swatch_n pardon_v the_o word_n if_o it_o be_v not_o english_a of_o both_o his_o historical_a and_o his_o argumentative_a skill_n a_o talon_n he_o bewail_v much_o the_o want_n of_o in_o his_o adversary_n as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o decline_v he_o but_o lest_o he_o be_v not_o represent_v there_o so_o full_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o full_o as_o may_v justify_v my_o decline_a of_o he_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o some_o far_a pain_n here_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o he_o to_o delineate_v he_o minutely_o might_n perchance_o be_v too_o laborious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a and_o loathsome_a to_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v restrict_n myself_o therefore_o to_o his_o four_o cardinal_n virtue_n his_o learning_n his_o judgement_n his_o civility_n and_o his_o modesty_n or_o because_o we_o be_v scottishman_n to_o give_v they_o their_o plain_a scotch_a name_n his_o ignorance_n his_o nonsense_n his_o ill-nature_n and_o his_o impudence_n perhaps_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reduce_v every_o individual_a instance_n to_o its_o proper_a species_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o do_v that_o in_o matter_n which_o have_v such_o affinity_n one_o with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v between_o ignorance_n and_o nonsense_n or_o between_o ill-nature_n and_o impudence_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v promise_n if_o i_o can_v keep_v by_o the_o nice_a law_n of_o category_n i_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v by_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o justice_n i_o shall_v entitle_v he_o to_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o true_o his_o own_o so_o much_o for_o preface_n come_v we_o next_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o 1._o place_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v since_o ever_o write_v be_v a_o trade_n there_o be_v never_o author_n furnish_v with_o a_o rich_a stock_n of_o unquestionable_a ignorance_n for_o it_o to_o insist_v on_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o will_v swell_v this_o preface_n to_o a_o bulk_n beyond_o the_o book_n i_o omit_v therefore_o his_o make_v presbyterian_a rule_v elder_n as_o contradistinct_a from_o teach_v elder_n of_o divine_a institution_n his_o make_v the_o seniores_fw-la sometime_o mention_v by_o the_o father_n such_o rule_v elder_n and_o his_o lay_v stress_n on_o the_o old_a blunder_n about_o st._n ambrose_n testimony_n to_o that_o purpose_n vide_fw-la true_n represent_v of_o presbyterian_a government_n prop._n 3_o these_o i_o omit_v because_o not_o peculiar_a to_o he_o i_o omit_v even_o that_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v may_v be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o viz._n that_o his_o rule_v elder_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o that_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n be_v set_v down_o at_o length_n in_o scrip._n e._n g._n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o tit._n 1.6_o ibid._n prop._n 3.4_o i_o omit_v his_o learned_a affirmative_a that_o patronage_n be_v not_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n till_o the_o 7_o the_o or_o 8_o the_o centurie_n or_o late_a and_o that_o they_o come_v in_o among_o the_o late_a antichristian_a corruption_n and_o usurpation_n ibid._n answ._n to_o object_n 9_o the_o i_o omit_v all_o such_o assertion_n as_o these_o that_o the_o most_o and_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o prelatist_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o saviour_n appointment_n and_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n she_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o be_v govern_v in_o common_a by_o minister_n act_v in_o parity_n ibid._n prop._n 12._o that_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o settle_v in_o st._n cyprian_n be_v time_n rational_a defence_n of_o nonconformity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 157_o that_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n prevail_v not_o for_o the_o first_o three_o century_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o general_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o centurie_n ibid._n 158._o that_o the_o bishop_n s_o cyprian_n all_o alongst_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n ibid._n 179._o that_o cyprian_n austin_n athanasius_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o such_o moderator_n ibid._n 175_o 176_o 177_o 178._o i_o omit_v his_o insist_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n attribute_v to_o pope_n anacletus_fw-la as_o if_o they_o be_v genuine_a ibid._n 202._o and_o that_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o skill_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n viz._n that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o except_o england_n ibid._n p._n 10._o nay_o i_o omit_v his_o nimble_a and_o learned_a gloss_n he_o have_v put_v on_o st._n ierom_n toto_fw-la orbe_n decretum_fw-la etc._n etc._n viz._n that_o this_o remedy_n of_o schism_n in_o many_o place_n begin_v then_o i._n e._n in_o st._n ierom_n time_n to_o be_v think_v on_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o this_o corruption_n begin_v then_o to_o creep_v in_o it_o be_v then_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o centurie_n when_o i_o write_v etc._n etc._n ibid._n 170._o neither_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o his_o famous_a exposition_n of_o st._n ierom_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la etc._n etc._n because_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o expose_v already_o in_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o general_n ass._n 1690._o nor_o on_o his_o make_n plutarch_n simonides_n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n every_o grecian_a speak_v latin_n when_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o cite_v they_o these_o and_o 50_o more_o such_o surprise_a argument_n of_o our_o author_n singular_a learning_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o and_o shall_v insist_v only_o a_o little_a on_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n which_o to_o my_o taste_n seem_v superlative_o pleasant_a and_o 1._o in_o that_o profound_a book_n which_o he_o call_v a_o rational_a defence_n of_o nonconformity_n etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o d._n stillingfleet_n vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 172._o he_o have_v gloss_v st._n chrysostom_n yet_o more_o ridiculous_o than_o he_o do_v st._n jerom._n the_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v in_o chrysostom_n be_v sufficient_o famous_a and_o know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v inquire_v into_o antiquity_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o learned_a father_n have_v discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o bishop_n hom._n 10._o on_o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o proceed_v by_o the_o apostle_n method_n to_o discourse_n next_o of_o deacon_n hom._n ii_o start_v this_o difficulty_n how_o come_v the_o apostle_n to_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n about_o presbyter_n and_o he_o solve_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n paul_n say_v he_o do_v not_o insist_v about_o presbyter_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o bishop_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v to_o bishop_n be_v also_o proper_a for_o presbyter_n for_o bishop_n excel_v presbyter_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o by_o this_o alone_a they_o be_v reckon_v to_o have_v more_o power_n than_o presbyter_n vide_fw-la edit_fw-la savil._n tom._n 4._o p._n 289._o now_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a attention_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a father_n dialect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o power_n of_o confer_v order_n just_a as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v consider_v now_o the_o critical_a skill_n of_o g._n r._n bellarmine_n have_v adduce_v this_o testimony_n it_o seem_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o point_n of_o power_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o have_v put_v it_o in_o latin_a thus_o inter_fw-la episcopum_fw-la atque_fw-la presbyterum_fw-la interest_n fere_n nihil_fw-la quip_n &_o presbyteris_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la permissa_fw-la est_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la ea_fw-la etiam_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la congruunt_fw-la sola_fw-la quip_n ordinatione_fw-la superiores_fw-la illi_fw-la sunt_fw-la so_o g._n r._n have_v it_o i_o know_v not_o if_o he_o have_v transcribe_v it_o faithful_o it_o be_v not_o his_o custom_n to_o do_v so_o nor_o have_v i_o bellarmine_n at_o hand_n to_o compare_v they_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o translation_n do_v not_o full_o answer_v the_o original_a but_o however_o that_o be_v go_v we_o forward_o with_o our_o learned_a author_n these_o be_v his_o word_n what_o he_o bellarmine_n allege_v out_o of_o this_o citation_n that_o a_o bishop_n may_v ordain_v not_o a_o presbyter_n the_o learned_a father_n expression_n will_v not_o bear_v for_o ordination_n must_v signify_v either_o the_o ordination_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n have_v whereby_o they_o be_v put_v in_o their_o office_n to_o be_v different_a which_o he_o do_v not_o allege_v or_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o in_o order_n or_o precedency_n not_o in_o power_n or_o authority_n or_o that_o it_o
our_o author_n what_o kind_n of_o scene_n he_o take_v it_o to_o be_v whither_o be_v it_o tragical_a or_o comical_a or_o both_o tragical_a to_o the_o prelatist_n and_o comical_a to_o the_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v worth_a inquire_v likewise_o who_o he_o mean_v by_o sober_a presbyterian_a preacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o nation_n how_o many_o where_o do_v they_o preach_v etc._n etc._n but_o i_o insist_v not_o on_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o secret_a be_v not_o among_o they_o yet_o the_o next_o thing_n he_o produce_v be_v worth_a the_o noticing_z and_o they_o the_o sober_a presbyterian_a preacher_n if_o they_o have_v preach_v against_o rabble_a the_o clergy_n shall_v have_v lose_v their_o sweet_a word_n now_o here_o be_v subject_a afford_v for_o several_a weighty_a controversy_n for_o it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o question_n whither_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o sober_a presbyterian_a preacher_n to_o preach_v righteousness_n to_o a_o rebellious_a people_n whither_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o whither_o they_o will_v forbear_v it_o may_v be_v make_v another_o whither_o our_o author_n here_o give_v up_o all_o the_o rabbler_n to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n it_o be_v possible_a he_o mean_v so_o for_o the_o sweet_a word_n the_o sober_a presbyterian_o can_v utter_v in_o their_o preach_n be_v not_o too_o precious_a to_o be_v spend_v on_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reclaimableness_n but_o that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a question_n the_o question_n that_o arise_v most_o natural_o from_o the_o text_n be_v whither_o presbyterian_a word_n be_v not_o sweet_a than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v spend_v on_o such_o needless_a purpose_n as_o the_o recommendation_n and_o assertion_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o iniquity_n whither_o it_o have_v not_o be_v one_fw-mi unaccountable_a prodigality_n in_o they_o to_o have_v lose_v their_o sweet_a word_n about_o such_o trifle_a concern_v as_o these_o but_o neither_o be_v the_o secret_a here_o but_o it_o follow_v now_o these_o practice_n of_o the_o rabble_n be_v public_o speak_v against_o by_o minister_n both_o before_o they_o be_v act_v for_o prevent_v they_o and_o after_o for_o reprove_v they_o and_o prevent_v the_o like_a here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v have_v he_o not_o here_o discover_v one_fw-mi important_a secret_n of_o his_o party_n have_v he_o not_o discover_v that_o the_o rabble_a of_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o chance_n or_o accident_n but_o a_o deliberate_v a_o consult_v one_fw-mi advise_v politic_a have_v he_o not_o discover_v that_o even_o the_o sober_a presbyterian_a minister_n be_v privy_a to_o the_o plot_n of_o it_o have_v he_o not_o tell_v that_o they_o speak_v against_o it_o before_o it_o be_v act_v for_o prevent_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v clear_o that_o they_o know_v of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v act_v for_o if_o they_o have_v know_v nothing_o of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o have_v speak_v against_o it_o for_o prevent_v it_o but_o though_o they_o know_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o seem_v they_o consent_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o speak_v against_o it_o for_o prevent_v of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a our_o author_n here_o turn_v weary_a of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o who_o speak_v public_o against_o these_o practice_n of_o the_o rabble_n or_o where_o or_o when_o be_v they_o speak_v against_o before_o they_o be_v act_v i_o dare_v challenge_v he_o to_o name_v one_o of_o his_o most_o sober_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o preach_v public_o against_o they_o for_o prevent_v of_o they_o when_o i_o be_o put_v to_o it_o i_o can_v name_v more_o than_o one_o or_o two_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o the_o sober_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o know_v of_o they_o indeed_o and_o consult_v private_o about_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o have_v the_o curate_n once_o dispossess_v because_o once_o dispossess_v they_o may_v find_v difficulty_n in_o be_v repossess_v but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o so_o much_o as_o one_o who_o preach_v against_o they_o before_o they_o be_v do_v i_o be_o very_o confident_a g._n r._n can_v name_n one._n indeed_o see_v as_o our_o author_n grant_v they_o know_v of_o the_o rabble_a before_o it_o be_v act_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o serious_a against_o it_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o as_o our_o author_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v they_o be_v how_o natural_a and_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a and_o dutiful_a have_v it_o be_v to_o have_v give_v advertisement_n to_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v to_o suffer_v it_o about_o it_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v but_o it_o seem_v presbyterian_a word_n be_v sweet_a to_o presbyterian_a palate_n than_o common_a humanity_n or_o christian_a charity_n they_o be_v too_o sweet_a to_o be_v lose_v in_o such_o advertisement_n by_o this_o time_n the_o reader_n i_o think_v have_v get_v a_o proof_n of_o g._n r.'s_n tenderness_n even_o to_o his_o own_o herd_n when_o the_o argument_n of_o one_fw-mi adversary_n pinch_v he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a step_v for_o 10._o if_o one_fw-mi argument_n straiten_n he_o he_o never_o stand_v to_o baffle_v and_o expose_v and_o contradict_v and_o make_v a_o liar_n of_o his_o own_o learned_a sensible_n civil_a modest_a self_n and_o here_o again_o one_o may_v write_v a_o large_a volume_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o instance_n first_o then_o you_o never_o see_v a_o prelatist_n and_o a_o presbyterian_a contradict_v one_o another_o in_o more_o plain_n opposite_a and_o peremptory_a term_n than_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o on_o several_a occasion_n take_v this_o taste_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o d._n stillingfleet_n irenicum_fw-la p._n 64_o he_o be_v at_o great_a pain_n to_o prove_v that_o where_o episcopacy_n be_v presbyter_n have_v no_o power_n particular_o he_o have_v these_o two_o profound_a argument_n for_o it_o 1._o if_o bishop_n be_v set_v over_o presbyter_n they_o must_v either_o be_v only_o praesides_fw-la which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o parity_n or_o they_o must_v have_v authority_n above_o and_o over_o their_o brethren_n and_o if_o so_o they_o may_v rule_v without_o their_o brethren_n see_v they_o may_v command_v they_o etc._n etc._n 2._o if_o presbyter_n under_o a_o bishop_n have_v rule_v power_n either_o they_o may_v determine_v without_o or_o against_o his_o consent_n or_o not_o if_o so_o the_o bishop_n be_v but_o a_o precedent_n if_o not_o the_o presbyter_n be_v but_o cipher_n now_o who_o will_v think_v that_o one_o of_o g._n r.'s_n courage_n will_v ever_o have_v part_v with_o such_o one_fw-mi important_a proposition_n especial_o have_v such_o impregnable_a argument_n for_o it_o yet_o consider_v if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o most_o notorious_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 182._o where_o he_o have_v these_o express_a word_n he_o the_o doctor_n undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o english_a episcopacy_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o presbyter_n we_o do_v not_o allege_v that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o presbyter_n for_o that_o be_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n but_o we_o say_v it_o usurp_v one_fw-mi undue_a power_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n again_o in_o his_o first_o vind._o of_o his_o church_n of_o scotland_n his_o cause_n lead_v he_o in_o answ._n to_o quest._n 10._o to_o say_v that_o k._n is._n toleration_n be_v against_o law_n he_o be_v press_v with_o this_o argument_n about_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n that_o not_o fifty_o gentleman_n in_o all_o scotland_n out_o of_o the_o west_n do_v upon_o the_o indulgence_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o frequent_v meet_v house_n and_o his_o answer_n be_v they_o cleave_v to_o the_o former_a way_n i._n e._n continue_a in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n because_o the_o law_n stand_v for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o plain_a here_o that_o the_o meet_v house_n be_v contrary_a to_o law_n hear_v he_o now_o in_o his_o 2_o vind_z p._n 43_o 44._o passim_fw-la when_o he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o scandal_n of_o his_o party_n be_v comply_v with_o the_o dispense_n power_n and_o erect_v meet_v house_n contrary_a to_o law_n he_o affirm_v bold_o that_o the_o dispense_v power_n be_v according_a to_o law_n and_o k._n i._o be_v enable_v by_o law_n to_o grant_v his_o toleration_n again_o in_o his_o 2._o vind_z in_o answ._n to_o letter_n 1_o §_o 9_o p._n 12._o when_o he_o have_v the_o meeting_n of_o estate_n to_o apologise_v for_o for_o suffer_v and_o allow_v person_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o law_n he_o grant_v some_o
