and_o what_o be_v premise_v do_v warrant_v a_o just_a extension_n thereof_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n against_o backsliden_fw-mi ruler_n both_o supreme_a and_o subordinat_a or_o even_o in_o favour_n of_o a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n with_o the_o caution_n subjoin_v against_o the_o great_a part_n wicked_o backsliden_fw-mi let_v the_o world_n judge_n oh_o do_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o hide_a and_o secret_a sin_n of_o one_o poor_a acursed_a achan_n sudden_o and_o fearful_o overtake_v the_o whole_a people_n and_o all_z the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n and_o have_v not_o our_o reformer_n great_a reason_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o the_o manifest_a toleration_n of_o proud_a cruel_a and_o flatter_a prelate_n who_o have_v pervert_v the_o lawful_a power_n into_o bloody_a persecuter_n and_o of_o idolatour_n priest_n who_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n have_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a land_n may_v involve_v not_o only_a themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o destroy_v and_o overflow_a indignation_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o no_o less_o wicked_a than_o ground_n less_o cavil_v of_o some_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v or_o have_v every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o phinehas_n and_o what_o then_o will_v god_n if_o wish_n yea_o prayer_n and_o tear_n can_v make_v it_o that_o all_o his_o servant_n be_v as_o phinehas_n and_o that_o he_o will_v pour_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o holy_a zeal_n which_o be_v in_o he_o that_o by_o removal_n of_o the_o cause_n his_o fierce_a anger_n against_o this_o poor_a consume_a land_n may_v cease_v but_o as_o for_o that_o act_n of_o phinehas_n the_o term_n follow_v be_v general_a and_o ambigous_a admit_v of_o several_a distinction_n and_o subdistinction_n as_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a without_o distinguish_v in_o thesi_fw-la to_o define_v a_o action_n and_o call_v extraordinary_a and_o a_o action_n and_o call_v thereunto_o only_o heroical_a and_o to_o state_n the_o true_a specifical_a difference_n and_o just_a limit_n between_o a_o action_n and_o call_v extraordinary_a and_o a_o action_n and_o call_v heroical_a as_o they_o be_v strict_o take_v and_o contradistinguish_v and_o clear_o and_o convince_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la what_o and_o how_o much_o more_o be_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a action_n then_o be_v require_v in_o a_o sufficient_a call_v unto_o a_o heroical_a action_n and_o whether_o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o holy_a zeal_n magnanimity_n and_o fortitude_n do_v constitut_v a_o sufficient_a call_v unto_o a_o heroical_a action_n or_o do_v only_o dispose_v and_o fit_v the_o person_n for_o the_o right_n and_o better_a performance_n thereof_o as_o a_o call_v unto_o the_o action_n and_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o do_v of_o the_o same_o be_v contradictinguish_v or_o may_v not_o both_o dispose_n and_o fit_v the_o person_n for_o performance_n of_o the_o action_n and_o also_o include_v and_o give_v a_o call_n unto_o the_o action_n itself_o so_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v full_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o perhaps_o be_v apprehend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o act_n of_o phinehas_n be_v extraordinary_a strict_o take_v and_o in_o contradistinction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v only_o heroical_a or_o that_o his_o call_n thereunto_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o contradistinction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a call_v unto_o a_o heroical_a action_n and_o more_o difficult_a to_o determine_v otherwise_o then_o by_o naked_a assertion_n what_o that_o extraordinary_a call_n be_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v wherein_o it_o do_v differ_v from_o exceed_v or_o excel_v a_o call_n unto_o a_o heroic_a action_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v also_o hear_v convince_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o another_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v animate_v thereunto_o by_o the_o same_o holy_a zeal_n and_o resolution_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o as_o we_o very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o find_v the_o lord_n commend_v and_o reward_v person_n for_o extraordinary_a action_n whereunto_o they_o have_v extraordinary_a call_n so_o much_o and_o so_o high_o as_o here_o he_o commend_v and_o reward_v phinehas_n so_o the_o text_n itself_o numb_a 25._o do_v lay_v the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o only_a weight_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o commendation_n and_o reward_n upon_o his_o zeal_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o extraordinary_a call_v whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n or_o insinuation_n for_o vers_fw-la 11._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o turn_v my_o wrath_n away_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n while_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o my_o sake_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o vers_n 12_o 13._o promise_v he_o his_o covenant_n of_o peace_n a_o seed_n after_o he_o and_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n because_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o god_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v like_o some_o will_v allege_v that_o heroical_a action_n be_v not_o more_o imitable_a than_o these_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a it_o be_v humble_o offer_v to_o be_v consider_v anent_o heroical_a action_n in_o general_a whether_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o action_n be_v not_o only_o ordinary_a that_o be_v neither_o preternatural_a nor_o supernatural_a though_o not_o very_o frequent_a but_o also_o just_a and_o lawful_a yea_o and_o necessary_a both_o by_o divine_a precept_n &_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o a_o good_a and_o necessary_a end_n and_o when_o either_o there_o be_v not_o or_o do_v not_o appear_v any_o other_o to_o do_v the_o work_n whether_o i_o say_v in_o that_o case_n a_o spirit_n of_o holy_a zeal_n magnanimity_n and_o courage_n wrought_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n more_o or_o few_o be_v otherwise_o in_o a_o rational_a and_o probable_a capacity_n be_v not_o for_o that_o time_n a_o sufficient_a call_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o action_n which_o be_v common_o call_v heroical_a and_o especial_o when_o and_o where_o the_o action_n be_v not_o unnecessary_o irrational_o nor_o in_o vanity_n attempt_v but_o may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v not_o only_o without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a necessary_a and_o chief_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n just_a right_n and_o security_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o other_o their_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a neglect_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v necessary_o undertake_v and_o be_v not_o only_o formal_o intend_v by_o the_o actor_n but_o also_o native_o and_o real_o do_v conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o preservation_n and_o establishment_n of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n just_a right_n and_o security_n by_o suppress_v of_o impiety_n promove_v of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n do_v of_o justice_n turn_v away_o of_o wrath_n and_o remove_n of_o present_a and_o prevent_v of_o future_a jugdment_n and_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o phinehas_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o that_o particular_a act_n of_o justice_n but_o also_o warrant_v and_o accept_v he_o therein_o and_o reward_v he_o therefore_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o zeal_n when_o there_o be_v a_o godly_a and_o zealous_a magistrate_n able_a &_o who_o we_o can_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n presume_v but_o also_o willing_a to_o execute_v justice_n how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v plead_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o will_n not_o only_o pour_v out_o of_o that_o same_o spirit_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o when_o he_o give_v it_o both_o allow_v they_o though_o they_o be_v but_o private_a person_n and_o also_o call_v they_o be_v otherwise_o in_o a_o physical_a and_o probable_a capacity_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o extreme_o necessitous_a and_o otherwise_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o in_o a_o more_o entire_a condition_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o and_o particular_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a provocation_n the_o like_a necessity_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o reformation_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o wrath_n and_o removal_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v in_o phinehas_n case_n but_o also_o when_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n the_o primores_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o other_o inferior_a ruler_n be_v not_o only_o unwilling_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o so_o far_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o they_o be_v become_v the_o author_n and_o patronizer_n of_o these_o abomination_n which_o be_v also_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o if_o upon_o the_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o
though_o none_o of_o they_o be_v so_o national_a universal_a authoritative_a and_o solemn_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o few_o of_o they_o perhaps_o so_o explicit_a full_a plain_a and_o bold_a as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o other_o circumstance_n require_v yea_o the_o continue_a fear_n of_o the_o adversary_n express_v in_o the_o narratives_n of_o several_a of_o their_o own_o act_n and_o proclamation_n and_o their_o levy_n of_o military_a force_n for_o uphold_v of_o they_o and_o their_o cause_n the_o noncompliance_a of_o many_o thousand_o their_o secret_a and_o open_a complaint_n and_o moan_n because_o of_o it_o &_o their_o daily_a prayer_n to_o god_n against_o it_o bear_v witness_n against_o this_o present_a course_n beside_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o some_o who_o have_v be_v chief_a author_n and_o active_a promoter_n thereof_o and_o complyer_n with_o the_o same_o and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v intimate_a familiar_n and_o favourer_n of_o prelate_n and_o their_o vice-curats_a in_o sickness_n and_o at_o death_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v their_o way_n and_o loathe_v their_o person_n that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v their_o presence_n but_o call_v for_o nonconforming_a minister_n to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o yea_o some_o gentleman_n upon_o deathbed_n do_v with_o much_o sorrow_n bemoan_v their_o own_o concurrence_n and_o particular_o their_o take_n of_o the_o declaration_n against_o the_o covenant_n and_o serious_o warn_v and_o exhort_v their_o old_a familiar_n and_o companion_n in_o that_o guilt_n to_o repent_v thereof_o wish_v they_o be_v able_a to_o go_v and_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o repentance_n and_o other_o whilst_o some_o friend_n offer_v to_o bring_v prelatical_a man_n unto_o they_o profess_v that_o though_o they_o have_v sport_v with_o such_o man_n in_o health_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v so_o at_o death_n and_o some_o minister_n who_o have_v conform_v in_o remorse_n thereof_o forsake_v that_o way_n and_o thereafter_o die_v with_o convince_a evidence_n of_o repentance_n therefore_o and_o declaration_n against_o the_o same_o and_o indeed_o as_o there_o be_v never_o any_o course_n in_o the_o land_n which_o so_o visible_o have_v the_o voluntary_a and_o active_a concourse_n of_o all_o and_o only_o the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a so_o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o universal_a concurrence_n and_o wrestle_a together_o by_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a without_o exception_n against_o any_o party_n and_o cause_n than_o now_o be_v against_o this_o for_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v any_o man_n though_o former_o their_o friend_n and_o familiar_a to_o hate_v their_o way_n and_o detest_v themselves_o but_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o own_o sin_n make_v he_o thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o become_v a_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o god_n and_o student_n of_o holiness_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o further_o the_o late_a rise_n in_o arm_n be_v a_o argument_n above_o contradiction_n that_o prelacy_n be_v â—n_o outlandish_a and_o unnatural_a weed_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o have_v its_o immediate_a rise_n from_o cruel_a oppression_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o all_o that_o oppression_n be_v authorize_v by_o the_o ruler_n exercise_v by_o the_o soldier_n and_o endure_v by_o the_o people_n mere_o because_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o a_o noncompliance_a with_o prelacy_n otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v live_v as_o quiet_o as_o other_o and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o probable_a capacity_n by_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o declare_v active_o for_o that_o same_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o action_n be_v condemn_v by_o some_o as_o rebellious_a and_o the_o endeavour_n as_o indeliberate_v irrational_a and_o presumputous_a but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n for_o full_a satisfaction_n thereanent_fw-la i_o shall_v only_o here_o hint_n that_o be_v altogether_o accidental_o occasion_v by_o a_o unforeseen_a emergent_a difference_n betwixt_o 3_o or_o 4_o soldier_n and_o as_o many_o countryman_n arise_v from_o horrid_a oppression_n through_o unjust_a law_n and_o cruel_a military_a execution_n thereof_o without_o premeditate_a counsel_n or_o contrivance_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o all_o the_o formality_n which_o may_v be_v judge_v necessary_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o importance_n can_v have_v be_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o want_v nothing_o but_o success_n to_o have_v make_v many_o of_o the_o same_o person_n account_v the_o action_n just_a and_o necessary_a and_o the_o enterprise_n laudable_a and_o valorous_a and_o as_o for_o the_o person_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v true_o and_o without_o all_o vanity_n affirm_v that_o these_o many_o year_n past_a there_o have_v not_o be_v in_o britain_n such_o a_o other_o company_n of_o man_n join_v in_o arm_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n for_o though_o where_o army_n be_v more_o numerous_a there_o may_v be_v or_o be_v the_o like_a or_o great_a number_n of_o person_n true_o godly_a yet_o where_o the_o whole_a number_n be_v so_o small_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o parallel_v so_o many_o together_o of_o sound_a judgement_n true_a piety_n integrity_n of_o heart_n fervent_a zeal_n and_o undaunted_a resolution_n and_o courage_n and_o with_o so_o small_a a_o mixture_n of_o person_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n profane_a conversation_n and_o sinistrous_a end_n and_o although_o we_o will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o man_n life_n especial_o of_o saint_n at_o this_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a need_n and_o scarcity_n of_o intercessor_n to_o stand_v between_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n yet_o that_o simple_a act_n of_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o a_o great_a testimony_n and_o advantage_n to_o that_o bury_a covenant_n and_o cause_n than_o we_o hope_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o many_o man_n as_o be_v fall_v shall_v import_v of_o damage_n thereunto_o but_o above_o all_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o suffering_n and_o sufferer_n hereafter_o mention_v who_o blood_n under_o the_o altar_n and_o some_o of_o whese_fw-mi head_n and_o hand_n stand_v betwixt_o heaven_n &_o earth_n do_v not_o only_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n but_o night_n and_o day_n bear_v open_a witness_n against_o this_o adulterous_a geaeration_n these_o man_n testimony_n shall_v have_v the_o more_o weight_n and_o credit_n with_o all_o because_o of_o the_o person_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o by_o wish_v words-speaking_a or_o do_v without_o danger_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o too_o many_o man_n atchieument_n in_o these_o day_n but_o by_o blood_n whereunto_o they_o resist_v strive_v against_o sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v neither_o afraid_a to_o act_n nor_o ashamed_a to_o suffer_v for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o a_o fair_a example_n of_o both_o to_o all_o and_o a_o reproof_n to_o many_o who_o great_a prudence_n than_o zeal_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o save_o themselves_o by_o couch_v betwixt_o the_o burden_n that_o a_o great_a prince_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o great_a as_o good_a a_o eminent_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_o useful_a and_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v instrument_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o patron_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o true_a &_o see_v prophet_n do_v fall_v in_o scotland_n when_o argile_n wariston_n and_o mr_n guthrey_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o their_o good_a deed_n and_o particular_o for_o love_v of_o our_o nation_n and_o build_n of_o our_o synagogue_n be_v lead_v like_o innocent_a sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n nothing_o but_o ignorance_n malice_n wickedness_n or_o partiality_n can_v deny_v for_o they_o want_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o belove_v as_o they_o be_v esteem_v and_o fear_v by_o their_o enemy_n but_o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v because_o for_o love_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n they_o dare_v not_o with_o other_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o these_o three_o mighty_a man_n and_o other_o who_o by_o suffer_v since_o have_v obtain_v the_o crown_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v but_o countrey-yeoman_n have_v mean_a education_n and_o little_a other_o learning_n thâ—n_v what_o they_o learn_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o he_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o who_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o father_n house_n do_v eat_v up_o it_o be_v below_o their_o due_a commendation_n when_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o never_o any_o man_n of_o the_o great_a spirit_n piety_n and_o learning_n do_v suffer_v and_o die_v with_o more_o meekness_n and_o patience_n towards_o their_o enemy_n with_o more_o humility_n and_o confidence_n towards_o
