another_o all_o pretend_v the_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a specifical_a term_n in_o the_o covenant_n whereupon_o some_o can_v implead_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o breach_n and_o do_v not_o the_o sectarian_n army_n when_o they_o invade_v scotland_n pretend_v the_o covenant_n and_o keep_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o there_o be_v high_a appeal_v make_v to_o heaven_n will_v not_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o own_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o only_o seem_v clear_a against_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n and_o for_o a_o violent_a extirpation_n of_o this_o then_o there_o be_v no_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o preserve_a presbytery_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbytery_n not_o be_v once_o name_v only_o the_o matter_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o general_n we_o shall_v preserve_v 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 our_o common_a enemy_n reform_a religion_n and_o against_o common_a enemy_n no_o independent_a or_o separatist_n but_o may_v say_v he_o will_v preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n etc._n etc._n in_o scotland_n albeit_o he_o think_v not_o presbytery_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o reform_a religion_n or_o government_n and_o although_o he_o mind_v to_o do_v against_o it_o himself_o only_o if_o he_o will_v preserve_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o hold_v off_o what_o he_o apprehend_v worse_a he_o will_v preserve_v it_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n neither_o be_v there_o security_n in_o that_o covenant_n for_o reform_v england_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n as_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o be_v there_o not_o more_o policy_n than_o piety_n in_o this_o to_o endeavour_v the_o solder_n and_o hold_v fast_o of_o so_o many_o several_a party_n unite_v against_o episcopacy_n yet_o sort_v among_o themselves_o like_o the_o iron_n and_o clay_n toeâ—_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n image_n and_o ready_a to_o break_v one_o upon_o another_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o clear_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v still_o like_a to_o be_v such_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a policy_n unsound_a way_n of_o unite_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n in_o end_n of_o great_a distraction_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o purpose_n frame_v in_o general_a term_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o several_a party_n may_v be_v fast_o unite_v against_o prelacy_n own_v by_o the_o king_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o own_v will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o a_o perpetual_a seminary_n of_o diverse_a party_n all_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o yet_o no_o party_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o specifical_a sense_n thereof_o and_o some_o of_o the_o way_n of_o these_o several_a party_n may_v be_v find_v much_o worse_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a discerner_n than_o prelacy_n be_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o some_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o ponder_v whether_o this_o way_n of_o a_o study_a indistinctness_n generality_n and_o homonymie_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o strengthen_v a_o party_n against_o some_o one_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o countryman_n shall_v have_v be_v cast_v away_o in_o such_o uncertain_a term_n it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a enough_o against_o episcopacy_n let_v we_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o clear_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o whatever_o doubtfulness_n be_v otherways_o but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o we_o have_v show_v above_o how_o unclear_a it_o be_v against_o the_o episcopacy_n establish_v now_o in_o scotland_n however_o clear_v it_o be_v as_o intend_v against_o the_o english_a frame_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lay_v aside_o when_o now_o it_o be_v disclaim_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o all_o person_n of_o trust_n in_o the_o land_n a_o humane_a form_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o composure_n of_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v have_v be_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o seminary_n of_o variety_n of_o party_n all_o plead_v it_o and_o worse_o evil_n than_o prelacy_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v than_o still_o to_o own_v it_o when_o as_o authentic_a exponer_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o who_o may_v reprove_v false_a pretender_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v have_v neither_o while_n they_o be_v in_o be_v can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o anent_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n baâ—ling_n the_o scotish_n commissioner_n declaration_n anno_fw-la 1647._o and_o other_o paper_n god_n have_v give_v the_o child_n of_o man_n work_v enough_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n which_o certain_o in_o his_o intendment_n have_v but_o one_o true_a sense_n howbeit_o man_v blindness_n often_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a labour_n to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o humane_a form_n purposely_o contrive_v in_o general_a term_n for_o take_v in_o party_n of_o know_a contrary_a sense_n and_o judgement_n which_o will_v if_o own_a prove_v apple_n of_o contention_n in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n but_o 3._o let_v sober_a and_o godly_a man_n consider_v if_o it_o be_v dutiful_o do_v to_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n conditional_o and_o with_o a_o limitation_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mr._n crofton_n indeed_o deny_v that_o in_o that_o three_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v