not_o to_o be_v a_o free_a assembly_n second_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n in_o the_o consistory_n use_v politic_a mean_n that_o none_o or_o few_o of_o these_o prelate_n who_o they_o suppose_v in_o any_o way_n will_v cross_v their_o design_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o council_n although_o public_o they_o do_v admonish_v all_o yet_o by_o private_a threaten_n and_o distaste_n hinder_v from_o come_v many_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o germany_n france_n and_o spain_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a allure_v by_o divers_a mean_n those_o who_o they_o suppose_v will_v favour_v their_o design_n as_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n so_o that_o when_o the_o council_n be_v at_o the_o great_a there_o be_v above_o 150._o italian_a bishop_n whereof_o many_o be_v at_o the_o pope_n charge_n yet_o not_o above_o 60._o of_o all_o other_o nation_n so_o in_o this_o at_o glasgow_n politic_a mean_n be_v use_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n except_o covenanter_n and_o of_o those_o 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affect_a protest_n against_o they_o and_o process_n they_o before_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o voice_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n also_o direct_v a_o informal_a and_o illegal_a citation_n against_o all_o the_o bishop_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o have_v place_n or_o voice_n in_o their_o assembly_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v by_o the_o present_a law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o principal_a member_n thereof_o three_o as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n to_o have_v more_o voice_n favour_v his_o design_n do_v create_v many_o titular_a bishop_n who_o have_v no_o christian_a flock_n and_o have_v never_o so_o much_o as_o see_v that_o church_n which_o they_o do_v represent_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o assembly_n be_v bring_v in_o many_o titular_a lay-elder_n as_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o habitation_n nor_o ever_o do_v sit_v therein_o to_o exercise_v their_o rule_n of_o elder-ship_n before_o the_o day_n of_o their_o election_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n four_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n do_v complain_v that_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n will_v have_v prelimitate_v the_o council_n by_o their_o direction_n yet_o the_o ambassador_n and_o prelate_n do_v in_o every_o session_n and_o congregation_n complain_v more_o just_o that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o free_a be_v strange_o prelimitate_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o consistory_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o the_o member_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v as_o also_o in_o frame_v of_o the_o canon_n so_o our_o covenanter_n do_v require_v a_o free_a assembly_n affirm_v that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v prelimitate_v either_o in_o the_o member_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v so_o far_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v account_v it_o a_o most_o dangerous_a usurpation_n to_o any_o person_n or_o iudicatoriâ—_z whatsoever_o to_o impose_v any_o such_o limitation_n except_o a_o assembly_n itself_o and_o therefore_o do_v most_o grievous_o complain_v against_o his_o majesty_n although_o unjust_o for_o he_o require_v no_o limitation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o former_a lawful_a assembly_n yet_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n may_v more_o just_o complain_v of_o they_o who_o refuse_v the_o reasonable_a prelimitation_n of_o other_o former_a assembly_n do_v neverthesse_n admit_v strange_a limitation_n from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v neither_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o authority_n over_o the_o same_o and_o those_o also_o against_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o appear_v evident_o by_o those_o four_o paper_n of_o instruction_n send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o which_o the_o assembly_n be_v limitate_v both_o in_o the_o member_n and_o matter_n five_o as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nothing_o be_v admit_v to_o consultation_n but_o proponentibus_fw-la legatis_fw-la which_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o no_o bishop_n no_o prelate_n no_o regal_a ambassador_n nor_o any_o good_a christian_a have_v liberty_n to_o propose_v any_o thing_n only_o the_o pope_n legate_n have_v this_o power_n who_o do_v propose_v every_o thing_n as_o they_o receive_v instruction_n from_o 〈◊〉_d even_o so_o in_o this_o assembly_n nothing_o be_v admit_v to_o deâ—â—beration_n but_o proponente_fw-la moâ—â—ratorâ—_n and_o he_o likewise_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o table_n who_o have_v before_o set_v down_o every_o article_n which_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v all_o proposition_n of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o though_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o commissioner_n or_o council_n be_v contemptuous_o reject_v six_o as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n let_v the_o father_n and_o doctor_n deliberate_a and_o reason_n pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la as_o they_o please_v yet_o nothing_o be_v conclude_v until_o it_o be_v first_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n at_o rome_n and_o their_o determination_n who_o never_o hear_v the_o reason_n be_v send_v to_o trent_n to_o be_v enact_v and_o that_o no_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o common_a proverb_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o the_o council_n be_v direct_v come_v from_o rome_n in_o a_o câ—og-bag_n so_o likewise_o all_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o assembly_n be_v fore-ordain_v by_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o edinburgh_n for_o there_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v though_o contrary_a to_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v all_o the_o commission_n frame_v and_o a_o cople_n thereof_o send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o production_n since_o never_o one_o of_o they_o be_v different_a in_o one_o syllable_n from_o another_o there_o also_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o assembly_n set_v down_o and_o according_o observe_v there_o be_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o assembly_n discuss_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v lay-person_n nobleman_n gentleman_n burgeâ—â—es_n and_o some_o few_o minister_n most_o forward_o in_o the_o cause_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o those_o holy_a brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v rule_v come_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o direct_o from_o edinburgh_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o imagine_v by_o the_o effect_n what_o spirit_n that_o be_v which_o have_v stir_v up_o such_o sedition_n rebellion_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n then_o although_o in_o these_o point_n of_o corruption_n