god_n with_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o injurious_a reflection_n thereupon_o or_o their_o own_o adherence_n thereunto_o with_o more_o equability_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n sweet_o temper_v with_o the_o sorrow_n be_v of_o sin_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o with_o less_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o alteration_n of_o carriage_n or_o countenance_n than_o these_o worthy_n do_v here_o indeed_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o do_v the_o lord_n stand_v by_o and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o other_o forsake_v yea_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o of_o their_o adversary_n the_o confirmation_n &_o establishment_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o encouragement_n of_o many_o thousand_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n and_o their_o immortal_a commendation_n do_v work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o 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at_o all_o permit_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n there_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o joint_a testimony_n be_v extant_a more_o than_o be_v of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o speak_v at_o their_o death_n in_o glasgow_n &_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o suffer_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o west_n of_o who_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o more_o particular_o but_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o do_v work_v in_o they_o all_o the_o same_o steadfastness_n patience_n humility_n consolation_n courage_n and_o confidence_n these_o be_v the_o last_o time_n wherein_o sin_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o be_v wax_v cold_a i_o can_v divine_v what_o pity_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n especial_o consider_v the_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o dark_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n and_o discountenance_v whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v overshaddow_v general_o the_o whole_a world_n over_o and_o even_o among_o the_o reform_a church_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v entertain_v among_o both_o person_n and_o church_n whereby_o these_o of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n among_o other_o thing_n reciprocal_o give_v and_o receive_v information_n of_o their_o common_a affair_n that_o if_o they_o can_v or_o will_v express_v no_o other_o act_n of_o love_n they_o may_v at_o least_o the_o more_o suitable_o sympathize_v and_o mutual_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o providence_n give_v the_o opportunity_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a to_o communicate_v the_o follow_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n hope_v that_o as_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n so_o the_o wrestle_a church_n of_o scotland_n in_o due_a time_n shall_v reap_v the_o blessing_n of_o naphtali_n who_o gen._n 49.21_o be_v call_v a_o hind_n let_v loose_a and_o say_v to_o give_v goodly_a word_n for_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o her_o wrestle_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o victory_n and_o liberty_n and_o her_o ancient_a covenant_v doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n may_v become_v as_o pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a as_o it_o be_v profitable_a not_o only_o within_o herself_o but_o also_o among_o the_o church_n abroad_o this_o title_n be_v only_o affirmative_a of_o she_o and_o not_o negative_a of_o other_o church_n as_o if_o only_o she_o and_o not_o also_o they_o have_v wrestle_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n let_v no_o man_n offend_v thereat_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n redeemer_n have_v several_a office_n equal_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o and_o inseparable_a by_o man_n and_o as_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o person_n have_v their_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o excellency_n and_o according_o their_o distinct_a work_n assign_v unto_o they_o whereby_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o more_o or_o less_o eminent_o assert_v and_o propugn_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a truth_n so_o in_o this_o distribution_n whereas_o other_o church_n have_v assert_v and_o contend_v for_o his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n the_o lot_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o scotland_n to_o assert_v and_o wrestle_v more_o eminent_o than_o many_o other_o for_o the_o croun_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o do_v our_o first_o famous_a reformer_n strive_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o for_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n for_o preservation_n and_o restauration_n of_o this_o do_v their_o worthy_a successor_n zealous_o contend_v by_o petition_n warning_n conference_n and_o disputation_n all_o invasion_n usurpation_n or_o the_o least_o encroachment_n upon_o this_o diâ—_n they_o valiant_o resist_v by_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n and_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o this_o do_v they_o patient_o suffer_v bond_n imprisonment_n confinement_n sentence_n of_o death_n and_o of_o late_a death_n itself_o neither_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v this_o strange_a as_o if_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a or_o the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n be_v indifferent_a and_o consequent_o contend_v and_o suffer_v therefore_o unwarrantable_a or_o needless_a as_o pretender_n to_o different_a form_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v hithertil_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v heen_n as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n and_o the_o bird_n round_o about_o have_v be_v against_o she_o she_o have_v endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o many_o tongue_n as_o well_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o many_o hand_n upon_o both_o hand_n false_a witness_n have_v lay_v to_o her_o charge_n thing_n which_o she_o know_v not_o as_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n too_o laxe_n or_o too_o rigid_a yea_o as_o unnatural_a child_n have_v eat_v through_o their_o mother_n bowel_n so_o unkind_o brethren_n have_v reward_v she_o evil_n for_o good_a stand_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o look_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n rejoice_v over_o she_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o destruction_n and_o speak_v proud_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o distress_n yea_o lay_v hand_n on_o her_o substance_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v his_o invincible_a truth_n need_v the_o help_n of_o humane_a passion_n if_o therefore_o such_o man_n do_v not_o fear_v i_o shall_v not_o desire_v that_o their_o own_o tongue_n may_v fall_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v render_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n and_o according_a to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o endeavour_n but_o rather_o study_v the_o revenge_n of_o good_a will_n by_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n &_o convert_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v take_v revenge_n on_o themselves_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a obleege_v to_o believe_v till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a that_o scripture_n conscience_n covenant_n and_o credit_n will_v make_v those_o who_o do_v once_o laudable_o assert_v constant_o propugn_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o presbyterial_a government_n until_o they_o publish_v which_o none_o can_v do_v as_o convince_v reason_n of_o retractation_n &_o contrary_a practice_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v expect_v of_o other_o religion_n reason_n candor_n gratitude_n and_o policy_n will_v seem_v to_o require_v that_o those_o who_o in_o their_o distress_n entreat_v &_o obtain_v the_o successful_a assistance_n of_o the_o covenant_v interest_n of_o scotland_n &_o other_o who_o owe_v thereunto_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v more_o than_o just_a nothing_o debt_n or_o break_a fortune_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o contemptuous_a throw_v away_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o old_a almâ—nack_n when_o by_o it_o as_o a_o
whereof_o she_o be_v in_o possession_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n authorise_v it_o and_o will_v imprison_v confine_v condemn_v and_o banish_v minister_n for_o plead_v and_o practise_v this_o right_a as_o king_n james_n do_v not_o a_o few_o in_o and_o about_o the_o year_n 1606._o and_o the_o present_a king_n of_o late_a by_o parliament_n council_n and_o commissioner_n do_v interdict_v all_o the_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o abjure_a and_o perjure_a prelate_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o only_o claim_v the_o only_a power_n of_o indict_v solemn_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v do_v these_o â—or_a 6_o year_n past_a but_o also_o institute_v a_o day_n to_o be_v aniversary_o â—oly_a for_o ever_o which_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v do_v if_o i_o say_v 〈◊〉_d will_v thus_o invade_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n confound_v it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o equal_o exerce_fw-la the_o government_n of_o both_o no_o man_n needs_o pronounce_v but_o rather_o fear_v the_o domestical_a and_o personal_a doom_n execute_v upon_o saul_n and_o uzziah_n for_o usurp_v the_o priest_n office_n how_o in_o squall_n deal_v be_v it_o that_o he_o who_o clamour_v so_o much_o of_o other_o man_n and_o particular_o minister_n wander_v without_o their_o sphere_n and_o overstretching-meddling_a with_o civil_a affair_n shall_v himself_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o move_v within_o no_o fix_a sphere_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n affair_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o he_o may_v exerce_fw-la act_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o proper_a to_o church_n officer_n will_v it_o not_o suffice_v he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o external_a power_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o church_n and_o protect_v of_o she_o from_o outward_a 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truth_n or_o error_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o primary_n and_o immediat_n power_n of_o cognition_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n antecedent_n to_o any_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n thereanent_fw-la will_v it_o not_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o discretive_a power_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o implicit_o ratify_v ecclesiastical_a sentence_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o definitive_a power_n of_o authoritative_a decision_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v a_o cumulative_a power_n of_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o must_v alsâ—_n have_v a_o privative_a power_n whereby_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v destroy_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v and_o to_o the_o world_n end_n will_v have_v a_o church_n none_o who_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deny_v or_o question_v and_o that_o he_o have_v fix_v discriminative_a boundary_n between_o his_o own_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v between_o his_o church_n and_o other_o civil_a society_n and_o their_o respective_a government_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a for_o though_o both_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o the_o same_o person_n though_o both_o have_v order_n and_o government_n a_o power_n to_o exercise_n the_o same_o and_o that_o derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o shall_v walk_v absolute_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n punish_v and_o censure_v after_o clear_a conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o probation_n and_o shall_v ultimate_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n be_v mutual_o subservient_fw-fr and_o useful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o these_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o aggree_v yet_o they_o be_v formal_o distinct_a for_o they_o consist_v of_o man_n under_o distinct_a notion_n and_o relation_n civil_a society_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n ecclesiastical_a by_o reveal_v positive_a precept_n the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n as_o man_n the_o other_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a god_n the_o form_n of_o the_o one_o may_v be_v monarchical_a the_o other_o not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o one_o be_v civil_a the_o other_o be_v spiritual_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o one_o and_o manner_n of_o exerce_a it_o be_v magisterial_a the_o other_o ministerial_a the_o act_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o be_v corporal_n rhe_n other_o spiritual_a the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o exerce_a the_o one_o be_v the_o â—awes_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o other_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n aggreeable_a thereunto_o the_o one_o â—s_v perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o other_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o other_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n yea_o though_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v do_v most_o aggree_v yet_o be_v they_o formal_o distinct_a for_o they_o have_v ordinary_o distinct_a ruler_n the_o priest_n and_o levit_n for_o the_o one_o judge_n and_o king_n be_v for_o the_o other_o they_o have_v distinct_a act_n sacrifice_v pray_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o church_n death_n banishment_n confiscation_n inprisonment_n ezra_n 2_o 26._o in_o the_o state_n they_o have_v distinct_a object_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n 2_o chron._n 19.11_o distinct_a law_n the_o ceremonial_a for_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a for_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o moral_a for_o both_o they_o have_v sometime_o distinct_a member_n when_o these_o of_o the_o one_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o some_o privilege_n of_o the_o other_o the_o form_n of_o the_o state_n do_v alter_v from_o judge_n to_o king_n but_o the_o church_n be_v unalterable_o the_o same_o and_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a period_n of_o duration_n for_o the_o church_n continue_v though_o corrupt_a after_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v overturn_v by_o the_o roman_n and_o as_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o these_o thing_n distinct_a so_o have_v they_o their_o distinct_a government_n and_o judicatories_n for_o exerâ—â—ing_v the_o same_o respective_o for_o exo._n 24.1_o there_o be_v 70._o elder_n who_o v_o 14._o appear_v to_o be_v vest_v with_o authority_n and_o to_o have_v aaron_n and_o hur_z for_o their_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n now_o these_o 70_o elder_n can_v be_v the_o 70_o who_o numb_a 11._o share_v of_o the_o government_n with_o moses_n for_o these_o mention_a exod._n 24._o be_v in_o authority_n when_o the_o israelit_n be_v at_o sinai_n whereas_o the_o other_o mention_v numb_a 11._o be_v choose_v after_o they_o go_v from_o sinai_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v any_o other_o 70_o in_o civil_a authority_n because_o before_o the_o election_n of_o those_o numb_a 11._o moses_n be_v alone_o in_o the_o government_n again_o deut._n 17._o there_o be_v distinct_a cause_n viz._n blood_n &_o blood_n plea_n and_o plea_n which_o be_v civil_a and_o stroke_v and_o stroke_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v leprosy_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o judge_n of_o leu._n 13.3_o distinct_a ruler_n viz._n the_o priest_n the_o levet_n and_o the_o judge_n who_o v_o 11._o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o disjunctive_a particle_n or_n distinct_a act_n of_o tell_v or_o expon_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o tell_v judgement_n v._n 10.11_o &_o distinct_a penalty_n of_o death_n and_o put_v the_o evil_n from_o israel_n five_o 12._o further_o in_o â—_o chr._n 23.4_o you_o will_v find_v 6000_o of_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n
