johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n
they_o condemn_v episcopacy_n in_o any_o point_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o proposition_n i_o prove_v it_o in_o two_o substantial_a point_n for_o first_o as_o we_o declare_v before_o in_o set_v down_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o moderator_n proposition_n include_v three_o distinct_a question_n 1._o whether_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v anno_fw-la 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o there_o be_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n have_v no_o pre-eminence_n nor_o power_n over_o his_o brethren_n 2._o whether_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v all_o other_o be_v abjure_v 3._o whether_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n or_o not_o but_o in_o voice_n they_o answer_v only_o to_o the_o last_o two_o omit_v altogether_o the_o the_o first_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o both_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o consider_v the_o informality_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o esteem_v that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o answer_v so_o for_o if_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o their_o voice_n have_v be_v as_o informal_a and_o intricate_a as_o the_o proposition_n be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o answer_v categorical_o to_o all_o three_o at_o once_o for_o why_o according_a to_o their_o ground_n they_o behoove_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o negatiâ—â—_n and_o to_o the_o other_o two_o affirmatiuè_a and_o therefore_o lest_o their_o answer_n shall_v have_v be_v obscure_a and_o intricate_a include_v both_o a_o negative_a and_o affirmative_a voice_n they_o do_v wise_o to_o answer_v to_o those_o question_n only_o to_o the_o which_o one_o affirmaâ—ive_a voice_n may_v serve_v 2._o the_o propoâ—ition_n contain_v two_o point_n of_o episcâ—pacie_n to_o wit_n charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n and_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n demand_v if_o both_o these_o point_n be_v abjure_v or_o not_o and_o both_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o in_o voice_n they_o determine_v only_o the_o first_o point_n concerning_o their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a â—locks_n than_o one_o not_o a_o word_n of_o their_o abjure_v or_o remove_v their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o 〈◊〉_d which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n that_o do_v most_o grieve_v our_o covenanter_n and_o for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o have_v raise_v all_o this_o trouâ—lâ—_z be_v it_o therefore_o know_v to_o all_o that_o this_o assembly_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d conveâ—ned_v to_o condemn_v episcopacy_n do_v 〈…〉_z this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o 〈…〉_z therefore_o that_o this_o stand_v still_o in_o force_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n whosoever_o yield_v not_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n according_a to_o their_o oath_n be_v evident_o perjure_v and_o be_v not_o absolve_v from_o their_o oath_n by_o this_o assembly_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v extend_v the_o conclusion_n further_o than_o all_o their_o unanimous_a voice_n can_v suffer_v which_o as_o they_o must_v confess_v be_v the_o great_a iniquity_n which_o can_v be_v commit_v by_o any_o assembly_n whatsoever_o final_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o episcopacy_n be_v here_o condemn_v except_o that_o which_o be_v different_a from_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o condemn_v in_o the_o bishop_n either_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a in_o the_o pâ—imitive_a church_n or_o be_v of_o late_a in_o scotland_n and_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_n yea_o no_o episcopacy_n be_v here_o abjure_v except_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o only_a arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a flock_n all_o other_o bishop_n require_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o as_o cyprian_a faith_n episcopatus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d est_fw-la cujus_fw-la à _fw-la singulis_fw-la in_fw-la solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la there_o be_v no_o bound_n prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n of_o a_o particular_a â—lock_n but_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o more_o commodious_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o conserve_n unity_n have_v divide_v kingdom_n in_o province_n and_o province_n in_o particular_a diocese_n and_o diocese_n in_o particular_a parish_n appoint_v to_o every_o part_n their_o own_o ruler_n so_o that_o as_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n even_o so_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o province_n the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o archbishop_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o primate_n neither_o may_v any_o bishop_n lawful_o usurp_v charge_n over_o the_o particular_a flock_n of_o another_o bishop_n without_o his_o consent_n their_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o go_v through_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o mortal_a war_n against_o the_o king_n and_o all_o his_o loyal_a subject_n albeit_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v pastor_n only_o of_o a_o particular_a parish_n yet_o do_v violent_o intrude_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v charge_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o other_o pastor_n without_o warrant_n or_o authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n from_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n establish_v even_o then_o when_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o great_a force_n draw_v after_o they_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n to_o disobedience_n and_o open_a rebellion_n and_o by_o consequent_a to_o perdition_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o yet_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v to_o any_o of_o they_o cur_fw-la ita_fw-la facis_fw-la i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o this_o gross_a and_o absurd_a escape_n in_o not_o answer_v by_o their_o voice_n full_o to_o the_o proposition_n and_o extend_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n further_o than_o the_o voice_n can_v suffer_v except_o that_o they_o will_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o printer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o original_a register_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o they_o have_v answer_v full_o to_o the_o proposition_n their_o suffrage_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v categorical_a but_o very_o informal_a and_o intricate_a include_v both_o a_o negative_a and_o a_o affirmative_a voice_n 2._o their_o clerk_n m._n archibald_n johnstone_n have_v testify_v the_o contrary_a by_o add_v to_o this_o print_a copy_n and_o all_o other_o which_o i_o have_v see_v his_o sign_n and_o manual_a subscription_n testify_v thereby_o that_o they_o be_v print_v according_a to_o the_o original_a act_n contain_v in_o the_o authentic_a register_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o affirm_v he_o have_v not_o only_o collect_v and_o extract_v these_o act_n but_o also_o visy_z they_o to_o see_v if_o the_o extract_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n if_o he_o have_v commit_v such_o a_o absurd_a escape_n in_o omit_v the_o very_a principal_a point_n whereupon_o the_o whole_a act_n do_v depend_v and_o be_v that_o act_n also_o for_o the_o which_o the_o assembly_n be_v chief_o convene_v he_o have_v certain_o show_v himself_o a_o very_a ass_n unworthy_a of_o that_o trust_n which_o the_o whole_a assembly_n do_v commit_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o express_a act_n constitute_v he_o the_o only_a visitor_n and_o approver_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v print_v concerning_o the_o church_n or_o religion_n 3._o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v true_a that_o johnstone_n may_v â—ave_v oversee_v himself_o so_o far_o yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o moderator_n and_o other_o commit_v to_o visit_v the_o act_n shall_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o reverse_v the_o whole_a act_n about_o the_o which_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o pass_v forth_o before_o it_o be_v diligent_o correct_v therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n commit_v by_o the_o printer_n but_o that_o the_o act_n be_v print_v according_a to_o the_o original_a register_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o write_v in_o the_o register_n as_o it_o be_v voice_v unanimous_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o voycer_n have_v no_o other_o meaning_n then_o their_o word_n do_v express_v and_o therefore_o that_o nothing_o in_o effect_n be_v conclude_v in_o this_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o title_n of_o the_o act_n bear_v and_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v just_o in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o satiric_a poet_n parturiunt_fw-la moutes_fw-fr and_o nascitur_fw-la ridiculus_fw-la mus_fw-la finis_fw-la
