be_v former_o instrument_n to_o bring_v we_o under_o popery_n and_o slavery_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a government_n as_o do_v concern_v it_o to_o punish_v severe_o i_o leave_v my_o reader_n to_o judge_v since_o to_o accuse_v the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n under_o any_o government_n of_o such_o odious_a crime_n as_o enslave_v their_o country_n be_v a_o direct_a insinuation_n against_o the_o government_n itself_o as_o if_o it_o by_o employ_v such_o kind_n of_o instrument_n do_v real_o design_n those_o mischief_n against_o the_o nation_n with_o which_o they_o upbraid_v their_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n and_o here_o i_o can_v enough_o admire_v the_o impudence_n of_o this_o author_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o english_a peer_n for_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n when_o he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o support_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v from_o the_o inâ—…luence_n of_o some_o foreign_a presbyterian_o and_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o english_a nobleman_n have_v not_o as_o good_a right_n to_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o church_n as_o any_o dutch_a presbyterian_a but_o to_o take_v off_o all_o church_n of_o england_n man_n from_o have_v any_o pity_n or_o 〈◊〉_d compassion_n upon_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o our_o church_n he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o scotland_n be_v so_o very_a sar_n disferent_a from_o that_o of_o england_n that_o although_o our_o clergy_n be_v sufferer_n sor_n the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o law_n establish_v in_o that_o nation_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v say_v â—…o_o suffer_v for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o not_o deserve_v that_o fellowfeeling_n and_o countenance_n which_o some_o worthy_a member_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v please_v to_o show_v they_o his_o first_o instance_n to_o show_v the_o dâ—…erence_n betwixt_o the_o two_o constâ—…tutions_n be_v this_o that_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o we_o by_o the_o tyrâ—…nny_n of_o our_o 〈◊〉_d now_o suppose_v his_o asseâ—…tion_n be_v tâ—…ue_v yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a consequence_n that_o two_o constitution_n must_v needs_o be_v disferent_a in_o their_o nature_n because_o disferent_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o setâ—…le_v they_o in_o a_o nation_n can_v not_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o ruler_n have_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o that_o of_o england_n as_o easy_o as_o one_o that_o be_v disferent_a but_o his_o assertion_n be_v as_o notorious_o false_a as_o the_o consequence_n he_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o it_o for_o in_o the_o insancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n our_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o supâ—…rintendents_n and_o that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v appâ—…oved_v of_o by_o the_o unâ—…nimous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n both_o clergy_n and_o laiâ—…y*_n and_o as_o to_o these_o late_a time_n our_o 〈◊〉_d public_a record_n of_o parliament_n can_v yet_o testify_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sorce_v upon_o the_o nation_n against_o their_o will_n and_o consent_n that_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o twenty_o seven_o successive_a legal_a paâ—…liaments_n it_o be_v know_v that_o at_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n the_o whole_a nation_n have_v long_o groan_v undâ—…_n the_o yoke_n of_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n restore_v that_o they_o may_v be_v rescue_v fâ—…om_o the_o tyranny_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a anarchy_n under_o which_o tâ—…y_n have_v so_o severe_o smart_v during_o their_o usurpation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o clergy_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o whole_a diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n almost_o to_o a_o man_n addâ—…essed_v hiâ—…_n majesty_n upon_o this_o account_n his_o next_o instance_n be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v engrafâ—…ed_v with_o our_o reformation_n bâ—…shops_n prelacy_n can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o kindly_a nor_o plenary_a possession_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o instance_n in_o our_o retain_v of_o kirk-sessiâ—…ns_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n even_o under_o bishop_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v no_o settlement_n in_o our_o church_n for_o many_o year_n aâ—…ter_v the_o reformation_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o prove_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a but_o that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o reform_v we_o from_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n both_o in_o scotland_n and_o other_o nation_n where_o the_o reformation_n