maintain_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o of_o old_a take_v the_o canonical_a oath_n do_v not_o swear_v the_o contradictory_n thereto_o when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o they_o who_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n do_v not_o contradict_v that_o oath_n if_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o term_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o second_o article_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o cease_v whereof_o afterward_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o oath_n will_v be_v clear_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o reverened_a person_n entrust_v by_o law_n to_o call_v for_o that_o promise_n from_o minister_n do_v not_o search_v into_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o power_n all_o they_o seek_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o be_v present_o in_o power_n be_v by_o law_n ordinary_a overseer_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o chief_a ordainer_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o it_o be_v say_v where_o obedience_n be_v promise_v there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o power_n office_n and_o authority_n because_o obedience_n formal_o can_v be_v but_o to_o a_o lawful_a authority_n therefore_o he_o that_o in_o his_o conscience_n think_v a_o bishop_n office_n unlawful_a can_v so_o much_o as_o promise_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a lest_o by_o his_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n he_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o establish_v that_o which_o he_o account_v unlawful_a but_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o obedience_n under_o a_o reduplication_n and_o as_o formal_o obedience_n they_o call_v for_o if_o it_o be_v obedience_n material_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o thing_n real_o lawful_a they_o be_v satisfy_v 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o obedience_n as_o formal_o obedience_n be_v require_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v promise_v or_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v any_o lawful_a authority_n for_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n wherein_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v superior_a to_o other_o minister_n and_o give_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o as_o church-minister_n their_o office_n and_o superiority_n be_v unlawful_a yet_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o king_n majesty_n commissioner_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a for_o regulate_v the_o external_a order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o empower_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o to_o do_v they_o be_v also_o presbyter_n and_o have_v power_n with_o other_o in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o their_o power_n be_v not_o lawful_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o strict_a presbyterian_o will_v not_o find_v ground_n to_o disow_v their_o office_n in_o that_o consideration_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n main_o which_o bear_v off_o brethren_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n and_o rank_n from_o submit_v to_o and_o concur_v in_o their_o duty_n under_o the_o present_a government_n 1._o their_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n 2._o their_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o their_o former_a engagement_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o conceive_v still_o bind_v they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o their_o fear_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o these_o to_o bear_v they_o off_o from_o that_o which_o for_o the_o present_a be_v find_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o evil_n fear_v shall_v come_v and_o brethren_n in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n not_o able_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o than_o suffering_n may_v be_v the_o more_o comfortable_a but_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o of_o ruler_n under_o he_o consider_v the_o temper_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v make_v all_o these_o fear_n vain_a and_o disappoint_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o be_v too_o thoughtful_a or_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n before_o the_o time_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o brethren_n that_o bear_v off_o from_o concurrence_n if_o they_o do_v well_o in_o withdraw_v their_o counsel_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o respect_n with_o person_n in_o present_a authority_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o instrumental_a to_o prevent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v fear_v 2._o as_o to_o their_o thought_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n something_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o concurrence_n in_o unquestioned_a duty_n even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n something_a also_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o presbyter_n commissionated_a by_o the_o king_n for_o external_a order_n of_o church-affair_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o in_o that_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o dispute_v much_o for_o their_o church-capacity_n or_o rule_n over_o presbyter_n or_o anent_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o order_n of_o church-minister_n only_o as_o to_o this_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o brethren_n 1._o