belief_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v there_o chap._n x._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n the_o four_o and_o last_o passage_n of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n whereby_o they_o allege_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v be_v we_o profess_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n first_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o by_o these_o four_o distinct_a term_n be_v not_o signify_v four_o several_a distinct_a thing_n but_o by_o doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n be_v signify_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n for_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o conserve_v doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o we_o see_v in_o the_o next_o word_n contain_v the_o promissory_a part_n of_o the_o oath_n they_o be_v all_o reducee_v to_o two_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n second_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v whereunto_o they_o swear_v it_o be_v not_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n of_o scotland_n nor_o every_o point_n of_o discipline_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o their_o session_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n for_o then_o god_n know_v how_o doubtsome_a and_o uncertain_a a_o oath_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v because_o those_o point_n have_v be_v often_o change_v and_o some_o direct_o contrary_a to_o other_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o particular_o set_v down_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o man_n may_v involve_v themselves_o rash_o in_o a_o contradictory_a oath_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o frame_v this_o oath_n have_v wise_o and_o considerate_o set_v down_o divers_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v whereunto_o they_o promise_v by_o their_o oath_n to_o join_v themselves_o but_o our_o covenanter_n have_v dissemble_v subtle_o those_o necessary_a limitation_n and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o general_a and_o indefinite_a term_n only_o name_v in_o general_a the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v more_o evident_o what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v here_o mean_v i_o shall_v set_v down_o at_o more_o length_n the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_a we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o moâ—thes_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a true_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n and_o chief_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o along_o time_n public_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o these_o word_n be_v comprehend_v four_o necessary_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o this_o oath_n if_o we_o prove_v that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o limitation_n it_o can_v be_v exclude_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o probation_n more_o full_a we_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o not_o by_o one_o only_a but_o by_o all_o these_o four_o limitation_n this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n and_o therefore_o not_o abjure_v as_o a_o popish_a error_n the_o first_o limitation_n be_v that_o they_o only_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n or_o by_o god_n word_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o express_v by_o god_n word_n or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n therefore_o by_o that_o oath_n none_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o such_o doctrine_n condemn_v that_o point_n but_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v so_o clear_o testify_v by_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n that_o we_o much_o admire_v why_o man_n so_o verse_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v so_o blind_v as_o not_o to_o so_o so_o clear_a a_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o without_o conscience_n to_o abjure_v it_o as_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n compel_v other_o to_o abjure_v the_o same_o by_o so_o solemn_a and_o fearful_a a_o oath_n wherein_o they_o move_v they_o real_o to_o perjure_v themselves_o for_o eschew_v a_o suppose_a perjury_n the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n whereunto_o they_o swear_v to_o adhere_v be_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n than_o when_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n for_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n do_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o the_o church_n of_o high-germany_n rohemia_n denmark_n sweden_n norway_n poland_n hungaria_n helvetia_n england_n ireland_n and_o our_o own_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o can_v produce_v one_o realm_n nor_o any_o church_n that_o have_v at_o that_o time_n embrace_v full_o presbyterial_a government_n except_o one_o city_n of_o geneva_n which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o they_o do_v as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a member_n of_o that_o church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n there_o be_v now_o some_o church_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o geneva_n discipline_n as_o the_o palatinate_n in_o high-germany_n the_o confederate_a province_n of_o lower-germany_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n which_o notwithstanding_o have_v not_o that_o discipline_n nor_o a_o full_a establish_a church_n among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o palatinate_n continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o augustâ—ne_n confession_n until_o the_o year_n 1584._o when_o john_n cassitmere_n prince_n elector_n after_o his_o brother_n lâ—dâ—wick's_n death_n bring_v in_o calvinism_n as_o lucus_n oâ—iander_n in_o his_o epitome_n histor_n eccles._n ceâ—t_n 26._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 20._o do_v testify_v in_o the_o low_a country_n albeit_o there_o be_v many_o protestant_n before_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o year_n 1583._o when_o as_o they_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n neither_o have_v they_o of_o france_n a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o four_o read_v over_o all_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n contain_v in_o that_o syâ—tagâ—â—â—â—onfessionum_fw-la you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o of_o they_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n or_o episcopacy_n absolute_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o they_o do_v express_o approve_v it_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v not_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n which_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v express_o restrict_v to_o that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o anno_fw-la 1560._o and_o ratify_v public_o by_o divers_a act_n
episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o scotland_n contain_v many_o remarkable_a passage_n new_o publish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n print_v 1641._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n in_o this_o book_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1._o they_o agree_v in_o like_o subtle_a policy_n in_o their_o proceed_n specify_v in_o 6._o point_n 2._o they_o disagree_v in_o that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o external_a order_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o discuss_v the_o article_n chap._n ii_o contain_v two_o reason_n why_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v only_o against_o the_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n 1._o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n 2._o because_o their_o principal_a purpose_n in_o desire_v this_o assembly_n be_v to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o verbatim_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o their_o print_a copy_n subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n chap._n iii_o discuss_v their_o four_o consideration_n in_o their_o preface_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remark_v 2._o that_o many_o evil_a innovation_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n wherein_o also_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remâ—rked_v 3._o that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o be_v move_v of_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v remark_v 7._o notable_a falsehood_n 4._o that_o many_o have_v subscribe_v the_o covenant_n without_o their_o application_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v 1580._o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o be_v show_v divers_a falsehood_n and_o impertinency_n chap._n four_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v propon_v to_o be_v voice_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o right_n state_v the_o question_n 2._o that_o their_o proposition_n be_v captious_a and_o confuse_a include_v three_o several_a question_n of_o divers_a nature_n whereunto_o no_o one_o categorical_a answer_n can_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o many_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o term_n 4._o it_o be_v sophistical_o and_o subtle_o draw_v à _fw-la thesâ—ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v propose_v in_o that_o manner_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o 6._o the_o question_n simple_o propose_v have_v be_v fit_a to_o resolve_v doubt_n 7._o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v unlawful_a in_o episcopacy_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o moâ—_n particular_a â—â—ocks_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n chap._n v._o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o and_o to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o a_o positive_a and_o negative_a and_o that_o the_o positive_a be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n 3._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o confession_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n do_v express_o approve_v the_o same_o 4._o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o