at_o london_n then_o to_o profess_v in_o their_o paper_n they_o be_v not_o inâ—â—â—sâ—â—d_v to_o 〈…〉_z in_o their_o guilt_n when_o they_o know_v thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d will_v take_v their_o meaning_n to_o â—e_v of_o the_o king_n do_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o in_o these_o inferior_a and_o low_a point_n about_o church-government_n lose_v a_o people_n from_o their_o duty_n in_o defend_v his_o person_n and_o obey_v his_o authority_n how_o may_v foreign_a prince_n who_o have_v protestant_n in_o their_o dominion_n take_v it_o if_o that_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o approve_a opinion_n among_o their_o protestant_n subject_n that_o their_o loyalty_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v to_o his_o be_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o they_o may_v either_o cease_v to_o defend_v he_o or_o inuâ—dâ—_v he_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o those_o who_o own_v the_o western_a remonstrance_n do_v justify_v their_o seditious_a engagment_n and_o rent_a proceed_n which_o few_o of_o they_o have_v disclaim_v to_o this_o day_n upon_o then_o sense_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v say_v and_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o publish_a declaration_n and_o testimony_n of_o church_n judicatory_n since_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o sâ—_n sure_o it_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n it_o hereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o that_o respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n do_v own_o which_o have_v be_v stain_v by_o these_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o position_n and_o the_o undutiful_a practice_n slow_v from_o the_o same_o in_o these_o year_n past_a but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v if_o in_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o engager_n therein_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o 〈◊〉_d act_n unlawful_a that_o may_v render_v the_o covenant_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o sinful_a the_o act_n which_o in_o the_o second_o article_n now_o under_o question_n they_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o be_v the_o vote_v out_o of_o prelacy_n or_o the_o office_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o such_o office_n in_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n so_o they_o need_v not_o to_o swear_v extirpation_n of_o what_o be_v not_o there_o in_o england_n their_o church-government_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o land_n it_o may_v be_v question_v if_o the_o swear_v the_o extirpation_n or_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v the_o same_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_a law_n giver_n of_o the_o land_n be_v a_o lawful_a act._n the_o question_n be_v not_o now_o whether_o episcopacy_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o but_o suppose_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o albeit_o in_o that_o case_n the_o lawgiver_n be_v indeed_o bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o to_o annul_v law_n favour_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o people_n to_o bandy_v for_o force_v or_o fright_v the_o law_n giver_n to_o a_o alteration_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o mutual_a defence_n with_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o overturning_a what_o the_o law_n allow_v agree_v the_o sovereign_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o covenant_n artic._n 2_o 3_o 5._o if_o once_o that_o principle_n prevail_v that_o subject_n may_v when_o they_o apprehend_v law_n unlawful_a use_v forcible_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v alteration_n thereof_o what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v for_o the_o best_a print_n in_o maintain_v the_o best_a law_n or_o what_o peace_n for_o people_n when_o a_o evil_a spirit_n rush_v upon_o people_n or_o some_o sheba_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o be_v their_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v soldier_n and_o man_n at_o arm_n however_o call_v thereto_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o magistrate_n and_o law_n even_o the_o best_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a some_o defender_n of_o the_o covenant_n say_v forcible_a endeavour_n be_v not_o mean_v compare_v second_o article_n and_o three_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o former_a and_o the_o five_o article_n it_o be_v clear_o enough_o see_v violent_a endeavour_n be_v mean_v where_o less_o will_v not_o do_v and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v manage_v in_o the_o field_n be_v not_o people_n upon_o account_n of_o that_o article_n hunt_v out_o either_o to_o kill_v or_o die_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o covenant-breaking_a if_o they_o go_v not_o do_v not_o people_n conceive_v themselves_o or_o be_v teach_v so_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o take_v arm_n without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lawgiver_n and_o in_o that_o call_n they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v forcible_o consent_v the_o king_n or_o not_o to_o carry_v that_o abolition_n of_o prelacy_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o engage_a to_o such_o endeavour_n be_v lawful_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la or_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a bond_n that_o tie_v to_o such_o violent_a endeavour_n against_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o law_n be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v that_o if_o they_o who_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o no_o way_n to_o yield_v unto_o acknowledge_v obey_v nor_o act_v under_o the_o government_n which_o the_o king_n and_o law_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o by_o thus_o withdraw_v their_o subjection_n encourage_v and_o lead_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a