such_o member_n sit_v there_o but_o they_o have_v be_v most_o unjust_o forfeit_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n even_o parliamentary_a forfeiture_n you_o see_v be_v most_o unjust_a forfeiture_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v exclude_v these_o gentleman_n from_o their_o just_a and_o ancient_a right_n and_o privilege_n but_o when_o he_o be_v press_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o afflict_a clergy_n etc._n etc._n with_o this_o that_o many_o minister_n benefice_n be_v unjust_o and_o illegal_o keep_v from_o they_o he_o get_v his_o cloak_n on_o the_o other_o shoulder_n as_o we_o say_v if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o convention_n or_o parliament_n have_v determine_v otherwise_o i_o know_v not_o where_o their_o legal_a right_n can_v be_v found_v p._n 96._o §_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o knowable_a to_o our_o author_n in_o that_o case_n that_o there_o may_v be_v most_o unjust_a parliamentary_a determination_n it_o be_v one_fw-mi endless_a work_n to_o adduce_v all_o such_o little_a squabble_n as_o these_o between_o himself_o and_o himself_o i_o shall_v insist_v therefore_o only_o on_o two_o more_o which_o be_v a_o little_a more_o considerable_a and_o first_o our_o author_n be_v not_o at_o more_o pain_n about_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o his_o answ._n to_o d._n still.'s_n irenicum_fw-la than_o the_o inseparableness_n that_o be_v between_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_v power_n of_o presbyter_n he_o spend_v no_o less_o than_o 8_o or_o 9_o page_n about_o it_o stretch_v his_o invention_n to_o find_v argument_n for_o it_o whoso_o please_v to_o turn_v to_o page_n 79_o may_v see_v the_o whole_a deduction_n he_o be_v as_o earnest_a about_o it_o in_o his_o true_a representation_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v his_o word_n prop._n 13_o there_o be_v no_o disparity_n of_o power_n among_o minister_n by_o christ_n grant_n of_o power_n to_o they_o no_o man_n can_v make_v this_o disparity_n by_o set_v one_o over_o the_o rest_n neither_o can_v they_o devolve_v their_o power_n on_o one_o of_o themselves_o for_o christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o warrant_n to_o man_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o ordinance_n as_o they_o see_v fit_a and_o power_n be_v delegated_a to_o they_o by_o he_o they_o can_v so_o commit_v it_o to_o another_o to_o exercise_v it_o for_o they_o as_o to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o it_o also_o it_o be_v not_o a_o licence_n only_o but_o a_o trust_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v one_fw-mi account_n they_o must_v perform_v the_o work_n by_o themselves_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o one_o to_o contradict_v himself_o more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v both_o indirect_o and_o direct_o in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o indirect_o and_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v own_v or_o own_v himself_o a_o presbyterian_a and_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n not_o to_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o scottish_n presbyterian_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n for_o be_v all_o the_o rule_v officer_n of_o christ_n appointment_n both_o preach_a and_o govern_v elder_n allow_v to_o be_v member_n of_o general_a assembly_n do_v they_o all_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n by_o themselves_o there_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o get_v their_o trust_n do_v not_o every_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o 12_o 16_o or_o 20_o preach_v and_o as_o many_o rule_v elder_n send_v only_o some_o three_o or_o four_o preach_a elder_n and_o only_o one_o rule_v elder_a to_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v they_o not_o delegate_n these_o and_o devolve_v their_o power_n upon_o they_o and_o constitute_v they_o their_o representative_n for_o the_o assembly_n let_v their_o commission_n be_v inspect_v and_o let_v it_o be_v try_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o how_o be_v such_o a_o delegation_n consistent_a with_o our_o author_n position_n about_o the_o indevolvibility_n or_o indelegability_n of_o such_o a_o power_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o pursue_v this_o far_a in_o its_o consequent_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n thus_o to_o sap_n and_o subvert_v all_o his_o own_o foundation_n to_o contradict_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o his_o own_o scheme_n by_o such_o unadvised_a proposition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o most_o direct_o in_o that_o same_o individual_a true_a representation_n etc._n etc._n in_o answ._n to_o the_o 10_o objection_n and_o in_o his_o 2_o vind._n p._n 154_o 155._o for_o in_o both_o place_n he_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o take_v of_o all_o rule_v power_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n and_o the_o put_v it_o only_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o know_a sound_a presbyterian_o reserve_v to_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n their_o teach_v power_n only_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o find_v himself_o sad_o puzzle_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v force_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o good_a friend_n necessity_n and_o the_o old_a covenant-distinction_n of_o status_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la turbatus_fw-la and_o paratus_fw-la to_o lend_v he_o a_o lift._n i_o have_v consider_v his_o friend_n necessity_n sufficient_o in_o my_o book_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o but_o what_o to_o do_v with_o his_o praesens_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la status_fw-la i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v only_o this_o i_o dare_v say_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o nimble_a as_o to_o break_v scotfree_a through_o divine_a institution_n yet_o it_o can_v neither_o by_o itself_o nor_o with_o necessity_n to_o help_v it_o reconcile_v notorious_a contradiction_n the_o other_o instance_n i_o shall_v adduce_v be_v in_o a_o very_a important_a matter_n no_o less_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a separation_n from_o the_o episcopal_a church_n of_o scotland_n he_o be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o defend_v it_o in_o both_o his_o vindication_n of_o his_o church_n of_o scotland_n first_o vind._n in_o answ._n to_o quest._n 4._o 2_o vind._n in_o answer_n to_o letter_n 2._o §_o 3._o all_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o that_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o 1._o episcopacy_n 2._o the_o episcopal_a minister_n be_v usurper_n or_o intruder_n for_o 3._o they_o have_v not_o the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o own_v they_o as_o their_o minister_n these_o be_v his_o ground_n i_o say_v on_o which_o he_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o now_o hear_v he_o in_o his_o rational_a defence_n etc._n etc._n publish_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a revolution_n by_o consequence_n after_o the_o scottish_a schism_n be_v in_o its_o full_a maturity_n hear_v he_o there_o i_o say_v and_o you_o never_o hear_v man_n reject_v any_o thing_n more_o fair_o more_o full_o or_o more_o direct_o than_o he_o have_v do_v these_o his_o own_o ground_n let_v we_o try_v they_o one_o by_o one_o 1._o for_o episcopacy_n turn_v first_o to_o pag._n 95._o and_o you_o shall_v find_v these_o very_a word_n whatever_o fault_n we_o find_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hierarchy_n we_o do_v not_o separate_v because_o of_o these_o we_o will_v join_v with_o you_o the_o english_a church_n for_o all_o these_o grievance_n if_o you_o will_v but_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o personal_a action_n turn_v next_o to_o pag._n 150._o there_o he_o offer_v at_o enumerate_v the_o cause_n that_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o he_o talk_v particular_o about_o episcopacy_n thus_o we_o be_v grieve_v with_o prelatical_a government_n and_o take_v away_o that_o parity_n of_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o can_v approve_v and_o therefore_o minister_n ought_v rather_o to_o suffer_v deprivation_n of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n than_o own_o it_o and_o people_n also_o ought_v not_o to_o own_o that_o their_o lordly_a authority_n that_o they_o exercise_v yet_o because_o this_o be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o lawful_a power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o people_n i_o see_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v diocesan_n bishop_n set_v over_o the_o church_n except_o our_o own_v they_o by_o submit_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v require_v as_o one_o of_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o so_o please_v may_v find_v more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n pag._n 157_o 275_o etc._n etc._n nay_o so_o condescend_v be_v he_o in_o that_o book_n p._n 159._o that_o he_o can_v allow_v bishop_n their_o temporal_a honour_n and_o dignity_n
be_v the_o vindicator_n of_o their_o kirk_n if_o they_o can_v employ_v any_o civil_a discreet_a ingenuous_a person_n to_o write_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v hearty_o satisfy_v and_o for_o his_o encouragement_n i_o do_v promise_n if_o he_o fall_v to_o my_o share_n i_o shall_v treat_v he_o suitable_o nay_o after_o all_o if_o even_o g._n r._n himself_o will_v lay_v aside_o such_o quality_n as_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v adhere_v to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o write_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o civility_n that_o charity_n and_o modesty_n that_o honesty_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o become_v one_o of_o his_o age_n and_o character_n i_o can_v as_o yet_o admit_v of_o he_o for_o my_o adversary_n for_o i_o think_v the_o party_n can_v assign_v i_o a_o weak_a one_o and_o i_o do_v hereby_o promise_v he_o one_fw-mi equitable_a meeting_n finis_fw-la advertisement_n this_o book_n be_v design_v for_o the_o press_n december_n 1693._o the_o article_n that_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a and_o insupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_v to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o have_v reform_v from_o popery_n by_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v this_o article_n be_v establish_v in_o our_o claim_n of_o right_n april_n 11_o 1689._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o article_n prelacy_n be_v actual_o abolish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n july_n 22._o 1689._o upon_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o article_n presbyterian_a government_n be_v establish_v june_n 7._o anno_fw-la 1690._o this_o act_n establish_v presbyterian_a government_n be_v ratify_v in_o the_o whole_a head_n article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o june_n 12._o 1693._o it_o be_v indisputable_a then_o that_o this_o article_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o that_o great_a alteration_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o late_a revolution_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a or_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n can_v but_o be_v deem_v a_o material_a question_n and_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v bid_v fair_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o question_n if_o i_o can_v give_v clear_a and_o distinct_a satisfaction_n to_o these_o follow_a inquiry_n i._o whether_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v reform_v sole_o by_o person_n clothe_v with_o the_o character_n of_o presbyter_n ii_o whether_o our_o scottish_a reformer_n whatever_o their_o character_n be_v be_v of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a principle_n whether_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o parity_n and_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n among_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n iii_o whether_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v a_o great_a and_o insupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_n to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n iv._o whether_o it_o be_v such_o when_o this_o article_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o claim_n of_o right_a v._o whether_o suppose_v the_o premise_n in_o the_o article_n be_v true_a they_o will_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o main_a question_n i_o say_v may_v competent_o result_v from_o a_o perspicuous_a discussion_n of_o these_o five_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o as_o fair_o as_o i_o can_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v equitable_o of_o my_o performance_n and_o without_o further_a preface_v i_o come_v to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v reform_v sole_o by_o person_n clothe_v with_o the_o character_n of_o presbyter_n if_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o article_n mean_v that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n they_o have_v reform_v from_o popery_n by_o presbyter_n i_o think_v i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a they_o mean_v amiss_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a to_o one_o who_o read_v and_o compare_v our_o history_n than_o that_o person_n stand_v in_o other_o station_n and_o clothe_v with_o other_o character_n have_v a_o very_a great_a hand_n and_o be_v very_o considerable_a instrument_n in_o carry_v on_o our_o reformation_n particular_o 1._o there_o be_v prelate_n who_o concur_v in_o that_o work_n as_o well_o as_o presbyter_n knox_n say_v there_o be_v present_a in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o august_n 1560._o which_o parliament_n give_v the_o first_o national_a establishment_n to_o our_o reformation_n the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n the_o abbot_n of_o lundoris_fw-la culross_n st._n colmes-inih_a coldingham_n saint_n mary-isle_n and_o the_o subprior_n of_o st._n andrews_n with_o diverse_a other_o and_o of_o all_o these_o he_o say_v that_o they_o have_v renounce_v papistry_n and_o open_o profess_a jesus_n christ._n 260._o spotswood_n reckon_v up_o no_o few_o than_o eight_o of_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n all_o protestant_n choose_v at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o article_n namely_o 149._o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n and_o argyle_n the_o prior_n of_o st._n andrews_n the_o abbot_n of_o aberbrothoik_a kilwinning_n lundor_n newbottle_n and_o culross_n lay_v these_o two_o account_n together_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o a_o round_n dozen_o of_o reform_v prelate_n it_o be_v true_a spotswood_n say_v the_o popish_a prelate_n storm_v mighty_o at_o such_o a_o nomination_n for_o the_o article_n allege_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v mere_a laic_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n will_v not_o be_v fond_a to_o make_v much_o advantage_n of_o this_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o allow_v to_o have_v be_v reform_v presbyter_n be_v due_o and_o canonical_o ordain_v that_o they_o be_v solemn_o separate_v for_o the_o ministry_n by_o such_o as_o have_v commission_n and_o power_n to_o separate_a they_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v universal_o obtain_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o separation_n of_o presbyter_n for_o their_o holy_a function_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v 2._o our_o reformation_n be_v principal_o carry_v on_o by_o such_o as_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v canonical_o promote_v to_o holy_a order_n knox_n himself_o 127._o tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o reformation_n begin_v to_o make_v its_o more_o public_a advances_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1558._o there_o be_v a_o great_a scarcety_n of_o preacher_n at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n only_o do_v certain_a zealous_a man_n among_o who_o be_v the_o laird_n of_o dun_n david_n forress_n mr._n robert_n lockhart_n mr._n robert_n hamilton_n william_n harlaw_n and_o other_o exhort_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n grant_v to_o they_o but_o short_o after_o do_v god_n stir_v up_o his_o servant_n paul_n methven_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v but_o a_o very_a diminutive_a account_n of_o they_o as_o to_o number_v and_o such_o a_o account_n as_o in_o its_o very_a air_n and_o countenance_n seem_v to_o own_o they_o be_v general_o but_o lay-brethren_n they_o be_v but_o zealous_a man_n not_o canonical_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v lesly_n paul_n methven_n be_v by_o occupation_n a_o baker_n and_o william_n harlaw_n a_o tailor_n 496._o the_o laird_n of_o dun_n that_o same_o very_a year_n be_v provost_n of_o montrose_n and_o as_o such_o send_v to_o france_n as_o one_o represent_v not_o the_o first_o or_o the_o spiritual_a but_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o burrows_n to_o attend_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o queen_n marriage_n with_o the_o dauphine_n of_o france_n 95._o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o gentleman_n of_o good_a esteem_n and_o quality_n and_o he_o be_v afterward_o as_o superintendent_n but_o it_o no_o where_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v ever_o receive_v into_o holy_a order_n nay_o 3._o after_o the_o pacification_n at_o leith_n which_o be_v conclude_v in_o july_n 1560_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v distribute_v among_o the_o several_a town_n we_o find_v but_o a_o very_a small_a number_n of_o they_o john_n knox_n be_v appoint_v for_o edinburgh_n christopher_n goodman_n for_o st._n andrews_n adam_n herriot_n for_o aberdeen_n john_n row_v for_o perth_n william_n chrystison_n for_o dundee_n david_n ferguson_n for_o dunfermline_n paul_n methven_n for_o jedburgh_n and_o mr._n david_n lindesay_n for_o leith_n beside_o these_o five_o be_v nominate_v to_o be_v superintendent_o spotswood_n for_o lothian_n and_o