happy_o prevail_v be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o because_o presbyter_n be_v more_o instrumental_a than_o bishop_n in_o promote_a that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o reâ—…ormation_n that_o therefoâ—…e_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v wherever_o the_o reformation_n obtain_v and_o that_o of_o episcopacy_n overturn_v or_o because_o presbyter_n have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n do_v that_o therefore_o authorize_v they_o to_o usurp_v the_o sacred_a oâ—…fice_n of_o a_o biâ—…hop_n without_o bâ—…ing_v due_o call_v and_o ordain_v thereto_o by_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v that_o authority_n although_o some_o bishop_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v backward_o and_o negligent_a in_o do_v their_o duty_n as_o those_o popish_a bishop_n â—…ho_n oppose_v the_o reformation_n yet_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o whole_a order_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o crime_n of_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o their_o fraâ—…ernity_n what_o our_o author_n mean_v by_o say_v episcopacy_n never_o attain_v to_o a_o plenary_a possession_n among_o we_o i_o do_v not_o well_o apprehend_v â—…or_fw-la '_o â—…is_n plain_a the_o constitution_n of_o our_o episcopacy_n be_v such_o that_o thâ—…_n biâ—…hop_n be_v â—…nvested_v with_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o his_o own_o particular_a district_n the_o whole_a presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o own_v he_o for_o their_o chief_a governor_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o discipline_n put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n but_o by_o the_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o diocâ—…san_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v such_o a_o full_a and_o plenaâ—…y_a possession_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o even_o to_o a_o through_o setâ—…lement_n as_o â—…or_v his_o instance_n of_o our_o kirk-session_n presbyteriâ—…_n synod_n prâ—…vincial_a bâ—…shops_n and_o national_a because_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o constitution_n not_o so_o very_o well_o know_v here_o in_o england_n i_o shall_v trouble_v my_o reader_n wiâ—…_n this_o short_a account_n of_o they_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n establish_v in_o every_o parish_n consist_v of_o the_o minisâ—…er_n and_o some_o few_o laic_n of_o good_a reputation_n that_o aâ—…e_v his_o parishioner_n who_o he_o associate_n to_o himself_o for_o give_v he_o inâ—…ormation_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o â—…eceiving_v from_o these_o man_n exact_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o â—…is_n parish_n all_o scandalouâ—…_n and_o vicious_a person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishmâ—…nt_n the_o presbytery_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o judicatory_a under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n consist_v mere_o of_o the_o clergy_n â—…or_n every_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a presbytery_n each_o of_o which_o consist_v of_o about_o 12_o minister_n or_o thereby_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a than_o other_o this_o judicatory_a meet_v at_o least_o once_o a_o month_n and_o their_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o several_a churchès_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o qualification_n of_o those_o that_o design_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o holy_a ministry_n the_o bishop_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o holy_a order_n but_o such_o as_o have_v their_o approbation_n after_o several_a exercise_n do_v before_o they_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o any_o parish_n which_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o meddle_v in_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n he_o bâ—…ings_v it_o before_o this_o judicatory_a and_o lay_v open_a the_o whole_a matter_n to_o they_o desire_v their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a affair_n of_o punish_v a_o obstinate_a offiender_n who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o judicatory_a be_v not_o indeed_o know_v in_o our_o church_n till_o near_o 26_o year_n
to_o exercisâ—…_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o clergy_n to_o see_v themselves_o so_o â—…njuriously_o pâ—…rsecuted_v and_o revile_v but_o they_o have_v thiâ—…_n for_o thâ—…ir_a comfort_n that_o they_o receive_v no_o worse_a usagâ—…_n than_o their_o master_n have_v do_v beforâ—…_n thâ—…m_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n as_o his_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v call_v the_o master_n of_o the_o housâ—…_n beelzebub_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o call_v they_o of_o his_o household_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n thâ—…_n live_v and_o conversation_n of_o the_o far_o great_a â—…art_n of_o our_o clergy_n be_v so_o apparent_o pious_a and_o exemplary_a so_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o character_n