obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswadedâ—_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pasâ—e_n they_o without_o â—ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o â—_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o any_o rational_a and_o probable_a instanced_a we_o â—ave_n indeed_o hear_v the_o proud_a calumny_n of_o prevail_a adversary_n but_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n viz._n â—_o that_o this_o landbeing_n in_o the_o begin_n lawful_o engage_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ensue_a and_o grow_v defection_n and_o novation_n very_o just_o both_o renew_v and_o explain_v their_o engagement_n and_o also_o censure_v such_o who_o by_o refuse_v their_o assent_n do_v evident_o declare_v their_o apostasy_n 2._o that_o not_o only_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o the_o very_a force_n of_o that_o obligement_n of_o constant_a defence_n and_o adherence_n contain_v in_o the_o national_a do_v so_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o visible_o necessary_a mean_v for_o that_o end_n and_o without_o which_o conjunction_n the_o prelatic_a party_n in_o england_n which_o have_v twice_o from_o thence_o perfidious_o attacâ—qued_v we_o prevail_v there_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n overwhelm_v we_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o this_o second_o covenant_n by_o any_o who_o have_v take_v the_o first_o can_v not_o but_o be_v construe_v a_o breach_n thereof_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n 3._o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o authority_n be_v demand_v and_o unjust_o refuse_v to_o that_o for_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n whereof_o government_n itself_o be_v set_v up_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n make_v the_o deed_n so_o do_v for_o want_v thereof_o unlawful_a and_o 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o recusant_n in_o our_o former_a time_n be_v either_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o number_n of_o the_o delinquent_n very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v be_v by_o the_o renversing_n and_o persecution_n of_o these_o laâ—e_a time_n so_o many_o degree_n exceed_v that_o it_o be_v ashame_n for_o any_o person_n of_o ingenuity_n by_o accuse_v the_o past_a and_o own_v the_o present_a to_o show_v such_o partiality_n these_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a truth_n and_o so_o full_o hold_v out_o by_o several_a write_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o same_o be_v due_o perpend_v all_o the_o vapour_n of_o this_o smoke_n must_v instant_o evanish_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v the_o author_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o relieve_v such_o who_o labour_n under_o a_o apprehend_a inconsistencie_n of_o these_o their_o oath_n with_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n &_o in_o prosecution_n hereof_o he_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o article_n &_o be_v on_o purpose_n express_v â—o_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n &_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o here_o i_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o mistake_n suppose_v our_o present_a church-government_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v abjure_v but_o a_o distinct_a from_o manage_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbytersâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o sun-light_n that_o our_o parliament_n do_v not_o only_o in_o preparation_n to_o the_o late_a change_n make_v void_a the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o authority_n of_o former_a parliament_n whereby_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abrogate_v but_o also_o restore_v and_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o church_n power_n and_o prerogative_n then_o former_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o yea_o unto_o the_o sole_a possession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o under_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o that_o their_o predecessor_n do_v ever_o acclaim_v as_o both_o from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o our_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o plain_o evince_v that_o so_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o same_o episcopacy_n abjure_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v by_o our_o late_a parliament_n again_o restore_v but_o second_o admit_v that_o our_o present_a frame_n be_v in_o esse_fw-la such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o accommodation_n offer_v as_o the_o mistake_n or_o rather_o wilful_a error_n of_o this_o passage_n do_v borrow_v its_o colour_n and_o pretext_n from_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o description_n there_o set_v down_o so_o the_o thing_n obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o clear_v thereof_o be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o case_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_n but_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a engagement_n of_o the_o first_o bind_v as_o to_o scotland_n to_o preserve_v and_o as_o to_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o reform_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o key_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o seâ—lement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o article_n be_v manifest_o subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o execution_n viz._n that_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o either_o general_o or_o special_o enumerat_a which_o two_o article_n the_o one_o to_o preserve_v the_o then_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n with_o so_o great_a contending_n late_o reform_v from_o this_o corruption_n among_o other_o of_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatiship_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n have_v be_v by_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v do_v certain_o make_v up_o a_o obligation_n most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o presidencie_n re-obtruded_n three_o if_o their_o luk-warm_a conciliator_n be_v as_o mindful_a to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o most_o high_a as_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n in_o place_n of_o this_o impertinent_a wrest_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o at-that-time-unsetled_n estate_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n than_o the_o