its_o assembly_n and_o all_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o its_o office-bearer_n or_o meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o his_o majesty_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o moreover_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o whereby_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v ancient_o confirm_v and_o which_o by_o vertew_n of_o the_o above_o mention_v act_n rescissory_a do_v now_o in_o so_o far_o by_o the_o act_n 1612._o stand_v rescind_v in_o respect_n that_o it_o do_v also_o limit_v the_o king_n prerogative_n to_o be_v without_o prejudice_n or_o derogation_n to_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a censure_n special_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o act_n i_o say_v 1592._o be_v now_o for_o this_o reason_n total_o annul_v in_o all_o the_o head_n article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o from_o which_o act_n of_o restitution_n although_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a church-constitution_n may_v be_v very_o obvious_o gather_v yet_o there_o be_v two_o other_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n the_o one_o be_v that_o concern_v a_o national_a synod_n wherein_o his_o majesty_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n do_v more_o absolute_o appoint_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o member_n thereof_o then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a civil_a court_n unquestionable_o dependent_a upon_o his_o royal_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o aswell_o the_o proposal_n as_o the_o final_a approbation_n of_o all_o matter_n to_o be_v therein_o treat_v the_o other_o be_v the_o late_a act_n 1669._o assert_v the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o supreme_a authority_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a be_v so_o full_o declare_v to_o appertain_v to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o vertew_n thereof_o he_o may_v dispose_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o person_n ecclesiastic_a and_o enact_v concern_v the_o church_n meeting_n and_o matter_n therein_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o more_o absolute_a power_n in_o any_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v devise_v in_o his_o favour_n these_o act_n lie_v so_o well_o together_o i_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o joint_a consideration_n and_o from_o they_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o last_o revolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o invasion_n make_v upon_o the_o church_n government_n by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o bishop_n and_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o happen_v in_o their_o former_a introduction_n precede_v the_o year_n 1612_o but_o that_o the_o alteration_n make_v be_v plain_o fundamental_a and_o that_o by_o his_o majesty_n assume_v all_o church-power_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o proper_a right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n without_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v with_o the_o pope_n a_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o effect_n and_o convey_v the_o same_o by_o these_o communication_n alone_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dispense_v and_o to_o such_o person_n and_o meeting_n as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o appoint_v and_o make_v to_o himself_o accountable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o genus_fw-la of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n recognosce_v by_o presbytery_n as_o only_o fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o our_o lord_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n let_v be_v its_o specification_n from_o our_o classical_a form_n at_o present_a to_o be_v find_v in_o be_v in_o this_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o i_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a erection_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o in_o the_o year_n 1606._o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v by_o the_o then_o parliament_n first_o enact_v and_o by_o the_o next_o act_n their_o restitution_n be_v thereon_o also_o found_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o act_n 1612._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v turn_v to_o exercise_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o diocesian_a visitation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o be_v also_o rescind_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o betwixt_o the_o former_a practice_n and_o the_o late_a establishment_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparity_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o apparent_a resemblance_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v be_v nevertheless_o accompany_v by_o such_o real_a and_o material_a difference_n that_o it_o do_v only_o the_o more_o notable_o evince_v the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o method_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n beyond_o all_o that_o the_o same_o design_n in_o former_a time_n can_v suggest_v king_n james_n be_v indeed_o bend_v for_o prelacy_n as_o all_o do_v acknowledge_v but_o by_o seek_v thereby_o to_o qualify_v and_o oversway_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o effect_n to_o subvert_v all_o government_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o absurdity_n which_o his_o better_a understanding_n do_v prudent_o forbear_v and_o nothing_o save_v either_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o grow_a iniquity_n or_o the_o precipitancie_n of_o our_o time_n can_v have_v produce_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o and_o the_o former_a time_n the_o particular_n follow_v will_v easy_o evince_v and_o first_o it_o be_v true_a the_o parliament_n 1606._o do_v by_o their_o first_o act_n declare_v the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o in_o general_a over_o all_o estate_n person_n and_o cause_n without_o the_o least_o derogation_n to_o the_o explication_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parl._n 1592._o whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o supremacy_n have_v be_v assert_v declare_v and_o exercise_v in_o order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a person_n meeting_n and_o matter_n not_o only_o far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n pretend_v to_o in_o civils_n but_o above_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v arrogate_v either_o by_o pope_n or_o temporal_a potentate_n next_o by_o