superintendent_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o bishop_n require_v now_o 5._o that_o bishop_n retain_v the_o office_n title_n and_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n for_o 20._o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o by_o approbation_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a estate_n chap._n vi_o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n 1._o that_o this_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o a_o appendix_n thereof_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o confession_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v 3._o two_o reason_n show_v that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o negative_a confession_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v 1._o because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_a to_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v a_o appendix_n 2._o because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o oath_n be_v require_v chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o passage_n allege_v in_o the_o act_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n 1._o answer_v in_o general_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o 2._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o his_o associate_n 3._o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o passage_n show_v it_o to_o be_v cite_v false_o and_o impertinent_o chap._n viii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v show_v clear_o 1._o a_o notable_a falsehood_n in_o the_o citation_n both_o by_o changâ—ng_v word_n and_o add_v other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_n 2._o divers_a reason_n why_o this_o passage_n do_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n chap._n ix._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hierarchy_n neither_o antichristian_a nor_o wicked_a prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n 4._o their_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v by_o a_o false_a syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la 5._o this_o reason_n passable_a among_o themselves_o because_o no_o man_n dare_v examine_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o their_o second_o reason_n childish_a and_o sophistical_a 7._o their_o three_o reason_n impertinent_o apply_v 8._o their_o four_o reason_n have_v no_o consequence_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n 9_o their_o last_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n false_o relate_v chap._n x._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o passage_n contain_v three_o particular_n 1._o an_fw-mi explain_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v not_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 3._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v express_o limitate_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o four_o limitation_n by_o every_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v 4._o the_o first_o limitation_n that_o we_o swear_v only_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n but_o all_o be_v conform_v thereto_o 5._o the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o many_o notable_a realm_n and_o church_n no_o realm_n nor_o church_n do_v condemn_v this_o except_o geneâ—a_n and_o that_o not_o absolute_o but_o many_o church_n do_v approve_v it_o express_o 6._o the_o three_o limitation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o doctrine_n be_v express_v therein_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n 7._o the_o four_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o profess_a by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o king_n and_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v express_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v this_o point_n here_o damn_v 8._o the_o discipline_n be_v limitate_v by_o the_o same_o limitation_n 9_o the_o discipline_n be_v either_o take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n signify_v the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n 10._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v precise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o episcopal_a government_n and_o
be_v not_o a_o point_n controvert_v betwixt_o the_o reformer_n of_o religion_n who_o set_v down_o the_o confession_n and_o their_o adversary_n the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o confession_n and_o by_o consequent_a albeit_o there_o be_v no_o such_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v abjure_v then_o there_o be_v as_o little_a coherence_n betwixt_o the_o last_o two_o question_n for_o although_o it_o have_v be_v abjure_v at_o that_o time_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o be_v now_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v abjure_v wrongful_o and_o out_o of_o ignorance_n but_o afterwards_o man_n come_v to_o better_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o which_o rash_o have_v be_v abjure_v before_o may_v be_v lawful_o restore_v now_o next_o because_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n and_o constitution_n against_o it_o for_o certain_a reason_n of_o not_o expediency_n the_o church_n may_v have_v abjure_v it_o for_o that_o time_n yet_o that_o law_n be_v abrogate_a by_o lawful_a authority_n it_o may_v be_v receive_v again_o by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v hold_v as_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o oath_n give_v to_o human_a positive_a law_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a oblige_v no_o long_a than_o the_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n now_o therefore_o since_o the_o law_n forbid_v preeminency_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o if_o any_o such_o law_n be_v be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o the_o contrary_n establish_v this_o preeminency_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v now_o though_o former_o abjure_v second_o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o yea_o almost_o every_o word_n have_v its_o own_o ambiguity_n for_o 1._o the_o word_n confession_n be_v ambiguous_a for_o although_o there_o be_v two_o writ_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v confession_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o only_o proper_a and_o perfect_a profession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n neither_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v any_o more_o in_o one_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n set_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o that_o church_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n an._n 1560._o and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v verbatim_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n that_o other_o which_o be_v call_v the_o negative_a confession_n be_v only_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o certain_a special_a error_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o it_o be_v doubtful_a which_o of_o those_o confession_n be_v here_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o ambiguity_n in_o that_o word_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v diverse_o for_o either_o it_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v express_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o according_a to_o the_o same_o or_o otherwise_o it_o may_v signify_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o though_o not_o particular_o express_v now_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n perhaps_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v therein_o which_o be_v no_o absurdity_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o yet_o be_v it_o according_a to_o it_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n because_o not_o contrary_a thereunto_o 3._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v anno_fw-la 1580._o etc._n etc._n for_o either_o it_o must_v be_v signify_v as_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v in_o writ_n or_o print_v and_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o profess_v at_o that_o time_n than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v now_o at_o this_o present_a but_o have_v be_v ever_o conserve_v unalter_v or_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a restriction_n to_o those_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a or_o by_o profession_n be_v signify_v the_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v an._n 1580._o and_o thus_o also_o that_o restriction_n of_o the_o profession_n to_o those_o year_n be_v no_o less_o superfluous_a for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v by_o any_o otherwise_o interpret_v in_o these_o year_n or_o now_o than_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n by_o those_o who_o set_v it_o down_o for_o as_o we_o say_v unusquisque_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la suorum_fw-la verborum_fw-la interpres_fw-la and_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o frame_v that_o confession_n do_v interpret_v it_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n thereafter_o so_o as_o it_o do_v approve_v the_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v interpret_v it_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n they_o wrong_v great_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v not_o now_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o wrongful_a deal_n 4._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n likewise_o in_o the_o word_n bishop_n which_o sometime_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o every_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v power_n to_o oversee_v the_o action_n of_o the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n sometime_o more_o particular_o as_o it_o signify_v those_o that_o have_v jurisdiction_n