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
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
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
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
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 example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o agreeable_a to_o both_o that_o this_o position_n do_v hold_v forth_o no_o more_o than_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la &_o that_o upon_o negative_a ground_n give_v the_o asserter_n the_o easy_a part_n of_o defence_n be_v obvious_a to_o the_o first_o observation_n to_o have_v affirm_v a_o obligation_n to_o this_o model_n though_o the_o author_n choice_n have_v not_o be_v convenient_a the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v and_o a_o agreeablenesse_n to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n be_v for_o the_o time_n a_o very_a colourable_a pretention_n and_o all_o that_o the_o author_n dare_v adventure_v to_o affirm_v but_o that_o as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o a_o presbyterian_a parity_n exclusive_a of_o this_o presidencie_n i_o think_v our_o adversary_n themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o redargue_v which_o advantage_n lie_v equal_o and_o fair_o on_o our_o side_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o possession_n strengthen_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o all_o most_o arise_v from_o the_o contrary_a effect_n of_o episcopacy_n seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o good_a gospel_n fruit_n one_o of_o the_o great_a evidence_n produce_v by_o paul_n for_o his_o apostelship_n how_o much_o it_o do_v impugn_v the_o late_a change_n and_o justify_v the_o aversion_n and_o noncompliance_n of_o all_o good_a man_n therewith_o all_o rational_a man_n may_v discern_v but_o see_v our_o cause_n be_v not_o as_o they_o lean_v only_o to_o negative_a probality_n and_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v support_v to_o deal_v clear_o in_o this_o matter_n though_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o a_o positive_a express_a and_o particular_a scripture-precept_n as_o well_o against_o the_o presidencie_n as_o for_o the_o parity_n plead_v yet_o that_o we_o have_v a_o equivalent_a divine_a warrant_n more_o pregnant_a than_o what_o in_o other_o particular_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o even_o by_o our_o opposite_n the_o follow_a head_n do_v plain_o evince_v and_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n king_n in_o zion_n sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v and_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n when_o he_o ascend_v on_o high_a send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n to_o gather_v feed_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o have_v appoint_v a_o government_n in_o his_o house_n suitable_a to_o these_o holy_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o more_o evident_o found_v upon_o the_o scripture-ground_n insinuat_fw-la then_o firm_a in_o its_o connexion_n and_o inference_n 2._o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v the_o only_a perpetual_a pastor_n ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o as_o for_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o seventy_o what_o ever_o allusion_n after_o age_n according_a to_o their_o then_o model_n do_v draw_v from_o it_o without_o all_o peradventure_o accòrd_v to_o be_v own_o tenor_n it_o do_v expire_v before_o our_o lord_n suffer_v so_o they_o be_v by_o he_o constitute_v in_o a_o exact_a parity_n as_o brethren_n and_o because_o of_o this_o equality_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o ministry_n our_o lord_n forbid_v among_o they_o all_o distinction_n of_o authoritative_a superiority_n the_o very_a name_n of_o rabbi_n and_o master_n then_o abuse_v and_o all_o ambition_n &_o affectation_n of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o elate_v dignity_n and_o title_n but_o they_o be_v only_o command_v to_o outstripe_v and_o exceed_v on_o another_o in_o that_o diligence_n and_o humility_n recommend_v to_o they_o in_o that_o common_a service_n whereunto_o they_o be_v destine_v 3._o according_a to_o this_o command_n give_v so_o they_o converse_v and_o behave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o 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
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
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
therefore_o once_o for_o all_o review_n and_o sum_n up_o the_o manifold_a and_o manifest_a evil_n of_o this_o device_n not_o more_o conceit_v and_o boast_v of_o by_o its_o contriver_n the_o servant_n of_o man_n then_o deserve_o reject_v by_o all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o specious_a pretext_n and_o fair_a smoothe_n that_o have_v be_v adhibite_fw-la for_o trime_a up_o this_o accommodation_n to_o a_o allure_a and_o take_v condescendence_n yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o who_o ever_o serious_o ponder_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v quick_o convince_v that_o the_o difficulty_n follow_v do_v still_o remain_v as_o invincible_a impediment_n to_o all_o conscientious_a man_n first_o that_o a_o conjunction_n with_o and_o in_o the_o present_a church_n meeting_n be_v a_o certain_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o participation_n with_o the_o present_a ecclesiastick-government_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v not_o true_o such_o but_o a_o mere_a politic_a constitution_n whole_o dependent_a upon_o and_o resolve_v in_o the_o supremacy_n wherein_o no_o faithful_a minister_n can_v take_v part_n seconâ—ly_o that_o this_o conjunction_n do_v evident_o infer_v a_o