after_o their_o example_n thereby_o design_v to_o weaken_v the_o government_n which_o in_o the_o fair_a construction_n can_v be_v judge_v to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o i_o say_v these_o will_v speak_v and_o act_v consequential_o to_o former_a principle_n and_o practice_n not_o yet_o by_o they_o disclaim_v they_o must_v also_o hold_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o resist_v and_o fight_v against_o the_o law_n fence_v episcopacy_n if_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o not_o only_o to_o vent_v their_o animosity_n and_o discontent_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n in_o private_a but_o also_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o revile_v and_o curse_v that_o government_n and_o their_o superior_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n in_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n in_o public_a and_o in_o effect_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o bring_v it_o and_o they_o under_o the_o scandal_n and_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o the_o butt_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o revenge_n let_v wise_a man_n judge_v how_o far_o this_o be_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o lawful_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n yea_o and_o christianity_n and_o what_o a_o inlet_n this_o will_v give_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o rekindle_v that_o fire_n which_o have_v almost_o consume_v we_o to_o ash_n to_o close_v 1._o if_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o apostolic_a institution_n as_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n judge_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v many_o swearer_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v ground_n of_o clear_a persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o band_v against_o without_o grievous_a sin_n and_o scandal_n 2._o if_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o only_o by_o humane_a constitution_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v what_o protestant_n write_v against_o papist_n that_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a abstinence_n in_o all_o case_n from_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o let_v it_o be_v think_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_n to_o bind_v up_o themselves_o by_o oath_n never_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n law_n in_o thing_n god_n have_v put_v under_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o power_n 3._o let_v episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o any_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a for-subject_n to_o attempt_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n favour_v it_o by_o any_o force_n to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o proceed_n thereupon_o be_v answerable_a the_o lord_n give_v we_o humble_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n to_o see_v at_o last_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o bond_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n which_o churchman_n above_o other_o subject_n shall_v pay_v to_o that_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n declare_v by_o the_o law_n to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n to_o the_o crown_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o we_o in_o this_o day_n of_o our_o tranquillity_n and_o calm_a which_o god_n have_v wrought_v to_o consider_v what_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o which_o we_o have_v be_v too_o long_o transport_v by_o the_o tempestuous_a agitation_n and_o diverse_a wind_n of_o doctrine_n engagement_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o year_n past_a reason_n and_o scripture_n divine_a and_o natural_a law_n seem_v to_o point_v out_o as_o with_o a_o sunbeam_n the_o way_n we_o shall_v hold_v namely_o that_o for_o public_a security_n order_n and_o peace_n minister_n and_o people_n do_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o present_a establishment_n and_o obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n whether_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o those_o who_o be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o division_n and_o offence_n and_o by_o their_o carriage_n and_o way_n to_o dispose_v they_o into_o disaffection_n and_o discontent_n with_o the_o king_n and_o his_o law_n as_o if_o in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o whether_o of_o corrupt_a and_o weak_a mind_n he_o be_v a_o tyrant_n not_o a_o father_n to_o the_o church_n who_o make_v such_o law_n which_o his_o conscientious_a subject_n can_v obey_v for_o fear_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o this_o way_n of_o disobedience_n be_v persist_v in_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o evil_n will_v follow_v since_o it_o must_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n will_v in_o honour_n and_o justice_n maintain_v the_o law_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a nation_n may_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o a_o troublesome_a disquiet_a factious_a people_n delight_v still_o in_o sedition_n and_o turbulence_n it_o become_v we_o rather_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o be_v pattern_n of_o love_n to_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o king_n and_o country_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o show_v so_o much_o tenderness_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n order_n and_o unity_n as_o to_o put_v forth_o ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o our_o station_n to_o promote_v all_o these_o which_o will_v prove_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o crush_a that_o spirit_n of_o athelsm_n and_o profaneness_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o by_o those_o who_o flee_v from_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o employ_v themselves_o so_o much_o in_o consider_v how_o to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n or_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v as_o how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v what_o they_o may_v without_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n direct_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 15._o line_n 6._o for_o other_o read_v oath_n pag._n 18._o line_n 2._o for_o sect_n read_v sort_n