both_o over_o more_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o a_o certain_a bound_n call_v a_o diocese_n as_o it_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o former_a age_n but_o because_o this_o be_v discuss_v in_o the_o question_n itself_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o it_o final_o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o those_o word_n a_o particular_a flock_n for_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o bishop_n aswell_o as_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o minister_n many_o more_o ambiguity_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o question_n which_o for_o briefue_n we_o omit_v here_o but_o shall_v be_v god_n willing_a discuss_v as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n three_o it_o be_v also_o subtle_a sophistical_a deal_n that_o they_o have_v draw_v the_o question_n à _fw-la thesi_fw-la ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la they_o do_v not_o ask_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o only_o as_o the_o confession_n be_v understand_v an._n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o involve_v the_o question_n in_o divers_a intricate_a supposition_n which_o they_o have_v do_v subtle_o for_o their_o own_o end_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v any_o solid_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n of_o true_a antiquity_n to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o office_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o this_o act_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v there_o one_o syllable_n produce_v out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o approve_v their_o conclusion_n but_o all_o their_o proof_n be_v from_o their_o negative_a confession_n of_o faith_n impudent_o wrest_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o from_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n strange_o misapply_v and_o from_o certain_a act_n of_o late_a general_n assembly_n which_o all_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o human_a testimony_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o proof_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o their_o ordinary_a exclamation_n against_o human_a ordinance_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n continual_o pretend_v to_o all_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n god_n word_n and_o conscience_n which_o only_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o 2._o they_o have_v frame_v the_o question_n so_o restrict_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n to_o the_o year_n 1580._o etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o from_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o allege_v any_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o such_o intention_n as_o absolute_o to_o condemn_v episcopacy_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n have_v declare_v both_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o make_v clear_a that_o she_o do_v so_o explain_v her_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n as_o she_o do_v approve_v express_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o charge_v over_o
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o accept_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n prove_v by_o god_n word_n thereby_o to_o condemn_v any_o such_o thing_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a meaning_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v public_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v therein_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n they_o do_v require_v in_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o superintendent_n in_o every_o province_n have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o their_o bound_n for_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o set_v down_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n or_o short_o thereafter_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n admit_v to_o the_o government_n by_o common_a consâ—nt_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o the_o queen_n absence_n be_v for_o the_o time_n in_o france_n and_o ratifiâ—â—â—_z by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o manual_a subscription_n of_o the_o counsellor_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o man_n of_o worth_a the_o 17._o of_o january_n 1560._o approve_v by_o many_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o twice_o as_o many_o year_n thereafter_o as_o presbyterial_a governmental_a remain_v in_o force_n then_o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o power_n of_o superintendent_n do_v extend_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o papistical_a bishop_n which_o make_v their_o person_n office_n and_o very_a name_n to_o be_v detest_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a zealous_a scrupulosity_n will_v not_o at_o first_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o their_o charge_n a_o title_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n call_v they_o superintendent_n so_o change_v a_o proper_a greek_a word_n into_o a_o barbarous_a latin_a for_o the_o greek_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o the_o latin_a word_n superintendens_fw-la do_v both_o signify_v one_o thing_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v set_v over_o other_o to_o oversee_v their_o action_n albeit_o by_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v divide_v in_o ten_o diocese_n express_o so_o call_v and_o over_o every_o diocese_n a_o superintendent_n appoint_v to_o be_v set_v yet_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n we_o find_v only_o four_o who_o carry_v express_o this_o title_n to_o wit_n mâ—_n john_n spotswood_n father_n to_o the_o late_a decease_a john_n archbishop_n of_o st._n anâ—â—â—ws_v call_v superintendent_n of_o lâ—â—thran_n or_o edinburgh_n john_n areskin_n of_o diune_n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearnes_n or_o of_o brechin_n mr._n john_n wonram_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n or_o s._n andrews_n m._n john_n wâ—llocks_n superintendent_n of_o the_o west_n or_o glasgow_n those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v call_v commissioner_n either_o because_o at_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o fiâ—d_fw-mi so_o many_o sufficient_a man_n or_o for_o lack_v of_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o estate_n of_o superintendent_n or_o as_o some_o rather_o think_v because_o they_o esteem_v this_o too_o absolute_a a_o title_n and_o near_o in_o signification_n to_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a to_o call_v they_o commissioner_n as_o import_v morse_n a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n not_o for_o any_o definite_a time_n but_o ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la culpam_fw-la those_o same_o be_v at_o sometime_o call_v visitores_fw-la by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o like_a signification_n with_o episcopus_fw-la for_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v likewise_o a_o visitor_n and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitation_n as_o 1_o pet._n â—_z 12._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n in_o dievisitationis_fw-la and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o the_o know_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitavit_fw-la by_o the_o septuagint_n be_v translate_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o by_o latin_n inspector_n visitator_n or_o praefectus_fw-la howsoever_o they_o be_v diverse_o name_v they_o have_v all_o a_o like_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o power_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n first_o as_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o own_o diocese_n over_o the_o which_o he_o have_v superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o therein_o a_o special_a city_n for_o his_o sea_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n call_v the_o metropolitan_a or_o cathedral_n city_n so_o every_o 〈…〉_z by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o art_n 2._o 〈…〉_z point_v to_o he_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d power_n over_o all_o person_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bound_n and_o therein_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o ordinary_a residence_n call_v there_o the_o superintendent_n town_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o same_o city_n from_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o denominate_v second_o as_o all_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o diocese_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_a bishop_n according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d canon_n of_o the_o church_n right_o so_o by_o a_o special_a 〈…〉_z general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 30._o 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n there_o assemble_v that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subâ—â—ct_n to_o their_o superintendent_n in_o all_o lawful_a 〈…〉_z as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o 〈…〉_z election_n of_o superintendent_n which_o be_v no_o other_o 〈…〉_z but_o canonical_a obedience_n three_o as_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n 〈…〉_z be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o need_v not_o any_o 〈…〉_z thereto_o from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v 〈…〉_z consecrate_v to_o that_o office_n so_o likewise_o in_o all_o 〈…〉_z superintendent_n and_o commissionâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v constant_a principal_a member_n of_o 〈…〉_z assembly_n and_o need_v not_o any_o particular_a commission_n thereto_o but_o be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o