_v his_o asseâ—…tion_n be_v tâ—…ue_v yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a consequence_n that_o two_o constitution_n must_v needs_o be_v disferent_a in_o their_o nature_n because_o disferent_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o setâ—…le_v they_o in_o a_o nation_n can_v not_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o ruler_n have_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o that_o of_o england_n as_o easy_o as_o one_o that_o be_v disferent_a but_o his_o assertion_n be_v as_o notorious_o false_a as_o the_o consequence_n he_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o it_o for_o in_o the_o insancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n our_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o supâ—…rintendents_n and_o that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v appâ—…oved_v of_o by_o the_o unâ—…nimous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n both_o clergy_n and_o laiâ—…y*_n and_o as_o to_o these_o late_a time_n our_o 〈◊〉_d public_a record_n of_o parliament_n can_v yet_o testify_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sorce_v upon_o the_o nation_n against_o their_o will_n and_o consent_n that_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o twenty_o seven_o successive_a legal_a paâ—…liaments_n it_o be_v know_v that_o at_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n the_o whole_a nation_n have_v long_o groan_v undâ—…_n the_o yoke_n of_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n restore_v that_o they_o may_v be_v rescue_v fâ—…om_o the_o tyranny_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a anarchy_n under_o which_o tâ—…y_n have_v so_o severe_o smart_v during_o their_o usurpation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o clergy_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o whole_a diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n almost_o to_o a_o man_n addâ—…essed_v hiâ—…_n majesty_n upon_o this_o account_n his_o next_o instance_n be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v engrafâ—…ed_v with_o our_o reformation_n bâ—…shops_n prelacy_n can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o kindly_a nor_o plenary_a possession_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o instance_n in_o our_o retain_v of_o kirk-sessiâ—…ns_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n even_o under_o bishop_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v no_o settlement_n in_o our_o church_n for_o many_o year_n aâ—…ter_v the_o reformation_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o prove_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a but_o that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o reform_v we_o from_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n both_o in_o scotland_n and_o other_o nation_n where_o the_o reformation_n happy_o prevail_v be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o because_o presbyter_n be_v more_o instrumental_a than_o bishop_n in_o promote_a that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o reâ—…ormation_n that_o therefoâ—…e_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v wherever_o the_o reformation_n obtain_v and_o that_o of_o episcopacy_n overturn_v or_o because_o presbyter_n have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n do_v that_o therefore_o authorize_v they_o to_o usurp_v the_o sacred_a oâ—…fice_n of_o a_o biâ—…hop_n without_o bâ—…ing_v due_o call_v and_o ordain_v thereto_o by_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v that_o authority_n although_o some_o bishop_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v backward_o and_o negligent_a in_o do_v their_o duty_n as_o those_o popish_a bishop_n â—…ho_n oppose_v the_o reformation_n yet_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o whole_a order_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o crime_n of_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o their_o fraâ—…ernity_n what_o our_o author_n mean_v by_o say_v episcopacy_n never_o attain_v to_o a_o plenary_a possession_n among_o we_o i_o do_v not_o well_o apprehend_v â—…or_fw-la '_o â—…is_n plain_a the_o constitution_n of_o our_o episcopacy_n be_v such_o that_o thâ—…_n biâ—…hop_n be_v â—…nvested_v with_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o his_o own_o particular_a district_n the_o whole_a presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o own_v he_o for_o their_o chief_a governor_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o discipline_n put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n but_o by_o the_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o diocâ—…san_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v such_o a_o full_a and_o plenaâ—…y_a possession_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o even_o to_o a_o through_o setâ—…lement_n as_o â—…or_v his_o instance_n of_o our_o kirk-session_n presbyteriâ—…_n synod_n prâ—…vincial_a bâ—…shops_n and_o national_a because_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o constitution_n not_o so_o very_o well_o know_v here_o in_o england_n i_o shall_v trouble_v my_o reader_n wiâ—…_n this_o short_a account_n of_o they_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n establish_v in_o every_o parish_n consist_v of_o the_o minisâ—…er_n and_o some_o few_o laic_n of_o good_a reputation_n that_o aâ—…e_v his_o parishioner_n who_o he_o associate_n to_o himself_o for_o give_v he_o inâ—…ormation_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o â—…eceiving_v from_o these_o man_n exact_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o â—…is_n parish_n all_o scandalouâ—…_n and_o vicious_a person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishmâ—…nt_n the_o presbytery_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o judicatory_a under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n consist_v mere_o of_o the_o clergy_n â—…or_n every_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a presbytery_n each_o of_o which_o consist_v of_o about_o 12_o minister_n or_o thereby_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a than_o other_o this_o judicatory_a meet_v at_o least_o once_o a_o month_n and_o their_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o several_a churchès_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o qualification_n of_o those_o that_o design_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o holy_a ministry_n the_o bishop_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o holy_a order_n but_o such_o as_o have_v their_o approbation_n after_o several_a exercise_n do_v before_o they_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o any_o parish_n which_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o meddle_v in_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n he_o bâ—…ings_v it_o before_o this_o judicatory_a and_o lay_v open_a the_o whole_a matter_n to_o they_o desire_v their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a affair_n of_o punish_v a_o obstinate_a offiender_n who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o judicatory_a be_v not_o indeed_o know_v in_o our_o church_n till_o near_o 26_o year_n