where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o all_o christ_n testament_n any_o precept_n for_o mere_a presbyter_n preach_v and_o unpreach_v in_o a_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v ordination_n to_o minister_n to_o judge_v in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n ministerial_o and_o do_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o where_o they_o can_v find_v any_o example_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n do_v these_o act_n without_o some_o superior_a officer_n act_v with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o act_n or_o where_o there_o be_v any_o inhibition_n either_o express_a or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o gospel-minist_a shall_v in_o any_o case_n have_v superiority_n in_o power_n over_o other_o in_o church-affair_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v if_o descend_v from_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o age_n after_o christ_n or_o in_o any_o history_n or_o record_n relate_v to_o these_o time_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o after-age_n it_o can_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church-officer_n as_o a_o unpreach_a elder_n join_v in_o full_a equality_n of_o power_n with_o preaching-elders_a in_o act_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n from_o which_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o can_v be_v exclude_v and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n or_o power_n of_o any_o such_o person_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v from_o these_o writer_n find_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o exercise_v of_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o minister_n i._n e._n by_o mere_a preaching-presbyters_a without_o some_o one_o state_v precedent_n over_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o these_o action_n and_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o shall_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o primitive_a church_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n be_v most_o able_a to_o show_v we_o which_o way_n they_o go_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n it_o be_v too_o horrid_a a_o thing_n to_o imagine_v and_o that_o which_o a_o modest_a christian_a can_v hardly_o down_o with_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o châ—â—â—t_n shall_v agree_v to_o so_o substantial_a a_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o exclude_v one_o sâ—â—t_n of_o officer_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o to_o take_v in_o another_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o early_o statim_fw-la post_fw-la tempora_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la aut_fw-la eorum_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la say_v molinaeus_n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la episcop_n winton_n bishop_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o time_n when_o some_o of_o they_o especial_o john_n be_v live_v viventibus_fw-la videntibus_fw-la &_o non_fw-la
contradicentibus_fw-la as_o be_v manifest_a by_o history_n in_o the_o successor_n of_o mark_n at_o alexandria_n and_o other_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v up_o so_o early_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o not_o contradict_v it_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n mind_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o piety_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a and_o knowledge_n too_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n have_v it_o be_v judge_v a_o wrong_v of_o christ_n ordinance_n how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o in_o time_n of_o such_o fiery_a persecution_n christ_n minister_n shall_v be_v carry_v with_o ambition_n to_o seek_v the_o superiority_n over_o other_o in_o a_o office_n against_o his_o mind_n or_o that_o people_n will_v have_v yield_v to_o the_o ambitious_a course_n of_o pastor_n how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o these_o time_n without_o any_o know_a exception_n shall_v have_v take_v up_o that_o way_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n without_o any_o co-action_n to_o it_o by_o civil_a power_n without_o any_o advice_n or_o direction_n from_o general_a assembly_n and_o council_n which_o then_o be_v not_o in_o be_v if_o this_o way_n have_v not_o be_v universal_o judge_v lawful_a yea_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v descend_v from_o a_o high_a warrant_n then_o voluntary_a agreement_n of_o man_n we_o do_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o opposition_n to_o the_o office_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n till_o it_o be_v make_v by_o one_o aerius_n in_o the_o four_o age_n who_o epiphanius_n call_v a_o frantic_a man_n he_o be_v enrage_v that_o eustathius_n who_o he_o undervalue_v in_o comparison_n of_o himself_o be_v prefer_v to_o he_o and_o get_v the_o bishopric_n which_o he_o ambitious_o aim_v at_o begin_v to_o talk_v against_o the_o dignity_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o be_v therefore_o count_v by_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n no_o child_n in_o knowledge_n a_o heretic_n in_o whatever_o sense_n they_o mean_v and_o also_o he_o be_v just_o censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o blondel_n gers_n bucer_n molinaeus_n to_o andrews_n as_o a_o disturber_n of_o a_o lawful_a order_n in_o the_o church_n albeit_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o think_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n or_o apostolical_a now_o let_v brethren_n in_o modesty_n consider_v how_o unlike_o