have_v so_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o as_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o from_o their_o head_n and_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n those_o who_o will_v not_o reverence_v such_o a_o hierarchy_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v account_v execrable_a and_o accurse_a and_o since_o our_o covenanter_n profess_v that_o they_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n more_o than_o all_o antiquity_n i_o marvel_v how_o they_o can_v bless_v themselves_o in_o this_o wherein_o he_o account_v they_o accurse_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n likewise_o speak_v beza_n the_o chief_a promoter_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o saravia_n de_fw-la divers_a grad._n minist._n cap._n 21._o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o name_n hierarchy_n yet_o speak_v of_o the_o order_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n whereof_o the_o hierarchy_n do_v consist_v he_o conclude_v in_o these_o word_n neither_o do_v we_o accuse_v of_o this_o tyranny_n all_o those_o who_o be_v call_v archbishop_n or_o bishop_n for_o what_o arrogancy_n be_v this_o yea_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o call_v as_o faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n provide_v they_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o holy_a bishop_n in_o reform_v the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o miserable_o deform_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o obey_v they_o and_o with_o all_o reverence_n receive_v they_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o that_o whereof_o some_o do_v most_o impudent_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o any_o our_o particular_a example_n to_o be_v follow_v like_o to_o those_o impertinent_a man_n who_o esteem_v nothing_o well_o do_v except_o that_o which_o they_o do_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o judgement_n then_o of_o these_o two_o learned_a man_n who_o judgement_n they_o can_v hardly_o contemn_v all_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o condemn_v nor_o all_o episcopacy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o hierarchy_n be_v to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o wicked_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o manifold_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n in_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o pope_n to_o fortify_v his_o usurp_a tyranny_n those_o with_o you_o we_o also_o abjure_v and_o detest_v from_o our_o very_a heart_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o these_o corruption_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n but_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o who_o beza_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v faithful_a pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o set_v down_o at_o length_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o act_n the_o first_o reason_n whereby_o they_o press_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o order_n of_o government_n under_o bishop_n have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n as_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o pâ—pish_a hierarchy_n be_v in_o these_o word_n the_o popisâ—_z hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v baptise_v and_o preach_v deacon_n which_o they_o prove_v first_o by_o a_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 2._o by_o a_o testimony_n of_o bellarmine_n 3._o by_o a_o censure_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n of_o certain_a article_n send_v out_o of_o ireland_n which_o tedious_a probation_n be_v needless_a for_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v their_o proposition_n but_o grant_v that_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o what_o then_o they_o suppress_v the_o assumption_n and_o conclusion_n yet_o according_a to_o logical_a rule_n we_o may_v find_v they_o out_o their_o conclusion_n be_v know_v towit_o that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n so_o to_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o their_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o nothing_o can_v be_v assume_v for_o the_o minor_a but_o that_o episcopal_a government_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n so_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n must_v be_v the_o popish_a hierarchy_n do_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o episcopal_a government_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ergo_fw-la episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o popish_a wicked_a hierarchy_n but_o by_o their_o leave_n this_o be_v a_o syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundà _fw-la figurâ_fw-la which_o conclude_v not_o as_o they_o who_o have_v learn_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o logic_n know_v such_o as_o that_o asinus_fw-la habet_fw-la aures_fw-la tu_fw-la habes_fw-la aures_fw-la ergò_fw-la tu_fw-la es_fw-la asinus_fw-la i_o confess_v that_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o syllogism_n in_fw-la primâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la by_o convert_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o universal_a as_o quic_fw-la quid_fw-la habet_fw-la aures_fw-la est_fw-la asinus_fw-la tu_fw-la habes_fw-la aures_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o the_o major_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o so_o likewise_o their_o syllogism_n may_v be_v deduce_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o convert_v the_o major_a and_o make_v it_o universal_a but_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o their_o proposition_n thus_o all_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n but_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o episcopal_a government_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o so_o the_o major_n be_v evident_o also_o false_a neither_o do_v their_o reason_n any_o way_n prove_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v aswell_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o order_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o primitive_a church_n after_o they_o be_v the_o popish_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o therein_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o likewise_o that_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o they_o grant_v that_o their_o pastor_n be_v bishop_n their_o elder_n presbyter_n and_o their_o deacon_n be_v ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o but_o they_o seem_v to_o object_v that_o their_o deacon_n be_v not_o preach_v and_o baptise_v deacon_n as_o we_o be_v and_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o only_a distributer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a good_n i_o answer_v their_o deacon_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o as_o unlike_o to_o apostolic_a deacon_n and_o therefore_o our_o deacon_n and_o popish_a deacon_n more_o christian_n and_o like_a to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o stephen_n who_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o deacon_n be_v a_o preacher_n and_o for_o his_o preach_n suffer_v martyrdom_n act._n 7._o philip_n be_v a_o deacon_n and_o yet_o both_o a_o preacher_n and_o baptizer_n act._n 8._o 5._o and_o 12._o and_o so_o we_o must_v esteem_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o deacon_n have_v the_o same_o power_n nor_o be_v they_o able_a to_o show_v the_o contrary_a we_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a therefore_o in_o this_o point_n rather_o to_o join_v with_o papist_n wherein_o they_o adhere_v to_o god_n word_n and_o sound_a antiquity_n than_o to_o their_o new_a invent_a opinion_n disagree_v from_o both_o this_o reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a informality_n thereof_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v well_o please_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o man_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o either_o will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o inquire_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v inquire_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n dare_v not_o publish_v their_o opinion_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writ_n because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n sess._n 23._o act._n 17._o prohibit_v any_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n or_o degree_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v against_o this_o assembly_n or_o any_o act_n thereof_o under_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n therefore_o leave_v the_o informality_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o answer_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o all_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o hierarchy_n we_o grant_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o we_o have_v declare_v but_o that_o all_o such_o be_v wicked_a and_o antichristian_a we_o deny_v and_o have_v even_o calvin_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o presbyterial_a discipline_n for_o our_o warrant_n as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o exception_n they_o make_v that_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n
