the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o accept_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n prove_v by_o god_n word_n thereby_o to_o condemn_v any_o such_o thing_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a meaning_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v public_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v therein_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o policy_n they_o do_v require_v in_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o superintendent_n in_o every_o province_n have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o their_o bound_n for_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o set_v down_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n or_o short_o thereafter_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n admit_v to_o the_o government_n by_o common_a consâ—nt_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o the_o queen_n absence_n be_v for_o the_o time_n in_o france_n and_o ratifiâ—â—â—_z by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o manual_a subscription_n of_o the_o counsellor_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o man_n of_o worth_a the_o 17._o of_o january_n 1560._o approve_v by_o many_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o twice_o as_o many_o year_n thereafter_o as_o presbyterial_a governmental_a remain_v in_o force_n then_o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o power_n of_o superintendent_n do_v extend_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o papistical_a bishop_n which_o make_v their_o person_n office_n and_o very_a name_n to_o be_v detest_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a zealous_a scrupulosity_n will_v not_o at_o first_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o their_o charge_n a_o title_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n call_v they_o superintendent_n so_o change_v a_o proper_a greek_a word_n into_o a_o barbarous_a latin_a for_o the_o greek_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o the_o latin_a word_n superintendens_fw-la do_v both_o signify_v one_o thing_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v set_v over_o other_o to_o oversee_v their_o action_n albeit_o by_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v divide_v in_o ten_o diocese_n express_o so_o call_v and_o over_o every_o diocese_n a_o superintendent_n appoint_v to_o be_v set_v yet_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n we_o find_v only_o four_o who_o carry_v express_o this_o title_n to_o wit_n mâ—_n john_n spotswood_n father_n to_o the_o late_a decease_a john_n archbishop_n of_o st._n anâ—â—â—ws_v call_v superintendent_n of_o lâ—â—thran_n or_o edinburgh_n john_n areskin_n of_o diune_n superintendent_n of_o angus_n and_o mearnes_n or_o of_o brechin_n mr._n john_n wonram_n superintendent_n of_o fyfe_n or_o s._n andrews_n m._n john_n wâ—llocks_n superintendent_n of_o the_o west_n or_o glasgow_n those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v call_v commissioner_n either_o because_o at_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o fiâ—d_fw-mi so_o many_o sufficient_a man_n or_o for_o lack_v of_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o estate_n of_o superintendent_n or_o as_o some_o rather_o think_v because_o they_o esteem_v this_o too_o absolute_a a_o title_n and_o near_o in_o signification_n to_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o more_o fit_a to_o call_v they_o commissioner_n as_o import_v morse_n a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n not_o for_o any_o definite_a time_n but_o ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la culpam_fw-la those_o same_o be_v at_o sometime_o call_v visitores_fw-la by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o like_a signification_n with_o episcopus_fw-la for_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v likewise_o a_o visitor_n and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitation_n as_o 1_o pet._n â—_z 12._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n in_o dievisitationis_fw-la and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o the_o know_a word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o visitavit_fw-la by_o the_o septuagint_n be_v translate_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o by_o latin_n inspector_n visitator_n or_o praefectus_fw-la howsoever_o they_o be_v diverse_o name_v they_o have_v all_o a_o like_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o power_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n by-gone_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n first_o as_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o own_o diocese_n over_o the_o which_o he_o have_v superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o therein_o a_o special_a city_n for_o his_o sea_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n call_v the_o metropolitan_a or_o cathedral_n city_n so_o every_o 〈…〉_z by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 5._o art_n 2._o 〈…〉_z point_v to_o he_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d power_n over_o all_o person_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bound_n and_o therein_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o ordinary_a residence_n call_v there_o the_o superintendent_n town_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o same_o city_n from_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o denominate_v second_o as_o all_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o diocese_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_a bishop_n according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d canon_n of_o the_o church_n right_o so_o by_o a_o special_a 〈…〉_z general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 30._o 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n there_o assemble_v that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subâ—â—ct_n to_o their_o superintendent_n in_o all_o lawful_a 〈…〉_z as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o 〈…〉_z election_n of_o superintendent_n which_o be_v no_o other_o 〈…〉_z but_o canonical_a obedience_n three_o as_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n 〈…〉_z be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o need_v not_o any_o 〈…〉_z thereto_o from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v 〈…〉_z consecrate_v to_o