the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o forementioned_a parliament_n 1606._o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v indeed_o restore_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o to_o what_o to_o ecclesiastic_a power_n presidencie_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n fie_o not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o their_o former_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n live_n land_n teind_n rent_n etc._n etc._n and_o chief_o and_o especial_o against_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n 1587._o these_o though_o unjust_o bestow_v be_v yet_o proper_a subject_n for_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n pure_o ecclesiastic_a they_o right_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v without_o their_o line_n whereas_o by_o the_o late_a act._n 1662._o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n restore_v the_o bishop_n both_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o also_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n power_n of_o ordination_n and_o other_o above_o rehearse_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o supreme_a head_n whence_o all_o church-pove_a do_v flow_v and_o to_o who_o the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a a_o attempt_n so_o impertinent_a to_o secular_a power_n and_o subversive_a of_o the_o very_a subject_a matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n that_o the_o former_a time_n not_o from_o any_o great_a tenderness_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o mere_o from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o inconsistencie_n do_v not_o once_o dream_v of_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n king_n james_n who_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o neither_o do_v his_o prerogative_n extend_v to_o the_o proper_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v thereupon_o found_v and_o that_o for_o he_o to_o assume_v the_o disposal_n and_o dispense_n thereof_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o destroy_v it_o although_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o restore_v the_o bishop_n to_o their_o honour_n temporality_n and_o possession_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o power_n ecclesiastic_a by_o they_o acclaim_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o compass_v the_o same_o only_a by_o the_o suffrage_n &_o determination_n of_o church-assembly_n and_o according_o we_o see_v
for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o assertion_n the_o act_n &_o other_o thing_n by_o i_o premise_v do_v abundant_o clear_v it_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o king_n have_v no_o such_o power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v uncontroverted_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n and_o the_o supremacy_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o restitution_n be_v to_o they_o a_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n than_o any_o of_o these_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n intend_v by_o the_o accommodation_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o accommodator_n either_o by_o conviction_n or_o condescendence_n to_o have_v remove_v it_o however_o i_o may_v not_o digress_v only_o i_o be_o assure_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la against_o whatsoever_o opponent_n 1._o that_o this_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o administration_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n when_o no_o magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n adduceable_a whereupon_o it_o can_v accrease_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n from_o the_o people_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n over_o and_o about_o which_o the_o original_a power_n be_v to_o they_o competent_a to_o which_o this_o church-power_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v reckon_v 3._o that_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o good_a king_n and_o emperor_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v no_o way_n flow_v from_o any_o inherent_a right_n or_o prerogative_n they_o have_v conversant_a in_o these_o matter_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a product_n of_o necessity_n sustain_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o work_n &_o deficiency_n of_o the_o more_o proper_a mean_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v due_o consider_v i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o supremacy_n will_v very_o quick_o evanish_v and_o therefore_o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o see_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v a_o high_a usurpation_n against_o our_o lord_n &_o master_n all_o court_n depend_v thereon_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o &_o partake_v therein_o what_o ever_o opinion_n a_o man_n do_v reserve_v or_o whatever_o declaration_n be_v make_v anent_o it_o must_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o here_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n what_o be_v the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o be_v the_o present_a minister_n no_o presbyter_n but_o their_o be_v no_o such_o haste_n neither_o have_v these_o thing_n any_o further_a connexion_n then_o that_o the_o present_a minister_n be_v not_o presbyter_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o denote_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o true_o i_o think_v in_o ingenuity_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v special_o see_v that_o although_o they_o hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n by_o mission_n from_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v from_o the_o king_n on_o who_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n depend_v whereupon_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o government_n do_v as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v do_v and_o that_o thereby_o true_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v only_o subsist_v then_o these_o meeting_n which_o recognosce_fw-la his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a for_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n which_o they_o acclaime_v can_v no_o more_o be_v true_o such_o than_o he_o who_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o sovereign_n mission_n will_v pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o what_o need_v of_o more_o word_n if_o the_o present_a conform_a minister_n and_o there_o meeting_n have_v disclained_a jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a