office_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v thereafter_o and_o receive_v without_o any_o other_o commission_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v divide_v in_o two_o rank_n some_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a member_n as_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v mutable_a as_o commissioner_n of_o church_n university_n town_n and_o province_n the_o first_o have_v no_o need_n of_o particular_a commission_n but_o be_v perpetual_a and_o first_o call_v in_o the_o roll_n the_o other_o be_v changeable_a from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n and_o have_v new_a particular_a commission_n from_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1563._o that_o every_o superintendent_n shall_v appear_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 1578._o the_o same_o act_n be_v renew_v and_o bishop_n also_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o assembly_n or_o else_o to_o be_v account_v unworthy_a of_o the_o office_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o act_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o othee_o of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1579._o july_n 7._o sess._n 9_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o bishop_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n who_o abjent_v themselves_o from_o 〈◊〉_d assembly_n shall_v be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o act_n august_n 12._o 1575._o and_o that_o act_n to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n have_v power_n of_o visitation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o also_o of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o that_o office_n four_o as_o all_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o hold_v their_o synod_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n when_o and_o where_o it_o
church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o diocese_n and_o thereafter_o anno_fw-la 1572._o all_o bishop_n be_v by_o special_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n restore_v to_o the_o function_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o lenox_n then_o regent_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o next_o year_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1573._o certain_a limitation_n of_o their_o power_n be_v add_v not_o very_o strict_a which_o no_o bishop_n can_v refuse_v 1._o that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o superintendent_n which_o heretofore_o they_o have_v and_o present_o have_v which_o jurisdiction_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o the_o bishop_n require_v now_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_o subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o this_o likewise_o be_v reasonable_a and_o no_o bishop_n will_v think_v himself_o exeme_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o national_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a and_o approve_a order_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o no_o bishop_n give_v coâ—â—ation_n of_o benefice_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o superintendent_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n this_o be_v also_o reasonable_a for_o superintendent_n be_v also_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v give_v ordination_n or_o collation_n to_o any_o within_o the_o diocese_n of_o another_o bishop_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a 4._o that_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o diocese_n visit_v by_o themselves_o where_o no_o superintendâ—nts_n be_v which_o indeed_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o impedite_v either_o by_o infirmity_n or_o by_o some_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o that_o they_o give_v no_o collation_n of_o benefice_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o three_o qualify_a minister_n the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o do_v astrict_v themselves_o further_o for_o they_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o give_v collation_n of_o benefice_n except_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o man_n of_o know_a worth_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o exercise_n in_o the_o bound_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v commit_v the_o whole_a trial_n both_o of_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o testificate_n do_v accept_v or_o reject_v he_o who_o be_v present_v by_o this_o than_o which_o we_o have_v true_o relate_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n thereafter_o have_v no_o such_o meaning_n as_o condemn_v or_o â—bjure_v the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v approve_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n until_o the_o year_n 1590._o and_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o for_o until_o those_o year_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o act_n condemn_v that_o jurisdiction_n under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o the_o first_o act_n abolish_n the_o office_n and_o title_n of_o superintendent_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n august_n 1590._o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o since_o presbytery_n be_v full_o establish_v that_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a what_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o those_o act_n we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o too_o impudent_a and_o manifest_a a_o calumny_n and_o a_o scandalous_a impurtation_n lay_v by_o our_o covenainer_n upon_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o who_o do_v prosecute_v the_o same_o for_o many_o year_n that_o their_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o condemn_v that_o as_o unlawful_a which_o they_o do_v approve_v by_o their_o plain_a and_o public_a declaration_n and_o continual_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o subtle_a and_o hypocritical_a dissimulation_n of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o rebellion_n against_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n â—f_fw-mi those_o who_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o profess_v and_o persuade_v people_n that_o their_o upright_a intention_n be_v to_o reduce_v the_o church_n to_o her_o former_a purity_n wherein_o she_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o to_o abolish_v all_o novationâ—_n since_o they_o be_v manifest_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a abolish_n violent_o that_o order_n of_o government_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o establish_v in_o place_n thereof_o a_o most_o dangerous_a novation_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o many_o christian_a church_n since_o the_o beginning_n until_o this_o 〈◊〉_d age_n and_o whereof_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n never_o think_v of_o nor_o dream_v at_o the_o reformation_n or_o many_o year_n thereafter_o until_o it_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o violent_a wind_n from_o geneva_n bring_v therewith_o great_a trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n both_o first_o and_o last_o chap._n vi_o show_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n have_v show_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o the_o principal_a and_o proper_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o condemn_v by_o that_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n call_v the_o negative_a confession_n which_o by_o they_o improper_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v call_v a_o confession_n for_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o almost_o repugnans_fw-la in_fw-la adjecto_fw-la to_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o church_n which_o do_v not_o declare_v any_o positive_a point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o consist_v only_o of_o mere_a negative_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v only_o therefore_o set_v down_o as_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n for_o that_o end_n which_o we_o declare_v before_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a manner_n both_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o church_n and_o private_a confession_n of_o particular_a person_n first_o to_o set_v down_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n in_o certain_a article_n and_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o thence_o to_o adjoin_v damn_v and_o abjure_v of_o the_o contrary_a error_n so_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o most_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n collect_v together_o in_o that_o book_n call_v syntagma_fw-la confessionum_fw-la so_o do_v befa_n in_o his_o confession_n and_o learned_a zanchius_n in_o his_o right_a so_o we_o must_v conceive_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o abjuration_n of_o popish_a error_n set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o the_o article_n and_o proposition_n which_o comprehend_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o covenant_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o evident_a for_o therein_o it_o be_v first_o say_v we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a christion_n faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o point_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o proposition_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o confession_n the_o appendix_n follow_v thereafter_o in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o chief_o papistry_n and_o particular_a head_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o proper_a ancient_a confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o they_o do_v direct_o swear_v in_o that_o covenant_n but_o unto_o the_o abjuration_n of_o error_n they_o do_v only_o swear_v indirect_o and_o by_o consequent_a as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o
doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n from_o this_o then_o that_o we_o have_v show_v to_o be_v true_a we_o may_v bring_v a_o forcible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o by_o this_o abjuration_n the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v but_o a_o appendix_n deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o have_v another_o meaning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o that_o confession_n whereupon_o it_o depend_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o abjuration_n can_v not_o have_v a_o contrary_a meaning_n towit_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v already_o sufficient_o qualify_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o a_o appendix_n shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o the_o principal_a proposition_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n all_o good_a logician_n know_v this_o of_o which_o number_n to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o moderator_n be_v one_o who_o have_v in_o his_o time_n compose_v many_o accurate_a proposition_n with_o their_o appendix_n and_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v one_o of_o his_o scholar_n with_o patience_n to_o set_v down_o their_o thesis_n with_o so_o evil_a knit_a consequence_n as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v be_v betwixt_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n depend_v thereupon_o i_o can_v find_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o and_o other_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o assembly_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o mislead_v against_o all_o true_a logic_n and_o sound_a reason_n except_o it_o be_v as_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o for_o obedience_n thereto_o they_o have_v forget_v all_o rule_n of_o logic_n to_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o idol_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o our_o covenanter_n object_n that_o albeit_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v understand_v so_o by_o those_o who_o have_v set_v it_o down_o and_o so_o interpret_v by_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o it_o appertain_v to_o interpret_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n may_v understand_v and_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v and_o now_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n yea_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n as_o the_o covenanter_n do_v interpret_v it_o now_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o both_o those_o contrary_a sense_n can_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o judge_v so_o except_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n like_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n as_o some_o blasphemous_a papist_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o they_o will_v make_v the_o confession_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a rule_n to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n like_o a_o lesbian_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o crooked_a and_o straight_a line_n or_o to_o contrary_a and_o contradictory_a sense_n then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v which_o of_o those_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a man_n but_o will_v esteem_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o express_v by_o the_o author_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o say_v vnusquique_fw-la est_fw-la suâ—ruâ—â—_z verborum_fw-la optimus_fw-la interpres_fw-la except_o such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v nonsense_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v the_o same_o do_v declare_v their_o meaning_n therein_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o thereby_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v not_o damn_v but_o direct_o approve_v therefore_o that_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o must_v needs_o be_v false_a second_o this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n therein_o be_v neither_o frame_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n nor_o be_v the_o oath_n require_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o both_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n at_o who_o direction_n this_o covenant_n and_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n by_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o it_o appertain_v only_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o do_v require_v the_o oath_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o true_a axiom_n agree_v unto_o by_o all_o orthodox_a writer_n that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o direct_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o council_n do_v require_v that_o oath_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o he_o and_o his_o council_n do_v plain_o declare_v before_o that_o time_n at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n and_o many_o time_n afterward_o that_o his_o express_a meaning_n purpose_n and_o constant_a intention_n be_v to_o continue_v the_o estate_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o withstand_v all_o motion_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n thereof_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o for_o first_o that_o this_o abjuration_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n appointment_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n only_o the_o oath_n be_v require_v be_v manifest_a both_o by_o that_o act_n of_o council_n march_n 5._o 1580._o which_o they_o have_v prefix_v before_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n press_v thereby_o to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o king_n as_o likewise_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o wherein_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1581._o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o household_n not_o long_o before_o and_o in_o that_o act_n approve_v this_o confession_n cite_v here_o by_o they_o it_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n next_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n meaning_n appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v out_o efold_o as_o the_o same_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o the_o king_n proclamation_n for_o that_o word_n efold_o signify_v that_o they_o shall_v follow_v not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o likewise_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o be_v intend_v in_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n not_o in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o if_o the_o assembly_n will_v intend_v one_o sense_n and_o the_o king_n another_o but_o simple_o and_o sincere_o by_o all_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o meaning_n which_o his_o majesty_n do_v express_v in_o his_o proclamation_n three_o that_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n or_o meaning_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v be_v also_o most_o manifest_a 1._o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n often_o reject_v the_o instant_a petition_n of_o divers_a assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v impair_v and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o all_o pastor_n establish_v as_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o by_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o cite_v here_o by_o they_o wherein_o be_v these_o word_n because_o divers_a suit_n have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o yet_o have_v take_v no_o great_a effect_n then_o because_o
his_o majesty_n both_o before_o this_o time_n at_o this_o time_n and_o after_o do_v show_v evident_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o divers_a protestation_n against_o those_o assembly_n which_o press_v to_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o presentation_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o place_n whensoever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a as_o he_o do_v at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n present_a m._n rob._n montgomery_n to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n see_v then_o that_o this_o abjuration_n or_o confession_n call_v it_o as_o they_o please_v be_v frame_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v abjure_v it_o must_v be_v also_o presuppon_v that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v swear_v or_o subscribe_v the_o same_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n otherwise_o they_o do_v swear_v false_o sophystical_o and_o by_o equivocation_n therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o honest_a man_n who_o have_v a_o efold_a and_o upright_a meaning_n in_o take_v their_o oath_n neither_o can_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o give_v any_o sure_a warrant_n to_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o king_n meaning_n for_o if_o this_o abjuration_n or_o covenant_n have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o there_o have_v be_v some_o appearance_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n now_o may_v give_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n act_n and_o the_o oath_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o the_o subject_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n especial_o such_o a_o unformall_a and_o unlawful_a one_o as_o this_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o false_a and_o vain_a fear_n wherewith_o they_o will_v burden_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v fearful_o perjure_v by_o