it_o be_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o begin_v so_o early_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o their_o contradiction_n that_o be_v so_o universal_o submit_v to_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o most_o fiery_a trial_n that_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_n church_n not_o only_o these_o infect_v with_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n but_o the_o eastern_a church_n that_o disclaim_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o that_o for_o 1500._o year_n after_o christ_n without_o any_o contradiction_n save_v of_o one_o man_n who_o never_o have_v a_o marrow_n no_o not_o i_o whatever_o be_v say_v concern_v he_o by_o some_o that_o be_v still_o own_a by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o pope_n not_o only_o by_o these_o of_o the_o lutheran_n way_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la nisi_fw-la superintendens_fw-la say_v jerom_n epist_n ad_fw-la euagrum_fw-la but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o calvinean_a way_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o zepperus_n eccles_n pol._n and_o formal_o that_o be_v even_o own_a as_o lawful_a be_v well-moderated_n by_o the_o stout_a disputer_n against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o it_o albeit_o man_n in_o their_o passionate_a strain_n to_o popular_a auditory_n sometime_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o anti-christian_n and_o popish_a domination_n yet_o in_o the_o protestant_n episcopacy_n that_o be_v own_v there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o the_o pope_n then_o there_o be_v of_o a_o mass-priest_n in_o a_o minister_n or_o of_o a_o conclave_n of_o cardinal-presbyters_a in_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o presbytery_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v now_o be_v the_o very_a primitive_a episcopacy_n which_o timorcus_n descrive_v ep._n 10._o sect._n 25._o affirm_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n be_v do_v by_o brethren_n under_o the_o bishop_n without_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o do_v nothing_o without_o they_o in_o these_o and_o avow_v the_o same_o not_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n the_o episcopacy_n that_o now_o be_v be_v that_o same_o office_n for_o substance_n which_o ignatius_n have_v at_o antioch_n polycarp_n at_o smyrna_n â—ornâ—lius_fw-la in_o rome_n iraeneus_n at_o lion_n in_o france_n cyprian_n in_o carthage_n and_o many_o other_o have_v in_o other_o place_n before_o the_o niven_n council_n and_o which_o chrysostome_n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o have_v after_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n that_o our_o bishop_n as_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o office_n and_o place_n for_o substance_n these_o do_v so_o they_o may_v imitate_v their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v notable_a instrument_n for_o advance_v god_n glory_n in_o their_o station_n but_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o hold_v of_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o government_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v too_o great_a a_o imputation_n upon_o this_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n for_o lay_v aside_o the_o time_n of_o war_n and_o confusion_n since_o the_o year_n 1638._o wherein_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o army_n there_o have_v be_v small_a opportunity_n for_o a_o serious_a free_a disquisition_n anent_o these_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o before_o that_o year_n episcopacy_n have_v be_v for_o a_o far_o long_a time_n own_v by_o this_o reform_a church_n then_o presbytery_n have_v be_v for_o until_o the_o year_n 1580._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v real_o use_v in_o scotland_n till_o the_o year_n 1580._o in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n declare_v it_o unlawful_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o get_v their_o presbytery_n set_v up_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n till_o twelve_o year_n after_o in_o the_o year_n 1592._o but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o make_v that_o act_n at_o dundee_n bishop_n be_v in_o the_o land_n for_o so_o the_o act_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o import_v forasmuch_o say_v they_o as_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o realm_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o their_o order_n they_o give_v to_o process_n the_o several_a bishop_n if_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o office_n now_o from_o the_o time_n of_o general_a reformation_n from_o popery_n to_o the_o time_n of_o that_o act_n of_o dundee_n there_o be_v full_a twenty_o year_n the_o reformation_n be_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o during_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v govern_v by_o some_o singulares_fw-la personae_fw-la particular_a person_n in_o several_a circuit_n in_o the_o land_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o commissioner_n or_o visitor_n of_o country_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n where_o popish_a bishop_n embrace_v the_o reformation_n they_o have_v their_o power_n continue_v and_o commission_n give_v to_o they_o for_o ordain_v minister_n and_o use_v jurisdiction_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n present_v any_o orthodox_n to_o vacant_a bishopric_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o by_o the_o assembly_n edinburgh_n aug._n 6._o 1573._o where_o the_o regent_n