and_o inclination_n of_o person_n time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o pretend_a conveniency_n of_o civil_a policy_n as_o to_o leave_v doctrine_n and_o worship_n thus_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o variable_a according_a to_o these_o crooked_a and_o changeable_a rule_n if_o church_n government_n must_v be_v indifferent_a and_o thus_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o ambulatory_a because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o express_o affirm_v that_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o only_a government_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v unalterable_a to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministry_n never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v why_o may_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o any_o other_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o institute_v or_o alter_a church_n government_n or_o officer_n by_o parity_n of_o reason_n make_v many_o other_o necessary_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o more_o express_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v unalterable_a truth_n then_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v though_o all_o be_v evident_a enough_o to_o be_v also_o indifferent_a &_o arbitrary_o determinable_a &_o mutable_a &_o then_o farewell_n infant-baptisme_n woman_n receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n &_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n yea_o farewell_o law_n &_o testimony_n &_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v go_v &_o take_v heed_n &_o for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o practice_n welcome_o humane_a prudence_n state-policy_n corrupt_a &_o changeable_n disposition_n of_o man_n &_o pretend_a necessity_n or_o conveniency_n of_o state_n time_n &_o place_n yea_o welcome_o all_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n which_o though_o they_o be_v once_o positive_o prohibit_v can_v allege_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o law_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o every_o one_o without_o transgression_n may_v do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n if_o only_o he_o can_v temporize_v and_o offeâ—d_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o violation_n of_o his_o arbitrary_a institution_n and_o law_n in_o church_n affair_n wherein_o he_o must_v be_v supreme_a o_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o such_o latitudinarian_a or_o rather_o in_o this_o nullifidian_n adiaphorist_n we_o will_v not_o be_v here_o mistake_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n any_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n allow_v unto_o he_o for_o as_o we_o assert_v his_o office_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o person_n be_v lawful_o therewith_o vest_v to_o 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discretive_a judgement_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o add_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o for_o preach_v and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o nurse_v of_o piety_n and_o learning_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v provide_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a accommodation_n and_o encouragement_n as_o to_o person_n place_n and_o revenue_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o advice_n he_o may_v call_v occasional_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o other_o to_o confer_v and_o debate_v matter_n before_o he_o that_o pro_n râ—_n nata_fw-la he_o may_v convocate_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n to_o reason_n and_o conclude_v church_n affair_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o outward_a force_n and_o inward_a confusion_n he_o may_v be_v present_a therein_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o delegate_n that_o by_o his_o power_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n in_o the_o free_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o all_o her_o intrinsical_a privilege_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v repress_v error_n heresy_n superstition_n atheism_n blasphemy_n and_o profanness_n and_o punish_v the_o author_n and_o spreader_n thereof_o that_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n he_o may_v command_v all_o and_o even_a minister_n to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n in_o general_a as_o necessity_n require_v and_o that_o for_o civil_a transgression_n he_o may_v civil_o punish_v ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o well_o as_o other_o subject_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o righteous_a law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o zealous_a discharge_n of_o all_o which_o we_o will_v thankful_o acknowledge_v to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n nurse_v â—atheâ—s_n but_o if_o discontent_a herewith_o as_o if_o all_o this_o together_o with_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v too_o little_a work_n for_o his_o transcendent_a power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v no_o kingdom_n or_o government_n or_o these_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o though_o thâ—y_o be_v as_o if_o he_o be_v equal_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o both_o he_o will_v needs_o arbitrary_o institut_n or_o alter_fw-la the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n authorize_v exauthorise_v or_o restrain_v church-officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o