backslide_n and_o overturn_v of_o our_o dayesâ—_n their_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v work_v in_o they_o a_o carefulness_n a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o a_o indignation_n a_o fear_n a_o vehement_a desire_n a_o zeal_n yea_o and_o a_o revenge_n above_o all_o the_o detestation_n that_o our_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v common_o calumniat_fw-la as_o fury_n among_o we_o and_o cyprian_a in_o place_n of_o his_o particular_a above_n cite_v constitute_v &c._n &c._n oppose_v to_o the_o then_o aspire_a prelaâ—y_n will_v become_v a_o presbyterian_a of_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o do_v not_o own_o these_o accusation_n of_o schism_n &_o total_a breach_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o state_n and_o phrase_n the_o difference_n of_o present_a practice_n from_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v often_o and_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o sin_n attend_v the_o compliance_n urge_v be_v the_o plain_a cause_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o withdraw_n yet_o that_o our_o abstain_v from_o the_o present_a church-meeting_n so_o wide_o differ_v from_o these_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o environ_v with_o circumstance_n no_o less_o variant_n do_v not_o give_v ground_n to_o so_o much_o as_o that_o seem_a opposition_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o author_n object_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a therein_o will_v have_v choose_v upon_o the_o like_a exigence_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o true_a and_o serious_a observer_n will_v very_o ready_o acknowledge_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o the_o author_n one_o and_o last_o word_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o enforce_v epithet_n of_o undeniable_a and_o very_a considerable_a wherewith_o he_o second_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o singular_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n premise_v have_v thus_o large_o digress_v in_o the_o review_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o therein_o discuss_v most_o of_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o this_o accommodation_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o follow_v forth_o the_o second_o article_n where_o i_o leave_v and_o though_o for_o the_o better_a reach_v of_o the_o outmost_a of_o our_o adversary_n pretension_n i_o have_v suppose_v prelacy_n to_o be_v thereby_o reduce_v to_o a_o simple_a presidency_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n argue_v against_o it_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la who_o when_o present_a be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o absent_a do_v at_o best_a only_o permit_v a_o precarious_a suffection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n suffrage_n but_o absolute_o reserve_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o next_o that_o the_o general_a of_o all_o church-affaire_n and_o what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o management_n whether_o the_o decision_n only_o when_o propose_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o both_o the_o propose_v and_o decide_v do_v seem_v to_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n i_o think_v the_o article_n be_v further_a liable_a to_o these_o exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o inevitable_a prejudice_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n just_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o moderator_n in_o its_o several_a assembly_n and_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n in_o this_o point_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o present_a note_n as_o defective_a and_o which_o be_v also_o much_o desiderat_fw-la be_v a_o clear_a explanation_n whether_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propose_v be_v aswell_o offer_v in_o this_o article_n to_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o the_o meeting_n as_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v concede_v or_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o our_o national_a synod_n as_o now_o settle_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o constant_a moderatorâ—_n or_o rather_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o mere_a intervention_n of_o the_o fix_v praeses_fw-la as_o his_o instrument_n i_o shall_v not_o criticise_v nor_o ask_v how_o the_o proposal_n come_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o term_n that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v he_o manage_v in_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n rather_o than_o thus_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v manage_v by_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n &_o their_o free_a vote_n only_o this_o i_o may_v affirm_v that_o the_o second_o member_n of_o my_o doubt_n be_v no_o less_o probable_a &_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n and_o prescript_n of_o the_o act_n mention_v then_o evident_o elusory_a of_o all_o the_o other_o liberty_n propose_v but_o wherefore_o do_v i_o hesitat_fw-la in_o these_o small_a mattersâ—_n the_o thing_n here_o principal_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o as_o by_o the_o present_a establishment_n annex_v church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o prerogative_n and_o thereby_o subvert_v all_o true_a church-government_n and_o make_v the_o pretend_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n only_o the_o â—ing_n and_o the_o prelate_n their_o pitiful_a conventicle_n the_o first_o article_n invite_v to_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n be_v render_v vain_a and_o void_a &_o all_o its_o caution_n impertinent_a so_o the_o supremacy_n now_o more_o than_o ever_o prevalentâ—_n be_v with_o this_o second_o article_n and_o all_o the_o offer_n of_o liberty_n therein_o hold_v out_o plain_o inconsistent_a for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o the_o two_o may_v be_v impartial_o compare_v the_o article_n say_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o their_o free_a vote_n and_o the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n statute_n that_o his_o magesty_n may_v enact_v concern_v all_o meeting_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a what_o in_o his_o royal_a misdome_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a how_o then_o can_v these_o two_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n can_v they_o be_v reconcile_v if_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o line_n i_o know_v the_o subordination_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o general_n assembly_n may_v easy_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n but_o see_v a_o subordination_n of_o this_o â—ort_n betwixt_o these_o court_n and_o this_o high_a prerogative_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v their_o true_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o accommodation_n there_o be_v any_o derogation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n intend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v connive_v at_o be_v foolish_a and_o presumptuous_a it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o supremacy_n and_o the_o liberty_n here_o pretend_v can_v rational_o be_v compose_v if_o therefore_o the_o accommodator_n will_v deal_v upright_o in_o this_o affair_n let_v they_o first_o show_v we_o where_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o come_v and_o next_o cause_n we_o to_o understand_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n they_o seem_v to_o offer_v and_o then_o boast_v of_o their_o condescendency_n but_o while_o they_o suppose_v thing_n for_o uncontroverted_a ground_n which_o be_v warrantable_o and_o plain_o by_o we_o deny_v and_o then_o will_v engage_v we_o by_o a_o form_n of_o specious_a concession_n want_v all_o real_a foundation_n they_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o palpable_a weakness_n or_o more_o unpardonnable_a disingenuity_n the_o three_o article_n bear_v if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_n or_o their_o committee_n that_o this_o provincial_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o oversway_v by_o the_o supremacy_n and_o thereby_o manifest_o disprovable_a as_o neither_o a_o true_a ecclesiastick-court_n nor_o enjoy_v any_o competent_a measure_n of_o power_n &_o liberty_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o the_o argument_n above_o adduce_v against_o the_o precede_a article_n the_o singularite_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v a_o court_n not_o in_o use_n among_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v express_o declare_v 2._o that_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o this_o by_o usher_n reduction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o present_a establishment_n it_o must_v consist_v of_o member_n viz._n the_o bishop_n and_o dean_n or_o constant_a moderator_n of_o the_o province_n both_o more_o unwarrantable_a as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n then_o the_o ordinary_a constituent_n of_o inferior_a meeting_n 3._o that_o this_o provincial_a be_v to_o have_v a_o committie_n which_o be_v yet_o very_o unlawful_o establish_v for_o a_o perpetual_a court_n can_v only_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n of_o the_o archbishops_n primacy_n and_o the_o oversway_n of_o
a_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o preface_n any_o thing_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o treaty_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n that_o have_v since_o be_v practise_v i_o shall_v take_v its_o term_n from_o their_o most_o assure_a warrant_n viz._n the_o article_n late_o give_v in_o at_o paseley_n to_o the_o mimister_n there_o conveening_a under_o the_o title_n and_o of_o the_o tenor_n follow_v article_n propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o dissent_v brother_n will_v come_v to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n anent_o church-government_n and_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o shall_v have_v liberty_n at_o their_o entry_n to_o the_o say_a meeting_n to_o declare_v and_o enter_v it_o in_o what_o form_n they_o please_v 2._o that_o all_o church_n affair_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o 3._o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n 4._o that_o intrant_v be_v lawful_o present_v by_o the_o patron_n and_o due_o try_v by_o the_o presbytery_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytrie_n for_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o theiâ—_n solemn_a ordination_n and_o admission_n at_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o impossibility_n or_o extreme_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v in_o touch_v that_o affair_n it_o shall_v be_v referable_a to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o my_o l._n commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n 6._o that_o no_o intrant_fw-la shall_v be_v engage_v to_o any_o canonical_a oath_n or_o subscription_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o his_o opinion_n anent_o that_o government_n shall_v not_o prejudge_v he_o in_o this_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o declare_v these_o be_v the_o condition_n offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o intend_a accommodation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o for_o a_o due_a understanding_n of_o their_o import_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o meeting_n call_v presbytery_n synod_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o which_o the_o brethren_n be_v invite_v and_o for_o that_o end_n we_o must_v not_o only_o transpose_v the_o five_o article_n to_o the_o first_o place_n and_o supply_v it_o with_o such_o other_o probability_n as_o may_v be_v have_v but_o also_o arise_v a_o little_a high_o to_o remember_v the_o change_n that_o we_o have_v late_o see_v and_o from_o what_o and_o to_o what_o they_o have_v carry_v we_o for_o see_v our_o join_n in_o the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o or_o under_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o demand_v of_o we_o it_o be_v so_o little_a possible_a without_o this_o previous_a examination_n right_o and_o fair_o to_o define_v the_o case_n in_o contratraversie_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o acquit_v the_o preposterousness_n and_o deficiency_n in_o the_o article_n of_o a_o great_a error_n than_o a_o common_a mistake_n the_o thing_n then_o which_o come_v first_o to_o be_v note_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o which_o i_o shall_v represent_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o impartiality_n that_o i_o hope_v none_o shall_v deny_v it_o be_v that_o this_o church_n have_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o abrogat_fw-la and_o abjure_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o bishop_n and_o set_v up_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o its_o pure_a simplicity_n and_o parity_n we_o together_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n solemn_o engage_v constant_o to_o adhere_v unto_o and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o establish_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n reform_v and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o these_o novation_n after_o which_o time_n the_o church_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n do_v enjoy_v a_o ministry_n and_o government_n true_o ecclesiastic_a commit_v to_o they_o by_o and_o depend_v upon_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n thereafter_o by_o a_o act_n rescissory_a it_o be_v declare_v and_o statute_n by_o both_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1640._o and_o 1641._o agreeable_o to_o the_o oath_n former_o take_v that_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o kirk_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o in_o the_o general_n provincial_a and_o ptesbyterial_a assembly_n with_o the_o kirk_n session_n establish_v by_o act._n p._n 1592._o &_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o the_o year_n 1643._o the_o whole_a kingdom_n do_v again_o swear_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n schism_n superstition_n profannesse_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o engagement_n we_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o to_o continow_v in_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o to_o promove_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n thus_o matter_n stand_v both_o in_o obligation_n and_o general_a observance_n until_o the_o year_n 1661._o at_o which_o time_n the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v have_v prepare_v their_o way_n by_o exalt_v of_o the_o prerogative_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o by-gone_a time_n special_o that_o of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o bond_n they_o at_o one_o blow_v rescinde_v all_o parliament_n after_o the_o year_n 1633._o and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o civil_a sanction_n and_o its_o continowance_n by_o another_o act_n permit_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v only_o precarious_a during_o the_o king_n pleasure_n afterwards_o all_o ecclesiastic_a meeting_n in_o synod_n presbytry_n and_o session_n be_v by_o proclamation_n the_o 9_o january_n 1662._o discharge_v until_o they_o shall_v be_v authorize_v and_o order_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n then_o nominat_fw-la by_o his_o majesty_n upon_o their_o enter_v into_o the_o government_n of_o their_o respective_a see_v by_o which_o mean_n the_o former_a government_n be_v overturn_v and_o raze_v unto_o the_o very_a foundation_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o man_n can_v effectuate_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v be_v the_o new_a structure_n and_o frame_n that_o be_v raise_v in_o its_o place_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o parliament_n again_o meet_v by_o their_o first_o act_n for_o re-establish_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n lay_v it_o for_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v unto_o his_o majesty_n as_o a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n they_o do_v thereby_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n not_o only_o to_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o their_o accustom_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n but_o also_o to_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o power_n of_o ordination_n censure_n and_o all_o church-discipline_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v of_o know_a loyalty_n and_o prudence_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o all_o scruple_n the_o parliament_n do_v further_a rescinde_v all_o former_a act_n by_o which_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o