and_o many_o other_o which_o for_o shortness_n we_o omit_v this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v not_o unlike_o that_o council_n of_o trust_z yet_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v and_o that_o true_o that_o in_o some_o substantial_a point_n that_o council_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o assembly_n for_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o external_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o keep_v more_o formality_n and_o decency_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n many_o age_n before_o 1._o there_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o that_o council_n except_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n ambassador_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n in_o all_o europe_n for_o the_o time_n and_o such_o as_o the_o prelate_n think_v fit_a in_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n to_o reason_n in_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o their_o congregation_n and_o session_n they_o do_v sit_v every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o
cap._n 7._o entitle_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n everywhere_o and_o most_o frequent_o by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v obey_v and_o receive_v bishop_n be_v not_o perjure_v nor_o have_v break_v that_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o of_o this_o assembly_n who_o have_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v with_o such_o precipitation_n so_o many_o bishop_n and_o minister_n without_o observe_v in_o their_o process_n these_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v evident_o perjure_v according_a to_o their_o own_o ground_n second_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v at_o some_o time_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o ample_a signification_n for_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 1._o be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o order_n or_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n thereto_o appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o we_o â—ll_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o policy_n cap._n 2._o be_v divide_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v ruler_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v rule_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n subject_a to_o this_o policy_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o discipline_n so_o proper_o call_v 3._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n and_o â—ent_a of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o contend_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o this_o large_a sense_n in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n likewise_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o in_o this_o discipline_n or_o policy_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o distinguish_v the_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a from_o the_o point_n accidental_a and_o mutable_a or_o as_o it_o be_v express_o distinguish_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 9_o entitle_v of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n utter_o necessary_a without_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o thing_n profitable_a and_o not_o mere_o necessary_a the_o point_n utter_o necessary_a be_v those_o which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n to_o endure_v perpetual_o as_o that_o there_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o god_n word_n be_v true_o teach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exercise_v against_o scandalous_a person_n and_o such_o other_o like_a thing_n the_o point_v not_o mere_o necessary_a but_o profitable_a be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o particular_o prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n set_v down_o the_o form_n ceremony_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n do_v require_v such_o as_o how_o many_o pastor_n under_o what_o name_n and_o title_n they_o ought_v to_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n over_o what_o bound_n or_o what_o particular_a person_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v charge_n when_o where_o in_o what_o order_n gesture_n or_o what_o habit_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v pray_v or_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o divers_a other_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n concerning_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o government_n the_o first_o sort_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v in_o substance_n since_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o baptism_n or_o entrâ—e_n to_o a_o calling_n do_v oblige_v every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o station_n therein_o to_o observe_v they_o perpetual_o albeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o oath_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o condemn_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o of_o these_o essential_a point_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o god_n word_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o in_o swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o point_n of_o discipline_n none_o have_v abjure_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n but_o therewith_o have_v retain_v those_o essential_a point_n without_o change_n or_o alteration_n there_o be_v other_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o accidental_a part_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v by_o what_o title_n or_o name_n those_o who_o bear_v chief_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v whether_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n or_o precedent_n or_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o moderatores_fw-la by_o who_o advice_n they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o authority_n whether_o by_o chapter_n or_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n or_o by_o other_o wise_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n assume_v by_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o be_v their_o câ—uncell_n albeit_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o expedient_a to_o use_v these_o title_n and_o name_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o continue_v by_o long_a prescription_n in_o after_o age_n than_o those_o new_a invent_a title_n by_o man_n affect_v singularity_n these_o point_n be_v alterable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o not_o be_v precise_o command_v in_o god_n word_n may_v be_v change_v by_o the_o church_n in_o who_o liberty_n they_o be_v leave_v and_o therefore_o no_o oath_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n thereof_o in_o case_n it_o please_v the_o church_n for_o reason_n of_o expediency_n to_o alter_v they_o for_o according_a to_o that_o common_a regula_fw-la iuris_fw-la juramentum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la actus_fw-la super_fw-la quo_fw-la interponitur_fw-la if_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v unto_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n perpetui_fw-la iuris_fw-la the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o