parliament_n and_o council_n have_v prohibit_v some_o hundred_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v sole_o and_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n have_v deprive_v some_o from_o the_o office_n &_o interdict_v other_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o he_o will_v define_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o prescribe_v what_o head_n of_o doctrine_n minister_n shall_v treat_v or_o not_o treat_v of_o in_o their_o sermon_n as_o the_o king_n have_v do_v in_o his_o print_a letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o york_n and_o thereupon_o primary_o immediate_o and_o antecedent_o to_o any_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v of_o minister_n doctrine_n when_o the_o church_n herself_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o criminal_o or_o capital_o punish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n as_o several_a instance_n can_v be_v adduce_v against_o king_n and_o council_n in_o the_o series_n of_o our_o church_n if_o he_o will_v ordain_v particular_a church_n censure_v to_o to_o be_v execute_v against_o particular_a person_n for_o particular_a definite_a ecclesiastical_a allege_v offence_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o the_o parliament_n have_v appoint_v suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o bishop_n meeting_n and_o the_o king_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o the_o high_a commission_n have_v appoint_v excommunication_n whereas_o they_o may_v as_o well_o immediate_o suspend_v deprive_v and_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o manner_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o commission_n if_o after_o the_o example_n of_o antichristian_a or_o pagan_a nation_n he_o will_v institut_n and_o enjoin_v needless_a vain_a superstitious_a significant_a and_o burdensome_a rit_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o most_o of_o the_o impose_v ceremony_n in_o the_o lyturgy_n can_v be_v instruct_v be_v if_o he_o will_v arrogate_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a ecclesiastical_a synod_n which_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n
god_n with_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o injurious_a reflection_n thereupon_o or_o their_o own_o adherence_n thereunto_o with_o more_o equability_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n sweet_o temper_v with_o the_o sorrow_n be_v of_o sin_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o with_o less_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o alteration_n of_o carriage_n or_o countenance_n than_o these_o worthy_n do_v here_o indeed_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o do_v the_o lord_n stand_v by_o and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o other_o forsake_v yea_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o of_o their_o adversary_n the_o confirmation_n &_o establishment_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o encouragement_n of_o many_o thousand_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n and_o their_o immortal_a commendation_n do_v work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o beholder_n more_o ample_a &_o endure_a epistle_n of_o commendation_n than_o the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o pathetic_a rhetorician_n can_v write_v in_o their_o favour_n this_o account_n further_o i_o will_v give_v you_o of_o the_o first_o ten_o who_o die_v together_o december_n 7._o that_o they_o once_o resolve_v to_o speak_v several_o to_o the_o people_n at_o their_o death_n but_o thereaway_n consider_v that_o for_o one_o common_a cause_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o allegiance_n they_o be_v all_o appoint_a to_o die_v one_o manner_n of_o death_n together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n and_o have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o be_v together_o in_o the_o prison_n they_o prefer_v to_o leave_v a_o word_n joint_o behind_o they_o in_o writ_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o one_o conjunct_a testimony_n and_o some_o other_o several_o so_o the_o foresee_v providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o be_v very_o observable_a for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o permit_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n there_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o joint_a testimony_n be_v extant_a more_o than_o be_v of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o speak_v at_o their_o death_n in_o glasgow_n &_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o suffer_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o west_n of_o who_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o more_o particular_o but_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o do_v work_v in_o they_o all_o the_o same_o steadfastness_n patience_n humility_n consolation_n courage_n and_o confidence_n these_o be_v the_o last_o time_n wherein_o sin_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o be_v wax_v cold_a i_o can_v divine_v what_o pity_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n especial_o consider_v the_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o dark_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n and_o discountenance_v whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v overshaddow_v general_o the_o whole_a world_n over_o and_o even_o among_o the_o reform_a church_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v entertain_v among_o both_o person_n