to_o bind_v other_o to_o their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_a it_o be_v no_o assembly_n nor_o company_n of_o man_n can_v put_v a_o obligation_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v take_v a_o oath_n personal_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n can_v declare_v their_o own_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o themselves_o but_o can_v not_o impose_v their_o sense_n upon_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n before_o that_o sense_n not_o have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n by_o the_o imposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n not_o have_v impower_v the_o commissioner_n at_o glasgow_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o that_o oath_n they_o have_v take_v so_o then_o whatever_o be_v do_v at_o glasgow_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n can_v not_o oblige_v all_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o own_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o at_o first_o impose_v the_o oath_n declare_v to_o they_o and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n have_v not_o indeed_o abjure_v episcopacy_n by_o that_o national_a covenant_n they_o enter_v in_o neither_o the_o covenant_n nor_o add_v interpretation_n import_v any_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n by_o any_o after_o deed_n own_v that_o assembly_n sense_v of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n in_o that_o assembly_n that_o all_o shall_v own_v their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o act_n sess_z 26._o that_o these_o who_o have_v not_o already_o subscribe_v shall_v subscribe_v with_o a_o allowance_n of_o the_o assembly_n determination_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o few_o do_v so_o if_o any_o do_v so_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v too_o rash_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o current_n of_o that_o time_n without_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o matter_n but_o final_o now_o that_o we_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o bypass_a time_n it_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o ponder_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o covenant_n we_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o seem_v most_o express_a against_o prelacy_n and_o which_o almost_o swallow_v up_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v great_a duty_n engage_v to_o in_o the_o same_o relate_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n from_o which_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v loose_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o tie_v be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o covenant_n who_o design_v no_o evil_n nor_o mind_v any_o injury_n to_o the_o sovereign_n yet_o several_a thing_n as_o to_o that_o covenant_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v serious_o examine_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v as_o fault_n especial_o if_o any_o evil_a or_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o substance_n or_o mater_fw-la of_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v remember_v malum_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la singulis_fw-la defectibus_fw-la 1._o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o public_a oath_n or_o bond_n without_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n can_v there_o be_v any_o example_n show_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a either_o jew_n or_o christian_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o public_a oath_n or_o league_n and_o bond_n without_o their_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v over_o they_o go_v before_o they_o or_o they_o not_o consent_v or_o contradict_v be_v it_o not_o so_o special_a a_o royalty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o have_v power_n of_o impose_v a_o public_a oath_n on_o all_o his_o subject_n especial_o when_o the_o oath_n have_v a_o direct_a aim_n for_o raise_v and_o take_v arm_n for_o invasion_n of_o any_o in_o foreign_a nation_n such_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n as_o to_o we_o in_o scotland_n that_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o king_n what_o be_v there_o that_o may_v not_o be_v do_v without_o he_o who_o can_v have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o swear_v all_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n without_o his_o consent_n much_o less_o can_v any_o have_v power_n to_o swear_v they_o to_o a_o war_n against_o the_o sovereign_n while_o he_o be_v no_o way_n injure_v they_o but_o heap_v favour_n upon_o they_o the_o war_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o be_v defensive_a on_o their_o part_n noâ—_n admit_v of_o apology_n upon_o that_o ground_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o several_a just_a law_n of_o this_o land_n clear_o inhibit_v all_o league_n of_o subject_n under_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o the_o king_n consent_n have_v and_o obtain_v thereto_o jam._n 6._o parl._n 10._o act._n 1â—_n marry_o parl._n 9_o act_n 75._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v move_v to_o concur_v in_o it_o and_o to_o take_v it_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o warrant_v it_o have_v from_o king_n james_n his_o authority_n still_o continue_v albeit_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o successor_n give_v any_o authoriy_n to_o the_o additional_a explication_n and_o application_n and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ingenuos_o profess_v by_o the_o promoter_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o