place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o pope_n sole_a authority_n that_o council_n may_v have_v have_v a_o more_o happy_a event_n for_o the_o well_o and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v not_o observe_v that_o form_n order_n or_o decency_n which_o do_v become_v a_o venerable_a ecclesiastic_a meeting_n for_o first_o these_o who_o be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o principal_a member_n of_o all_o general_a or_o national_a counsel_n to_o wit_n the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exclude_v a_o company_n of_o layman_n earl_n lord_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n without_o warrant_n authority_n or_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v thrust_v in_o their_o room_n bear_v chief_a sway_n in_o the_o assembly_n carry_v all_o matter_n violent_o for_o their_o own_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v remark_v by_o wise_a and_o grave_a man_n that_o one_o earl_n and_o one_o lord_n make_v more_o speech_n in_o the_o assembly_n than_o all_o the_o clergy_n except_o the_o moderator_n 2._o in_o their_o session_n no_o order_n or_o decency_n observe_v all_o sit_v pel-mell_o without_o distinction_n of_o degree_n save_v only_o that_o lay-nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n occupy_v the_o chief_a room_n with_o their_o sword_n and_o pistol_n by_o their_o side_n the_o minister_n mix_v among_o burgess_n merchant_n and_o nobleman_n servant_n hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o they_o by_o their_o habit_n or_o carriage_n many_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o colour_a clothes_n all_o in_o short_a cloak_n except_o the_o minister_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v their_o gown_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o have_v know_v their_o person_n before_o they_o shall_v scarce_o have_v discern_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o merchant_n or_o taylor_n 3._o the_o minister_n be_v not_o there_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o scotland_n long_o after_o the_o reformation_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v leave_v his_o flock_n except_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o their_o superintendent_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o their_o new_a invent_a form_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o layman_n have_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o rather_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o most_o wise_a modest_a and_o learned_a brethren_n but_o the_o most_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o bold_a to_o oppose_v authority_n fit_a member_n indeed_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n 4._o in_o discuss_v of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v conclude_v no_o reason_n but_o superficial_a no_o careful_a ponder_n of_o the_o reason_n but_o all_o take_v implicit_a fide_fw-la which_o have_v any_o show_n no_o exact_a distinguish_n of_o the_o article_n but_o many_o matter_n of_o different_a nature_n be_v hâ—dled_v up_o together_o confuse_o and_o with_o great_a precipitation_n be_v voice_v and_o conclude_v the_o assembly_n continue_v only_o a_o month_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n to_o wit_v from_o the_o 21._o of_o november_n to_o the_o 4._o of_o december_n be_v consume_v in_o circumstantial_a point_n concerning_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o receive_v and_o discuss_v their_o commission_n in_o contestation_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o covenanter_n in_o exclude_v some_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsellor_n authorize_v by_o he_o to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o ancient_a approve_a counsel_n either_o general_n or_o national_a in_o reject_v most_o just_a protestation_n of_o divers_a presbytery_n against_o this_o assembly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o pâ—ables_n of_o aberdeine_n of_o the_o channonry_n of_o rosse_n in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v read_v the_o most_o just_a declinature_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o final_o in_o declare_v certain_a book_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v authentic_a register_n at_o last_o the_o four_o of_o december_n they_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a matter_n for_o which_o this_o assembly_n be_v require_v begin_v at_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o six_o last_o general_a assembly_n convene_v continue_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n which_o they_o do_v in_o short_a space_n than_o can_v suffice_v to_o read_v they_o over_o so_o precipitate_a be_v they_o in_o condemn_v absolute_o so_o many_o grave_a assembly_n with_o such_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o never_o one_o be_v call_v but_o without_o reason_n or_o judgement_n condemn_v they_o all_o in_o one_o word_n by_o implicit_a faith_n give_v to_o some_o few_o neither_o of_o the_o most_o wise_a or_o learn_v of_o the_o company_n who_o have_v a_o committee_n to_o invent_v some_o apparent_a reason_n to_o annul_v the_o same_o and_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o two_o part_n of_o those_o who_o voice_v against_o they_o have_v never_o see_v the_o act_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o peruse_v they_o but_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o jesuitical_a obedience_n do_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o rebellious_a leader_n in_o another_o session_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v summary_o fourteen_o bishop_n upon_o a_o pretend_a false_a libel_n produce_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o they_o which_o by_o no_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v competent_a judge_n to_o their_o process_n without_o lawful_a citation_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o many_o general_a assembly_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v never_o accustom_v no_o not_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a time_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o proceed_v