establish_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretend_a oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v rather_o forswear_v and_o perjure_a who_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o their_o first_o oath_n have_v by_o their_o new_a rebellious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o have_v take_v their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o now_o by_o persuasion_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v break_v their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v their_o authority_n and_o ratify_v their_o disobedience_n by_o another_o oath_n be_v evident_o forswear_v as_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v do_v let_v they_o in_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n search_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o prick_v thereby_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o four_o several_a sentence_n of_o the_o abjuration_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o first_o have_v now_o show_v that_o neither_o by_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o by_o the_o appendix_n thereof_o call_v abjuration_n nor_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o by_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n here_o controvert_v be_v condemn_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n to_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v neither_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o perfect_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o a_o late_a foundation_n and_o may_v be_v in_o sum_n reduce_v to_o three_o sort_n first_o they_o bring_v certain_a break_a sentence_n â—ut_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o call_v the_o confession_n than_o some_o act_n of_o their_o late_a general_n assembly_n and_o three_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o they_o bring_v four_o several_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n falsify_v and_o wrest_v they_o strange_o as_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v some_o show_n of_o prove_v their_o determination_n the_o first_o passage_n be_v in_o these_o word_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n the_o second_o be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a nad_z particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o four_o be_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a to_o all_o these_o passage_n that_o by_o none_o of_o they_o be_v either_o episcopal_a government_n abjure_v for_o first_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o their_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o their_o charge_n over_o moc_fw-fr particular_a flock_n or_o of_o presbytery_n of_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o except_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o secret_a meaning_n these_o passage_n can_v serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o both_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n whereof_o this_o abjuration_n be_v a_o appendix_n and_o by_o the_o explain_a meaning_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o who_o appointment_n this_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereunto_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v thereby_o abjure_v and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sâ—nse_n can_v be_v able_a to_o pâ—ove_v their_o purpose_n second_o we_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n m._n alexander_n henrison_n and_o his_o associate_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v confess_v plain_o that_o by_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v and_o that_o any_o man_n may_v safe_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o their_o covenant_n also_o without_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o profession_n they_o entice_v many_o to_o sweat_n and_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n who_o otherwise_o will_v nâ—t_v have_v do_v it_o now_o either_o they_o speak_v sincere_o at_o that_o time_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v flat_o contradict_v this_o position_n that_o by_o swear_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v or_o else_o by_o dissemble_a policy_n they_o do_v so_o profess_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o design_n in_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o rebellious_a covenant_n and_o so_o do_v show_v themselves_o jesuitical_a temporizer_n and_o time-server_n en_fw-fr grain_n abuse_v
until_o the_o year_n 1590._o towit_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o set_n down_o and_o swear_v of_o this_o abjuration_n and_o therefore_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v be_v then_o condemn_v in_o the_o abjuration_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o for_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v condemn_v that_o which_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v approve_v and_o practise_v three_o notwithstanding_o that_o act_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n yet_o these_o point_n of_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o express_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a by_o that_o whole_a assembly_n wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v call_v in_o question_n anno_fw-la 1575._o 1576._o as_o shall_v be_v evident_o clear_v when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o discuss_v the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n four_o those_o point_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a head_n damn_v and_o confute_v by_o god_n word_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n then_o of_o a_o long_a time_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n contain_v either_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o profess_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n contrary_a to_o these_o point_n of_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o brethren_n or_o more_o particular_a flock_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o point_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v damn_v then_o by_o god_n word_n or_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o so_o this_o passage_n do_v not_o more_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o purpose_n than_o the_o former_a chap._n ix._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o those_o word_n we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o this_o passage_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o false_a citation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a two_o yet_o be_v there_o as_o great_a impertinency_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v assume_v upon_o this_o proposition_n to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n and_o therefore_o detest_a and_o abjure_v but_o if_o this_o assumption_n be_v true_a than_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a monarch_n and_o the_o divers_a degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n distinguish_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o charge_n over_o all_o the_o particular_a flock_n in_o judea_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o their_o fellow-labourer_n titâ—u_o timothy_n and_o other_o have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preheâ—ninence_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n as_o bishop_n have_v now_o which_o may_v be_v qualify_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o venerable_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o live_v either_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o near_o to_o they_o so_o likewise_o those_o reverend_a father_n themselves_o as_o polycarpus_n ignatius_n cyprian_n austin_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v esteem_v no_o better_o yea_o likewise_o our_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o province_n shall_v have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n so_o that_o the_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n must_v be_v think_v to_o have_v instead_o of_o a_o laudable_a reformation_n bring_v in_o a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o the_o principal_a word_n which_o they_o do_v most_o urge_v be_v the_o last_o câ—â—â—se_n of_o this_o passage_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v make_v clear_a as_o they_o allege_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v what_o be_v make_v clear_a in_o the_o assembly_n we_o know_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o clear_a god_n willing_a to_o 〈◊〉_d who_o eye_n be_v not_o blind_v with_o partial_a affection_n that_o those_o reason_n produce_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o end_n thereof_o at_o length_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a they_o can_v bring_v be_v foolish_a childish_a and_o ridiculous_a unworthy_a of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v be_v account_v among_o the_o people_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v to_o discuss_v their_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o explain_v the_o word_n hierarchy_n and_o show_v what_o hierarchy_n be_v here_o condemn_v first_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o the_o ancient_a grocian_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o certain_a magistracy_n the_o charge_n whereof_o be_v to_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o of_o temple_n altar_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v translate_v by_o anâ—ient_a christian_a writer_n to_o signify_v the_o sacred_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v even_o in_o presbyterial_a government_n there_o be_v three_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v charge_n of_o sacred_a thing_n of_o distinct_a power_n and_o authority_n