date_v from_o geneva_n january_n 12_o ann._n 1559._o among_o many_o other_o reformation_n he_o be_v for_o reform_v their_o bishopric_n indeed_o but_o how_o by_o abolish_n they_o nothing_o like_o it_o how_o then_o take_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 110._o let_v no_o man_n be_v charge_v in_o preach_v of_o christ_n jesus_n above_o that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v i_o mean_v that_o your_o bishopric_n be_v so_o divide_v that_o of_o every_o one_o as_o they_o be_v nâ—w_o for_o the_o most_o part_n may_v be_v make_v ten_o and_o so_o in_o every_o city_n and_o great_a town_n there_o may_v be_v place_v a_o godly_a learned_a man_n with_o so_o many_o join_v with_o he_o for_o preach_v and_o instruction_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o bound_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n so_o he_o and_o let_v our_o parity-man_n if_o they_o can_v give_v this_o testimony_n a_o gloss_n favourable_a to_o their_o side_n of_o the_o question_n without_o destroy_v the_o text_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o testimony_n be_v so_o very_o nick_v that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o apprehend_v it_o may_v have_v be_v for_o its_o sake_n that_o this_o whole_a tractate_n be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o folio-edition_n of_o knox_n work_n print_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1641._o however_o the_o inquisition_n it_o seem_v have_v not_o be_v so_o strict_a at_o edinburgh_n for_o there_o it_o escape_v the_o index_n expurgatorius_fw-la and_o yet_o though_o it_o have_v not_o the_o good_a cause_n have_v not_o be_v one_o whit_n the_o secure_a for_o knox_n practice_n will_v have_v sufficient_o determine_v the_o matter_n for_o do_v not_o he_o compile_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n 1â—4_n and_o be_v not_o imparity_n fair_o establish_v there_o do_v not_o he_o write_v and_o bear_v the_o letter_n send_v by_o the_o superintendent_o minister_n and_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n 445._o to_o their_o brethren_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n in_o england_n anno_fw-la 1566_o do_v not_o he_o in_o that_o same_o title_n of_o that_o same_o letter_n acknowledge_v that_o these_o brethren_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o england_n have_v renounce_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n and_o profess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n and_o do_v not_o the_o letter_n all_o alongst_o allow_v of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o english_a bishop_n do_v not_o he_o public_o and_o solemn_o admit_v mr._n john_n spotswood_n to_o the_o superintendency_n of_o lothian_n anno_fw-la 1561_o liturgy_n do_v not_o he_o concur_v at_o the_o coronation_n of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o with_o a_o bishop_n and_o two_o superintendent_o anno_fw-la 1567._o 211._o be_v not_o he_o some_o time_n a_o commissioner_n for_o visitation_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v i._n e._n a_o temporary_a bishop_n and_o do_v not_o he_o then_o act_n in_o a_o degree_n of_o superiority_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o commission_n do_v not_o he_o sit_v and_o vote_n and_o concur_v in_o many_o general_a assembly_n where_o act_n be_v make_v for_o perform_v canonical_a obedience_n to_o superintendent_o in_o fine_a do_v not_o spotswood_n tell_v we_o 266._o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o the_o dotage_n wherein_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v think_v his_o follower_n do_v afterward_o fall_v that_o never_o man_n be_v more_o obedient_a to_o church_n authority_n than_o be_v that_o he_o be_v always_o urge_v the_o obedience_n of_o minister_n to_o their_o superintendent_o for_o which_o he_o cause_v diverse_a act_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o show_v himself_o severe_a to_o the_o transgressor_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o instance_n of_o knox_n because_o he_o make_v a_o singular_a figure_n among_o our_o reformer_n beside_o have_v so_o full_o evince_v that_o he_o who_o our_o brethren_n value_v so_o much_o be_v no_o divine-right-of-parity-man_n i_o think_v it_o may_v ready_o pass_v for_o credible_a that_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o reformer_n of_o that_o opinion_n and_o now_o to_o bring_v home_o all_o this_o to_o my_o main_a purpose_n if_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o our_o reformer_n no_o not_o knox_n himself_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n i_o think_v it_o may_v amount_v to_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n at_o least_o to_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a principle_n and_o all_o this_o will_v appear_v still_o far_o unquestionable_a when_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o iv._o place_n how_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o reformer_n proceed_v general_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o the_o reformer_n of_o england_n where_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o imparity_n be_v continue_v without_o the_o least_o opposition_n this_o be_v a_o consideration_n which_o i_o be_o afraid_a may_v not_o relish_v well_o with_o the_o inclination_n of_o my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n yet_o withal_o may_v be_v of_o considerable_a weight_n with_o unprejudiced_a people_n and_o bring_v light_a to_o several_a thing_n about_o our_o reformation_n which_o even_o those_o who_o have_v read_v our_o history_n and_o monument_n may_v have_v pass_v over_o inadvertent_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o insist_v upon_o it_o somewhat_o full_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v how_o our_o reformation_n under_o god_n be_v principal_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v by_o english_a influence_n 2._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v how_o in_o correspondence_n to_o these_o influence_n our_o reformer_n be_v general_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o several_a momentous_a instance_n relate_v to_o constitution_n and_o communion_n the_o government_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o our_o present_a presbyterian_a principle_n stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o she_o if_o i_o can_v make_v these_o two_o thing_n appear_v i_o think_v i_o shall_v make_v a_o considerable_a advance_n towards_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o second_o enquiry_n 1._o i_o say_v our_o reformation_n under_o god_n be_v cherish_v and_o encourage_v principal_o by_o english_a influence_n that_o scotland_n bar_v foreign_a influence_n be_v natural_o dispose_v for_o receive_v english_a impression_n can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n we_o not_o only_o live_v in_o the_o same_o island_n separate_v from_o all_o other_o neighbourhood_n we_o not_o only_o breathe_v the_o same_o air_n and_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o custom_n and_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o reciprocate_a all_o the_o office_n which_o can_v result_v from_o daily_a commerces_fw-la and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o easy_a correspondence_n and_o matrimonial_a conjunction_n and_o innumerable_a other_o such_o endear_v relation_n and_o allective_n to_o mutual_a kindness_n but_o also_o scotland_n be_v the_o lesser_a england_n the_o large_a scotland_n the_o more_o barren_a england_n the_o more_o fertile_a scotland_n the_o poor_a england_n the_o rich_a scotland_n the_o more_o penurious_a of_o people_n england_n the_o more_o populous_a scotland_n every_o way_n the_o weak_a england_n every_o way_n the_o strong_a kingdom_n and_o by_o consequence_n scotland_n every_o way_n the_o more_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o england_n every_o way_n the_o more_o apt_a to_o give_v impression_n and_o nature_n in_o this_o be_v full_o justify_v by_o experience_n for_o what_o scottish_a man_n know_v not_o that_o when_o the_o late_a revolution_n be_v a_o carry_v on_o as_o england_n cast_v the_o copy_n to_o scotland_n so_o it_o be_v use_v and_o press_v as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o popular_a and_o influential_a topic_n to_o persuade_v the_o scot_n to_o follow_v the_o copy_n that_o england_n have_v do_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v scotland_n follow_v a_o separate_a course_n be_v not_o england_n a_o powerful_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n what_o defence_n can_v scotland_n make_v for_o itself_o if_o england_n shall_v invade_v it_o and_o how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o england_n will_v not_o invade_v scotland_n if_o scotland_n do_v not_o follow_v england_n measure_n so_o that_o to_o stand_v by_o k._n i._n when_o england_n have_v reject_v he_o what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o expose_v the_o nation_n to_o unavoidable_a ruin_n who_o know_v not_o i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o press_v because_o one_o of_o the_o most_o plausible_a argument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a revolution_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o scotland_n obnoxiousness_n to_o england_n impression_n let_v no_o true_a heart_a scottish_a man_n imagine_v it_o be_v in_o my_o thought_n to_o dishonour_v my_o native_a country_n i_o have_v say_v no_o more_o than_o all_o
than_o the_o reformer_n of_o other_o church_n in_o consequence_n of_o this_o i_o have_v further_o show_v that_o from_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o these_o time_n i_o have_v see_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o our_o reformer_n can_v be_v adduce_v as_o assert_v the_o presbyterian_a side_n of_o this_o controversy_n last_o i_o have_v i_o think_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o our_o reformer_n go_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n on_o which_o the_o english_a reformer_n go_v who_o still_o continue_v episcopacy_n unquestionable_o on_o many_o principle_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n as_o to_o the_o constitution_n and_o communion_n the_o government_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o stay_v in_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o and_o now_o let_v any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a person_n lie_v these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o let_v he_o ingenuous_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_o incredible_a that_o our_o reformer_n be_v for_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o indispensible_a right_n of_o parity_n and_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n at_o least_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o must_v tell_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o these_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o i_o have_v do_v principal_o for_o smooth_v the_o way_n for_o the_o evidence_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o produce_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o my_o side_n of_o the_o second_o enquiry_n and_o i_o be_o content_a that_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v already_o discourse_v shall_v pass_v for_o no_o more_o than_o rational_a presumption_n till_o i_o have_v try_v if_o more_o strength_n can_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v be_v render_v more_o cogent_a and_o conclude_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o plain_a positive_a direct_a and_o formal_a proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o to_o engage_v my_o reader_n attention_n i_o dare_v adventure_n to_o promise_v he_o that_o to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o at_o least_o can_v reasonable_o bear_v and_o so_o without_o further_a address_n i_o thus_o proceed_v before_o our_o reformation_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n our_o reformer_n address_v to_o the_o government_n by_o several_a petition_n that_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v reform_v i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o three_o all_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n one_o of_o they_o be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o have_v see_v set_v down_o at_o length_n the_o other_o two_o be_v in_o knox_n his_o history_n that_o which_o be_v no_o where_o set_v down_o at_o length_n be_v to_o be_v see_v abridge_v in_o buchdâ—aâ—_n lesly_n and_o spotswood_n 119._o but_o with_o some_o little_a variation_n for_o buchanan_n have_v give_v that_o article_n which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v â—_z according_a to_o his_o way_n in_o general_a term_n thus_o ut_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la electio_fw-la juxtà _fw-la antiquam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la penes_fw-la populum_fw-la esset_fw-la spotswood_n have_v translate_v buchanan_n word_n faithful_o enough_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o do_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o lesly_n give_v it_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o thus_o ut_fw-la episcopi_fw-la deinceps_fw-la &_o pastor_n illi_fw-la dominorum_fw-la ac_fw-la nobilium_fw-la cujuscunque_fw-la dioicesis_fw-la hi_o parochorum_n assensione_fw-la ac_fw-la voluntate_fw-la ad_fw-la beneficia_fw-la cooptentur_fw-la that_o this_o petition_n thus_o abridge_v by_o these_o three_o historian_n be_v a_o petition_n different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o have_v publish_v at_o length_n in_o knox_n seem_v unquestionable_a for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o knox_n have_v not_o one_o syllable_n about_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n and_o beside_o buchanan_n fair_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v another_o distinct_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v abridge_v though_o not_o much_o different_a for_o thus_o he_o discourse_v 587._o papani_a edinburgi_n ad_fw-la eadem_fw-la fere_n postulata_fw-la quaeper_n nobilitatem_fw-la ad_fw-la eam_fw-la reginam_fw-la proregem_fw-la sunt_fw-la delata_fw-la pene_fw-la paribus_fw-la usi_fw-la sunt_fw-la responsis_fw-la now_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o petition_n why_o will_v he_o have_v say_v ad_fw-la eadem_fw-la fere_n postulata_fw-la and_o pene_fw-la paribus_fw-la responsis_fw-la this_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o my_o presbyterian_a brethren_n may_v not_o have_v occasion_n to_o â—avil_v at_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v in_o lesly_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o petition_n record_v by_o knox_n and_o from_o he_o most_o imperfect_o abridge_v by_o calderwood_n their_o two_o great_a and_o authentic_a historian_n for_o as_o for_o mr._n petrie_n he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o either_o of_o these_o petition_n perceive_v belike_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v favourable_a to_o his_o belove_a parity_n to_o proceed_v now_o with_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v in_o lesly_n if_o he_o have_v set_v it_o down_o faithful_o i_o think_v we_o have_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o reformer_n concern_v mother_n parity_n etc._n so_o very_o fair_a that_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v it_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whither_o lesly_n have_v faithful_o transmit_v this_o article_n to_o we_o and_o for_o the_o affirmative_a i_o offer_v these_o reason_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o