its_o assembly_n and_o all_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o its_o office-bearer_n or_o meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o his_o majesty_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o moreover_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o whereby_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v ancient_o confirm_v and_o which_o by_o vertew_n of_o the_o above_o mention_v act_n rescissory_a do_v now_o in_o so_o far_o by_o the_o act_n 1612._o stand_v rescind_v in_o respect_n that_o it_o do_v also_o limit_v the_o king_n prerogative_n to_o be_v without_o prejudice_n or_o derogation_n to_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a censure_n special_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o act_n i_o say_v 1592._o be_v now_o for_o this_o reason_n total_o annul_v in_o all_o the_o head_n article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o from_o which_o act_n of_o restitution_n although_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a church-constitution_n may_v be_v very_o obvious_o gather_v yet_o there_o be_v two_o other_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n the_o one_o be_v that_o concern_v a_o national_a synod_n wherein_o his_o majesty_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n do_v more_o absolute_o appoint_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o member_n thereof_o then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a civil_a court_n unquestionable_o dependent_a upon_o his_o royal_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o aswell_o the_o proposal_n as_o the_o final_a approbation_n of_o all_o matter_n to_o be_v therein_o treat_v the_o other_o be_v the_o late_a act_n 1669._o assert_v the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o supreme_a authority_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a be_v so_o full_o declare_v to_o appertain_v to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o vertew_n thereof_o he_o may_v dispose_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o person_n ecclesiastic_a and_o enact_v concern_v the_o church_n meeting_n and_o matter_n therein_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o more_o absolute_a power_n in_o any_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v devise_v in_o his_o favour_n these_o act_n lie_v so_o well_o together_o i_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o joint_a consideration_n and_o from_o they_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o last_o revolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o invasion_n make_v upon_o the_o church_n government_n by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o bishop_n and_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o happen_v in_o their_o former_a introduction_n precede_v the_o year_n 1612_o but_o that_o the_o alteration_n make_v be_v plain_o fundamental_a and_o that_o by_o his_o majesty_n assume_v all_o church-power_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o proper_a right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n without_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v with_o the_o pope_n a_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o effect_n and_o convey_v the_o same_o by_o these_o communication_n alone_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dispense_v and_o to_o such_o person_n and_o meeting_n as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o appoint_v and_o make_v to_o himself_o accountable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o genus_fw-la of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n recognosce_v by_o presbytery_n as_o only_o fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o our_o lord_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n let_v be_v its_o specification_n from_o our_o classical_a form_n at_o present_a to_o be_v find_v in_o be_v in_o this_o church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o i_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a erection_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o in_o the_o year_n 1606._o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v by_o the_o then_o parliament_n first_o enact_v and_o by_o the_o next_o act_n their_o restitution_n be_v thereon_o also_o found_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o act_n 1612._o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v turn_v to_o exercise_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o diocesian_a visitation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o by_o the_o same_o act_n the_o act_n 1592._o be_v also_o rescind_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o betwixt_o the_o former_a practice_n and_o the_o late_a establishment_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparity_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o apparent_a resemblance_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v be_v nevertheless_o accompany_v by_o such_o real_a and_o material_a difference_n that_o it_o do_v only_o the_o more_o notable_o evince_v the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o method_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n beyond_o all_o that_o the_o same_o design_n in_o former_a time_n can_v suggest_v king_n james_n be_v indeed_o bend_v for_o prelacy_n as_o all_o do_v acknowledge_v but_o by_o seek_v thereby_o to_o qualify_v and_o oversway_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o effect_n to_o subvert_v all_o government_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o absurdity_n which_o his_o better_a understanding_n do_v prudent_o forbear_v and_o nothing_o save_v either_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o grow_a iniquity_n or_o the_o precipitancie_n of_o our_o time_n can_v have_v produce_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o and_o the_o former_a time_n the_o particular_n follow_v will_v easy_o evince_v and_o first_o it_o be_v true_a the_o parliament_n 1606._o do_v by_o their_o first_o act_n declare_v the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o in_o general_a over_o all_o estate_n person_n and_o cause_n without_o the_o least_o derogation_n to_o the_o explication_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o parl._n 1592._o whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o supremacy_n have_v be_v assert_v declare_v and_o exercise_v in_o order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a person_n meeting_n and_o matter_n not_o only_o far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n pretend_v to_o in_o civils_n but_o above_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v arrogate_v either_o by_o pope_n or_o temporal_a potentate_n next_o by_o the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o forementioned_a parliament_n 1606._o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v indeed_o restore_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o to_o what_o to_o ecclesiastic_a power_n presidencie_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n fie_o not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o their_o former_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n live_n land_n teind_n rent_n etc._n etc._n and_o chief_o and_o especial_o against_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n 1587._o these_o though_o unjust_o bestow_v be_v yet_o proper_a subject_n for_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n pure_o ecclesiastic_a they_o right_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v without_o their_o line_n whereas_o by_o the_o late_a act._n 1662._o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n restore_v the_o bishop_n both_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o also_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n power_n of_o ordination_n and_o other_o above_o rehearse_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o supreme_a head_n whence_o all_o church-pove_a do_v flow_v and_o to_o who_o the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a a_o attempt_n so_o impertinent_a to_o secular_a power_n and_o subversive_a of_o the_o very_a subject_a matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n that_o the_o former_a time_n not_o from_o any_o great_a tenderness_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o mere_o from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o inconsistencie_n do_v not_o once_o dream_v of_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n king_n james_n who_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o neither_o do_v his_o prerogative_n extend_v to_o the_o proper_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v thereupon_o found_v and_o that_o for_o he_o to_o assume_v the_o disposal_n and_o dispense_n thereof_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o destroy_v it_o although_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n he_o restore_v the_o bishop_n to_o their_o honour_n temporality_n and_o possession_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o power_n ecclesiastic_a by_o they_o acclaim_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o compass_v the_o same_o only_a by_o the_o suffrage_n &_o determination_n of_o church-assembly_n and_o according_o we_o see_v
for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o assertion_n the_o act_n &_o other_o thing_n by_o i_o premise_v do_v abundant_o clear_v it_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o king_n have_v no_o such_o power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v uncontroverted_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n and_o the_o supremacy_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o restitution_n be_v to_o they_o a_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n than_o any_o of_o these_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n intend_v by_o the_o accommodation_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o accommodator_n either_o by_o conviction_n or_o condescendence_n to_o have_v remove_v it_o however_o i_o may_v not_o digress_v only_o i_o be_o assure_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la against_o whatsoever_o opponent_n 1._o that_o this_o ecclesiastic_a power_n be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o administration_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n when_o no_o magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n adduceable_a whereupon_o it_o can_v accrease_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n from_o the_o people_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n over_o and_o about_o which_o the_o original_a power_n be_v to_o they_o competent_a to_o which_o this_o church-power_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v reckon_v 3._o that_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o good_a king_n and_o emperor_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v no_o way_n flow_v from_o any_o inherent_a right_n or_o prerogative_n they_o have_v conversant_a in_o these_o matter_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a product_n of_o necessity_n sustain_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o work_n &_o deficiency_n of_o the_o more_o proper_a mean_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v due_o consider_v i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o supremacy_n will_v very_o quick_o evanish_v and_o therefore_o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o see_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v a_o high_a usurpation_n against_o our_o lord_n &_o master_n all_o court_n depend_v thereon_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o &_o partake_v therein_o what_o ever_o opinion_n a_o man_n do_v reserve_v or_o whatever_o declaration_n be_v make_v anent_o it_o must_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o here_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n what_o be_v the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o be_v the_o present_a minister_n no_o presbyter_n but_o their_o be_v no_o such_o haste_n neither_o have_v these_o thing_n any_o further_a connexion_n then_o that_o the_o present_a minister_n be_v not_o presbyter_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o denote_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o true_o i_o think_v in_o ingenuity_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v special_o see_v that_o although_o they_o hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n by_o mission_n from_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v from_o the_o king_n on_o who_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n depend_v whereupon_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o government_n do_v as_o well_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v do_v and_o that_o thereby_o true_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v only_o subsist_v then_o these_o meeting_n which_o recognosce_fw-la his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a for_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n which_o they_o acclaime_v can_v no_o more_o be_v true_o such_o than_o he_o who_o by_o vertew_n of_o his_o sovereign_n mission_n will_v pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o what_o need_v of_o more_o word_n if_o the_o present_a conform_a minister_n and_o there_o meeting_n have_v disclained_a jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a head_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o own_o no_o power_n thereof_o but_o what_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o his_o majesty_n as_o supreme_a wherewith_o nevertheless_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o at_o all_o vest_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v disallow_v all_o church-government_n and_o medling_n and_o meeting_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o hold_v their_o commission_n and_o warrant_n from_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n what_o concurrence_n can_v we_o make_v in_o on_z and_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o by_o what_o salvo_fw-la may_n my_o sit_v and_o act_v be_v justify_v in_o a_o meeting_n in_o the_o power_n whereof_o i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o partake_v for_o my_o part_n since_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o true_a head_n but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o another_o to_o who_o they_o do_v refer_v &_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o power_n if_o we_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v both_o detest_v this_o usurpation_n and_o disclaim_v all_o share_n in_o any_o power_n save_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o these_o assembly_n i_o think_v until_o they_o first_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o mistake_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v rational_o blame_v we_o for_o separation_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o entry_n qualify_v either_o by_o declaration_n or_o protestation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o free_n of_o the_o party_n from_o a_o apparent_a constructive_a accession_n to_o certain_a accidental_a corruption_n that_o may_v be_v in_o a_o meeting_n to_o which_o he_o be_v otherwise_o oblige_v to_o join_v yet_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o this_o case_n where_o the_o very_a constitution_n itself_o be_v so_o unwarrantable_a and_o corrupt_a that_o none_o can_v active_o partake_v therein_o without_o sin_n this_o remedy_n here_o offer_v be_v altogether_o insignificant_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o here_o occur_v be_v that_o although_o this_o reservation_n of_o opinion_n and_o declaration_n permit_v can_v be_v a_o salvo_fw-la as_o to_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o constitution_n yet_o without_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v in_o such_o conjunction_n of_o the_o person_n also_o with_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v there_o may_v be_v a_o assembly_n nay_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o evil_a doer_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hate_n and_o even_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o enclose_v he_o and_o pierce_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n want_v not_o a_o specious_a name_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o a_o simple_a protestation_n may_v warrant_v constant_a presence_n in_o these_o case_n but_o rather_o incline_v with_o jeremiah_n to_o leave_v and_o to_o draw_v from_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n what_o for_o assembly_n the_o present_a church-meeting_n be_v i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o tender_a than_o it_o be_v superflous_a to_o utter_v only_o this_o i_o will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o such_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o member_n that_o no_o declaration_n can_v warrant_v any_o fellowship_n therein_o i_o be_o certain_a that_o the_o subsumption_n viz._n that_o such_o be_v the_o court_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o unbiased_a man_n upon_o these_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o notorious_a perjury_n intrusion_n profanitie_n and_o insufficiency_n unquestionable_o make_v out_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o article_n bear_v that_o all_o church-affaire_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a &_o principal_a condescendence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o place_n that_o aswell_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o brethren_n as_o possible_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o at_o first_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n reason_n as_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o this_o accommodation_n i_o have_v reserve_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o at_o more_o length_n and_o on_o all_o fair_a and_o probable_a supposition_n in_o supplement_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n and_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o advantageous_a sense_n that_o the_o proposer_n can_v desire_v i_o add_v that_o consistent_o therewith_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o constant_a moderator_n whence_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o declare_a purpose_n wave_v any_o further_a exception_n against_o the_o nullity_n of_o