head_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o own_o no_o power_n thereof_o but_o what_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a wherewith_o nevertheless_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o at_o all_o vest_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v disallow_v all_o church-government_n and_o medling_n and_o meeting_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o hold_v their_o commission_n and_o warrant_n from_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n what_o concurrence_n can_v we_o make_v in_o on_z and_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o by_o what_o salvo_fw-la may_n my_o sit_v and_o act_v be_v justify_v in_o a_o meeting_n in_o the_o power_n whereof_o i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o partake_v for_o my_o part_n since_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o true_a head_n but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o another_o to_o who_o they_o do_v refer_v &_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o power_n if_o we_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v both_o detest_v this_o usurpation_n and_o disclaim_v all_o share_n in_o any_o power_n save_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o these_o assembly_n i_o think_v until_o they_o first_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o mistake_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v rational_o blame_v we_o for_o separation_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o entry_n qualify_v either_o by_o declaration_n or_o protestation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o free_n of_o the_o party_n from_o a_o apparent_a constructive_a accession_n to_o certain_a accidental_a corruption_n that_o may_v be_v in_o a_o meeting_n to_o which_o he_o be_v otherwise_o oblige_v to_o join_v yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o case_n where_o the_o very_a constitution_n itself_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_a and_o corrupt_a that_o none_o can_v active_o partake_v therein_o without_o sin_n this_o remedy_n here_o offer_v be_v altogether_o insignificant_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o although_o this_o reservation_n of_o opinion_n and_o declaration_n permit_v can_v be_v a_o salvo_fw-la as_o to_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o constitution_n yet_o without_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v in_o such_o conjunction_n of_o the_o person_n also_o with_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v there_o may_v be_v a_o assembly_n nay_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o evil_a doer_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hate_n and_o even_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o enclose_v he_o and_o pierce_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n want_v not_o a_o specious_a name_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o a_o simple_a protestation_n may_v warrant_v constant_a presence_n in_o these_o case_n but_o rather_o incline_v with_o jeremiah_n to_o leave_v and_o to_o draw_v from_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n what_o for_o assembly_n the_o present_a church-meeting_n be_v i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o tender_a than_o it_o be_v superflous_a to_o utter_v only_o this_o i_o will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o such_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o no_o declaration_n can_v warrant_v any_o fellowship_n therein_o i_o be_o certain_a that_o the_o subsumption_n viz._n that_o such_o be_v the_o court_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o unbiased_a man_n upon_o these_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o notorious_a perjury_n intrusion_n profanitie_n and_o insufficiency_n unquestionable_o make_v out_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o article_n bear_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a &_o principal_a condescendence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o place_n that_o aswell_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o brethren_n as_o possible_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o at_o first_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n reason_n as_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o this_o accommodation_n i_o have_v reserve_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o at_o more_o length_n and_o on_o all_o fair_a and_o probable_a supposition_n in_o supplement_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n and_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o advantageous_a sense_n that_o the_o proposer_n can_v desire_v i_o add_v that_o consistent_o therewith_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o constant_a moderator_n whence_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o declare_a purpose_n wave_v any_o further_a exception_n against_o the_o nullity_n of_o
obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswadedâ—_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pasâ—e_n they_o without_o â—ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o â—_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o any_o rational_a and_o probable_a instanced_a we_o â—ave_n indeed_o hear_v the_o proud_a calumny_n of_o prevail_a adversary_n but_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n viz._n â—_o that_o this_o landbeing_n in_o the_o begin_n lawful_o engage_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ensue_a and_o grow_v defection_n and_o novation_n very_o just_o both_o renew_v and_o explain_v their_o engagement_n and_o also_o censure_v such_o who_o by_o refuse_v their_o assent_n do_v evident_o declare_v their_o apostasy_n 2._o that_o not_o only_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o the_o very_a force_n of_o that_o obligement_n of_o constant_a defence_n and_o adherence_n contain_v in_o the_o national_a do_v so_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o visible_o necessary_a mean_v for_o that_o end_n and_o without_o which_o conjunction_n the_o prelatic_a party_n in_o england_n which_o have_v twice_o from_o thence_o perfidious_o attacâ—qued_v we_o prevail_v there_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n overwhelm_v we_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o this_o second_o covenant_n by_o any_o who_o have_v take_v the_o first_o can_v not_o but_o be_v construe_v a_o breach_n thereof_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n 3._o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o authority_n be_v demand_v and_o unjust_o refuse_v to_o that_o for_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n whereof_o