integrity_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v a_o zealous_a papist_n and_o a_o bishop_n to_o boot_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o he_o be_v either_o of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o his_o interest_n to_o make_v our_o reformer_n such_o friend_n to_o episcopacy_n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o real_o for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o make_v that_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v profess_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n he_o have_v have_v good_a ground_n for_o accuse_v they_o of_o recede_v from_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n in_o a_o point_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n one_fw-mi occasion_v which_o one_o of_o his_o zeal_n for_o his_o party_n will_v not_o probable_o have_v neglect_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o far_o less_o will_v he_o have_v lie_v so_o palpable_o to_o save_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o adversary_n 2._o as_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o falsify_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o he_o have_v all_o other_o qualification_n of_o a_o credible_a witness_n he_o live_v in_o these_o time_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o clergy_n man_n then_o probable_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o same_o convocation_n to_o which_o the_o petition_n be_v offer_v and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v doubt_v of_o his_o ability_n to_o comprehend_v such_o a_o matter_n indeed_o 3_o if_o he_o forge_v this_o article_n he_o be_v ridiculous_o impudent_a at_o forge_v for_o as_o he_o do_v it_o without_o any_o imaginable_a necessity_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o degree_n of_o subserviency_n to_o his_o cause_n so_o he_o put_v himself_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o forge_v more_o even_o a_o good_a long_a answer_n 504._o which_o he_o say_v be_v return_v to_o that_o article_n by_o the_o convocation_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v alter_v the_o method_n of_o elect_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n prescribe_v by_o the_o canon_n law_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o queen_n nonage_n her_o prerogative_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o matter_n she_o with_o the_o pope_n consent_n have_v power_n to_o nominate_v the_o prelate_n and_o to_o take_v that_o power_n out_o of_o her_o hand_n without_o her_o consent_n or_o before_o she_o come_v to_o perfect_a age_n be_v notorious_o as_o well_o as_o undutiful_o to_o invade_v her_o royalty_n one_fw-mi answer_n indeed_o exact_o fit_v for_o the_o article_n as_o he_o have_v transmit_v it_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v 4._o that_o he_o neither_o forge_v the_o article_n nor_o the_o convocation_n answer_v to_o it_o we_o have_v further_o undoubted_a evidence_n for_o i_o have_v see_v one_fw-mi old_n manuscript_n scottish_a history_n which_o i_o can_v produce_v if_o i_o be_o put_v to_o it_o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o lesly_n as_o to_o the_o article_n for_o thus_o it_o have_v it_o the_o election_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o kirkman_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o temporal_a lord_n and_o people_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o parish_n and_o buchanan_n upon_o the_o matter_n give_v that_o same_o account_n of_o the_o convocation_n answer_v 587._o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n they_o answer_v that_o such_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n
168._o be_v deposable_a by_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o be_v minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 160._o but_o by_o that_o same_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o superintendent_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o his_o whole_a province_n over_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o province_n be_v negligent_a in_o correct_v he_o one_o or_o two_o other_o superintendent_o with_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o conveen_v he_o provide_v it_o be_v within_o his_o own_o province_n or_o chief_a town_n and_o inflict_v the_o censure_n which_o his_o offence_n deserve_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o afterward_o 4._o there_o be_v as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o ordination_n which_o in_o the_o then_o scottish_a stile_n be_v call_v admission_n private_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o their_o superintendent_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v afterward_o but_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o 159._o superintendent_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o superintendent_o next_o adjacent_a with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n 5._o in_o the_o case_n of_o translation_n the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1562._o give_v power_n to_o every_o superintendent_n within_o his_o own_o bound_n in_o his_o synodal_n assembly_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_n of_o kirk_n to_o translate_v minister_n from_o one_o kirk_n to_o another_o as_o they_o shall_v consider_v the_o necessity_n charge_v the_o minister_n so_o translate_v to_o obey_v the_o voice_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o superintendent_n 233._o but_o according_a to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o 160._o no_o superintendent_n may_v be_v translate_v at_o the_o pleasure_n or_o request_n of_o any_o one_o province_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o for_o grave_a cause_n and_o consideration_n 6._o a_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o his_o qualification_n and_o ability_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi important_a office_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o ibid_fw-la that_o after_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v establish_v and_o three_o year_n be_v past_a no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o superintendent_n who_o have_v not_o two_o year_n at_o least_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o faithful_a labour_n in_o the_o ministry_n a_o caution_n simple_o unapplyable_a to_o parish_n minister_n 7._o he_o have_v a_o live_v provide_v for_o he_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o 157._o about_o five_o time_n as_o much_o yearly_a as_o be_v allot_v for_o any_o private_a minister_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o popish_a bishop_n still_o brook_v their_o benefice_n but_o when_o the_o resolution_n be_v anno_fw-la 1567._o to_o deprive_v all_o the_o popish_a clergy_n it_o be_v agree_v to_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o the_o churchman_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o lord_n and_o baron_n on_o the_o other_o that_o superintendent_o shall_v succeed_v in_o their_o place_n as_o both_o the_o mss._n and_o spotswood_n have_v it_o express_o 11._o 8._o superintendent_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v constant_a member_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n therefore_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o perth_n june_n 25._o 1563._o statute_v that_o every_o superintendent_n be_v present_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o 40_o sh._n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a without_o remission_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mss._n but_o petrie_n have_v it_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v conveen_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o every_o assembly_n 237._o and_o it_o seem_v because_o that_o punishment_n have_v not_o sufficient_a influence_n on_o they_o it_o be_v again_o ordain_v by_o the_o g._n ass._n at_o edinburgh_n march_v 6._o 1573._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a in_o the_o assembly_n the_o first_o day_n before_o noon_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o lose_v one_o half_o of_o their_o stipend_n for_o a_o year_n etc._n etc._n so_o both_o the_o mss._n and_o petrie_n 379._o but_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v afterward_o such_o presence_n of_o parish_n minister_n be_v not_o allow_v far_o less_o necessary_a 9_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o try_v those_o who_o stand_v candidate_n for_o the_o ministry_n thus_o 1._o b._n of_o disc._n head_n 4._o 157._o such_o as_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o preacher_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v qualify_v therefore_o by_o the_o superintendent_n be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v placâ—d_v reader_n and_o again_o head_n 5._o 158._o no_o child_n nor_o person_n within_o the_o age_n of_o 21_o year_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o reader_n but_o such_o must_v be_v choose_v and_o admit_v by_o the_o superintendent_n as_o for_o their_o gravity_n and_o discretion_n may_v grace_v the_o function_n that_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o and_o the_o ass._n at_o edinburgh_n dec._n 15._o 1562._o ordain_v that_o inhibition_n be_v make_v against_o all_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v not_o be_v present_v by_o the_o people_n or_o a_o part_n thereof_o to_o thâ—_n superintendent_n and_o he_o after_o examination_n and_o trial_n have_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o their_o charge_n so_o the_o mss._n and_o so_o petrie_n 233._o and_o spotswood_n cite_v another_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1564._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 190._o 10._o as_o appear_v by_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n decem._n 25._o 1562._o just_a now_o cite_v and_o the_o 7_o act_n parl._n 1_o jac._n 6._o cite_v before_o also_o superintendent_o have_v the_o power_n of_o grant_v collation_n upon_o presentation_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o perth_n hold_v in_o june_n 1563._o appoint_v that_o when_o any_o benefice_n chance_v to_o vaik_fw-mi or_o be_v now_o vacant_a that_o a_o qualify_a person_n be_v present_v to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o that_o province_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v and_o that_o he_o be_v find_v sufficient_a be_v admit_v etc._n etc._n so_o i_o find_v it_o cite_v by_o the_o author_n of_o episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n 11._o a_o superintendent_n have_v power_n to_o plant_v minister_n in_o church_n where_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a to_o present_v timeous_o and_o indeed_o that_o power_n devolve_v much_o soon_o into_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 4._o 154._o than_o it_o do_v afterward_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o either_o bishop_n or_o presbytery_n for_o there_o it_o be_v order_v that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v find_v negligent_a in_o elect_v a_o minister_n the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n the_o superintendent_n with_o his_o counsel_n may_v present_v unto_o they_o a_o man_n who_o they_o judge_v apt_a to_o feed_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o he_o have_v thus_o the_o power_n of_o try_v and_o collate_v minister_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ius_n devolutum_fw-la so_o 12._o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v then_o call_v admission_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o and_o several_a act_n of_o assembly_n already_o cite_v 13._o all_o presbyter_n or_o parish_n minister_n once_o admit_v to_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o pay_v canonical_a obedience_n to_o their_o superintendent_o thus_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n june_n 30._o 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n assemble_v that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o superintendent_o in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o the_o election_n of_o superintendent_o so_o the_o mss._n and_o by_o that_o aforecited_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1562._o minister_n translate_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v the_o voice_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o superintendent_n indeed_o it_o be_v part_n of_o one_fw-mi article_n present_v by_o the_o church_n to_o the_o council_n may_v 27._o 1561._o that_o one_fw-mi act_n shall_v be_v make_v appoint_v a_o civil_a punishment_n for_o such_o as_o disobey_v or_o contemn_v the_o superintendent_o in_o their_o function_n 223._o 14._o he_o have_v power_n to_o visit_v all_o the_o church_n within_o his_o diocese_n and_o in_o that_o visitation_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n 5._o 159._o to_o try_v the_o life_n diligence_n and_o behaviour_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o people_n how_o the_o poor_a be_v provide_v and_o how_o
believe_v he_o will_v institute_v a_o model_n of_o government_n for_o his_o church_n which_o can_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o parity_n can_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o church_n government_n be_v institute_v if_o the_o church_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o the_o governor_n thereof_o force_v by_o necessity_n must_v lay_v it_o aside_o and_o for_o a_o time_n establish_v a_o prelacy_n beside_o what_o strange_a divinity_n be_v it_o to_o maintain_v that_o parity_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v true_a g._n r._n in_o his_o true_a representation_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n cite_v before_o be_v bold_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n such_o divinity_n but_o let_v he_o talk_v what_o he_o will_v of_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o force_n of_o necessity_n the_o law_n of_o necessity_n let_v he_o put_v it_o in_o as_o many_o language_n as_o he_o please_v as_o well_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o latin_a tell_v that_o necessitas_fw-la quicquid_fw-la coegit_fw-la defendit_fw-la though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v see_v few_o author_n more_o unhappy_a at_o latin_a and_o all_o that_o shall_v never_o persuade_v i_o ought_v never_o persuade_v any_o christian_n that_o any_o necessity_n can_v oblige_v christian_n to_o forsake_v far_o less_o to_o cross_v christ_n institution_n for_o if_o it_o can_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o in_o one_o case_n why_o not_o in_o all_o case_n indeed_o to_o talk_v of_o cross_v christ_n institution_n when_o force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o necessity_n what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o gnosticism_n to_o infidelity_n to_o apostasy_n to_o all_o imaginable_a kind_n of_o antichristian_a perfidy_n and_o villainy_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o at_o present_a that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o be_v it_o be_v so_o very_o obvious_a and_o easy_a for_o our_o reformer_n to_o have_v cast_v the_o very_a first_o scheme_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o exigency_n of_o parity_n if_o they_o have_v believe_v the_o divine_a and_o indispensable_a institution_n of_o it_o and_o be_v that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o believe_v no_o such_o principle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o prelacy_n shall_v be_v only_o needful_a where_o there_o be_v a_o scarcity_n of_o man_n qualify_v to_o be_v minister_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o do_v profess_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o prelacy_n seem_v to_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o needful_a and_o expedient_a if_o not_o more_o suppose_v we_o have_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o cut_v and_o carve_v as_o we_o say_v on_o christ_n institution_n where_o there_o be_v many_o as_o where_o there_o be_v few_o minister_n sure_o i_o be_o experience_n have_v teach_v so_o and_o teach_v so_o daily_o and_o as_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o can_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v account_v for_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v only_o help_v at_o a_o dead_a lift_v as_o we_o say_v to_o say_v that_o superintendency_n be_v establish_v at_o our_o reformation_n only_o because_o of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o man_n qualify_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o our_o brethren_n next_o plea_n which_o be_v second_o that_o superintendency_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o episcopacy_n calderwood_n assign_v seven_o or_o eight_o difference_n between_o superintendent_o and_o bishop_n 27._o and_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n g._n r._n in_o his_o first_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n resume_v the_o same_o plea_n and_o insist_o most_o on_o the_o same_o difference_n calderwood_n reckon_v thus_o 1._o in_o the_o election_n examination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n the_o superintendent_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o head_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o order_n observe_v by_o prelate_n 2._o superintendent_o keep_v not_o the_o bound_n nor_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o old_a diocese_n 3._o superintendent_o may_v not_o remain_v above_o twenty_o day_n in_o any_o place_n till_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o whole_a bound_n must_v preach_v at_o least_o thrice_o in_o the_o week_n