after_o the_o reformation_n the_o synod_n be_v a_o convocation_n of_o the_o whole_a clergy_n of_o a_o diocese_n with_o their_o bishop_n who_o meet_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o consult_v about_o matter_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a province_n national_a synod_n common_o call_v general_n assâ—…mblies_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o dean_n together_o with_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o respective_a diocese_n and_o one_o commissioner_n from_o each_o presbytery_n join_v with_o the_o moderator_n be_v call_v by_o the_o king_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o deliberate_a concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n in_o the_o provincial_a synod_n the_o bishop_n take_v care_n to_o examine_v iâ—…_n the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v diligent_a in_o their_o duty_n of_o punish_v offender_n and_o if_o â—…ny_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o censure_n hâ—…e_v they_o be_v prosecute_v â—…or_a their_o misdemeanour_n now_o â—…ese_n judicatory_n be_v so_o far_o â—…rom_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n biâ—…hops_n powâ—…r_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o a_o great_a assistance_n to_o they_o for_o promote_a â—…he_n discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n weâ—…e_v â—…irst_v erect_v with_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n â—…hemselves_fw-mi they_o judge_v it_o very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o religion_n without_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o their_o clergy_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o these_o court_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a power_n since_o they_o so_o entire_o depend_v on_o the_o bishop_n authority_n that_o without_o his_o consent_n no_o act_n of_o they_o can_v be_v valid_a but_o i_o think_v true_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n be_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n most_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o we_o have_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n as_o yet_o among_o we_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o few_o national_a church_n at_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o vestige_n we_o have_v of_o that_o ancient_a custom_n of_o communicatory_a letter_n among_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n of_o it_o among_o our_o bishop_n by_o dimissory_a letter_n so_o it_o be_v still_o in_o force_n among_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v none_o into_o their_o congregation_n till_o they_o first_o bring_v â—…ertificates_n from_o the_o minister_n in_o who_o parish_n they_o former_o live_v testify_v that_o during_o their_o residence_n among_o his_o flock_n they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o christianly_o and_o sober_o and_o that_o â—…e_n know_v nothing_o against_o they_o why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o christian_a congregation_n without_o this_o they_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v not_o â—…he_a presbyterian_o by_o their_o tumult_n and_o commotion_n envy_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o have_v the_o english_a liturgy_n settle_v among_o we_o the_o conâ—…titution_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n be_v such_o as_o make_v we_o inferior_a to_o few_o national_a church_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n of_o that_o party_n that_o although_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n upon_o any_o term_n with_o the_o episcopal_a church_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v yet_o they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o settle_v among_o the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o commâ—…nion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n our_o author_n transient_a reflection_n upon_o the_o clergy_n be_v dress_v up_o clergy_n in_o such_o scurrilous_a and_o obscene_a language_n as_o must_v needs_o make_v any_o man_n of_o a_o virâ—…uous_a education_n blush_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o modest_a reader_n by_o repeat_v they_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n till_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v his_o three_o part_n and_o aâ—…_n present_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n which_o relate_v either_o to_o matter_n of_o argument_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o here_o i_o can_v omit_v his_o great_a protestation_n of_o his_o ingenuâ—…us_a and_o fair_a dâ—…aling_n in_o this_o work_n whereby_o he_o think_v the_o more_o easy_o to_o captivate_v unthinking_a reader_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o liâ—…s_n and_o calumny_n he_o pretend_v â—…o_o have_v insert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o credible_a hand_n but_o he_o think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o gratify_v his_o reader_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o name_n of_o those_o câ—…edible_a person_n who_o authority_n he_o avouch_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o aspersion_n have_v he_o give_v we_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n with_o attest_v declaration_n under_o their_o hand_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n allege_v against_o some_o of_o our_o clergy_n we_o can_v have_v then_o know_v of_o what_o credit_n and_o authority_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o forgery_n of_o his_o calumny_n and_o to_o purge_v those_o innocent_a person_n from_o the_o slander_n cast_v upon_o they_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n and_o envy_n but_o as_o â—…or_v our_o author_n ingenuity_n in_o his_o collection_n he_o have_v scrape_v together_o a_o great_a many_o stoâ—…ies_n many_o of_o which_o be_v most_o notorious_o false_a and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v aâ—…terwards_o make_v appear_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o some_o of_o they_o he_o appeal_v to_o record_n where_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v extant_a or_o to_o be_v see_v as_o i_o have_v have_v particular_a occasion_n to_o inquire_v some_o of_o his_o accusation_n â—…re_v against_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v either_o suspend_v or_o depose_v by_o the_o church_n for_o their_o immorality_n and_o yet_o this_o author_n impute_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o