establish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o hear_v they_o will_v rather_o consider_v their_o own_o and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o how_o in_o that_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o wrestle_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n we_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o defend_v that_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o attain_v and_o constant_o to_o reject_v and_o labour_v against_o all_o these_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o we_o be_v then_o deliver_v under_o which_o head_n of_o novation_n and_o corruption_n i_o be_o assure_v that_o every_o considerate_a person_n will_v so_o easy_o perceive_v this_o presidencie_n and_o moderatorship_n oâ—_n bishop_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v that_o he_o will_v almost_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o heedless_a exposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n put_v upon_o these_o covenant_n as_o pity_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o
no_o moment_n it_o be_v answer_v i_o grant_v that_o this_o reduction_n be_v indeed_o give_v out_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o alteration_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o supremacy_n more_o than_o in_o the_o papacy_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o prelacy_n itself_o do_v lie_v and_o that_o the_o present_a offer_n of_o this_o presidencie_n be_v only_o a_o politic_a draught_n â—ending_v by_o the_o engage_v of_o these_o who_o just_o reclaim_v to_o sit_v &_o act_v in_o its_o court_n to_o the_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a establishment_n of_o the_o same_o supremacy_n and_o render_v of_o its_o influence_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o project_n may_v possible_o appear_v a_o more_o covert_a but_o be_v in_o truth_n raâ—her_o a_o more_o dangerous_a part_n of_o the_o same_o mystery_n if_o then_o this_o fix_a praeses_fw-la at_o first_o set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n unwarrantable_a and_o anti-scriptural_a that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la offer_v to_o we_o must_v be_v much_o more_o such_o can_v be_v controvert_v in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v several_a material_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o all_o aggravate_v against_o the_o present_a proposal_n as_o this_o short_a comparison_n of_o the_o two_o do_v abundant_o hold_v out_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la in_o ancient_a time_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o consequent_o be_v by_o they_o censurable_a as_o also_o he_o do_v only_o preside_v over_o one_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o a_o very_a small_a classis_fw-la the_o take_n of_o the_o election_n from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o exempt_n the_o then_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la from_o their_o control_n and_o the_o superinduction_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n be_v all_o posterior_n invention_n whereas_o the_o praeses_fw-la popose_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v nominat_fw-la and_o appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o he_o only_o deposable_a or_o removable_a as_o also_o the_o least_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v over_o many_o presbytery_n or_o class_n whereof_o any_o one_o be_v by_o far_o too_o large_a for_o a_o conscientious_a gospel_n oversight_n and_o two_o of_o they_o over_o several_a synod_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o extrinsic_a and_o absurd_a secularity_n clear_o incompatible_a both_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n which_o difference_n to_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o material_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o make_v out_o but_o since_o our_o reject_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la do_v proceed_v upon_o far_o more_o solid_a and_o comprehensive_a ground_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v they_o only_o that_o i_o may_v a_o little_a recreate_v my_o reader_n the_o return_n make_v at_o pase_o by_o a_o worthy_a doctor_n to_o that_o disparity_n of_o the_o present_a praeses_fw-la his_o being_n nominat_fw-la by_o the_o king_n be_v very_o observable_a and_o after_o he_o have_v meen_o declare_v the_o manner_n of_o old_a election_n and_o how_o the_o people_n sometime_o aswell_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o have_v make_v his_o answer_n that_o the_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v and_o choose_v this_o praeses_fw-la for_o want_v of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n with_o no_o better_a consequence_n than_o iâ—_n one_o shall_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o the_o magistrate_n may_v now_o ordain_v minister_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o majesty_n appointment_n and_o nomination_n partly_o from_o the_o prerogative_n of_o universal_a patron_n competent_a to_o he_o jure_fw-la coronae_fw-la and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o partly_o because_o that_o a_o inferior_a patron_n by_o present_v a_o minister_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o his_o presentation_n do_v thereby_o make_v he_o a_o proestos_n over_o the_o parochial_a elder_n be_v not_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a reason_n but_o see_v the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o civil_a right_n though_o indeed_o a_o sad_a incumberance_n to_o the_o church_n only_o respect_v the_o benefice_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o patron_n confer_v no_o ecclesiastic_a power_n or_o any_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o office_n but_o in_o that_o regard_n refer_v the_o person_n present_v entire_o to_o the_o tyral_a of_o the_o church_n which_o alone_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o function_n and_o convey_v to_o he_o any_o ecclesiastic_a power_n thereto_o competent_a i_o only_o wish_v the_o doctor_n that_o reflection_n and_o sobriety_n as_o may_v hereafter_o prevent_v such_o phlegmatic_a mistake_n the_o next_o argument_n against_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n and_o why_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o i_o take_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o not_o that_o i_o account_v these_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o scruple_v as_o the_o bishop_n allege_v to_o be_v by_o many_o of_o we_o pretend_a no_o i_o be_o