more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n contain_v in_o scripture_n so_o the_o apparent_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o man_n devise_v can_v be_v no_o justification_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v if_o this_o ground_n be_v reject_v how_o will_v we_o maintain_v or_o where_o will_v we_o find_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o our_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n syond_n provincial_a and_o national_a with_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependency_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v that_o only_a of_o the_o kirk-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n do_v constant_o moderate_a for_o without_o this_o express_a kule_n a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o frame_n which_o we_o contenâ—_n for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n i_o must_v begin_v with_o its_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practiâ—e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o â—ollow_v thaâ—_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppoâ—sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v â—ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
verification_n to_o give_v a_o character_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o course_n make_v up_o of_o such_o reproach_n of_o simplicity_n or_o cheatry_n against_o all_o engage_v in_o it_o perplexity_n and_o vexation_n of_o all_o that_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o insolent_a mock_v at_o the_o overthrow_n of_o god_n work_n and_o desolation_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o malice_n itself_o can_v have_v utter_v nothing_o more_o false_a and_o virulent_a the_o truth_n be_v say_v he_o that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o form_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n and_o thicket_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o and_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n about_o their_o true_a sâ—nse_n etc._n etc._n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n as_o always_o may_v and_o often_o do_v even_o within_o a_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long-lived_a thus_o he_o and_o for_o justify_v the_o censure_n which_o serious_o i_o have_v without_o prejudice_n premise_v i_o first_o inquire_v why_o be_v there_o here_o such_o a_o insinuation_n prefaced_a of_o many_o other_o evil_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o enumerat_a must_v we_o believe_v the_o covenant_n to_o ebb_n worse_o than_o can_v be_v express_v because_o the_o accuser_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o why_o be_v this_o accusation_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o general_a of_o all_o such_o covenant_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o intend_v against_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v it_o because_o the_o author_n will_v have_v we_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o combination_n or_o because_o he_o have_v the_o same_o regard_n and_o faith_n for_o all_o covenant_n or_o at_o least_o tâ—at_a by_o such_o a_o general_n he_o may_v the_o better_o cover_v the_o pointednesse_n of_o his_o calumny_n only_o level_v at_o this_o but_o take_v all_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o our_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o person_n among_o themselves_o not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o serve_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n but_o 1._o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v the_o unsincerity_n and_o bias_n of_o a_o few_o person_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o perfect_a yet_o that_o the_o body_n of_o both_o the_o parliament_n assembly_n and_o people_n of_o these_o nation_n be_v act_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o league_n with_o such_o unanimity_n straightness_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o liberty_n as_o can_v not_o ready_o be_v instance_a in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n and_o can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n and_o assistance_n be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o less_o the_o comfort_n of_o its_o faithful_a adherer_n than_o the_o confusion_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n 2._o as_o the_o matter_n it_o self_n be_v thus_o carry_v so_o i_o can_v appeal_v to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thousand_o that_o the_o take_n &_o renew_v of_o our_o covenant_n both_o in_o this_o &_o our_o neighbour_n land_n be_v attend_v with_o more_o sincere_a mourning_n serious_a repentance_n and_o solid_a conversion_n than_o almost_o â—ath_v be_v in_o any_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o daâ—es_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o admit_v that_o the_o person_n and_o motive_n influence_v this_o covenant_n have_v be_v such_o as_o be_v represent_v yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n righteousness_n plainness_n and_o consistencie_n of_o all_o its_o article_n that_o consider_v their_o brevity_n the_o mighty_a party_n engage_v and_o how_o circumstantiat_fw-la with_o their_o universal_a and_o most_o important_a concern_v that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o make_v its_o reproach_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o lord_n overrule_a providence_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o covenant_n glory_n but_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o too_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n certain_o in_o fair_a yea_o in_o charitable_a deal_v if_o the_o author_n have_v intend_v either_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a or_o have_v but_o tender_v his_o own_o repute_n so_o broad_a and_o foul_a a_o challenge_n shall_v at_o least_o have_v be_v qualify_v by_o a_o condescendence_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o oppose_v one_o general_a to_o another_o nor_o do_v i_o fear_v any_o loss_n from_o the_o inequality_n of_o our_o credit_n but_o i_o be_o so_o persuade_v both_o from_o conscience_n reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o calumny_n that_o i_o be_o angry_a that_o by_o this_o disappointment_n he_o shall_v robe_n i_o and_o our_o cause_n of_o so_o probable_a a_o advantage_n i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o quibling_n of_o the_o oxfoord_v doctor_n and_o other_o i_o free_o refer_v my_o reader_n both_o to_o their_o write_n and_o the_o answer_v they_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o the_o best_a solution_n if_o i_o may_v here_o guess_v at_o the_o author_n meaning_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o occur_v the_o versatile_a ambiguity_n he_o will_v objecte_v be_v most_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o reformation_n in_o order_n to_o england_n for_o as_o to_o the_o variety_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o many_o article_n and_o clause_n that_o he_o mention_n within_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v find_v he_o more_o particular_a and_o as_o to_o this_o uncertainty_n i_o have_v so_o full_o evince_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o league_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extirpation_n covenant_v wherein_o both_o party_n do_v clear_o agree_v and_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o tâ—e_v general_a clause_n of_o reformation_n be_v refer_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a rule_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o conformable_a example_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a whatever_o may_v be_v man_n fraud_n or_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n yet_o the_o covenant_n in_o this_o part_n can_v be_v accuse_v either_o of_o uncertainty_n