government_n itself_o be_v set_v up_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n make_v the_o deed_n so_o do_v for_o want_v thereof_o unlawful_a and_o 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o recusant_n in_o our_o former_a time_n be_v either_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o number_n of_o the_o delinquent_n very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v be_v by_o the_o renversing_n and_o persecution_n of_o these_o laâ—e_a time_n so_o many_o degree_n exceed_v that_o it_o be_v ashame_n for_o any_o person_n of_o ingenuity_n by_o accuse_v the_o past_a and_o own_v the_o present_a to_o show_v such_o partiality_n these_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a truth_n and_o so_o full_o hold_v out_o by_o several_a write_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o same_o be_v due_o perpend_v all_o the_o vapour_n of_o this_o smoke_n must_v instant_o evanish_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v the_o author_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o relieve_v such_o who_o labour_n under_o a_o apprehend_a inconsistencie_n of_o these_o their_o oath_n with_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n &_o in_o prosecution_n hereof_o he_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o article_n &_o be_v on_o purpose_n express_v â—o_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n &_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o here_o i_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o mistake_n suppose_v our_o present_a church-government_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v abjure_v but_o a_o distinct_a from_o manage_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbytersâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o sun-light_n that_o our_o parliament_n do_v not_o only_o in_o preparation_n to_o the_o late_a change_n make_v void_a the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o authority_n of_o former_a parliament_n whereby_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abrogate_v but_o also_o restore_v and_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o church_n power_n and_o prerogative_n then_o former_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o yea_o unto_o the_o sole_a possession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o under_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o that_o their_o predecessor_n do_v ever_o acclaim_v as_o both_o from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o our_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o plain_o evince_v that_o so_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o same_o episcopacy_n abjure_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v by_o our_o late_a parliament_n again_o restore_v but_o second_o admit_v that_o our_o present_a frame_n be_v in_o esse_fw-la such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o accommodation_n offer_v as_o the_o mistake_n or_o rather_o wilful_a error_n of_o this_o passage_n do_v borrow_v its_o colour_n and_o pretext_n from_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o description_n there_o set_v down_o so_o the_o thing_n obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o clear_v thereof_o be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o case_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_n but_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a engagement_n of_o the_o first_o bind_v as_o to_o scotland_n to_o preserve_v and_o as_o to_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o reform_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o key_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o seâ—lement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o article_n be_v manifest_o subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o execution_n viz._n that_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o either_o general_o or_o special_o enumerat_a which_o two_o article_n the_o one_o to_o preserve_v the_o then_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n with_o so_o great_a contending_n late_o reform_v from_o this_o corruption_n among_o other_o of_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatiship_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n have_v be_v by_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v do_v certain_o make_v up_o a_o obligation_n most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o presidencie_n re-obtruded_n three_o if_o their_o luk-warm_a conciliator_n be_v as_o mindful_a to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o most_o high_a as_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n in_o place_n of_o this_o impertinent_a wrest_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o at-that-time-unsetled_n estate_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n than_o the_o establish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o hear_v they_o will_v rather_o consider_v their_o own_o and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o how_o in_o that_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o wrestle_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n we_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o defend_v that_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o attain_v and_o constant_o to_o reject_v and_o labour_v against_o all_o these_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o we_o be_v then_o deliver_v under_o which_o head_n of_o novation_n and_o corruption_n i_o be_o assure_v that_o every_o considerate_a person_n will_v so_o easy_o perceive_v this_o presidencie_n and_o moderatorship_n oâ—_n bishop_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v that_o he_o will_v almost_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o heedless_a exposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n put_v upon_o these_o covenant_n as_o pity_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o