because_o 1_o chron._n 28_o 1._o there_o be_v prince_n of_o tribs_n captain_n of_o thousand_o hundred_o stewart_n and_o officer_n for_o civil_a affair_n and_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 8_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v church_n officer_n priest_n levit_n chief_a of_o the_o father_n there_o be_v distinct_a matter_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n ver._n 11._o there_o be_v distinct_a act_n or_o sentence_n for_o warn_v not_o to_o trespass_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o ecclesiastical_a then_o civil_a person_n and_o there_o be_v distinct_a moderator_n or_o precedent_n amariah_n be_v over_o you_o for_o the_o â—_z of_o the_o lord_n and_o zebadiah_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n now_o what_o shall_v all_o this_o mean_a viz._n distinct_a cause_n and_o person_n set_v over_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o respective_o and_o what_o mean_v these_o distinct_a act_n sentence_n and_o penalty_n if_o not_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o distinction_n of_o government_n and_o of_o judicaâ—ories_n respective_o exerce_v the_o same_o yea_o â—hat_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o may_v know_v by_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a for_o matth._n 21_o ver_fw-la 23._o and_o 27_o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o 26_o v._n 3_o 57_o 59_o act._n 4_o v._n 5_o 6_o 15._o and_o 5_o v._n 21_o 27._o there_o be_v assembly_n &_o council_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v ecclesiastical_a not_o only_o because_o they_o consist_v of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o high_a priest_n chief_z priests_z and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n cognosce_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o past_o ecclesiastical_a sentence_n about_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n act._n 4_o and_o 5._o but_o also_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v subdue_v the_o supreme_a civil_a government_n be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o little_o leave_v they_o but_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o same_o person_n be_v member_n of_o both_o judicatories_n it_o be_v under_o distinct_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o one_o and_o civil_a in_o the_o other_o as_o now_o the_o rule_v elder_a under_o several_a consideration_n and_o capacity_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a judicatory_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o some_o king_n have_v great_a hand_n in_o both_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o extraordinary_a and_o may_v be_v typical_a instance_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a and_o universal_a rule_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o council_n meddle_v in_o civil_a affair_n for_o matth._n 27_o ver_fw-la 1._o they_o take_v counsel_n against_o jesus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o that_o be_v by_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o their_o power_n which_o creep_v in_o in_o the_o decline_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v take_v from_o they_o by_o stranger_n or_o when_o want_v a_o magistrate_n they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o at_o another_o time_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v by_o the_o like_a corrupt_a and_o extravagant_a abuse_n as_o now_o the_o high_a commission_n if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a courr_n do_v scourge_n stigmatize_v fine_a and_o banish_v or_o the_o prelate_n now_o as_o member_n of_o parliament_n council_n and_o session_n make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o blood_n plea_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n &_o difference_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n a_o formal_a and_o specifical_a difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n for_o you_o will_v not_o only_o find_v office-bearer_n give_v unto_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n rom._n 12_o ver_fw-la 8._o 1_o cor._n 12_o ver_fw-la 28._o ephes_n 4_o ver_fw-la 11._o which_o be_v as_o well_o distinct_a from_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o state_n as_o from_o the_o people_n for_o neither_o magistrate_n nor_o people_n be_v ever_o call_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n etc._n etc._n especial_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o also_o ruler_n distinct_a from_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n who_o 1_o thess_n 5_o ver_fw-la 12._o be_v over_o the_o people_n and_o hebr._n 13_o ver_fw-la 17._o rule_n over_o they_o now_o these_o ruler_n can_v be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o in_o none_o of_o the_o place_n do_v the_o apostle_n intend_v or_o mention_v he_o beside_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o rule_v the_o state_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o pagan_a and_o 1_o tim._n 5_o ver_fw-la 17._o he_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o have_v more_o honour_n than_o he_o who_o rule_v which_o if_o either_o magistrate_n or_o prelate_n be_v the_o ruler_n how_o they_o will_v relish_v &_o that_o the_o poor_a preach_a presbyter_n shall_v be_v more_o honour_v than_o they_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n here_o then_o be_v ecclesiastical_a ruler_n distinct_a from_o these_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o these_o ruler_n belong_v the_o cognition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a offence_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o civil_a cause_n and_o judge_n matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n now_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v be_v this_o church_n where_o be_v he_o ever_o so_o term_v or_o how_o will_v he_o be_v himself_o a_o heathen_a account_v another_o man_n so_o here_o than_o be_v a_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n here_o be_v church-offence_n distinct_a from_o breach_n of_o civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n here_o be_v church-delation_a or_o complaint_n distinct_a from_o any_o complaint_n to_o the_o magistrate_n tell_v the_o church_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v a_o church-power_n of_o cognition_n of_o these_o offence_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o resid_n in_o the_o magistrate_n else_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o as_o good_a or_o better_a to_o tell_v the_o magistrate_n and_o here_o be_v a_o church-sentence_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v then_o heathen_a himself_o will_v never_o pronounce_v against_o or_o inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o another_o man_n to_o these_o church-ruler_n also_o be_v commit_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o order_n or_o pastoral_a administration_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n whether_o dogmatical_a diatacticall_a critical_a or_o exusiastical_a and_o not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o according_o jesus_n christ_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o peter_n and_o not_o to_o cesar_n mat._n 16.19_o you_o will_v find_v church-assembly_n distinct_a from_o parliament_n convention_n of_o estate_n senate_n etc._n etc._n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n determine_v question_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n act._n 15_o the_o apostle_n paul_n enjoin_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n both_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v the_o incestuous_a man_n 1_o cor._n 5.4.5_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.7.8_o the_o same_o apostle_n leave_v titus_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5_o and_o according_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o the_o apostle_n john_n thereaten_v by_o himself_o and_o not_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o censure_n diotrephes_n 3._o john_n 10._o and_o as_o the_o power_n itself_o and_o the_o several_a act_n thereof_o be_v commit_v to_o church-officer_n so_o to_o they_o and_o not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v all_o the_o direction_n give_v for_o regulation_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o distinct_a from_o the_o direction_n give_v to_o the_o magistat_n for_o regulation_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v private_a rebuke_n before_o public_a delation_n mat._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n there_o must_v be_v a_o rebuke_v before_o all_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 20_o in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a censure_n there_o must_v be_v notoriety_n of_o the_o fault_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o or_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o person_n by_o confession_n or_o probation_n mat._n 18.15_o in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n it_o must_v be_v when_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o not_o after_o the_o prelatical_a fashion_n in_o a_o corner_n in_o the_o case_n of_o absolution_n there_o must_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n there_o must_v be_v the_o
consequent_n thereof_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o be_v thus_o mr_n sharp_n have_v former_o be_v intimate_o familiar_a with_o mr_n wood_n come_v to_o visit_v he_o under_o his_o sickness_n whereunto_o sharps_n apostasy_n have_v no_o small_a accession_n &_o thereafter_o do_v false_o spread_v a_o report_n by_o word_n &_o writ_n that_o mr_n wood_n have_v reseiled_a from_o presbyterial_a government_n whereof_o when_o mr_n wood_n be_v inform_v he_o be_v of_o new_a grievous_o affect_v and_o afflict_a and_o thereupon_o for_o his_o own_o vindication_n leave_v this_o testimony_n behind_o he_o but_o mr_n sharp_a find_v himself_o thereby_o make_v a_o publlck_n liar_n make_v lie_v still_o his_o refuge_n pursue_v mr_n wood_n be_v dead_a as_o well_o as_o alive_a with_o a_o new_a slander_n allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v fictitious_a or_o extort_a from_o he_o when_o through_o distemper_n of_o his_o sickness_n he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o do_v and_o thereupon_o cause_v summon_v the_o witness_n the_o writter_n and_o some_o other_o person_n before_o the_o high_a commission_n but_o the_o contrary_a of_o this_o be_v and_o be_v most_o evident_a not_o only_o because_o this_o testimony_n be_v write_v and_o subscribe_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o day_n before_o his_o death_n dure_v which_o interval_n as_o before_o he_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o he_o speak_v many_o gracious_a word_n about_o his_o own_o soul_n order_v his_o civil_a affair_n and_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o his_o recovery_n but_o also_o because_o hear_v that_o some_o of_o his_o faithful_a brethren_n &_o co-presbyter_n be_v in_o the_o town_n he_o send_v once_o &_o again_o for_o they_o and_o before_o they_o and_o some_o other_o minister_n at_o other_o time_n purge_v himself_o of_o that_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o do_v bear_v witness_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n more_o full_o &_o free_o then_o be_v in_o the_o write_a testimony_n &_o some_o time_n thereafter_o of_o 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and_o one_o of_o the_o witness_n and_o force_v the_o other_o who_o for_o his_o eminent_a part_n holiness_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o most_o pursue_v to_o a_o retirement_n for_o his_o own_o safety_n what_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o thou_o o_o sharp_a or_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o thou_o o_o false_a tongue_n sharp_a arrow_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o coal_n of_o juniper_n the_o national_n covenant_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n with_o a_o general_n band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a 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resolve_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a word_n that_o this_o only_a be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o now_o be_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n 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 and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v 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the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a evangel_n his_o corrupt_a doctrine_n concern_v original_a sin_n our_o natural_a inability_n and_o rebellion_n to_o god_n law_n our_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o our_o imperfect_a sanctification_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n the_o nature_n number_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o false_a doctrine_n add_v to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o cruel_a judgement_n against_o infant_n depart_v without_o the_o sacrament_n his_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n his_o blasphemous_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n or_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o element_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o wicked_a or_o body_n of_o man_n his_o dispensation_n with_o solemn_a oath_n perjury_n and_o degree_n of_o marriage_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n his_o cruelty_n against_o the_o innocent_a divorce_v his_o devilish_a mass_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n his_o profane_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o quick_a his_o canonization_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v worship_v of_o imagery_n relic_n and_o cross_n dedicate_a of_o kirk_n altar_n day_n vow_n to_o creature_n his_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pray_v or_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n with_o his_o procession_n and_o blasphemous_a litany_n and_o multitude_n of_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n his_o manifold_a order_n auricular_a confession_n his_o desperate_a and_o uncertain_a repentance_n his_o general_n and_o doubtsome_a faith_n his_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o justification_n by_o work_n opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la work_v of_o supererogation_n merit_n pardon_n peregrination_n and_o station_n his_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v sane_v
together_o with_o the_o former_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n shall_v be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o the_o intimation_n and_o the_o last_o fast_a day_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v this_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v unanimous_o approven_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n then_o sit_v and_o by_o their_o act_n october_n 14._o ordain_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o according_o in_o the_o month_n of_o december_n it_o be_v for_o the_o second_o time_n swear_v in_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n except_o where_o vacancy_n or_o the_o minister_n be_v under_o scandal_n or_o process_n do_v occasion_n a_o delay_n till_o another_o day_n that_o the_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o another_o minister_n with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o such_o 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sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n become_v national_a authorize_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicature_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o be_v still_o oblige_v by_o oath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v keep_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o ever_o errata_fw-la whilst_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o press_n some_o error_n which_o escape_v in_o some_o sheet_n be_v correct_v in_o other_o so_o that_o thou_o must_v not_o stumble_v though_o some_o copy_n be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o beside_o other_o literal_a escape_n which_o will_v not_o mar_v the_o sense_n before_o thou_o read_v the_o book_n correct_v with_o thy_o pen_n thâ—se_a follow_v pag._n 3._o lin_v 4._o for_o other_o as_o read_z as_o other_z p._n 4._o l._n 32._o r._n witness_n p._n 5._o l._n 3._o r._n solemn_a p._n 6._o l._n 12._o r_o strong_a p._n 8._o l._n 15._o r._n sufficient_o p._n 15._o l_o 29._o for_o or_o r_o on_o â—b_fw-la l._n 16._o r._n opportunity_n p._n 24._o l._n 14._o for_o of_o r._n or_o p._n 25._o l._n 4._o r._n resolution_n ib._n l._n 32._o forâ—_n be_v r._n be_v a_o lb._n 33._o r._n worthy_n p._n 30._o l._n 21._o for_o 27._o r._n 17._o lb._n 23._o for_o 10._o r._n 8._o p._n 35._o l._n 8._o r._n 1560._o ib._n l._n 30._o r._n 1571._o p._n 38._o l._n 16._o r._n 1584._o p_o 67._o l._n 27._o for_o hoth_n r._n both_o p._n 70._o l._n 12._o for_o he_o r._n the._n p._n 81._o l._n 12._o r._n during_o p._n 88_o l._n 18._o r._n slay_v p._n 100_o l._n 11._o the_o e_o the._n ib._n l._n 12._o r._n general_o ib._n 19_o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 103_o l._n 14._o for_o out_o r._n aught_o p._n 120._o l._n 16._o for_o what_o r._n that_o p_o 129._o l_o 12._o r._n rage_v in_o p._n 154._o l._n 23._o for_o where_o r._n be_v p._n 188_o l._n 6._o r._n his_o p_o 281._o l._n 27._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 282._o l._n 13._o r._n advocat_n a_o true_a and_o short_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n unto_o the_o year_n 1667._o after_o all_o these_o great_a &_o glorious_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v wrought_v for_o this_o land_n and_o in_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n have_v declare_v among_o we_o these_o clear_a and_o powerful_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o praise_n of_o this_o whole_a nation_n after_o these_o many_o sacred_a and_o most_o solemn_a engagement_n whereby_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n all_o rank_n and_o degree_n from_o the_o king_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a become_v and_o be_v still_o bind_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a our_o covenant_v god_n and_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o be_v king_n in_o zion_n and_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o who_o be_v all_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o own_n and_o maintain_v of_o his_o glorious_a work_n and_o precious_a truth_n which_o be_v all_o our_o felicity_n and_o joy_n and_o after_o all_o this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n whereby_o the_o same_o wretched_a nation_n in_o the_o same_o generation_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o person_n neither_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o pretend_a reason_n or_o conscience_n nor_o from_o any_o solid_a persuasion_n of_o the_o very_a advantage_n design_v but_o in_o the_o manifest_a spirit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n have_v forget_v despise_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o former_a power_n and_o glory_n rebel_v against_o god_n by_o break_v the_o holy_a covenant_n reject_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n overturn_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n and_o arm_n abrogate_a and_o rescind_v all_o these_o righteous_a law_n and_o ordinance_n whereby_o 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every_o visage_n suppose_v of_o the_o fair_a nazarit_n be_v black_a than_o a_o coal_n that_o every_o eye_n run_v down_o with_o water_n &_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o refuse_n to_o be_v comfort_v &_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v rejoice_v as_o other_o people_n when_o not_o only_o by_o their_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n their_o daily_a bread_n be_v become_v the_o bread_n or_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n and_o when_o their_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o that_o though_o they_o wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n seek_v it_o they_o can_v find_v it_o bot_n also_o the_o comforter_n that_o shall_v relieve_v their_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o they_o and_o either_o cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n that_o their_o prayer_n can_v pass_v through_o or_o then_o answer_v they_o only_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n how_o can_v they_o who_o by_o their_o vanity_n have_v move_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o thereby_o have_v provoke_v their_o rock_n to_o fell_v they_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n or_o chase_v a_o thousand_o &_o put_v ten_o thousand_o to_o flight_n &_o although_o that_o we_o shall_v plead_v with_o our_o mother_n with_o our_o ruler_n &_o with_o all_o other_o rank_n of_o person_n within_o the_o land_n that_o they_o will_v put_v away_o their_o whoredom_n out_o of_o their_o sight_n &_o their_o adultery_n from_o between_o their_o breast_n yet_o what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o word_n shall_v prevaill_n where_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v contemn_v or_o that_o reason_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v reject_v here_o indeed_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_n even_o the_o long-suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o mercy_n and_o