may_v also_o be_v clear_v by_o write_n they_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v it_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n or_o league_n they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v in_o it_o without_o the_o king_n authority_n warrand_a they_o but_o when_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o have_v no_o shadow_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n come_v upon_o the_o stage_n this_o doctrine_n be_v forget_v utter_o for_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o england_n by_o a_o meeting_n of_o parliament_n exclude_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o king_n proclaim_v against_o it_o in_o scotland_n by_o a_o committee_n of_o estate_n which_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o engage_v the_o land_n in_o a_o foreign_a war_n intend_v in_o that_o covenant_n may_v be_v doubt_v now_o although_o this_o can_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o undoubted_o lawful_a and_o otherwise_o still_o oblige_v yet_o it_o be_v well_o if_o unlawfulness_n in_o regard_n of_o this_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n warrand_a it_o be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v some_o piece_n of_o self-denial_n casuist_n say_v that_o res_fw-la jurata_fw-la may_v be_v licita_fw-la when_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la illicitum_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o suppose_v it_o also_o to_o oblige_v yet_o they_o who_o appear_v so_o afraid_a of_o sin_n in_o break_v that_o oath_n will_v for_o proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n give_v as_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n as_o they_o do_v against_o that_o sin_n as_o they_o suppose_v in_o break_v it_o if_o they_o say_v factum_fw-la valet_fw-la let_v they_o consider_v if_o they_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o say_v fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la 2._o it_o be_v most_o serious_o to_o be_v consider_v if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o intrinsical_a frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o with_o which_o god_n be_v not_o well-pleased_n such_o a_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o most_o solemn_a profession_n before_o god_n of_o what_o man_n do_v own_o in_o religion_n and_o profess_o intend_v for_o the_o great_a mutual_a assurance_n of_o man_n enter_v in_o it_o one_o to_o another_o shall_v have_v be_v frame_v in_o most_o strict_a plain_a and_o specifical_a term_n but_o this_o solemn_a league_n etc._n etc._n be_v purposely_o frame_v in_o general_a and_o homonymous_a term_n such_o as_o by_o the_o expression_n leave_v room_n for_o all_o the_o sectary_n in_o the_o isle_n if_o they_o will_v but_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lurk_v under_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o own_o each_o one_o their_o own_o way_n and_o yet_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o that_o several_a sort_n of_o sectary_n may_v fight_v in_o their_o several_a faction_n one_o against_o
contradicentibus_fw-la as_o be_v manifest_a by_o history_n in_o the_o successor_n of_o mark_n at_o alexandria_n and_o other_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v up_o so_o early_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o not_o contradict_v it_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n mind_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o piety_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a and_o knowledge_n too_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n have_v it_o be_v judge_v a_o wrong_v of_o christ_n ordinance_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o time_n of_o such_o fiery_a persecution_n christ_n minister_n shall_v be_v carry_v with_o ambition_n to_o seek_v the_o superiority_n over_o other_o in_o a_o office_n against_o his_o mind_n or_o that_o people_n will_v have_v yield_v to_o the_o ambitious_a course_n of_o pastor_n how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o time_n without_o any_o know_a exception_n shall_v have_v take_v up_o that_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n without_o any_o co-action_n to_o it_o by_o civil_a power_n without_o any_o advice_n or_o direction_n from_o general_a assembly_n and_o council_n which_o then_o be_v not_o in_o be_v if_o this_o way_n have_v not_o be_v universal_o judge_v lawful_a yea_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v descend_v from_o a_o high_a warrant_n then_o voluntary_a agreement_n of_o man_n we_o do_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n till_o it_o be_v make_v by_o one_o aerius_n in_o the_o four_o age_n who_o epiphanius_n call_v a_o frantic_a man_n he_o be_v enrage_v that_o eustathius_n who_o he_o undervalue_v in_o comparison_n of_o himself_o be_v prefer_v to_o he_o and_o get_v the_o bishopric_n which_o he_o ambitious_o aim_v at_o begin_v to_o talk_v against_o the_o dignity_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o be_v therefore_o count_v by_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n no_o child_n in_o knowledge_n a_o heretic_n in_o whatever_o sense_n they_o mean_v and_o also_o he_o be_v just_o censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o blondel_n gers_n bucer_n molinaeus_n to_o andrews_n as_o a_o disturber_n of_o a_o lawful_a order_n in_o the_o church_n albeit_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o think_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n or_o apostolical_a now_o let_v brethren_n in_o modesty_n consider_v how_o unlike_o it_o be_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o begin_v so_o early_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o their_o contradiction_n that_o be_v so_o universal_o submit_v to_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_n church_n not_o only_o these_o infect_v with_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n but_o the_o eastern_a church_n that_o disclaim_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o that_o for_o 