the_o act_n parliament_n 1612._o give_v unto_o bishop_n their_o church-power_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o to_o be_v found_v in_o nor_o flow_v from_o the_o supremacy_n but_o to_o proceed_v simple_o by_o way_n of_o ratification_n of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n make_v two_o year_n precede_v and_o by_o the_o same_o act._n 1612._o the_o act_n 1592._o establish_v aswell_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o presbiterian_a government_n and_o also_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v only_o rescind_v in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o article_n then_o conclude_v whereas_o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o parliament_n by_o the_o act_n 1662._o lay_v down_o the_o supremacy_n for_o the_o basis_n and_o ascrybe_a to_o himself_o the_o origin_n of_o ecclesiastic_a power_n restore_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o own_o commissioner_n and_o delegate_n and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o supremacy_n may_v transcend_v all_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v total_o rescind_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reserve_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o be_v above_o declare_v four_o in_o former_a time_n whatever_o be_v the_o error_n and_o wrong_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n or_o both_o in_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o bishop_n yet_o this_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o important_a that_o the_o church-assembly_n at_o first_o convene_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o after_o confirm_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v not_o upon_o the_o change_n discontinue_v but_o honest_a man_n do_v therein_o maintain_v both_o their_o right_n and_o possession_n except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v invade_v and_o they_o hinder_v by_o the_o bishop_n their_o prevalencie_n whereas_o of_o late_a not_o only_o be_v the_o former_a presbytry_n and_o synod_n raise_v &_o dissolve_v but_o the_o new_a meeting_n now_o convene_v in_o their_o place_n be_v appoint_v to_o sit_v down_o as_o they_o sell_v be_v authorize_v &_o order_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o thereafter_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n restore_v and_o impower_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o person_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a and_o declare_v arbiter_n by_o right_a of_o his_o crown_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o both_o be_v call_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v sit_v and_o act_n by_o vertew_n of_o a_o power_n acknowledge_v a_o subordination_n unto_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o sovereignty_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o be_v also_o to_o he_o make_v accountable_a i_o grant_v that_o for_o better_a conceal_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o supremacy_n &_o prelacy_n the_o present_a meeting_n be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o same_o bound_n &_o much_o under_o the_o same_o form_n and_o name_n with_o the_o old_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o see_v their_o precarious_a dependence_n on_o bishop_n with_o the_o bishop_n their_o proper_a &_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o the_o church_n be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o above_o cite_v act._n 1662._o that_o therefore_o the_o present_a church-government_n as_o it_o be_v freqent_o call_v in_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n so_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v his_o majesty_n government_n and_o not_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v not_o invest_v he_o therewith_o either_o by_o deputation_n or_o surrender_n be_v evident_a above_o exception_n neither_o be_v these_o thing_n so_o only_o in_o the_o law_n and_o appointment_n as_o be_v by_o some_o allege_a no_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o bishop_n their_o depose_n and_o suspend_v in_o synod_n after_o have_v ask_v mere_o pro_fw-la forma_fw-la the_o advice_n of_o a_o few_o next_o to_o they_o without_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a their_o renverse_v the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n &_o control_v whole_a synod_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o his_o majesty_n grant_v of_o the_o high_a commission_n impower_v secular_o to_o appoint_v minister_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o deposition_n and_o suspension_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_n to_o punish_v by_o fine_v consign_v &_o imprison_a his_o remove_n and_o place_v bishop_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o his_o late_a grant_v a_o commission_n of_o oversight_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o the_o diocese_n of_o glasgow_n to_o he_o who_o most_o scruple_v at_o a_o patent_n of_o the_o bishopric_n because_o of_o its_o temporality_n these_o example_n i_o say_v do_v clear_o bring_v up_o our_o practice_n the_o full_a length_n of_o all_o enact_v have_v thus_o explain_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o present_a ecclesiastic_a constitution_n in_o its_o authority_n principle_n and_o practice_n whole_o different_a from_o any_o model_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v in_o this_o church_n i_o think_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o method_n i_o may_v leave_v the_o description_n of_o the_o present_a prebytery_n and_o synod_n to_o the_o reader_n own_o ingenuous_a collection_n but_o to_o render_v my_o discourse_n the_o more_o easy_a i_o say_v that_o the_o presbitery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o so_o term_v among_o we_o be_v meeting_n for_o church-matter_n convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n call_v act_v by_o his_o authority_n in_o a_o precarious_a dependence_n upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o supremacy_n and_o this_o definition_n be_v so_o manefest_o the_o result_n of_o what_o be_v premise_v and_o compose_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o supremacy_n and_o proclamation_n so_o often_o mention_v that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o present_a question_n whether_o we_o may_v simple_o join_v in_o these_o meeting_n or_o not_o for_o see_v that_o not_o only_o this_o conjunction_n will_v be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o supremacy_n nothing_o different_a from_o yea_o rather_o worse_o than_o the_o sit_v in_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o a_o active_a submission_n to_o and_o own_v of_o prelacy_n in_o its_o high_a usurpation_n but_o even_o the_o article_n of_o accommodation_n by_o offer_v a_o mitigation_n do_v evident_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a principle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o a_o simple_a unqualified_a union_n with_o and_o in_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a debate_n the_o point_n therefore_o that_o come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v be_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o article_n do_v indeed_o contain_v such_o condescension_n and_o condition_n as_o may_v full_o relieve_v we_o of_o our_o just_a exception_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v most_o direct_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o my_o l_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v aneâ—â—_n the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o lawâ—_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o commend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o article_n and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v i_o be_o not_o so_o doubtful_a of_o the_o comissioner_n performance_n as_o i_o be_o still_o uncertain_a of_o what_o be_v offer_v the_o brethren_n who_o confer_v in_o the_o abbey_n tell_v we_o that_o presbytery_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o before_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v pass_v from_o his_o negative_a voice_n and_o so_o forth_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o offer_n or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o conscience_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o still_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o which_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v and_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o be_v a_o court_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n and_o act_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n any_o other_o court_n call_v by_o the_o king_n and_o act_v by_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n if_o in_o matter_n proper_o ecclesiastic_a be_v but_o a_o complexed_a usurpation_n against_o christ_n who_o the_o government_n be_v both_o in_o the_o constituent_a and_o actor_n if_o in_o civil_n than_o it_o be_v whole_o without_o the_o minister_n sphere_n and_o not_o to_o be_v meddle_v in_o by_o they_o now_o that_o before_o the_o 1638._o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o sit_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o lord_n court_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v by_o succession_n the_o same_o
with_o these_o which_o at_o first_o by_o warrant_n of_o power_n by_o he_o give_v to_o his_o church_n do_v set_v up_o in_o his_o name_n and_o be_v not_o deprave_v from_o his_o institution_n by_o the_o bishop_n their_o usurpation_n and_o the_o subsequent_a corruption_n be_v not_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v late_o discharge_v and_o discontinue_v &_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o intend_v to_o be_v again_o set_v down_o either_o according_a to_o the_o first_o warrant_n and_o rule_v or_o as_o they_o be_v purge_v after_o the_o 1638._o but_o plain_o by_o vertew_n of_o the_o supremacy_n and_o in_o resemblance_n to_o that_o conjunction_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v before_o the_o 1638._o and_o consequent_o both_o upon_o a_o wrong_a founda_fw-la tion_n and_o in_o their_o most_o corrupt_a condition_n i_o can_v not_o so_o much_o asâ—_n apprehend_v what_o ease_n to_o scruple_a conscience_n can_v be_v herein_o design_v i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v it_o sometime_o allege_a for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o present_a withdraw_n and_o in_o that_o diâ—â—ering_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o predecessor_n under_o the_o last_o bishop_n that_o the_o then_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n do_v meet_v by_o warrant_n of_o law_n which_o now_o they_o want_v but_o this_o reason_n be_v in_o its_o term_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o that_o which_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v main_o to_o regard_n and_o in_o truth_n so_o groundless_a the_o act_n 1592._o confirm_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o these_o meeting_n be_v by_o the_o act_n 1612._o though_o not_o total_o yet_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o article_n therein_o set_v down_o rescind_v and_o make_v void_a that_o i_o can_v but_o judge_v both_o scruple_n &_o solution_n offer_v impertinent_a if_o therefore_o there_o be_v true_a deal_n intend_v and_o any_o real_a respect_n to_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v neither_o by_o the_o re-authorizing_a of_o abrogat_fw-la and_o abjure_v corruption_n nor_o yet_o by_o any_o new_a devise_v frame_n by_o vertew_n of_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o supremacy_n that_o we_o can_v be_v clear_v but_o the_o only_a proposal_n to_o any_o good_a purpose_n that_o can_v be_v make_v in_o this_o behalf_n shall_v be_v of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n found_v upon_o our_o lord_n warrant_v and_o his_o church_n privilege_n and_o consequent_o to_o restore_v they_o either_o as_o they_o be_v first_o allow_v by_o the_o act_n 1592._o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v dissolve_v in_o the_o year_n 1661._o with_o a_o abolition_n of_o all_o inconsistent_a act_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o we_o be_v repone_v to_o the_o same_o estate_n wherein_o our_o predecessor_n be_v how_o can_v we_o prove_v disconforme_v in_o our_o practice_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o dissolution_n and_o discontinuance_n of_o true_a presbytery_n with_o this_o new_a erection_n first_o appoint_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o then_o settle_v upon_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o supremacy_n do_v so_o evident_o difference_n the_o case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v already_o more_o full_o declare_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o as_o a_o restitution_n repones_fw-la against_o a_o discontinuance_n so_o if_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v real_o set_v up_o it_o be_v but_o a_o peevish_a nicety_n to_o stick_v upon_o the_o formality_n how_o the_o same_o be_v do_v the_o return_n be_v easy_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o question_v but_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a restitution_n do_v indeed_o repone_v and_o therefore_o if_o it_o will_v please_v his_o majesty_n to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o its_o meeting_n and_o privilege_n which_o it_o enjoy_v in_o the_o year_n 1661â—_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o supremacieâ—_n for_o accomplish_v the_o thing_n if_o not_o real_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n power_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o right_n restore_v will_v prove_v no_o long_a demur_n but_o as_o for_o the_o restitution_n offer_v see_v it_o be_v not_o adjust_v to_o our_o distress_n but_o express_o refer_v to_o a_o juncture_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o corrupt_a and_o need_v reformation_n and_o whereunto_o if_o bottom_v upon_o the_o supremacy_n and_o not_o continue_v on_o the_o old_a foundation_n the_o faithful_a man_n of_o these_o day_n have_v doubtless_o never_o join_v it_o be_v but_o one_fw-mi empty_a conceit_n no_o way_n reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n from_o which_o ground_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o as_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o declare_v that_o we_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o these_o judicatories_n have_v they_o not_o be_v once_o raise_v and_o settle_v again_o upon_o a_o new_a basis_n and_o that_o though_o a_o bishop_n have_v come_v and_o obtrude_v himself_o upon_o we_o we_o may_v have_v sit_v still_o after_o a_o free_a protest_v give_v against_o his_o usurpation_n so_o g._n bâ—_n endeavour_n in_o a_o letter_n suppose_v to_o be_v from_o he_o persuade_v to_o this_o accommodation_n to_o represent_v this_o as_o a_o methaphysical_a nicety_n of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o the_o empty_a difference_n of_o sit_v still_o though_o a_o bishop_n come_v in_o and_o of_o sit_v down_o again_o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v already_o there_o and_o yet_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o same_o passage_n the_o case_n to_o be_v different_a if_o the_o court_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o judicatorie_a be_v not_o the_o same_o do_v manifest_o bewray_v the_o doctor_n gross_a inadvertencie_n &_o that_o the_o more_o to_o be_v regret_v that_o he_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o obtest_v we_o as_o before_o god_n to_o answer_v for_o our_o stick_v at_o such_o a_o punctilio_fw-la when_o yet_o he_o himself_o in_o a_o short_a but_o untrue_a supposition_n of_o the_o samness_n of_o the_o former_a and_o present_a episcopal_a court_n insinuate_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n render_v the_o difference_n very_o material_a and_o important_a to_o be_v plain_a therefore_o see_v the_o supremacy_n as_o at_o present_a establish_v have_v clear_o evert_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o true_a ecclesiastick-government_n and_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n now_o bear_v that_o name_n be_v only_o its_o unwarrantable_a conventicle_n unless_o that_o these_o prevail_a flood_n of_o this_o prerogative_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o true_a establishment_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n discover_v i_o do_v not_o see_v where_o the_o disire_n of_o any_o to_o be_v innocent_a can_v rest_v or_o how_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n can_v be_v satisfy_v and_o comply_v with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o overture_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o see_v there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n just_a reason_n for_o withdraw_a aswell_o because_o of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o member_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o constitution_n the_o rectification_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v as_o little_a in_o our_o case_n as_o in_o any_o be_v respect_v as_o a_o full_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o their_o article_n will_v more_o proper_o afterward_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o go_v to_o the_o first_o to_o see_v what_o be_v thereby_o further_o offer_v and_o here_o we_o find_v it_o propose_v that_o if_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v come_v to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n anent_o church-government_n and_o swear_v and_o subscrive_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o shall_v have_v liberty_n at_o there_o entry_n to_o the_o say_a meeting_n to_o declare_v &_o enter_v it_o in_o what_o form_n they_o please_v if_o i_o be_v incline_v to_o use_v sharpness_n i_o may_v on_o just_a ground_n say_v that_o this_o article_n certain_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o enter_v to_o sit_v &_o act_n &_o not_o only_o to_o protest_v &_o testify_v do_v contain_v no_o better_a salvo_n for_o our_o exception_n then_o what_o if_o admit_v will_v equal_o allow_v the_o same_o access_n to_o the_o pope_n conclave_n or_o any_o other_o the_o most_o unwarrantable_a and_o corrupt_a meeting_n upon_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o a_o jesuitick_a reservation_n of_o opinion_n and_o declaration_n without_o any_o effect_n or_o a_o protestation_n contrary_n to_o fact_n be_v thereby_o judge_v a_o sufficient_a exoneration_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o purpose_n close_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o synod_n and_o presbitery_n here_o invite_v to_o be_v not_o true_o such_o but_o mere_o nominal_a and_o pretend_a be_v in_o effect_n court_v authorize_v by_o bishop_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o his_o majesty_n in_o matter_n pure_o ecclesiastic_a over_o and_o about_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o