until_o the_o year_n 1590._o towit_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o set_n down_o and_o swear_v of_o this_o abjuration_n and_o therefore_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v be_v then_o condemn_v in_o the_o abjuration_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o for_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v condemn_v that_o which_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v approve_v and_o practise_v three_o notwithstanding_o that_o act_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n yet_o these_o point_n of_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o express_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a by_o that_o whole_a assembly_n wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v call_v in_o question_n anno_fw-la 1575._o 1576._o as_o shall_v be_v evident_o clear_v when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o discuss_v the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n four_o those_o point_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a head_n damn_v and_o confute_v by_o god_n word_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n then_o of_o a_o long_a time_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n contain_v either_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o profess_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n contrary_a to_o these_o point_n of_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o brethren_n or_o more_o particular_a flock_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o point_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v damn_v then_o by_o god_n word_n or_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o so_o this_o passage_n do_v not_o more_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o purpose_n than_o the_o former_a chap._n ix._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o those_o word_n we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o this_o passage_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o false_a citation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a two_o yet_o be_v there_o as_o great_a impertinency_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v assume_v upon_o this_o proposition_n to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n and_o therefore_o detest_a and_o abjure_v but_o if_o this_o assumption_n be_v true_a than_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a monarch_n and_o the_o divers_a degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n distinguish_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o charge_n over_o all_o the_o particular_a flock_n in_o judea_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o their_o fellow-labourer_n titâ—u_o timothy_n and_o other_o have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preheâ—ninence_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n as_o bishop_n have_v now_o which_o may_v be_v qualify_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o venerable_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o live_v either_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o near_o to_o they_o so_o likewise_o those_o reverend_a father_n themselves_o as_o polycarpus_n ignatius_n cyprian_n austin_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v esteem_v no_o better_o yea_o likewise_o our_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o province_n shall_v have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n so_o that_o the_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n must_v be_v think_v to_o have_v instead_o of_o a_o laudable_a reformation_n bring_v in_o a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o the_o principal_a word_n which_o they_o do_v most_o urge_v be_v the_o last_o câ—â—â—se_n of_o this_o passage_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v make_v clear_a as_o they_o allege_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v what_o be_v make_v clear_a in_o the_o assembly_n we_o know_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o clear_a god_n willing_a to_o 〈◊〉_d who_o eye_n be_v not_o blind_v with_o partial_a affection_n that_o those_o reason_n produce_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o end_n thereof_o at_o length_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a they_o can_v bring_v be_v foolish_a childish_a and_o ridiculous_a unworthy_a of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v be_v account_v among_o the_o people_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v to_o discuss_v their_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o explain_v the_o word_n hierarchy_n and_o show_v what_o hierarchy_n be_v here_o condemn_v first_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o the_o ancient_a grocian_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o certain_a magistracy_n the_o charge_n whereof_o be_v to_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o of_o temple_n altar_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v translate_v by_o anâ—ient_a christian_a writer_n to_o signify_v the_o sacred_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v even_o in_o presbyterial_a government_n there_o be_v three_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v charge_n of_o sacred_a thing_n of_o distinct_a power_n and_o authority_n towit_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o those_o order_n may_v be_v â—afely_o call_v a_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n they_o who_o understand_v the_o greek_a word_n know_v perfect_o that_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a thing_n or_o a_o holy_a government_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o these_o ecclesiastical_a function_n have_v every_o one_o their_o own_o point_n of_o government_n and_o that_o about_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o abhor_v the_o word_n since_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o to_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v it_o because_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o ethnic_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v abhor_v for_o this_o cause_n more_o than_o the_o word_n episcopus_fw-la presbyter_fw-la and_o pastor_n which_o do_v signify_v also_o among_o the_o ethnic_n certain_a office_n or_o magistracy_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o their_o writing_n or_o be_v it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n neither_o can_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v reject_v take_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n and_o separate_v papistical_a corruption_n from_o it_o more_o than_o the_o other_o title_n give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n which_o all_o have_v be_v abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o that_o this_o word_n hierarchy_n may_v be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o will_v bring_v no_o other_o testimony_n than_o that_o of_o calvin_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n he_o in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-la nâ—cessitatâ—_n refâ—rmanda_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n say_v if_o they_o will_v set_v we_o down_o such_o a_o hierarchy_n wherein_o bishop_n have_v so_o pre-eminence_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n depend_v from_o he_o as_o from_o their_o head_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o wherein_o they_o do_v so_o entertain_v society_n amoâ—gst_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v but_o by_o his_o truth_n then_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o thâ—se_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v exâ—crable_a who_o will_v not_o reverence_v such_o a_o hierarchy_n and_o with_o all_o humble_a obedience_n receive_v the_o same_o where_o we_o see_v that_o calvin_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n neither_o wicked_a nor_o antichristian_a and_o such_o be_v this_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n wherein_o bishop_n
