search_n anent_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o thing_n anent_o which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o covenant_v they_o be_v more_o hesitant_n and_o after_o discovery_n to_o reject_v even_o that_o which_o former_o they_o think_v more_o probable_a it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o doubt_v in_o england_n anent_o moderate_a episcopacy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o these_o engagement_n do_v nothing_o impede_fw-la why_o both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o our_o respective_a station_n be_v not_o still_o oblige_v to_o reform_v that_o church_n from_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o extirpate_v it_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o that_o england_n latitude_n as_o to_o this_o point_n be_v rather_o apparent_a then_o real_a and_o our_o obligation_n in_o order_n to_o both_o kingdom_n be_v in_o effect_n objectiuè_fw-la the_o same_o i_o grant_v the_o author_n cite_v do_v understand_v the_o thing_n otherwise_o but_o not_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o proposal_n mention_v be_v neither_o make_v nor_o approven_v by_o all_o nor_o belike_o by_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n that_o mr_n baxter_n be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o only_a subject_n and_o that_o timorcus_n who_o have_v do_v very_o well_o in_o his_o main_a subject_n may_v have_v do_v better_a in_o this_o particular_a one_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v down_o viz._n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o by_o the_o covenant_n particular_o abjure_v be_v most_o fallacious_a in_o asmuch_o as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o experience_n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v repugnant_a thereto_o and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v and_o it_o have_v be_v by_o i_o assay_v its_o non-abjuration_n in_o special_a do_v nothing_o militat_fw-la against_o the_o import_n of_o the_o other_o 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discipline_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v by_o any_o other_o have_v delegation_n from_o the_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n of_o prelacy_n to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o this_o with_o we_o who_o will_v not_o pity_v such_o folly_n who_o know_v not_o that_o england_n prelacy_n be_v ever_o different_a from_o any_o episcopacy_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n although_o by_o the_o way_n i_o must_v remind_v my_o reader_n how_o much_o by_o the_o late_a restitution_n it_o be_v advance_v but_o if_o by_o the_o particular_a obligation_n to_o extirpate_v contain_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o extirpate_v england_n prelacy_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o notwitstanding_n of_o the_o obligement_n to_o preserve_v presbytery_n then_o settle_v in_o scotland_n and_o in_o general_a to_o 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against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o if_o he_o will_v credit_v truth_n he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v viz._n that_o though_o the_o generality_n may_v very_o well_o by_o the_o whole_a complexed_a tenor_n of_o that_o article_n understand_v all_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v swear_v against_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o still_o understand_v their_o principal_a bind_a engagement_n against_o it_o to_o flow_v from_o their_o abjuration_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o their_o oath_n in_o both_o the_o national_a and_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v and_o adhere_v to_o presbyterian_a parity_n then_o estabished_a and_o therefore_o the_o new_a discovery_n here_o pretend_a as_o if_o the_o covenant_n do_v admit_v in_o our_o church_n a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o our_o obligement_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n with_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a â—atle_n ensue_v concern_v the_o genuine_a consistencie_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n with_o such_o a_o qualify_a and_o distinctive_a sense_n and_o also_o the_o meaning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o composer_n and_o imposer_n for_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o prelacy_n be_v but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o delusion_n but_o now_o i_o hope_v to_o awaken_v this_o dreamer_n who_o add_v that_o unless_o we_o make_v it_o appeareâ—_n that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o the_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o fiâ—st_a mistake_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o â—his_n i_o hearty_o close_a and_o therefore_o see_v not_o to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n wâ—at_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v viz_o that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o among_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n or_o true_a ecclesiastick-governmentâ—_a but_o mere_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n over_o the_o houâ—e_n of_o god_n which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o abhor_v i_o say_v thaâ—_n see_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n in_o debate_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o impertinent_a mitigation_n offer_v of_o the_o article_n to_o extirpate_v no_o way_n proper_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o â—ational_a covenant_n and_o our_o abjuration_n therein_o contain_v and_o â—he_v first_o article_n of_o the_o league_n as_o above_o declare_v i_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v cease_v to_o accuse_v we_o of_o want_n of_o charity_n &_o of_o inflexibilitie_n but_o ratâ—er_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n special_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n which_o our_o author_n have_v hitherto_o very_o fatal_o and_o foolish_o forget_v and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v the_o bishop_n receive_v better_a information_n of_o our_o ground_n will_v at_o least_o cease_v from_o his_o presumptuous_a confidence_n until_o â—e_v find_v out_o for_o we_o a_o more_o colourable_a solution_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v in_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o aversion_n of_o some_o in_o england_n against_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a ravery_n and_o therefore_o misregarding_a both_o the_o objection_n and_o solution_n i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o passage_n wherein_o the_o author_n cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n reverence_n to_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a assembly_n that_o ever_o sit_v in_o britain_n respect_v due_a to_o as_o wise_a and_o honourable_a parliament_n as_o ever_o these_o nation_n behold_v the_o good_a opinion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o man_n and_o christian_n true_o such_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n be_v once_o far_o engage_v in_o these_o way_n proceed_v without_o the_o least_o
perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scoâ—land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v &_o intend_v his_o logic_n shall_v so_o pitiful_o fail_v he_o as_o not_o to_o add_v and_o from_o that_o church_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o will_v have_v so_o clear_o restrict_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o article_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a at_o on_o glance_n he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o scotland_n as_o its_o primarie_a object_n to_o be_v impertinent_a but_o where_o there_o have_v appear_v no_o conscience_n in_o keep_v why_o do_v we_o expect_v much_o sense_n in_o interpret_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o therefore_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n &_o member_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o its_o self_n anent_o which_o we_o do_v now_o inquire_v &_o for_o clear_v thereof_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o solemn_a league_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v then_o establish_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o establishment_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v only_o covenant_v which_o though_o it_o do_v sufficient_o exclude_v this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o establishment_n and_o also_o unto_o sound_a doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o its_o subjoined_a explication_n whereby_o not_o only_a the_o episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o be_v among_o we_o &_o be_v now_o restore_v &_o advance_v but_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatorship_n as_o a_o novation_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o church_n be_v plain_o abjure_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o national_a by_o which_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o former_a swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v be_v first_o settle_v do_v manifest_o exclude_v this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la so_o the_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n to_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n therein_o describe_v only_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n where_o it_o then_o be_v be_v most_o improper_o make_v use_n of_o for_o explain_v our_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o case_n controvert_v now_o as_o to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o english_a author_n adduce_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o be_v not_o therein_o much_o concern_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o england_n and_o how_o that_o article_n of_o extirpation_n for_o that_o church_n principal_o provide_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v 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prelacy_n shall_v instant_o upon_o our_o grant_n of_o assistance_n embrace_v presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o form_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o full_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o no_o experience_n and_o withal_o see_v we_o do_v hold_v presbyterian_a government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o common_a estimation_n then_o make_v in_o england_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n geneva_n the_o netherlands_o and_o france_n as_o the_o best_a reform_v the_o obligation_n provide_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n with_o the_o article_n of_o extirpation_n subjoin_v in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v certain_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o upon_o which_o we_o do_v very_o rational_o relyea_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o least_o impugn_a by_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v out_o 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and_o safe_o caution_v until_o god_n shall_v give_v further_a light_n so_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o both_o party_n that_o the_o then_o prelacy_n be_v only_o express_o abjure_v and_o not_o all_o episcopacy_n see_v no_o species_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o by_o they_o reserve_v or_o by_o we_o consent_v to_o do_v nothing_o contradict_v why_o both_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n &_o set_v up_o of_o presbytery_n may_v not_o still_o be_v covenant_v unto_o under_o the_o general_a provision_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o a_o church_n convince_v of_o evil_n but_o not_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n may_v covenante_n against_o the_o evil_n in_o particular_a and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a obligement_n become_v bind_v to_o make_v a_o more_o exact_a
yet_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o as_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a and_o rational_a so_o it_o may_v testify_v on_o our_o part_n a_o most_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a candour_n in_o asmuch_o as_o although_o the_o english_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o we_o and_o willing_o &_o free_o engage_v with_o we_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o have_v then_o attain_v yâ—t_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o it_o be_v bottom_v and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n how_o little_a we_o be_v either_o addict_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o or_o incline_v to_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o their_o distress_n we_o agree_v to_o covenant_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n not_o precise_o according_a to_o our_o example_n though_o we_o veer_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o divine_a warrant_n but_o according_a to_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o submit_v all_o our_o engagement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n the_o best_a arbyter_n of_o all_o exterior_a indifference_n now_o after_o this_o cause_n follow_v the_o obligation_n to_o uniformity_n in_o these_o term_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n whereon_o our_o author_n do_v at_o present_a trifle_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v my_o reader_n to_o rectify_v his_o misrepresentation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o common_a work_n of_o uniformity_n and_o not_o england_n particular_a reformation_n that_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o see_v by_o the_o obvious_a tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a