man_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o acquaint_v his_o reader_n with_o the_o censure_n pass_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o church_n other_o again_o be_v passage_n relate_v of_o some_o clergyman_n who_o â—…ived_v under_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n duâ—…ing_v the_o time_n of_o its_o last_o usurpation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o this_o author_n be_v please_v to_o charge_n upon_o the_o present_a episcopal_a church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v fair_a and_o ingenuous_a deal_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o unbiased_a reader_n this_o author_n insist_o much_o upon_o the_o address_v present_v to_o their_o general_n parâ—…y_n assembly_n by_o some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o share_n of_o their_o church_n government_n this_o he_o urge_v as_o a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o life_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o at_o least_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o these_o episcopal_a addresser_n be_v no_o honest_a man_n themselves_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v associate_v with_o such_o knave_n as_o they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o presbytâ—…rians_n out_o for_o this_o address_n be_v opâ—…osed_v by_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n most_o of_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o prinple_n of_o christian_a communion_n to_o join_v any_o way_n in_o communion_n with_o thosâ—…_n who_o they_o own_v to_o be_v notorious_a schismatic_n as_o long_o as_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o schism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o this_o they_o urge_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o nation_n be_v in_o a_o distract_a â—…tate_n and_o condition_n yet_o it_o concern_v every_o individual_a christian_a especial_o clergyman_n to_o lend_v their_o assistance_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o â—…candalous_a and_o vicious_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n who_o still_o retain_v possession_n of_o their_o church_n might_n consistent_o enough_o with_o their_o principle_n join_v â—…ith_n they_o in_o â—…he_n puâ—…ishing_v of_o contumacious_a offender_n â—…specially_o since_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o this_o act_n of_o union_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o presbyterian_a ordination_n or_o to_o own_o their_o authority_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a but_o only_o to_o unite_n with_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o laic_n
his_o church_n as_o a_o society_n and_o invest_v it_o with_o peculiar_a privilege_n belong_v thereto_o he_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o establish_v a_o distinct_a order_n of_o person_n for_o the_o govern_v it_o and_o for_o admit_v member_n to_o a_o right_a to_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o if_o he_o have_v separate_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o person_n for_o this_o office_n and_o impower_v they_o and_o they_o alone_o to_o seal_v his_o covenant_n in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sacrilege_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o any_o to_o usurp_v that_o office_n without_o a_o due_a and_o legal_a call_n from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v his_o authority_n and_o god_n can_v never_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o act_n of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o never_o authorize_v to_o represent_v he_o no_o more_o than_o a_o king_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o ratiâ—…ie_v the_o act_n of_o any_o one_o that_o usurp_v his_o authority_n and_o false_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n so_o that_o to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o constitute_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o underminâ—…_n the_o whole_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v member_n unless_o we_o bâ—…_n admit_v into_o the_o society_n by_o those_o person_n who_o god_n have_v delegated_a to_o that_o office_n and_o entrust_v with_o that_o power_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o impertinence_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o church-government_n yet_o since_o our_o author_n insult_v so_o mighty_o upon_o it_o i_o shall_v comply_v with_o he_o so_o fâ—…r_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o assertion_n only_o i_o will_v caution_n the_o reader_n never_o to_o lay_v stress_n on_o such_o kind_n of_o argument_n as_o be_v altogether_o incompetent_a and_o of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o false_a that_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o never_o so_o general_a a_o reception_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o form_n of_o church_n government_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n all_o his_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n be_v more_o popular_a in_o 〈◊〉_d scotland_n than_o episcopacy_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v make_v more_o insurrection_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o government_n than_o the_o episcopal_a church_n ever_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v their_o point_n will_v easy_o appear_v from_o hence_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o with_o respect_n to_o monarchy_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n they_o make_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n accountable_a to_o his_o subject_n and_o allow_v he_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o dethrone_v for_o his_o maladministration_n so_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n think_v sit_v to_o mâ—…ke_v such_o alteration_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o do_v not_o exact_o quadrate_n with_o the_o wild_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o that_o party_n then_o they_o instant_o betake_v themselves_o to_o arm_n and_o resolve_v to_o involve_v the_o nation_n into_o blood_n and_o confusion_n rather_o than_o fail_v of_o have_v their_o unaccountable_a humour_n gratify_v but_o the_o episcopal_a church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v great_a restraint_n upon_o they_o they_o own_o in_o consormity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o reaâ—…_n and_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o his_o â—…irst_n institution_n of_o government_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v irresistible_a and_o can_v for_o any_o male_a administration_n be_v dethrone_v by_o his_o subject_n that_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o illegal_a or_o unjustifiable_a action_n in_o his_o government_n