the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n i_o clear_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o a_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a proeslos_n for_o term_v of_o life_n in_o church-meeting_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v by_o we_o admissible_a and_o what_o compliance_n we_o may_v have_v â—or_a it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o paper_n go_v abroad_o from_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n as_o be_v suppose_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o speech_n at_o pase_o whereof_o the_o same_o strain_n i_o conceive_v for_o render_v of_o the_o debate_n more_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a review_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o paper_n we_o find_v it_o assert_v that_o episcopal_a government_n manage_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o 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vestige_n of_o imparity_n either_o in_o power_n or_o presidencie_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a with_o a_o manifest_a equality_n except_o it_o be_v in_o some_o note_n of_o apparent_a pre-eminence_n in_o these_o by_o man_n esteem_v inferior_a express_o as_o it_o seem_v record_v to_o counterbalance_n the_o vanity_n of_o ambition_n of_o after_o age_n who_o in_o favour_n of_o other_o may_v imagine_v a_o superiority_n and_o such_o be_v the_o principal_a resort_n make_v to_o james_n his_o moderate_v rather_o then_o peter_n in_o the_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n paul_n resistance_n to_o peter_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n give_v to_o he_o by_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n and_o the_o like_a 4._o the_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v their_o successor_n both_o in_o their_o ordinary_a power_n and_o blessing_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o inequality_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n either_o from_o the_o immediacy_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o mission_n their_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o great_a eminency_n of_o gift_n or_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o lord_n choose_v witness_n and_o author_n of_o conversion_n to_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o ordain_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o perpetual_a and_o ordinary_a power_n give_v to_o and_o transmit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o in_o that_o they_o neither_o claim_v nor_o exercise_v either_o superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o other_o minister_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o they_o call_v and_o account_v they_o their_o brethren_n partner_n fellow-labourer_n and_o themselves_o fellow-elders_a with_o they_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o in_o on_o place_n paul_n ascribe_v to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o another_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o same_o paul_n who_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n receive_v a_o solemn_a mission_n from_o a_o presbytery_n not_o consist_v of_o fellow-apostle_n but_o of_o other_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n gift_n there_o fore_o be_v indeed_o diverse_a and_o unequal_a and_o employment_n also_o be_v various_a in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o then_o exigence_n of_o a_o grow_a spread_a church_n but_o that_o either_o among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o they_o and_o the_o pastor_n by_o they_o ordain_v or_o among_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o there_o be_v the_o least_o imparity_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a power_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o passage_n mention_v do_v plain_o confirm_v the_o negative_a so_o there_o can_v no_o instance_n be_v adduce_v from_o scripture_n in_o the_o contrary_n we_o know_v timothy_n titus_n &_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v much_o talk_v of_o as_o the_o first_o superior_a bishop_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v as_o easy_o repone_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o enjoin_v or_o recommend_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o every_o pastor_n unless_o what_o be_v evident_o referable_a to_o his_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n there_o express_v 2._o the_o command_n give_v to_o titus_n to_o ordain_v elder_n be_v by_o way_n of_o express_a commission_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o exclusive_a of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o elder_n where_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n 3_o that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o very_a epistle_n more_o than_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n that_o both_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v and_o the_o thing_n and_o office_n thereby_o signify_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o last_o that_o the_o know_a use_n &_o elegancy_n of_o the_o singular_a number_n for_o the_o plural_a with_o the_o figurative_a speech_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v no_o
more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n 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which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practiâ—e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o â—ollow_v thaâ—_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppoâ—sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v â—ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
matter_n of_o god_n study_v his_o own_o way_n if_o we_o neglect_v this_o sure_a and_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o a_o self-denied_n and_o lowly_a gospel_n ministry_n with_o these_o prescription_n of_o truth_n humility_n and_o loveâ—_n give_v to_o we_o as_o the_o remedy_n against_o all_o disorder_n schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o indulge_v to_o our_o own_o device_n where_o will_v we_o subsist_v i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o subtlety_n and_o presumption_n of_o man_n delusion_n special_o for_o promote_a that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o work_v in_o ecclesiastic_a aspire_n if_o our_o blind_a probability_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v the_o mean_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n there_o be_v no_o question_n carnal_a reason_n will_v again_o insinuat_fw-la according_a to_o the_o pretension_n that_o raise_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o frequent_a suggestion_n of_o our_o time_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o the_o proper_a and_o assure_a way_n to_o a_o firm_a establishment_n be_v to_o resolve_v either_o man_n belief_n or_o his_o obedience_n into_o the_o uncontrollable_a determination_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o prince_n but_o as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v let_v be_v regulat_fw-la by_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a capacity_n so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o revere_v these_o peremptory_a and_o severe_a restraint_n where_o with_o he_o have_v bound_v the_o darring_n of_o vain_a reason_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v in_o these_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v write_v special_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n when_o not_o only_o manifest_a disappointment_n as_o to_o the_o end_v pretend_v but_o the_o worst_a of_o consequence_n have_v by_o a_o very_a visible_a progress_n open_o discover_v both_o the_o folly_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o presidencie_n under_o question_n for_o evince_v whereof_o i_o observe_v .2_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o unto_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o such_o but_o unto_o the_o more_o abound_a grace_n of_o god_n under_o these_o frequent_a and_o grievous_a persecution_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v then_o exercise_v that_o the_o singular_a order_n unity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v so_o the_o gradual_a advance_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la together_o with_o the_o joint_n and_o perpetual_a decline_v of_o true_a knowledge_n &_o piety_n &_o concur_v increase_n of_o pride_n contention_n irreligion_n &_o superstition_n be_v very_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o its_o vanity_n i_o need_v not_o note_v that_o the_o first_o time_n to_o which_o this_o presidencie_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n be_v the_o pure_a its_o first_o set_v up_o as_o most_o acknowledge_v be_v in_o the_o second_o centurie_n in_o a_o simple_a protocathedria_n to_o the_o senior_a presbyter_n short_o thereafter_o it_o turn_v to_o a_o prostasia_fw-la give_v by_o election_n and_o then_o still_o ascend_v even_o under_o the_o discountenance_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathenish_a power_n and_o people_n it_o do_v notwithstanding_o what_o by_o wrest_v the_o election_n in_o many_o place_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o what_o by_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n and_o censure_n advance_v to_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o prelacy_n as_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n and_o especial_o by_o good_a cyprian_n his_o word_n to_o his_o presbyter_n epist._n 6._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la statui_fw-la nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la privata_fw-la sententia_fw-la gerere_fw-la whereby_o as_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o then_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o other_o bishop_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v his_o contrary_a resolution_n now_o what_o under_o this_o progress_n of_o the_o prostasia_fw-la still_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o remedy_n be_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o evil_n both_o of_o contention_n schism_n and_o heresy_n special_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n suffering_n wherewith_o these_o several_a degree_n be_v manifest_o attend_v need_v not_o to_o be_v enforce_v by_o many_o instance_n that_o of_o victor_n as_o to_o superstition_n contention_n and_o schism_n who_o for_o a_o different_a observation_n of_o pasch_fw-mi a_o weighty_a point_n forsooth_o do_v excommunicate_a the_o better_a half_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v stand_v for_o a_o thousand_o and_o as_o for_o heresy_n their_o catalogue_n be_v almost_o endless_a but_o though_o its_o rise_n under_o so_o great_a pressure_n do_v very_o convince_o argue_v the_o strong_a and_o subtle_a spirit_n work_v in_o its_o elevation_n yet_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o constantin_n empire_n and_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o church_n that_o it_o do_v yet_o more_o evident_o begin_v to_o discover_v itself_o in_o its_o proper_a colour_n and_o from_o this_o period_n indeed_o it_o be_v that_o more_o and_o more_o exalt_v and_o explicate_v its_o power_n it_o cease_v not_o until_o through_o proud_a and_o fervid_v contention_n of_o the_o prelate_n among_o themselves_o for_o precedency_n more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o then_o all_o the_o petty_a contest_v that_o can_v arise_v among_o presbyter_n and_o these_o still_o varnish_v with_o he_o pretext_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o apostolic_a example_n but_o real_o animat_fw-la by_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o accompany_v with_o covetousness_n luxury_n neglect_v of_o truth_n abound_v of_o error_n superstition_n and_o irreligion_n it_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o papacy_n which_o by_o its_o tyrannous_a infallibility_n and_o implicit_a faith_n do_v in_o the_o end_n indeed_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o destroy_n of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n a_o apparent_a peace_n and_o unity_n most_o like_a to_o that_o indifferency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o surrender_v and_o abjection_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o abettor_n of_o our_o supremacy_n do_v under_o the_o same_o plausible_a name_n and_o pretence_n so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v this_o be_v then_o the_o growth_n progress_n and_o product_n of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la &_o its_o lie_a pretence_n of_o remedy_v &_o prevent_v schism_n in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o then_o the_o suitable_a revelation_n of_o that_o mystery_n which_o at_o first_o do_v more_o latent_o begin_v to_o work_v under_o its_o less_o discernible_a appearance_n what_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o i_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n ingenuity_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o although_o the_o ensue_a of_o prelacy_n and_o papacy_n and_o all_o their_o evil_n upon_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n may_v give_v a_o colour_n to_o the_o premise_a discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o such_o matter_n to_o strain_v observation_n and_o these_o consequence_n may_v be_v only_o its_o accidental_a and_o not_o its_o proper_a effect_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o natural_a and_o gradual_a connexion_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o impartial_a reflection_n then_o persuade_v by_o superfluous_a argue_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a first_o that_o the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a reason_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o â—ixed_a presidencie_n viz._n the_o ear_n of_o division_n and_o prevention_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o deceivablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v still_o make_v use_n of_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n until_o that_o at_o length_n it_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n and_o discover_v its_o effect_n infinite_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o evil_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o obviate_v 2_o that_o in_o matter_n religious_a the_o want_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o lord_n promise_v and_o blessing_n together_o with_o the_o actual_a follow_v of_o bad_a fruit_n &_o effect_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o thing_n question_v be_v thereof_o proper_o productive_a i_o need_v not_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o pope_n primacy_n and_o headship_n be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o all_o rome_n superstition_n and_o abomination_n if_o of_o old_a i_o send_v they_o not_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o sure_a and_o firm_a conclusion_n shall_v not_o then_o the_o visible_a accomplishment_n i_o appoint_v it_o not_o and_o it_o have_v not_o profit_v but_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o grievous_a mischief_n prove_v a_o evidence_n equal_o convince_a but_o it_o be_v say_v admit_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o course_n of_o its_o exaltation_n in_o these_o time_n yet_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o be_v now_o make_v with_o a_o manifest_o contrary_a design_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o low_a and_o reduce_v prelacy_n the_o precede_a representation_n be_v of_o
no_o moment_n it_o be_v answer_v i_o grant_v that_o this_o reduction_n be_v indeed_o give_v out_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o alteration_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o supremacy_n more_o than_o in_o the_o papacy_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o prelacy_n itself_o do_v lie_v and_o that_o the_o present_a offer_n of_o this_o presidencie_n be_v only_o a_o politic_a draught_n â—ending_v by_o the_o engage_v of_o these_o who_o just_o reclaim_v to_o sit_v &_o act_v in_o its_o court_n to_o the_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a establishment_n of_o the_o same_o supremacy_n and_o render_v of_o its_o influence_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o project_n may_v possible_o appear_v a_o more_o covert_a but_o be_v in_o truth_n raâ—her_o a_o more_o dangerous_a part_n of_o the_o same_o mystery_n if_o then_o this_o fix_a praeses_fw-la at_o first_o set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n unwarrantable_a and_o anti-scriptural_a that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la offer_v to_o we_o must_v be_v much_o more_o such_o can_v be_v controvert_v in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v several_a material_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o all_o aggravate_v against_o the_o present_a proposal_n as_o this_o short_a comparison_n of_o the_o two_o do_v abundant_o hold_v out_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la in_o ancient_a time_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o consequent_o be_v by_o they_o censurable_a as_o also_o he_o do_v only_o preside_v over_o one_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o a_o very_a small_a classis_fw-la the_o take_n of_o the_o election_n from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o exempt_n the_o then_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la from_o their_o control_n and_o the_o superinduction_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n be_v all_o posterior_n invention_n whereas_o the_o praeses_fw-la popose_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v nominat_fw-la and_o appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o he_o only_o deposable_a or_o removable_a as_o also_o the_o least_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v over_o many_o presbytery_n or_o class_n whereof_o any_o one_o be_v by_o far_o too_o large_a for_o a_o conscientious_a gospel_n oversight_n and_o two_o of_o they_o over_o several_a synod_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o extrinsic_a and_o absurd_a secularity_n clear_o incompatible_a both_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n which_o difference_n to_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o material_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o make_v out_o but_o since_o our_o reject_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la do_v proceed_v upon_o far_o more_o solid_a and_o comprehensive_a ground_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v they_o only_o that_o i_o may_v a_o little_a recreate_v my_o reader_n the_o return_n make_v at_o pase_o by_o a_o worthy_a doctor_n to_o that_o disparity_n of_o the_o present_a praeses_fw-la his_o being_n nominat_fw-la by_o the_o king_n be_v very_o observable_a and_o after_o he_o have_v meen_o declare_v the_o manner_n of_o old_a election_n and_o how_o the_o people_n sometime_o aswell_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o have_v make_v his_o answer_n that_o the_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v and_o choose_v this_o praeses_fw-la for_o want_v of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n with_o no_o better_a consequence_n than_o iâ—_n one_o shall_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o the_o magistrate_n may_v now_o ordain_v minister_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o majesty_n appointment_n and_o nomination_n partly_o from_o the_o prerogative_n of_o universal_a patron_n competent_a to_o he_o jure_fw-la coronae_fw-la and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o partly_o because_o that_o a_o inferior_a patron_n by_o present_v a_o minister_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o his_o presentation_n do_v thereby_o make_v he_o a_o proestos_n over_o the_o parochial_a elder_n be_v not_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a reason_n but_o see_v the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o