any_o limitation_n of_o our_o loyalty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o while_o he_o defend_v religion_n he_o assert_n that_o clause_n to_o be_v only_o a_o predication_n of_o their_o present_a capacity_n who_o engage_v to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n to_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v in_o defence_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n shall_v defend_v the_o king_n person_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o how_o strain'd-like_a this_o look_v the_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o judicious_a man_n look_v as_o a_o clear_a limitation_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o if_o otherwise_o we_o owe_v he_o no_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n belike_o the_o general_n ass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n somewhat_o better_a than_o mr._n crofton_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_v their_o opposition_n to_o authority_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o engagement_n 1648._o upon_o this_o as_o the_o main_a hinge_n â—_o our_o conditional_a duty_n to_o the_o king_n they_o in_o their_o declaration_n 1649._o declare_v that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o mean_v main_o that_o particular_a mode_n of_o church-government_n by_o presbytery_n for_o that_o be_v it_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o protestant_n religion_n be_v never_o under_o question_n between_o the_o king_n and_o they_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o ground_n the_o covenant_n where_o their_o duty_n in_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n be_v say_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o without_o manifest_a breach_n of_o covenant_n they_o can_v admit_v he_o to_o reign_v till_o in_o that_o they_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v clear_a they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o limitation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o own_n of_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n be_v conditio_fw-la sinè_fw-la quà _fw-la non_fw-la of_o his_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o pay_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o so_o indeed_o the_o transaction_n in_o the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n and_o the_o hague_n and_o what_o follow_v thereupon_o expound_v their_o mind_n now_o be_v this_o right_a that_o where_o our_o allegiance_n bind_v we_o to_o duty_n in_o a_o great_a latitude_n this_o shall_v be_v hold_v out_o to_o people_n as_o the_o only_a standard_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n be_v it_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o insinuat_fw-la to_o the_o sense_n of_o intelligent_a man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o otherwise_o bind_v to_o defend_v he_o be_v it_o well_o by_o such_o a_o clause_n to_o giu_v occasion_n to_o wicked_a man_n as_o the_o sectary_n take_v it_o in_o their_o declaration_n before_o the_o late_a king_n death_n to_o think_v they_o be_v no_o further_o oblige_v to_o he_o then_o he_o shall_v defend_v that_o which_o they_o account_v religion_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n to_o destroy_v hiâ—_n person_n they_o find_v as_o they_o say_v in_o that_o declaration_n that_o his_o safety_n and_o religion_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v commissioner_n from_o this_o
and_o for_o obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o according_o some_o be_v provide_v to_o bishopric_n at_o that_o time_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n in_o the_o follow_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n march_n 1571._o take_v exception_n at_o these_o article_n of_o agreement_n it_o be_v true_a at_o perth_n august_n 1572._o they_o receive_v the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o protestation_n it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o interim_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o learned_a penner_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n allow_v of_o bishop_n a_o few_o year_n before_o this_o covenant_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o evidence_n that_o he_o change_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o he_o do_v in_o that_o draught_n of_o the_o confession_n mean_v protestant_n bishop_n which_o then_o he_o approve_v by_o the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v abjure_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o king_n himself_o that_o he_o mind_v no_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o protestant_n bishop_n by_o that_o covenant_n may_v be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o when_o he_o and_o his_o family_n take_v that_o covenant_n and_o when_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o the_o subject_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n know_v in_o this_o church_n as_o a_o government_n by_o presbytery_n the_o whole_a government_n consist_v in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n exerce_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o or_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n of_o country_n who_o exercise_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n other_o government_n there_o be_v not_o but_o by_o some_o single_a person_n have_v power_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n quarrel_v what_o they_o do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v then_o real_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o king_n do_v swear_v himself_o or_o put_v other_o to_o swear_v against_o the_o church-government_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n and_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n till_o july_n 12_o 1580._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n mind_v not_o to_o swear_v down_o protestant_n episcopacy_n by_o that_o covenant_n for_o suppose_v the_o general_n assembly_n in_o that_o same_o year_n 1580_o july_n 12._o do_v pass_v a_o act_n against_o episcopacy_n the_o like_a whereof_o