must_v stay_v no_o long_o in_o the_o chief_a town_n of_o their_o charge_n than_o three_o or_o four_o month_n at_o most_o but_o must_v re-enter_v in_o visitation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o bound_n bishop_n think_v preach_v the_o least_o of_o their_o charge_n 4._o the_o election_n examination_n and_o admission_n of_o the_o superintendent_n be_v set_v down_o far_o different_a from_o the_o election_n examination_n and_o admission_n of_o bishop_n now_o adays_o etc._n etc._n 5._o superintendent_o be_v admit_v without_o other_o ceremony_n than_o sharp_a examination_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o inauguration_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v require_v the_o metropolitan_o consecration_n 6._o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a provincial_a and_o general_a superintendent_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o prelate_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v set_v down_o these_o six_o huge_a difference_n without_o ever_o offer_v to_o consider_v they_o particular_o be_v they_o not_o huge_a difference_n behold_v they_o examine_v they_o careful_o be_v not_o each_o of_o they_o as_o essential_a and_o specific_a as_o another_o think_v not_o courteous_a reader_n it_o be_v malice_n or_o ill-will_a to_o episcopacy_n make_v our_o author_n muster_v up_o these_o difference_n these_o make_v but_o a_o small_a number_n if_o he_o have_v be_v act_v by_o passion_n or_o vicious_a byass_n if_o his_o malice_n have_v be_v vigorous_a and_o earnest_a to_o discharge_v itself_o that_o way_n he_o can_v have_v easy_o reckon_v six_o hundred_o every_o whit_n as_o considerable_a difference_n he_o may_v have_v tell_v they_o that_o bishop_n wear_v black_a hat_n and_o superintendent_o blue_a bonnet_n that_o bishop_n wear_v silk_n and_o superintendent_o tartan_n that_o bishop_n wear_v gown_n and_o cassock_n and_o superintendent_o trew_v and_o slash_v doublet_n and_o god_n know_v how_o many_o such_o difference_n he_o may_v have_v ready_o collect_v and_o if_o he_o have_v adduce_v such_o notable_a difference_n as_o these_o he_o have_v do_v every_o way_n as_o philosophical_o and_o as_o like_v a_o good_a difference-maker_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o parity_n or_o imparity_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v these_o difference_n he_o have_v adduce_v distinguish_v between_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o as_o to_o pre-eminence_n of_o power_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o prelacy_n do_v they_o prove_v that_o superintendent_o have_v no_o prerogative_n no_o authority_n no_o jurisdiction_n over_o parish_n minister_n i_o have_v treat_v he_o thus_o coarse_o because_o i_o know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o treatment_n author_n deserve_v who_o will_v needs_o speak_v nonsense_n rather_o than_o speak_v nothing_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o one_o difference_n he_o have_v mention_v which_o seem_v something_o material_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o account_v for_o it_o with_o some_o more_o seriousness_n it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o constitution_n as_o we_o have_v it_o both_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o elect_a superintendent_o superintendent_o be_v make_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o minister_n within_o their_o own_o diocese_n this_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o herein_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o bishop_n as_o bishop_n stand_v eminence_v above_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o stand_v eminence_v above_o they_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n but_o then_o i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o herein_o our_o reformer_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a error_n in_o the_o constitution_n i_o do_v avowed_o profess_v i_o do_v think_v myself_o bind_v to_o justify_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o our_o reformer_n if_o that_o fall_v to_o any_o man_n share_n if_o fall_v to_o they_o who_o establish_v this_o article_n in_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o whole_a enquiry_n that_o our_o reformer_n herein_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n i_o say_v i_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o i_o think_v it_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o who_o have_v spend_v but_o a_o few_o thought_n about_o matter_n of_o
and_o convince_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n etc._n etc._n that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o the_o best_a or_o a_o lawful_a government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o such_o topic_n in_o these_o time_n be_v not_o much_o think_v on_o by_o our_o statesman_n but_o if_o they_o be_v such_o argument_n as_o i_o have_v give_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o which_o they_o insist_v on_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v if_o they_o insist_v on_o any_o than_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o may_v not_o have_v be_v as_o ready_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o statesman_n nay_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n then_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o the_o clergy_n may_v be_v as_o forward_o as_o the_o statesman_n can_v be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o argument_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o beside_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n the_o clergy_n have_v one_o very_o considerable_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o for_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o the_o old_a constitution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o new_a scheme_n fall_v upon_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n have_v do_v much_o hurt_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o by_o forsake_v the_o old_a constitution_n the_o church_n have_v suffer_v too_o much_o already_o and_o that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o they_o now_o to_o return_v to_o their_o old_a fond_a consider_v at_o what_o loss_n they_o have_v be_v since_o they_o have_v desert_v it_o and_o all_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a still_o if_o two_o thing_n more_o be_v due_o consider_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o six_o clergyman_n who_o be_v commission_v by_o the_o assembly_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o treat_v with_o the_o state_n be_v all_o sensible_a man_n man_n who_o understand_v the_o constitution_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v head_n to_o comprehend_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v parity-man_n the_o second_o be_v the_o oddness_n to_o call_v it_o no_o worse_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o author_n feign_v to_o have_v be_v the_o motive_n which_o make_v the_o court_n at_o that_o time_n so_o earnest_a for_o such_o one_fw-mi establishment_n namely_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v gripe_v at_o the_o commodity_n as_o calderwood_n 55._o word_n it_o that_o be_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n what_o have_v the_o clergy_n so_o sudden_o fall_v from_o their_o daily_a their_o constant_a their_o continual_a claim_n to_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n have_v they_o in_o one_fw-mi instant_a alter_v their_o sentiment_n about_o sacrilege_n and_o thing_n consecrate_v to_o holy_a use_n be_v they_o now_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o the_o church_n patrimony_n do_v that_o which_o move_v they_o to_o be_v so_o earnest_a for_o this_o meeting_n with_o the_o state_n miraculous_o flip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o inconcerned_o quate_fw-la their_o pretension_n and_o betray_v their_o own_o interest_n be_v they_o all_o fast_o asleep_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o conference_n so_o much_o asleep_a or_o senseless_a that_o they_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o court_n intend_v they_o such_o a_o trick_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o court_n have_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v pretend_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o they_o to_o fall_v on_o such_o a_o wild_a project_n for_o accomplish_v their_o purpose_n why_o be_v at_o all_o this_o pain_n to_o re-establish_a the_o old_a polity_n if_o the_o only_a purpose_n be_v to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o her_o patrimony_n may_v not_o that_o have_v be_v do_v without_o as_o well_o as_o with_o it_o can_v they_o have_v wish_v the_o church_n in_o weak_a circumstance_n for_o assert_v she_o own_o right_n than_o she_o be_v in_o before_o this_o agreement_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a to_o have_v possess_v themselves_o of_o a_o bishopric_n one_fw-mi abbacy_n a_o priory_n etc._n etc._n when_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n nor_o abbot_n nor_o prior_n as_o when_o there_o be_v what_o a_o pitiful_a politic_a or_o rather_o what_o one_fw-mi insolent_a wickedness_n be_v it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o take_v a_o coat_n which_o be_v no_o man_n and_o put_v on_o one_o and_o possess_v he_o of_o it_o and_o call_v it_o his_o coat_n that_o they_o may_v rob_v he_o of_o it_o or_o make_v the_o uncharitable_a supposition_n that_o they_o can_v have_v venture_v on_o such_o a_o needless_a such_o a_o mad_a fetch_n of_o iniquity_n be_v all_o the_o clergy_n so_o shortsighted_a that_o they_o can_v not_o penetrate_v into_o such_o a_o palpable_a such_o a_o gross_a piece_n of_o cheatry_n but_o what_o need_v more_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o that_o agreement_n the_o church_n patrimony_n be_v fair_o secure_v to_o she_o and_o she_o be_v put_v in_o far_o better_a condition_n than_o she_o be_v ever_o in_o before_o since_o the_o reformation_n let_v any_o man_n read_v over_o calderwoods_n account_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o he_o must_v confess_v it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o account_n may_v be_v more_o full_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n if_o they_o be_v extant_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o courtier_n afterward_o play_v their_o trick_n and_o rob_v the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o get_v some_o bad_a clergyman_n who_o be_v subâ—ervient_fw-fr to_o their_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d from_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o by_o 〈◊〉_d courtier_n while_o the_o agreement_n be_v a_o mâ—kâ—ng_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o these_o clergyman_n mind_n who_o adjust_v matter_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o laity_n these_o courtier_n to_o give_v they_o the_o small_a advantage_n that_o way_n to_o allow_v they_o the_o least_o scope_n for_o such_o encroachment_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o afterward_o they_o find_v the_o nobility_n be_v take_v such_o method_n and_o plunder_v the_o church_n they_o complain_v mighty_o of_o it_o as_o a_o manifest_a breach_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o one_fw-mi horrid_a iniquity_n but_o whatever_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o this_o reason_v i_o have_v spend_v on_o this_o point_n be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o my_o main_a purpose_n for_o whither_o at_o that_o time_n episcopacy_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o impose_v whither_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o bad_a design_n or_o not_o affect_v not_o in_o the_o least_o the_o principal_a controversy_n for_o however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n accept_v of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o think_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o she_o be_v not_o then_o of_o antiprelatical_a principle_n she_o have_v no_o such_o article_n in_o her_o creed_n as_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a point_n i_o be_o concern_v for_o in_o all_o this_o tedious_a controversy_n 3._o the_o three_o plea_n be_v the_o limitedness_n of_o the_o power_n which_o be_v then_o grant_v to_o bishop_n they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n grant_v they_o by_o this_o establishment_n than_o superintendent_o have_v enjoy_v before_o this_o all_o my_o author_n insist_v upon_o with_o great_a earnestness_n 8._o and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o true_a this_o be_v provide_v for_o both_o by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n and_o by_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o eden_n march_n 6._o 1574._o but_o then_o 1._o if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n which_o superintendent_o have_v before_o i_o think_v they_o have_v true_o prelatic_a power_n they_o do_v not_o act_v in_o parity_n with_o other_o minister_n 2._o though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v more_o privilege_n they_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o own_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o general_a assembly_n as_o be_v clear_a even_o from_o calderwoods_n own_o account_n of_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n 51._o in_o that_o point_n the_o absurd_a constitution_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v alter_v 3._o one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v here_o concern_v mr._n carlderwood_n this_o judicious_a historian_n when_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o raise_v dust_n about_o the_o prelacy_n of_o superintendent_o find_v easy_o 7_o or_o 8_o huge_a difference_n between_o superintendent_o and_o bishop_n and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o raise_v dust_n about_o the_o prelacy_n of_o bishop_n he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n if_o he_o make_v it_o the_o same_o with_o the_o prelacy_n of_o
plain_a than_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n and_o only_o protest_v against_o the_o scandalousness_n of_o the_o name_n use_v in_o they_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o that_o beside_o the_o overzealous_a principle_n i_o mention_v before_o let_v the_o curious_a inquire_v that_o be_v none_o of_o my_o present_a business_n but_o they_o protest_v that_o they_o receive_v these_o article_n only_o for_o one_fw-mi interim_n true_a but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o receive_v they_o only_o for_o one_fw-mi interim_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n to_o episcopacy_n have_v they_o believe_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n how_o can_v they_o have_v receive_v they_o so_o much_o as_o for_o one_fw-mi interim_n how_o can_v they_o have_v receive_v they_o at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o article_n which_o require_v amendment_n even_o though_o the_o gen._n ass._n have_v believe_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o for_o one_fw-mi interim_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o dislike_n they_o have_v to_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v gain_v one_o point_n even_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o this_o assembly_n unless_o receive_v for_o a_o interim_n be_v not_o receive_v but_o if_o they_o be_v receive_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o they_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o protest_v against_o at_o all_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n or_o phrase_n in_o the_o act_n as_o have_v the_o least_o tendency_n to_o import_v that_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o corruption_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v consist_v well_o enough_o with_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n to_o say_v that_o g._n r._n be_v talk_v without_o book_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v protest_v against_o as_o a_o corruption_n by_o this_o general_a assembly_n i_o doubt_v if_o he_o have_v find_v any_o of_o the_o prelatist_n talk_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n where_o they_o have_v so_o little_a ground_n he_o will_v have_v be_v at_o his_o belove_a lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o proceed_v we_o in_o our_o series_n by_o the_o universal_a order_n so_o it_o be_v word_v in_o the_o mss._n of_o the_o general_n ass._n hold_v at_o eden_n march_n 6._o 157â—_n 3._o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o bishop_n superintendent_o etc._n etc._n present_v themselves_o in_o every_o gen._n ass._n that_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v hold_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o noon_n etc._n etc._n 379._o again_o it_o be_v think_v most_o reasonable_a and_o expedient_a that_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n purchase_v general_a letter_n without_o any_o delay_n command_v all_o man_n to_o frequent_v preach_v and_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o order_n receive_v in_o the_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n in_o the_o ass._n hold_v at_o eden_n aug._n 6._o 1573._o the_o visitation_n book_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v produce_v and_o certain_a minister_n appoint_v to_o examine_v their_o diligence_n in_o visitation_n ibid._n in_o that_o same_o assembly_n petoun_z bishop_n of_o dunkeld_n be_v accuse_v that_o he_o have_v accept_v the_o name_n but_o have_v not_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n not_o have_v proceed_v against_o papist_n within_o his_o bound_n he_o be_v also_o suspect_v