all_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_z without_o know_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v lawful_a &_o righteous_a &_o whether_o the_o common_a people_n be_v more_o know_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o their_o representatives_n privilege_n or_o conform_v minister_n in_o his_o majesty_n sublime_a prerogative_n and_o extensive_a jurisdiction_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a discerner_n but_o 3._o what_o strange_a hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi indeed_o do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o engagement_n all_o thing_n spiritual_a ecclesiastic_a and_o temporal_a confound_v in_o the_o supremacy_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o the_o poor_a intrant_fw-la mus_fw-la further_o abjure_v all_o foreign_a power_n and_o â—urisdictions_n swear_v to_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v upon_o oath_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o church_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o of_o the_o king_n presentation_n under_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v homage_n unto_o the_o king_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o same_o if_o at_o the_o presentation_n of_o another_o under_o god_n by_o the_o king_n of_o the_o patron_n thereof_o and_o last_o swear_v obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n even_o his_o majesty_n authority_n though_o just_a now_o so_o full_o recognosce_v not_o except_v be_v not_o this_o a_o odd_a medley_n to_o be_v huddle_v up_o in_o a_o sacred_a oath_n whereof_o whether_o every_o article_n therein_o be_v more_o impertinent_a for_o a_o intrant_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o itself_o more_o obscure_a and_o indistinct_a real_o i_o can_v not_o define_v but_o the_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o commendable_a even_o in_o our_o enemy_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o party_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standart_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o i_o free_o appeal_v to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n if_o ever_o they_o hear_v ingenuity_n exhort_v to_o by_o two_o such_o disingenuous_a insinuation_n as_o first_o to_o recommend_v the_o moderation_n of_o a_o party_n who_o after_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v perjurious_o break_v their_o covenant_n both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n do_v in_o such_o manner_n instigat_fw-la the_o power_n to_o rigour_n exclusion_n and_o persecution_n against_o all_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v only_o refuse_v to_o own_o and_o countenance_v their_o wicked_a apostasy_n as_o have_v almost_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o do_v at_o length_n weary_a the_o very_a actor_n and_o next_o to_o give_v out_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o implicit_o wed_v to_o our_o party_n whereof_o the_o least_o argument_n or_o vestige_n have_v not_o be_v make_v appear_v no_o nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o allege_v but_o but_o as_o all_o man_n do_v sufficient_o know_v these_o restraint_n of_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o better_a consideration_n in_o our_o ruler_n that_o have_v produce_v the_o apparent_a quiet_n which_o be_v here_o pretend_a for_o moderation_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o by_o a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o way_n we_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sigh_v of_o god_n as_o there_o to_o leave_v this_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n convict_v and_o confound_v boâ—h_o â—or_a his_o open_a perjury_n and_o craftâ—_n calumny_n but_o the_o author_n as_o it_o seem_v fear_v such_o a_o replyâ—_n provide_v a_o retreat_n conclude_v but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o â—o_o bâ—_n at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a conte_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o since_o he_o walk_v so_o much_o in_o darkness_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o long_o for_o shadde_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v labour_v as_o serious_o upon_o his_o master_n mission_n to_o reconcile_v soul_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v travel_v upon_o his_o majesty_n commissionâ—_n â—_z to_o patch_v up_o a_o sinful_a accommodation_n his_o hope_n of_o rest_n have_v be_v both_o more_o sweet_a and_o more_o assure_v and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o â—he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o lâ—ght_n inaccessible_a for_o his_o everlasting_a refreshment_n but_o see_v these_o very_a poor_a childish_a trifle_n contest_v whereby_o he_o will_v cunning_o decry_v all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v in_o effect_n his_o own_o device_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n shall_v make_v his_o work_n manifest_a when_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o burn_a thereof_o may_v be_v all_o his_o loss_n after_o the_o body_n of_o one_o of_o these_o letter_n we_o have_v a_o postscript_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o all_o the_o long_n for_o rest_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o another_o whife_n as_o we_o know_v who_o once_o character_v the_o lord_n servant_n when_o with_o much_o travel_n labour_v in_o his_o work_n and_o herein_o the_o author_n complement_a wiâ—h_v a_o apology_n otâ—er_v church_n join_v rome_n with_o england_n as_o be_v most_o supposible_a wherein_o episcopal-government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v wish_n that_o â—he_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o by_o he_o use_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o most_o and_o one_o part_n of_o his_o wish_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v serve_v by_o a_o very_a candid_a representation_n if_o the_o event_n misgive_v he_o must_v blame_v himself_o his_o design_n be_v to_o allay_v man_n extreme_a fervour_n by_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n which_o to_o we_o be_v hateful_a be_v to_o english_a presbyterian_o desirable_a and_o that_o upon_o inquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v â—o_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o demonstrat_fw-la our_o present_a form_n as_o establish_v and_o exercise_v to_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prelacy_n but_o the_o very_a absurd_a usurpation_n of_o tâ—e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o â—he_n fix_v presidency_n of_o late_o propose_v and_o show_v both_o what_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v think_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v anent_o it_o why_o do_v our_o author_n by_o such_o weak_a repeâ—itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o exâ—reme_a fervour_n to_o condemn_v a_o aversion_n which_o alas_o be_v in_o all_o to_o remiss_a one_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o englandâ—_n â—_z yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o what_o these_o do_v import_n be_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o neither_o decline_v nor_o use_v their_o testimony_n we_o be_v fix_v on_o sure_a foundation_n yet_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o persuade_v that_o as_o abstract_a general_a question_n be_v but_o lame_a