more_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o swear_v to_o or_o renounce_v by_o we_o in_o these_o engagement_n which_o be_v not_o antecedent_o either_o duty_n or_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o argument_n who_o from_o the_o determination_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o oath_n in_o thing_n within_o our_o power_n do_v thence_o conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o by_o our_o oath_n only_o abjure_v but_o see_v covenant-breaker_n do_v now_o turn_v covenant-interpreter_n and_o it_o be_v the_o author_n own_o undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o this_o our_o oath_n and_o see_v that_o the_o same_o oath_n do_v indeed_o superadde_a a_o special_a obligation_n as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o hear_v i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o this_o episcopus_fw-la prese_n be_v by_o we_o abjure_v and_o then_o review_v the_o author_n observation_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o do_v only_o or_o yet_o principal_o conclude_v in_o this_o matterâ—_n no_o he_o who_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n concern_v our_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n .1638_o and_o our_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n with_o the_o explication_n thereto_o subjoin_v whereby_o have_v find_v presbyterian_a government_n with_o a_o equal_a parity_n to_o be_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v former_o establish_v by_o oath_n in_o this_o land_n and_o have_v then_o restore_v it_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o constant_o to_o defend_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o then_o reform_v from_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereof_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v before_o the_o foresaid_a novation_n he_o i_o say_v who_o remember_v these_o thing_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o oath_n that_o our_o chief_a obligation_n depend_v and_o it_o be_v to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v our_o engagement_n by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o that_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n bind_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o â—ound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatever_o respect_v it_o may_v have_v to_o england_n and_o ireland_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o as_o to_o scotland_n it_o must_v more_o forcible_o infer_v a_o abjuration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n already_o find_v to_o be_v such_o whereupon_o it_o most_o evident_o followethâ—_n that_o presbyterian_a government_n with_o its_o exact_a parity_n be_v then_o the_o thing_n swear_v by_o we_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n abjure_v as_o novation_n contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n this_o fix_a presidencie_n offer_v and_o our_o consent_n thereto_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o oath_n and_o engagement_n but_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o paper_n say_v unto_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_a oâ—_n it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_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 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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
that_o very_a covenant_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o so_o many_o as_o the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o scruple_v and_o for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v this_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o illegal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_n of_o it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o persuade_v it_o be_v certain_o most_o pertinent_a if_o it_o be_v true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistence_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n and_o as_o both_o these_o assertion_n i_o believe_v upon_o the_o exact_a if_o impartial_a and_o impassionat_a inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a so_o they_o be_v own_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o themselves_o have_v publish_v their_o opinion_n in_o print_n under_o this_o title_n two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n humble_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o reverend_a minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n print_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1661._o beside_o other_o passage_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n page_z 11_o and_o 12._o be_v these_o word_n and_o as_o these_o be_v our_o general_a end_n and_o motive_n so_o we_o be_v induce_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o synodical_a government_n conjunct_a with_o a_o fix_a presidency_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o other_o term_n will_v be_v so_o general_o agree_v on_o etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a government_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o more_o universal_a concord_n if_o ever_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o blessing_n however_o it_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o well_o inform_v conscience_n 3._o it_o will_v promote_v the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n &_o godliness_n without_o disorder_n and_o promote_v order_n without_o hinder_v discipline_n and_o godliness_n 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silence_v though_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o menton_fw-fr it_o that_o it_o will_v save_v the_o nation_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n without_o wrong_v the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o break_v any_o other_o oath_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o they_o add_v that_o the_o prelacy_n disclaim_v in_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o engross_a oâ—_n the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n absolute_o by_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o there_o delegate_n chancellor_n surrogate_v and_o official_o etc._n etc._n exclude_v whole_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o all_o share_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v one_o of_o prime_a note_n among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o large_a treatise_n of_o church-government_n do_v clear_o evince_v that_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v express_o declare_v it_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o