have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o this_o church_n before_o yet_o the_o very_a year_n follow_v 1581._o though_o the_o king_n and_o council_n have_v present_v the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o they_o and_o the_o people_n in_o several_a parish_n at_o their_o order_n or_o by_o their_o persuasion_n yet_o that_o very_o same_o year_n a_o act_n of_o council_n be_v make_v confirm_v express_o that_o agreement_n 1571._o at_o leith_n concern_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v do_v six_o month_n after_o the_o send_v the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n act_n for_o subscribe_v this_o be_v in_o october_n that_o in_o march_n 1581._o now_o be_v it_o any_o way_n probable_a that_o the_o king_n and_o council_n have_v they_o intend_v to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o confession_n shall_v within_o six_o month_n make_v a_o act_n for_o confirm_v a_o former_a agreement_n for_o establish_v episcopacy_n and_o this_o act_n of_o council_n be_v no_o secret_a for_o the_o king_n open_o avow_v it_o in_o the_o business_n concern_v montgomery_n bishop_n of_o glasgow_n who_o the_o king_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v process_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o accept_n a_o bishopric_n because_o as_o he_o say_v he_o have_v so_o late_o ratify_v the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n 1571._o neither_o do_v the_o assembly_n or_o any_o minister_n speak_v of_o that_o deed_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n albeit_o in_o these_o day_n they_o have_v a_o way_n of_o use_v liberty_n enough_o and_o more_o than_o be_v sit_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o intention_n of_o king_n and_o council_n who_o enjoin_v it_o first_o and_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o subject_n do_v not_o abjure_v episcopacy_n why_o shall_v the_o subject_n take_v themselves_o bind_v as_o swear_v down_o episcopacy_n by_o that_o oath_n see_v every_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o have_v declare_v that_o in_o that_o national_a covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v in_o the_o year_n 1580_o and_o they_o enjoin_v that_o all_o shall_v subscribe_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o many_o have_v do_v so_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v a_o covenant_n or_o oath_n when_o few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o man_n be_v live_v who_o take_v that_o covenant_n or_o if_o live_v few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la vinculum_fw-la personale_fw-la so_o say_v the_o casuist_n so_o no_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o define_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o dead_a man_n in_o take_v a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a unless_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o authentic_a express_a evidence_n that_o such_o be_v their_o meaning_n in_o take_v the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n in_o their_o life-time_n now_o all_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n have_v produce_v in_o their_o large_a act_n sess_z 16._o declare_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v anno_fw-la 1580._o amount_n to_o nothing_o more_o but_o this_o that_o before_o jul._n 1580._o at_o which_o time_n some_o month_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o subject_n the_o church_n be_v and_o have_v be_v some_o year_n labour_v against_o bishop_n who_o notwithstanding_o continue_v till_o after_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o that_o after_o the_o year_n 1580._o there_o be_v much_o opposition_n to_o that_o office_n by_o the_o assembly_n but_o all_o their_o citation_n of_o act_n come_v not_o to_o this_o point_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o word_n in_o it_o nor_o do_v these_o ancient_a assembly_n after_o 1580._o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n man_n be_v then_o live_v who_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o it_o be_v against_o covenant_n to_o admit_v of_o episcopacy_n but_o they_o go_v upon_o other_o ground_n in_o oppugn_v that_o office_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o assembly_n of_o minister_n who_o have_v take_v that_o covenant_n be_v never_o hear_v to_o plead_v against_o episcopacy_n though_o they_o love_v it_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n and_o that_o fifty_o eight_o year_n after_o when_o most_o or_o all_o of_o these_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o be_v wear_v out_o a_o generation_n rise_v that_o will_v plead_v that_o their_o ancestor_n take_v that_o covenant_n in_o that_o sense_n abjure_v episcopacy_n whereas_o there_o be_v in_o no_o act_n of_o these_o ancient_a assembly_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v or_o at_o the_o take_n of_o it_o any_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v their_o mind_n in_o take_v that_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o old_a abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n no_o nor_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o within_o six_o year_n after_o that_o year_n 1580._o a_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n thereto_o annex_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n prefer_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_v and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_a only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n it_o seem_v within_o six_o year_n the_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n retract_v the_o act_n of_o dundee_n 1581._o but_o 3._o strange_a it_o be_v that_o the_o company_n meet_v at_o glasgow_n a_o assembly_n against_o which_o as_o much_o be_v say_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n as_o against_o any_o other_o in_o our_o church_n have_v power_n