and_o blind_a discussion_n of_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o wherever_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o represent_v we_o shall_v report_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n châ—ist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o incorruptness_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a that_o these_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o â—his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o insâ—ances_n use_v a_o little_a moâ—e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n â—o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truâ—h_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o course_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n bâ—_n reason_n of_o the_o irreligion_n and_o profanitie_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o from_o its_o prophet_n unto_o the_o whole_a land_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a remedy_n i_o wish_v the_o author_n be_v as_o sensible_a of_o â—he_n cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o malady_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o present_a church-governors_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a observer_n the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o mischief_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n what_o more_o hopeless_a or_o what_o more_o
by_o proclamation_n cast_v out_o both_o of_o our_o place_n pulpit_n and_o parish_n and_o that_o our_o former_a church-assembly_n be_v all_o at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppress_v we_o never_o have_v any_o station_n in_o these_o present_a meeting_n pretend_v to_o the_o succession_n this_o pitiful_a quibble_v as_o if_o we_o have_v extirpate_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o effect_n expulse_v iâ—_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_a mint_n at_o witâ—_n altogether_o insufficient_a to_o colour_v its_o obvious_a impertinency_n as_o to_o what_o do_v here_o ensue_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o preâ—ent_a episcopal-government_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o abjure_v and_o concern_v the_o acceptation_n that_o it_o will_v find_v in_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v consider_v it_o at_o that_o length_n and_o discuss_v it_o upon_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a ground_n as_o neither_o the_o author_n reason_n nor_o his_o prejudice_n his_o impartiality_n nor_o partiality_n with_o all_o the_o patience_n he_o wish_v we_o and_o impatience_n which_o he_o himself_o often_o show_v will_v be_v able_a satisfy_o to_o removeâ—_n whether_o then_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o author_n be_v indeed_o truth_n as_o he_o allege_v or_o gross_a error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v evince_v and_o his_o discern_v in_o themâ—_n though_o the_o best_a he_o have_v sound_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o palpable_a delusion_n i_o willing_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n ingenuity_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v truthsâ—_n â—_z he_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v pertinent_a truth_n towards_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o sad_a division_n â—ut_v when_o he_o shall_v make_v as_o much_o serious_a search_n after_o the_o cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o effect_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_a untruth_n but_o most_o impertinent_a however_o if_o any_o list_n to_o be_v contention_n he_o wish_v he_o can_v say_v of_o this_o churchy_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o this_o wish_v i_o confess_v be_v very_o consequent_a to_o both_o the_o author_n opinion_n and_o design_n for_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o undervalue_v the_o ordinance_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n though_o most_o convince_o seal_v among_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n unto_o mode_n and_o trifle_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v gain_v to_o a_o compliance_n where_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o simulat_fw-la condescendency_n so_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o to_o be_v as_o little_a material_a as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o the_o excrementitious_a hair_n he_o endeavour_v to_o enervat_fw-la all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o reproach_n of_o strange_a contention_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o do_v real_o merit_v that_o immovable_a steadfastness_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o our_o lord_n command_v and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n we_o hope_v the_o custom_n of_o perfidious_a time-serving_a which_o the_o prelate_n have_v so_o much_o practise_v in_o this_o distract_a church_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o counterbalance_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n have_v by_o their_o vain_a carnal_a and_o violent_a contention_n at_o best_a for_o their_o formality_n butâ—_n in_o effect_n for_o fulfil_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n not_o only_o dis-edifiedâ—_a but_o destroy_v and_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o disobey_v and_o disgrace_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v so_o let_v we_o as_o the_o fearer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o our_o peace_n consider_v his_o example_n so_o much_o the_o more_o endure_v contradiction_n despise_v shame_n and_o reproach_n fight_n â—he_v good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o hold_v fast_o our_o integrity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v at_o that_o day_n unto_o all_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o now_o remain_v the_o author_n one_o word_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o be_v undeniable_a and_o he_o think_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a accommodation_n can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o most_o famous_a general_a assembly_n of_o it_o the_o conncil_n of_o nice_a yea_o to_o go_v no_o high_o though_o safe_o i_o may_v say_v he_o he_o must_v as_o certain_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n cyprian_n upon_o this_o very_a scruple_n of_o the_o government_n as_o novatus_n do_v upon_o another_o occasion_n whence_o the_o author_n do_v draw_v his_o assurance_n and_o whereon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o bestow_v our_o consideration_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o explicit_a