biâ—des_v to_o the_o perpetual_a observation_n and_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o absolve_v we_o of_o that_o oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v iuris_fw-la positivi_fw-la and_o only_o a_o constitution_n of_o the_o câ—urch_n or_o commonwealth_n concerning_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o supreme_a 〈…〉_z then_o certain_o the_o oath_n take_v thereupon_o 〈…〉_z long_o than_o the_o constitution_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v alter_v by_o that_o same_o lawful_a authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v all_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la loose_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o oath_n yea_o all_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o the_o alteration_n she_o make_v in_o those_o mutable_a point_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o new_a act_n and_o constitution_n that_o concern_v the_o same_o although_o they_o be_v different_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o all_o those_o who_o disobey_v therein_o contemptuous_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n therefore_o since_o the_o church_n have_v alter_v upon_o good_a and_o grave_a reason_n those_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v for_o a_o time_n not_o upon_o so_o good_a ground_n unto_o the_o ancient_a approve_a manner_n of_o episcopal_a government_n all_o those_o within_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v notwithstanding_o of_o their_o former_a oath_n to_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o her_o change_n without_o fear_n of_o perjury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o our_o covenanter_n who_o before_o the_o lawful_a abrogation_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n have_v not_o conform_v themselves_o thereto_o but_o disobey_v they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o their_o exemplary_a practice_n entice_v yea_o compel_v other_o to_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o their_o mother_n their_o church_n and_o break_v of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v conserve_v do_v lie_v under_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n until_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v chap._n xi_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v against_o bishop_n until_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v 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person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n or_o visitor_n and_o not_o abrogate_a
to_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o posterity_n afterward_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o after_o earnest_a call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o religious_o â—â—tested_v in_o the_o say_a confession_n have_v enter_v into_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o assembliâ—â—_n have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d before_o and_o which_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v â—reserved_v bring_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o have_v find_v that_o in_o the_o lâ—ter_n confession_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n we_o profess_v 1._o that_o we_o detest_v â—ll_n tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n next_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o part_n 〈◊〉_d head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o 〈…〉_z when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o three_o that_o we_o detest_v 〈…〉_z antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wiâ—â—ed_v hierchieâ—_n four_o that_o we_o join_v 〈◊〉_d self_n to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a and_o the_o government_n by_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o assembly_n general_n and_o provincial_n and_o presbytery_n be_v swear_v to_o and_o subscribe_v in_o subscribe_v that_o confession_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n when_o that_o confession_n be_v frame_v sword_n to_o and_o subscribe_v unto_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o national_a oâ—th_n and_o subscription_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n agree_v upon_o both_o before_o 〈…〉_z after_o the_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o say_a confession_n in_o the_o year_n above_o mention_v and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o â—4_n of_o april_n and_o 24._o of_o october_n anno_fw-la 1578._o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v as_o glasgow_n 1581._o and_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o minister_n that_o then_o do_v bear_v or_o thereafter_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o this_o kirk_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assemblis_n hold_v the_o 4._o of_o august_n at_o edinburgh_n 1500._o and_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 2._o of_o july_n 1591._o but_o special_o in_o the_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 6._o 7._o and_o 11._o chapter_n of_o the_o say_a book_n the_o bishop_n be_v tolerate_v from_o the_o year_n 1572._o till_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o august_n 1575._o and_o all_o this_o time_n the_o assembly_n be_v weary_v with_o the_o complaint_n make_v against_o they_o do_v enter_v in_o search_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a charge_n as_o well_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n at_o the_o next_o assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o april_n 1576._o such_o bishop_n be_v censure_v we_o have_v not_o take_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o april_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1578._o sess._n 4._o intimation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o follow_v for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n be_v conclude_v and_o agree_v upon_o in_o the_o lust_n assembly_n by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o brethren_n certain_a of_o the_o brethren_n have_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o head_n de_fw-la diaconâ—tâ—_z whereupon_o further_o reason_v be_v reserve_v to_o this_o assembly_n it_o be_v therefore_o require_v if_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v that_o he_o be_v ready_a the_o morrow_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o 6._o sess._n april_n 26._o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n make_v the_o day_n before_o all_o person_n that_o have_v any_o doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v be_v require_v to_o propone_v the_o same_o but_o none_o offer_v to_o propone_v any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o it_o be_v shownâ—_n by_o the_o moderator_n thereof_o to_o the_o noble_a who_o be_v present_a viz._n my_o lord_n chancellor_n the_o earl_n of_o 〈◊〉_d my_o lord_n seatâ—n_fw-fr and_o my_o lord_n lindâ—ey_n what_o care_n and_o 〈◊〉_d die_v the_o assembly_n have_v take_v to_o entertain_v and_o keep_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n unmix_v with_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o the_o posterity_n hereafter_o and_o see_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v not_o induce_v king_n without_o a_o good_a