only_o against_o the_o particular_a frame_n as_o it_o be_v word_v in_o the_o article_n itself_o for_o our_o principal_a model_n in_o england_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wrong_a to_o make_v that_o supposition_n concern_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o mistake_n the_o brethren_n that_o be_v dissatisfy_v have_v possible_o better_a acquit_v their_o duty_n by_o free_a admonition_n and_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o all_o thing_n then_o by_o leave_v of_o their_o station_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v the_o breach_n i_o fear_v very_o hard_o to_o cure_v and_o in_o humane_a appearance_n near_o to_o incurable_a but_o there_o be_v much_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o as_o follow_v the_o dictat_fw-la of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o they_o owe_v and_o i_o hope_v pay_v the_o same_o back_n again_o to_o these_o that_o do_v the_o same_o in_o another_o way_n &_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ready_a &_o happy_a way_n of_o reunite_a those_o that_o be_v mutual_o so_o mind_v the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o in_o due_a time_n this_o one_o word_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v arise_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o aâ—y_v man_n that_o calm_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o church_n no_o change_n at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o discipline_n itself_o but_o when_o it_o fall_v on_o matter_n easy_o inflammable_a how_o little_a a_o spark_n how_o great_a a_o fire_n will_v it_o kindle_v because_o every_o on_o have_v not_o the_o book_n i_o have_v transcribe_v here_o mr_n baxter_n own_o word_n baxt._n of_o church_n government_n 3._o p._n c._n 1._o p._n 276._o a_o episcopacy_n desirable_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fix_a precedent_n durante_fw-la vitâ_fw-la p._n 297._o p._n 330._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o be_v engage_v against_o all_o prelacy_n by_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o can_v yield_v to_o so_o much_o as_o you_o do_v without_o perjury_n ans._n that_o this_o be_v utter_o untrue_a i_o thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v present_v to_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o prelacy_n join_v to_o popery_n many_o grave_n and_o reverend_a divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o thereupon_o the_o follow_a concatenation_n in_o the_o parenthesis_n be_v give_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v church_n government_n by_o arch_n bishop_n bishop_n there_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch_n dean_n and_o all_o the_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hyerarchie_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n or_o frame_v that_o be_v covenant_v against_o and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o existent_a that_o be_v take_v down_o 2._o when_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n take_v the_o covenant_n mr_n thomas_n coleman_n that_o give_v it_o they_o do_v so_o explain_v it_o and_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o intent_n to_o covenant_n against_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o upon_o this_o explication_n it_o be_v take_v and_o certain_o the_o parliament_n be_v most_o capable_a of_o give_v the_o due_a sense_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v they_o that_o do_v impose_v it_o 3._o and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v all_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v exclude_v because_o a_o parochial_a episcopacy_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n use_v and_o approve_v common_o here_o in_o england_n 4._o and_o in_o scotland_n they_o have_v use_v the_o help_n of_o visiter_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o church_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o a_o country_n or_o circuit_n to_o some_o one_o man_n which_o be_v as_o high_a a_o sort_n of_o episcopacy_n at_o least_o as_o any_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o beside_o that_o they_o have_v moderator_n in_o all_o their_o synod_n which_o be_v temporary_a bishop_n 5._o also_o the_o chief_a divine_n oâ—_n the_o late_a assembly_n at_o westminster_n that_o recommend_v that_o covenant_n to_o the_o nation_n have_v profess_v there_o own_o judgement_n for_o such_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n as_o i_o be_o here_o defend_v and_o therefore_o never_o intend_v the_o exclusion_n of_o this_o by_o covenant_n after_o he_o add_v as_o we_o have_v prelacy_n to_o bewar_n of_o so_o we_o have_v the_o contrary_a extreme_a to_o avoid_v and_o the_o church_n peace_n if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o take_v down_o the_o ministry_n lest_o it_o prepare_v man_n for_o episcopacy_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o be_v against_o any_o profitable_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o desirable_a order_n among_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o introduce_v prelacy_n thus_o far_o baxter'_v own_o word_n there_o be_v another_o that_o have_v write_v a_o treatise_n on_o purpose_n &_o that_o zealous_a &_o strict_a enough_o touch_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n under_o the_o name_n of_o theophilus_n timorcus_n and_o yet_o therein_o it_o be_v express_o assert_v that_o however_o at_o first_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v renounce_v all_o episcopacy_n yet_o upon_o exacter_n inquiry_n be_v
be_v evident_a to_o the_o author_n that_o that_o very_a scruple_n be_v make_v by_o some_o member_n in_o parliament_n and_o resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o than_o it_o be_v in_o be_v in_o england_n leave_v a_o latitude_n for_o episcopacy_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_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 so_o that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v likewise_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o there_o be_v in_o scotland_n at_o present_a the_o name_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n and_o commissary_n yet_o that_o none_o of_o tâ—ose_n at_o all_o do_v exerce_fw-la any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n under_o that_o name_n neither_o any_o other_o as_o chancellor_n or_o surrogat_n etc._n etc._n by_o delegation_n from_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n from_o all_o power_n and_o share_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n and_o this_o with_o