so_o summary_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o most_o notorious_a offender_n without_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o long_a space_n grant_v to_o the_o accuse_v either_o to_o justify_v himself_o or_o declare_v his_o repentance_n 1._o there_o be_v use_v three_o private_a personal_a citation_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o presbytery_n next_o if_o those_o be_v not_o obey_v three_o public_a citation_n one_o three_o several_a sabbath_n 3._o followed_n three_o public_a prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v appear_v either_o to_o purge_v themselves_o of_o the_o crime_n impute_v to_o they_o or_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o another_o session_n they_o condemn_v with_o one_o voice_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o court_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o space_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v read_v over_o all_o those_o book_n muchless_o to_o peruse_v they_o thorough_o and_o discuss_v the_o controvert_a point_n therein_o which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v before_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n for_o the_o which_o chief_o they_o do_v procure_v this_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o slight_o and_o with_o such_o precipitation_n handle_v to_o wit_n whether_o bishop_n shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o doctrine_n so_o universal_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n even_o in_o her_o pure_a time_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o allow_v in_o substance_n by_o
covenant_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v 2._o in_o the_o party_n betwixt_o who_o 3._o in_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n whereunto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o 4._o in_o the_o end_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v contract_v but_o in_o all_o these_o point_n this_o covenant_n be_v different_a from_o the_o former_a enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n of_o hâ—ppy_a memory_n first_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n who_o only_o under_o god_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v all_o his_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v only_o frame_v and_o urge_v by_o private_a man_n upon_o those_o over_o who_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a second_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o party_n be_v the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n on_o one_o part_n and_o all_o his_o subject_n on_o the_o other_a part_n in_o this_o the_o party_n be_v some_o particular_a private_a person_n nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o among_o themselves_o exclude_v the_o king_n majesty_n three_o the_o matter_n and_o article_n whereunto_o all_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v the_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n abjuration_n of_o all_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a error_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n but_o in_o this_o albeit_o they_o pretend_v to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o yet_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pretext_n to_o cover_v their_o rebellion_n and_o protestatio_fw-la contra_fw-la factum_fw-la for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v in_o this_o very_a fact_n many_o way_n encroach_v upon_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o estate_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o principal_a article_n whereto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o be_v 1._o to_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o mutual_a defence_n one_o of_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o false_a application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n add_v thereunto_o like_o the_o gloss_n of_o orleans_n destroy_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n 3._o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n constitute_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o command_v by_o the_o king_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o swear_v disobedience_n both_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o to_o god_n also_o 4._o to_o reject_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o parliament_n final_o to_o suppress_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n oâ—_z parliament_n thereby_o destroy_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n four_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v many_o way_n disturb_v in_o those_o time_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o external_a invasion_n and_o inward_a sedition_n which_o be_v upon_o too_o evident_a ground_n then_o fear_v but_o in_o this_o their_o covenant_n the_o chief_a intend_a end_n be_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o stir_v up_o seditious_a faction_n therein_o against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o loyal_a subject_n that_o in_o those_o trouble_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n they_o may_v work_v their_o own_o particular_a end_n and_o not_o to_o exclude_v external_a invasion_n but_o rather_o to_o open_v a_o gate_n for_o stranger_n to_o enter_v and_o if_o their_o secret_a practice_n with_o the_o king_n of_o france_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o holland_n can_v have_v prevail_v as_o they_o be_v confident_a they_o shall_v to_o have_v bring_v in_o foreign_a force_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o praise_v be_v god_n those_o estate_n be_v wise_a than_o so_o as_o to_o assist_v subject_n in_o their_o unjust_a rebellion_n against_o their_o natural_a prince_n final_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v their_o foolish_a and_o vain_a boast_n here_o and_o in_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n often_o repeat_v usque_fw-la aâ—_z nauseam_fw-la that_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n bless_v from_o heaven_n they_o conceive_v so_o because_o of_o the_o great_a applaâ—se_n it_o have_v have_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o