and_o church_n whereby_o these_o of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n among_o other_o thing_n reciprocal_o give_v and_o receive_v information_n of_o their_o common_a affair_n that_o if_o they_o can_v or_o will_v express_v no_o other_o act_n of_o love_n they_o may_v at_o least_o the_o more_o suitable_o sympathize_v and_o mutual_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o providence_n give_v the_o opportunity_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a to_o communicate_v the_o follow_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n hope_v that_o as_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n so_o the_o wrestle_a church_n of_o scotland_n in_o due_a time_n shall_v reap_v the_o blessing_n of_o naphtali_n who_o gen._n 49.21_o be_v call_v a_o hind_n let_v loose_a and_o say_v to_o give_v goodly_a word_n for_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o her_o wrestle_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o victory_n and_o liberty_n and_o her_o ancient_a covenant_v doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n may_v become_v as_o pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a as_o it_o be_v profitable_a not_o only_o within_o herself_o but_o also_o among_o the_o church_n abroad_o this_o title_n be_v only_o affirmative_a of_o she_o and_o not_o negative_a of_o other_o church_n as_o if_o only_o she_o and_o not_o also_o they_o have_v wrestle_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n let_v no_o man_n offend_v thereat_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n redeemer_n have_v several_a office_n equal_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o and_o inseparable_a by_o man_n and_o as_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o person_n have_v their_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o excellency_n and_o according_o their_o distinct_a work_n assign_v unto_o they_o whereby_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o more_o or_o less_o eminent_o assert_v and_o propugn_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a truth_n so_o in_o this_o distribution_n whereas_o other_o church_n have_v assert_v and_o contend_v for_o his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n the_o lot_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o scotland_n to_o assert_v and_o wrestle_v more_o eminent_o than_o many_o other_o for_o the_o croun_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o do_v our_o first_o famous_a reformer_n strive_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o for_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n for_o preservation_n and_o restauration_n of_o this_o do_v their_o worthy_a successor_n zealous_o contend_v by_o petition_n warning_n conference_n and_o disputation_n all_o invasion_n usurpation_n or_o the_o least_o encroachment_n upon_o this_o diâ—_n they_o valiant_o resist_v by_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n and_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o this_o do_v they_o patient_o suffer_v bond_n imprisonment_n confinement_n sentence_n of_o death_n and_o of_o late_a death_n itself_o neither_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v this_o strange_a as_o if_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a or_o the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n be_v indifferent_a and_o consequent_o contend_v and_o suffer_v therefore_o unwarrantable_a or_o needless_a as_o pretender_n to_o different_a form_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v hithertil_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v heen_n as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n and_o the_o bird_n round_o about_o have_v be_v against_o she_o she_o have_v endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o many_o tongue_n as_o well_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o many_o hand_n upon_o both_o hand_n false_a witness_n have_v lay_v to_o her_o charge_n thing_n which_o she_o know_v not_o as_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n too_o laxe_n or_o too_o rigid_a yea_o as_o unnatural_a child_n have_v eat_v through_o their_o mother_n bowel_n so_o unkind_o brethren_n have_v reward_v she_o evil_n for_o good_a stand_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o look_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n rejoice_v over_o she_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o destruction_n and_o speak_v proud_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o distress_n yea_o lay_v hand_n on_o her_o substance_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v his_o invincible_a truth_n need_v the_o help_n of_o humane_a passion_n if_o therefore_o such_o man_n do_v not_o fear_v i_o shall_v not_o desire_v that_o their_o own_o tongue_n may_v fall_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v render_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n and_o according_a to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o endeavour_n but_o rather_o study_v the_o revenge_n of_o good_a will_n by_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n &_o convert_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v take_v revenge_n on_o themselves_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a obleege_v to_o believe_v till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a that_o scripture_n conscience_n covenant_n and_o credit_n will_v make_v those_o who_o do_v once_o laudable_o assert_v constant_o propugn_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o presbyterial_a government_n until_o they_o publish_v which_o none_o can_v do_v as_o convince_v reason_n of_o retractation_n &_o contrary_a practice_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v expect_v of_o other_o religion_n reason_n candor_n gratitude_n and_o policy_n will_v seem_v to_o require_v that_o those_o who_o in_o their_o distress_n entreat_v &_o obtain_v the_o successful_a assistance_n of_o the_o covenant_v interest_n of_o scotland_n &_o other_o who_o owe_v thereunto_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v more_o than_o just_a nothing_o debt_n or_o break_a fortune_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o contemptuous_a throw_v away_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o old_a almâ—nack_n when_o by_o it_o as_o a_o