be_v good_a that_o these_o former_a principle_n be_v better_o remember_v and_o use_v in_o the_o present_a case_n further_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o their_o paper_n print_v octob._n 5._o 1659._o pag._n 8._o of_o that_o paper_n speak_v very_o sober_o disclaim_v it_o as_o none_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o no_o difference_n of_o opinion_n can_v be_v suffer_v by_o they_o we_o be_v say_v they_o clear_a that_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o common_a practice_n in_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v agreement_n by_o accommodation_n though_o difference_n of_o judgement_n remain_v etc._n etc._n again_o say_v they_o we_o ready_o yield_v that_o as_o we_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n man_n in_o a_o church_n may_v compose_v debate_n by_o put_v end_n to_o contention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o judgement_n and_o therein_o we_o judge_v the_o apostle_n have_v set_v the_o rule_n before_o we_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o a_o golden_a rule_n indeed_o the_o practice_n whereof_o in_o its_o just_a sense_n may_v bring_v we_o much_o sweet_a peace_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n concern_v the_o case_n of_o submission_n to_o and_o act_v in_o duty_n with_o meeting_n anent_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o or_o member_n there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o a_o man_n great_o learn_v and_o know_v to_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o bishop_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a theodore_n beza_n be_v write_v to_o by_o some_o minister_n in_o england_n who_o except_v against_o some_o custom_n in_o the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o that_o church_n their_o controversy_n have_v not_o then_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n only_o some_o custom_n in_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n in_o external_a order_n be_v most_o stand_v upon_o he_o beza_n epist_n 12._o though_o dislike_a these_o thing_n yet_o plain_o aver_v to_o they_o that_o these_o custom_n be_v not_o tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la as_o that_o for_o these_o they_o shall_v leave_v their_o ministry_n and_o by_o desert_v their_o church_n give_v advantage_n to_o satan_n who_o seek_v occasion_n to_o bring_v in_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n he_o wish_v they_o there_o to_o bear_v what_o they_o can_v amend_v to_o beware_v of_o all_o bitterness_n and_o albeit_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o other_o yet_o with_o a_o godly_a concord_n to_o resist_v satan_n who_o seek_v all_o occasion_n of_o tumult_n and_o infinite_a calamity_n and_o he_o do_v most_o grave_o obtest_v the_o minister_n with_o tear_n as_o he_o say_v ut_fw-la regiae_n majestati_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la praesulibus_fw-la suis_fw-la ex_fw-la animo_fw-la obsequantur_fw-la beza_n plead_v for_o hearty_a obedience_n in_o thing_n lawful_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v honourable_o in_o that_o epistle_n not_o hint_v at_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o offer_v to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v against_o their_o office_n sunt_fw-la maximi_fw-la viri_fw-la say_v he_o qui_fw-la singulari_fw-la dei_fw-la opt._n max._n beneficio_fw-la papisticis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la successere_fw-la he_o account_v not_o they_o nor_o their_o office_n popish_a but_o say_v by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o the_o most_o great_a and_o good_a god_n they_o have_v succeed_v the_o popish_a bishop_n or_o come_v in_o their_o place_n even_o as_o by_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n protestant_n minister_n have_v come_v in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o popish_a priest_n and_o how_o well_o he_o esteem_v of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o office_n likely_o abate_v somewhat_o of_o his_o peremptoriness_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n with_o some_o as_o he_o have_v cause_n may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o what_o he_o say_v in_o that_o epistle_n exhorrescimus_fw-la ut_fw-la contra_fw-la regiae_n majestatis_fw-la &_o episcoporum_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la ministri_fw-la suô_o ministeriô_o fungantur_fw-la but_o from_o his_o epistle_n to_o grindal_n bishop_n of_o london_n epist_n 23._o commend_v grindal_n christian_n patience_n and_o lenity_n add_v majori_fw-la posthac_fw-la paena_fw-la digni_fw-la erunt_fw-la qui_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la ivam_fw-la aspernabuntur_fw-la close_v his_o epistle_n deus_fw-la te_fw-la custodiat_fw-la &_o intanâ—â—_n commisso_fw-la tibi_fw-la munere_fw-la sancto_fw-la svo_fw-la spiritu_fw-la regat_fw-la &_o magis_fw-la aâ—_n magis_fw-la confirmet_fw-la and_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n to_o that_o same_o bishop_n he_o say_v dominus_fw-la te_fw-la istic_fw-la at_o london_n speculatorem_fw-la &_o judicem_fw-la constituit_fw-la by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v far_o from_o beza_n mind_n that_o minister_n shall_v give_v no_o obedience_n to_o bishop_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thing_n undoubted_o lawful_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v refuse_v concurrence_n with_o bishop_n in_o order_v the_o church_n and_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n 2._o the_o present_a question_n concern_v the_o case_n and_o carriage_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o minister_n 1._o some_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o synod_n although_o call_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n command_n signify_v by_o his_o most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n where_o bishop_n do_v preside_v they_o refuse_v also_o to_o come_v to_o presbytery_n where_o a_o moderator_n pretend_v no_o more_o power_n than_o any_o of_o themselves_o preside_v be_v nominate_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o next_o meet_v of_o the_o synod_n such_o meeting_n they_o withdraw_v from_o albeit_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o to_o act_v in_o unquestionable_a duty_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n and_o suppress_v according_a to_o