we_o and_o import_v so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o discipline_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o even_o of_o minister_n in_o scotland_n when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n may_v likewise_o understand_v that_o article_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n whatsoever_o even_o the_o most_o moderate_a especial_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v restore_v under_o the_o express_a name_n of_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n never_o consider_v how_o different_a the_o nature_n and_o model_n and_o way_n oâ—_n exercise_v it_o may_v be_v though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o that_o the_o due_a regulate_v of_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o either_o the_o retain_v or_o alter_v of_o the_o name_n but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o certain_o it_o concern_v they_o now_o to_o consider_v it_o when_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o that_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n itself_o do_v very_o genuinly_a consist_v with_o such_o a_o qualify_a &_o distinctive_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o very_a composer_n or_o empower_n of_o it_o or_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o do_v so_o understand_v and_o intend_v it_o and_o unless_o they_o make_v it_o appear_v 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 that_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 &_o moderation_n rather_o 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 first_o mistake_n and_o excessive_a zeal_n as_o for_o love_n of_o it_o to_o divide_v from_o their_o church_n and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n it_o may_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o england_n who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n do_v possible_o except_v against_o that_o article_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v the_o total_a renounciation_n and_o abolition_n of_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o see_v that_o be_v the_o real_a event_n and_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v many_o other_o strong_a and_o weighty_a reason_n for_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v little_a curious_a to_o inquire_v what_o past_a among_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o and_o what_o distinction_n or_o different_a sense_n either_o the_o word_n of_o that_o article_n may_v admit_v or_o those_o contriver_n may_v intend_v by_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o frame_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—ully_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v there_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n &_o clause_n &_o those_o too_o oâ—_n so_o versatile_a &_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n thicket_n of_o brier_n &_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o &_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n &_o disput_n among_o they_o about_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n &_o the_o tie_n &_o obligement_n of_o those_o doubtful_a clause_n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n &_o revolution_n of_o affair_n as_o always_o may_v &_o often_o do_v even_o within_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long_o live_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o their_o excuse_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n who_o in_o yeeldance_n to_o the_o power_n that_o press_v it_o and_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n do_v take_v that_o covenant_n in_o the_o most_o moderate_a &_o least_o schismatical_a sense_n that_o the_o term_n can_v admit_v yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o clear_v they_o of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n that_o not_o only_o frame_v such_o a_o engine_n but_o violent_o impose_v it_o upon_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n not_o minister_n &_o other_o public_a person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o community_n of_o the_o people_n thereby_o engage_v such_o drove_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a person_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o &_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a as_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o subject_n &_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n thing_n hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n and_o decision_n of_o they_o &_o therefore_o certain_o as_o far_o off_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o yet_o to_o tie_v they_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o certain_o they_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n they_o require_v neither_o subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v and_o far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v real_o commendable_a even_o in_o those_o we_o account_v our_o great_a enemy_n &_o not_o to_o take_v any_o part_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standard_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a contest_v postscript_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o copy_v out_o the_o passage_n cite_v in_o this_o paper_n &_o of_o add_v these_o few_o thought_n that_o then_o occur_v touch_v that_o subject_n i_o will_v have_v neither_o of_o they_o understode_fw-la as_o intend_a any_o way_n to_o reflect_v upon_o or_o judge_v other_o church_n where_o this_o government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v only_o argumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la &_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o person_n and_o notion_n and_o scruple_n we_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o in_o this_o church_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o figned_a to_o come_v to_o very_a few_o hand_n yet_o i_o wish_v that_o what_o be_v here_o represent_v be_v by_o some_o better_a way_n bring_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o mostâ—_n that_o if_o it_o be_v posfible_a their_o extreme_a fervour_n may_v be_v somewhat_o allay_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o they_o be_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o the_o neighbour_n kingdom_n account_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o desirable_a and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yea_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o say_v yet_o further_o that_o i_o think_v
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