own_v it_o and_o stand_v to_o it_o but_o do_v account_v themselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o their_o own_o preservation_n and_o esteem_v the_o same_o so_o much_o the_o more_o endear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o seâ—ing_v forth_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n and_o the_o propagation_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o seem_v so_o necessary_o to_o depend_v thereon_o which_o endeavour_n they_o do_v also_o further_o extend_v in_o the_o bowel_n and_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o defence_n &_o assistence_n to_o all_o his_o member_n and_o in_o effect_n if_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o when_o god_n call_v they_o to_o suffering_n they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n that_o they_o may_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n so_o when_o they_o attain_v to_o any_o probability_n of_o act_v they_o think_v 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do_v more_o clear_o and_o beyond_o all_o cavillation_n hold_v out_o that_o only_o the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o suffer_v do_v stir_v they_o up_o from_o the_o pure_a and_o vive_a sense_n of_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o certain_a privilege_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o to_o own_o and_o set_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o true_a minister_n thereof_o the_o passage_n be_v thus_o in_o or_o about_o the_o year_n 1555_o the_o queen_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n perceave_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o fear_v some_o inward_a distraction_n during_o the_o war_n then_o with_o england_n if_o she_o shall_v fall_v upon_o a_o more_o rigorous_a and_o general_a course_n do_v cause_v all_o the_o preacher_n to_o be_v summon_v whereupon_o the_o body_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o whole_a protestant_n resolve_v to_o keep_v the_o diet_n 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the_o antichrist_n of_o our_o time_n cruel_o do_v rage_n seek_v to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o congregation_n aught_o according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o strive_v in_o our_o master_n cause_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o victory_n in_o he_o the_o which_o our_o duty_n be_v well_o consider_v we_o do_v promise_n before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n that_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n shall_v with_o all_o diligence_n continual_o apply_v our_o whole_a power_n substance_n and_o our_o very_a life_n to_o maintain_v set_v forward_o and_o establish_v the_o most_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n and_o shall_v labour_v according_a to_o our_o power_n to_o have_v faithful_a minister_n true_o and_o pure_o to_o minister_v christ_n gospel_n and_o sacrament_n to_o his_o people_n we_o shall_v maintain_v they_o nourish_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o our_o whole_a power_n and_o wage_n of_o our_o life_n against_o satan_n and_o all_o wicked_a power_n that_o do_v intend_v tyranny_n or_o trouble_n against_o the_o foresay_a congregation_n unto_o the_o which_o holy_a word_n and_o congregation_n we_o de_fw-fr join_v we_o and_o so_o do_v forsake_v and_o renounce_v the_o congregation_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o the_o superstitious_a abomination_n and_o idolatry_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o manifest_a enemy_n thereto_o by_o this_o our_o faithful_a promise_n before_o god_n testify_v to_o this_o congregation_n by_o our_o subscription_n at_o these_o present_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o three_o day_n of_o december_n anno_fw-la 1557._o god_n call_v to_o witness_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n 1559._o be_v again_o necessitate_v to_o assemble_v for_o and_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o themselves_o at_o perth_n they_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o engagement_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o servant_n in_o these_o word_n at_o perth_n the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1559._o year_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o west_n country_n with_o the_o congregation_n of_o fife_n perth_n dundie_n angus_n mern_n and_o monross_n be_v convene_v in_o the_o town_n of_o perth_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n understand_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o same_o then_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a amity_n unity_n and_o fellowship_n together_o according_a as_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v confederate_a and_o become_v bind_v and_o oblige_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o concur_v &_o assist_v together_o in_o do_v all_o thing_n require_v of_o god_n in_o his_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o at_o their_o whole_a power_n to_o destroy_v and_o put_v away_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v true_o and_o pure_o worship_v and_o in_o case_n that_o any_o trouble_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o say_a congregation_n or_o any_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v concur_v assist_v and_o conveen_v together_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n or_o person_n trouble_v and_o shall_v not_o spare_v labour_n good_n substance_n body_n and_o life_n in_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o against_o whatsoever_o person_n shall_v intend_v the_o say_a trouble_n for_o cause_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n depend_v thereupon_o or_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n under_o pretence_n thereof_o although_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v colour_v with_o any_o other_o outward_a cause_n and_o again_o in_o the_o month_n of_o august_n the_o same_o year_n after_o have_v sustain_v and_o valiant_o resist_v a_o second_o assault_n both_o of_o the_o 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say_n so_o god_n shake_v out_o every_o man_n from_o his_o house_n &_o from_o his_o labour_n that_o perform_v not_o this_o promise_n even_o thus_o be_v he_o shake_v out_o and_o empty_v and_o all_o the_o congregation_n say_v amen_o jer._n 34._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20_o &_o 21._o and_o 2_o chron._n 24.23_o 24_o &_o 25._o with_o this_o pathetic_a application_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v break_v the_o covenant_n god_n will_v shake_v off_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o throne_n that_o he_o will_v shake_v the_o noble_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o empty_v they_o of_o their_o glory_n and_o will_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o seek_v their_o life_n that_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n be_v a_o old_a and_o continue_a sin_n in_o the_o king_n house_n which_o god_n have_v already_o severe_o punish_v if_o therefore_o the_o king_n shall_v not_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n king_n of_o zion_n who_o be_v above_o he_o but_o break_v this_o covenant_n god_n controversy_n against_o the_o king_n family_n will_v be_v carry_v on_o unto_o the_o weaken_n if_o not_o the_o overthrow_n of_o it_o and_o last_o both_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n be_v certify_v that_o if_o the_o king_n and_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v to_o support_v his_o crown_n shall_v conspire_v together_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n both_o the_o supporter_n and_o the_o support_v will_v fall_v together_o this_o be_v that_o great_a action_n wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o solemnity_n be_v so_o twist_v with_o that_o sacred_a bond_n that_o the_o world_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o never_o king_n and_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n become_v so_o express_o and_o strict_o oblige_v both_o unto_o god_n one_o to_o another_o &_o among_o themselves_o as_o we_o be_v and_o be_v by_o these_o most_o sacred_a oath_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n most_o indissoluble_o engage_v the_o four_o and_o last_o advantage_n be_v that_o plenary_a and_o last_o compliment_n of_o all_o security_n whatsoever_o among_o man_n viz._n the_o ratification_n of_o all_o these_o precede_a treaty_n transaction_n engagement_n and_o action_n conclude_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n then_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o 21_o year_n complete_a and_o the_o parliament_n full_o and_o free_o convene_v in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1651._o whereby_o the_o same_o do_v pass_v into_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o this_o covenant_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v and_o be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o indispensible_a oath_n of_o god_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereon_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n either_o of_o king_n or_o people_n be_v principal_o bottom_v and_o secure_v this_o be_v the_o fair_a side_n of_o the_o transaction_n and_o providence_n of_o thesse_n time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v favourable_a presence_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o zeal_n which_o 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although_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o the_o principal_a step_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o only_a rise_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o calamity_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o then_o that_o which_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o light_n indeed_o come_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o our_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o the_o lord_n do_v cause_v his_o gospel_n to_o shine_v among_o we_o in_o as_o great_a power_n and_o purity_n as_o ever_o any_o nation_n enjoy_v and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a ministry_n and_o government_n &_o the_o accession_n of_o our_o many_o fold_n covenant_n and_o engadgement_n do_v beautify_v and_o secure_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o and_o though_o that_o after_o a_o long_a continuance_n of_o all_o these_o blessing_n the_o lord_n by_o