promise_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o vacant_a bishopric_n the_o assembly_n conclude_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o superintendent_o and_o the_o superintendent_n of_o lothian_n be_v call_v by_o john_n knox_n at_o his_o installing_n anno_fw-la 1560._o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lothian_n and_o these_o who_o represent_v that_o country_n promise_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o he_o as_o become_v the_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o for_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n bishop_n whether_o under_o that_o name_n or_o other_o name_n continue_v in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o our_o reformer_n be_v wise_a man_n then_o to_o put_v a_o presbytery_n in_o their_o creed_n for_o in_o the_o confession_n registrate_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1567._o which_o before_o have_v be_v present_v though_o they_o have_v zeal_n enough_o against_o
that_o article_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la divisô_o but_o compositô_o which_o sure_v to_o mr._n baxter_n complex_fw-la frame_n and_o therefore_o assert_n that_o continue_v of_o bishop_n with_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n and_o ministerial_a meeting_n may_v be_v permit_v without_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o this_o learned_a man_n and_o other_o mention_v concede_fw-la what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o bend_v the_o covenant_n against_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v establish_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n not_o exclude_v but_o with_o consent_n of_o presbyter_n with_o as_o great_a moderation_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a episcopacy_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v than_o we_o stand_v bind_v against_o the_o english_a prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o dispute_v that_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o live_v under_o that_o frame_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n establishment_n among_o we_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o covenant_n describe_v to_o be_v renounce_v neither_o be_v we_o rash_o to_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o other_o church_n which_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o own_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o will_v allow_v we_o a_o discharge_n from_o meddle_v in_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o be_v not_o like_a in_o haste_n to_o give_v we_o any_o place_n or_o call_n in_o model_v their_o church-government_n to_o which_o all_o protestant_n church_n ought_v to_o pay_v reverence_n but_o again_o it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v in_o scotland_n fore_o from_o which_o the_o present_a be_v nothing_o different_a abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n before_o we_o have_v any_o deal_n with_o england_n anent_o change_n of_o their_o church-government_n ans_fw-fr if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o minister_n who_o reason_v with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o they_o be_v the_o prime_a promoter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o covenanter_n they_o who_o subscribe_v that_o covenant_n might_n with_o great_a liberty_n voice_n in_o a_o assembly_n concern_v episcopacy_n without_o prejudice_n notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n will_v persuade_v the_o doctor_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v as_o abjure_v episcopacy_n as_o the_o doctor_n thought_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o oath_n and_o subscription_n have_v their_o liberty_n remain_v entire_a to_o voice_n for_o episcopacy_n in_o a_o assembly_n see_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n their_o four_o and_o ten_o demand_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o explication_n add_v anno_fw-la 1638._o episcopacy_n be_v not_o mention_v as_o abjure_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o abjure_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v but_o they_o who_o say_v so_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o abjure_v of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n import_v not_o a_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o deacon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n so_o call_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n canon_n sess_z 7._o as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n if_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o under_o that_o expression_n abjure_v these_o office_n neither_o do_v it_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n see_v these_o be_v part_n of_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n call_v hierarchy_n as_o well_o as_o this_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o abjure_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n more_o than_o of_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n but_o to_o abjure_v the_o hierarchy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o it_o also_o abjure_v his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n so_o far_o as_o he_o make_v they_o sacrament_n for_o sure_a order_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o marriage_n which_o he_o make_v two_o sacrament_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o be_v sacrament_n which_o the_o pope_n put_v on_o they_o even_o so_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v count_v and_o call_v wicked_a not_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o office_n comprehend_v