they_o bear_v of_o bâ—…ing_v spiritual_a guide_n buâ—…ning_v and_o shine_v light_n that_o as_o the_o calumniâ—…s_n of_o their_o adversary_n can_v much_o injure_v their_o reputation_n in_o this_o world_n so_o far_o less_o will_v thâ—…y_o be_v able_a to_o diminish_v that_o eternal_a reward_n lay_v up_o foâ—…_n they_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v however_o when_o the_o clergy_n be_v thus_o malicious_o and_o unjust_o slander_v and_o revile_v religion_n do_v often_o suffer_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o in_o thiâ—…_n case_n i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o clergy_n from_o those_o aspersion_n their_o enemy_n load_n thâ—…m_o withal_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n in_o a_o nation_n than_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o it_o may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n quite_o from_o we_o if_o we_o suffer_v his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o such_o reproach_n and_o contâ—…mpt_v it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n we_o have_v no_o great_a respect_n for_o a_o prince_n if_o we_o affront_v his_o ambassador_n although_o i_o be_o not_o in_o holy_a order_n my_o sâ—…lf_n yet_o i_o have_v such_o a_o veneration_n and_o esteem_n for_o that_o sacred_a function_n that_o it_o raise_v my_o indignation_n to_o a_o great_a height_n to_o see_v ingenious_a and_o deserve_a man_n buffoon_v and_o ridicule_v mere_o for_o their_o have_v devote_a themsâ—…lves_n to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n for_o have_v receive_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n ambassador_n to_o his_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v they_o of_o any_o other_o profession_n their_o part_n and_o piety_n will_v make_v they_o to_o be_v much_o regard_v by_o all_o man_n but_o because_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n that_o office_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o take_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n glory_v in_o they_o must_v therefore_o suffâ—…r_v all_o indignitiâ—…s_n and_o affront_v â—…nd_v be_v treat_v with_o great_a contempt_n and_o igâ—…ominy_n than_o the_o mean_a artisan_n be_v not_o this_o to_o crucify_v afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n â—…nd_v glory_n to_o put_v he_o again_o to_o opâ—…n_a shame_n to_o mock_v he_o and_o to_o spit_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o jew_n â—…id_v bâ—…fore_o his_o crucifixion_n for_o whatever_o indigâ—…ity_n we_o offer_v to_o his_o minister_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o â—…akes_v it_o as_o do_v to_o his_o own_o person_n he_o that_o depise_v they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v they_o it_o be_v tâ—…is_n respect_n alonâ—…_n which_o i_o have_v for_o the_o ministeâ—…al_a function_n that_o move_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o remark_n upon_o a_o late_a scurrilous_a libel_n against_o our_o clergy_n publishâ—…d_v by_o a_o obscure_a anonymous_n author_n who_o seâ—…ms_v to_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o tâ—…e_a spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n than_o of_o thâ—…_n christian_n râ—…ligion_n i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a concernâ—…d_n â—…o_o see_v so_o many_o eminent_a and_o deserve_a man_n thus_o injure_v in_o 〈◊〉_d fame_n and_o reputation_n and_o thaâ—…_n among_o stranger_n to_o who_o they_o be_v whole_o unknown_a be_v these_o story_n publish_v only_o in_o thâ—…ir_n own_o country_n where_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o thâ—…ir_a life_n be_v sufficient_o know_v they_o may_v bid_v defiancâ—…_n to_o â—…he_v utmost_a malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o anâ—…er_v any_o such_o malicious_a libel_n against_o they_o thâ—…re_o will_v be_v altogâ—…ther_o superfluous_a buâ—…_n when_o thâ—…se_a râ—…ports_n be_v propagate_v among_o strangâ—…rs_n who_o have_v no_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mâ—…n_n who_o arâ—…_n thus_o abuse_v it_o be_v nâ—…cessary_a to_o write_v somâ—…thing_v in_o their_o vindication_n and_o to_o prevent_v peoplâ—…'s_n be_v far_o imposâ—…d_v upon_o by_o such_o liâ—…s_n and_o calumny_n this_o author_n have_v write_v a_o sâ—…cond_a part_n of_o the_o treatisâ—…_n which_o be_v herâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o bâ—…ing_v already_o takâ—…n_v to_o task_n by_o another_o hand_n i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o my_o businâ—…ss_n be_v only_o with_o his_o first_o pamphlet_n wherein_o i_o have_v sufficiâ—…ntly_o show_v his_o gross_a prâ—…varications_n and_o falsehood_n and_o confute_v all_o the_o shadow_n of_o reason_v tâ—…at_a lyâ—…_n scatter_v in_o his_o book_n my_o present_a circumstance_n will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a inquiry_n concâ—…rning_v all_o the_o particular_a person_n who_o hâ—…_n hâ—…re_o accuse_v of_o immorality_n i_o be_v at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v residâ—…_n but_o i_o have_v pick_v out_o the_o most_o considerable_a instance_n thosâ—…_n person_n who_o he_o chargâ—…s_v with_o the_o most_o atrocious_a crime_n