that_o office_n so_o likewise_o in_o all_o 〈…〉_z superintendent_n and_o commissionâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v constant_a principal_a member_n of_o 〈…〉_z assembly_n and_o need_v not_o any_o particular_a commission_n thereto_o but_o be_v once_o admit_v to_o the_o office_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v thereafter_o and_o receive_v without_o any_o other_o commission_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v divide_v in_o two_o rank_n some_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a member_n as_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v mutable_a as_o commissioner_n of_o church_n university_n town_n and_o province_n the_o first_o have_v no_o need_n of_o particular_a commission_n but_o be_v perpetual_a and_o first_o call_v in_o the_o roll_n the_o other_o be_v changeable_a from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n and_o have_v new_a particular_a commission_n from_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1563._o that_o every_o superintendent_n shall_v appear_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 1578._o the_o same_o act_n be_v renew_v and_o bishop_n also_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o assembly_n or_o else_o to_o be_v account_v unworthy_a of_o the_o office_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o act_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o othee_o of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1579._o july_n 7._o sess._n 9_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o bishop_n and_o commissioner_n of_o province_n who_o abjent_v themselves_o from_o 〈◊〉_d assembly_n shall_v be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o act_n august_n 12._o 1575._o and_o that_o act_n to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n have_v power_n of_o visitation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o also_o of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o that_o office_n four_o as_o all_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o hold_v their_o synod_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n when_o and_o where_o it_o
episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o scotland_n contain_v many_o remarkable_a passage_n new_o publish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n print_v 1641._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n in_o this_o book_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1._o they_o agree_v in_o like_o subtle_a policy_n in_o their_o proceed_n specify_v in_o 6._o point_n 2._o they_o disagree_v in_o that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o external_a order_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o discuss_v the_o article_n chap._n ii_o contain_v two_o reason_n why_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v only_o against_o the_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n 1._o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n 2._o because_o their_o principal_a purpose_n in_o desire_v this_o assembly_n be_v to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o verbatim_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o their_o print_a copy_n subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n chap._n iii_o discuss_v their_o four_o consideration_n in_o their_o preface_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remark_v 2._o that_o many_o evil_a innovation_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n wherein_o also_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remâ—rked_v 3._o that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o be_v move_v of_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v remark_v 7._o notable_a falsehood_n 4._o that_o many_o have_v subscribe_v the_o covenant_n without_o their_o application_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v 1580._o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o be_v show_v divers_a falsehood_n and_o impertinency_n chap._n four_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v propon_v to_o be_v voice_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o right_n state_v the_o question_n 2._o that_o their_o proposition_n be_v captious_a and_o confuse_a include_v three_o several_a question_n of_o divers_a nature_n whereunto_o no_o one_o categorical_a answer_n can_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o many_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o term_n 4._o it_o be_v sophistical_o and_o subtle_o draw_v à _fw-la thesâ—ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v propose_v in_o that_o manner_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o 6._o the_o question_n simple_o propose_v have_v be_v fit_a to_o resolve_v doubt_n 7._o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v unlawful_a in_o episcopacy_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o moâ—_n particular_a â—â—ocks_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n chap._n v._o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o and_o to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o a_o positive_a and_o negative_a and_o that_o the_o positive_a be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n 3._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o confession_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n do_v express_o approve_v the_o same_o 4._o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o superintendent_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o bishop_n require_v now_o 5._o that_o bishop_n retain_v the_o office_n title_n and_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n for_o 20._o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o by_o approbation_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a estate_n chap._n vi_o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n 1._o that_o this_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o a_o appendix_n thereof_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o confession_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v 3._o two_o reason_n show_v that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o negative_a confession_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v 1._o because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_a to_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v a_o appendix_n 2._o because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o oath_n be_v