civil_a right_n though_o indeed_o a_o sad_a incumberance_n to_o the_o church_n only_o respect_v the_o benefice_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o patron_n confer_v no_o ecclesiastic_a power_n or_o any_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o office_n but_o in_o that_o regard_n refer_v the_o person_n present_v entire_o to_o the_o tyral_a of_o the_o church_n which_o alone_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o function_n and_o convey_v to_o he_o any_o ecclesiastic_a power_n thereto_o competent_a i_o only_o wish_v the_o doctor_n that_o reflection_n and_o sobriety_n as_o may_v hereafter_o prevent_v such_o phlegmatic_a mistake_n the_o next_o argument_n against_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n and_o why_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o i_o take_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o not_o that_o i_o account_v these_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o scruple_v as_o the_o bishop_n allege_v to_o be_v by_o many_o of_o we_o pretend_a no_o i_o be_o more_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o swear_v to_o or_o renounce_v by_o we_o in_o these_o engagement_n which_o be_v not_o antecedent_o either_o duty_n or_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o argument_n who_o from_o the_o determination_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o oath_n in_o thing_n within_o our_o power_n do_v thence_o conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o by_o our_o oath_n only_o abjure_v but_o see_v covenant-breaker_n do_v now_o turn_v covenant-interpreter_n and_o it_o be_v the_o author_n own_o undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o this_o our_o oath_n and_o see_v that_o the_o same_o oath_n do_v indeed_o superadde_a a_o special_a obligation_n as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o hear_v i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o this_o episcopus_fw-la prese_n be_v by_o we_o abjure_v and_o then_o review_v the_o author_n observation_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o do_v only_o or_o yet_o principal_o conclude_v in_o this_o matterâ—_n no_o he_o who_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n concern_v our_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n .1638_o and_o our_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n with_o the_o explication_n thereto_o subjoin_v whereby_o have_v find_v presbyterian_a government_n with_o a_o equal_a parity_n to_o be_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v former_o establish_v by_o oath_n in_o this_o land_n and_o have_v then_o restore_v it_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o constant_o to_o defend_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o then_o reform_v from_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereof_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v before_o the_o foresaid_a novation_n he_o i_o say_v who_o remember_v these_o thing_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o oath_n that_o our_o chief_a obligation_n depend_v and_o it_o be_v to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v our_o engagement_n by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o that_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n bind_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o â—ound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatever_o respect_v it_o may_v have_v to_o england_n and_o ireland_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o as_o to_o scotland_n it_o must_v more_o forcible_o infer_v a_o abjuration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n already_o find_v to_o be_v such_o whereupon_o it_o most_o evident_o followethâ—_n that_o presbyterian_a government_n with_o its_o exact_a parity_n be_v then_o the_o thing_n swear_v by_o we_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n abjure_v as_o novation_n contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n this_o fix_a presidencie_n offer_v and_o our_o consent_n thereto_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o oath_n and_o engagement_n but_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o paper_n say_v unto_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_a oâ—_n it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o
obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o perswadedâ—_n it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a if_o true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistencie_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n it_o be_v answer_v these_o insinuation_n of_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n be_v only_o general_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o condescendencie_n let_v be_v any_o verification_n i_o may_v very_o just_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v make_v by_o a_o person_n who_o after_o be_v eye_n witness_n to_o the_o course_n which_o he_o reproach_v do_v both_o take_v the_o covenant_n himself_o and_o administrat_fw-la it_o to_o other_o and_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o cavillation_n and_o objection_n of_o adversary_n have_v be_v answer_v without_o reply_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n renounce_v it_o i_o can_v not_o pasâ—e_n they_o without_o â—ome_o admiration_n of_o such_o inconscionable_a insolence_n of_o which_o â—_o do_v hereby_o defy_v the_o author_n to_o acquit_v himself_o by_o any_o rational_a and_o probable_a instanced_a we_o â—ave_n indeed_o hear_v the_o proud_a calumny_n of_o prevail_a adversary_n but_o see_v these_o be_v certain_a truth_n viz._n â—_o that_o this_o landbeing_n in_o the_o begin_n lawful_o engage_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ensue_a and_o grow_v defection_n and_o novation_n very_o just_o both_o renew_v and_o explain_v their_o engagement_n and_o also_o censure_v such_o who_o by_o refuse_v their_o assent_n do_v evident_o declare_v their_o apostasy_n 2._o that_o not_o only_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o the_o very_a force_n of_o that_o obligement_n of_o constant_a defence_n and_o adherence_n contain_v in_o the_o national_a do_v so_o constrain_v we_o to_o make_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o visible_o necessary_a mean_v for_o that_o end_n and_o without_o which_o conjunction_n the_o prelatic_a party_n in_o england_n which_o have_v twice_o from_o thence_o perfidious_o attacâ—qued_v we_o prevail_v there_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n overwhelm_v we_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o this_o second_o covenant_n by_o any_o who_o have_v take_v the_o first_o can_v not_o but_o be_v construe_v a_o breach_n thereof_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n 3._o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o authority_n be_v demand_v and_o unjust_o refuse_v to_o that_o for_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n whereof_o government_n itself_o be_v set_v up_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n make_v the_o deed_n so_o do_v for_o want_v thereof_o unlawful_a and_o 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o recusant_n in_o our_o former_a time_n be_v either_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o number_n of_o the_o delinquent_n very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o have_v be_v by_o the_o renversing_n and_o persecution_n of_o these_o laâ—e_a time_n so_o many_o degree_n exceed_v that_o it_o be_v ashame_n for_o any_o person_n of_o ingenuity_n by_o accuse_v the_o past_a and_o own_v the_o present_a to_o show_v such_o partiality_n these_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a truth_n and_o so_o full_o hold_v out_o by_o several_a write_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o same_o be_v due_o perpend_v all_o the_o vapour_n of_o this_o smoke_n must_v instant_o evanish_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v the_o author_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o relieve_v such_o who_o labour_n under_o a_o apprehend_a inconsistencie_n of_o these_o their_o oath_n with_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n &_o in_o prosecution_n hereof_o he_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o inquire_v this_o our_o episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o abjure_v for_o that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n chancellor_n archdeacon_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o article_n &_o be_v on_o purpose_n express_v â—o_o difference_n that_o frame_n from_o other_o form_n of_o episcopacy_n &_o particular_o from_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o use_v in_o this_o church_n and_o here_o i_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o mistake_n suppose_v our_o present_a church-government_n because_o forsooth_o it_o be_v not_o exercise_v by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v abjure_v but_o a_o distinct_a from_o manage_v by_o bishop_n joint_o with_o presbytersâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o sun-light_n that_o our_o parliament_n do_v not_o only_o in_o preparation_n to_o the_o late_a change_n make_v void_a the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o authority_n of_o former_a parliament_n whereby_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abrogate_v but_o also_o restore_v and_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o a_o more_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o church_n power_n and_o prerogative_n then_o former_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o yea_o unto_o the_o sole_a possession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o under_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o that_o their_o predecessor_n do_v ever_o acclaim_v as_o both_o from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n of_o our_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o plain_o evince_v that_o so_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o same_o episcopacy_n abjure_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v by_o our_o late_a parliament_n again_o restore_v but_o second_o admit_v that_o our_o present_a frame_n be_v in_o esse_fw-la such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o accommodation_n offer_v as_o the_o mistake_n or_o rather_o wilful_a error_n of_o this_o passage_n do_v borrow_v its_o colour_n and_o pretext_n from_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o description_n there_o set_v down_o so_o the_o thing_n obvious_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o clear_v thereof_o be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o case_n in_o scotland_n it_o be_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o second_o article_n to_o extirpate_v that_o we_o be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_n but_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a engagement_n of_o the_o first_o bind_v as_o to_o scotland_n to_o preserve_v and_o as_o to_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o reform_v that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o key_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o seâ—lement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o article_n be_v manifest_o subjoin_v by_o way_n of_o execution_n viz._n that_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o either_o general_o or_o special_o enumerat_a which_o two_o article_n the_o one_o to_o preserve_v the_o then_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n with_o so_o great_a contending_n late_o reform_v from_o this_o corruption_n among_o other_o of_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatiship_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n have_v be_v by_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v do_v certain_o make_v up_o a_o obligation_n most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o presidencie_n re-obtruded_n three_o if_o their_o luk-warm_a conciliator_n be_v as_o mindful_a to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o the_o most_o high_a as_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n in_o place_n of_o this_o impertinent_a wrest_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o at-that-time-unsetled_n estate_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n than_o the_o establish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o hear_v they_o will_v rather_o consider_v their_o own_o and_o our_o obligation_n by_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o how_o in_o that_o day_n of_o our_o distress_n and_o wrestle_n from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n we_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o defend_v that_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o attain_v and_o constant_o to_o reject_v and_o labour_v against_o all_o these_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o we_o be_v then_o deliver_v under_o which_o head_n of_o novation_n and_o corruption_n i_o be_o assure_v that_o every_o considerate_a person_n will_v so_o easy_o perceive_v this_o presidencie_n and_o moderatorship_n oâ—_n bishop_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v that_o he_o will_v almost_o as_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o heedless_a exposition_n of_o our_o adversary_n put_v upon_o these_o covenant_n as_o pity_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o
perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scoâ—land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v &_o intend_v his_o logic_n shall_v so_o pitiful_o fail_v he_o as_o not_o to_o add_v and_o from_o that_o church_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o will_v have_v so_o clear_o restrict_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o article_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a at_o on_o glance_n he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o scotland_n as_o its_o primarie_a object_n to_o be_v impertinent_a but_o where_o there_o have_v appear_v no_o conscience_n in_o keep_v why_o do_v we_o expect_v much_o sense_n in_o interpret_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o therefore_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n &_o member_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o its_o self_n anent_o which_o we_o do_v now_o inquire_v &_o for_o clear_v thereof_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o solemn_a league_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v then_o establish_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o establishment_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v only_o covenant_v which_o though_o it_o do_v sufficient_o exclude_v this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o establishment_n and_o also_o unto_o sound_a doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o its_o subjoined_a explication_n whereby_o not_o only_a the_o episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o be_v among_o we_o &_o be_v now_o restore_v &_o advance_v but_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatorship_n as_o a_o novation_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o church_n be_v plain_o abjure_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o national_a by_o which_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o former_a swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v be_v first_o settle_v do_v manifest_o exclude_v this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la so_o the_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n to_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n therein_o describe_v only_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n where_o it_o then_o be_v be_v most_o improper_o make_v use_n of_o for_o explain_v our_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o case_n controvert_v now_o as_o to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o english_a author_n adduce_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o be_v not_o therein_o much_o concern_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o england_n and_o how_o that_o article_n of_o extirpation_n for_o that_o church_n principal_o provide_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o either_o by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o engagement_n lie_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o all_o corruption_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o setlement_n we_o then_o enjoy_v which_o be_v subject_n quite_o distinct_a and_o thereby_o this_o heap_n of_o citation_n gather_v by_o the_o author_n be_v by_o one_o blast_n dissipate_v but_o lest_o it_o may_v appear_v hard_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o such_o a_o precise_a form_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n in_o that_o same_o covenant_n leave_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o secret_a design_n of_o some_o unsound_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o can_v distinct_o know_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v evident_a that_o for_o we_o in_o scotland_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o england_n groan_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o prelacy_n shall_v instant_o upon_o our_o grant_n of_o assistance_n embrace_v presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o form_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o full_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o no_o experience_n and_o withal_o see_v we_o do_v hold_v presbyterian_a government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o common_a estimation_n then_o make_v in_o england_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n geneva_n the_o netherlands_o and_o france_n as_o the_o best_a reform_v the_o obligation_n provide_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n with_o the_o article_n of_o extirpation_n subjoin_v in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v certain_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o upon_o which_o we_o do_v very_o rational_o relyea_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o least_o impugn_a by_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o author_n cite_v viz._n that_o many_o grave_a man_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o therefore_o the_o particular_a description_n be_v subjoin_v as_o also_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n scruple_v the_o meaning_n of_o prelacy_n it_o be_v resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brother_n inâ—cotland_o â—cotland_z that_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o then_o in_o be_v in_o england_n and_o mr_n coleman_n administrate_v it_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n diâ—_n so_o explain_v it_o because_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o consistent_a that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o england_n have_v then_o attain_v we_o shall_v â—ave_n close_v with_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a oath_n for_o extirpate_v the_o evil_n discover_v and_o yet_o for_o a_o further_o advance_v rest_n upon_o the_o more_o general_a obligement_n so_o sure_o and_o safe_o caution_v until_o god_n shall_v give_v further_a light_n so_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o both_o party_n that_o the_o then_o prelacy_n be_v only_o express_o abjure_v and_o not_o all_o episcopacy_n see_v no_o species_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o by_o they_o reserve_v or_o by_o we_o consent_v to_o do_v nothing_o contradict_v why_o both_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n &_o set_v up_o of_o presbytery_n may_v not_o still_o be_v covenant_v unto_o under_o the_o general_a provision_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o a_o church_n convince_v of_o evil_n but_o not_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n may_v covenante_n against_o the_o evil_n in_o particular_a and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a obligement_n become_v bind_v to_o make_v a_o more_o exact_a