and_o in_o his_o accusation_n against_o they_o i_o have_v evidâ—…ntly_o prouâ—…d_v he_o guilty_a of_o the_o high_a malice_n and_o injusticâ—…_n which_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v the_o crâ—…dit_n of_o his_o book_n in_o the_o râ—…st_n of_o the_o instance_n among_o all_o sober_a and_o judicious_a mâ—…n_n the_o content_n introduction_n the_o uncharitableness_n and_o inhumanity_n of_o this_o author_n design_n pag._n 1_o this_o method_n of_o write_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n 3_o the_o occasion_n of_o publish_v the_o scot_n presbyterian_a eloquence_n 5_o chap._n i._n this_o author_n reflection_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o soâ—…_n of_o â—…he_a minister_n of_o state_n consider_v pag._n 9_o episcopacy_n establish_v in_o scotland_n not_o by_o the_o force_n and_o tyranny_n of_o our_o ruler_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n 10_o the_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n investâ—…d_v with_o full_a authority_n belong_v to_o bishop_n 11_o a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o of_o our_o church_n judicatory_n kirk-session_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n ibid._n these_o judicatories_n show_v to_o be_v no_o encroachment_n on_o the_o episcopal_a power_n 12_o our_o author_n disingenuity_n in_o his_o slanderous_a reflection_n upon_o the_o clergy_n 13_o some_o few_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n offer_v to_o join_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o life_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n 14_o tâ—…e_n episcopal_a clâ—…rgy_n have_v charge_v the_o presbyterian_o with_o nothing_o relate_v to_o their_o barbarous_a persecution_n but_o what_o they_o have_v be_v ablc_a to_o prove_v from_o irrefragable_a authority_n 15_o episcopacy_n the_o first_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o never_o there_o by_o law_n abolish_v till_o the_o unhappy_a civil_a war_n â—…nder_v the_o râ—…ign_n of_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o break_v out_o 16_o 〈◊〉_d occasion_n of_o settle_v superinâ—…endents_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n upon_o the_o reformâ—…_n 17_o the_o superintendent_o invesâ—…ed_v with_o the_o whole_a episcopal_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o diocese_n pag._n 18_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o superintendent_n be_v plain_o different_a from_o that_o of_o other_o minister_n ibid._n tâ—…e_fw-fr superintendent_o no_o way_n temporary_a as_o to_o their_o office_n but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o namâ—…_n 19_o the_o superintendent_o give_v a_o account_n to_o a_o national_a synod_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o their_o function_n no_o argument_n against_o their_o be_v bishop_n 20_o tâ—…_n enact_v of_o these_o pâ—…nal_a law_n against_o thâ—…_n presbyterian_o which_o this_o author_n have_v scrape_v together_o occasion_v mere_o by_o the_o frequenâ—…_n rebellioâ—…s_v of_o that_o party_n 21_o tâ—…_n nation_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o enact_v these_o law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o from_o their_o treasonable_a practice_n under_o the_o former_a râ—…igns_n of_o k._n james_n the_o six_o and_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o 22_o â—…at_v this_o be_v the_o true_a occasion_n of_o enact_v these_o penal_a law_n appear_v from_o our_o author_n be_v oâ—…n_a concession_n 23_o 〈◊〉_d â—…s_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o shelter_v their_o treasonable_a design_n under_o the_o name_n of_o
kingdom_n defeat_v our_o force_n and_o oppress_v all_o that_o stand_v in_o any_o sort_n suspect_v of_o the_o crime_n of_o loyalty_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forward_o in_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o cromwell_n be_v so_o successful_a in_o the_o south_n of_o scâ—…tland_n as_o to_o have_v all_o besouth_o forth_o under_o his_o dominion_n great_a numbâ—…rs_n of_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o arm_n in_o the_o west_n and_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o nation_n for_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n and_o this_o much_o of_o the_o loyalty_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o this_o author_n pag._n 53._o to_o justify_v the_o procâ—…dings_n of_o their_o late_a râ—…sons_n general_n assembly_n in_o refuse_v to_o admit_v some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n into_o a_o share_n of_o their_o government_n upon_o the_o term_n desire_v by_o k._n william_n urge_v that_o they_o do_v noâ—…hing_v but_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n convocâ—…tion_n have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d they_o who_o 〈◊〉_d to_o admit_v thâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o same_o king_n dâ—…sire_n it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n in_o i_o to_o offer_v any_o vindication_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o learned_a and_o worthy_a meember_n of_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n who_o at_o that_o