prosperous_a succeâ—â—e_n they_o have_v find_v in_o their_o erterprise_n against_o the_o king_n castle_n in_o put_v their_o army_n to_o the_o field_n and_o harm_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n without_o present_a damage_n to_o themselves_o but_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abirars_n have_v good_a success_n at_o the_o first_o and_o draw_v after_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o man_n of_o renown_n as_o it_o be_v write_v numb._n 16._o 2._o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o people_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o so_o that_o moses_n be_v great_o astonish_v fall_v down_o most_o abject_o upon_o his_o face_n before_o they_o and_o can_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repress_v that_o sedition_n except_o the_o lord_n have_v comfort_v and_o direct_v he_o these_o man_n may_v have_v think_v as_o our_o covenanter_n do_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v their_o enterprise_n from_o heaven_n yet_o ere_o it_o be_v long_a they_o find_v god_n just_a judgement_n and_o curse_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o earth_n swallow_v up_o some_o of_o they_o quick_a and_o other_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n let_v all_o seditious_a rebel_n therefore_o learn_v by_o this_o example_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o not_o to_o boast_v too_o confident_o of_o their_o present_a success_n but_o fear_v the_o end_n the_o four_o and_o last_o consideration_n be_v because_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o council_n by_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n have_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o their_o application_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o date_n tenor_n and_o meaâ—ing_v it_o have_v an._n 1581._o there_o for_o they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v be_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o their_o doubt_n concerning_o this_o consideration_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o subscriber_n of_o that_o rebellious_a covenant_n do_v understand_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o those_o who_o do_v subscribe_v the_o king_n covenant_n at_o his_o majesty_n command_n both_o first_o and_o last_o can_v not_o lawful_o swear_v to_o it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o the_o king_n who_o require_v the_o oath_n do_v understand_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o direct_a and_o explain_v meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v himself_o plain_o enough_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v his_o council_n nor_o his_o other_o subject_n to_o sweat_v this_o confession_n in_o such_o meaning_n as_o thereby_o either_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o other_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v abjure_v for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v a_o delude_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o a_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n who_o teach_v their_o suppost_n that_o axiom_n unto_o dangerous_a interrogatory_n one_o may_v frame_v to_o himself_o a_o safe_a sense_n and_o swear_v thereto_o think_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a nobleman_n will_v practise_v jesuitical_a trick_n to_o elude_v his_o majesty_n command_n in_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o they_o know_v his_o majesty_n intend_v 2._o albeit_o that_o in_o their_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v they_o have_v all_o add_v express_o that_o restriction_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v anno_fw-la 1581._o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a
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
cap._n 7._o entitle_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n everywhere_o and_o most_o frequent_o by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v obey_v and_o receive_v bishop_n be_v not_o perjure_v nor_o have_v break_v that_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o this_o assembly_n who_o have_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v with_o such_o precipitation_n so_o many_o bishop_n and_o minister_n without_o observe_v in_o their_o process_n these_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v evident_o perjure_v according_a to_o their_o own_o ground_n second_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v at_o some_o time_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o ample_a signification_n for_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 1._o be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o order_n or_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n thereto_o appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o we_o â—ll_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o policy_n cap._n 2._o be_v divide_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v ruler_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v rule_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n subject_a to_o this_o policy_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o discipline_n so_o proper_o call_v 3._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n and_o â—ent_a of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o contend_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o this_o large_a sense_n in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n likewise_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o this_o discipline_n or_o policy_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o distinguish_v the_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a from_o the_o point_n accidental_a and_o mutable_a or_o as_o it_o be_v express_o distinguish_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 9_o entitle_v of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n utter_o necessary_a without_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o thing_n profitable_a and_o not_o mere_o necessary_a the_o point_n utter_o necessary_a be_v those_o which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n to_o endure_v perpetual_o as_o that_o