discipline_n and_o policy_n in_o that_o part_n also_o have_v they_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o draw_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n the_o special_a corruption_n be_v set_v down_o which_o they_o crave_v such_o of_o the_o bishop_n as_o will_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o remove_v with_o prâ—mise_n that_o if_o the_o general_a assembly_n hereafter_o shall_v find_v further_a corruption_n in_o the_o say_a estate_n than_o hitherto_o be_v express_v that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o say_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v thereto_o first_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o one_o flock_n that_o they_o usurp_v no_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n that_o they_o vote_v not_o in_o parliament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o they_o take_v not_o up_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o riotousness_n the_o emolument_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o may_v sustain_v many_o pastor_n the_o school_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o be_v content_a with_o reasonable_a living_n according_a to_o their_o office_n that_o they_o claim_v not_o to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n temporal_a neither_o usurp_v temporal_a jurisdiction_n whereby_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o their_o office_n that_o they_o empire_n not_o above_o the_o particular_a eldership_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o that_o they_o usurp_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lowthian_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o july_n 1579._o aâ—ent_a a_o general_a order_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o presbytery_n in_o place_n where_o public_a exercise_n be_v use_v until_o the_o time_n the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o exercise_n may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n in_o july_n 1580._o sess._n 4._o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v abolish_v by_o a_o particular_a act_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o act_n follow_v for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o realm_n have_v no_o sure_a warrant_n authority_n nor_o good_a ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n invention_n to_o the_o great_a overthrow_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o one_o voice_n after_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o matter_n none_o oppon_a himself_o in_o defend_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n find_v and_o declare_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n use_v and_o term_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v neither_o fundament_n ground_n nor_o warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ordain_v that_o all_o such_o person_n as_o brook_v or_o shall_v brook_v hereafter_o the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v charge_v simple_o to_o dimit_fw-la quit_v and_o leave_v off_o the_o same_o as_o a_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o
church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o diocese_n and_o thereafter_o anno_fw-la 1572._o all_o bishop_n be_v by_o special_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n restore_v to_o the_o function_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o lenox_n then_o regent_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o next_o year_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1573._o certain_a limitation_n of_o their_o power_n be_v add_v not_o very_o strict_a which_o no_o bishop_n can_v refuse_v 1._o that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o superintendent_n which_o heretofore_o they_o have_v and_o present_o have_v which_o jurisdiction_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o the_o bishop_n require_v now_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_o subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o this_o likewise_o be_v reasonable_a and_o no_o bishop_n will_v think_v himself_o exeme_v from_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o national_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a and_o approve_a order_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o no_o bishop_n give_v coâ—â—ation_n of_o benefice_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o superintendent_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n this_o be_v also_o reasonable_a for_o superintendent_n be_v also_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v give_v ordination_n or_o collation_n to_o any_o within_o the_o diocese_n of_o another_o bishop_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a 4._o that_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o diocese_n visit_v by_o themselves_o where_o no_o superintendâ—nts_n be_v which_o indeed_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o impedite_v either_o by_o infirmity_n or_o by_o some_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o that_o they_o give_v no_o collation_n of_o benefice_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o three_o qualify_a minister_n the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n heretofore_o do_v astrict_v themselves_o further_o for_o they_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o give_v collation_n of_o benefice_n except_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o man_n of_o know_a worth_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o exercise_n in_o the_o bound_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v commit_v the_o whole_a trial_n both_o of_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o testificate_n do_v accept_v or_o reject_v he_o who_o be_v present_v by_o this_o than_o which_o we_o have_v true_o relate_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n thereafter_o have_v no_o such_o meaning_n as_o condemn_v or_o â—bjure_v the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v approve_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n until_o the_o year_n 1590._o and_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o for_o until_o those_o year_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o act_n condemn_v that_o jurisdiction_n under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o the_o first_o act_n abolish_n the_o office_n and_o title_n of_o superintendent_n be_v in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n august_n 1590._o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o since_o presbytery_n be_v full_o establish_v that_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a what_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o those_o act_n we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o too_o impudent_a and_o manifest_a a_o calumny_n and_o a_o scandalous_a impurtation_n lay_v by_o our_o covenainer_n upon_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o who_o do_v prosecute_v the_o same_o for_o many_o year_n that_o their_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o condemn_v that_o as_o unlawful_a which_o they_o do_v approve_v by_o their_o plain_a and_o public_a declaration_n and_o continual_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o subtle_a and_o hypocritical_a dissimulation_n