under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a word_n hierarchy_n for_o then_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n shall_v be_v also_o count_v wicked_a and_o abjure_v but_o as_o to_o the_o dependence_n of_o all_o these_o office_n on_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n and_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o these_o office_n and_o flow_v from_o he_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v his_o depend_v on_o he_o corrupt_v by_o he_o there_o be_v wickedness_n in_o they_o or_o join_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v abjure_v as_o in_o another_o word_n of_o that_o covenant_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n be_v abjure_v yet_o in_o that_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o abjure_v but_o mean_a time_n the_o office_n themselves_o which_o be_v say_v to_o make_v up_o that_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o abjure_v nor_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v but_o purge_v from_o what_o be_v his_o or_o any_o dependence_n on_o he_o or_o corruption_n flow_v from_o he_o and_o so_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n among_o protestant_n bishop_n now_o be_v loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o make_v all_o christian_a bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n portion_v out_o to_o they_o such_o measure_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a as_o their_o style_n in_o this_o country_n import_v of_o old_a ego_fw-la n._n dei_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la sedis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la episcopus_fw-la i_o say_v the_o office_n of_o the_o protestant_n bishop_n be_v no_o more_o a_o part_n now_o of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n then_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o deacon_n but_o further_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n 1._o the_o enjoyner_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o subject_n be_v king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n he_o have_v himself_o with_o his_o family_n subscribe_v that_o oath_n and_o covenant_n give_v charge_n to_o all_o commissioner_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o realm_n to_o crave_v the_o same_o confession_n from_o their_o parishioner_n and_o proceed_v against_o the_o refuser_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o charge_n bear_v march_z 2._o 1580._o this_o be_v the_o first_o injunction_n for_o take_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n who_o favour_v it_o and_o profess_v it_o from_o papist_n who_o be_v sound_a practise_v with_o foreigner_n against_o he_o and_o it_o and_o for_o clear_v the_o king_n and_o his_o court_n from_o aspersion_n but_o that_o the_o king_n by_o that_o covenant_n intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o protestant_n episcopacy_n it_o be_v most_o improbable_a and_o by_o many_o thing_n the_o contrary_a appear_v 1._o the_o instrument_n in_o pen_v that_o covenant_n at_o the_o king_n command_n be_v mr._n john_n craig_n his_o minister_n a_o very_a learned_a man_n who_o but_o nine_o year_n before_o jan_n 12._o anno_fw-la 1571._o have_v give_v his_o consent_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o then_o do_v meet_v at_o leith_n that_o commissioner_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o join_v with_o these_o who_o the_o council_n shall_v appoint_v for_o settle_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o these_o commissioner_n he_o himself_o be_v one_o and_o with_o he_o dun_n the_o superintendent_n of_o angus_n winrame_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n and_o other_o the_o resolution_n they_o come_v to_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o most_o qualify_v of_o the_o ministry_n some_o choose_v by_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n to_o who_o vacant_a archbishoprics_a and_o bishopric_n may_v be_v dispon_v and_o they_o to_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o exerce_fw-la spiritual_fw-la jurisdiction_n in_o their_o several_a diocese_n and_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n to_o exact_v a_o oath_n of_o they_o for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n
to_o bind_v other_o to_o their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_a it_o be_v no_o assembly_n nor_o company_n of_o man_n can_v put_v a_o obligation_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v take_v a_o oath_n personal_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n can_v declare_v their_o own_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o themselves_o but_o can_v not_o impose_v their_o sense_n upon_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n before_o that_o sense_n not_o have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n by_o the_o imposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n not_o have_v impower_v the_o commissioner_n at_o glasgow_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o that_o oath_n they_o have_v take_v so_o then_o whatever_o be_v do_v at_o glasgow_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n can_v not_o oblige_v all_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o own_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o at_o first_o impose_v the_o oath_n declare_v to_o they_o and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n have_v not_o indeed_o abjure_v episcopacy_n by_o that_o national_a covenant_n they_o enter_v in_o neither_o the_o covenant_n nor_o add_v interpretation_n import_v any_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n by_o any_o after_o deed_n own_v that_o assembly_n