towit_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o those_o order_n may_v be_v â—afely_o call_v a_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n they_o who_o understand_v the_o greek_a word_n know_v perfect_o that_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a thing_n or_o a_o holy_a government_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o these_o ecclesiastical_a function_n have_v every_o one_o their_o own_o point_n of_o government_n and_o that_o about_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o abhor_v the_o word_n since_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o to_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v it_o because_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o ethnic_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v abhor_v for_o this_o cause_n more_o than_o the_o word_n episcopus_fw-la presbyter_fw-la and_o pastor_n which_o do_v signify_v also_o among_o the_o ethnic_n certain_a office_n or_o magistracy_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o their_o writing_n or_o be_v it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n neither_o can_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v reject_v take_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n and_o separate_v papistical_a corruption_n from_o it_o more_o than_o the_o other_o title_n give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n which_o all_o have_v be_v abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o that_o this_o word_n hierarchy_n may_v be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o will_v bring_v no_o other_o testimony_n than_o that_o of_o calvin_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n he_o in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-la nâ—cessitatâ—_n refâ—rmanda_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n say_v if_o they_o will_v set_v we_o down_o such_o a_o hierarchy_n wherein_o bishop_n have_v so_o pre-eminence_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n depend_v from_o he_o as_o from_o their_o head_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o wherein_o they_o do_v so_o entertain_v society_n amoâ—gst_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v but_o by_o his_o truth_n then_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o thâ—se_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v exâ—crable_a who_o will_v not_o reverence_v such_o a_o hierarchy_n and_o with_o all_o humble_a obedience_n receive_v the_o same_o where_o we_o see_v that_o calvin_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n neither_o wicked_a nor_o antichristian_a and_o such_o be_v this_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n wherein_o bishop_n
of_o parliament_n before_o this_o abjuration_n be_v swear_v by_o which_o limitation_n be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n add_v since_o either_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n synod_n or_o presbytery_n since_o that_o confession_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dâ—ndie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glâ—sgow_n 1581._o condemn_v episcopacy_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o such_o be_v our_o covenanter_n addition_n or_o application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o their_o rebellioâ—s_a covenant_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v produce_v one_o word_n of_o that_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n neither_o have_v the_o church_n who_o establish_v it_o any_o such_o purpose_n or_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n in_o set_v down_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n do_v approve_v that_o power_n and_o preeminency_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n therefore_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n four_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v determine_v to_o be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v profess_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o this_o by_o the_o king_n or_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o that_o oath_n for_o the_o king_n profession_n we_o have_v show_v cap._n 6._o what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o both_o before_o and_o after_o then_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o particular_a man_n opinion_n but_o by_o public_a act_n either_o by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o they_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o either_o of_o those_o court_n long_o before_o show_v such_o a_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v produce_v act_n of_o both_o those_o court_n not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o also_o continual_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n when_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o make_v and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n approve_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n the_o first_o act_n they_o can_v produce_v have_v any_o appearance_n of_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n first_o because_o this_o act_n be_v not_o long_o before_o if_o not_o after_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o frame_v be_v even_o that_o same_o very_a year_n about_o that_o same_o time_n second_o albeit_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v he_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v signify_v before_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v hereafter_o three_o long_o before_o this_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v public_o approve_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n even_o then_o and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n unrepealed_a which_o we_o have_v before_o faithful_o cite_v cap._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a court_n both_o of_o council_n and_o parliament_n they_o declare_v their_o profession_n by_o reject_v of_o divers_a suit_n make_v for_o ratify_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n as_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o 1579._o and_o 1580._o cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o divers_a suit_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v often_o refuse_v moreover_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n may_n 22._o 1584._o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o profession_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a power_n pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o most_o ample_a form_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n long_o before_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n now_o in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n they_o can_v so_o 〈◊〉_d abuse_n christian_a people_n as_o to_o impose_v false_o â—uch_n a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o people_n in_o press_v to_o persuade_v they_o against_o so_o many_o evident_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o fearful_o perjure_v who_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o episcopacy_n but_o because_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o rather_o to_o be_v abjure_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n than_o under_o the_o name_n of_o doctrine_n therefore_o to_o take_v away_o all_o way_n of_o escape_n or_o subtâ—rfuge_n we_o shall_v examine_v the_o point_n of_o discipline_n also_o and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v by_o all_o those_o former_a limitation_n exclude_v also_o for_o these_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v aswell_o to_o the_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o for_o further_a resolution_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o divers_a signification_n first_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v upon_o those_o who_o do_v err_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n or_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereto_o but_o may_v very_o well_o subsist_v therewith_o and_o have_v subsist_v actual_o both_o during_o the_o government_n under_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n as_o also_o under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v for_o the_o same_o censure_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n long_o before_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v do_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o admoâ—itions_n private_a and_o public_a the_o same_o sentence_n of_o excomâ—unication_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o by_o three_o private_a and_o three_o public_a citation_n before_o ecclesiastical_a indicatory_n the_o same_o public_a prayer_n â—ppointed_v by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o delinquent_n upon_o three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n the_o same_o form_n of_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o enjoin_v private_a or_o public_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o absolve_v of_o the_o penâ—tent_n as_o all_o within_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o power_n and_o prehâ—minence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o disciplâ—â—e_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o this_o â—eale_n 〈◊〉_d apparent_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o oath_n for_o in_o â—ll_n speech_n or_o wâ—â—â—s_n of_o conâ—sequencâ—_z chiâ—â—â—_z those_o which_o be_v see_v down_o for_o a_o solâ—â—â—_n oath_n â—hich_v aught_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o usual_a sense_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o unproper_a and_o figurative_a except_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o must_v be_v take_v improper_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n discipline_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n