he_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o for_o they_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o although_o the_o sovereign_n shall_v chance_v to_o â—…stablish_v such_o constitution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o realm_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strict_a obligation_n to_o absolute_a submission_n they_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o assert_v their_o right_n that_o be_v thus_o encroach_v upon_o they_o may_v indeed_o veâ—…y_v lawful_o refuse_v their_o actual_a concurrence_n and_o compliance_n with_o these_o sinful_a constitution_n but_o to_o resist_v or_o dethrone_v their_o sovereign_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o justify_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o its_o member_n have_v act_v contrary_a thereto_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o desert_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o church_n and_o slight_v their_o sacred_a vow_n and_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o ought_v in_o conscience_n speedy_o to_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o episcopal_a church_n act_n more_o submissive_o to_o the_o lawful_a power_n than_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o that_o there_o lie_v strict_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n upon_o the_o one_o party_n than_o the_o other_o no_o they_o be_v both_o subject_n to_o the_o same_o law_n be_v oblige_v to_o own_o the_o same_o prince_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n and_o tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o submit_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o but_o the_o difference_n lie_v here_o that_o the_o episcopal_a church_n make_v some_o conscience_n of_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o walk_v answerable_o â—…o_v their_o vow_n and_o obligation_n and_o resolve_v in_o conformity_n to_o their_o â—…imitive_a ancestor_n rather_o to_o suffer_v peâ—…secution_n than_o be_v guilty_a of_o rebellion_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o presbyterian_o sacrificâ—…_n aâ—…l_a duty_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n and_o where_o that_o be_v concern_v make_v light_n of_o all_o obligation_n so_o that_o whoever_o consider_v the_o different_a principle_n of_o both_o these_o party_n will_v never_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o presbytery_n be_v more_o popular_a in_o scotland_n than_o episcopacy_n mere_o because_o there_o have_v be_v more_o popular_a insurrection_n for_o it_o than_o for_o the_o other_o since_o the_o presbyterian_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o rebel_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o the_o episcopal_a church_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o altogether_o unjustiâ—…iable_a to_o resist_v the_o lawful_a power_n upon_o any_o account_n even_o of_o religion_n itself_o as_o for_o what_o our_o author_n urge_v concern_v the_o great_a party_n that_o side_n appear_v for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o last_o convention_n which_o abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o establish_v presbytery_n i_o shall_v plain_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o majority_n of_o the_o nation_n on_o their_o side_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o convention_n be_v call_v in_o scotland_n the_o affair_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v in_o such_o a_o distract_a condition_n as_o make_v the_o event_n altogether_o uncertain_a and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o of_o the_o episcopal_a gentleman_n who_o be_v wont_n former_o to_o be_v member_n of_o parliament_n think_v it_o safe_a to_o keep_v out_o of_o public_a business_n and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o be_v elect_v by_o those_o shire_n and_o burrough_n who_o they_o use_v always_o to_o represent_v in_o parliament_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o be_v elect_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v present_a to_o vote_n at_o the_o election_n of_o othâ—…rs_n think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o their_o tie_n and_o oath_n to_o the_o government_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o test_n to_o meet_v or_o consult_v about_o the_o aâ—…airs_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n so_o that_o at_o many_o of_o the_o election_n one_o three_o part_n of_o the_o member_n concern_v therein_o refuse_v to_o be_v present_a and_o the_o episcopal_a gentleman_n decline_v to_o be_v elect_v there_o be_v no_o opposition_n make_v to_o any_o that_o will_v stand_v and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o reason_n why_o more_o presbyterian_a member_n â—…rept_v into_o this_o convention_n than_o ever_o dare_v appear_v in_o the_o like_a
towards_o the_o royal_a martyr_n k._n 〈◊〉_d i._o how_o they_o act_v against_o his_o majesty_n interest_n in_o a_o direct_a opâ—…sition_n to_o the_o whâ—…le_a â—…ody_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o the_o whole_a â—…ingdom_n 〈◊〉_d tâ—…ose_n who_o have_v former_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o â—…alse_a and_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n do_v unanimous_o embrace_v the_o king_n interest_n the_o presbyteâ—…ians_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sâ—…nsible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n that_o they_o â—…ted_v aâ—…ainst_a he_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o malice_n and_o enâ—…_n and_o yeâ—…_n tâ—…ese_n man_n â—…ave_v now_o the_o confidence_n to_o protest_v they_o 〈◊〉_d no_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d â—…inging_v he_o to_o his_o death_n as_o if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o â—…es_n be_v quiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o public_a monument_n of_o their_o treaâ—…nable_a and_o rebâ—…llious_a act_n against_o that_o prince_n remain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—…ternal_a 〈◊〉_d and_o reproach_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n these_o barbarous_a parâ—…icides_n receive_v from_o our_o presbyterian_o for_o when_o the_o â—…ws_n come_v to_o scotland_n of_o a_o treaty_n begin_v betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n mr._n rob._n blair_n and_o sir_n john_n cheesly_n be_v 〈◊〉_d â—…sently_o dispatch_v away_o by_o order_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n to_o join_v with_o cromwell_n in_o obstruct_v the_o treaty_n and_o upon_o their_o arrival_n there_o wiâ—…h_v two_o other_o commissioner_n viz._n the_o earl_n of_o lothian_n and_o will._n glendinning_n froâ—…_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n cromwell_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o for_o crush_a the_o treaty_n he_o draw_v up_o his_o army_n