all_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_z without_o know_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v lawful_a &_o righteous_a &_o whether_o the_o common_a people_n be_v more_o know_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o their_o representatives_n privilege_n or_o conform_v minister_n in_o his_o majesty_n sublime_a prerogative_n and_o extensive_a jurisdiction_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a discerner_n but_o 3._o what_o strange_a hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi indeed_o do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o engagement_n all_o thing_n spiritual_a ecclesiastic_a and_o temporal_a confound_v in_o the_o supremacy_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o the_o poor_a intrant_fw-la mus_fw-la further_o abjure_v all_o foreign_a power_n and_o â—urisdictions_n swear_v to_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v upon_o oath_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o church_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o of_o the_o king_n presentation_n under_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v 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be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o long_o for_o shadde_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v labour_v as_o serious_o upon_o his_o master_n mission_n to_o reconcile_v soul_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v travel_v upon_o his_o majesty_n commissionâ—_n â—_z to_o patch_v up_o a_o sinful_a accommodation_n his_o hope_n of_o rest_n have_v be_v both_o more_o sweet_a and_o more_o assure_v and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o â—he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o lâ—ght_n inaccessible_a for_o his_o everlasting_a refreshment_n but_o see_v these_o very_a poor_a childish_a trifle_n contest_v whereby_o he_o will_v cunning_o decry_v all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v in_o effect_n his_o own_o device_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n shall_v make_v his_o work_n manifest_a when_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o burn_a thereof_o may_v be_v all_o his_o loss_n after_o the_o body_n of_o one_o of_o these_o letter_n we_o have_v a_o postscript_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o all_o the_o long_n for_o rest_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o another_o whife_n as_o we_o know_v who_o once_o character_v the_o lord_n servant_n when_o with_o much_o travel_n labour_v in_o his_o work_n and_o herein_o the_o author_n complement_a wiâ—h_v a_o apology_n otâ—er_v church_n join_v rome_n with_o england_n as_o be_v most_o supposible_a wherein_o episcopal-government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v wish_n that_o â—he_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o by_o he_o use_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o most_o and_o one_o part_n of_o his_o wish_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v serve_v by_o a_o very_a candid_a representation_n if_o the_o event_n misgive_v he_o must_v blame_v himself_o his_o design_n be_v to_o allay_v man_n extreme_a fervour_n by_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n which_o to_o we_o be_v hateful_a be_v to_o english_a presbyterian_o desirable_a and_o that_o upon_o inquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v â—o_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o demonstrat_fw-la our_o present_a form_n as_o establish_v and_o exercise_v to_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prelacy_n but_o the_o very_a absurd_a usurpation_n of_o tâ—e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o â—he_n fix_v presidency_n of_o late_o propose_v and_o show_v both_o what_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v think_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v anent_o it_o why_o do_v our_o author_n by_o such_o weak_a repeâ—itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o exâ—reme_a fervour_n to_o condemn_v a_o aversion_n which_o alas_o be_v in_o all_o to_o remiss_a one_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o englandâ—_n â—_z yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o what_o these_o do_v import_n be_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o neither_o decline_v nor_o use_v their_o testimony_n we_o be_v fix_v on_o sure_a foundation_n yet_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o persuade_v that_o as_o abstract_a general_a question_n be_v but_o lame_a and_o blind_a discussion_n of_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o wherever_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o represent_v we_o shall_v report_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n châ—ist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o incorruptness_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a that_o these_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o â—his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o insâ—ances_n use_v a_o little_a moâ—e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n â—o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truâ—h_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o course_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n bâ—_n reason_n of_o the_o irreligion_n and_o profanitie_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o from_o its_o prophet_n unto_o the_o whole_a land_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a remedy_n i_o wish_v the_o author_n be_v as_o sensible_a of_o â—he_n cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o malady_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o present_a church-governors_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a observer_n the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o mischief_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n what_o more_o hopeless_a or_o what_o more_o
thing_n question_v be_v to_o we_o without_o doubt_n and_o only_o draw_v in_o debate_n by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o corrupt_a man_n not_o that_o i_o think_v that_o even_o in_o matter_n most_o certain_a bitâ—er_a passion_n revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n or_o malice_n be_v allowable_a nay_o this_o be_v rather_o my_o author_n supposition_n and_o his_o insinuation_n as_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v abundant_o obvious_a but_o as_o i_o be_o true_o persuade_v that_o all_o â—hese_fw-mi be_v in_o every_o case_n unworthy_a either_o of_o truth_n or_o a_o christian_a temper_n so_o i_o be_o assure_v a_o impartial_a discerner_n will_v find_v no_o less_o of_o vain_a contempt_n &_o saucy_a undervaluiug_n couch_v in_o the_o author_n be_v affect_v smoothness_n than_o there_o do_v appear_v of_o passion_n in_o the_o most_o impotent_a rail_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o the_o rod_n of_o pride_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n i_o have_v sometime_o use_v a_o rod_n for_o his_o back_n i_o hope_v both_o its_o justice_n and_o expedience_n will_v clear_v i_o of_o any_o injury_n but_o he_o go_v on_o however_o be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v be_v more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o then_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o thus_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o person_n express_v his_o fear_n of_o the_o return_n of_o popery_n tell_v he_o what_o then_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v christian_n a_o notable_a use_n of_o christian_a charity_n upon_o the_o pretext_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o name_n to_o give_v way_n and_o countenance_n to_o corruption_n manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o a_o real_a agreement_n in_o tâ—e_v great_a thing_n of_o christianity_n will_v certain_o prove_v a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o 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be_v also_o christian_n nay_o it_o be_v like_a he_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o of_o we_o be_v christ_n minister_n why_o then_o be_v we_o so_o hardly_o deal_v with_o why_o eject_v banish_v imprison_a and_o confine_v â—or_a disagree_v in_o thing_n far_o inferior_a to_o tâ—ese_n wherein_o we_o agree_v yea_o in_o his_o own_o acceptation_n but_o mode_n and_o formality_n how_o will_v he_o excuse_v this_o inconsequence_n and_o inequality_n or_o do_v he_o think_v that_o â—he_v vain_a pretence_n of_o authority_n abuse_v against_o usâ—_n do_v preponderat_a to_o this_o his_o great_a consideration_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o his_o so_o active_a concurrence_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o pasly_n he_o be_v not_o for_o debateâ—_n when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o reply_n and_o therefore_o here_o restrain_v himself_o with_o this_o advice_n that_o if_o we_o love_v either_o our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v two_o thing_n the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o confidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a â—hings_n but_o if_o his_o own_o practice_n may_v have_v any_o more_o credit_n than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v easy_a according_a to_o his_o acceptation_n of_o peace_n both_o to_o redargue_v this_o his_o advice_n of_o falsehood_n and_o also_o to_o exhibit_v a_o more_o true_a account_n of_o his_o method_n for_o as_o in_o the_o small_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n by_o he_o acknowledge_v for_o such_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o on_o his_o side_n he_o have_v of_o late_o show_v a_o great_a zeal_n and_o confidence_n than_o ever_o he_o do_v heretofore_o in_o all_o theâ—e_n strange_a revelution_n and_o important_a occasion_n of_o testimony_n both_o against_o error_n and_o profanity_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o want_n of_o zeal_n â—or_a god_n together_o with_o his_o compliance_n with_o the_o uppermost_a power_n for_o the_o time_n have_v be_v his_o only_a advantage_n but_o why_o trifle_v i_o with_o such_o a_o person_n if_o we_o love_v either_o our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n true_a peace_n let_v we_o first_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n his_o righteousness_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n for_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o account_v nothing_o small_a or_o doubtful_a which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o wherein_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v visible_o concern_v whether_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v such_o or_o not_o i_o need_v not_o again_o affirm_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o daâ—k_n and_o such_o a_o pertinent_a reflection_n in_o tâ—e_v close_o of_o the_o example_n which_o the_o author_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o attend_v with_o so_o little_a application_n be_v a_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o other_o confirmation_n but_o he_o that_o follow_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o now_o the_o author_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o paper_n tell_v we_o and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o real_o if_o i_o have_v but_o the_o half_a of_o the_o author_n confidence_n i_o think_v i_o can_v point_v out_o the_o very_a man_n it_o be_v true_a a_o weak_a monastic_a spirit_n long_v habituat_fw-la to_o a_o affect_a abstraction_n &_o stoicism_n may_v render_v a_o man_n less_o capable_a of_o strong_a passion_n and_o consequent_o for_o a_o time_n exempt_v he_o from_o these_o rude_a eruption_n of_o rage_n but_o whether_o he_o rage_n or_o laugh_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n and_o if_o appearance_n hold_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n which_o his_o last_o promotion_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v upon_o his_o dormant_a corruption_n it_o be_v like_a we_o may_v very_o short_o have_v a_o prelatic_a experiment_n of_o both_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o light_n and_o our_o strength_n and_o none_o that_o love_v his_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v assame_v now_o follow_v the_o second_o paper_n or_o letter_n almost_o of_o the_o same_o strain_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o review_v it_o more_o succinct_o after_o the_o author_n have_v excuse_v his_o not_o adduce_v of_o a_o positive_a divine_a warrant_n for_o his_o moderate_a episcopacy_n by_o demand_v of_o we_o the_o like_a for_o our_o church-assembly_n and_o their_o subordination_n which_o i_o have_v already_o full_o answer_v he_o bring_v we_o in_o object_v that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishopâ—_n or_o whatever_o else_o he_o be_v call_v our_o question_n be_v about_o their_o power_n and_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v entreat_v the_o question_n may_v he_o so_o statedâ—_n for_o he_o trust_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o ready_a rather_o to_o abaâ—e_v of_o that_o poweâ—_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_v even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v therefore_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o author_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n in_o as-much_a as_o we_o do_v not_o only_o question_v the_o power_n but_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o fix_a praeses_fw-la for_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o church_n a_o mere_a fomentation_n of_o pride_n and_o in_o its_o tendency_n be_v inductive_a of_o the_o high_a usurpation_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v therefore_o by_o we_o express_o
abjure_v how_o can_v we_o in_o conscience_n again_o admit_v of_o it_o 2._o not_o to_o examine_v subtle_o and_o strict_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n power_n see_v its_o fixedness_n and_o its_o concomitant_a dignity_n that_o in_o a_o great_a part_n do_v advance_v this_o moderatorship_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v only_o a_o office_n unto_o a_o superority_n and_o thereto_o add_v a_o influence_n of_o power_n be_v rather_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o civil_n this_o fixedness_n with_o its_o many_o other_o prerogative_n and_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o expediency_n of_o humane_a affair_n very_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a yet_o in_o ecclesiastic_n the_o very_a same_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o contradistinction_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v found_v betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v clear_o render_v this_o fix_a presidency_n a_o undue_a gravamen_n imp_v upon_o the_o brotherly_a parity_n and_o just_a liberty_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o necessary_a privilege_n of_o the_o naked_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o propose_v direct_v the_o consultationâ—_n state_v the_o question_n ask_v of_o opinion_n and_o vote_n and_o the_o cast_a vote_n in_o case_n of_o equality_n be_v of_o such_o noment_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o affaâ—res_n that_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o unfixedness_n and_o accountablenesse_n of_o the_o chairman_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v they_o from_o abuse_n to_o enforce_v they_o by_o a_o fixation_n contrary_a to_o the_o lord_n appointment_n of_o a_o ministerial_a parity_n be_v not_o more_o unwarrantable_a than_o inconvenient_a but_o 3._o as_o these_o reason_n do_v militat_fw-la against_o the_o controvert_v presidency_n in_o its_o great_a simplicity_n so_o the_o presidency_n now_o offer_v unto_o we_o for_o all_o the_o abatement_n pretend_v be_v still_o that_o of_o a_o bishop_n absolute_o at_o this_o majesty_n nomination_n not_o accountable_a to_o these_o over_o who_o he_o preside_v vest_v with_o great_a temporalitiesâ—_n and_o lastly_a whole_o dependent_a upon_o the_o beck_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v without_o all_o question_n a_o thing_n most_o anti-scriptural_a unreasonable_a &_o disconform_v to_o all_o pure_a antiquity_n now_o that_o thus_o it_o isâ—_n both_o as_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n offeredâ—_n &_o the_o censure_n i_o have_v pass_v upon_o it_o i_o here_o open_o challenge_v the_o author_n and_o all_o his_o partaker_n if_o they_o dare_v adventure_v to_o contradict_v i_o what_o other_o construction_n can_v therefore_o be_v make_v of_o the_o allege_a condescendence_n then_o that_o in_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o be_v only_o empty_a foolish_a pretension_n and_o what_o other_o judgement_n can_v be_v give_v upon_o the_o author_n offer_v to_o abate_v of_o his_o reasonable_a power_n warrant_v by_o primitive_a example_n then_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o reason_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n be_v no_o less_o false_a than_o the_o offer_v make_v be_v simulat_fw-la and_o elusory_a but_o see_v the_o author_n for_o all_o the_o warrant_n pretendedâ—_n do_v at_o least_o acknowledge_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v