1500._o year_n after_o christ_n without_o any_o contradiction_n save_v of_o one_o man_n who_o never_o have_v a_o marrow_n no_o not_o i_o whatever_o be_v say_v concern_v he_o by_o some_o that_o be_v still_o own_a by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o pope_n not_o only_o by_o these_o of_o the_o lutheran_n way_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la nisi_fw-la superintendens_fw-la say_v jerom_n epist_n ad_fw-la euagrum_fw-la but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o calvinean_a way_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o zepperus_n eccles_n pol._n and_o formal_o that_o be_v even_o own_a as_o lawful_a be_v well-moderated_n by_o the_o stout_a disputer_n against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o it_o albeit_o man_n in_o their_o passionate_a strain_n to_o popular_a auditory_n sometime_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o anti-christian_n and_o popish_a domination_n yet_o in_o the_o protestant_n episcopacy_n that_o be_v own_v there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o the_o pope_n then_o there_o be_v of_o a_o mass-priest_n in_o a_o minister_n or_o of_o a_o conclave_n of_o cardinal-presbyters_a in_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o presbytery_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v now_o be_v the_o very_a primitive_a episcopacy_n which_o timorcus_n descrive_v ep._n 10._o sect._n 25._o affirm_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n be_v do_v by_o brethren_n under_o the_o bishop_n without_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o do_v nothing_o without_o they_o in_o these_o and_o avow_v the_o same_o not_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o now_o be_v be_v that_o same_o office_n for_o substance_n which_o ignatius_n have_v at_o antioch_n polycarp_n at_o smyrna_n â—ornâ—lius_fw-la in_o rome_n iraeneus_n at_o lion_n in_o france_n cyprian_n in_o carthage_n and_o many_o other_o have_v in_o other_o place_n before_o the_o niven_n council_n and_o which_o chrysostome_n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o have_v after_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n that_o our_o bishop_n as_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o office_n and_o place_n for_o substance_n these_o do_v so_o they_o may_v imitate_v their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v notable_a instrument_n for_o advance_v god_n glory_n in_o their_o station_n but_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o hold_v of_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o government_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v too_o great_a a_o imputation_n upon_o this_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n for_o lay_v aside_o the_o time_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n since_o the_o year_n 1638._o wherein_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o army_n there_o have_v be_v small_a opportunity_n for_o a_o serious_a free_a disquisition_n anent_o these_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o before_o that_o year_n episcopacy_n have_v be_v for_o a_o far_o long_a time_n own_v by_o this_o reform_a church_n then_o presbytery_n have_v be_v for_o until_o the_o year_n 1580._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v real_o use_v in_o scotland_n till_o the_o year_n 1580._o in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n declare_v it_o unlawful_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o get_v their_o presbytery_n set_v up_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n till_o twelve_o year_n after_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o make_v that_o act_n at_o dundee_n bishop_n be_v in_o the_o land_n for_o so_o the_o act_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o import_v forasmuch_o say_v they_o as_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o realm_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o their_o order_n they_o give_v to_o process_n the_o several_a bishop_n if_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o office_n now_o from_o the_o time_n of_o general_a reformation_n from_o popery_n to_o the_o time_n of_o that_o act_n of_o dundee_n there_o be_v full_a twenty_o year_n the_o reformation_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o during_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v govern_v by_o some_o singulares_fw-la personae_fw-la particular_a person_n in_o several_a circuit_n in_o the_o land_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o commissioner_n or_o visitor_n of_o country_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n where_o popish_a bishop_n embrace_v the_o reformation_n they_o have_v their_o power_n continue_v and_o commission_n give_v to_o they_o for_o ordain_v minister_n and_o use_v jurisdiction_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n present_v any_o orthodox_n to_o vacant_a bishopric_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o by_o the_o assembly_n edinburgh_n aug._n 6._o 1573._o where_o the_o regent_n promise_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o vacant_a bishopric_n the_o assembly_n conclude_v 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 superintendent_o and_o the_o superintendent_n of_o lothian_n be_v call_v by_o john_n knox_n at_o his_o installing_n anno_fw-la 1560._o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lothian_n and_o these_o who_o represent_v that_o country_n promise_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o he_o as_o become_v the_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o for_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n bishop_n whether_o under_o that_o name_n or_o other_o name_n continue_v in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o our_o reformer_n be_v wise_a man_n then_o to_o put_v a_o presbytery_n in_o their_o creed_n for_o in_o the_o confession_n registrate_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1567._o which_o before_o have_v be_v present_v though_o they_o have_v zeal_n enough_o against_o