towards_o london_n and_o send_v in_o a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o parliament_n show_v his_o disallowance_n of_o the_o treaty_n and_o crave_v justice_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o be_v do_v on_o the_o king_n now_o these_o presbyterian_a commissioner_n not_o only_o concur_v with_o cromwell_n in_o this_o remonstrance_n against_o the_o king_n but_o likewise_o remain_v at_o london_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o king_n trial_n and_o execution_n and_o never_o offer_v to_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o unjust_a and_o unnatural_a proceed_n against_o his_o majesty_n they_o do_v indeed_o send_v down_o to_o scotlanâ—…_n for_o instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o king_n trial_n and_o they_o be_v order_v to_o endeavour_v the_o procure_v a_o delay_n but_o in_o the_o mâ—…an_n timâ—…_n to_o be_v cautious_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o prevail_a party_n in_o â—…gland_n i_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o will_v here_o pretend_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o act_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o sole_o since_o their_o 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o kirk_n act_v nothing_o in_o reference_n hereto_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o commissioner_n from_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v now_o whole_o consist_v of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o know_a affection_n and_o loyalâ—…y_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o when_o the_o scot_n army_n be_v defeat_v by_o croâ—…_n at_o preston_n many_o of_o our_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n be_v 〈◊〉_d kill_v in_o the_o action_n other_o to_o a_o great_a number_n take_v prisoner_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o fortune_n to_o make_v their_o escape_n be_v â—…orced_v either_o to_o abscond_v or_o 〈◊〉_d the_o country_n to_o avoid_v the_o severity_n with_o which_o the_o presbyterian_a paâ—…ty_n who_o now_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v persecute_v all_o such_o as_o be_v concerâ—…d_v in_o this_o engagemâ—…nt_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o presbyterian_o get_v the_o whole_a management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n into_o tâ—…eir_n 〈◊〉_d and_o act_v there_o as_o they_o list_a so_o that_o although_o the_o committâ—…_n of_o â—…states_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n send_v commissioneâ—…_n to_o concur_v with_o the_o king_n murderer_n in_o england_n yet_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o this_o act_n can_v in_o any_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a crew_n who_o act_n have_v always_o tend_v to_o bring_v their_o country_n into_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o this_o royal_a martyr_n be_v just_o chargeable_a upon_o none_o of_o our_o nation_n but_o the_o presbyterian_a sectary_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v make_v evident_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o other_o sectary_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o only_a actor_n of_o that_o dismal_a tragedy_n and_o do_v most_o cruel_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o mâ—…mbers_n for_o persevere_v in_o their_o allegiance_n and_o duty_n to_o their_o sovereign_n but_o let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v what_o the_o behaviour_n of_o this_o party_n 〈◊〉_d be_v towards_o k_o charles_n ii_o upon_o his_o advancement_n to_o the_o throne_n for_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o they_o suffer_v on_o his_o account_n every_o body_n almost_o knowâ—…_n that_o our_o presbyterian_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o pro_fw-la â—…laiming_v of_o charles_n ii_o king_n upon_o the_o news_n of_o his_o father_n murder_n be_v true_a but_o their_o loyalty_n in_o this_o point_n be_v clog_v with_o such_o restâ—…ictions_n and_o limitation_n as_o be_v not_o â—…asie_a for_o the_o king_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o forâ—…ed_v he_o before_o his_o admission_n to_o the_o crown_n to_o sign_n a_o dâ—…laration_n signify_v his_o penitency_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefatâ—…rs_n in_o oppose_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o in_o so_o long_o follâ—…wing_v thâ—…ir_a â—…ootsteps_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o accomplish_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n in_o all_o its_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o also_o for_o the_o more_o 〈◊〉_d they_o cause_v he_o to_o take_v and_o swear_v and_o because_o his_o majesty_n do_v at_o 〈◊〉_d refuse_v to_o sign_n this_o declaration_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o kirk_n do_v on_o the_o 1â—…_n of_o august_n 1650_o publish_v a_o 〈◊〉_d common_o call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o westkirk_n wherein_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o will_v not_o espouse_v any_o malignant_a party_n or_o quarrel_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o own_o the_o king_n nor_o his_o interest_n otherwise_o than_o â—…ith_o â—…_n subordination_n to_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o own_v and_o prosecute_v the_o â—…ause_n of_o â—…od_n and_o disclaim_v he_o and_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o disow_v all_o the_o â—…nemies_n thereof_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o declaration_n when_o the_o kingdom_n have_v resolve_v to_o call_v home_n k._n charles_n ii_o and_o for_o that_o end_n have_v admit_v to_o favour_n those_o who_o former_o be_v banish_v the_o court_n and_o nation_n as_o malignant_n this_o give_v the_o zealous_a and_o bigoted_a covenanter_n so_o great_a offence_n that_o they_o protest_v aâ—…ainst_a all_o the_o present_a proceed_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o solemn_a â—…eague_n and_o its_o end_n admit_v to_o the_o throne_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v a_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o quiet_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o â—…irk_n and_o this_o rigid_a party_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o west_n in_o the_o year_n 1650_o oct._n 17._o they_o pen_v and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o paper_n which_o they_o call_v a_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o gentleman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o minister_n attâ—…ending_v the_o force_n in_o the_o west_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o from_o which_o afterward_o they_o get_v the_o name_n of_o remonstrant_n hence_o we_o see_v how_o this_o merciful_a prince_n be_v treat_v by_o they_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o what_o further_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n they_o afterward_o occasion_v he_o be_v but_o too_o notorious_a from_o the_o many_o insurrection_n they_o raise_v against_o his_o government_n and_o which_o occasion_v the_o enact_v of_o those_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o which_o they_o now_o so_o grievous_o complain_v of_o what_o these_o suâ—…ferings_n be_v which_o this_o author_n allege_v the_o presbyterian_o meet_v with_o for_o adhere_v to_o k._n charles_n ii_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o some_o of_o the_o more_o moderate_a of_o their_o party_n be_v willing_a to_o own_o the_o king_n after_o he_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o upon_o that_o account_n suffer_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o cromwell_n with_o the_o english_a army_n invade_v our_o