of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o rebellion_n against_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n â—f_fw-mi those_o who_o know_v the_o history_n of_o that_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n to_o profess_v and_o persuade_v people_n that_o their_o upright_a intention_n be_v to_o reduce_v the_o church_n to_o her_o former_a purity_n wherein_o she_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o to_o abolish_v all_o novationâ—_n since_o they_o be_v manifest_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a abolish_n violent_o that_o order_n of_o government_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n and_o establish_v in_o place_n thereof_o a_o most_o dangerous_a novation_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o many_o christian_a church_n since_o the_o beginning_n until_o this_o 〈◊〉_d age_n and_o whereof_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n never_o think_v of_o nor_o dream_v at_o the_o reformation_n or_o many_o year_n thereafter_o until_o it_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o violent_a wind_n from_o geneva_n bring_v therewith_o great_a trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n both_o first_o and_o last_o chap._n vi_o show_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n have_v show_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o the_o principal_a and_o proper_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o condemn_v by_o that_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n call_v the_o negative_a confession_n which_o by_o they_o improper_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v call_v a_o confession_n for_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o almost_o repugnans_fw-la in_fw-la adjecto_fw-la to_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o church_n which_o do_v not_o declare_v any_o positive_a point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o consist_v only_o of_o mere_a negative_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v only_o therefore_o set_v down_o as_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n for_o that_o end_n which_o we_o declare_v before_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a manner_n both_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o church_n and_o private_a confession_n of_o particular_a person_n first_o to_o set_v down_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n in_o certain_a article_n and_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o thence_o to_o adjoin_v damn_v and_o abjure_v of_o the_o contrary_a error_n so_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o most_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n collect_v together_o in_o that_o book_n call_v syntagma_fw-la confessionum_fw-la so_o do_v befa_n in_o his_o confession_n and_o learned_a zanchius_n in_o his_o right_a so_o we_o must_v conceive_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o abjuration_n of_o popish_a error_n set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n be_v but_o appendix_n deduce_v from_o the_o article_n and_o proposition_n which_o comprehend_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o covenant_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o evident_a for_o therein_o it_o be_v first_o say_v we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a christion_n faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o point_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n be_v the_o proposition_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o confession_n the_o appendix_n follow_v thereafter_o in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o chief_o papistry_n and_o particular_a head_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o proper_a ancient_a confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o they_o do_v direct_o swear_v in_o that_o covenant_n but_o unto_o the_o abjuration_n of_o error_n they_o do_v only_o swear_v indirect_o and_o by_o consequent_a as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o
that_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o have_v disouss_v those_o passage_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v in_o like_o manner_n to_o the_o act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o another_o and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n albeit_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o judicious_a reader_n out_o of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o assembly_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n we_o must_v consider_v they_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o end_n than_o we_o may_v show_v what_o weight_n and_o force_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n those_o act_n here_o cite_v by_o they_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a answer_n without_o tautology_n may_v be_v dispose_v in_o three_o rank_n first_o some_o of_o they_o contain_v only_a preparation_n to_o the_o condemn_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o those_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o 1580._o next_o there_o be_v some_o that_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n transfer_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o presbytery_n three_o other_o be_v such_o as_o condemn_v episcopacy_n which_o all_o we_o shall_v examine_v particular_o in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o never_o allege_v one_o word_n of_o any_o assembly_n since_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o at_o edinburgh_n 1575._o albeit_o there_o be_v thirty_o general_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n more_o uncorrupt_a holy_a and_o venerable_a than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v of_o they_o for_o why_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v by_o any_o probability_n that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v think_v any_o evil_a of_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n but_o do_v continual_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o same_o both_o by_o her_o constitution_n and_o practice_n next_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n move_v the_o minister_n at_o that_o time_n to_o alter_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n and_o if_o we_o remark_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o these_o who_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n in_o those_o day_n we_o shall_v find_v evident_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n of_o judgement_n first_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n some_o man_n of_o learning_n but_o of_o fiery_a and_o violent_a humour_n come_v into_o scotland_n from_o geneva_n who_o because_o of_o their_o travel_n abroad_o and_o learning_n be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o they_o be_v themselves_o great_o in_o love_n with_o geneva_n discipline_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o persuasion_n to_o move_v other_o to_o like_o both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o nobleman_n to_o a_o like_n thereof_o also_o at_o least_o by_o entreaty_n persuasion_n and_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n make_v secret_o among_o themselves_o a_o reasonable_a number_n both_o of_o