discipline_n promise_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n which_o discipline_n as_o the_o forego_n assertion_n do_v clear_o discover_v to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n fundamental_o presbyterial_a so_o the_o model_n of_o presbytery_n be_v now_o complete_v and_o any_o shadow_n of_o power_n that_o the_o mock-bishop_n have_v late_o usurp_v be_v now_o full_o abrogate_a it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o both_o prelacy_n be_v by_o this_o covenant_n abjure_v and_o presbytery_n own_a and_o swear_v to_o and_o real_o if_o it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o the_o assembly_n both_o 1581._o and_o 1590._o while_o most_o intent_n and_o forward_a in_o the_o erect_n of_o presbytery_n do_v enjoin_v and_o require_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n in_o the_o land_n and_o that_o these_o act_n be_v both_o second_v and_o enforce_v by_o ordinance_n of_o king_n and_o council_n it_o may_v be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o succeed_a prelate_n in_o deny_v of_o the_o obligation_n or_o perjury_n in_o break_v of_o it_o be_v great_a this_o be_v the_o great_a oath_n into_o which_o as_o the_o lord_n god_n do_v bring_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o bloody_a bond_n call_v the_o holy_a league_n wherein_o antichrist_n and_o his_o follower_n have_v at_o that_o time_n conjure_v themselves_o against_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o kingdom_n thereby_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o we_o his_o peculiar_a people_n aswell_a by_o the_o people_n subject_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o allegiance_n as_o by_o the_o king_n be_v submit_v himself_o and_o his_o sceptre_n in_o a_o due_a subordination_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o church_n and_o 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himself_o into_o her_o power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o gift_v as_o to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_n &_o immediate_a power_n of_o judge_v and_o discern_v upon_o doctrine_n and_o her_o most_o spiritual_a right_n and_o censure_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n not_o only_o to_o constitut_v himself_o a_o proper_a and_o direct_a church-officer_n without_o our_o lord_n appointment_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o papacy_n so_o just_o abrogate_a and_o so_o solemn_o abjure_v to_o erect_v and_o revive_v the_o same_o in_o himself_o a_o secular_a person_n far_o more_o absurd_o and_o intolerable_o we_o know_v that_o other_o formality_n and_o notion_n be_v pretend_v as_o these_o of_o treason_n sedition_n and_o disorder_n to_o palliate_v and_o colour_v this_o usurpation_n but_o see_v nothing_o speak_v or_o act_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o definition_n or_o pain_n of_o these_o crime_n and_o that_o all_o 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kingdom_n &_o therefore_o many_o of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n have_v worthy_o and_o valiant_o resist_v it_o not_o only_o to_o bond_n and_o banishment_n but_o even_o to_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n we_o return_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o observation_n which_o be_v to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o old_a malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n &_o their_o abettor_n who_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o carnal_a design_n and_o prosecute_v their_o wicked_a lust_n without_o control_n endeavour_v main_o by_o a_o absolute_a surrender_n of_o all_o thing_n power_n person_n and_o interest_n to_o flatter_v and_o exalt_v the_o king_n unto_o a_o illimited_a sovereignty_n and_o pretend_a omnipotency_n thereby_o both_o to_o oblige_v and_o 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prerogative_n that_o it_o be_v
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either_o in_o bishop_n or_o commissioner_n by_o the_o assembly_n be_v devolve_v upon_o the_o new_a erect_a presbytery_n and_o thus_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parl._n 12._o jam._n 6._o bv_v the_o 114._o act._n thereof_o ratify_v presbyterial_a government_n in_o all_o its_o assembly_n court_n and_o officer_n qualify_a and_o restrict_v the_o former_a act._n 1584._o anent_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o abrogate_a all_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o and_o by_o other_o act_n there_o record_v receive_v its_o last_o and_o full_a accomplishment_n with_o power_n and_o beauty_n add_v to_o the_o former_a grace_n and_o glory_n 9_o that_o as_o only_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n so_o the_o lord_n who_o great_a work_n and_o ordinance_n it_o be_v do_v no_o less_o evident_o commend_v it_o by_o make_v as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sincere_a and_o holy_a severity_n powerful_o to_o coerce_v and_o restrain_v all_o vice_n and_o profanity_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o harmonious_a and_o orderly_a subordination_n of_o its_o court_n and_o assembly_n most_o efficacious_o to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o both_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o and_o all_o succeed_a time_n do_v most_o clear_o confirm_v but_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v we_o all_o these_o great_a and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n and_o terminate_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o bless_a deliverance_n that_o we_o may_v for_o ever_o fear_v his_o great_a name_n love_v his_o precious_a truth_n and_o keep_v his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o though_o in_o the_o short_a sunshine_n of_o that_o day_n of_o salvation_n he_o cause_v both_o king_n and_o people_n to_o taste_v and_o see_v the_o order_n beauty_n and_o power_n of_o that_o establishment_n yet_o o_o how_o soon_o do_v we_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o keep_v not_o his_o covenant_n o_o lord_n the_o people_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n enjoy_v it_o but_o a_o little_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o our_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v trace_v and_o recount_v all_o these_o sad_a step_n and_o degree_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n think_v fit_a to_o bring_v back_o his_o church_n in_o this_o land_n unto_o that_o great_a distress_n that_o hereafter_o ensue_v and_o cause_v she_o to_o wander_v long_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o great_a desertion_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o so_o horrid_a defection_n which_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o partial_a pen_n whatever_o provocation_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a minister_n can_v purge_v nor_o palliate_v from_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o carnal_a policy_n carry_v on_o by_o manifest_a dissimulation_n and_o palpable_a fraud_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o let_v the_o true_a history_n of_o these_o proceed_n be_v examine_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v without_o the_o help_n of_o our_o obsevation_n that_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o defection_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o inconsistence_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o old_a opposition_n and_o root_a prejudice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n set_v themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v so_o for_o the_o unquestionable_a confirmation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v either_o as_o to_o the_o wicked_a rise_n or_o woeful_a effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n the_o devil_n part_n therein_o be_v visible_o to_o promote_v his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o reacting_a the_o most_o palpable_a and_o gross_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v describe_v in_o so_o far_o
as_o this_o apostasy_n arise_v from_o small_a beginning_n by_o fair_a and_o smooth_a pretension_n crafty_a insinuation_n court-flattery_n false_a calumny_n and_o suggestion_n open_a and_o gross_a perjury_n and_o violent_a dissorder_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n after_o great_a and_o long_a opposition_n by_o conference_n warning_n &_o petition_n &_o faithful_a and_o constant_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o zealous_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n both_o unto_o bond_n banishment_n &_o sentence_n of_o death_n against_o the_o again_o aspire_a prerogative_n and_o usurp_a prelacy_n under_o its_o shadow_n do_v in_o the_o secret_a and_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n into_o the_o similitude_n and_o image_n of_o the_o roman_a beast_n turn_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n unto_o formality_n his_o faithful_a minister_n into_o corrupt_a hireling_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o preach_v into_o flattery_n and_o 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their_o power_n and_o tyranny_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n of_o all_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o mourn_v for_o all_o these_o abomination_n thus_o this_o work_n and_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n do_v advance_v apace_o and_o have_v almost_o attain_v unto_o its_o full_a maturity_n of_o hurry_v this_o poor_a land_n and_o nation_n headlong_o into_o that_o gulf_n of_o confusion_n error_n and_o superstition_n whereinto_o popery_n do_v former_o involve_v we_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o remember_v his_o covenant_n though_o we_o have_v fearful_o forget_v it_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o grow_a darkness_n and_o those_o manifold_a confusion_n to_o cause_v his_o spirit_n to_o move_v and_o light_a to_o arise_v upon_o this_o land_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o year_n 1637._o which_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a power_n and_o glory_n do_v from_o a_o very_a small_a and_o improbable_a beginning_n even_o the_o opposition_n of_o a_o few_o weak_a woman_n to_o the_o introduce_v and_o read_v of_o that_o carcase_n of_o formality_n the_o service-book_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v impose_v proceed_v in_o such_o a_o universal_a vigorous_a regular_a and_o powerful_a method_n through_o the_o whole_a land_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n and_o ingredient_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o only_o by_o these_o most_o warrantable_a and_o inquestionable_a mean_n of_o petition_v remonstrate_v protest_v and_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o that_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 1638._o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v revive_v with_o more_o glory_n and_o splendour_n than_o ever_o former_o it_o have_v attain_v we_o know_v that_o not_o only_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o with_o the_o enlargement_n explain_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o the_o novation_n in_o worship_n and_o corruption_n in_o government_n whereunto_o this_o church_n have_v apostatise_v and_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n thereto_o add_v but_o also_o their_o protesting_n &_o joint_a petitioning_n have_v be_v condemn_v as_o seditious_a &_o rebellious_a but_o see_v the_o same_o both_o from_o the_o clear_a word_n of_o god_n the_o pure_a light_n of_o nature_n the_o zealous_a and_o valiant_a practice_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v signal_o approve_v and_o by_o the_o supervenient_a act_n of_o the_o king_n parliament_z and_o general_n assembly_n so_o full_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o see_v that_o they_o only_o be_v and_o be_v condemn_v by_o such_o as_o either_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n fill_v with_o all_o subtlety_n and_o mischief_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o righteousness_n cease_v not_o to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o by_o such_o who_o for_o advancement_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n have_v sacrifice_v all_o conscience_n and_o reason_n to_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n or_o by_o such_o who_o in_o base_a and_o open_a flattery_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o neither_o know_v nor_o regard_v any_o other_o interest_n or_o concernment_n then_o that_o which_o depend_v on_o their_o pleasure_n do_v set_v and_o serve_v the_o same_o in_o place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o last_o by_o such_o who_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v concern_v themselves_o in_o such_o enquirye_n but_o affect_v a_o pretend_a gallantry_n in_o gallio_n indifferency_n therefore_o remit_v such_o as_o be_v further_a desirous_a of_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o debat_n &_o paper_n of_o these_o time_n and_o especial_o unto_o the_o late_a large_a apology_n we_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o step_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o our_o engagement_n therein_o according_a to_o our_o first_o purpose_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1638._o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n consist_v of_o all_o rank_n be_v awake_v by_o the_o arbitrary_a impose_v of_o a_o service-book_n more_o corrupt_a in_o some_o thing_n then_o that_o of_o england_n and_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o erect_n and_o violent_a exerce_a of_o the_o high_a commission-court_n to_o the_o pervert_n of_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o utter_a subvert_v of_o all_o regular_a government_n and_o the_o confound_a of_o all_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o the_o destroy_n of_o our_o civil_a liberty_n and_o conceave_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o abound_a sin_n &_o imminent_a calamity_n of_o these_o time_n to_o be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n former_o thrice_o swear_v in_o the_o land_n they_o again_o most_o solemn_o with_o a_o very_a wonderful_a &_o gracious_a mixture_n of_o tear_n and_o joy_n renew_v the_o same_o almost_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n with_o the_o addition_n above_o mention_v to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o innovation_n in_o worship_n or_o corruption_n in_o government_n until_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v lawful_o determine_v and_o that_o other_o of_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o covenant_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o november_n the_o same_o year_n the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n determine_v anent_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o corruption_n disprove_v and_o reject_v under_o these_o head_n the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o erect_n of_o prelacy_n therein_o and_o all_o the_o corruption_n flow_v therefrom_o whereby_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_o explain_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o year_n 1639._o the_o prelate_n be_v rout_v run_v to_o court_n 〈◊〉_d up_o the_o king_n england_n and_o irland_n with_o all_o their_o friend_n and_o popish_a partaker_n in_o scotland_n against_o the_o faithful_a covenanter_n as_o rebellious_a and_o seditious_a person_n but_o they_o have_v prepare_v for_o their_o own_o just_a defence_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o outstretch_a arm_n and_o power_n dispel_v all_o these_o menace_a cloud_n and_o imminent_a storm_n do_v by_o a_o pacification_n conclude_v reduce_v a_o fair_a calm_a the_o king_n therein_o aggree_v that_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o that_o all_o matter_n respective_o shall_v be_v therein_o determine_v the_o assembly_n sit_v in_o august_n thereafter_o the_o king_n commissioner_n be_v present_a and_o assent_v do_v ratify_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o secret_n council_n subscribe_v the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v then_o explain_v and_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v enact_v to_o be_v again_o subscribe_v for_o the_o five_o time_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n but_o no_o faith_n honesty_n nor_o honour_n bind_v the_o prelate_n and_o a_o court_n by_o