require_v chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o passage_n allege_v in_o the_o act_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n 1._o answer_v in_o general_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o 2._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o his_o associate_n 3._o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o passage_n show_v it_o to_o be_v cite_v false_o and_o impertinent_o chap._n viii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v show_v clear_o 1._o a_o notable_a falsehood_n in_o the_o citation_n both_o by_o changâ—ng_v word_n and_o add_v other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_n 2._o divers_a reason_n why_o this_o passage_n do_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n chap._n ix._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hierarchy_n neither_o antichristian_a nor_o wicked_a prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n 4._o their_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v by_o a_o false_a syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la 5._o this_o reason_n passable_a among_o themselves_o because_o no_o man_n dare_v examine_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o their_o second_o reason_n childish_a and_o sophistical_a 7._o their_o three_o reason_n impertinent_o apply_v 8._o their_o four_o reason_n have_v no_o consequence_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n 9_o their_o last_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n false_o relate_v chap._n x._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o passage_n contain_v three_o particular_n 1._o an_fw-mi explain_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v not_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 3._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v express_o limitate_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o four_o limitation_n by_o every_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v 4._o the_o first_o limitation_n that_o we_o swear_v only_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n but_o all_o be_v conform_v thereto_o 5._o the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o many_o notable_a realm_n and_o church_n no_o realm_n nor_o church_n do_v condemn_v this_o except_o geneâ—a_n and_o that_o not_o absolute_o but_o many_o church_n do_v approve_v it_o express_o 6._o the_o three_o limitation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o doctrine_n be_v express_v therein_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n 7._o the_o four_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o profess_a by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o king_n and_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v express_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v this_o point_n here_o damn_v 8._o the_o discipline_n be_v limitate_v by_o the_o same_o limitation_n 9_o the_o discipline_n be_v either_o take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n signify_v the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n 10._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v precise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o episcopal_a government_n and_o
his_o majesty_n both_o before_o this_o time_n at_o this_o time_n and_o after_o do_v show_v evident_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o divers_a protestation_n against_o those_o assembly_n which_o press_v to_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o presentation_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o place_n whensoever_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a as_o he_o do_v at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n present_a m._n rob._n montgomery_n to_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n see_v then_o that_o this_o abjuration_n or_o confession_n call_v it_o as_o they_o please_v be_v frame_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o thereby_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v abjure_v it_o must_v be_v also_o presuppon_v that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v swear_v or_o subscribe_v the_o same_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n or_o meaning_n otherwise_o they_o do_v swear_v false_o sophystical_o and_o by_o equivocation_n therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o or_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o honest_a man_n who_o have_v a_o efold_a and_o upright_a meaning_n in_o take_v their_o oath_n neither_o can_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1639._o give_v any_o sure_a warrant_n to_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o king_n meaning_n for_o if_o this_o abjuration_n or_o covenant_n have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o there_o have_v be_v some_o appearance_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n now_o may_v give_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o king_n and_o counsel_n act_n and_o the_o oath_n thereto_o require_v of_o all_o the_o subject_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n especial_o such_o a_o unformall_a and_o unlawful_a one_o as_o this_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o false_a and_o vain_a fear_n wherewith_o they_o will_v burden_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v fearful_o perjure_v by_o establish_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretend_a oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v rather_o forswear_v and_o perjure_a who_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o their_o first_o oath_n have_v by_o their_o new_a rebellious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o of_o this_o no_o man_n need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v bishop_n and_o have_v take_v their_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n and_o now_o by_o persuasion_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v break_v their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v their_o authority_n and_o ratify_v their_o disobedience_n by_o another_o oath_n be_v evident_o forswear_v as_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v do_v let_v they_o in_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n search_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o life_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o prick_v thereby_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o