thereby_o astrict_v but_o that_o he_o can_v come_v &_o go_v in_o their_o matter_n at_o his_o pleasure_n if_o he_o do_v indeed_o sincere_o hate_v schism_n as_o he_o profess_v let_v hâ—m_n also_o confess_v the_o violence_n do_v both_o to_o our_o conscience_n and_o person_n in_o such_o free_a &_o arbitrary_a thing_n nay_o in_o his_o dialect_n trifle_n and_o repent_v of_o his_o late_a inconsiderate_a accession_n pass_o therefore_o his_o delude_a belief_n of_o the_o bishop_n their_o not_o be_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v contrary_a to_o their_o continual_a practice_n &_o the_o church_n experience_n now_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1200_o year_n &_o upward_o and_o evident_o repugnant_a to_o the_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o case_n i_o go_v on_o to_o his_o next_o supposition_n viz._n that_o though_o bishop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n some_o what_o beyond_o their_o line_n yet_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o meeting_n for_o discipline_n which_o themselves_o approve_v and_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o neither_o the_o sinful_a thrust_v in_o of_o bishop_n nor_o yet_o their_o excessive_a stretchinâ—s_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o leave_v and_o withdraw_v when_o in_o former_a time_n k._n james_n introduce_v prelate_n into_o this_o church_n and_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n extend_v their_o usurpation_n many_o of_o the_o â—ords_n faithful_a servant_n in_o these_o day_n do_v neither_o desert_n nor_o withdraw_v but_o continue_v with_o much_o steadfastness_n do_v constant_o resist_v and_o testify_v against_o all_o the_o corruption_n then_o invade_v the_o true_a church-government_n whereof_o they_o be_v possess_v but_o as_o the_o author_n do_v here_o fallacious_o join_v our_o leave_v of_o our_o station_n which_o be_v false_a we_o have_v be_v thence_o violent_o expel_v and_o our_o withdraw_n from_o their_o meeting_n groundless_o allege_v to_o be_v by_o we_o approven_v which_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o whoever_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o late_a overturning_a by_o summary_n eject_v of_o many_o of_o we_o dissolve_v all_o our_o church_n assembly_n establish_v a_o new_a government_n not_o in_o but_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o prelate_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v any_o place_n will_v easy_o be_v convincedâ—_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o calumnious_o accuse_v by_o these_o who_o will_v have_v their_o own_o crime_n to_o be_v our_o sin_n of_o leave_v our_o station_n then_o clear_o justifiable_a for_o withdraw_v from_o these_o their_o court_n which_o be_v whole_o dependent_a on_o the_o supremacy_n and_o very_o corrupt_a assembly_n which_o we_o never_o approve_v but_o have_v express_o abjure_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o as_o g._n b._n apprehend_v it_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bishop_n undue_a assume_v of_o the_o presidency_n in_o these_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v by_o they_o restrain_v in_o and_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o power_n in_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n although_o these_o be_v very_o material_a grievance_n that_o we_o do_v abstain_v from_o their_o court_n no_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o over_z and_o above_o the_o forego_n cause_n we_o hold_v the_o very_a constitution_n to_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v from_o that_o of_o a_o true_a eccleasiastick_a judicatory_a call_v in_o our_o lord_n name_v and_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n unto_o meeting_n appoint_v mere_o by_o the_o king_n and_o recognosce_v his_o supremacy_n that_o we_o judge_v our_o not_o conveen_v therein_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o term_v a_o privative_a withdraw_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o negative_a disow_n of_o they_o as_o of_o assembly_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v either_o part_n or_o place_n which_o be_v a_o ground_n by_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o i_o â—ave_n above_o observe_v the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o complexe_n power_n and_o that_o as_o some_o of_o we_o have_v accept_v a_o liberty_n to_o preach_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n congregational_o without_o liberty_n to_o meet_v in_o presbytery_n and_o ordain_v so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o presbytery_n notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v fâ—om_o the_o full_a excercise_n of_o all_o their_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o the_o subject_n viz._n true_a presbytery_n utter_o cut_v off_o beside_o that_o it_o also_o labour_n of_o a_o manifest_a inconsequence_n in_o asmuch_o as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o first_o case_n all_o that_o he_o be_v permit_v and_o only_o forbear_v where_o a_o vis_fw-fr major_a do_v impede_fw-la be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o case_n he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o meeting_n and_o there_o by_o surcease_n the_o exercise_n of_o his_o function_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o câ—pher_n for_o strengthen_v &_o increase_n of_o the_o bishop_n usurpation_n in_o effect_n tacit_o surrender_v the_o power_n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v which_o tacit_a surrender_v i_o do_v real_o judge_v to_o be_v more_o strong_o imply_v aâ—d_v of_o a_o more_o sinistruous_a consequence_n then_o can_v be_v purge_v by_o a_o naked_a protestation_n especial_o the_o same_o be_v precontrive_v &_o capitulat_fw-la whereby_o without_o doubt_n the_o significancy_n of_o this_o remedy_n most_o commend_v by_o the_o necessity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o surprisal_n of_o the_o
by_o proclamation_n cast_v out_o both_o of_o our_o place_n pulpit_n and_o parish_n and_o that_o our_o former_a church-assembly_n be_v all_o at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppress_v we_o never_o have_v any_o station_n in_o these_o present_a meeting_n pretend_v to_o the_o succession_n this_o pitiful_a quibble_v as_o if_o we_o have_v extirpate_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o effect_n expulse_v iâ—_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_a mint_n at_o witâ—_n altogether_o insufficient_a to_o colour_v its_o obvious_a impertinency_n as_o to_o what_o do_v here_o ensue_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o preâ—ent_a episcopal-government_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o abjure_v and_o concern_v the_o acceptation_n that_o it_o will_v find_v in_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v consider_v it_o at_o that_o length_n and_o discuss_v it_o upon_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a ground_n as_o neither_o the_o author_n reason_n nor_o his_o prejudice_n his_o impartiality_n nor_o partiality_n with_o all_o the_o patience_n he_o wish_v we_o and_o impatience_n which_o he_o himself_o often_o show_v will_v be_v able_a satisfy_o to_o removeâ—_n whether_o then_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o author_n be_v indeed_o truth_n as_o he_o allege_v or_o gross_a error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v evince_v and_o his_o discern_v in_o themâ—_n though_o the_o best_a he_o have_v sound_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o palpable_a delusion_n i_o willing_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n ingenuity_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v truthsâ—_n â—_z he_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v pertinent_a truth_n towards_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o sad_a division_n â—ut_v when_o he_o shall_v make_v as_o much_o serious_a search_n after_o the_o cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o effect_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_a untruth_n but_o most_o impertinent_a however_o if_o any_o list_n to_o be_v contention_n he_o wish_v he_o can_v say_v of_o this_o churchy_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o this_o wish_v i_o confess_v be_v very_o consequent_a to_o both_o the_o author_n opinion_n and_o design_n for_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o undervalue_v the_o ordinance_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n though_o most_o convince_o seal_v among_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n unto_o mode_n and_o trifle_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v gain_v to_o a_o compliance_n where_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o simulat_fw-la condescendency_n so_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o to_o be_v as_o little_a material_a as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o the_o excrementitious_a hair_n he_o endeavour_v to_o enervat_fw-la all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o reproach_n of_o strange_a contention_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o do_v real_o merit_v that_o immovable_a steadfastness_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o our_o lord_n command_v and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n we_o hope_v the_o custom_n of_o perfidious_a time-serving_a which_o the_o prelate_n have_v so_o much_o practise_v in_o this_o distract_a church_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o counterbalance_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n have_v by_o their_o vain_a carnal_a and_o violent_a contention_n at_o best_a for_o their_o formality_n butâ—_n in_o effect_n for_o fulfil_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n not_o only_o dis-edifiedâ—_a but_o destroy_v and_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o disobey_v and_o disgrace_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v so_o let_v we_o as_o the_o fearer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o our_o peace_n consider_v his_o example_n so_o much_o the_o more_o endure_v contradiction_n despise_v shame_n and_o reproach_n fight_n â—he_v good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o hold_v fast_o our_o integrity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v at_o that_o day_n unto_o all_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o now_o remain_v the_o author_n one_o word_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o be_v undeniable_a and_o he_o think_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a accommodation_n can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o most_o famous_a general_a assembly_n of_o it_o the_o conncil_n of_o nice_a yea_o to_o go_v no_o high_o though_o safe_o i_o may_v say_v he_o he_o must_v as_o certain_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n cyprian_n upon_o this_o very_a scruple_n of_o the_o government_n as_o novatus_n do_v upon_o another_o occasion_n whence_o the_o author_n do_v draw_v his_o assurance_n and_o whereon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o bestow_v our_o consideration_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o explicit_a that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v there_o be_v a_o episcopacy_n well_o advance_v in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o its_o government_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o quiet_o comport_v with_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o to_o this_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v repliedâ—_n that_o there_o be_v a_o huge_a disparity_n betwixt_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o lawful_a government_n still_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o substance_n by_o our_o lord_n authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o government_n fundamental_o corrupt_a derive_v all_o its_o power_n from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o found_v in_o a_o antichristian_a supremacy_n the_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o author_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o satisfy_a reâ—urn_n but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n this_o prostasia_fw-la have_v creep_v in_o and_o from_o small_a begining_n and_o under_o very_o specious_a pretence_n grow_v up_o insensible_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystery_n therein_o secret_o work_v not_o have_v open_o disclose_v itself_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o though_o by_o the_o more_o discern_v the_o evil_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o never_o the_o less_o no_o remedy_n offer_v it_o be_v not_o direct_o oppose_v whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o latent_fw-la corruption_n with_o its_o most_o pernicious_a tendency_n and_o bitterfruit_n be_v full_o discover_v and_o thereupon_o by_o we_o solemn_o eject_v and_o abjure_v and_o now_o onâ—â—_n re-obtruded_n under_o the_o guild_v of_o some_o apparent_a condescendency_n the_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o for_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n the_o very_a consummation_n of_o this_o iniquity_n certain_o these_o thing_n do_v import_v a_o most_o manifest_a difference_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o clear_v how_o that_o a_o oath_n though_o take_v upon_o a_o matter_n antecedent_o bind_v do_v nevertheless_o in_o such_o manner_n superinduce_v a_o â—urther_a obligation_n as_o do_v not_o only_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n but_o also_o to_o a_o measure_n of_o zeal_n against_o defection_n beyond_o the_o opposition_n to_o that_o same_o material_a transgression_n former_o require_v nor_o need_v i_o to_o put_v any_o in_o mind_n how_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o high_a place_n permit_v without_o reproof_n to_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v afterward_o make_v a_o exception_n from_o the_o integrity_n of_o succeed_a prince_n certain_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o relapse_n into_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o compliance_n with_o this_o episcopal_a presidency_n which_o once_o it_o find_v in_o the_o church_n under_o quite_o different_a circumstance_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v time_n despise_v warning_n trample_v upon_o deliverance_n and_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o to_o contradict_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n mention_v and_o that_o to_o that_o height_n that_o i_o be_o assure_v be_v the_o same_o ancient_a christian_n boast_v of_o on_z liâ—e_z to_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n that_o have_v ensue_v upon_o their_o well-meaning_a practice_n and_o the_o patrociny_n which_o be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v â—oubâ—ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
that_o very_a covenant_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o so_o many_o as_o the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o scruple_v and_o for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v this_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o illegal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_n of_o it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n and_o in_o that_o seem_v invincible_o persuade_v it_o be_v certain_o most_o pertinent_a if_o it_o be_v true_a to_o declare_v the_o consistence_n of_o the_o present_a government_n even_o with_o that_o obligation_n and_o as_o both_o these_o assertion_n i_o believe_v upon_o the_o exact_a if_o impartial_a and_o impassionat_a inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a so_o they_o be_v own_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n as_o themselves_o have_v publish_v their_o opinion_n in_o print_n under_o this_o title_n two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n humble_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o reverend_a minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n print_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1661._o beside_o other_o passage_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n page_z 11_o and_o 12._o be_v these_o word_n and_o as_o these_o be_v our_o general_a end_n and_o motive_n so_o we_o be_v induce_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o synodical_a government_n conjunct_a with_o a_o fix_a presidency_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o no_o other_o term_n will_v be_v so_o general_o agree_v on_o etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a government_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o more_o universal_a concord_n if_o ever_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o blessing_n however_o it_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o well_o inform_v conscience_n 3._o it_o will_v promote_v the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n &_o godliness_n without_o disorder_n and_o promote_v order_n without_o hinder_v discipline_n and_o godliness_n 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silence_v though_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o menton_fw-fr it_o that_o it_o will_v save_v the_o nation_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n without_o wrong_v the_o church_n at_o all_o or_o break_v any_o other_o oath_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o they_o add_v that_o the_o prelacy_n disclaim_v in_o that_o covenant_n be_v the_o engross_a oâ—_n the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o whole_a discipline_n absolute_o by_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o there_o delegate_n chancellor_n surrogate_v and_o official_o etc._n etc._n exclude_v whole_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o all_o share_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v one_o of_o prime_a note_n among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o large_a treatise_n of_o church-government_n do_v clear_o evince_v that_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v express_o declare_v it_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o only_o against_o the_o particular_a frame_n as_o it_o be_v word_v in_o the_o article_n itself_o for_o our_o principal_a model_n in_o england_n and_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wrong_a to_o make_v that_o supposition_n concern_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o mistake_n the_o brethren_n that_o be_v dissatisfy_v have_v possible_o better_a acquit_v their_o duty_n by_o free_a admonition_n and_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o