of_o simony_n and_o perjury_n in_o that_o contrary_a to_o his_o oath_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o bishopric_n he_o give_v acquittance_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n receive_v the_o profit_n ib._n if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o a_o bad_a bishop_n but_o than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o assembly_n fair_o own_a episcopacy_n further_o that_o by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n express_v provision_n be_v make_v against_o simony_n and_o dilapidation_n of_o benefice_n and_o that_o bishop_n shall_v swear_v to_o that_o purpose_n etc._n etc._n which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o plea_n insist_v on_o before_o viz._n that_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n be_v force_v on_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o court_n out_o of_o a_o design_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n i_o find_v these_o further_a act_n make_v by_o this_o assembly_n in_o the_o mss._n touch_v they_o that_o receive_v excommunicate_n the_o whole_a kirk_n present_o assemble_v ordain_v all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n against_o all_o receiver_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n if_o after_o due_a admonition_n the_o receiver_n rebel_n and_o be_v disobedient_a the_o kirk_n ordain_v all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o synodal_n convention_n to_o take_v a_o list_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o excommunicate_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v publish_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o by_o their_o minister_n in_o their_o province_n may_v divulgate_v the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a country_n where_o excommunicate_v haunt_v the_o kirk_n present_o assemble_v ordain_v all_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o etc._n etc._n to_o conveen_n before_o they_o all_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v suspect_v of_o consult_v with_o witch_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a to_o cause_v they_o make_v public_a repentance_n etc._n etc._n that_o uniformity_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o process_n of_o excommunication_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o etc._n etc._n shall_v direct_v their_o letter_n to_o minister_n where_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v dwell_v command_v the_o say_a minister_n to_o admonish_v according_o and_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o upon_o a_o sunday_n in_o time_n of_o preach_v and_o thereafter_o the_o minister_n to_o endorse_v the_o say_a letter_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o day_n of_o their_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o disobedience_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o report_v to_o the_o say_a bishop_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o direction_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a letter_n 380._o petrie_n have_v the_o substance_n of_o most_o of_o these_o act_n but_o have_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o obscure_v they_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o here_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o true_a episcopal_a power_n establish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o these_o bishop_n that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v appear_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o general_n assembly_n shall_v have_v confer_v they_o on_o they_o if_o there_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi aversion_n then_o to_o the_o order_n as_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o world_n believe_v there_o be_v but_o honest_a calderwood_n be_v wise_a for_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_fw-mi intimation_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o calderwood_n have_v thus_o conceal_v they_o nay_o general_o all_o alongst_o whatever_o may_v make_v against_o his_o cause_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v what_o wonder_n if_o g._n r._n who_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n but_o what_o calderwood_n tell_v he_o stumble_v upon_o such_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o ignorance_n in_o his_o first_o vindication_n as_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o nothing_o be_v restore_v at_o leith_n but_o the_o image_n of_o prelacy_n that_o these_o tulchan_n bishop_n have_v only_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n while_o nobleman_n and_o other_o have_v the_o revenue_n and_o the_o church_n all_o the_o power_n nay_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o be_v do_v at_o leith_n the_o real_a exercise_n of_o presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o meeting_n lesser_a and_o great_a continue_v and_o be_v allow_v but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o eden_n march_n 6._o 1574._o conclude_v concern_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o superintendent_o which_o heretofore_o they_o have_v have_v and_o present_o have_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o general_n ass._n as_o member_n thereof_o as_o superintendent_o have_v be_v heretofore_o in_o all_o sort_n and_o again_o this_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o no_o bishop_n give_v collation_n of_o any_o benefice_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o superintendent_o within_o his_o diocese_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o testimonial_n subscribe_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o bishop_n within_o their_o diocese_n visit_v by_o themselves_o where_o no_o superintendent_n be_v and_o give_v no_o collation_n of_o benefice_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o three_o well_o qualify_v minister_n here_o indeed_o both_o calderwood_n and_o petrie_n 383._o appear_v brisk_o and_o transcribe_v the_o mss._n word_n for_o word_n here_o be_v something_o like_o limit_v the_o power_n of_o
the_o bishop_n and_o that_o be_v one_fw-mi opportunity_n not_o to_o be_v omit_v but_o as_o i_o take_v it_o there_o be_v no_o very_a great_a reason_n for_o this_o triumph_n if_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o these_o act_n be_v consider_v as_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o spotswood_n and_o petrie_n 383._o which_o be_v this_o the_o earl_n of_o morâ—on_n than_o regent_n and_o sordid_o covetous_a have_v flatter_v the_o church_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n of_o the_o three_o of_o the_o benefice_n the_o only_a sure_a stock_n they_o can_v as_o yet_o claim_v by_o any_o law_n make_v since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n promise_v instead_o thereof_o to_o settle_v locale_v stipend_n upon_o the_o minister_n but_o have_v once_o obtain_v his_o end_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o three_o at_o his_o disposal_n he_o forget_v his_o promise_n and_o the_o minister_n find_v themselves_o miserable_o trick_v three_o or_o four_o church_n be_v cast_v together_o and_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o one_o minister_n and_o a_o farthing_n to_o live_v by_o can_v not_o be_v get_v without_o vast_a attendance_n trouble_n and_o importunity_n beside_o the_o superintendent_o who_o have_v have_v a_o principal_a hand_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v man_n of_o great_a repute_n and_o have_v spend_v liberal_o of_o their_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o ill_o treat_v as_o any_o body_n for_o when_o they_o seek_v their_o wont_a allowance_n they_o be_v tell_v there_o be_v no_o more_o use_n for_o they_o bishop_n be_v now_o restore_v it_o be_v their_o province_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n superintendent_o be_v now_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a the_o superintendent_o thus_o malipiero_n treat_v what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o they_o have_v their_o own_o resentment_n of_o it_o so_o when_o the_o general_n assembly_n meet_v areskin_n spotswood_n and_o winram_n three_o of_o they_o and_o by_o that_o time_n it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o they_o alive_a come_v to_o the_o assembly_n offer_v to_o dimit_v their_o office_n and_o be_v earnest_a that_o the_o kirk_n will_v accept_v of_o their_o dimission_n they_o be_v now_o turn_v useless_a member_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a body_n their_o office_n be_v evacuate_v they_o can_v serve_v no_o long_o the_o whole_a assembly_n can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o matter_n and_o as_o they_o know_v for_o what_o reason_n these_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a person_n be_v so_o much_o irritate_v so_o their_o own_o concern_n in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n can_v not_o but_o prompt_v they_o to_o a_o fellow-feeling_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o next_o mortonian_n experiment_n may_v be_v try_v upon_o themselves_o they_o therefore_o unanimous_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o dimission_n and_o whither_o the_o superintendent_o will_n or_o not_o they_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o office_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o think_v it_o expedient_a to_o renew_v that_o article_n of_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n viz._n that_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o stand_v on_o the_o same_o level_n have_v the_o same_o power_n the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o canon_n import_v thereby_o that_o both_o be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n at_o such_o a_o juncture_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v bishop_n to_o the_o exauctoration_n of_o the_o few_o survive_a superintendent_o and_o now_o in_o their_o old_a age_n render_v they_o contemptible_a and_o who_o can_v condemn_v the_o assembly_n for_o take_v a_o course_n that_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a and_o so_o obvious_a nay_o it_o be_v even_o the_o bishop_n interest_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o assembly-mens_n to_o agree_o to_o this_o conclusion_n for_o the_o great_a business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o extent_n of_o power_n or_o point_v of_o dignity_n have_v no_o incentive_a to_o jealousy_n or_o emulation_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v about_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n to_o secure_v these_o against_o the_o insatiable_a avarice_n of_o a_o gripe_a lord_n regent_n a_o point_n the_o bishop_n be_v as_o near_o concern_v in_o as_o any_o man_n for_o if_o these_o three_o superintendent_o who_o have_v so_o long_o bear_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o do_v such_o eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a service_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v once_o sacrifice_v to_o mortons_n covetousness_n how_o easy_a may_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o make_v what_o far_a encroachment_n he_o please_v how_o easy_a to_o carry_v on_o his_o project_n against_o other_o man_n who_o perhaps_o have_v no_o such_o merit_n no_o such_o repute_n no_o such_o interest_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o these_o two_o act_n be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n and_o not_o that_o the_o assembly_n be_v turn_v weary_a of_o bishop_n or_o be_v become_v any_o way_n disaffect_v to_o they_o so_o that_o calderwood_n and_o petrie_n have_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v so_o boastful_a for_o these_o two_o acts._n that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o dislike_n to_o episcopacy_n that_o these_o two_o act_n be_v make_v be_v clear_a as_o light_n from_o the_o next_o assembly_n which_o meet_v in_o august_n 1574._o for_o therein_o the_o clergy_n manifest_o continue_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o reason_n order_z a_o petition_n consist_v of_o nine_o article_n to_o be_v draw_v and_o present_v to_o the_o regent_n calderwood_n indeed_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o petition_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mss._n and_o petrie_n 384._o talk_v of_o it_o but_o disingenuous_o for_o he_o mention_n it_o only_o overly_o tell_v that_o some_o article_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o lord_n regent_n and_o he_o set_v down_o but_o two_o whereas_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v nine_o in_o the_o mss._n and_o most_o of_o they_o look_v the_o regent_n sacrilegious_a inclination_n even_o stare_o in_o the_o face_n i_o shall_v only_o transcribe_v such_o of_o they_o as_o can_v when_o perpend_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v tend_v that_o way_n they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o stipend_n be_v grant_v to_o superintendent_o in_o all_o time_n come_v in_o all_o country_n destitute_a thereof_o whither_o it_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n or_o where_o there_o be_v bishop_n who_o can_v discharge_v their_o office_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n and_o glasgow_n who_o have_v too_o large_a diocese_n this_o article_n petrie_n have_v but_o mince_v indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a one_o for_o here_o you_o see_v 1._o that_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o regent_n purpose_n the_o assembly_n own_v and_o stand_v by_o the_o superintendent_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v to_o part_n with_o the_o three_o they_o have_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o crave_v to_o have_v more_o and_o to_o have_v provision_n for_o they_o and_o that_o in_o all_o country_n where_o bishop_n either_o be_v not_o or_o be_v but_o have_v too_o large_a diocese_n 2._o they_o crave_v these_o thing_n for_o all_o time_n come_v a_o clause_n of_o such_o importance_n to_o the_o main_a question_n that_o petrie_n have_v unfaithful_o leave_v it_o out_o and_o true_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o man_n to_o be_v unfaithful_a when_o it_o may_v serve_v that_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o good_a end_n he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o try_v it_o in_o this_o instance_n for_o this_o clause_n when_o not_o conceal_v but_o bring_v above_o board_n give_v a_o fatal_a overthrow_n to_o all_o these_o popular_a plea_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v then_o obtrude_v on_o the_o church_n force_v upon_o she_o against_o her_o will_n tolerate_v only_o for_o a_o time_n etc._n etc._n for_o from_o this_o clause_n it_o be_v as_o clear_v as_o a_o clause_n can_v make_v it_o that_o this_o assembly_n entertain_v no_o such_o imagination_n they_o suppose_v episcopacy_n be_v to_o continue_v for_o all_o time_n come_v for_o for_o all_o time_n come_v they_o petition_v that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o superintendent_o where_o no_o bishop_n be_v or_o where_o their_o diocese_n be_v too_o large_a for_o they_o 2._o the_o second_o article_n be_v that_o in_o all_o burgh_n where_o the_o minister_n be_v displace_v and_o serve_v at_o other_o kirk_n these_o minister_n be_v restore_v to_o wait_v on_o their_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o serve_v at_o other_o church_n etc._n etc._n direct_o strike_v against_o the_o regent_n politic_a of_o unite_n three_o or_o four_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o one_o minister_n the_o 4._o which_o petrie_n also_o have_v be_v that_o in_o all_o church_n destitute_a of_o minister_n such_o person_n may_v be_v plant_v as_o the_o bishop_n superintendent_o and_o commissioner_n shall_v name_v and_o that_o