and_o utter_o insufficient_a at_o the_o sole_a arbitrement_n of_o patron_n violent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o people_n without_o and_o against_o their_o own_o consent_n presbytery_n constrain_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ordain_v man_n who_o the_o people_n neither_o choise_v nor_o can_v cheerful_o receive_v foundation_n of_o prejudice_n &_o strife_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n lay_v whereby_o the_o one_o can_v preach_v nor_o the_o other_o hear_v with_o profit_n symoniacal_a paction_n often_o base_o make_v betwixt_o patron_n &_o the_o person_n present_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o holy_a call_v aswel_a as_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o too_o many_o in_o dispence_v of_o word_n sacrament_n &_o censure_n make_v to_o depend_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n but_o also_o because_o it_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o example_n in_o the_o old_a jewish_a nor_o new_a primitive_a and_o pure_a christian_a church_n to_o warrant_v it_o because_o intentional_o and_o native_o it_o spoil_v the_o people_n of_o that_o right_n and_o privilege_n in_o elect_v their_o own_o pastor_n which_o scripture_n and_o reason_n allow_v and_o because_o be_v the_o patron_n be_v pretend_v heritage_n and_o therefore_o by_o he_o vendible_a to_o who_o he_o please_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o present_v of_o minister_n plant_v of_o church_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n &_o settle_v maintenance_n may_v be_v turn_v over_o unto_o &_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n not_o only_o profaâ—e_v &_o stranger_n to_o both_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n but_o also_o proâ—esâ—ed_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o even_a papist_n or_o pagan_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o grievous_a and_o unwarrantable_a burden_n destructive_a of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n liberty_n obstructive_a of_o the_o free_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o freedom_n power_n &_o plainness_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o occasional_a of_o much_o base_a flattery_n &_o partiality_n under_o which_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o superstition_n which_o introduce_v it_o the_o church_n do_v heavy_o groan_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o the_o second_o advantage_n which_o the_o lord_n work_n receive_v be_v by_o that_o great_a and_o long_a transaction_n with_o the_o king_n in_o order_n to_o his_o return_n and_o admission_n to_o the_o government_n which_o at_o length_n after_o repeat_v address_n many_o treaty_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o foreign_a state_n and_o prince_n produce_v the_o king_n approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o national_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o both_o by_o his_o great_a oath_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o his_o hand-writ_a and_o subscription_n he_o most_o ample_o assure_v promise_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n to_o advance_v &_o prosecute_v their_o end_n and_o to_o seek_v and_o procure_v the_o establishment_n thereof_o and_o of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n we_o know_v our_o adversary_n persist_v in_o their_o old_a malice_n disown_n and_o exclaim_v upon_o this_o transaction_n as_o most_o disloyal_a and_o insolent_a for_o subject_n who_o part_n be_v only_o to_o surrender_v &_o submit_v to_o require_v and_o enter_v into_o treaty_n with_o their_o prince_n but_o 1._o as_o these_o reproach_n be_v from_o the_o same_o wicked_a spirit_n false_a ground_n and_o base_a and_o carnal_a end_n which_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v resist_v and_o be_v object_v against_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n so_o do_v we_o thereto_o oppose_v in_o full_a assurance_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n these_o solid_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o warrant_n whereby_o not_o only_o these_o treaty_n and_o transaction_n with_o the_o late_a king_n but_o all_o these_o old_a contract_n and_o agreement_n betwixt_o the_o then_o power_n and_o people_n which_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o realm_n be_v justify_v and_o approven_v wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o disparity_n the_o difference_n of_o a_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n actual_o exerce_v from_o a_o prince_n only_o ascend_v thereto_o must_v cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o our_o side_n 2._o see_v there_o be_v no_o voluntary_a kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o both_o erect_v sustain_v and_o continue_v by_o a_o fundamental_a contract_n and_o no_o right_a thereto_o so_o good_a though_o even_o that_o of_o divid_n himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n who_o hold_v the_o kingdom_n both_o by_o inmediate_a grant_n and_o interpose_a oath_n of_o the_o most_o high_a which_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o confirm_v by_o this_o agreement_n 2_o sam._n 5.3_o 2_o king_n 11.17_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n disprove_v or_o condemn_v treaty_n so_o natural_o antecedent_n and_o previous_a thereto_o 3._o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o treaty_n be_v so_o dependent_a upon_o the_o precede_a war_n with_o the_o last_o king_n in_o which_o aswell_a as_o in_o his_o kingdom_n this_o king_n do_v succeed_v he_o that_o see_v it_o can_v have_v no_o opposer_n but_o such_o as_o therein_o be_v enemy_n we_o willing_o refer_v hoth_v the_o case_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o assert_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o long_a parliament_n war_n do_v nevertheless_o disprove_v our_o procedure_n in_o this_o treaty_n as_o their_o misinformation_n do_v not_o prejudge_v the_o truth_n so_o neither_o be_v we_o answerable_a for_o their_o inconsequence_n the_o three_o advantage_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o work_n be_v by_o what_o the_o king_n do_v after_o his_o arrival_n in_o scotland_n both_o before_o and_o at_o his_o coronation_n for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o strong_a engage_v of_o himself_o and_o this_o whole_a land_n unto_o the_o lord_n before_o his_o coronation_n he_o emit_v that_o declaration_n at_o dumfermling_n sufficient_o know_v by_o this_o designation_n wherein_o profess_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o repent_v as_o have_v to_o do_v with_o &_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o reluctancy_n against_o the_o same_o hope_v for_o mercy_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o obte_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n for_o his_o steadfastness_n and_o then_o protest_v his_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o enter_v into_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o his_o utmost_a and_o to_o have_v with_o it_o the_o same_o common_a friend_n and_o enemy_n exhort_v all_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o enmity_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o prefer_v man_n interest_n to_o god_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o idol_n of_o jealousy_n to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o himself_o account_v to_o be_v but_o selfish_a flattery_n &_o so-forth_o proceed_v in_o the_o most_o cordial_a sincere_a &_o assure_v term_n to_o testify_v his_o love_n and_o zealous_a resolution_n for_o god_n his_o people_n and_o covenant_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o great_a dislike_n and_o detestation_n of_o all_o person_n course_n and_o interest_n contrary_a thereto_o a_o declaration_n so_o full_a of_o heart-profession_n and_o high_a attestation_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o none_o serious_o consider_v the_o present_a time_n can_v reflect_v thereon_o without_o horror_n and_o tremble_a from_o the_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o the_o lord_n either_o for_o the_o then_o deep_a dissimulation_n or_o the_o present_a unparalelled_a apostasy_n however_o see_v the_o same_o be_v so_o assertive_a that_o no_o word_n can_v add_v to_o its_o assurance_n nor_o no_o argument_n less_o than_o the_o present_a apostasy_n render_v it_o to_o any_o neutral_a person_n suspect_v of_o the_o least_o dissimulation_n sure_o we_o be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v thereby_o obtain_v all_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o king_n be_v most_o full_a and_o clear_a assent_n to_o and_o allowance_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o either_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v require_v thereafter_o at_o his_o coronation_n how_o the_o king_n do_v again_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n and_o both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n thereby_o again_o engage_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o order_n thereof_o print_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n do_v full_o declare_v in_o which_o these_o passage_n be_v very_o observable_a 1._o that_o the_o king_n be_v desire_v in_o name_n of_o the_o people_n joint_o to_o accept_v the_o crown_n and_o maintain_v religion_n according_a to_o the_o
after_o worcester_n fight_v and_o from_o beyond_o sea_n he_o do_v confirm_v by_o private_a letter_n to_o person_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n that_o he_o be_v and_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v continue_v the_o same_o man_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o scotland_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o covenant_n relate_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n which_o during_o the_o time_n of_o usurpation_n do_v retain_v the_o sense_n and_o love_n of_o his_o interest_n so_o fresh_a and_o deep_o root_v in_o man_n heart_n nor_o that_o the_o public_a own_n publish_v and_o reprint_v thereof_o by_o the_o then_o parliament_n in_o england_n in_o march_n 1660._o be_v the_o first_o public_a act_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o his_o favour_n nor_o last_o need_n we_o remember_v that_o letter_n write_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o king_n after_o his_o return_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o this_o whole_a church_n wherein_o he_o declare_v himself_o resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o preserve_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n without_o violation_n see_v that_o though_o according_a to_o it_o be_v then_o state_n and_o posture_n such_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a assurance_n may_v have_v be_v repute_v a_o perpetual_a security_n yet_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o letter_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v only_o to_o divide_v the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o to_o abuse_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o particular_o the_o alter_n and_o suppress_v of_o that_o most_o fix_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o his_o engagement_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a covenant_n for_o that_o of_o law_n which_o be_v but_o frail_a and_o movable_a do_v even_o then_o discover_v to_o many_o that_o latent_fw-la dissimulation_n and_o instability_n whereby_o other_o be_v either_o weak_o or_o willing_o delude_v the_o thing_n we_o observe_v be_v that_o both_o king_n and_o people_n obligation_n be_v not_o then_o great_a than_o the_o opportunity_n appear_v to_o be_v most_o happy_a for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n the_o make_n of_o his_o name_n great_a &_o one_o in_o all_o these_o nation_n &_o the_o nation_n happy_a &_o high_a above_o all_o nation_n in_o name_n &_o in_o praise_n &_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n upon_o the_o throne_n in_o glory_n &_o prosperity_n &_o that_o the_o own_n of_o &_o adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n have_v both_o in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o even_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o adversary_n infallible_o produce_v and_o effectuate_v all_o these_o blessing_n but_o oh_o how_o sudden_o and_o strange_o be_v this_o bless_a appearance_n overcloud_v the_o expectation_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a disappoint_v the_o joy_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o corrupt_a and_o mar_v and_o this_o land_n reduce_v unto_o this_o present_a so_o woeful_a desolation_n and_o sore_a distress_n which_o though_o the_o groan_n tear_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o persecute_a the_o cry_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o desolation_n and_o profanation_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n the_o reign_a power_n of_o darkness_n the_o pride_n rage_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o perjury_n and_o all_o profanity_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o land_n and_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o great_a god_n which_o both_o burn_v round_o about_o and_o hang_v over_o it_o do_v sufficient_o make_v manifest_a yet_o for_o our_o great_a upstirring_a to_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o and_o what_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o great_a anger_n mean_v &_o also_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o innocency_n &_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n sufferer_n we_o do_v short_o exhibit_v the_o violent_a course_n of_o this_o precipitant_a defection_n the_o king_n be_v return_v and_o reestablish_v in_o may_n 1660._o the_o antichristian_a spirit_n of_o prelacy_n ever_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o the_o same_o be_v promote_v take_v occasion_n from_o these_o many_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n which_o the_o opposition_n and_o false-heartedness_n of_o many_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n do_v principal_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o inflict_v upon_o their_o land_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n power_n to_o decline_v unto_o tyranny_n and_o their_o corruption_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n do_v first_o most_o false_o and_o atrocious_o slander_v the_o covenant_n as_o the_o bond_n of_o all_o iniquity_n rebellion_n and_o confusion_n which_o prejudice_n be_v enforce_v which_o many_o apparent_a advantage_n that_o then_o do_v attend_v it_o do_v so_o sudden_o and_o strong_o spread_v and_o root_v itself_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o noble_n ruler_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o land_n that_o without_o so_o much_o as_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a so_o solemn_a engagement_n sacred_a oath_n public_a profession_n vigorous_a act_n and_o appearance_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o any_o consideration_n of_o conscience_n honesty_n or_o honour_n which_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o mutation_n from_o their_o former_a way_n though_o they_o have_v be_v as_o wicked_a as_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a do_v certain_o call_v for_o in_o sober_a and_o earnest_a repentance_n they_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o such_o vile_a sycophant_n and_o treacherous_a person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o the_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o power_n of_o prelacy_n have_v wicked_o debauch_v set_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o determine_a and_o resolute_a fury_n whereinto_o all_o their_o former_a zeal_n for_o god_n be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n sudden_o corrupt_v by_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o power_n and_o colour_n of_o authority_n whereunto_o they_o have_v now_o attain_v to_o deface_v and_o overturn_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n raze_v its_o fundation_n annul_v his_o covenant_n repeal_v all_o act_n make_v in_o their_o favour_n incapacitate_v and_o persecute_v all_o opposer_n and_o last_o to_o efface_v and_o dissolve_v all_o sense_n and_o bond_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o this_o fearful_a course_n of_o apostasy_n may_v be_v in_o the_o least_o check_v or_o control_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o premise_v any_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o succeed_a act_n and_o deed_n whereby_o this_o apostasy_n be_v carry_v on_o and_o for_o the_o lose_n and_o free_v of_o we_o from_o all_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n thereto_o or_o compliance_n therewith_o any_o who_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o not_o only_o a_o whole_a parliament_n but_o also_o all_o man_n be_v and_o have_v often_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o compare_v impartial_o the_o thing_n present_v with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o defection_n be_v and_o be_v gross_a perjury_n and_o wickedness_n and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o maxim_n shall_v hold_v that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n they_o can_v never_o be_v bind_v either_o in_o conscience_n or_o reason_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o these_o counteractings_a and_o overturning_n be_v to_o destroy_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o glorious_o plant_v and_o to_o loose_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v and_o be_v indissoluble_o oblige_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v for_o vindicate_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o our_o holy_a covenant_n we_o proceed_v to_o lay_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o wofulness_n of_o this_o defection_n as_o follow_v 1._o in_o july_n 1660._o by_o immediate_a clandestine_v warrant_n without_o any_o cause_n signify_v or_o citation_n give_v the_o lord_n marquis_n of_o argile_n and_o some_o other_o gentleman_n who_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o former_a work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o influence_n for_o obstruct_v of_o the_o then_o design_a overthrow_n thereof_o be_v attach_v and_o commit_v close_a prisoner_n 2._o in_o august_n 1660._o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1651._o be_v again_o set_v down_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v violent_o seize_v upon_o several_a faithful_a minister_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o assemble_v together_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o a_o monitory_a letter_n to_o the_o king_n in_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o dutiful_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a end_n of_o god_n