article_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v premise_v as_o midse_n conduce_v and_o tendency_n certain_o concentr_v in_o this_o conjunction_n wish_v for_o i_o be_o confident_a every_o ingenuous_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v both_o the_o consistency_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o adversary_n sophistry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o intend_a uniformity_n and_o conjunction_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n yet_o see_v the_o disconformity_n of_o either_o part_n make_v place_n for_o it_o &_o even_o perfection_n itself_o &_o imperfection_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o disconformity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o design_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v on_o both_o part_n can_v be_v thence_o infer_v so_o that_o the_o author_n conclusion_n from_o the_o unalterableness_n of_o scotland_n frame_n that_o the_o article_n of_o uniformity_n be_v illusorie_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o perfect_a cheat_n be_v pitiful_o claudicant_a and_o unworthy_a of_o both_o his_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o thing_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o scotland_n as_o be_v very_o acurat_o try_v and_o convince_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n both_o from_o their_o warrant_n and_o our_o oath_n unalterable_a yet_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o sublunary_a state_n there_o be_v several_a external_a circumstance_n attend_v the_o worship_n aswell_o as_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o positive_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o comprehend_v in_o this_o our_o oath_n for_o preservation_n that_o in_o these_o there_o be_v a_o latitude_n on_o all_o part_n leave_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o providence_n and_o gratification_n of_o charity_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o happy_a obtain_n of_o the_o uniformity_n covenant_v be_v in_o itself_o evident_a and_o the_o very_a subject_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o last_o clause_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v thereby_o import_v over_o &_o above_o what_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o article_n do_v contain_v but_o 3._o the_o palpablâ—_n fallacy_n of_o the_o author_n objection_n be_v that_o he_o false_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n in_o scotland_n frame_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o that_o even_o the_o swearer_n of_o this_o oath_n do_v thereto_o refer_v as_o not_o be_v full_o ascertain_v and_o ultimate_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o congruity_n of_o that_o very_a establishment_n which_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o swear_v to_o mantain_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o article_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n that_o as_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o england_n also_o by_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o engagement_n do_v thereunto_o assent_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o common_a persuasion_n that_o we_o engage_v to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o do_v in_o the_o hold_n and_o not_o alter_v of_o these_o obligation_n with_o a_o just_a accommodation_n of_o undetermined_a circumstance_n joint_o vow_v and_o hope_n for_o the_o above_o mention_v uniformity_n 4._o as_o the_o certain_a conformity_n of_o scotland_n then_o reformation_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v direct_o contradict_v the_o author_n supposition_n and_o the_o alterableness_n of_o the_o then_o constitution_n of_o government_n in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n whereby_o the_o author_n argument_n be_v utter_o ruin_v so_o we_o do_v constant_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o unerring_a rule_n whereunto_o we_o hearty_o submit_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o author_n can_v show_v that_o this_o rule_n either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o uniformity_n or_o any_o other_o do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o that_o government_n whereunto_o we_o be_v bind_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o redargue_v we_o from_o pretend_a inconsistency_n in_o the_o word_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o oath_n see_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o plain_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v try_v the_o author_n add_v that_o if_o no_o hoof_n or_o hair_n of_o the_o scottish_a model_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o both_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n shall_v require_v it_o than_o ought_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o 1._o waive_v the_o fraud_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o author_n hoof_n and_o hair_n whereof_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o fix_a presidency_n unless_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o excrementitious_a superfluity_n can_v be_v call_v none_o why_o do_v the_o author_n cavil_v if_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o our_o model_n let_v he_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n wherefore_o the_o ingagment_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o reformation_n in_o england_n do_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o to_o any_o particular_a example_n 3._o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n england_n covenant_v reformation_n in_o discipline_n &_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o effect_n resolve_v in_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o our_o then_o constitution_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n be_v either_o a_o cheat_n or_o a_o abuse_n god_n forbid_v the_o rule_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o give_v ground_n to_o such_o a_o consequence_n and_o certain_o the_o author_n second_o thought_n will_v correct_v his_o rashness_n but_o the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o how_o this_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o certain_o introductive_a of_o the_o than_o scottish_a model_n will_v have_v pass_v with_o our_o english_a brethren_n and_o particular_o with_o these_o present_n at_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o question_n here_o main_o agitat_fw-la be_v neither_o how_o the_o english_v understand_v the_o ingagment_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o reformation_n nor_o yet_o what_o may_v be_v its_o real_a import_n but_o plain_o what_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o article_n oblige_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a
religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o â—_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o