consent_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o supremacy_n as_o arrant_a a_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n as_o ever_o do_v dare_v the_o king_n of_o â—ings_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o any_o age_n three_o that_o though_o this_o consent_n can_v not_o be_v object_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o present_a elevation_n of_o this_o all-swaying_a prerogative_n not_o intend_v to_o be_v depress_v that_o all_o other_o concession_n though_o in_o themselves_o satisfy_v will_v thereby_o be_v deprive_v of_o any_o consistent_a assurance_n and_o render_v whole_o elusory_a and_o real_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o these_o particular_n i_o can_v forbear_v to_o ask_v with_o what_o conscience_n can_v minister_n rather_o partake_v in_o church-meeting_n frame_v by_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n then_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v therein_o still_o to_o domineer_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o high_a prelacy_n or_o what_o delusion_n can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o that_o man_n except_v against_o meeting_n because_o of_o the_o bishop_n usurpation_n therein_o shall_v upon_o the_o vacate_a and_o reassume_v of_o this_o power_n by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v thereby_o entice_v unto_o a_o compliance_n but_o four_o as_o these_o meeting_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o absolute_o subject_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n so_o the_o often_o cite_a proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o restitution_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o order_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o consequent_o do_v in_o such_o manner_n derive_v their_o authority_n from_o they_o that_o the_o member_n do_v only_o act_v therein_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o delegate_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o subdelegate_n of_o his_o majesty_n delegate_n a_o strange_a accumulation_n of_o absurdity_n which_o i_o be_o certain_a this_o constitution_n stand_v can_v be_v salve_v by_o any_o overture_n whatsoever_o five_o the_o meeting_n whereunto_o we_o be_v invite_v do_v consist_v of_o â—uch_n member_n for_o their_o perjurious_a intrusion_n and_o canonical_a servitude_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o more_o extrinseck_n delinquency_n of_o profanity_n insufficiency_n and_o irreligion_n as_o may_v not_o only_o warrant_v a_o non-conjunction_n but_o a_o positive_a separation_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o crime_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a bishop_n do_v even_o under_o that_o different_a constitution_n offend_v some_o of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n to_o a_o abhorrent_n with_o draw_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v their_o brimful_a measure_n in_o our_o day_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o our_o covenant_n and_o man_n unparalleled_a backslide_n do_v now_o require_v justify_v our_o detestation_n it_o be_v true_a g._n b._n tell_v we_o that_o under_o this_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fear_n in_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o carry_v thing_n as_o we_o will_v which_o he_o think_v be_v very_o little_a suitable_a to_o the_o patience_n we_o pâ—ead_v for_o but_o real_o so_o long_o as_o our_o will_n be_v move_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o these_o court_n i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o fear_n can_v be_v condemn_v as_o either_o ambitious_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o principle_n six_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n concede_v by_o the_o article_n and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v against_o a_o epâ—scopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la even_o in_o the_o most_o moderate_a acceptation_n the_o bishop_n as_o offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o scripture_n pure_a antiquity_n and_o our_o solemn_a oath_n and_o engagement_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o principle_n of_o presbytery_n and_o in_o effect_n very_o little_a lowed_a from_o any_o of_o these_o power_n and_o height_n which_o he_o acclaime_v in_o asmuch_o as_o he_o be_v still_o at_o the_o king_n nomination_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o either_o the_o censure_n or_o control_v of_o the_o meeting_n over_o which_o he_o do_v preside_v 2._o he_o retain_v all_o his_o vain_a and_o absurd_a temporality_n 3._o as_o constant_a moderator_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v and_o the_o method_n of_o handle_v and_o vote_v any_o matter_n controvert_v with_o the_o care_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o any_o sentence_n pronounce_v pertain_v to_o he_o sole_o 4._o for_o any_o thing_n as_o yet_o declare_v the_o bishop_n must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o more_o eminent_a power_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n and_o in_o this_o point_n not_o only_o the_o article_n be_v most_o suspicious_o reserve_v and_o obscure_a but_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o accomodator_n their_o other_o discourse_n and_o write_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o power_n of_o both_o be_v to_o abide_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n 1612._o and_o observe_v before_o 1638._o so_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n all_o the_o ease_n offer_v by_o the_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o quick_o calculat_v and_o in_o a_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o only_a that_o