time_n oppose_v the_o design_a comprehension_n of_o the_o dissenter_n but_o i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v allowâ—…d_v to_o say_v that_o they_o wâ—…nt_v upon_o far_o better_a ground_n than_o our_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v such_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o condescend_v to_o address_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v here_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o â—…awfulness_n of_o what_o these_o â—…piscopal_a addresser_n do_v in_o desire_v to_o be_v unite_v with_o the_o prâ—…sbyterians_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v upon_o that_o question_n my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o scotland_n be_v â—…ar_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o deny_v the_o request_n of_o these_o episcopal_a minister_n that_o address_v they_o than_o those_o of_o the_o english_a convocation_n who_o obstruct_v the_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o term_n that_o be_v then_o propose_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n never_o offer_v any_o address_n to_o the_o convocotion_n declare_v their_o willingness_n to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n upon_o her_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o these_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v with_o have_v the_o presbyterian_o give_v but_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o abandon_v their_o schism_n upon_o the_o make_n of_o these_o alteration_n the_o clergy_n perhaps_o to_o further_a so_o desirable_a a_o work_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o ease_n as_o to_o their_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o those_o harmless_a rite_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o though_o indisferent_a in_o their_o nature_n yet_o be_v very_o signiâ—…icant_a in_o their_o use._n but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n ever_o to_o expect_v to_o reclaim_v the_o presbyterian_o from_o their_o schism_n upon_o such_o term_n since_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o the_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o woâ—…hip_n which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o esfect_a but_o to_o create_v more_o enemy_n to_o our_o communion_n be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n that_o be_v require_v in_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n now_o this_o be_v what_o the_o scâ—…ts_n assembly_n can_v urge_v in_o their_o defence_n since_o those_o of_o the_o lpiscopal_a clergy_n who_o have_v the_o freedom_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n petition_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punish_v scandalous_a and_o contumacious_a offender_n which_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n they_o deâ—…ired_v to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o as_o for_o their_o presbyterian_a ordination_n they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v positive_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o any_o such_o act_n as_o they_o think_v to_o be_v direct_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n which_o may_v have_v influence_v the_o â—…nglish_fw-fr convocation_n to_o oppose_v the_o alteration_n in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o worship_n which_o k._n william_n do_v then_o desire_v they_o to_o make_v and_o that_o be_v tâ—…e_v preservation_n and_o safâ—…ty_n of_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n they_o be_v â—…t_v that_o time_n sensible_a of_o the_o fatal_a overthrow_n of_o their_o neighbour_a church_n of_o scâ—…tland_n how_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o governmâ—…nt_n be_v â—…uite_o overturn_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o not_o only_o the_o biâ—…hops_n turn_v out_o both_o of_o their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a right_n but_o 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n most_o barbarous_o treat_v â—…nd_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n and_o church_n this_o cruel_a treatment_n which_o their_o brethren_n in_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v from_o that_o dissent_v party_n may_v juâ—…tly_o aâ—…arm_v the_o english_a clergy_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o usage_n from_o the_o pâ—…esbyterians_n here_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o do_v thâ—…m_o any_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a interest_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v in_o that_o â—…irst_n parliament_n aâ—…ter_v the_o revolution_n it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v of_o the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n lest_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o obstacle_n in_o establish_v another_o as_o they_o be_v hardly_o able_a at_o that_o time_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a member_n of_o that_o parliament_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o have_v the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v once_o dissolve_v they_o will_v