and_o prelacy_n and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o ensue_v in_o the_o sincere_a and_o upright_a prosecution_n thereof_o be_v and_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o though_o man_n fight_v against_o yet_o shall_v they_o never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v and_o as_o this_o be_v our_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v our_o hope_n to_o all_o that_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n that_o our_o god_n will_v sure_o appear_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o vindicate_v his_o cause_n and_o persecute_v people_n and_o render_v vengeance_n to_o his_o adversary_n even_o the_o vengeance_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o break_a covenent_n o_o be_v not_o then_o move_v with_o our_o suffering_n with_o be_v but_o light_n and_o momentany_a for_o they_o work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o execede_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o for_o you_o also_o a_o strong_a confirmation_n and_o abound_a consolation_n against_o the_o like_a trial_n that_o possible_o may_v befall_v you_o o_o then_o save_v 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gospel-ordinance_n in_o their_o purity_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o administrate_v these_o 30_o year_n last_o by_o past_a and_o i_o adhere_v to_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n by_o general_a assembly_n synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n cornerstone_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n cathechisme_n short_a and_o large_a directory_n for_o worship_n national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n &_o every_o paper_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o testify_v &_o declare_v under_o my_o hand_n not_o know_v if_o i_o shall_v have_v any_o liberty_n to_o speak_v &_o intend_v god_n willing_a to_o seal_v with_o my_o blood_n short_o i_o confess_v that_o unexpected_o i_o be_o come_v to_o this_o place_n though_o some_o time_n i_o have_v have_v some_o small_a thought_n of_o it_o and_o i_o do_v account_n myself_o high_o honour_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o cause_n and_o this_o day_n i_o esteem_v it_o my_o glory_n garland_n crown_n &_o royal_a dignity_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o part_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o now_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o all_o my_o dear_a and_o worthy_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n the_o blessing_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v multiply_v upon_o you_o and_o your_o seed_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o suffer_a friend_n of_o christ_n this_o day_n upon_o my_o dear_a and_o love_a wife_n who_o have_v be_v a_o faithful_a sympathizer_n with_o i_o and_o upon_o my_o dear_a child_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v now_o at_o under_o but_o christ_n shall_v carry_v the_o day_n blessed_n be_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o see_v not_o for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n now_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o bring_v again_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n strengthen_v and_o establish_v you_o and_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n so_o pray_v you_o and_o so_o pray_v your_o friend_n andrew_z arnot_n the_o testimony_n of_o john_n shield_n yeoman_n one_o of_o the_o former_a ten_o who_o die_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 7_o day_n of_o decemb._n 1666._o i_o be_o a_o man_n unlearned_a and_o not_o accustom_v to_o speak_v in_o public_a yet_o be_v now_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o suffer_v for_o the_o lord_n in_o public_a i_o can_v be_v altogether_o silent_a of_o that_o which_o religion_n and_o reason_n have_v teach_v i_o anent_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o suffering_n i_o bless_v the_o lord_n i_o suffer_v not_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n especial_o not_o for_o any_o rebellion_n against_o his_o majesty_n lawful_a authority_n i_o attest_v he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v never_o my_o intention_n in_o the_o least_o and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v but_o for_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v the_o end_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o abjure_a prelate_n and_o intruder_n upon_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o presbytery_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n with_o a_o faithful_a godly_a call_v and_o send_v ministry_n and_o together_o with_o pure_a ordinance_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o this_o i_o be_o condemn_v and_o to_o suffer_v this_o day_n this_o i_o acknowledge_v free_o before_o our_o judge_n this_o i_o still_o acknowledge_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o herein_o i_o witness_v a_o faithful_a confession_n this_o cause_n and_o covenant_n i_o commend_v to_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n it_o be_v not_o free_a for_o you_o to_o forsake_v if_o you_o be_v inviolable_o engage_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o desert_v it_o because_o of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o perjurer_n and_o false_a swearer_n there_o be_v unspeakable_a blessedness_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o it_o whereof_o i_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o my_o rich_a experience_n since_o we_o