glory_n and_o the_o king_n service_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o the_o letter_n itself_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o apologetic_a narration_n do_v testify_v and_o though_o this_o duty_n and_o employment_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o mean_a subject_n in_o the_o most_o private_a capacity_n may_v and_o all_o be_v indispensible_o oblige_v to_o have_v do_v yet_o those_o minister_n and_o one_o gentleman_n with_o they_o be_v therefore_o instant_o without_o hear_v commit_v prisoner_n 3._o this_o committee_n proceed_v to_o prepare_v for_o the_o succeed_a parliament_n which_o be_v all_o its_o work_n and_o design_n the_o parliament_n sit_v down_o the_o 1_o day_n of_o january_n where_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n without_o respect_n to_o its_o due_a limitation_n contain_v in_o the_o 114._o act._n ja._n 6._o parl._n 12._o 1592._o then_o stand_v unrepealed_a and_o exalt_v the_o king_n prerogative_n upon_o the_o allege_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o in_o effect_n direct_o contrary_a to_o both_o above_o all_o office_n parliament_n law_n league_n convention_n peace_n and_o war_n and_o likewise_o upon_o mere_a assertion_n &_o allegiance_n in_o place_n of_o declare_v upon_o know_v and_o certain_a ground_n which_o be_v all_o that_o any_o parliament_n can_v lawful_o do_v direct_o innovate_a the_o fundamental_a law_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o thereby_o make_v the_o king_n throne_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o succeed_a perjury_n and_o apostasy_n they_o spoil_v and_o divest_v first_o the_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n and_o then_o the_o national_a covenant_n presbyterial_a government_n &_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n of_o all_o legal_a warrant_n and_o authority_n declare_v all_o act_n and_o practice_n make_v and_o stand_v in_o favour_n thereof_o to_o be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o by_o the_o same_o great_a act_n rescissory_a they_o revive_v and_o reinforce_v all_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o cross_v kneel_v and_o the_o like_a introduce_v by_o any_o parliament_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o session_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n do_v clear_o testify_v although_o that_o these_o act_n have_v be_v and_o be_v both_o in_o themselves_o &_o in_o their_o effect_n just_a cause_n of_o great_a astonishment_n and_o mourning_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n yet_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o height_n of_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n that_o then_o abound_v and_o the_o false_a flatter_a &_o perjurious_a sermon_n &_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o parliament_n be_v thereunto_o instigate_v but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o act_n that_o then_o pass_v for_o a_o anniversary_n thanksgiving_n wherein_o as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o commit_v all_o this_o great_a wickedness_n the_o spirit_n and_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v heinous_o blaspheme_v and_o calumniate_v as_o the_o only_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o blood_n bondage_n usurpation_n rebellion_n rapine_n violence_n and_o other_o evil_n that_o either_o the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v cause_v or_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n have_v therefore_o permit_v or_o inflict_v and_o the_o ranverse_v of_o our_o bless_a reformation_n holy_a covenant_n and_o the_o righteous_a law_n whereby_o they_o be_v establish_v account_v the_o restitution_n of_o religion_n righteousness_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o 29_o of_o may_n as_o most_o auspicious_a appoint_v for_o the_o yearly_a solemn_a commemoration_n thereof_o a_o day_n the_o profane_a institution_n whereof_o can_v be_v better_a demonstrate_v then_o by_o it_o be_v more_o profane_a observance_n and_o celebration_n ever_o since_o practise_v these_o thing_n we_o say_v be_v consider_v do_v just_o add_v horror_n to_o our_o astonishment_n &_o tremble_v unto_o our_o mourning_n but_o that_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v also_o consonant_a to_o their_o act_n and_o statute_n and_o by_o cut_v off_o or_o lay_v aside_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_a opposer_n the_o return_n of_o prelacy_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_o promote_v in_o the_o same_o session_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o be_v that_o innocent_a and_o faithful_a one_o mr_n cutâ—ry_n single_v out_o and_o signal_o honour_v by_o god_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n his_o cause_n and_o covenant_n for_o no_o other_o fault_n than_o his_o faithfulness_n therein_o and_o his_o decline_a the_o king_n usurp_a authority_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n clear_o warrand_v by_o 114_o act_n parl._n 12._o la._n 6._o then_o stand_v unrepeal_v and_o by_o a_o great_a cloud_n of_o faithful_a witness_n who_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v testify_v against_o this_o usurpation_n cruel_o slay_v and_o put_v to_o death_n but_o also_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o certain_a epidemic_a crime_n wherein_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a providence_n more_o than_o any_o man_n malice_n have_v involve_v the_o whole_a land_n other_o who_o have_v be_v eminent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n particular_o the_o marquis_n of_o argyle_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o forfeit_v and_o several_a other_o faithful_a minister_n beside_o these_o who_o be_v at_o first_o imprison_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v without_o any_o cause_n signify_v imprison_v confine_v or_o otherwise_o vex_v and_o incapacitate_v 4._o the_o rise_n and_o re-establishment_n of_o this_o antichristian_a prelacy_n be_v thus_o prepare_v in_o the_o interval_n after_o this_o first_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o king_n nominate_v and_o present_v bishop_n and_o four_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o court_n be_v there_o re-ordained_n and_o consecrate_a and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o do_v clear_o infer_v their_o disow_n and_o renounce_v their_o former_a minstery_n and_o their_o warrant_n &_o mission_n thereunto_o in_o consequence_n whereof_o all_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v discharge_v until_o they_o shall_v of_o new_a be_v licence_v &_o authorize_v thereto_o by_o the_o bishop_n now_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o matter_n may_v the_o better_o succeed_v several_a of_o our_o faithful_a minister_n upon_o groundless_a suspicion_n and_o for_o refuse_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n arbitrar_o and_o rigorous_o impose_v without_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v such_o qualification_n as_o no_o christian_n ought_v or_o can_v deny_v be_v some_o of_o they_o banish_v and_o other_o confine_v 5._o the_o second_o session_n of_o this_o last_o parliament_n sit_v in_o may_n 1662._o by_o their_o first_o act_n they_o restore_v and_o re-establish_a prelacy_n in_o all_o it_o be_v pretend_v right_n dignity_n and_o privilege_n but_o in_o effect_n in_o its_o real_a usurpation_n and_o corruption_n and_o for_o the_o better_a settle_v thereof_o and_o evident_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o erastian_n and_o antichristian_a this_o woeful_a government_n be_v both_o in_o its_o rise_n design_n and_o effect_n as_o by_o this_o act_n the_o restitution_n thereof_o be_v express_o found_v upon_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n in_o the_o crown_n for_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o whatever_o the_o king_n shall_v determine_v with_o advice_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o he_o shall_v nominate_v in_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v valid_a and_o effectual_a without_o any_o other_o proviso_n then_o that_o the_o same_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o the_o absolute_a compliment_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o hight_n of_o usurpation_n above_o all_o that_o ever_o the_o papacy_n itself_o aspire_v unto_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v whereby_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o clear_v all_o scruple_n which_o may_v occur_v from_o former_a act_n and_o practice_n do_v rescind_v all_o former_a act_n by_o which_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o council_n which_o may_v be_v interpret_v to_o have_v give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n their_o respective_a meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o put_v order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o king_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o the_o foresay_a 114_o act_n parl._n 12._o la._n 6._o whereby_o the_o privilege_n power_n
and_o other_o essential_a censure_n give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o his_o church_n and_o warrand_v by_o his_o word_n be_v ratify_v be_v even_o in_o so_o far_o and_o total_o cass_v and_o rescind_v and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v how_o presumptuous_a and_o absurd_a this_o usurpation_n be_v which_o can_v be_v just_o conceive_v without_o a_o instance_n of_o its_o effect_n we_o here_o subjoin_v that_o 4_o act._n sess_z 3._o of_o the_o same_o parliament_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a synod_n wherein_o the_o king_n be_v make_v sovereign_o and_o proper_o to_o constitute_v this_o assembly_n both_o as_o to_o the_o appointment_n of_o its_o member_n constituent_v and_o of_o its_o constant_a precedent_n the_o absolute_a regulation_n of_o thing_n there_o to_o be_v propose_v which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v only_o such_o as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o signify_v the_o determination_n and_o limitation_n of_o its_o decision_n which_o be_v to_o be_v agree_v to_o by_o the_o precedent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o major_a part_n and_o provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o prerogative_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o last_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o king_n presence_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o commissioner_n and_o of_o his_o ratification_n and_o approbation_n without_o which_o no_o act_n or_o deed_n be_v to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n now_o let_v the_o world_n consider_v what_o he_o can_v have_v do_v more_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o regulation_n of_o his_o own_o court_n of_o exchequer_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v all_o as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o court_n immediate_o depend_v upon_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o sole_a authority_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o possible_o can_v do_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o rule_v he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n will_v require_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o examine_v these_o act_n according_a to_o former_a law_n oath_n and_o engagement_n hereby_o most_o fearful_o violate_v and_o contemn_v this_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o wickedness_n above_o all_o that_o former_a time_n can_v imagine_v o_o that_o god_n will_v speak_v to_o the_o author_n but_o not_o in_o his_o wrath_n and_o as_o he_o have_v set_v his_o only_a son_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zicn_n so_o he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n that_o they_o may_v yet_o be_v wise_a and_o instruct_v to_o kiss_v the_o son_n leave_v he_o be_v angry_a and_o they_o perish_v from_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a sure_o to_o define_v that_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o church_n do_v not_o stand_v within_o the_o same_o but_o in_o some_o thing_n without_o beside_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n and_o that_o all_o church-officer_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n be_v accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v neither_o thereto_o gift_v nor_o call_v be_v to_o set_v the_o king_n upon_o our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o throne_n and_o a_o high_a derogation_n from_o and_o reflection_n upon_o he_o who_o he_z build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o bear_v the_o glory_n &_o sit_v and_o rule_n both_o as_o king_n &_o priest_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o more_o worthy_a than_o moses_n be_v faithful_a and_o perfect_a as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a of_o any_o such_o necessary_a and_o proper_a officer_n or_o assister_n when_o neither_o king_n nor_o prince_n be_v so_o much_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o last_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a perversion_n in_o stead_n of_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n isai_n 49._o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o king_n shall_v be_v its_o nurse_n father_n where_o in_o place_n of_o dominion_n there_o submission_n be_v express_o enjoin_v they_o shall_v bow_v down_o to_o thou_o with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o earth_n we_o know_v that_o this_o empty_a notion_n of_o external_n policy_n be_v vain_o pretend_v to_o colour_v the_o matter_n but_o see_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o external_a policy_n even_o as_o to_o outward_a decency_n and_o order_n be_v either_o particular_o determine_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n or_o under_o the_o definition_n of_o general_n and_o evident_a rule_n leave_v unto_o the_o church_n arbitrament_n whereby_o the_o king_n be_v no_o church-officer_n upon_o a_o double_a account_n be_v clear_o exclude_v and_o see_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o external_n policy_n the_o great_a &_o most_o superstitious_a novation_n in_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n both_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o his_o own_o warrant_n and_o the_o usurp_a and_o pervert_v of_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n house_n may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v introduce_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o rational_a man_n do_v see_v the_o delusion_n of_o such_o vain_a pretence_n and_o certain_o since_o the_o act_n itself_o do_v proceed_v to_o grant_v the_o king_n all_o the_o power_n in_o &_o over_o both_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n &_o person_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o will_v be_v but_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n in_o our_o adversary_n plain_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o vicegerent_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o over_o his_o house_n although_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o appear_v herein_o destitute_a of_o any_o better_a warrant_n than_o this_o present_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o most_o plain_o to_o justify_v all_o the_o usurpation_n that_o ever_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o 6._o bishop_n be_v thus_o restore_v and_o admit_v to_o sit_v and_o give_v voice_n in_o parliament_n this_o mixture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o their_o antichristian_a spirit_n do_v quick_o exert_v itself_o and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o parliamentary_a and_o all_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v no_o way_n conversant_a about_o thing_n and_o persuasion_n only_o internal_a and_o mere_o appertain_v to_o conscience_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n upon_o which_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o be_v only_o declarative_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n ought_v certain_o and_o express_o to_o proceed_v they_o procure_v a_o dogmatic_a act_n declare_v these_o position_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o subject_n for_o reformation_n or_o necessary_a self-defence_n to_o enter_v into_o league_n or_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o such_o like_a to_o be_v rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a and_o particular_o that_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o year_n 1638_o and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o be_v take_v by_o and_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n against_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o liberties_n thereof_o which_o neither_o they_o nor_o all_o the_o invention_n of_o hell_n be_v able_a to_o condescend_v upon_o or_o instruct_v and_o therefore_o out_o of_o the_o plenitude_n of_o their_o power_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o any_o pope_n pretend_v to_o they_o lose_v the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n and_o free_a the_o subject_n of_o their_o engagement_n and_o further_o to_o complete_a this_o their_o wickedness_n they_o appoint_v a_o declaration_n of_o this_o high_a impiety_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o all_o in_o public_a trust_n that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o or_o exerce_fw-la the_o same_o except_o they_o receive_v in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n this_o their_o accurse_a mark_n o_o lord_n our_o god_n thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v not_o look_v on_o iniquity_n wherefore_o look_v thou_o on_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o hold_v thy_o tongue_n when_o the_o wicked_a devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o he_o yet_o sure_o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v ordain_v they_o for_o judgement_n and_o o_o mighty_a god_n thou_o have_v estabished_a they_o for_o correction_n can_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n in_o its_o most_o national_a capacity_n include_v king_n parliament_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v after_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a conviction_n and_o signal_n manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o important_a and_o holy_a concernment_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n most_o solemn_o as_o it_o be_v to_o day_n engage_v themselves_o by_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o morrow_n without_o so_o much_o as_o serious_o