where_o now_o these_o meeting_n do_v by_o a_o precarious_a tolerance_n consult_v and_o determine_v in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o in_o thing_n more_o weighty_a do_v rather_o prepare_v and_o ripen_v to_o the_o bishop_n decision_n who_o also_o ordain_v and_o censure_n with_o very_o little_a ceremony_n by_o this_o treaty_n and_o its_o article_n over_o and_o above_o the_o wretched_a salvo_fw-la of_o a_o pactioned_a and_o contrariant_n protestation_n this_o tolerance_n be_v to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o more_o assure_a liberty_n as_o to_o the_o bishop_n but_o every_o whit_n as_o dependent_a upon_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v and_o perform_v more_o public_o and_o with_o great_a solemnity_n which_o observation_n i_o must_v confess_v be_v to_o i_o so_o obvious_a that_o it_o have_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o no_o less_o persuasion_n that_o if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o judge_v our_o conscience_n as_o peevish_a and_o fickle_a as_o he_o asteem_v the_o matter_n in_o difference_n frivolous_a and_o empty_a trifle_n he_o will_v not_o have_v this_o risce_v his_o own_o reputation_n in_o all_o the_o business_n and_o stir_n he_o have_v make_v about_o such_o a_o nothing_o of_o condescendence_n of_o which_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o though_o the_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v discuss_v be_v by_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v write_v some_o year_n ago_o and_o do_v all_o along_o conclude_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a establishment_n yet_o the_o bishop_n very_o just_o though_o imprudent_o suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o they_o of_o late_a without_o the_o least_o alteration_n to_o engage_v we_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o his_o new_a agreement_n seven_o this_o accommodation_n utter_o disow_v &_o cut_v off_o the_o rule_v elder_a a_o officer_n not_o only_o clear_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n and_o singular_o commend_v by_o his_o usefulness_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n countenance_v even_o by_o the_o mixture_n we_o see_v in_o his_o master_n ecclesiastic_a commission_n eight_o the_o term_n offer_v be_v propose_v with_o this_o express_a condition_n episcopacy_n be_v always_o preserve_v and_o in_o effect_n so_o full_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o grievance_n of_o that_o model_n and_o frame_n by_o we_o very_o solemn_o and_o often_o abjure_v both_o by_o the_o national_a and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o which_o we_o most_o intend_v in_o return_v whereunto_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o every_o inconsideration_n be_v not_o a_o just_a exception_n to_o make_v void_a a_o oath_n the_o author_n own_o inconsideration_n in_o this_o very_a allegiance_n be_v too_o manifest_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o that_o strait_a he_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o their_o church_n and_o nation_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o distraction_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o happy_a discovery_n nay_o that_o the_o very_o vex_a bishop_n shall_v not_o for_o their_o own_o peace_n have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o still_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o maintain_v a_o thing_n nothing_o repugnant_a to_o their_o pretension_n but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o serious_a i_o say_v true_a presbyterian-government_n do_v not_o admit_v among_o the_o lord_n minister_n of_o any_o state_v imparity_n either_o in_o power_n prerogative_n or_o presidency_n one_o or_o all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o controverâ—ed_a episcopacy_n therefore_o they_o be_v what_o all_o man_n hitherto_o constant_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o episcopacy_n by_o preserve_a union_n be_v perfective_a of_o presbytery_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o any_o lawful_a mean_a preserve_a union_n be_v indeed_o perfective_a of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o government_n but_o see_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o only_o not_o at_o all_o a_o mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o presbytery_n or_o its_o union_n what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o government_n or_o its_o union_n in_o general_n but_o be_v also_o in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o union_n never_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o more_o conducible_a than_o presbytery_n but_o either_o by_o the_o destroy_n or_o tyrannous_a suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n thereof_o by_o which_o the_o right_a side_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v maintain_v i_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o censure_v the_o author_n before_o go_v observe_v as_o pitiful_o groundless_a it_o be_v true_a our_o presbytery_n do_v not_o retain_v union_n as_o it_o be_v desire_v but_o what_o then_o if_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n do_v either_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n or_o avert_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o best_a of_o mean_n be_v therefore_o the_o mean_v itself_o to_o be_v condemn_v or_o if_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v no_o choice_n a_o mean_a shall_v be_v devise_v by_o man_n more_o promise_v in_o appearance_n as_o to_o that_o wherein_o the_o mean_v ordain_v have_v not_o through_o our_o fault_n be_v so_o successful_a and_o withal_o if_o this_o invention_n shall_v be_v infallible_o attend_v with_o