sense_v of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n in_o that_o assembly_n that_o all_o shall_v own_v their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o act_n sess_z 26._o that_o these_o who_o have_v not_o already_o subscribe_v shall_v subscribe_v with_o a_o allowance_n of_o the_o assembly_n determination_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o few_o do_v so_o if_o any_o do_v so_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v too_o rash_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o current_n of_o that_o time_n without_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o matter_n but_o final_o now_o that_o we_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o bypass_a time_n it_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o ponder_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o covenant_n we_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o seem_v most_o express_a against_o prelacy_n and_o which_o almost_o swallow_v up_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v great_a duty_n engage_v to_o in_o the_o same_o relate_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n from_o which_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v loose_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o tie_v be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o covenant_n who_o design_v no_o evil_n nor_o mind_v any_o injury_n to_o the_o sovereign_n yet_o several_a thing_n as_o to_o that_o covenant_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v serious_o examine_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v as_o fault_n especial_o if_o any_o evil_a or_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o substance_n or_o mater_fw-la of_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v remember_v malum_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la singulis_fw-la defectibus_fw-la 1._o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o public_a oath_n or_o bond_n without_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n can_v there_o be_v any_o example_n show_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a either_o jew_n or_o christian_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o public_a oath_n or_o league_n and_o bond_n without_o their_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v over_o they_o go_v before_o they_o or_o they_o not_o consent_v or_o contradict_v be_v it_o not_o so_o special_a a_o royalty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o have_v power_n of_o impose_v a_o public_a oath_n on_o all_o his_o subject_n especial_o when_o the_o oath_n have_v a_o direct_a aim_n for_o raise_v and_o take_v arm_n for_o invasion_n of_o any_o in_o foreign_a nation_n such_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n as_o to_o we_o in_o scotland_n that_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o king_n what_o be_v there_o that_o may_v not_o be_v do_v without_o he_o who_o can_v have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o swear_v all_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n without_o his_o consent_n much_o less_o can_v any_o have_v power_n to_o swear_v they_o to_o a_o war_n against_o the_o sovereign_n while_o he_o be_v no_o way_n injure_v they_o but_o heap_v favour_n upon_o they_o the_o war_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o be_v defensive_a on_o their_o part_n noâ—_n admit_v of_o apology_n upon_o that_o ground_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o several_a just_a law_n of_o this_o land_n clear_o inhibit_v all_o league_n of_o subject_n under_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o the_o king_n consent_n have_v and_o obtain_v thereto_o jam._n 6._o parl._n 10._o act._n 1â—_n marry_o parl._n 9_o act_n 75._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v move_v to_o concur_v in_o it_o and_o to_o take_v it_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o warrant_v it_o have_v from_o king_n james_n his_o authority_n still_o continue_v albeit_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o successor_n give_v any_o authoriy_n to_o the_o additional_a explication_n and_o application_n and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ingenuos_o profess_v by_o the_o promoter_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o may_v also_o be_v clear_v by_o write_n they_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v it_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n or_o league_n they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v in_o it_o without_o the_o king_n authority_n warrand_a they_o but_o when_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o have_v no_o shadow_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n come_v upon_o the_o stage_n this_o doctrine_n be_v forget_v utter_o for_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o england_n by_o a_o meeting_n of_o parliament_n exclude_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o king_n proclaim_v against_o it_o in_o scotland_n by_o a_o committee_n of_o estate_n which_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o engage_v the_o land_n in_o a_o foreign_a war_n intend_v in_o that_o covenant_n may_v be_v doubt_v now_o although_o this_o can_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o undoubted_o lawful_a and_o otherwise_o still_o oblige_v yet_o it_o be_v well_o if_o unlawfulness_n in_o regard_n of_o this_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n warrand_a it_o be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v some_o piece_n of_o self-denial_n casuist_n say_v that_o res_fw-la jurata_fw-la may_v be_v licita_fw-la when_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la