minister_n who_o dare_v to_o preach_v in_o contempt_n of_o that_o act_n to_o be_v punish_v as_o seditious_a person_n and_o also_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o remove_v and_o dispossess_v such_o who_o shall_v be_v suspend_v or_o deprive_v for_o nonconforming_a declare_v that_o if_o they_o thereafter_o presume_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o seditious_a person_n thus_o in_o the_o height_n of_o perfidy_n and_o violence_n man_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o abuse_a and_o pervert_v authority_n proceed_v to_o dare_v and_o presume_v against_o god_n their_o own_o consciencâ—â—_n &_o all_o their_o sacred_a &_o indissoluble_a oath_n and_o engagement_n and_o to_o persecut_v such_o for_o preach_v who_o stand_v steadfast_a therein_o and_o have_v a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o who_o be_v king_n in_o zion_n &_o high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v &_o out_o to_o contemn_v the_o menace_n of_o vain_a man_n in_o 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punishment_n &_o more_o effectual_a execution_n likea_n in_o order_n hereunto_o the_o council_n by_o several_a proclamation_n since_o have_v so_o much_o intend_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o act_n that_o every_o parish_n in_o stead_n of_o have_v a_o lawful_a pastor_n be_v now_o enslave_v to_o a_o graceless_a violent_a hireling_n as_o its_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o to_o the_o extortion_n of_o soldier_n appoint_v for_o his_o executioner_n and_o exactor_n we_o shall_v not_o here_o debate_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o obedience_n here_o require_v only_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o by_o their_o suffering_n have_v bear_v testimony_n against_o this_o act_n we_o add_v 1._o that_o wave_a the_o ordinary_a &_o captious_a manner_n of_o propose_v the_o question_n in_o the_o term_n of_o hear_v or_o nor_o hear_v which_o strict_o take_v be_v not_o the_o subject_n thereof_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o none_o serious_o ponder_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n sincere_o real_o &_o constant_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o prelate_n and_o their_o dependent_n but_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o own_n of_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o apostate_n curate_n according_a to_o this_o act_n as_o our_o minister_n be_v most_o diametral_o opposite_a thereto_o can_v we_o lawful_o own_o such_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o abhor_v or_o submit_v to_o such_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o extirpate_v sure_o this_o be_v to_o rebuild_v what_o we_o have_v destroy_v 2._o that_o though_o some_o nimble_a sophister_n who_o fear_v not_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n can_v and_o have_v swallow_v both_o own_v and_o submit_v as_o not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n yet_o see_v the_o direct_a contrary_a thereof_o be_v by_o the_o term_n themselves_o very_o significant_o import_v and_o that_o these_o term_n be_v for_o this_o express_a cause_n and_o 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wicked_a violence_n and_o intrusion_n do_v without_o question_n contemn_v the_o sacred_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o god_n word_n so_o that_o to_o admit_v such_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o external_o call_v be_v to_o make_v the_o god_n of_o order_n the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o truth_n the_o favourer_n of_o perjury_n we_o know_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o external_n call_v be_v conceit_v by_o many_o to_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o solemnity_n as_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o minister_n do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n or_o person_n on_o who_o the_o like_a have_v be_v perform_v but_o see_v that_o by_o many_o instance_n of_o gross_a disorder_n and_o violence_n which_o be_v obvious_a for_o any_o man_n to_o suppose_v many_o absurdity_n may_v be_v hence_o infer_v and_o that_o to_o be_v external_o call_v according_o both_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a evidence_n of_o the_o call_v of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o reason_n and_o charity_n do_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o person_n so_o call_v as_o true_o send_v certain_o if_o any_o person_n force_v his_o own_o entry_n into_o the_o ministry_n by_o open_a and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n he_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o palpable_o disprove_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_n which_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o &_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v either_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v call_v or_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o sent._n which_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o whoever_o deny_v they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o same_o consequence_n to_o affirm_v that_o if_o simon_n magus_n have_v in_o his_o horrid_a wickedness_n purchase_v the_o apostleship_n by_o money_n the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n 4._o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o launch_v out_o into_o these_o depth_n how_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a providence_n have_v suffer_v church_n to_o fall_v away_o into_o apostasy_n and_o again_o recover_v they_o and_o if_o during_o these_o time_n of_o apostasy_n a_o stand_a ministry_n still_o continue_v or_o how_o long_o it_o do_v if_o not_o what_o way_n it_o be_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o in_o which_o case_n true_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o and_o a_o conscientious_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n do_v certain_o purge_v and_o sustain_v many_o thing_n otherwise_o chargeable_a with_o informality_n yet_o of_o this_o wear_v confident_a that_o it_o have_v always_o be_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o apostatise_v church_n that_o they_o have_v not_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o defection_n and_o when_o the_o author_n theirof_o do_v prove_v incorrigible_a though_o former_o minister_n that_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o account_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n which_o course_n if_o due_o and_o zealous_o observe_v have_v undoubted_o put_v a_o great_a stop_n and_o hindrance_n to_o the_o rise_n and_o wicked_a usurpation_n of_o antichrist_n all_o who_o malice_n and_o violence_n without_o the_o delusion_n and_o compliance_n of_o such_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v resist_v they_o have_v never_o prove_v so_o effectual_a 5._o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o minister_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o minister_n unto_o all_o so_o as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v to_o they_o which_o may_v be_v intuitive_o understand_v beyond_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o any_o demonstration_n if_o we_o but_o suppose_v the_o case_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n live_v under_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n &_o that_o among_o such_o a_o few_o violent_a person_n arise_v bring_v in_o
another_o minister_n by_o plain_a force_n and_o cast_v out_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v what_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n be_v then_o oblige_v to_o do_v sure_o none_o will_v think_v that_o they_o ought_v instant_o to_o relinquish_v their_o true_a pastor_n &_o own_o &_o submit_v to_o this_o intruder_n but_o on_o the_o contrare_fw-la all_z must_v grant_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o their_o lawful_a minister_n &_o not_o only_o discountenance_v &_o withdraw_v from_o the_o usurper_n but_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n endeavour_v his_o ejection_n which_o case_n if_o but_o translate_v to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o this_o oppress_a church_n under_o usurp_a prelate_n will_v with_o the_o same_o evidence_n resolve_v the_o question_n 6._o that_o whatever_o construction_n or_o interpretation_n many_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v but_o not_o to_o suffer_v may_v put_v upon_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o curate_n as_o to_o the_o infer_v or_o not_o infer_v their_o own_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o their_o ministry_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a argument_n and_o presumption_n of_o own_v that_o can_v be_v allege_v so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o this_o act_n require_v for_o to_o testify_v both_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a government_n by_o prelate_n and_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o people_n give_v their_o cheerful_a concurrence_n countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o curate_n 7._o that_o see_v hear_v of_o the_o curate_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a be_v not_o a_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v move_v by_o conscience_n but_o rather_o use_v by_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n though_o lawful_a yet_o arbitrary_a for_o the_o evit_v a_o great_a inconvenience_n &_o see_v that_o this_o act_n and_o every_o article_n theirof_o be_v undoubted_o gross_a and_o wicked_a perfidy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a covenant_n command_v the_o disow_n and_o relinquish_a the_o lord_n ministry_n who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o the_o own_n and_o encourage_v by_o hear_v such_o vile_a intruder_n as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o extirpate_v thereby_o design_v express_o to_o involve_v all_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o same_o perfidy_n and_o to_o loose_v the_o former_a obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n abstract_o consider_v yet_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o be_v thus_o state_v not_o hear_v become_v a_o case_n of_o testimony_n and_o a_o indispensible_a duty_n 8._o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o decline_a time_n that_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o best_a rather_o wish_v for_o as_o a_o blessing_n then_o mind_v as_o a_o duty_n so_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o true_a and_o right_a zeal_n of_o god_n shall_v and_o will_v not_o only_o inspire_v all_o with_o a_o unanimous_a aversion_n against_o the_o the_o profane_a intrude_a curate_n but_o animate_v we_o as_o one_o man_n to_o drive_v away_o these_o wolf_n and_o thief_n and_o to_o eradicate_v these_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n never_o plant_v 9_o that_o though_o the_o curate_n can_v instruct_v and_o justify_v their_o external_n call_v yet_o such_o be_v their_o lie_n &_o lightness_n by_o which_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v &_o the_o visible_a truth_n of_o their_o vile_a perjury_n and_o profanity_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o practice_v that_o all_o serious_a observer_n may_v easy_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n under_o the_o sheep_n clothing_n of_o a_o pretend_a external_a call_n of_o who_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o lord_n command_v all_o aught_o and_o shall_v beware_v 10._o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o difference_n in_o these_o thing_n even_o among_o the_o faithful_a yet_o all_o must_v aggree_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o violent_a press_v of_o such_o to_o hear_v who_o upon_o such_o probable_a ground_n from_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o conscience_n do_v only_o plead_v that_o christian_a innocent_a &_o most_o safe_a privilege_n of_o a_o peaceable_a forbearance_n be_v not_o only_a contrare_fw-la to_o that_o ample_a promise_n of_o indulgence_n to_o tender_a conscience_n make_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o king_n from_o breda_n before_o his_o return_n 1660._o but_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o violent_a all_o conscience_n and_o the_o height_n of_o oppression_n and_o rigour_n 11._o that_o as_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o may_v and_o do_v sufficient_o answer_v all_o objection_n so_o therefrom_o may_v be_v short_o clear_v first_o that_o common_a and_o ordinary_a sophism_n that_o hear_v and_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n from_o which_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n nor_o frailty_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v loose_a but_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v that_o this_o when_o acknowledge_v do_v rather_o suppose_v then_o infer_v the_o complexed_a lawfulness_n of_o hear_v curate_n as_o minister_n and_o that_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o lord_n ordinance_n which_o be_v plain_o deny_v so_o we_o be_v also_o to_o consider_v that_o such_o duty_n and_o performance_n be_v only_o acceptable_a unto_o the_o lord_n special_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v entire_o sound_a and_o whole_o agreeable_a unto_o his_o will_n true_o do_v in_o spirit_n and_o altogether_o perform_v in_o truth_n nam_fw-la boâ—um_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la omni_fw-la causa_fw-la hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o profanity_n and_o wickedness_n even_o of_o the_o lord_n lawful_a priest_n let_v be_v the_o perjury_n and_o profanity_n of_o wicked_a intruder_n have_v not_o only_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o priest_n heavy_a charge_n but_o even_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o abhor_v his_o sanctuary_n &_o to_o account_v incense_v a_o abomination_n so_o that_o he_o can_v away_o with_o the_o call_n of_o assembly_n it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n shall_v it_o then_o be_v account_v iniquity_n for_o to_o hate_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n hate_v and_o withdraw_v from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v forsake_v ought_v we_o not_o rather_o to_o distinguish_v a_o holy_a abhor_v from_o a_o profane_a contempt_n though_o both_o of_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o curate_n sin_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o rather_o wish_v for_o and_o withdraw_v with_o jeremiah_n unto_o a_o cottage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o there_o we_o may_v mourn_v for_o all_o these_o abomination_n sure_o be_v there_o no_o more_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o holiness_n become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o man_n of_o clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a lip_n ought_v to_o draw_v near_o and_o turn_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o lord_n people_n who_o in_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n can_v in_o conscience_n either_o regard_n or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o hand_n of_o these_o apostate_n which_o be_v continual_o fill_v with_o lie_n and_o violence_n as_o either_o send_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o them-ward_n or_o to_o be_v employ_v by_o they_o to_o god-ward_o 2._o from_o these_o ground_n may_v be_v clear_v that_o grand_a objection_n from_o our_o lord_n command_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o saying_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v whence_o some_o infer_v that_o even_o such_o as_o without_o a_o title_n do_v usurp_v the_o office_n of_o teacher_n ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o be_v both_o hear_v and_o observe_v but_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o that_o it_o neither_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n nor_o yet_o from_o any_o other_o record_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v by_o intrusion_n 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call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v in_o who_o all_o the_o seeker_n of_o his_o face_n ought_v to_o rejoice_v and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o their_o salvation_n therefore_o although_o that_o over_o and_o above_o all_o these_o menace_a evil_n the_o power_n and_o pride_n of_o the_o enemy_n shall_v yet_o more_o prevail_v even_o many_o degree_n above_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o human_a hope_n or_o help_v &_o all_o neighbour_a nation_n shall_v not_o only_o give_v they_o the_o leisure_n and_o conveniency_n but_o with_o all_o their_o might_n conspire_v and_o concur_v with_o our_o enemy_n to_o intend_v their_o persecution_n &_o strengthen_v their_o apostasy_n yet_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a not_o only_o partaker_n of_o that_o river_n the_o stream_n whereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n though_o surround_v with_o the_o siege_n of_o of_o nation_n battery_n of_o mountain_n and_o
insurrection_n of_o the_o universe_n against_o it_o and_o be_v build_v on_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v and_o do_v also_o know_v that_o their_o god_n who_o they_o fear_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o this_o fiery_a trial_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o from_o their_o persecuter_n and_o if_o not_o that_o nothing_o save_o the_o design_n of_o great_a glory_n to_o this_o own_o name_n in_o a_o great_a mercy_n and_o salvation_n to_o his_o people_n shall_v impede_fw-la it_o but_o all_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n salvation_n have_v also_o fair_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o his_o adversary_n so_o will_v he_o remember_v for_o scotland_n his_o covenant_n awake_v and_o give_v a_o shout_n against_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o now_o when_o he_o see_v their_o wrath_n how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o strange_o and_o say_v our_o hand_n be_v high_a and_o the_o lord_n 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tyranny_n they_o shall_v nevertheless_o in_o the_o end_n be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o gainsaying_n as_o we_o do_v therefore_o desire_v to_o remain_v steadfast_a immovable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o point_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o without_o faint_v or_o weary_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n in_o and_o over_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v cause_v his_o faithful_a witness_n so_o glorious_o to_o triumph_n so_o we_o do_v only_o here_o subjoin_v for_o the_o clear_a and_o unanswerable_a conviction_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o perfidy_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o accurse_a prelate_n both_o before_o the_o world_n and_o even_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o any_o sense_n thereof_o do_v yet_o remain_v that_o though_o we_o have_v never_o see_v any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n whereby_o the_o lord_n since_o the_o year_n 1637._o do_v revive_v confirm_v and_o magnify_v his_o work_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o national_a covenant_n have_v net_n be_v since_o retake_v much_o less_o explain_v and_o establish_v nor_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n ensue_v it_o yet_o since_o the_o same_o do_v still_o stand_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o simple_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v conceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n wherein_o both_o it_o be_v express_a word_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n which_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v do_v plain_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o take_v as_o this_o covenant_n do_v remain_v unto_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prelate_n wickedness_n perjury_n and_o violence_n unrepeal_v or_o condemn_v and_o by_o no_o contrary_a explanation_n or_o gloss_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v detort_v from_o be_v a_o undeniable_a abjuration_n of_o accurse_a prelacy_n and_o all_o its_o corruption_n so_o be_v it_o a_o certain_a fix_v and_o immovable_a foundation_n for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ensue_v and_o a_o very_a sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n to_o all_o who_o serious_o perpend_v and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o love_v we_o of_o old_a and_o choose_v our_o father_n shall_v yet_o again_o by_o his_o mighty_a spirit_n and_o power_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o bring_v we_o back_o unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o father_n and_o upon_o this_o same_o foundation_n yet_o repair_v our_o breach_n build_v up_o the_o old_a waste_n &_o raise_v &_o rear_v up_o his_o glory_n finis_fw-la the_o last_o speech_n and_o testimony_n of_o some_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o scotland_n since_o the_o year_n 1660._o the_o last_o speech_n of_o the_o marquis_n of_o argile_n at_o his_o death_n in_o edinburgh_n may_v 27._o 1661._o many_o will_v expect_v that_o i_o speak_v many_o thing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a opinion_n and_o disposition_n so_o will_v their_o expectation_n be_v from_o i_o and_o construction_n of_o i_o but_o i_o resolve_v to_o disappoint_v many_o for_o i_o come_v not_o hither_o to_o justify_v myself_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o work_v holy_a and_o bless_a be_v his_o name_n neither_o come_v i_o to_o condemn_v other_o i_o know_v many_o will_v expect_v that_o i_o will_v speak_v against_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o i_o but_o i_o will_v say_v nothing_o to_o it_o i_o bless_v the_o lord_n i_o pardon_v all_o man_n as_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v of_o the_o lord_n myself_o let_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v i_o hope_v that_o you_o will_v have_v more_o charity_n to_o i_o now_o than_o you_o will_v have_v have_v at_o a_o other_o time_n see_v i_o speak_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o i_o must_v give_v a_o account_n very_o short_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o word_n have_v have_v but_o very_o little_a weight_n with_o many_o and_o that_o many_o have_v mistake_v my_o word_n &_o act_n both_o many_o have_v think_v i_o to_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o these_o great_a work_n that_o have_v of_o late_a be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o good_a people_n i_o speak_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n with_o any_o design_n of_o advantage_n to_o myself_o or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n as_o my_o late_a will_n which_o be_v write_v 1655._o and_o thereafter_o deliver_v to_o a_o friend_n in_o who_o hand_n it_o still_o remain_v can_v show_v as_o for_o these_o calumny_n that_o have_v go_v abroad_o of_o i_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v