there_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o god_n word_n be_v true_o teach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v against_o scandalous_a person_n and_o such_o other_o like_a thing_n the_o point_v not_o mere_o necessary_a but_o profitable_a be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o particular_o prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n set_v down_o the_o form_n ceremony_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n do_v require_v such_o as_o how_o many_o pastor_n under_o what_o name_n and_o title_n they_o ought_v to_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n over_o what_o bound_n or_o what_o particular_a person_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v charge_n when_o where_o in_o what_o order_n gesture_n or_o what_o habit_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v pray_v or_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o divers_a other_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n concerning_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o government_n the_o first_o sort_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v in_o substance_n since_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o baptism_n or_o entrâ—e_n to_o a_o calling_n do_v oblige_v every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o station_n therein_o to_o observe_v they_o perpetual_o albeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o oath_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o condemn_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o of_o these_o essential_a point_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o god_n word_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o in_o swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o point_n of_o discipline_n none_o have_v abjure_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n but_o therewith_o have_v retain_v those_o essential_a point_n without_o change_n or_o alteration_n there_o be_v other_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o accidental_a part_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v by_o what_o title_n or_o name_n those_o who_o bear_v chief_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v whether_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n or_o precedent_n or_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o moderatores_fw-la by_o who_o advice_n they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o authority_n whether_o by_o chapter_n or_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n or_o by_o other_o wise_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n assume_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o be_v their_o câ—uncell_n albeit_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o expedient_a to_o use_v these_o title_n and_o name_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o continue_v by_o long_a prescription_n in_o after_o age_n than_o those_o new_a invent_a title_n by_o man_n affect_v singularity_n these_o point_n be_v alterable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o not_o be_v precise_o command_v in_o god_n word_n may_v be_v change_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o liberty_n they_o be_v leave_v and_o therefore_o no_o oath_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n thereof_o in_o case_n it_o please_v the_o church_n for_o reason_n of_o expediency_n to_o alter_v they_o for_o according_a to_o that_o common_a regula_fw-la iuris_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la actus_fw-la super_fw-la quo_fw-la interponitur_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v unto_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n perpetui_fw-la iuris_fw-la the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o biâ—des_v to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n and_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o absolve_v we_o of_o that_o oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v iuris_fw-la positivi_fw-la and_o only_o a_o constitution_n of_o the_o câ—urch_n or_o commonwealth_n concerning_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o supreme_a 〈…〉_z then_o certain_o the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o 〈…〉_z long_o than_o the_o constitution_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v alter_v by_o that_o same_o lawful_a authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v all_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la loose_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o oath_n yea_o all_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o the_o alteration_n she_o make_v in_o those_o mutable_a point_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o new_a act_n and_o constitution_n that_o concern_v the_o same_o although_o they_o be_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o all_o those_o who_o disobey_v therein_o contemptuous_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n therefore_o since_o the_o church_n have_v alter_v upon_o good_a and_o grave_a reason_n those_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v for_o a_o time_n not_o upon_o so_o good_a ground_n unto_o the_o ancient_a approve_a manner_n of_o episcopal_a government_n all_o those_o within_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v notwithstanding_o of_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o her_o change_n without_o fear_n of_o perjury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o our_o covenanter_n who_o before_o the_o lawful_a abrogation_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n have_v not_o conform_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o disobey_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o their_o exemplary_a practice_n entice_v yea_o compel_v other_o to_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o their_o mother_n their_o church_n and_o break_v of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v conserve_v do_v lie_v under_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n until_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v chap._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v against_o bishop_n until_o