illicitum_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o suppose_v it_o also_o to_o oblige_v yet_o they_o who_o appear_v so_o afraid_a of_o sin_n in_o break_v that_o oath_n will_v for_o proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n give_v as_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n as_o they_o do_v against_o that_o sin_n as_o they_o suppose_v in_o break_v it_o if_o they_o say_v factum_fw-la valet_fw-la let_v they_o consider_v if_o they_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o say_v fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la 2._o it_o be_v most_o serious_o to_o be_v consider_v if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o intrinsical_a frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o with_o which_o god_n be_v not_o well-pleased_n such_o a_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o most_o solemn_a profession_n before_o god_n of_o what_o man_n do_v own_o in_o religion_n and_o profess_o intend_v for_o the_o great_a mutual_a assurance_n of_o man_n enter_v in_o it_o one_o to_o another_o shall_v have_v be_v frame_v in_o most_o strict_a plain_a and_o specifical_a term_n but_o this_o solemn_a league_n etc._n etc._n be_v purposely_o frame_v in_o general_a and_o homonymous_a term_n such_o as_o by_o the_o expression_n leave_v room_n for_o all_o the_o sectary_n in_o the_o isle_n if_o they_o will_v but_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lurk_v under_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o own_o each_o one_o their_o own_o way_n and_o yet_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o that_o several_a sort_n of_o sectary_n may_v fight_v in_o their_o several_a faction_n one_o against_o
another_o all_o pretend_v the_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a specifical_a term_n in_o the_o covenant_n whereupon_o some_o can_v implead_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o breach_n and_o do_v not_o the_o sectarian_n army_n when_o they_o invade_v scotland_n pretend_v the_o covenant_n and_o keep_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o there_o be_v high_a appeal_v make_v to_o heaven_n will_v not_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o own_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o only_o seem_v clear_a against_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n and_o for_o a_o violent_a extirpation_n of_o this_o then_o there_o be_v no_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o preserve_a presbytery_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbytery_n not_o be_v once_o name_v only_o the_o matter_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o general_n we_o shall_v preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n reform_a religion_n and_o against_o common_a enemy_n no_o independent_a or_o separatist_n but_o may_v say_v he_o will_v preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n etc._n etc._n in_o scotland_n albeit_o he_o think_v not_o presbytery_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o reform_a religion_n or_o government_n and_o although_o he_o mind_v to_o do_v against_o it_o himself_o only_o if_o he_o will_v preserve_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o hold_v off_o what_o he_o apprehend_v worse_a he_o will_v preserve_v it_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n neither_o be_v there_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o reform_v england_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n as_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o be_v there_o not_o more_o policy_n than_o piety_n in_o this_o to_o endeavour_v the_o solder_n and_o hold_v fast_o of_o so_o many_o several_a party_n unite_v against_o episcopacy_n yet_o sort_v among_o themselves_o like_o the_o iron_n and_o clay_n toeâ—_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n image_n and_o ready_a to_o break_v one_o upon_o another_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o clear_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v still_o like_a to_o be_v such_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a policy_n unsound_a way_n of_o unite_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n in_o end_n of_o great_a distraction_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o purpose_n frame_v in_o general_a term_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o several_a party_n may_v be_v fast_o unite_v against_o prelacy_n own_v by_o the_o king_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o own_v will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o a_o perpetual_a seminary_n of_o diverse_a party_n all_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o yet_o no_o party_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o specifical_a sense_n thereof_o and_o some_o of_o the_o way_n of_o these_o several_a party_n may_v be_v find_v much_o worse_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a discerner_n than_o prelacy_n be_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o some_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v whether_o this_o way_n of_o a_o study_a indistinctness_n generality_n and_o homonymie_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o strengthen_v a_o party_n against_o some_o one_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o countryman_n shall_v have_v be_v cast_v away_o in_o such_o uncertain_a term_n it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a enough_o against_o episcopacy_n let_v we_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o clear_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o whatever_o doubtfulness_n be_v otherways_o but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o