mistake_v nor_o be_v not_o fight_v against_o a_o man_n of_o straw_n i_o be_v also_o desirous_a and_o do_v use_v some_o poor_a endeavour_n to_o have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n purge_v of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o elder_n for_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v mistake_v by_o some_o and_o hate_v by_o other_o but_o i_o bless_v the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n so_o i_o be_v and_o be_o therein_o approven_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v precious_a servant_n and_o people_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o i_o may_v die_v desire_v by_o some_o yet_o by_o these_o i_o know_v i_o do_v die_v desire_v and_o their_o approbation_n and_o prayer_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o more_o value_n with_o i_o than_o the_o contradiction_n or_o reproach_n or_o hatred_n of_o many_o other_o the_o love_n of_o the_o one_o i_o can_v recompense_n and_o the_o mistake_n or_o hatred_n or_o reproach_n of_o the_o other_o i_o do_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n forgive_v and_o wherein_o i_o have_v offend_v any_o of_o they_o do_v beg_v their_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n i_o do_v from_o my_o soul_n wish_v that_o my_o death_n may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o both_o that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o the_o other_o if_o the_o lord_n so_o will_v may_v be_v convince_v &_o cease_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o good_a &_o do_v not_o edify_v but_o destroy_v one_o thing_n i_o will_v warn_v you_o all_o of_o that_o god_n be_v wroth_a yea_o very_a wroth_a with_o scotland_n and_o threaten_v to_o depart_v and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v many_o and_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o one_o great_a cause_n that_o cause_n of_o wrath_n be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n consider_v the_o case_n that_o be_v record_v jer._n 36._o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o tremble_v and_o 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prosper_v shall_v the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n which_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v a_o sword_n on_o these_o land_n which_o shall_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n 3._o horrible_a ingratitude_n the_o lord_n after_o 10_o year_n oppression_n &_o bondage_n have_v break_v the_o yoke_n of_o stranger_n from_o off_o our_o neck_n but_o what_o do_v we_o render_v unto_o he_o for_o this_o goodness_n most_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o delivery_n be_v to_o work_v wickedness_n and_o to_o strengthen_v ourselves_o to_o do_v evil_a 4._o a_o most_o dreadful_a idolatry_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o a_o corruptible_a man_n in_o who_o many_o have_v place_v almost_o all_o their_o salvation_n and_o desire_n and_o have_v turn_v that_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o blessing_n unto_o we_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o due_a line_n of_o subordination_n under_o god_n into_o a_o idol_n of_o jealousy_n by_o prefer_v it_o before_o he_o god_n be_v also_o wroth_a with_o a_o generation_n of_o carnal_a corrupt_a time-serving_a minister_n i_o know_v and_o bear_v testimony_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a ministry_n bless_a be_v god_n we_o have_v yet_o many_o who_o study_v their_o duty_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n much_o of_o these_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o i_o pray_v they_o to_o be_v encourage_v in_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v with_o they_o to_o make_v they_o as_o iron-pillar_n and_o brazen_a wall_n and_o as_o a_o strong_a defence_a city_n in_o the_o faithful_a follow_v of_o their_o duty_n but_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o push_n with_o the_o side_n and_o shoulder_n who_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n who_o make_v themselves_o transgressor_n by_o stustudying_a to_o build_v again_o what_o they_o do_v former_o warrantable_o destroy_v i_o mean_v prelacy_n and_o the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o service-book_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o work_v among_o we_o who_o step_n lead_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n the_o mother_n of_o fornication_n or_o whosoever_o else_o he_o be_v that_o build_v this_o jericho_n again_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_n and_o of_o that_o fly_a roll_n thereaten_v zech._n 5._o and_o let_v all_o minister_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o watch_v and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o quit_v themselves_o like_o man_n and_o be_v strong_a and_o give_v faithful_a and_o seasonable_a warn_v concern_v sin_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n do_v sad_o complain_v of_o the_o faint_a and_o silence_n of_o many_o watchman_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o god_n call_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n in_o such_o a_o day_n silence_n now_o in_o a_o watchman_n when_o he_o be_v so_o much_o call_v to_o speak_v and_o give_v his_o testimony_n upon_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o life_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n the_o lord_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o speak_v his_o word_n with_o all_o boldness_n that_o covenant-breaking_a may_v be_v discover_v and_o reprove_v and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v not_o be_v supplant_v nor_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n destroy_v without_o a_o witness_n i_o have_v but_o a_o few_o word_n more_o to_o add_v all_o that_o be_v profane_a among_o you_o i_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n vengeance_n hasten_v and_o be_v near_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o door_n of_o mercy_n open_a for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v maligner_n and_o reproacher_n and_o persecuter_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o such_o as_o live_v godly_a take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o you_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n you_o make_v yourselves_o the_o butt_n of_o the_o lord_n fury_n and_o his_o flame_a indignation_n if_o you_o do_v not_o cease_v from_o and_o repent_v of_o all_o your_o ungodly_a deed_n all_o that_o be_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a professor_n be_v zealous_a and_o repent_v lest_o the_o lord_n spew_v you_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n you_o that_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o mourn_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v in_o this_o city_n and_o in_o the_o land_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o stone_n and_o dust_n of_o ziâ—n_n cast_v not_o away_o your_o confidence_n but_o be_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v yet_o appear_v to_o your_o joy_n god_n have_v not_o cast_v away_o his_o people_n nor_o work_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n i_o hope_v it_o shall_v once_o more_o revive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o take_v root_v downward_o and_o bear_v fruit_n upward_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o holy_a seed_n and_o precious_a remnant_n who_o god_n will_v preserve_v and_o bring_v forth_o but_o how_o long_a or_o dark_a our_o night_n may_v be_v i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n shorten_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o the_o mean_a while_n be_v you_o patient_a &_o steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o beware_v of_o snare_n which_o be_v straw_v thick_a cleave_v to_o the_o covenant_n &_o work_n of_o reformation_n do_v not_o decline_v the_o
go_v before_o i_o leave_v behind_o they_o concern_v our_o common_a cause_n to_o leave_v a_o word_n in_o writ_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o who_o survive_v i_o that_o for_o preservation_n &_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o my_o poor_a brethren_n afflict_v &_o persecute_v therefore_o i_o join_v with_o other_o in_o arm_n &_o that_o i_o renew_v the_o covenant_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_a know_v my_o cause_n and_o principle_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deny_v or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o i_o both_o acknowledge_v and_o avow_v it_o as_o my_o duty_n but_o let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v not_o condemn_v himself_o upon_o the_o same_o common_a obligation_n to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v account_v i_o a_o rebel_n therefore_o because_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n that_o i_o do_v swear_v and_o with_o that_o same_o hand_n that_o i_o do_v subscribe_v to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v religion_n i_o do_v also_o swear_v to_o defend_v the_o king_n and_o his_o authority_n our_o church_n be_v not_o more_o glorious_a in_o herself_o &_o terrible_a to_o her_o adversary_n while_o we_o enjoy_v pure_a ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o her_o beautiful_a assembly_n for_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o institution_n than_o she_o become_v of_o late_o deform_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n of_o prelacy_n and_o i_o do_v solemn_o declare_v as_o a_o die_a man_n who_o dare_v not_o dissemble_v that_o as_o i_o think_v and_o still_o aver_v that_o the_o erect_n of_o this_o abjure_a prelacy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o of_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n therein_o so_o i_o have_v no_o worse_a design_n than_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o more_o particular_o the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n to_o which_o his_o ma_n and_o all_o the_o subject_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v as_o i._n and_o let_v that_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n restore_v and_o i_o darâ—_n die_v in_o say_v that_o his_o ma_n shall_v not_o have_v in_o all_o his_o dominion_n more_o love_a loyal_a peaceable_a and_o faithful_a subject_n than_o these_o who_o for_o their_o noncompliance_a be_v load_v with_o the_o reproach_n of_o phanaticisme_n and_o rebellion_n the_o suffering_n and_o insupportable_a oppression_n of_o these_o that_o can_v not_o because_o of_o the_o command_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v &_o comply_v with_o prelacy_n may_v seem_v light_n to_o some_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a enmity_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n remain_v and_o to_o other_o perhaps_o their_o friend_n who_o look_v thereupon_o at_o adistance_n but_o as_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o if_o these_o rigid_a oppression_n have_v be_v make_v know_v to_o his_o ma_n his_o justice_n and_o clemency_n will_v have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n and_o as_o the_o half_a thereof_o will_v have_v make_v the_o prelate_n their_o patron_n and_o adherent_n impatient_o mad_a for_o as_o loyal_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o irresistible_a necessity_n when_o there_o be_v little_a open_a door_n for_o represent_v of_o grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o less_o hope_n of_o relief_n thereby_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v condemn_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n or_o doctrine_n of_o sound_a divine_n but_o that_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o uncondemned_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a state_n by_o arm_n to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v man_n life_n their_o religion_n liberty_n and_o fortune_n and_o especial_o where_o they_o be_v not_o seek_v to_o acquire_v a_o new_a religion_n or_o new_a liberty_n but_o only_o to_o preserve_v their_o old_a or_o recover_v they_o when_o they_o be_v violent_o &_o unjust_o spoil_v of_o the_o same_o as_o in_o our_o case_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o condemn_v as_o rebellious_a the_o most_o of_o the_o through_o reformation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o of_o our_o own_o at_o home_n if_o this_o course_n be_v lawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v therein_o as_o i_o believe_v and_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n in_o the_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o if_o all_o the_o kingdom_n be_v as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o covenant_n to_o assist_v and_o defend_v one_o another_o in_o the_o â—ommon_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o these_o that_o come_v not_o forth_o to_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a it_o can_v but_o be_v their_o dreadful_a sin_n who_o join_v themselves_o in_o arm_n or_o take_v oath_n to_o oppose_v suppress_v and_o break_v it_o see_v they_o have_v side_v themselves_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o work_n and_o their_o carriage_n be_v a_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o accession_n to_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v than_o paul_n keep_v of_o the_o clothes_n of_o they_o that_o stone_a stephen_n to_o death_n and_o i_o wish_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v the_o matter_n to_o heart_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o god_n may_v forgive_v they_o as_o i_o forgive_v all_o man_n and_o particular_o morâ—on_v who_o do_v apprehend_v i_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a seed_n in_o the_o land_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v they_o more_o zealous_a and_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n i_o know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n have_v be_v draw_v forth_o towards_o these_o who_o take_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o especial_o in_o edinburgh_n towards_o the_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o who_o i_o may_v not_o only_o say_v that_o what_o they_o have_v do_v deserve_v to_o be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v but_o be_o assure_o confident_a that_o beside_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o persecute_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v their_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o they_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o they_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n &_o do_v minister_v and_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o regret_n that_o so_o many_o in_o this_o city_n once_o famous_a and_o honour_a for_o harmonious_a own_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v above_o many_o other_o city_n with_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n shall_v have_v be_v ensnare_v into_o a_o oath_n so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n &_o which_o be_v devise_v contrive_v and_o impose_v in_o lieu_n of_o the_o declaration_n against_o the_o same_o and_o for_o a_o grave-stone_n to_o suppress_v the_o revival_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n within_o this_o land_n the_o apostasy_n of_o this_o land_n be_v very_o great_a by_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o aggreageble_a that_o it_o be_v authorize_v and_o very_o universal_a and_o as_o i_o can_v but_o regret_n that_o so_o many_o be_v ensnare_v therein_o so_o i_o must_v needs_o warn_v all_o to_o abhor_v and_o beware_v of_o all_o declaration_n and_o oath_n contradictory_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o renunciatory_a thereof_o as_o they_o will_v not_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n and_o plague_n denounce_v against_o and_o ordinary_o inflict_v upon_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o shibbole_fw-he and_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n as_o for_o myself_o i_o have_v see_v and_o do_v find_v so_o much_o worth_n in_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v at_o any_o rate_n but_o sell_v at_o none_o and_o so_o much_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o amiableness_n in_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o with_o cheerfulness_n &_o confidence_n i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n commit_v my_o soul_n to_o he_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o joyful_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o bless_v he_o that_o give_v i_o a_o life_n to_o lose_v and_o a_o body_n to_o lay_v down_o for_o he_o and_o although_o the_o merket_n and_o price_n of_o truth_n may_v appear_v to_o many_o very_a high_a yet_o i_o reckon_v it_o low_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v or_o can_v do_v little_a and_o too_o little_a for_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o i_o for_o i_o account_v