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
of_o parliament_n before_o this_o abjuration_n be_v swear_v by_o which_o limitation_n be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n add_v since_o either_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n synod_n or_o presbytery_n since_o that_o confession_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dâ—ndie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glâ—sgow_n 1581._o condemn_v episcopacy_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o such_o be_v our_o covenanter_n addition_n or_o application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o their_o rebellioâ—s_a covenant_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v produce_v one_o word_n of_o that_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n neither_o have_v the_o church_n who_o establish_v it_o any_o such_o purpose_n or_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n in_o set_v down_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n do_v approve_v that_o power_n and_o preeminency_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n therefore_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n four_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v determine_v to_o be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v profess_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o this_o by_o the_o king_n or_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o that_o oath_n for_o the_o king_n profession_n we_o have_v show_v cap._n 6._o what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o both_o before_o and_o after_o then_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o particular_a man_n opinion_n but_o by_o public_a act_n either_o by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o they_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o either_o of_o those_o court_n long_o before_o show_v such_o a_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v produce_v act_n of_o both_o those_o court_n not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o also_o continual_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n when_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o make_v and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n approve_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n the_o first_o act_n they_o can_v produce_v have_v any_o appearance_n of_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n first_o because_o this_o act_n be_v not_o long_o before_o if_o not_o after_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o frame_v be_v even_o that_o same_o very_a year_n about_o that_o same_o time_n second_o albeit_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v he_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v signify_v before_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v hereafter_o three_o long_o before_o this_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v public_o approve_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n even_o then_o and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n unrepealed_a which_o we_o have_v before_o faithful_o cite_v cap._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a court_n both_o of_o council_n and_o parliament_n they_o declare_v their_o profession_n by_o reject_v of_o divers_a suit_n make_v for_o ratify_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n as_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o 1579._o and_o 1580._o cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o divers_a suit_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v often_o refuse_v moreover_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n may_n 22._o 1584._o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o profession_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a power_n pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o most_o ample_a form_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n long_o before_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n now_o in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n they_o can_v so_o 〈◊〉_d abuse_n christian_a people_n as_o to_o impose_v false_o â—uch_n a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o people_n in_o press_v to_o persuade_v they_o against_o so_o many_o evident_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o fearful_o perjure_v who_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o episcopacy_n but_o because_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o rather_o to_o be_v abjure_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n than_o under_o the_o name_n of_o doctrine_n therefore_o to_o take_v away_o all_o way_n of_o escape_n or_o subtâ—rfuge_n we_o shall_v examine_v the_o point_n of_o discipline_n also_o and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v by_o all_o those_o former_a limitation_n exclude_v also_o for_o these_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v aswell_o to_o the_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o for_o further_a resolution_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o divers_a signification_n first_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v upon_o those_o who_o do_v err_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n or_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereto_o but_o may_v very_o well_o subsist_v therewith_o and_o have_v subsist_v actual_o both_o during_o the_o government_n under_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n as_o also_o under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v for_o the_o same_o censure_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n long_o before_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v do_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o admoâ—itions_n private_a and_o public_a the_o same_o sentence_n of_o excomâ—unication_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o by_o three_o private_a and_o three_o public_a citation_n before_o ecclesiastical_a indicatory_n the_o same_o public_a prayer_n â—ppointed_v by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o delinquent_n upon_o three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n the_o same_o form_n of_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o enjoin_v private_a or_o public_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o absolve_v of_o the_o penâ—tent_n as_o all_o within_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o power_n and_o prehâ—minence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o disciplâ—â—e_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o this_o â—eale_n 〈◊〉_d apparent_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o oath_n for_o in_o â—ll_n speech_n or_o wâ—â—â—s_n of_o conâ—sequencâ—_z chiâ—â—â—_z those_o which_o be_v see_v down_o for_o a_o solâ—â—â—_n oath_n â—hich_v aught_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o usual_a sense_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o unproper_a and_o figurative_a except_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o must_v be_v take_v improper_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n discipline_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n
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