their_o power_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n upon_o their_o judgement_n nor_o subscription_n require_v nor_o declaration_n that_o they_o allow_v any_o thing_n they_o count_v amiss_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o any_o constituent_a member_n thereof_o yea_o where_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o entreat_v for_o this_o to_o case_v their_o conscience_n by_o signify_v their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v overcome_v anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o meeting_n or_o anent_o the_o member_n thereof_o so_o be_v they_o will_v do_v this_o with_o that_o inoffensive_a modesty_n humility_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o such_o meeting_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o that_o become_v and_o after_o that_o to_o concur_v in_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n concern_v such_o minister_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o such_o meeting_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o carry_v on_o their_o undoubted_a duty_n or_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 2._o the_o other_o rank_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o who_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o act_n of_o council_n at_o glasgow_n and_o of_o parliament_n whereto_o it_o relate_v do_v rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o ministry_n then_o to_o seek_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o collation_n thereupon_o from_o the_o bishop_n yea_o who_o will_v quit_v their_o ministry_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o will_v once_o come_v in_o term_n of_o treat_v with_o a_o bishop_n to_o try_v upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n therein_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o brethren_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n several_a thing_n be_v worthy_a their_o most_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v render_v they_o somewhat_o jealous_a of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o present_a way_n 1._o have_v not_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n a_o undoubted_a power_n to_o convocate_v synod_n when_o he_o see_v it_o needful_a never_o be_v there_o any_o protestant_n minister_n no_o nor_o christian_n minister_n before_o this_o time_n who_o be_v convocate_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o church-meeting_n by_o the_o sovereign_a christian_a magistrate_n do_v refuse_v to_o come_v at_o his_o command_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o rank_n or_o degree_n of_o subject_n that_o can_v without_o the_o stain_n of_o sinful_a disobedience_n refuse_v to_o meet_v upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n and_o minister_n can_v plead_v exemption_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o subject_n 2._o brethren_n will_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v their_o not-coming_a to_o the_o synod_n upon_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n because_o that_o command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n be_v join_v with_o another_o command_v to_o concur_v dutiful_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o
to_o bind_v other_o to_o their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_a it_o be_v no_o assembly_n nor_o company_n of_o man_n can_v put_v a_o obligation_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v take_v a_o oath_n personal_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n can_v declare_v their_o own_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o themselves_o but_o can_v not_o impose_v their_o sense_n upon_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n before_o that_o sense_n not_o have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n by_o the_o imposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n not_o have_v impower_v the_o commissioner_n at_o glasgow_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o that_o oath_n they_o have_v take_v so_o then_o whatever_o be_v do_v at_o glasgow_n after_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n can_v not_o oblige_v all_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o own_o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o at_o first_o impose_v the_o oath_n declare_v to_o they_o and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n have_v not_o indeed_o abjure_v episcopacy_n by_o that_o national_a covenant_n they_o enter_v in_o neither_o the_o covenant_n nor_o add_v interpretation_n import_v any_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n by_o any_o after_o deed_n own_v that_o assembly_n sense_v of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o act_n in_o that_o assembly_n that_o all_o shall_v own_v their_o determination_n of_o the_o sense_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o act_n sess_z 26._o that_o these_o who_o have_v not_o already_o subscribe_v shall_v subscribe_v with_o a_o allowance_n of_o the_o assembly_n determination_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o few_o do_v so_o if_o any_o do_v so_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v too_o rash_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o current_n of_o that_o time_n without_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o matter_n but_o final_o now_o that_o we_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o bypass_a time_n it_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o ponder_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o covenant_n we_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o seem_v most_o express_a against_o prelacy_n and_o which_o almost_o swallow_v up_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v great_a duty_n engage_v to_o in_o the_o same_o relate_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n from_o which_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v loose_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o tie_v be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o covenant_n who_o design_v no_o evil_n nor_o mind_v any_o injury_n to_o