nobility_n and_o ministry_n who_o carry_v a_o great_a sway_n in_o general_a assembly_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o party_n if_o the_o former_a government_n be_v call_v in_o question_n second_o they_o think_v the_o time_n fit_a to_o further_a their_o design_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n minority_n be_v then_o about_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n at_o most_o and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n govern_v himself_o by_o divers_a man_n of_o divers_a humour_n three_o there_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o this_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n division_n and_o faction_n at_o that_o time_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n every_o one_o strive_v to_o thrust_v out_o his_o neighbour_n from_o that_o employment_n he_o have_v about_o the_o king_n and_o court_n as_o witness_v the_o violent_a death_n of_o three_o regent_n and_o the_o four_o like_o enough_o have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n if_o his_o govermneâ—t_n have_v endure_v long_o and_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n cut_v off_o by_o particular_a quarrel_n some_o just_o some_o unjust_o under_o colour_n of_o legal_a proceed_n as_o witness_v likewise_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o whereby_o a_o solemn_a fast_n be_v enjoin_v for_o divers_a reason_n especial_o because_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a ungodly_a sâ—ditions_n and_o division_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n some_o nobleman_n therefore_o and_o courtier_n in_o those_o factious_a time_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n to_o further_v their_o own_o end_n do_v labour_n to_o make_v some_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o do_v strive_v to_o haâ—e_n the_o church_n upon_o their_o side_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n zealous_a of_o the_o new_a discipline_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o impatient_a of_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o yoke_n know_v that_o they_o by_o their_o sermon_n and_o private_a practice_n may_v do_v much_o to_o make_v the_o people_n incline_v to_o which_o faction_n they_o please_v best_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o force_v the_o king_n majesty_n for_o fear_n of_o a_o general_a insurrection_n to_o grant_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o desire_v which_o policy_n our_o covenant_a nobleman_n have_v careful_o practise_v now_o with_o great_a but_o a_o dangerous_a effect_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o in_o those_o time_n so_o bold_a a_o traitor_n but_o he_o find_v minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o countenance_v he_o and_o approve_v his_o do_n both_o private_o and_o public_o as_o witness_v their_o applaud_v the_o earl_n of_o bothwell_n in_o his_o treasonable_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o those_o money_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o geneva_n a_o part_n be_v employ_v to_o wage_v soldier_n for_o he_o i_o know_v and_o can_v name_v if_o i_o please_v both_o the_o deliverer_n and_o receiver_n thereof_o it_o be_v know_v also_o that_o minister_n of_o that_o sect_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o those_o attempt_n which_o common_o be_v call_v road_n as_o at_o the_o road_n of_o stritil_v the_o road_n of_o leith_n and_o the_o abbey_n road_n and_o at_o the_o 17._o day_n of_o december_n the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n find_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o that_o treasonable_a attempt_n final_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n be_v vehement_o trouble_v and_o vex_v most_o unjust_o by_o that_o sect_n during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o anarchy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o himself_o leave_v in_o record_n in_o his_o basilicon_fw-la doron_n four_o to_o those_o occasion_n another_o be_v join_v to_o further_a the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n towit_o the_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o some_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n which_o they_o perceive_v they_o can_v never_o obtain_v so_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n do_v subsist_v and_o therefore_o do_v use_v the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o bear_v down_o that_o estate_n push_v forward_o the_o minister_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o blue_a abroad_o their_o personal_a fault_n both_o in_o their_o assembly_n pulpit_n and_o private_a conference_n to_o make_v the_o very_a office_n itself_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o more_o than_o manifest_a that_o those_o troublesome_a and_o factioâ—s_a time_n can_v be_v account_v a_o good_a prâ—sident_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n for_o shall_v a_o few_o turbulent_a assembly_n back_v and_o 〈◊〉_d forward_o by_o factious_a humour_n and_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n in_o the_o miâ—orage_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n constitute_v a_o new_a discipline_n by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o small_a city_n of_o geneva_n confirm_v only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o year_n at_o most_o be_v able_a to_o counterpoise_v god_n word_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o venerable_a pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v
in_o after_o age_n in_o all_o christian_a nation_n until_o this_o last_o age_n yea_o retain_v by_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n therein_o for_o many_o year_n thereafter_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o move_v judicious_a man_n judge_v without_o partial_a affection_n this_o much_o in_o general_a concerning_o those_o assembly_n whereby_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v oppress_v in_o those_o day_n yet_o to_o remove_v all_o scruple_n we_o shall_v discuss_v particular_o all_o the_o act_n allege_v here_o out_o of_o these_o assembly_n show_v that_o they_o serve_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o they_o allege_v that_o bishop_n be_v tolerate_v from_o the_o year_n 1572._o until_o this_o year_n 1575._o but_o by_o their_o leave_n they_o be_v tolerate_v from_o the_o very_a first_o year_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o reform_a religion_n retain_v the_o title_n office_n and_o benefice_n of_o a_o bishop_n do_v exercise_v their_o jurisdiction_n 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o pastor_n aâ—d_fw-mi people_n within_o their_o diocese_n by_o approbation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o cap._n 5._o so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o as_o they_o allege_v a_o mere_a toleration_n but_o a_o full_a consent_n and_o approbation_n at_o least_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n above_o minister_n and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a parish_n it_o be_v true_a that_o anno_fw-la 1572._o there_o be_v divers_a bishopric_n vacant_a and_o that_o my_o lord_n regent_n do_v excuse_v himself_o to_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o void_a as_o appear_v by_o