four_o several_a sentence_n of_o the_o abjuration_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o first_o have_v now_o show_v that_o neither_o by_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o by_o the_o appendix_n thereof_o call_v abjuration_n nor_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n nor_o by_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n here_o controvert_v be_v condemn_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o they_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n to_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v neither_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o perfect_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o a_o late_a foundation_n and_o may_v be_v in_o sum_n reduce_v to_o three_o sort_n first_o they_o bring_v certain_a break_a sentence_n â—ut_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o call_v the_o confession_n than_o some_o act_n of_o their_o late_a general_n assembly_n and_o three_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o they_o bring_v four_o several_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n falsify_v and_o wrest_v they_o strange_o as_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v some_o show_n of_o prove_v their_o determination_n the_o first_o passage_n be_v in_o these_o word_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n the_o second_o be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a nad_z particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o the_o three_o be_v that_o we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n the_o four_o be_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a to_o all_o these_o passage_n that_o by_o none_o of_o they_o be_v either_o episcopal_a government_n abjure_v for_o first_o in_o the_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o their_o power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o their_o charge_n over_o moc_fw-fr particular_a flock_n or_o of_o presbytery_n of_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o except_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o secret_a meaning_n these_o passage_n can_v serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o we_o have_v show_v before_o both_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o faith_n whereof_o this_o abjuration_n be_v a_o appendix_n and_o by_o the_o explain_a meaning_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o who_o appointment_n this_o abjuration_n be_v frame_v and_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n thereunto_o that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v thereby_o abjure_v and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sâ—nse_n can_v be_v able_a to_o pâ—ove_v their_o purpose_n second_o we_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n m._n alexander_n henrison_n and_o his_o associate_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n do_v confess_v plain_o that_o by_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v and_o that_o any_o man_n may_v safe_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o their_o covenant_n also_o without_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o profession_n they_o entice_v many_o to_o sweat_n and_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n who_o otherwise_o will_v nâ—t_v have_v do_v it_o now_o either_o they_o speak_v sincere_o at_o that_o time_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v flat_o contradict_v this_o position_n that_o by_o swear_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v or_o else_o by_o dissemble_a policy_n they_o do_v so_o profess_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o design_n in_o advance_v per_fw-la fas_fw-la et_fw-la nefas_fw-la their_o rebellious_a covenant_n and_o so_o do_v show_v themselves_o jesuitical_a temporizer_n and_o time-server_n en_fw-fr grain_n abuse_v
estate_n and_o do_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n therein_o both_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o to_o the_o enact_n of_o any_o law_n the_o consent_n of_o prelate_n be_v ever_o think_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o two_o estate_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n no_o act_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n ever_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o three_o estate_n whosoever_o will_v press_v to_o suppress_v the_o estate_n of_o prelate_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o to_o come_v yet_o near_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n those_o who_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o place_n of_o bishop_n call_v superintendent_n have_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n as_o great_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o charge_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o bishop_n do_v now_o require_v in_o their_o diocese_n it_o be_v true_a the_o superintendent_n have_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o can_v have_v for_o why_o the_o bishop_n retain_v still_o their_o possession_n in_o those_o place_n upon_o their_o ancient_a commission_n often_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o reformation_n never_o quarrel_v by_o any_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n until_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o wherein_o the_o bishop_n be_v require_v only_o not_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o special_a commission_n thereâ—ra_n and_o a_o few_o year_n before_o to_o wit_n at_o the_o assembly_n at_o ediâ—burgh_n 1573._o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v express_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n with_o some_o exceptious_a not_o very_o material_a as_o we_o remark_v before_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o except_v this_o power_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o do_v tacit_o at_o the_o least_o approve_v this_o the_o ancient_a commission_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n final_o at_o the_o last_o re-establish_v of_o bishop_n thou_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v express_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n for_o first_o by_o that_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o the_o church_n give_v commission_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n though_o not_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_n affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o glasgoâ—_n and_o lithgow_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o they_o do_v under_o the_o very_a title_n of_o bishop_n receive_v full_a commission_n from_o the_o church_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o to_o exercise_v their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n power_n and_o and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o pastor_n and_o people_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o so_o every_o bishop_n particular_o by_o their_o election_n and_o consecration_n receive_v power_n to_o use_v this_o commission_n whensoever_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o for_o every_o several_a act_n they_o do_v in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o new_a particular_a commission_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o power_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v elect_v to_o that_o office_n shall_v have_v this_o commission_n once_o for_o all_o during_o his_o life_n time_n or_o until_o by_o his_o malversation_n in_o his_o charge_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o legal_o deprive_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o church_n may_v add_v new_a article_n to_o their_o commission_n as_o time_n and_o occasion_n require_v as_o be_v do_v in_o england_n and_o ireland_n where_o the_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n sit_v ever_o in_o the_o time_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v upon_o such_o article_n as_o be_v think_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o serve_v for_o the_o we_o will_v of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o care_n they_o may_v receive_v due_a ratification_n but_o the_o turbulent_a behaviour_n of_o some_o minister_n in_o scotland_n who_o scorn_v to_o have_v their_o petition_n propose_v orderly_o by_o the_o bishop_n have_v as_o yet_o bar_v the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n from_o that_o privilege_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v the_o only_a exception_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v make_v against_o any_o point_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o since_o that_o exception_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v now_o remove_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1581._o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v chap._n xiiii_o discuss_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n here_o cite_v since_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o subsequent_a assembly_n against_o bishop_n be_v ground_v upon_o these_o two_o former_a act_n whereby_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v and_o since_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o must_v have_v as_o little_a strength_n as_o they_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o particular_a discuss_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o lest_o it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o have_v over_o past_o they_o altogether_o we_o shall_v remark_v some_o few_o particular_a observation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o their_o purpose_n here_o yet_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o divers_a point_n against_o they_o first_o those_o act_n cite_v here_o concerning_o the_o presentation_n by_o the_o king_n and_o admission_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o of_o m._n robert_n poâ—s_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o caithâ—es_n and_o the_o divers_a ineffectual_a suit_n make_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o king_n council_n and_o parliament_n for_o advance_v of_o their_o presbyterial_a discipline_n and_o suppression_n of_o bishop_n to_o wit_n those_o present_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1587._o serve_v against_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o declare_v that_o their_o violent_a proceed_n against_o bishop_n and_o for_o establish_v of_o their_o new_a discipline_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n all_o this_o time_n but_o direct_o resist_v as_o contrary_a to_o their_o will_n and_o manifest_a intention_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v any_o such_o meaning_n or_o intention_n as_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n suffer_v a_o act_n to_o pass_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v in_o a_o part_n their_o new_a discipline_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o their_o meaning_n to_o approve_v the_o same_o direct_o but_o for_o a_o pregnant_a reason_n of_o estate_n they_o do_v tolerate_v lesser_a evil_n that_o great_a may_v be_v eschew_v for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n be_v mighty_o astonish_v by_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o a_o dangerous_a conspiracy_n of_o sundry_a nobleman_n of_o great_a power_n in_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o trasâ—ieking_a jesuit_n and_o gentleman_n affect_v to_o the_o popish_a religion_n such_o as_o father_n creightou_n father_n abercromy_n sir_n william_n graham_n of_o fentry_n m._n george_n carr_n and_o other_o who_o bring_v in_o great_a sum_n of_o spanish_a gold_n and_o promise_v great_a whereby_o those_o nobleman_n and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o faction_n be_v corrupt_v to_o betray_v their_o
to_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o the_o posterity_n afterward_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o after_o earnest_a call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o religious_o â—â—tested_v in_o the_o say_a confession_n have_v enter_v into_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o assembliâ—â—_n have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d before_o and_o which_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v â—reserved_v bring_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o have_v find_v that_o in_o the_o lâ—ter_n confession_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n we_o profess_v 1._o that_o we_o detest_v â—ll_n tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n next_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o 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person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n or_o visitor_n and_o not_o abrogate_a