far_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n ought_v we_o either_o in_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o shuffle_v out_o the_o former_a to_o make_v place_n for_o the_o late_a certain_o as_o these_o thing_n do_v exact_o quadrat_fw-la to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o accidental_a difference_n here_o object_v so_o the_o change_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o a_o humane_a device_n upon_o such_o a_o pretence_n be_v like_a to_o ieroboam_n policy_n who_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o kingdom_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n than_o that_o parity_n and_o straightness_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o the_o party_n their_o great_a power_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n insolent_a pride_n be_v due_o cousider_v the_o oligarchik_a model_n of_o the_o author_n episcopoacie_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o object_v division_n than_o the_o lowly_a and_o equal_a presbytery_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o can_v refer_v their_o prevention_n except_o unto_o the_o over-awe_n either_o oâ—_n the_o papal_a tyranny_n or_o of_o a_o more_o absurd_a supremacy_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o to_o be_v the_o ultimat_fw-la progress_n of_o these_o vain_a delusion_n but_o have_v former_o meet_v with_o almost_o the_o same_o alledgeancee_n i_o proceed_v the_o author_n add_v and_o again_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o substance_n be_v salve_v in_o the_o present_a model_n their_o obligation_n be_v abundant_o preserve_v it_o be_v ans._n seeing_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v principal_o attend_v both_o in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o observation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o take_v of_o it_o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o oath_n although_o of_o its_o subject_n abstract_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v only_o a_o circumstance_n the_o distinction_n as_o here_o apply_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o captious_a than_o pertinent_a now_o that_o the_o thing_n chief_o intend_v in_o that_o article_n to_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o in_o be_v be_v to_o preserve_v presbytery_n from_o the_o reinvasion_n of_o all_o these_o corruptious_a from_o which_o it_o have_v be_v before_o so_o late_o vindicat_fw-la and_o reform_v and_o that_o of_o these_o corruptious_a the_o controvert_v presidencie_n or_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o notour_n that_o i_o can_v but_o marvel_v at_o the_o author_n so_o perverse_a dispute_n in_o the_o contrary_n but_o he_o say_v if_o no_o chip_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o the_o then_o presbyterian_a government_n may_v be_v alter_v even_o to_o the_o better_a then_o be_v the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o article_n anent_o uniformity_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 illusorie_n and_o a_o perfect_a cheat_n in_o as_o much_o as_o though_o the_o same_o rule_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o recee_n from_o the_o then_o frame_v of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n thus_o the_o author_n according_a to_o his_o accustom_a deceit_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o a_o alteration_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n do_v manifest_o intend_v and_o prosecut_v it_o with_o all_o the_o might_n and_o craft_n that_o they_o can_v adhibit_v yet_o for_o to_o delude_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n sâ—icketh_v not_o by_o insinuate_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v but_o chip_n and_o circumstance_n flat_o to_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o clear_a scripture_n &_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o this_o constant_a presidency_n in_o steed_n of_o be_v a_o chip_n or_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n repugnant_a to_o that_o parity_n which_o our_o lorth_n have_v command_v and_o wherein_o true_a presbytery_n be_v essential_o found_v and_o therefore_o be_v by_o we_o eject_v and_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o covenant_n establish_v in_o its_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o here_o except_v by_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a cavillation_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o it_o may_v well_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o â—aires_n with_o the_o covenant_n as_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o no_o such_o redargution_n of_o all_o calumny_n object_v as_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n the_o article_n question_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o head_n discover_v by_o divine_a light_n and_o after_o much_o wrestle_v recover_v from_o man_n corruption_n be_v direct_o and_o plain_o engage_v unto_o so_o such_o extrinseck_n and_o lesser_a circumstance_n as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o only_o determinable_a by_o a_o prudence_n regulat_fw-la by_o the_o general_a scripture-rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n either_o question_v or_o reform_v be_v not_o in_o this_o obliton_n of_o our_o oath_n otherwise_o comprehend_v or_o thereby_o render_v unalterable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o article_n oblige_v to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o same_o point_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 which_o qualification_n adject_v although_o through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v give_v the_o principal_a occasion_n both_o to_o perversion_n and_o calumny_n