of_o the_o first_o act_n continue_v to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o esâ—…ates_v ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o civil_a and_o over_o all_o peâ—…sons_n and_o cause_n thereto_o relate_v and_o thâ—…_n clergy_n of_o sâ—…otland_n arâ—…_n as_o much_o bind_v to_o own_o this_o supremacy_n as_o those_o of_o 〈◊〉_d â—…ere_v i_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o visible_o the_o disloyalty_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o this_o paâ—…ty_n to_o all_o civil_a government_n do_v appear_v thâ—…y_v endeavour_v under_o pretence_n of_o lodging_n all_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d in_o tâ—…_n church_n to_o divest_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o externâ—…l_a ordâ—…ing_n of_o church_n matter_n which_o do_v due_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n within_o his_o oâ—…n_a dominion_n and_o yet_o they_o aâ—…e_v so_o sar_n from_o settle_v the_o whole_a ecclesiasâ—…ical_a jurisdiction_n in_o tâ—…e_a hand_n of_o spiritual_a person_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o judicatory_a but_o what_o do_v consist_v of_o at_o least_o 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o laic_n as_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v ecclesiastic_n they_o 〈◊〉_d not_o allow_v the_o king_n so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o convocate_v the_o clergy_n soâ—…_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o matter_n about_o religion_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o â—…ommand_v they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o function_n which_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o civil_a power_n over_o their_o person_n as_o his_o subject_n and_o yet_o they_o allow_v the_o lay-elder_n in_o their_o general_n assembly_n to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o inâ—…licting_v spiritual_a censure_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o spiritual_a person_n and_o their_o indulge_v the_o laity_n this_o power_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v more_o than_o what_o they_o can_v well_o account_v â—…or_n according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o thâ—…_n ministry_n in_o their_o general_a assembly_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n dâ—…prived_v of_o hiâ—…_n function_n no_o sentence_n of_o â—…xcommunication_n pass_v no_o â—…eretick_n condemn_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n transact_v but_o what_o thâ—…ir_n lay-elder_n share_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o teacher_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o king_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d any_o such_o power_n in_o their_o meetiâ—…gs_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o â—…ly_v in_o his_o face_n as_o a_o oppressor_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o methinks_v they_o may_v at_o least_o indulge_v he_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o be_v one_o of_o their_o rule_v elder_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n of_o call_v her_o assembly_n and_o exercise_v 〈◊〉_d â—…er_a discipline_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n even_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v as_o this_o author_n be_v pleasâ—…d_v to_o allege_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n frequent_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o religious_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o then_o happen_v to_o arise_v among_o their_o bâ—…ethren_n and_o this_o they_o do_v without_o think_v that_o they_o encroach_v in_o the_o least_o upon_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o lawful_a power_n then_o in_o be_v and_o what_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v be_v still_o lawful_a for_o the_o prâ—…sent_a châ—…rch_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v now_o christian_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o no_o grâ—…ter_a power_n in_o church_n 〈◊〉_d by_o virtue_n of_o his_o civil_a authority_n than_o what_o do_v bâ—…ong_o to_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n the_o church_n may_v indeed_o upon_o prudent_a moâ—…ives_n indulge_v the_o christian_a magiâ—…trate_n a_o great_a power_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n than_o whâ—…t_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o â—…afe_a to_o intrust_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n wiâ—…h_n but_o this_o power_n which_o the_o church_n grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v to_o he_o by_o 〈◊〉_d of_o â—…is_n civil_a authority_n it_o be_v only_o indulge_v â—…im_n by_o the_o church_n in_o prospect_n of_o his_o temporal_a protection_n and_o thereâ—…ore_o 〈◊〉_d he_o instead_o of_o a_o nurse_n faâ—…her_o to_o she_o shall_v turn_v a_o oppress_a 〈◊〉_d or_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v see_v it_o any_o way_n necessary_a sor_n the_o well_o be_v and_o safety_n of_o religion_n she_o may_v recall_v it_o again_o at_o her_o pleasure_n but_o as_o we_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a so_o we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o 〈◊〉_d jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o she_o as_o to_o exâ—…mpt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o clâ—…gy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o owe_v their_o sovereign_n the_o same_o duty_n and_o obedience_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o his_o civil_a court_n as_o liable_a to_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o he_o inflict_v as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o laiâ—…y_n sor_n otherwise_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v have_v no_o security_n for_o hiâ—…_n government_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v the_o clergy_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o every_o thing_n do_v 〈◊〉_d by_o themselves_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o