have_v thâ—…own_v in_o so_o many_o stop_v and_o hindrance_n against_o a_o new_a establishment_n of_o the_o â—…urgy_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o will_v have_v start_v so_o many_o new_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v solve_v about_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v occasion_v such_o infinite_a deâ—…ys_n therein_o as_o will_v have_v make_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o our_o liturgy_n a_o tâ—…ing_n almost_o impossible_a if_o the_o parliament_n have_v offer_v to_o ratisie_n the_o service-book_n with_o the_o alteration_n the_o convocation_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v therein_o before_o they_o dissolve_v this_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o many_o member_n of_o that_o convocation_n may_v have_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o consent_v to_o some_o alteration_n in_o those_o indisferent_a ceremony_n the_o presbyterian_o so_o groundless_o exclaim_v against_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v not_o have_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o continue_v in_o their_o notorious_a and_o wretched_a schism_n but_o for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v the_o present_a establishment_n without_o have_v any_o security_n for_o another_o be_v what_o none_o can_v expect_v from_o any_o prudent_a or_o reasonable_a society_n three_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n may_v perhaps_o be_v the_o more_o remiss_a in_o promote_a a_o union_n with_o the_o diâ—…senters_n upon_o the_o term_n propose_v because_o they_o see_v no_o probability_n of_o preserve_v thereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o profess_v to_o own_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o unity_n with_o we_o that_o may_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o biâ—…hops_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o that_o intend_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o communion_n i_o say_v unless_o they_o own_o these_o catholic_n painciple_n of_o unity_n in_o common_a with_o we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o will_v remain_v we_o any_o long_a than_o their_o interest_n show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o a_o union_n with_o they_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n in_o stead_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o great_a rent_n and_o breach_n in_o our_o communion_n whenever_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o their_o interest_n again_o to_o erect_v altar_n against_o altar_n but_o our_o scot_n
the_o animadversion_n that_o you_o make_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o libel_n print_v against_o the_o scot_n clergy_n the_o method_n late_o take_v to_o ruin_v that_o order_n of_o man_n in_o scotland_n be_v as_o unjust_a as_o they_o be_v diabolical_a it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n ago_o since_o i_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o scurrilous_a book_n and_o this_o make_v i_o think_v that_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n need_v no_o apology_n against_o the_o attempt_n of_o such_o a_o despicable_a wretch_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o what_o be_v once_o make_v public_a may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o several_a person_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v send_v here_o enclofe_v the_o letter_n that_o the_o archbishop_n write_v to_o i_o upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o inâ—…amous_a pamphlet_n i_o let_v it_o go_v abroad_o the_o rather_o that_o i_o be_o so_o serious_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o letter_n itself_o i_o give_v you_o my_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o your_o solid_a confutatioâ—…_n of_o several_a malicious_a and_o obscene_a lie_v propagate_v by_o that_o calumniator_n i_o continue_v in_o all_o sincerity_n and_o affection_n your_o real_a friend_n and_o servant_n for_o my_o worthy_a friend_n mr._n edinburgh-castle_n jan._n 21._o 1693._o reverend_a brother_n we_o may_v say_v with_o hezekiah_n this_o be_v a_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o of_o rebuke_n and_o of_o blasphemy_n just_o now_o when_o i_o be_o order_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o so_o to_o part_v from_o my_o numerous_a family_n and_o ten_o motherless_a child_n when_o they_o most_o need_v my_o care_n i_o be_o surprise_v to_o find_v in_o a_o obscene_a and_o virulent_a pamphlet_n write_v undoubted_o by_o one_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o dare_v not_o own_o his_o villainy_n entitle_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o scot_n presbyterian_a eloquence_n some_o paragraph_n and_o passage_n impudent_o paint_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o impure_a and_o 〈◊〉_d wretch_n that_o ever_o be_v clothe_v in_o human_a flesh_n which_o if_o true_a shall_v just_o expose_v my_o name_n to_o infamy_n and_o my_o life_n to_o justice_n as_o the_o most_o viâ—…e_a profane_a and_o sacrilegious_a monster_n that_o ever_o bear_v a_o