we_o have_v show_v above_o how_o unclear_a it_o be_v against_o the_o episcopacy_n establish_v now_o in_o scotland_n however_o clear_v it_o be_v as_o intend_v against_o the_o english_a frame_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lay_v aside_o when_o now_o it_o be_v disclaim_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o all_o person_n of_o trust_n in_o the_o land_n a_o humane_a form_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o composure_n of_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v have_v be_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o seminary_n of_o variety_n of_o party_n all_o plead_v it_o and_o worse_o evil_n than_o prelacy_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v than_o still_o to_o own_v it_o when_o as_o authentic_a exponer_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o who_o may_v reprove_v false_a pretender_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v have_v neither_o while_n they_o be_v in_o be_v can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o anent_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n baâ—ling_n the_o scotish_n commissioner_n declaration_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o other_o paper_n god_n have_v give_v the_o child_n of_o man_n work_v enough_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n which_o certain_o in_o his_o intendment_n have_v but_o one_o true_a sense_n howbeit_o man_v blindness_n often_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a labour_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o humane_a form_n purposely_o contrive_v in_o general_a term_n for_o take_v in_o party_n of_o know_a contrary_a sense_n and_o judgement_n which_o will_v if_o own_a prove_v apple_n of_o contention_n in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n but_o 3._o let_v sober_a and_o godly_a man_n consider_v if_o it_o be_v dutiful_o do_v to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n conditional_o and_o with_o a_o limitation_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mr._n crofton_n indeed_o deny_v that_o in_o that_o three_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v any_o limitation_n of_o our_o loyalty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o while_o he_o defend_v religion_n he_o assert_n that_o clause_n to_o be_v only_o a_o predication_n of_o their_o present_a capacity_n who_o engage_v to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n to_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v in_o defence_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n shall_v defend_v the_o king_n person_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o how_o strain'd-like_a this_o look_v the_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o judicious_a man_n look_v as_o a_o clear_a limitation_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o if_o otherwise_o we_o owe_v he_o no_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n belike_o the_o general_n ass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n somewhat_o better_a than_o mr._n crofton_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_v their_o opposition_n to_o authority_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o engagement_n 1648._o upon_o this_o as_o the_o main_a hinge_n â—_o our_o conditional_a duty_n to_o the_o king_n they_o in_o their_o declaration_n 1649._o declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o mean_v main_o that_o particular_a mode_n of_o church-government_n by_o presbytery_n for_o that_o be_v it_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o protestant_n religion_n be_v never_o under_o question_n between_o the_o king_n and_o they_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o ground_n the_o covenant_n where_o their_o duty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n be_v say_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o without_o manifest_a breach_n of_o covenant_n they_o can_v admit_v he_o to_o reign_v till_o in_o that_o they_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v clear_a they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o limitation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o own_n of_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n be_v conditio_fw-la sinè_fw-la quà _fw-la non_fw-la of_o his_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o pay_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o so_o indeed_o the_o transaction_n in_o the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n and_o the_o hague_n and_o what_o follow_v thereupon_o expound_v their_o mind_n now_o be_v this_o right_a that_o where_o our_o allegiance_n bind_v we_o to_o duty_n in_o a_o great_a latitude_n this_o shall_v be_v hold_v out_o to_o people_n as_o the_o only_a standard_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n be_v it_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o insinuat_fw-la to_o the_o sense_n of_o intelligent_a man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o otherwise_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o be_v it_o well_o by_o such_o a_o clause_n to_o giu_v occasion_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o the_o sectary_n take_v it_o in_o their_o declaration_n before_o the_o late_a king_n death_n to_o think_v they_o be_v no_o further_o oblige_v to_o he_o then_o he_o shall_v defend_v that_o which_o they_o account_v religion_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n to_o destroy_v hiâ—_n person_n they_o find_v as_o they_o say_v in_o that_o declaration_n that_o his_o safety_n and_o religion_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v commissioner_n from_o this_o