the_o popish_a usurpation_n and_o supremacy_n and_o make_v churchman_n no_o subject_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o assert_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o together_o with_o the_o papist_n carry_v it_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o claim_v a_o exemption_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a court_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o only_o cognizable_a by_o themselves_o they_o deny_v the_o secular_a magistrate_n any_o power_n to_o punish_v the_o person_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n preach_v open_o from_o their_o pulpit_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n till_o they_o once_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o crime_n and_o condemn_v therefore_o by_o a_o sentence_n of_o a_o ecclesiastic_a judicatory_a that_o this_o be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a principle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o i_o admire_v this_o author_n shall_v ever_o attempt_v to_o conceal_v it_o be_v it_o not_o their_o proceed_n to_o practice_n upon_o these_o principle_n which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v to_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o k._n james_n vi's_fw-la reign_n ratify_v the_o king_n supremacy_n for_o one_o mr._n and._n melvil_n a_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v declaim_v â—…requently_o against_o the_o king_n for_o which_o be_v call_v before_o the_o council_n he_o bold_o decline_v the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o judge_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la of_o what_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n even_o though_o it_o be_v high_a treason_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v into_o england_n whereupon_o the_o nation_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o in_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o thâ—…se_n seditious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v pass_v the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o supremacy_n and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o very_a act_n that_o mr_n ja._n guthrie_n a_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v anno_fw-la 1661._o hang_v for_o decline_v the_o king_n authority_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n declaim_v against_o and_o reproach_v this_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o one_o of_o their_o number_n mr._n dau._n black_a have_v rail_v against_o k._n james_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n from_o the_o pulpit_n as_o enemy_n to_o god_n be_v call_v before_o the_o king_n council_n he_o not_o â—…nly_o decline_v the_o king_n power_n of_o judge_v he_o until_o he_o be_v first_o condemn_v by_o his_o brethren_n but_o unite_v most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o sâ—…tland_n most_o tumultuous_o in_o his_o defence_n and_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v then_o reside_v at_o edinburgh_n stir_v up_o the_o multitude_n to_o such_o a_o rage_n and_o fury_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o they_o present_o leapâ—…_n to_o arm_n and_o come_v to_o the_o street_n in_o great_a number_n cry_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gideon_n it_o shall_v either_o be_v they_o or_o we_o and_o take_v their_o march_n straight_o to_o the_o session-house_n where_o the_o king_n and_o 65._o his_o counsellor_n be_v then_o meet_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v force_v the_o door_n which_o upon_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o tumult_n be_v shut_v and_o do_v no_o small_a mischief_n be_v it_o not_o that_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o loyal_a party_n draw_v together_o by_o the_o deacon_n conveener_n of_o the_o hâ—…st_o trade_n keep_v they_o back_o for_o a_o while_n till_o their_o fury_n cool_v a_o little_a and_o in_o
aspersion_n and_o calumny_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o virulent_a scribbler_n who_o have_v declare_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n in_o the_o follow_a page_n boyd_n he_o mention_n one_o mr._n bâ—…yd_v a_o west-country_n parson_n who_o he_o affirm_v to_o have_v get_v his_o mâ—…id_n with_o child_n and_o to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o act_n by_o some_o of_o his_o parishioner_n and_o thereupon_o to_o have_v desert_v his_o wife_n and_o run_v with_o the_o whâ—…re_n â—…o_v england_n in_o this_o our_o author_n be_v so_o fâ—…r_v mistake_v that_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v there_o never_o be_v a_o episcopal_a minister_n of_o that_o name_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o year_n 1662._o except_o one_o mr._n robert_n boyd_n minister_n at_o carmunoch_n who_o although_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o be_v once_o libel_v in_o bishop_n leighton_n time_n and_o absolve_v nothing_o of_o the_o libel_n be_v prove_v yet_o never_o any_o thing_n like_o adultery_n be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o at_o present_a he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d with_o his_o wife_n under_o a_o virtuous_a and_o commendable_a character_n in_o the_o same_o page_n our_o libeler_n assault_v the_o reputation_n of_o mr._n hugh_n reputation_n blair_n minister_n at_o rutherglen_n concern_v who_o he_o have_v these_o word_n that_o he_o wâ—…s_v a_o câ—…mmon_a drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o at_o last_o get_v his_o maid_n with_o child_n â—…or_n which_o he_o be_v suspend_v about_o a_o month_n by_o the_o bishop_n but_o have_v bribe_v one_o macfarland_n to_o marry_v the_o whore_n and_o say_v the_o child_n be_v he_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o his_o office_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v prove_v before_o the_o bishop_n by_o many_o witness_n who_o have_v see_v they_o lie_v together_o and_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o woman_n own_v it_o in_o her_o labour_n and_o that_o her_o husband_n have_v confess_v it_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o rather_o to_o set_v down_o our_o author_n word_n at_o large_a because_o they_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o as_o many_o lie_v as_o word_n that_o mr._n blair_n be_v either_o a_o drunkard_n or_o swearer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allege_v against_o he_o in_o all_o his_o process_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v caâ—…ried_v on_o with_o the_o height_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n that_o he_o get_v his_o maid_n with_o child_n be_v a_o most_o notorious_a lie_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o by_o and_o by_o as_o it_o be_v likewise_o false_a that_o the_o bishop_n ever_o suspend_v he_o on_o that_o