the_o sovereign_n yet_o several_a thing_n as_o to_o that_o covenant_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v serious_o examine_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v as_o fault_n especial_o if_o any_o evil_a or_o unlawful_a thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o substance_n or_o mater_fw-la of_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v be_v remember_v malum_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la singulis_fw-la defectibus_fw-la 1._o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o public_a oath_n or_o bond_n without_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n and_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n can_v there_o be_v any_o example_n show_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a either_o jew_n or_o christian_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o public_a oath_n or_o league_n and_o bond_n without_o their_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v over_o they_o go_v before_o they_o or_o they_o not_o consent_v or_o contradict_v be_v it_o not_o so_o special_a a_o royalty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o have_v power_n of_o impose_v a_o public_a oath_n on_o all_o his_o subject_n especial_o when_o the_o oath_n have_v a_o direct_a aim_n for_o raise_v and_o take_v arm_n for_o invasion_n of_o any_o in_o foreign_a nation_n such_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n as_o to_o we_o in_o scotland_n that_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o king_n what_o be_v there_o that_o may_v not_o be_v do_v without_o he_o who_o can_v have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o swear_v all_o the_o king_n subject_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n without_o his_o consent_n much_o less_o can_v any_o have_v power_n to_o swear_v they_o to_o a_o war_n against_o the_o sovereign_n while_o he_o be_v no_o way_n injure_v they_o but_o heap_v favour_n upon_o they_o the_o war_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o be_v defensive_a on_o their_o part_n noâ—_n admit_v of_o apology_n upon_o that_o ground_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o several_a just_a law_n of_o this_o land_n clear_o inhibit_v all_o league_n of_o subject_n under_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o the_o king_n consent_n have_v and_o obtain_v thereto_o jam._n 6._o parl._n 10._o act._n 1â—_n marry_o parl._n 9_o act_n 75._o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v carry_v on_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v move_v to_o concur_v in_o it_o and_o to_o take_v it_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o warrant_v it_o have_v from_o king_n james_n his_o authority_n still_o continue_v albeit_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o successor_n give_v any_o authoriy_n to_o the_o additional_a explication_n and_o application_n and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ingenuos_o profess_v by_o the_o promoter_n of_o that_o covenant_n as_o may_v also_o be_v clear_v by_o write_n they_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v it_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n or_o league_n they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v in_o it_o without_o the_o king_n authority_n warrand_a they_o but_o when_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o have_v no_o shadow_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n come_v upon_o the_o stage_n this_o doctrine_n be_v forget_v utter_o for_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o england_n by_o a_o meeting_n of_o parliament_n exclude_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o king_n proclaim_v against_o it_o in_o scotland_n by_o a_o committee_n of_o estate_n which_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o engage_v the_o land_n in_o a_o foreign_a war_n intend_v in_o that_o covenant_n may_v be_v doubt_v now_o although_o this_o can_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o undoubted_o lawful_a and_o otherwise_o still_o oblige_v yet_o it_o be_v well_o if_o unlawfulness_n in_o regard_n of_o this_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n warrand_a it_o be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v some_o piece_n of_o self-denial_n casuist_n say_v that_o res_fw-la jurata_fw-la may_v be_v licita_fw-la when_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la illicitum_fw-la let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o suppose_v it_o also_o to_o oblige_v yet_o they_o who_o appear_v so_o afraid_a of_o sin_n in_o break_v that_o oath_n will_v for_o proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n give_v as_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n as_o they_o do_v against_o that_o sin_n as_o they_o suppose_v in_o break_v it_o if_o they_o say_v factum_fw-la valet_fw-la let_v they_o consider_v if_o they_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o say_v fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la 2._o it_o be_v most_o serious_o to_o be_v consider_v if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o intrinsical_a frame_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o with_o which_o god_n be_v not_o well-pleased_n such_o a_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o most_o solemn_a profession_n before_o god_n of_o what_o man_n do_v own_o in_o religion_n and_o profess_o intend_v for_o the_o great_a mutual_a assurance_n of_o man_n enter_v in_o it_o one_o to_o another_o shall_v have_v be_v frame_v in_o most_o strict_a plain_a and_o specifical_a term_n but_o this_o solemn_a league_n etc._n etc._n be_v purposely_o frame_v in_o general_a and_o homonymous_a term_n such_o as_o by_o the_o expression_n leave_v room_n for_o all_o the_o sectary_n in_o the_o isle_n if_o they_o will_v but_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lurk_v under_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o own_o each_o one_o their_o own_o way_n and_o yet_o plead_v their_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o that_o several_a sort_n of_o sectary_n may_v fight_v in_o their_o several_a faction_n one_o against_o