a_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n august_n 1572._o wherein_o it_o be_v record_v that_o alexander_n hay_n clark_n of_o the_o council_n present_v some_o article_n in_o name_n of_o the_o regent_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o one_o be_v my_o lord_n regent_n his_o grace_n mind_n that_o with_o all_o convenient_a diligence_n qualify_a person_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o bishopric_n now_o vacant_a the_o delay_n whereof_o have_v not_o be_v by_o his_o own_o default_n but_o by_o reason_n that_o some_o enteresse_n â—as_v make_v to_o those_o living_n in_o favour_n of_o some_o nobleman_n before_o his_o acceptation_n of_o the_o regency_n yet_o his_o grace_n be_v persuade_v that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v speedy_o present_v and_o in_o case_n of_o failâ—iâ—_z will_v not_o fail_v without_o the_o other_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n to_o present_v so_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o excuse_n and_o promise_n of_o diligence_n in_o time_n to_o come_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o toleration_n only_o but_o a_o earnest_a suit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v present_v as_o they_o be_v short_o after_o and_o accept_v by_o the_o assembly_n the_o regent_n at_o this_o time_n be_v the_o worthy_a matthew_n earl_n of_o lenox_n a_o man_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a disposition_n who_o bend_v himself_o to_o wrest_v the_o church_n living_n out_o of_o the_o nobleman_n hand_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o her_o proper_a lustre_n which_o doubtless_o he_o have_v effectuate_v if_o he_o have_v be_v suffer_v long_o to_o live_v and_o so_o settle_a thing_n therein_o as_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n and_o king_n charles_n now_o reign_v shall_v not_o have_v have_v so_o much_o trouble_v and_o turmoil_n in_o redress_v the_o estate_n thereof_o again_o but_o not_o long_o after_o this_o he_o be_v traitorous_o murder_v at_o 〈…〉_z and_o after_o his_o death_n another_o wind_n blow_v all_o his_o design_n be_v reverse_v episcopacy_n bear_v down_o and_o the_o church_n bring_v to_o miserable_a poverty_n the_o first_o assembly_n allege_v to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n be_v that_o in_o august_n 1575._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v nothing_o make_v for_o they_o but_o against_o they_o rather_o as_o we_o shall_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o according_a as_o we_o have_v faithful_o extract_v they_o out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o this_o assembly_n indeed_o be_v make_v the_o first_o public_a motion_n against_o episcopacy_n although_o they_o have_v before_o lay_v private_o their_o plot_n in_o their_o own_o conventicle_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o assembly_n when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o roll_n of_o their_o name_n the_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o accustom_a order_n in_o former_a assembly_n be_v first_o call_v the_o promoter_n of_o geneva_n discipline_n set_v forward_o one_o john_n durie_n a_o man_n neither_o of_o the_o wise_a nor_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o ministry_n but_o of_o great_a boldness_n which_o happy_o he_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o cloister_n have_v be_v sometime_o as_o i_o have_v hear_v a_o monk_n in_o dumfermling_n he_o rise_v up_o make_v a_o protestation_n that_o the_o call_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o assembly_n shall_v not_o prejudge_v the_o opinion_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o and_o other_o brethren_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v to_o oppone_v against_o the_o office_n and_o name_n of_o bishop_n this_o protestation_n be_v vehement_o second_v by_o other_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o these_o term_n whether_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n have_v their_o function_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o a_o more_o formal_a proposition_n indeed_o than_o this_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o covenanter_n albeit_o it_o have_v some_o ambiguity_n also_o they_o think_v it_o not_o sit_v to_o put_v the_o matter_n present_o to_o the_o voice_n until_o it_o be_v sufficient_o discuss_v by_o reason_v pro_fw-la et_fw-la contra_fw-la and_o for_o that_o effect_n there_o be_v three_o appoint_v upon_o every_o part_n to_o reason_n the_o matter_n and_o to_o report_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o how_o far_o they_o can_v agree_v the_o reasoner_n against_o episcopacy_n be_v mâ—_n andrew_n meltin_n principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a man_n in_o this_o cause_n mâ—_n james_n lawson_n minister_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o m._n john_n craig_n minister_n at_o aberdeen_n on_o the_o other_o part_n for_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v m._n george_n hay_n commissioner_n of_o caithnes_n m._n david_n lyndsay_n minister_n at_o leith_n m._n john_n roâ—â—_n minister_n at_o pâ—rth_n they_o together_o have_v confer_v and_o reason_v the_o matter_n at_o length_n can_v not_o agree_v upon_o the_o principal_a question_n and_o therefore_o the_o assembly_n determine_v by_o a_o act_n that_o they_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a present_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o principal_a question_n yet_o they_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o reason_v the_o matter_n report_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o have_v agree_v altogether_o in_o certain_a point_n first_o that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v common_a to_o all_o they_o which_o have_v charge_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v their_o chief_a function_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o that_o out_o of_o this_o number_n may_v be_v choose_v one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o visit_v such_o reasonable_a bound_n as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v appoint_v three_o that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n in_o these_o bound_n to_o appoint_v minister_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o province_n and_o of_o the_o flock_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v four_o that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n five_o that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v minister_n for_o reasonable_a cause_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n aforesaid_a the_o which_o point_n of_o agreement_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n in_o april_n 1576._o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o diminish_v that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n which_o superintendent_n have_v before_o over_o private_a minister_n or_o over_o the_o particular_a congregation_n within_o their_o bound_n which_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o be_v no_o less_o than_o thaâ—_z which_o bishop_n now_o do_v require_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o assembly_n conclude_v direct_o against_o they_o who_o condemn_v the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n over_o minister_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o second_o we_o must_v remark_v a_o subtle_a dissimulation_n of_o our_o covenanter_n who_o in_o the_o citation_n of_o this_o act_n remember_v only_o one_o point_n of_o this_o agreement_n towit_o that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n