all_o thing_n then_o by_o leave_v of_o their_o station_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v the_o breach_n i_o fear_v very_o hard_o to_o cure_v and_o in_o humane_a appearance_n near_o to_o incurable_a but_o there_o be_v much_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o as_o follow_v the_o dictat_fw-la of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o they_o owe_v and_o i_o hope_v pay_v the_o same_o back_n again_o to_o these_o that_o do_v the_o same_o in_o another_o way_n &_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ready_a &_o happy_a way_n of_o reunite_a those_o that_o be_v mutual_o so_o mind_v the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o in_o due_a time_n this_o one_o word_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v arise_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o aâ—y_v man_n that_o calm_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o church_n no_o change_n at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o discipline_n itself_o but_o when_o it_o fall_v on_o matter_n easy_o inflammable_a how_o little_a a_o spark_n how_o great_a a_o fire_n will_v it_o kindle_v because_o every_o on_o have_v not_o the_o book_n i_o have_v transcribe_v here_o mr_n baxter_n own_o word_n baxt._n of_o church_n government_n 3._o p._n c._n 1._o p._n 276._o a_o episcopacy_n desirable_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fix_a precedent_n durante_fw-la vitâ_fw-la p._n 297._o p._n 330._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o be_v engage_v against_o all_o prelacy_n by_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o can_v yield_v to_o so_o much_o as_o you_o do_v without_o perjury_n ans._n that_o this_o be_v utter_o untrue_a i_o thus_o demonstrate_v 1._o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v present_v to_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o prelacy_n join_v to_o popery_n many_o grave_n and_o reverend_a divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o thereupon_o the_o follow_a concatenation_n in_o the_o parenthesis_n be_v give_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v church_n government_n by_o arch_n bishop_n bishop_n there_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n and_o chapter_n arch_n dean_n and_o all_o the_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hyerarchie_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n or_o frame_v that_o be_v covenant_v against_o and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o existent_a that_o be_v take_v down_o 2._o when_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n take_v the_o covenant_n mr_n thomas_n coleman_n that_o give_v it_o they_o do_v so_o explain_v it_o and_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o intent_n to_o covenant_n against_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o upon_o this_o explication_n it_o be_v take_v and_o certain_o the_o parliament_n be_v most_o capable_a of_o give_v the_o 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there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o kiâ—k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o powâ—r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
offend_v we_o be_v that_o admit_v the_o thing_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o way_n of_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n in_o the_o manner_n represent_v yet_o see_v this_o presidency_n be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o lord_n command_v be_v not_o a_o holy_a but_o a_o unhallowed_a employment_n any_o form_n of_o benediction_n that_o can_v be_v thereto_o use_v be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o promise_n but_o a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o jealous_o love_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o conservation_n as_o if_o we_o judge_v that_o a_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n to_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a employment_n be_v apt_a to_o unhallow_a it_o no_o this_o alledgeance_n do_v too_o gross_o and_o caloumniouslie_o beg_v the_o question_n but_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o author_n will_v as_o soon_o prove_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n as_o he_o will_v rational_o persuade_v that_o this_o high_a employment_n be_v holy_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n be_v as_o little_a apt_a to_o hallow_v it_o or_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a instrument_n of_o make_v it_o better_o as_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o high_a place_n be_v of_o old_a when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v destroy_v in_o itself_o allowable_a or_o unto_o the_o lord_n acceptable_a the_o next_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o the_o degree_n or_o power_n of_o bishop_n beyond_o other_o presbyter_n be_v certain_o not_o to_o be_v so_o fit_o measure_v by_o any_o other_o rule_n as_o by_o the_o receive_v practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a counsel_n very_o right_a why_o shall_v not_o their_o origin_n and_o warrant_n and_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o their_o power_n go_v together_o but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v this_o primitive_a practice_n to_o be_v dislonant_n from_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a rule_n the_o author_n must_v pardon_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o disow_v both_o his_o rule_n and_o measure_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o this_o only_a unerring_a canon_n yet_o see_v he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o his_o deep_a ingenuity_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o wherein_o we_o account_v ourselves_o but_o little_a concern_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o for_o our_o warning_n we_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o the_o discovery_n he_o add_v then_o that_o by_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n and_o canon_n it_o will_v undoubted_o be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o some_o such_o particular_a power_n as_o what_o i_o know_v not_o but_o exortem_fw-la &_o eminenâ—em_fw-la potestatem_fw-la as_o hierom_n speak_v a_o man_n may_v hitherto_o have_v think_v that_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o the_o main_a thing_n acclaim_v by_o the_o author_n to_o his_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v a_o power_n of_o constant_a moderation_n in_o church_n meeting_n but_o here_o lest_o as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o shall_v frustrate_v his_o solemn_a consecration_n or_o rather_o the_o special_a ordination_n which_o he_o have_v just_a now_o assert_v he_o deal_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o plain_o and_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o in_o general_n of_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o power_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o primitive_a practice_n and_o ancient_a canon_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o most_o favourable_a conjecture_n from_o any_o probable_a pretence_n of_o either_o of_o these_o within_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n of_o the_o declination_n of_o the_o primeve_v purity_n please_v to_o form_v it_o but_o that_o by_o these_o same_o rule_n beside_o a_o certain_a particular_a power_n which_o he_o do_v not_o specify_v they_o shall_v have_v potestatem_fw-la exortem_fw-la &_o eminentem_fw-la and_o this_o no_o doubt_n in_o a_o congruous_a enough_o construction_n of_o the_o frequent_a hyperbole_n use_v by_o the_o father_n on_o this_o subject_n may_v arise_v as_o high_a as_o either_o ambition_n or_o interest_n shall_v please_v to_o to_o serve_v it_o this_o be_v then_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o lax_n comprehension_n of_o the_o author_n measure_n what_o have_v be_v the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o treaty_n or_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o assent_v close_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o superior_a episcopacy_n from_o the_o very_a fiâ—st_a degree_n of_o its_o ascend_n to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o its_o progress_n the_o continual_a decline_n oâ—_n pure_a christianity_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o antichristian_a papacy_n and_o as_o i_o be_o convince_v from_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o all_o the_o pretence_n make_v â—or_a it_o and_o its_o power_n and_o privilege_n either_o from_o the_o practice_n grace_n virtue_n or_o suffering_n of_o those_o century_n wherein_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n and_o growth_n be_v only_o the_o involution_n of_o that_o strange_a mystery_n whereby_o it_o most_o secret_o and_o subtle_o proceed_v to_o its_o most_o prodigious_a manifestation_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v in_o the_o same_o evidence_n that_o the_o accommodate_v of_o faithful_a man_n with_o it_o under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n whithin_v this_o land_n shall_v quick_o either_o prove_v the_o readvance_n of_o its_o pride_n domination_n and_o wickedness_n or_o else_o the_o great_a establishment_n of_o the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o as_o infallible_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o devil_n grand_a design_n in_o all_o these_o unwarrant_v contrivance_n but_o the_o author_n add_v for_o a_o salvo_fw-la to_o these_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o forego_n passage_n may_v suggest_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o lowly_a master_n do_v more_o possess_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v little_a or_o no_o dispute_n but_o the_o sweet_a contest_v of_o strive_v who_o shall_v yield_v most_o and_o give_v most_o honour_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o find_v he_o always_o a_o high_a pretender_n to_o gospel_n rule_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o his_o advantage_n if_o he_o once_o attain_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o either_o his_o fancy_n or_o interest_n do_v recommend_v to_o he_o then_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a letter_n how_o full_a be_v he_o of_o the_o high_a eulogy_n of_o peace_n &_o of_o earnest_a long_n after_o it_o how_o hateful_a &_o odious_a be_v contention_n &_o hatred_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o main_a antichristian_a character_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n now_o that_o he_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n &_o its_o eminency_n how_o sweet_o will_v he_o seem_v to_o commend_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a &_o lowly_a master_n but_o see_v it_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n that_o if_o this_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o prevalent_a not_o only_o our_o disput_n &_o contest_v about_o their_o matter_n will_v cease_v but_o the_o very_a subject_a oâ—_n they_o be_v at_o best_a a_o vain_a invention_n pretend_v to_o order_n will_v be_v total_o remove_v my_o hearty_a wish_v and_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o author_n will_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o witness_n his_o sincerity_n by_o a_o through_o and_o absolute_a conformity_n then_o by_o such_o partial_a application_n the_o 9_o and_o last_o consideration_n which_o the_o author_n offer_v be_v anent_o the_o great_a and_o know_a moderation_n of_o all_o the_o late_a reformer_n the_o present_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a brother_n in_o england_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n but_o have_v before_o answer_v this_o abundant_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o sway_v with_o such_o alledgeance_n as_o here_o to_o make_v repetition_n only_o he_o say_v it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o we_o shall_v affect_v so_o exorbitant_a a_o height_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o this_o point_n so_o far_o beyond_o what_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o these_o we_o have_v name_v or_o any_o other_o society_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n either_o of_o our_o own_o former_a time_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o this_o evil_a and_o hipocritical_a generation_n and_o it_o and_o the_o world_n wonder_n do_v so_o often_o trist_n that_o i_o be_o only_o sorry_a that_o we_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o author_n and_o all_o man_n to_o more_o of_o it_o and_o that_o our_o reproach_n for_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o rejoice_n shall_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o in_o midst_n of_o such_o backslide_n and_o perverseness_n then_o to_o the_o just_a and_o slender_a charge_n of_o a_o singular_a affected_a fervour_n
furious_a storm_n that_o break_v off_o and_o destroy_v the_o branch_n the_o root_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v by_o this_o bond_n make_v sure_a until_o the_o time_n of_o our_o restitution_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o first_o and_o most_o air_o appearance_n so_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o babel-confusion_n wherewith_o these_o master_n of_o confusion_n and_o rebuilder_n of_o babylon_n do_v upbraid_v we_o cause_n his_o work_n appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o glory_n unto_o their_o child_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o author_n say_v he_o hear_v that_o some_o take_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n for_o the_o same_o with_o our_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gloss_n of_o glasgow_n which_o yet_o he_o say_v do_v gross_o corrupt_v the_o text_n for_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o other_o nor_o have_v any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n even_o such_o as_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o power_n to_o bind_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n so_o different_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o their_o clear_a and_o genuine_a signification_n i_o can_v here_o in_o the_o close_o insist_v on_o all_o the_o impertinency_n huddle_v up_o in_o these_o few_o line_n though_o by_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n mean_v not_o only_a rome_n proper_a hierarchy_n usurp_a and_o pretend_v to_o a_o domination_n over_o we_o but_o also_o all_o such_o like_a corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n whether_o in_o its_o rise_n growth_n or_o consummation_n under_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o controvert_v episcopacy_n as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o that_o mystery_n must_v necessary_o be_v comprehend_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o this_o clause_n alone_o of_o this_o covenant_n that_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v abjure_v among_o we_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v both_o cumulative_a and_o concludent_fw-la above_o exception_n viz._n that_o albeit_o that_o it_o do_v principal_o relate_v to_o head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o popery_n yet_o it_o do_v also_o extend_v itself_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n &_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n whereby_o without_o question_n all_o the_o degree_n occasion_n &_o tendency_n either_o of_o worldly_a domination_n or_o undue_a elation_n of_o christ_n minister_n over_o his_o flock_n or_o among_o themselves_o be_v disclaim_v but_o thereby_o we_o do_v express_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o reform_v 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 the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o which_o head_n especial_o that_o of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o these_o time_n as_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o the_o government_n then_o in_o be_v be_v contain_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o take_n and_o subscribe_v of_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o be_v design_o enjoin_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o presbiterian_a government_n then_o complet_o perfect_v and_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o universal_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o in_o this_o matter_n any_o shadow_n of_o scruple_n shall_v remain_v i_o may_v here_o add_v for_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o when_o within_o a_o few_o year_n thereafrer_n king_n james_n and_o his_o court-faction_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o innovat_fw-la that_o form_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a precedent_n the_o faithful_a who_o oppose_v these_o course_n do_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n and_o public_a protestation_n yet_o extant_a very_o free_o testify_v against_o they_o as_o perjurious_a defection_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v take_v but_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a account_n of_o this_o oath_n which_o i_o have_v already_o exhibit_v be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o consonancy_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o interpretation_n make_v by_o the_o 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noticing_z of_o this_o reflection_n may_v almost_o be_v account_v a_o excess_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o if_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v true_o restore_v upon_o its_o own_o properâ—_n foundation_n and_o no_o thing_n impose_v beside_o this_o constant_a precedent_n both_o eligible_a &_o deposible_a by_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o moderat_o the_o practice_n of_o withdraw_v will_v be_v liable_a to_o more_o probable_a exception_n but_o see_v the_o very_o low_a condescendence_n that_o probable_o can_v be_v conjecture_v be_v immens_o distant_a from_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o a_o testimony_n flow_a from_o our_o present_a unrepented_a backslide_n with_o the_o far_o more_o probable_a ensue_a of_o evil_n then_o good_a upon_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o other_o circumstance_n obvious_a in_o our_o present_a condition_n do_v according_a to_o these_o ground_n and_o rule_n declare_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n still_o persuade_v to_o a_o humble_a tender_a prudent_a and_o witness_v separation_n i_o do_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o these_o debate_n finis_fw-la