or_o any_o other_o account_n that_o mr._n blair_n briâ—…ed_v one_o macfarlâ—…nd_v to_o marry_v the_o whore_n contain_v no_o less_o than_o two_o maâ—…ifest_a falsehood_n for_o first_o there_o be_v never_o one_o mâ—…cfarland_n mention_v in_o the_o whole_a process_n and_o second_o the_o whore_n live_v still_o unmarried_a to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v prove_v before_o the_o bishop_n by_o many_o witness_n that_o be_v examine_v about_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o notoâ—…ious_a â—…ntruth_n â—…or_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o witness_n that_o be_v examine_v about_o it_o not_o one_o of_o they_o depose_v that_o they_o see_v he_o as_o much_o as_o speak_v to_o she_o after_o he_o put_v she_o out_o of_o his_o service_n far_o less_o to_o haâ—…e_v the_o least_o scandâ—…lous_a carriage_n towaâ—…ds_v she_o that_o â—…he_a wâ—…man_n â—…ned_v it_o â—…n_v her_o childbed_n and_o that_o her_o hâ—…sband_n confâ—…ssed_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o calumny_n and_o have_v no_o great_a shadow_n of_o truth_n for_o when_o the_o hussie_n be_v in_o childbed_n she_o declare_v one_o donâ—…ld_v fergâ—…n_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n who_o own_v â—…t_a as_o he_o and_o maintain_v it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o child_n live_v as_o to_o the_o husband_n be_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v bribe_v to_o own_o the_o child_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o woman_n be_v never_o know_v to_o have_v a_o husband_n and_o that_o she_o live_v unmarried_a at_o this_o day_n but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o understand_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o aâ—…fair_n concern_v mr._n blair_n take_v the_o history_n of_o it_o as_o â—…ollows_v mr._n hugh_n blâ—…ir_n be_v indebt_v for_o some_o money_n to_o one_o james_n macfarland_n of_o kiâ—…k-town_n his_o own_o cousin-german_a and_o mr._n 〈◊〉_d have_v occasion_n to_o wriâ—…e_v to_o he_o frequent_o about_o it_o sâ—…t_v a_o seâ—…vant_n of_o his_o call_v donald_n fâ—…rguson_n with_o the_o letter_n and_o thiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d stayâ—…ng_v some_o time_n all_o night_n at_o mr._n blair_n house_n have_v occasion_n to_o â—…ebauch_v mâ—…rgaret_n draw_v one_o of_o his_o maidservant_n and_o get_v she_o with_o child_n â—…hich_v so_o soon_o as_o mr._n blair_n be_v inform_v of_o he_o put_v the_o hussiâ—…_n out_o of_o his_o â—…ervice_n then_o commissary_n fleeming_n his_o lady_n live_v in_o mr._n blaiâ—…'s_n parish_n and_o have_v have_v a_o former_a grudge_n against_o he_o lay_v hold_v on_o this_o occasion_n and_o deal_v with_o the_o whore_n to_o father_n the_o child_n on_o mr._n blair_n and_o for_o that_o end_n she_o and_o the_o fanatic_a party_n in_o glasgow_n give_v she_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n to_o own_o it_o which_o can_v yet_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o hussie_n own_o confession_n and_o by_o other_o witness_n that_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o â—…pon_v which_o she_o go_v to_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n and_o affirm_v mr._n blair_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n the_o rumour_n of_o this_o come_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o ear_n he_o forthwith_o appoint_v a_o visitation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rutâ—…eglen_n where_o mr._n blair_n be_v minister_n to_o be_v in_o april_n 1663._o and_o cause_v the_o woman_n 〈◊〉_d drâ—…w_n to_o be_v summon_v thereto_o she_o appear_v before_o â—…he_v preâ—…bytery_n declare_v that_o donald_n fergusoâ—…_n be_v the_o father_n oâ—…_n her_o child_n whereâ—…pon_n mr._n george_n milne_n minister_n at_o campsie_n in_o who_o pariâ—…h_n this_o ferguson_n live_v be_v order_v to_o summon_v he_o to_o the_o next_o presbytery_n meet_v who_o compear_v free_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n and_o do_v satisfy_v the_o discipline_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n at_o gavan_n for_o the_o say_a scandal_n where_o both_o of_o they_o confess_v the_o child_n be_v beget_v when_o the_o child_n be_v present_v to_o baptism_n this_o ferguson_n do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o father_n and_o do_v likewisâ—…_n maintain_v it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o child_n live_v commissary_n fleeming_n â—…ady_o be_v disappoint_v of_o this_o her_o design_n against_o mr._n blair_n set_v aâ—…other_n on_o foot_n of_o libel_v he_o and_o pâ—…ocured_v from_o the_o archbishop_n a_o second_o visitation_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o his_o church_n of_o rutheâ—…glen_n by_o the_o presbytery_n where_o all_o hiâ—…_n paâ—…hioners_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v agaiâ—…st_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v invite_v to_o come_v freelâ—…_n and_o declare_v it_o yet_o even_o then_o his_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d clear_v he_o of_o all_o imputation_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n â—…ut_o our_o presbyterian_a lady_n malice_n restâ—…d_v not_o so_o for_o she_o procure_v a_o three_o 〈◊〉_d against_o which_o time_n she_o have_v provide_v one_o williaâ—…_n robison_n a_o smith_n to_o his_o trade_n and_o a_o prosligate_v vicious_a fellow_n in_o his_o moral_n to_o give_v in_o a_o libel_n against_o mr._n blâ—…ir_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o several_a immorality_n this_o fellow_n have_v be_v a_o sergeant_n at_o the_o insurrection_n of_o 〈◊〉_d bridge_n before_o which_o time_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o kirk-sâ—…ssion_a have_v frequent_o censure_v he_o for_o 〈◊〉_d swear_v breach_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 〈◊〉_d and_o whoredom_n so_o that_o the_o archbishop_n and_o presbytery_n can_v not_o admit_v he_o as_o a_o accusâ—…_n and_o this_o necessitate_v the_o lady_n to_o set_v up_o one_o john_n widdersponâ—…_n a_o tailor_n to_o subscribe_v the_o libel_n against_o hiâ—…_n who_o be_v a_o bastard-relation_n of_o her_o own_o at_o that_o time_n her_o servant_n a_o young_a man_n not_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n have_v no_o family_n and_o not_o worth_a a_o groat_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o to_o give_v the_o lady_n satisfaction_n he_o be_v sustain_v but_o after_o more_o than_o two_o year_n process_n before_o synod_n sub-synod_n presbytery_n and_o tâ—…e_a examination_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o witness_n there_o be_v not_o one_o titlâ—…_n of_o the_o libel_n prove_v againsâ—…_n he_o even_o although_o no_o witness_n be_v reject_v but_o all_o admit_v even_a informer_n themselves_o and_o one_o john_n steuâ—…n_n who_o mr._n blair_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o madman_n be_v â—…dmitted_v