sacred_a character_n which_o i_o no_o soon_o read_v than_o i_o fall_v on_o my_o knee_n and_o as_o the_o same_o good_a king_n â—…ezekiah_o do_v with_o senacherib_n blasphemous_a letter_n i_o spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o innocence_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o integrity_n of_o my_o life_n i_o appeal_v to_o he_o â—…or_n a_o just_a vindication_n not_o that_o i_o need_v it_o among_o they_o to_o who_o my_o life_n and_o manner_n be_v know_v but_o only_o among_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n to_o i_o and_o to_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o who_o this_o impudâ—…nt_a son_n of_o 〈◊〉_d design_n to_o impose_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n but_o even_o my_o native_a modesty_n sor_n attest_v of_o which_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o all_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n with_o who_o i_o ever_o converse_v who_o i_o earnest_o obtest_v ingenuous_o to_o declare_v if_o ever_o they_o hear_v one_o single_a obscene_a word_n drop_n from_o my_o tongue_n or_o ever_o perceive_v any_o immodest_a insinuation_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o my_o act_n or_o practice_n make_v i_o read_v these_o obscene_a passage_n with_o great_a aversion_n and_o horror_n most_o of_o which_o i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o never_o hear_v nor_o read_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o or_o charge_v upon_o any_o mortal_a till_o i_o find_v they_o there_o assert_v as_o thing_n notorious_o know_v of_o myself_o by_o this_o infamous_a monster_n of_o profaneness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o villainous_a and_o impudent_a lie_v modesty_n will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o repeat_v they_o since_o they_o deâ—…ile_v the_o air_n and_o needs_o must_v pollute_v the_o eye_n of_o reader_n and_o ear_n of_o hearer_n and_o therefore_o to_o convel_v and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a author_n will_v be_v so_o just_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o party_n as_o to_o come_v out_o from_o behind_o the_o curtain_n pull_v off_o his_o mask_n and_o prove_v any_o of_o these_o infamous_a article_n or_o passage_n he_o assert_n against_o i_o by_o two_o nay_o by_o any_o one_o single_a witness_n or_o person_n of_o know_a virtue_n and_o probity_n and_o of_o irreproachable_a fame_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o offer_v my_o name_n to_o infamy_n but_o my_o life_n to_o justice_n and_o to_o encourage_v he_o so_o to_o do_v i_o hereby_o promise_v he_o as_o a_o reward_n and_o shall_v find_v he_o good_a surety_n for_o it_o though_o my_o circumstance_n be_v now_o very_o low_a of_o two_o hundred_o pound_n sterling_a and_o perhaps_o the_o silly_a author_n need_v such_o a_o charm_a bait_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v any_o single_a article_n or_o instance_n of_o those_o infamous_a and_o diabolical_a aspersion_n and_o calumny_n now_o if_o after_o this_o open_a appeal_n and_o challenge_n and_o offer_v of_o this_o reward_n he_o shall_v not_o appear_v and_o avow_v himself_o the_o author_n nor_o make_v at_o least_o any_o one_o article_n of_o his_o many_o instance_n against_o i_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o mankind_n to_o judge_v if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o most_o wicked_a impudent_a lie_v villain_n that_o ever_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n or_o if_o i_o need_v any_o further_a vindication_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o assert_n so_o many_o person_n to_o be_v privy_a to_o those_o impure_a and_o obscene_a passage_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v straighten_a for_o want_v of_o evidence_n and_o witness_n and_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o the_o present_a judge_n for_o i_o shall_v decline_v none_o will_v not_o prouâ—…_n partial_a upon_o my_o side_n i_o render_v devout_o thanks_o to_o god_n who_o have_v continue_v my_o life_n thus_o long_o and_o grant_v i_o this_o opportunity_n thus_o to_o appeal_v and_o charge_v this_o wicked_a author_n that_o so_o i_o may_v satisfy_v the_o world_n of_o my_o innocence_n and_o that_o this_o may_v remain_v as_o a_o solid_a witness_n sor_n i_o and_o my_o good_a name_n after_o my_o death_n against_o a_o spirit_n of_o lie_v and_o calumny_n which_o as_o former_o against_o our_o pious_a and_o worthy_a predecessor_n be_v now_o like_a to_o go_v forth_o enrage_a and_o rampant_a against_o those_o of_o my_o persuasion_n order_n and_o character_n from_o such_o who_o have_v long_o make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n dear_a brother_n you_o know_v i_o have_v live_v long_o in_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o have_v bear_v a_o great_a and_o more_o eminent_a character_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n than_o my_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n do_v deserve_v you_o know_v also_o i_o do_v not_o want_v many_o and_o some_o of_o great_a â—…uality_n and_o power_n who_o 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