begin_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v at_o this_o time_n for_o he_o whereupon_o i_o cheerful_o lie_v down_o my_o life_n for_o this_o his_o cause_n he_o it_o be_v who_o justify_v it_o what_o man_n or_o authority_n under_o heaven_n can_v condemn_v it_o arise_v o_o lord_n let_v not_o man_n prevaill_n against_o thou_o plead_v and_o judge_n this_o cause_n which_o be_v thy_o own_o for_o thy_o own_o name_n sake_n the_o testimony_n of_o another_o of_o the_o former_a ten_o person_n leave_v subscribe_v with_o a_o friend_n i_o design_v no_o rebellion_n against_o lawful_a authority_n but_o the_o suppress_n of_o prelacy_n and_o of_o profanity_n and_o advance_v of_o holiness_n in_o god_n world_n in_o a_o word_n i_o adhere_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o good_a covenant_n and_o do_v intend_v the_o restore_n of_o our_o good_a and_o soul-refreshing_a minister_n and_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o dumb_a greedy_a dog_n that_o can_v bark_v in_o this_o cause_n i_o be_v a_o free_a volunteer_n press_v by_o none_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o appear_v for_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a this_o i_o testify_v under_o my_o hand_n from_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o 6_o of_o december_n 1666._o the_o testimony_n of_o m_o r_o alexander_n robertson_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o probationer_n for_o the_o ministry_n who_o die_v at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 14._o 1666._o fear_v that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v open_o to_o the_o people_n i_o think_v fit_a beside_o my_o adherence_n to_o what_o my_o brethren_n who_o have_v
to_o who_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o perform_v ministerial_a duty_n be_v diligent_a preacher_n themselves_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o prelate_n be_v idle_a dron_n nor_o non-residenrs_a nor_o yet_o of_o a_o strange_a language_n to_o the_o people_n as_o wallace_n through_o his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o irish_a tongue_n and_o almost_o of_o all_o other_o except_o his_o mother_n must_v be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o his_o diocy_n of_o the_o western-isle_n neither_o do_v they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o secular_a affair_n and_o office_n than_o which_o what_o be_v there_o more_o absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o repugnant_a to_o scriptural_a precept_n and_o example_n for_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18_o ver_fw-la 38._o and_o how_o can_v his_o officer_n be_v of_o it_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n luc._n 12_o 14._o and_o speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o dominion_n say_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o mat._n 20_o ver_fw-la 25._o luc._n 22_o ver_fw-la 25_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o ministerial_a weapon_n be_v not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 10_o ver_fw-la 4_o and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o entangle_v themselves_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n 2_o tim._n 2_o ver_fw-la 4_o that_o the_o ministerial_a call_n be_v so_o weighty_a that_o the_o best_a qualify_v and_o most_o diligent_a be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2_o ver_fw-la 16._o how_o then_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o civil_a affair_n too_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v waâ—_n upon_o it_o rom._n 12_o ver_fw-la 7_o and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o not_o wait_v as_o the_o prelate_n do_v upon_o court_n parliament_n council_n convention_n of_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o member_n thereof_o nor_o exerce_fw-la the_o office_n of_o provost_n justice_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n nor_o will_v it_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o commit_v ministerial_a inspection_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o depute_n for_o if_o they_o be_v shepherd_n shall_v not_o the_o shepherd_n feed_v the_o flock_n ezeck_n 34_o ver_fw-la 2._o if_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o ministry_n teach_v exhort_v shall_v they_o not_o themselves_o wait_v upon_o these_o rom._n 12_o 7_o if_o they_o must_v give_v account_n of_o soul_n shall_v they_o not_o watch_n for_o they_o heb._n 13_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v require_v the_o flock_n at_o their_o hand_n ezek._n 34_o ver_fw-la 10_o how_o will_v they_o answer_v to_o god_n the_o people_n their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o have_v any_o or_o to_o other_o who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o for_o feed_v of_o themselves_o only_o and_o commit_v the_o flock_n to_o other_o and_o especial_o to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v learned_a holy_a apt_a to_o teach_v blameless_a of_o a_o good_a report_n chaste_a sober_a grave_a lover_n of_o good_a man_n meek_a and_o gentle_a as_o the_o scripture_n require_v that_o many_o be_v novice_n ignorant_a profane_a light_n give_v to_o wine_n false_a covetous_a contentious_a proud_a passionat_n and_o self_n will_v and_o so_o far_o from_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n or_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o in_o word_n conversation_n charity_n spirit_n faith_n and_o purity_n that_o they_o neither_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o nor_o rule_v their_o own_o family_n well_o i_o remember_v that_o