that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v there_o be_v a_o episcopacy_n well_o advance_v in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o its_o government_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o quiet_o comport_v with_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o to_o this_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v repliedâ—_n that_o there_o be_v a_o huge_a disparity_n betwixt_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o lawful_a government_n still_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o substance_n by_o our_o lord_n authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o government_n fundamental_o corrupt_a derive_v all_o its_o power_n from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o found_v in_o a_o antichristian_a supremacy_n the_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o author_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o satisfy_a reâ—urn_n but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n this_o prostasia_fw-la have_v creep_v in_o and_o from_o small_a begining_n and_o under_o very_o specious_a pretence_n grow_v up_o insensible_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystery_n therein_o secret_o work_v not_o have_v open_o disclose_v itself_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o though_o by_o the_o more_o discern_v the_o evil_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o never_o the_o less_o no_o remedy_n offer_v it_o be_v not_o direct_o oppose_v whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o latent_fw-la corruption_n with_o its_o most_o pernicious_a tendency_n and_o bitterfruit_n be_v full_o discover_v and_o thereupon_o by_o we_o solemn_o eject_v and_o abjure_v and_o now_o onâ—â—_n re-obtruded_n under_o the_o guild_v of_o some_o apparent_a condescendency_n the_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o for_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n the_o very_a consummation_n of_o this_o iniquity_n certain_o these_o thing_n do_v import_v a_o most_o manifest_a difference_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o clear_v how_o that_o a_o oath_n though_o take_v upon_o a_o matter_n antecedent_o bind_v do_v nevertheless_o in_o such_o manner_n superinduce_v a_o â—urther_a obligation_n as_o do_v not_o only_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n but_o also_o to_o a_o measure_n of_o zeal_n against_o defection_n beyond_o the_o opposition_n to_o that_o same_o material_a transgression_n former_o require_v nor_o need_v i_o to_o put_v any_o in_o mind_n how_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o high_a place_n permit_v without_o reproof_n to_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v afterward_o make_v a_o exception_n from_o the_o integrity_n of_o succeed_a prince_n certain_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o relapse_n into_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o compliance_n with_o this_o episcopal_a presidency_n which_o once_o it_o find_v in_o the_o church_n under_o quite_o different_a circumstance_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v time_n despise_v warning_n trample_v upon_o deliverance_n and_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o to_o contradict_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n mention_v and_o that_o to_o that_o height_n that_o i_o be_o assure_v be_v the_o same_o ancient_a christian_n boast_v of_o on_z liâ—e_z to_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n that_o have_v ensue_v upon_o their_o well-meaning_a practice_n and_o the_o patrociny_n which_o be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o
backslide_n and_o overturn_v of_o our_o dayesâ—_n their_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v work_v in_o they_o a_o carefulness_n a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o a_o indignation_n a_o fear_n a_o vehement_a desire_n a_o zeal_n yea_o and_o a_o revenge_n above_o all_o the_o detestation_n that_o our_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v common_o calumniat_fw-la as_o fury_n among_o we_o and_o cyprian_a in_o place_n of_o his_o particular_a above_n cite_v constitute_v &c._n &c._n oppose_v to_o the_o then_o aspire_a prelaâ—y_n will_v become_v a_o presbyterian_a of_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o do_v not_o own_o these_o accusation_n of_o schism_n &_o total_a breach_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o state_n and_o phrase_n the_o difference_n of_o present_a practice_n from_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v often_o and_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o sin_n attend_v the_o compliance_n urge_v be_v the_o plain_a cause_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o withdraw_n yet_o that_o our_o abstain_v from_o the_o present_a church-meeting_n so_o wide_o differ_v from_o these_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o environ_v with_o circumstance_n no_o less_o variant_n do_v not_o give_v ground_n to_o so_o much_o as_o that_o seem_a opposition_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o author_n object_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a therein_o will_v have_v choose_v upon_o the_o like_a exigence_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o true_a and_o serious_a observer_n will_v very_o ready_o acknowledge_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o the_o author_n one_o and_o last_o word_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o enforce_v epithet_n of_o undeniable_a and_o very_a considerable_a wherewith_o he_o second_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o singular_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n premise_v have_v thus_o large_o digress_v in_o the_o review_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o therein_o discuss_v most_o of_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o this_o accommodation_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o follow_v forth_o the_o second_o article_n where_o i_o leave_v and_o though_o for_o the_o better_a reach_v of_o the_o outmost_a of_o our_o adversary_n pretension_n i_o have_v suppose_v prelacy_n to_o be_v thereby_o reduce_v to_o a_o simple_a presidency_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n argue_v against_o it_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la who_o when_o present_a be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o absent_a do_v at_o best_a only_o permit_v a_o precarious_a suffection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n suffrage_n but_o absolute_o reserve_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o next_o that_o the_o general_a of_o all_o church-affaire_n