stipend_n be_v assign_v to_o they_o one_fw-mi article_n visible_o level_v as_o the_o former_a 5._o that_o doctor_n may_v be_v place_v in_o university_n and_o stipend_n grant_v they_o whereby_o not_o only_o they_o who_o be_v present_o place_v may_v have_v occasion_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o cure_n but_o other_o learned_a man_n may_v have_v occasion_n to_o seek_v place_n in_o college_n still_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n the_o find_v reasonable_a use_v for_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o that_o his_o grace_n will_v take_v a_o general_n order_n with_o the_o poor_a especial_o in_o the_o abbey_n such_o as_o be_v aberbrothoick_a etc._n etc._n conform_v to_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n here_o not_o only_o the_o leith-agreement_n insist_v on_o but_o far_o pious_a use_n for_o the_o church_n patrimony_n 9_o that_o his_o grace_n will_v cause_v the_o book_n of_o the_o assignation_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n these_o book_n of_o assignation_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o their_o several_a proportion_n of_o the_o three_o be_v record_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v earnest_a to_o be_v repossess_v of_o their_o three_o see_v the_o regent_n have_v not_o keep_v promise_n to_o they_o but_o the_o eight_o article_n which_o by_o a_o pardonable_a inversion_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o considerable_a it_o be_v that_o his_o grace_n will_v provide_v qualify_v person_n for_o vacant_a bishopric_n let_v the_o candid_a reader_n judge_n now_o if_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o leith-article_n be_v force_v upon_o the_o church_n against_o her_o inclination_n if_o it_o be_v never_o approven_v when_o bishop_n be_v thus_o petition_v for_o by_o a_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o assembly_n in_o august_n 1572._o protest_v against_o it_o as_o a_o corruption_n if_o the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n declare_v bishop_n to_o have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o superintendent_o have_v and_o make_v they_o accountable_a to_o the_o general_n assembly_n proceed_v from_o any_o dislike_n of_o episcopacy_n if_o this_o assembly_n petition_v thus_o for_o bishop_n believe_v the_o divine_a and_o indispensible_a institution_n of_o parity_n if_o both_o calderwood_n and_o petrie_n act_v not_o as_o become_v cautious_a pretbyterian_a historian_n the_o one_o by_o give_v we_o none_o the_o other_o by_o give_v we_o only_o a_o mince_a account_n of_o this_o petition_n well!_o by_o this_o time_n i_o think_v i_o have_v not_o entire_o disappoint_v my_o reader_n i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o competent_o appear_v that_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n be_v fair_o and_o frequent_o allow_v approven_v and_o insist_v on_o by_o not_o a_o â—ew_a subsequent_a general_n assembly_n i_o can_v adduce_v some_o act_n more_o of_o the_o next_o ass_n which_o meet_v at_o eden_n march_n 7._o 1575._o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o make_v good_a my_o undertake_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o on_o this_o point_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o must_v add_v further_a it_o be_v this_o after_o the_o most_o impartial_a narrow_a and_o attentive_a search_n i_o can_v make_v i_o have_v not_o find_v all_o this_o while_n viz._n from_o the_o first_o public_a establishment_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1560._o so_o much_o as_o one_o indication_n of_o either_o public_a or_o private_a dislike_n to_o prelacy_n but_o that_o it_o constant_o and_o uninterrupted_o prevail_v and_o all_o person_n cheerful_o as_o well_o as_o quiet_o submit_v to_o it_o till_o the_o year_n 1575._o when_o it_o be_v first_o call_v in_o question_n and_o here_o i_o may_v fair_o shut_v up_o this_o long_a and_o perhaps_o nauseous_a discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o enquiry_n which_o i_o propose_v for_o whatever_o man_n our_o reformer_n be_v whatever_o their_o other_o principle_n may_v be_v i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o parity_n or_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n no_o such_o principle_n be_v process_v or_o insist_v on_o or_o offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n by_o they_o before_o at_o or_o full_a fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o if_o this_o may_v not_o pass_v for_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o resolution_n of_o the_o enquiry_n i_o know_v not_o what_o may_v however_o because_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o show_v though_o not_o precise_o necessary_a to_o my_o main_a design_n may_v yet_o be_v so_o far_o useful_a as_o to_o bring_v considerable_o more_o of_o light_a to_o it_o and_o withal_o give_v the_o world_n a_o prospect_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o presbytery_n in_o scotland_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a my_o undertake_n which_o be_v that_o after_o episcopacy_n be_v question_v it_o be_v not_o easy_o overturn_v its_o adversary_n meet_v with_o much_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o subvert_v it_o i_o shall_v study_v brevity_n as_o much_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v allow_v i_o in_o short_a then_o take_v it_o thus_o master_n andrew_n melvil_n after_o some_o year_n spend_v at_o geneva_n return_v to_o scotland_n in_o july_n 1574._o he_o have_v live_v in_o that_o city_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o theodore_n beza_n the_o true_a parent_n of_o presbytery_n he_o be_v a_o man_n by_o nature_n fierce_a and_o fiery_a confident_a and_o peremptory_a peevish_a and_o ungovernable_a education_n in_o he_o have_v not_o sweeten_v nature_n but_o nature_n have_v sour_v education_n and_o both_o conspire_v together_o have_v trick_v he_o up_o into_o a_o true_a original_a a_o piece_n compound_v of_o pride_n and_o petulance_n of_o jeer_n and_o jangle_n of_o satyr_n and_o sarcasm_n of_o venom_n and_o vehemence_n he_o hate_v the_o crown_n as_o much_o as_o the_o mitre_n the_o sceptre_n as_o much_o as_o the_o crosier_n and_o can_v have_v make_v as_o bold_a with_o the_o purple_a 329._o as_o with_o the_o rochet_n 548._o his_o prime_a talon_n be_v lampoon_v and_o write_v anti-tami-cami-categorias's_a in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v the_o very_a archetypal_a bitter_a beard_n of_o the_o party_n this_o man_n thus_o accoutre_v be_v scarce_o warm_a at_o home_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o disseminate_v his_o sentiment_n insinuate_v they_o into_o other_o and_o make_v a_o party_n against_o prelacy_n and_o for_o the_o genevian_a model_n for_o this_o i_o need_v not_o depend_v on_o spotswood_n authority_n though_o he_o assert_v it_o plain_o 275._o i_o have_v a_o more_o authentic_a author_n for_o it_o if_o more_o authentic_a can_v be_v i_o have_v melvil_n himself_o for_o it_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o beza_n date_v novem._n 13._o 1579._o to_o be_v find_v both_o in_o petrie_n 401._o and_o in_o the_o pamphlet_n call_v vindiciae_fw-la philadelphi_n from_o which_o petrie_n have_v it_o of_o which_o letter_n the_o very_a first_o word_n be_v we_o have_v not_o cease_v these_o five_o year_n to_o fight_v against_o pseudepiscopacy_n etc._n etc._n now_o reckon_v five_o year_n backward_o from_o novem._n 1579._o and_o you_o stand_v at_o november_n 1574._o whereby_o we_o find_v that_o within_o three_o or_o four_o month_n after_o his_o arrival_n the_o plot_n be_v begin_v though_o it_o be_v near_o to_o a_o year_n thereafter_o before_o it_o come_v aboveboard_n have_v thus_o project_v his_o work_n and_o form_v his_o party_n the_o next_o care_n be_v to_o get_v one_o to_o table_n it_o fair_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o late_o come_v home_o he_o be_v much_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o country_n have_v be_v ten_o year_n abroad_o he_o have_v be_v but_o at_o very_a few_o general_n assembly_n if_o at_o any_o his_o influence_n be_v but_o green_a and_o bud_a his_o authority_n but_o young_a and_o tender_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o he_o among_o his_o first_o appearance_n to_o propose_v so_o great_a one_fw-mi innovation_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o think_v man_n of_o his_o party_n however_o resolute_o they_o may_v promise_v to_o back_o the_o motion_n when_o once_o fair_o table_v be_v yet_o a_o little_a shy_a to_o be_v the_o first_o proposer_n so_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o one_o who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a statesman_n john_n durie_n one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v the_o person_n as_o spotswood_n describe_v he_o 457._o a_o sound_a heart_a man_n far_o from_o all_o dissimulation_n open_a profess_v what_o he_o think_v earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o his_o cause_n whatever_o it_o be_v but_o too_o too_o credulous_a and_o easy_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o however_o that_o i_o may_v do_v he_o as_o much_o justice_n as_o
spotswood_n have_v do_v he_o before_o i_o a_o man_n he_o be_v who_o think_v no_o shame_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o when_o after_o many_o year_n experience_n he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o parity_n have_v true_o prove_v the_o parent_n of_o confusion_n and_o disappoint_v all_o his_o expectation_n and_o when_o through_o age_n and_o sickness_n he_o be_v not_o able_a in_o person_n to_o attend_v the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1600._o he_o give_v commission_n to_o some_o brethren_n to_o tell_v they_o as_o from_o he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o restore_v the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o man_n i_o say_v to_o who_o share_n it_o fall_v to_o be_v the_o first_o who_o public_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n in_o scotland_n which_o be_v not_o do_v till_o the_o six_o day_n of_o august_n 1575._o as_o i_o say_v before_o no_o less_o than_o full_a fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o first_o legal_a establishment_n of_o our_o scottish_a reformation_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o my_o purpose_n on_o this_o six_o of_o august_n 1575._o the_o gen._n ass._n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n according_a to_o the_o order_n then_o observe_v in_o general_a assembly_n the_o first_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v be_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n diligence_n life_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o constant_a member_n so_o while_o this_o be_v a_o do_v john_n durie_n stand_v up_o and_o protest_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o bishop_n may_v not_o prejudge_v the_o opinion_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o and_o other_o brethren_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v to_o propose_v against_o the_o office_n and_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n 68_o thus_o be_v the_o fatal_a controversy_n set_v on_o foot_n which_o since_o have_v bring_v such_o misery_n and_o calamity_n on_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n the_o hare_n thus_o start_v melvil_n the_o original_a huntsman_n straight_o pursue_v she_o he_o present_o begin_v a_o long_a and_o no_o doubt_n premeditate_a harangue_n commend_v durie_n zeal_n enlarge_v upon_o the_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n insist_v on_o the_o sentiment_n of_o calvin_n and_o beza_n concern_v church_n government_n and_o at_o last_o affirm_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o title_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o the_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n then_o current_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a lord_n of_o his_o church_n allow_v no_o superiority_n among_o the_o minister_n but_o have_v institute_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o have_v endue_v they_o with_o equal_a power_n conclude_v that_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v so_o great_a as_o unless_o the_o same_o be_v remove_v it_o can_v not_o go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v religion_n be_v long_o preserve_v in_o purity_n 387._o the_o controversy_n thus_o plain_o state_v mr._n david_n lindesay_n master_n george_n hay_o and_o master_n john_n row_n three_o episcopalian_o be_v appoint_v to_o confer_v and_o reason_n upon_o the_o question_n propon_v with_o mr._n andrew_n melvil_n mr._n james_n lawson_n and_o mr._n john_n craig_n two_o presbyterian_o and_o one_o much_o indifferent_a for_o both_o side_n after_o diverse_a meeting_n and_o long_a disceptation_n say_v spotswood_n 275._o after_o two_o day_n say_v petrie_n 386._o they_o present_v these_o conclusion_n to_o the_o assembly_n which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v agree_v upon_o 1._o they_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a present_o to_o answer_v directly_z to_o the_o first_o question_n but_o if_o any_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v who_o have_v not_o such_o quality_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v let_v he_o be_v try_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la and_o so_o depose_v 2._o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v common_a to_o all_o they_o who_o have_v particular_a flock_n over_o which_o they_o have_v particular_a charge_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n 3._o out_o of_o this_o number_n may_v be_v choose_v some_o to_o have_v power_n to_o oversee_v and_o visit_v such_o reasonable_a bound_n beside_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o the_o general_n kirk_n shall_v appoint_v and_o in_o these_o bound_n to_o appoint_v minister_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o province_n and_o of_o the_o flock_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v also_o to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o every_o principal_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v none_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n thereof_o and_o to_o suspend_v minister_n for_o reasonable_a cause_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n aforesaid_a so_o the_o mss._n spot_n pet._n cald._n 69._o it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o when_o thorough_o examine_v will_v not_o be_v find_v so_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n however_o it_o be_v evident_a for_o this_o bout_n the_o imparity-man_n carry_v the_o day_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o parity-man_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o well_o fix_v for_o the_o divine_a and_o indispensible_a right_n of_o it_o as_o our_o modern_a parity-man_n will_v think_v needful_a otherwise_o how_o come_v they_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o conclusion_n how_o come_v they_o to_o yield_v that_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o first_o question_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v they_o of_o the_o modern_a principle_n g._n r_n principle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o divine_a institution_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o cross_v according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n what_o one_fw-mi honour_n be_v it_o to_o the_o party_n if_o their_o first_o hero_n be_v such_o casuist_n beside_o be_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o imparity_n clear_o import_v in_o the_o three_o conclusion_n indeed_o both_o calderwood_n and_o petrie_n acknowledge_v so_o much_o calderwood_n 69._o say_v it_o seem_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o regent_n authority_n who_o be_v bend_v upon_o the_o course_n i._n e._n episcopacy_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n that_o they_o answer_v not_o direct_o at_o this_o time_n to_o the_o question_n here_o you_o see_v he_o own_v that_o nothing_o at_o this_o time_n be_v conclude_v against_o the_o course_n as_o he_o call_v it_o whither_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n shall_v be_v consider_v afterward_o petrie_n 387._o acknowledge_v it_o too_o but_o in_o such_o a_o passion_n it_o seem_v as_o quite_o master_v his_o prudence_n when_o he_o do_v it_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n howbeit_o in_o these_o conclusion_n they_o express_v not_o the_o negative_a because_o they_o will_v not_o plain_o oppose_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o the_o council_n seek_v security_n of_o the_o possession_n by_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n yet_o these_o affirmative_n take_v away_o the_o pretend_v office_n now_o let_v the_o world_n consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o author_n in_o advance_v this_o fine_a period_n they_o do_v not_o express_v the_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o condemn_v episcopacy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o plain_o oppose_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o the_o council_n seek_v security_n of_o the_o possession_n etc._n etc._n now_o let_v we_o inquire_v who_o be_v these_o they_o who_o will_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n condemn_v episcopacy_n at_o that_o time_n it_o must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o six_o collocutor_n who_o draw_v the_o concusion_n or_o to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n if_o to_o the_o collocutor_n it_o be_v plain_a three_o of_o they_o viz._n row_n hay_o and_o lindesay_n be_v innocent_a they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o expediency_n to_o say_v no_o further_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o i_o think_v that_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o they_o not_o to_o condemn_v it_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n then_o if_o any_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v move_v not_o to_o condemn_v it_o because_o they_o will_v not_o plain_o oppose_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o the_o council_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o so_o have_v not_o master_n petrie_n make_v they_o very_o brave_a fellow_n have_v he_o not_o fair_o make_v they_o such_o friend_n to_o sacrilege_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o balk_v a_o divine_a institution_n than_o interrupt_v its_o course_n and_o offend_v its_o votary_n if_o by_o the_o word_n they_o he_o mean_v the_o general_n assembly_n if_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v they_o who_o will_v not_o express_v the_o