the_o inferior_a member_n to_o correct_v the_o head_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o exeme_v from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v albeit_o the_o bishop_n do_v decline_v upon_o many_o just_a reason_n this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n which_o be_v at_o length_n express_v in_o their_o declinature_n yet_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v decline_v from_o the_o same_o the_o last_o corruption_n they_o remark_n in_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o a_o law_n if_o any_o omit_v that_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o personal_a fault_n it_o be_v great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a office_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v then_o condemn_v in_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v not_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o nomination_n or_o election_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o be_v nominate_v and_o present_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o those_o of_o the_o chapton_n only_o and_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o move_v they_o â—o_z despiteful_o to_o condemn_v that_o estate_n in_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o require_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v their_o commission_n only_o from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n they_o will_v have_v condescend_v to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o their_o function_n 1._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o they_o confess_v that_o albeit_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n have_v not_o power_n over_o more_o â—locks_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n they_o may_v exercise_v it_o lawful_o 2._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o both_o party_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o among_o the_o pastor_n one_o may_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v certain_a bound_n comprehend_v many_o particular_a parish_n and_o therein_o to_o plant_v minister_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a petition_n they_o make_v to_o the_o regent_n be_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n excepâ—_z such_o as_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n ought_v to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o have_v be_v do_v we_o see_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a flock_n their_o sit_n in_o council_n and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n to_o have_v be_v lawful_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o then_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n such_o a_o commission_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o point_n of_o their_o office_n how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v exercise_v they_o lawful_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a exception_n against_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n this_o commission_n 1._o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n this_o commission_n to_o exercise_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o representative_a church_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o bishop_n over_o certain_a bound_n over_o the_o which_o they_o receive_v jurisdiction_n as_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bound_n of_o asia_n minor_a thereabouts_o commission_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o receive_v or_o repel_v accusation_n give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o by_o consequent_a to_o judge_v and_o correct_v or_o censure_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n receive_v titus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o creta_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n unto_o other_o in_o these_o nation_n where_o they_o travel_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o that_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o call_v in_o controversy_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v except_o those_o who_o will_v impudent_o deny_v all_o tâ—rue_a record_n of_o antiquity_n since_o all_o the_o oâ—thodox_a father_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o do_v with_o unanimous_a consent_n testify_v the_o same_o the_o which_o commission_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o of_o succeed_a age_n confirm_v by_o continual_a practice_n uncontrolled_a for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by_o any_o orthodox_a writer_n until_o this_o last_o age_n that_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n begin_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 3._o the_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o can_v not_o have_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o commonwealth_n yet_o so_o soon_o as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n authorize_v by_o law_n than_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o civil_a law_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o better_a obedience_n thereto_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o do_v earnest_o supplicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o some_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n may_v have_v place_n in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n whereby_o law_n be_v establish_v to_o further_a therein_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n nè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la the_o which_o supplication_n christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a zeal_n do_v grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v authorise_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n to_o sit_v in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o privilege_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a prelate_n do_v enjoy_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o advancement_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n moâ—e_n wicked_a sacrilege_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o privilege_n than_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o these_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v sacrilegious_a in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o sacrilegious_a in_o the_o other_o 4._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o history_n that_o since_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n therein_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n do_v not_o only_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n but_o also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o do_v much_o good_a by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n to_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n before_o popish_a tyranny_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v any_o formal_a parliament_n in_o scotland_n the_o prelate_n make_v up_o the_o three_o