and_o what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o management_n whether_o the_o decision_n only_o when_o propose_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o both_o the_o propose_v and_o decide_v do_v seem_v to_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n i_o think_v the_o article_n be_v further_a liable_a to_o these_o exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o inevitable_a prejudice_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n just_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o moderator_n in_o its_o several_a assembly_n and_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n in_o this_o point_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o present_a note_n as_o defective_a and_o which_o be_v also_o much_o desiderat_fw-la be_v a_o clear_a explanation_n whether_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propose_v be_v aswell_o offer_v in_o this_o article_n to_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o the_o meeting_n as_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v concede_v or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o our_o national_a synod_n as_o now_o settle_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o constant_a moderatorâ—_n or_o rather_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o mere_a intervention_n of_o the_o fix_v praeses_fw-la as_o his_o instrument_n i_o shall_v not_o criticise_v nor_o ask_v how_o the_o proposal_n come_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o term_n that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v he_o manage_v in_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n rather_o than_o thus_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v manage_v by_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n &_o their_o free_a vote_n only_o this_o i_o may_v affirm_v that_o the_o second_o member_n of_o my_o doubt_n be_v no_o less_o probable_a &_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n and_o prescript_n of_o the_o act_n mention_v then_o evident_o elusory_a of_o all_o the_o other_o liberty_n propose_v but_o wherefore_o do_v i_o hesitat_fw-la in_o these_o small_a mattersâ—_n the_o thing_n here_o principal_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o as_o by_o the_o present_a establishment_n annex_v church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o prerogative_n and_o thereby_o subvert_v all_o true_a church-government_n and_o make_v the_o pretend_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n only_o the_o â—ing_n and_o the_o prelate_n their_o pitiful_a conventicle_n the_o first_o article_n invite_v to_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n be_v render_v vain_a and_o void_a &_o all_o its_o caution_n impertinent_a so_o the_o supremacy_n now_o more_o than_o ever_o prevalentâ—_n be_v with_o this_o second_o article_n and_o all_o the_o offer_n of_o liberty_n therein_o hold_v out_o plain_o inconsistent_a for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o the_o two_o may_v be_v impartial_o compare_v the_o article_n say_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n and_o the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n statute_n that_o his_o magesty_n may_v enact_v concern_v all_o meeting_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a what_o in_o his_o royal_a misdome_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a how_o then_o can_v these_o two_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n can_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o line_n i_o know_v the_o subordination_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o general_n assembly_n may_v easy_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n but_o see_v a_o subordination_n of_o this_o â—ort_n betwixt_o these_o court_n and_o this_o high_a prerogative_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v their_o true_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o accommodation_n there_o be_v any_o derogation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n intend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v connive_v at_o be_v foolish_a and_o presumptuous_a it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o supremacy_n and_o the_o liberty_n here_o pretend_v can_v rational_o be_v compose_v if_o therefore_o the_o accommodator_n will_v deal_v upright_o in_o this_o affair_n let_v they_o first_o show_v we_o where_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o come_v and_o next_o cause_n we_o to_o understand_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n they_o seem_v to_o offer_v and_o then_o boast_v of_o their_o condescendency_n but_o while_o they_o suppose_v thing_n for_o uncontroverted_a ground_n which_o be_v warrantable_o and_o plain_o by_o we_o deny_v and_o then_o will_v engage_v we_o by_o a_o form_n of_o specious_a concession_n want_v all_o real_a foundation_n they_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o palpable_a weakness_n or_o more_o unpardonnable_a disingenuity_n the_o three_o article_n bear_v if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_n or_o their_o committee_n that_o this_o provincial_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o oversway_v by_o the_o supremacy_n and_o thereby_o manifest_o disprovable_a as_o neither_o a_o true_a ecclesiastick-court_n nor_o enjoy_v any_o competent_a measure_n of_o power_n &_o liberty_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o the_o argument_n above_o adduce_v against_o the_o precede_a article_n the_o singularite_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v a_o court_n not_o in_o use_n among_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v express_o declare_v 2._o that_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o this_o by_o usher_n reduction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o present_a establishment_n it_o must_v consist_v of_o member_n viz._n the_o bishop_n and_o dean_n or_o constant_a moderator_n of_o the_o province_n both_o more_o unwarrantable_a as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n then_o the_o ordinary_a constituent_n of_o inferior_a meeting_n 3._o that_o this_o provincial_a be_v to_o have_v a_o committie_n which_o be_v yet_o very_o unlawful_o establish_v for_o a_o perpetual_a court_n can_v only_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n of_o the_o archbishops_n primacy_n and_o the_o oversway_n of_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v â—oubâ—ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o kiâ—k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o powâ—r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
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