have_v full_o prove_v and_o which_o be_v all_o i_o still_o aim_v at_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o keep_v close_o by_o the_o principle_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o church_n government_n this_o be_v so_o very_o apparent_a to_o any_o who_o read_v the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n and_o be_v so_o visible_a in_o the_o deduction_n i_o have_v make_v that_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o it_o second_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o charge_n may_v further_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o adamson_n advance_v this_o year_n 1576_o to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o st._n andrews_n that_o nature_n have_v furnish_v he_o with_o a_o good_a stock_n and_o he_o be_v a_o smart_a man_n and_o cultivate_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a size_n by_o many_o part_n of_o good_a literature_n be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a historian_n themselves_o they_o never_o attempt_v to_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o dunce_n though_o they_o be_v very_o eager_a to_o have_v he_o a_o man_n of_o trick_n and_o latitude_n now_o this_o prelate_n ignorance_n in_o true_a antiquity_n be_v remarkable_o visible_a in_o his_o subscribe_v to_o these_o proposition_n anno_fw-la 1580_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v calderwood_n 93.94_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o pastor_n be_v equal_a and_o alike_o great_a among_o themselves_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v relative_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o to_o the_o eldership_n for_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o not_o of_o other_o pastor_n or_o fellow_n elder_n as_o for_o the_o pre-eminence_n that_o one_o bear_v over_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o institution_n of_o holy_a writ_n that_o the_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v of_o pastor_n which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n appertain_v not_o to_o one_o bishop_n only_o so_o be_v lawful_a election_n pass_v before_o but_o to_o those_o of_o the_o same_o province_n or_o presbytery_n and_o with_o the_o like_a jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n minister_n at_o their_o kirk_n that_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a for_o eschew_v of_o private_a ordain_v of_o minister_n it_o be_v statute_v that_o no_o pastor_n shall_v be_v appoint_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o he_o who_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o province_n which_o they_o call_v the_o metropolitan_a city_n that_o after_o in_o the_o latter_a council_n it_o be_v statute_v that_o thing_n may_v proceed_v more_o solemn_o and_o with_o great_a authority_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o pastor_n after_o lawful_a election_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o metropolitan_a or_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a town_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n vote_v thereto_o in_o which_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o prerogative_n but_o only_o that_o of_o the_o town_n which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v think_v most_o meet_a both_o for_o the_o conveen_n of_o the_o council_n and_o ordain_v of_o pastor_n with_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_v when_o the_o name_n bishop_n which_o before_o be_v common_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o province_n begin_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o that_o the_o power_n of_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o rule_v of_o kirk_n with_o the_o whole_a procuration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v now_o only_o devolve_v to_o one_o metropolitan_a the_o other_o pastor_n no_o way_n challenge_v their_o right_n and_o privilege_n therein_o of_o very_a slothfulness_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o devil_n on_o the_o other_o go_v about_o crafty_o to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o papistical_a supremacy_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o proposition_n sign_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n it_o may_v be_v judge_v i_o say_v if_o this_o prelate_n do_v not_o bewray_v a_o very_a profound_a ignorance_n in_o true_a ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n one_fw-mi arrant_a presbyterian_a can_v not_o have_v say_v can_v not_o have_v wish_v more_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a as_o perchance_o may_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o that_o these_o proposition_n be_v take_v out_o either_o formal_o or_o by_o collection_n of_o mr._n beza_n book_n de_n triplici_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la now_o if_o adamson_n be_v so_o little_o see_v in_o such_o matter_n what_o may_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o three_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o deplorable_a unskilfulness_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o these_o time_n in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o suffering_n melvil_n and_o his_o party_n to_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n a_o split_v new_a democratical_a systeme_n a_o very_a farce_n of_o novelty_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o instance_n what_o else_o be_v the_o confound_a of_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n 9_o the_o make_v doctor_n or_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o college_n and_o university_n a_o distinct_a office_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n tot_o the_o set_n up_o of_o lay-elder_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la make_v they_o judge_n of_o man_n qualification_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n visiter_n of_o the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n tot_fw-la make_v the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n in_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n lay_v eldership_n 16._o prohibit_v appeal_n from_o scottish_a general_n assembly_n to_o any_o judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a 8._o and_o by_o consequence_n to_o oecumenick_n council_n be_v not_o these_o ancient_n and_o catholic_n assertion_n what_o footstep_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o true_a antiquity_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o man_n skill_v in_o the_o constitution_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o have_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n the_o novelty_n the_o vanity_n the_o inexpediency_n the_o impoliticalness_n the_o uncatholicalness_n of_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o these_o proposition_n if_o any_o further_a doubt_n can_v remain_v concern_v the_o little_a skill_n the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n in_o these_o time_n have_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v further_o demonstate_v four_o from_o this_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o that_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o many_o point_n be_v take_v word_n for_o word_n from_o mr._n beza_n answer_n to_o the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n glamis_n than_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n a_o fair_a evidence_n that_o our_o clergy_n at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o be_v very_o well_o see_v in_o ecclesiastical_a politic_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o by_o a_o single_a stranger_n divine_a who_o visible_o aim_v at_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o scheme_n which_o by_o chance_n have_v get_v foot_v in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v his_o tractate_n de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la write_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o presbyterianism_n in_o scotland_n carry_v visible_o in_o its_o whole_a train_n that_o its_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v our_o clergy_n from_o off_o the_o ancient_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o as_o i_o say_v by_o glanus_n contain_v the_o new_a scheme_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o now_o let_v we_o taste_v a_o little_a of_o his_o skill_n in_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o if_o you_o please_v of_o his_o account_n of_o her_o policy_n i_o take_v his_o book_n as_o i_o find_v it_o among_o saravia_n work_n he_o be_v positive_a for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o rule_v elder_n 8._o he_o affirm_v that_o bishop_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n without_o god_n allowance_n 29._o that_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v popular_a election_n that_o this_o election_n and_o not_o ordination_n or_o imposition_n of_o hand_n make_v pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o power_n whereof_o they_o have_v from_o that_o election_n that_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v create_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o suffrage_n of_o their_o child_n than_o by_o the_o bishop_n 30._o that_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o he_o express_o write_v against_o and_o condemn_v the_o
reformer_n be_v more_o pry_v in_o such_o matter_n than_o the_o reformer_n of_o other_o church_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o syllable_n a_o show_n a_o shadow_n of_o one_fw-mi indication_n that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o merit_v the_o name_n of_o our_o reformer_n entertain_v any_o such_o principle_n or_o maintain_v any_o such_o article_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o reformation_n be_v carry_v on_o much_o very_o much_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o english_a reformer_n among_o who_o that_o principle_n of_o parity_n have_v no_o imaginable_a foot_n these_o be_v at_o least_o great_a presumption_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o this_o that_o our_o reformer_n maintain_v no_o such_o principle_n agreeable_o to_o these_o presumption_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o reformer_n proceed_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la upon_o the_o principle_n of_o imparity_n they_o form_v their_o petition_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o first_o scheme_n of_o church_n government_n they_o erect_v be_v establish_v upon_o these_o principle_n our_o superintendent_o be_v notorious_o and_o undeniable_o prelate_n the_o next_o establishment_n in_o which_o the_o prelate_n resume_v the_o old_a name_n and_o title_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n with_o the_o first_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o imparity_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o second_o establishment_n be_v agree_v to_o by_o the_o church_n unanimous_o and_o submit_v to_o calm_o and_o peaceable_o and_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o one_fw-mi establishment_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n at_o least_o no_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o no_o appearance_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o no_o indication_n of_o its_o be_v accept_v only_o for_o one_fw-mi interim_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o imparity_n be_v in_o its_o constitution_n i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o imparity_n be_v receive_v practise_v own_a and_o submit_v to_o and_o that_o prelate_n be_v suitable_o honour_v and_o dutiful_o obey_v without_o reluctancy_n and_o without_o interruption_n for_o full_a fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o after_o it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n its_o adversary_n find_v many_o repulse_n and_o mighty_a difficulty_n and_o spend_v much_o travel_n and_o much_o time_n no_o less_o than_o full_a five_o year_n before_o they_o can_v get_v it_o abolish_v and_o if_o the_o deduction_n i_o have_v make_v put_v not_o this_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o very_a intelligent_a author_n the_o first_o be_v that_o ingenious_a and_o judicious_a author_n who_o write_v the_o accurate_a piece_n call_v episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n publish_v anno_fw-la 1640._o who_o affirm_v positive_o 97._o that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o opposition_n make_v to_o the_o presbyterian_o by_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n who_o stand_v firm_o for_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o long_a a_o condemn_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o elaborate_v work_n that_o he_o be_v one_fw-mi ingenuous_a as_o well_o as_o one_fw-mi ingenious_a person_n and_o live_v then_o and_o have_v be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n to_o inform_v himself_o concern_v not_o only_o the_o transaction_n but_o the_o intrigue_n of_o former_a time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v he_o do_v not_o affirm_v such_o a_o proposition_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n but_o whatever_o dust_n may_v be_v raise_v about_o his_o credit_n and_o authority_n sure_o i_o be_o my_o other_o witness_n be_v unexceptionable_a he_o be_v king_n james_n the_o six_o of_o scotland_n and_o the_o first_o of_o england_n this_o great_a and_o wise_a prince_n live_v in_o these_o time_n in_o which_o presbytery_n be_v first_o introduce_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v question_v that_o he_o understand_v and_o can_v give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o what_o pass_v then_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n then_o live_v and_o he_o in_o his_o basilion_n doron_n 1616._o affirm_v plain_o that_o the_o learned_a grave_a and_o honest_a man_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v ever_o ashamed_a of_o and_o offend_v with_o the_o temerity_n and_o presumption_n of_o the_o democratical_a and_o presbyterian_a party_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v appear_v sufficient_o and_o so_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v whither_o our_o reformer_n be_v of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a principle_n only_o one_o thing_n more_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o enquiry_n our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n calderwood_n petrie_n and_o g._n r._n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v very_o earnest_a and_o careful_a to_o have_v their_o reader_n advert_v that_o when_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572._o the_o bishop_n be_v to_o have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o the_o superintendent_o have_v before_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v no_o more_o as_o i_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v but_o i_o will_v advise_v our_o brethren_n to_o be_v more_o cautious_a in_o insist_v on_o such_o a_o dangerous_a point_n or_o glory_v in_o such_o a_o discovery_n hereafter_o for_o thus_o i_o argue_v the_o episcopacy_n agree_v to_o at_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572_o as_o to_o its_o essential_o its_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o superintendency_n establish_v at_o the_o reformation_n anno_fw-la 1560._o but_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o dundee_n anno_fw-la 1580._o condemn_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n agree_v to_o at_o leith_n anno_fw-la 1572._o ergo_fw-la they_o condemn_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superintendency_n establish_v by_o our_o reformer_n anno_fw-la 1560._o ergo_fw-la the_o assembly_n 1580._o not_o only_o forsake_v but_o condemn_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformer_n but_o if_o this_o reason_v hold_v i_o think_v our_o present_a presbyterian_a brethren_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o successor_n to_o our_o reformer_n they_o must_v not_o ascend_v so_o high_a as_o the_o year_n 1560_o they_o must_v stand_v at_o the_o year_n 1580_o for_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o law_n of_o heraldry_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o call_v themselves_o the_o true_a posterity_n of_o those_o who_o they_o condemn_v and_o who_o principle_n they_o declare_v erroneous_a in_o such_o moral_a cognation_n i_o take_v oneness_n of_o principle_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o oneness_n of_o blood_n be_v in_o physical_a cognation_n let_v they_o not_o therefore_o go_v far_o up_o than_o the_o year_n 1580._o let_v they_o date_n the_o reformation_n from_o this_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o own_o master_n andrew_n melvil_n and_o john_n durie_n etc._n etc._n for_o their_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o have_v fix_v there_o i_o shall_v perchance_o allow_v they_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v reform_v in_o their_o sense_n of_o reformation_n by_o presbyter_n that_o be_v presbyterian_o proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o enquiry_n whether_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v a_o great_a and_o insupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_v to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v discourse_v so_o full_o on_o the_o former_a enquiry_n this_o may_v be_v very_o soon_o dispatch_v for_o if_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o other_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v so_o unanimous_o consent_v to_o and_o establish_v at_o the_o reformation_n if_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v own_v revered_a and_o submit_v to_o by_o pastor_n and_o people_n without_o interruption_n without_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n for_o full_a fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n if_o after_o it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n its_o adversary_n find_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o task_n to_o subvert_v it_o that_o they_o spend_v five_o year_n more_o before_o they_o can_v get_v it_o subvert_v and_o declare_v unlawful_a even_o as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a i_o say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o very_o credible_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o insupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_n to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n this_o collection_n i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o subject_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o beside_o this_o we_o