one_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o commit_v the_o flock_n to_o vicar-curats_n as_o all_o be_v who_o serve_v under_o prelacy_n say_v adibunt_fw-la per_fw-la vicarios_fw-la in_o paradisum_fw-la in_fw-la persona_fw-la in_o inferos_fw-la they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n by_o their_o depute_n but_o to_o hell_n in_o person_n these_o man_n if_o i_o may_v borrow_v a_o allusion_n from_o the_o duty_n and_o commendation_n of_o faithful_a and_o approven_v minister_n have_v take_v forth_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a and_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v man_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a but_o mark_v how_o and_o for_o what_o end_n be_v it_o not_o by_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o they_o have_v select_v and_o set_v up_o as_o the_o only_a object_n of_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o persecution_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o they_o have_v take_v into_o their_o bosom_n as_o their_o only_a familiar_n and_o confident_n the_o one_o they_o thirst_n with_o the_o side_n and_o shoulder_n the_o other_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v to_o turn_v from_o his_o evil_a way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n but_o if_o any_o desire_n more_o particular_a information_n about_o they_o among_o other_o place_n to_o that_o purpose_n let_v they_o read_v and_o consider_v jer._n 23.9_o to_o 33._o and_o 5.31_o ezek._n 34.1_o to_o 11._o and_o 22.25.26.28_o zeph._n 3.4_o mal._n 2.8.9_o mat._n 23._o and_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o water_n they_o shall_v see_v their_o call_n quality_n doctrine_n conversation_n work_n and_o influence_n among_o the_o people_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o together_o with_o their_o righteous_a doom_n and_o reward_n he_o have_v already_o make_v contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o the_o people_n those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levy_n and_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n have_v make_v many_o to_o stumble_v thereat_o and_o will_v he_o not_o cause_n to_o cease_v from_o feed_v of_o the_o flock_n those_o who_o feed_v themselves_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o cloth_n with_o the_o wool_n but_o do_v not_o for_o indeed_o they_o can_v strengthen_v the_o deseasâ—d_n heall_a the_o sick_a bind_v up_o that_o which_o iâ—_n break_v bring_v back_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o nor_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v they_o have_v not_o only_o turn_v his_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n but_o from_o they_o be_v profanness_n go_v forth_o over_o all_o the_o land_n and_o see_v they_o deserve_v no_o more_o honourable_a exit_fw-la will_v he_o not_o scourge_v out_o of_o his_o temple_n those_o who_o have_v sell_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n yea_o see_v he_o have_v say_v it_o we_o will_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v make_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o that_o these_o man_n shall_v bear_v the_o wound_n or_o mark_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o for_o shame_n shall_v deny_v for_o lie_n be_v their_o ordinary_a refuge_n that_o â—ever_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o that_o other_o perhaps_o their_o near_a relation_n the_o father_n and_o mother_n who_o beget_v they_o shall_v so_o little_a esteem_n regard_n or_o pity_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v they_o unworthy_a to_o live_v you_o shall_v not_o live_v and_o that_o he_o will_v again_o gather_v those_o that_o be_v now_o sorrowful_a for_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n that_o he_o will_v search_v for_o the_o flock_n seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v bring_v back_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v &_o strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n who_o under_o and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n david_n shall_v feed_v they_o in_o a_o good_a pasture_n with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o all_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o curse_n upon_o they_o who_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n neither_o be_v they_o who_o plead_v a_o indifferency_n of_o form_n of_o government_n more_o scriptural_a or_o rational_a than_o the_o former_a for_o it_o seem_v equal_o absurd_a &_o incosinstant_a with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o j._n christ_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o appoint_v he_o with_o the_o lord_n way_n of_o deal_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n whereunto_o he_o prescribe_v a_o specifical_a and_o fix_a form_n of_o government_n and_o with_o the_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o all_o church_n assembly_n officer_n power_n act_n and_o who_o shall_v exerce_fw-la the_o same_o &_o every_o other_o thing_n necessary_o belong_v thereunto_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o teach_v and_o be_v not_o common_a to_o it_o with_o civil_a government_n and_o order_n be_v clear_o hold_v forth_o express_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n in_o special_a or_o general_n direction_n and_o warrantable_a example_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o many_o debat_n extant_a thereanent_a to_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o alterable_a according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o various_a and_o mutable_a humour_n