or_o ambiguity_n without_o wound_v through_o its_o side_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o dart_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o covenant_n become_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n a_o thicket_n oâ—_n brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o conscience_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n etc._n etc._n good_a sir_n why_o so_o severe_a sure_o whatever_o ground_n of_o complaint_n other_o may_v have_v in_o this_o regard_v you_o who_o have_v find_v a_o way_n through_o these_o brier_n and_o thorn_n and_o be_v come_v out_o of_o this_o thicket_n with_o your_o coat_n rough_a than_o at_o your_o entry_n have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o no_o doubt_n have_v all_o engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o a_o conscience_n such_o as_o you_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o by_o its_o serpentine_a subtlety_n and_o irreligious_a indifferency_n to_o have_v extricat_fw-la themselves_o from_o great_a difficulty_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n have_v wicked_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o to_o disguise_v it_o he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o who_o remain_v faithful_a be_v catch_v in_o the_o brier_n and_o detain_v against_o their_o will_n i_o shall_v not_o ask_v what_o these_o snaresâ—_n thicket_n and_o contention_n be_v whereof_o he_o accuse_v this_o engagement_n it_o be_v below_o his_o dignity_n to_o be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o we_o know_v that_o many_n part_v open_o part_n more_o covert_o have_v deal_v very_o treacherous_o in_o this_o matter_n &_o if_o thereafter_o to_o palliate_v their_o perjury_n they_o have_v move_v debate_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n therewith_o to_o be_v charge_v one_o thing_n only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o as_o many_o of_o these_o disput_n have_v take_v their_o various_a pretension_n not_o from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o refer_v and_o which_o i_o wish_v the_o author_n do_v not_o account_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n so_o of_o all_o the_o objection_n move_v by_o such_o who_o in_o the_o succeed_a alteration_n of_o providence_n have_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o
ridiculous_a i_o grant_v the_o caution_n subjoin_v viz_o that_o they_o apply_v their_o power_n always_o for_o and_o not_o against_o the_o truth_n if_o make_v effectual_a will_v indeed_o secure_v the_o event_n but_o see_v they_o only_o promise_v by_o suppose_v it_o and_o consequent_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a with_o it_o and_o real_o such_o as_o may_v recommend_v the_o most_o unwarrantable_a and_o improper_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o empty_a probability_n conclude_v nothing_o let_v the_o pope_n or_o some_o thing_n worse_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o supposition_n that_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v his_o power_n to_o obstruct_v but_o to_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o against_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o question_n there_o will_v thence_o arise_v a_o consequential_a expedience_n and_o advantage_n but_o thence_o to_o argue_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o appointment_n be_v plain_o to_o ranverse_v all_o reason_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o from_o our_o lord_n own_o warrant_n and_o blessing_n that_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o attend_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ordinance_n so_o where_o these_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a church-government_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o ensue_a of_o atheism_n and_o profanity_n can_v be_v deny_v the_o conclusion_n tâ—at_a â—hey_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n but_o our_o author_n say_v that_o â—hese_fw-mi bad_a fruit_n be_v raâ—her_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o schism_n make_v by_o withdraw_a fâ—om_n the_o government_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o â—he_n woâ—ld_v to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v raise_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o it_o be_v answer_v division_n be_v in_o themselves_o always_o mutual_a yea_o and_o separation_n in_o some_o case_n command_v and_o necessary_a to_o conclude_v against_o the_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o which_o be_v only_o peculiar_a to_o a_o particular_a species_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v the_o command_v out-coming_a of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o babylon_n with_o tâ—e_v most_o sinful_a depart_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o separation_n or_o withdraw_a in_o the_o abstract_n but_o in_o its_o complexe_n cause_n condition_n &_o tendency_n that_o we_o be_v to_o regard_v he_o who_o in_o tâ—e_v fear_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o evil-doer_n withdraw_v from_o such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a &_o from_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godlinesseâ—_n do_v no_o less_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o he_o who_o through_o proud_a and_o bitter_a contention_n flow_v from_o some_o carnal_a principle_n and_o design_n break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n do_v wicked_o contemn_v our_o lord_n new_a commandment_n of_o love_n now_o whether_o the_o present_a prelate_n &_o their_o dependent_n who_o for_o perfidious_a breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n &_o man_n invadingâ—_n and_o usurp_a over_o god_n house_n and_o eject_v &_o persecute_v their_o faithful_a brother_n be_v just_o disow_v and_o discountenance_v of_o all_o good_a man_n or_o such_o who_o have_v no_o encouragement_n from_o either_o the_o call_v promise_n or_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o tender_a fear_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n abstain_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o these_o evil_a doer_n be_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n more_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o present_a withdraw_a let_v all_o man_n judge_v but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possessionâ—_n attain_v by_o falsehood_n and_o violence_n that_o make_v a_o right_a and_o the_o injurious_a expeller_n and_o nâ—t_o â—he_v expel_v be_v certain_o the_o sinful_a and_o schismatic_a divider_n so_o that_o the_o strange_a perfidyâ—_n pride_n cruelty_n avarice_n &_o profanity_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o abettor_n and_o depender_n profess_v to_o be_v the_o guide_v of_o yea_o and_o have_v their_o livelihood_n and_o wealth_n by_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o study_v so_o much_o as_o to_o vail_v their_o lewdness_n with_o a_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n have_v render_v religion_n itself_o contemptible_a except_o with_o a_o few_o who_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n with_o this_o horrible_a thing_n be_v undeniable_a in_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o for_o the_o enmity_n of_o contention_n anent_o external_a form_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v real_o a_o worth_n and_o singular_a benefit_n in_o such_o form_n &_o ordinance_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o subservient_fw-fr mean_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o visible_a &_o certain_a a_o prejudice_n and_o evil_a influence_n in_o man_n corrupt_a novation_n all-contendings_a about_o these_o matter_n can_v be_v implicity_n censure_v as_o bitter_a wrangling_n and_o enmity_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o just_a accusation_n of_o a_o luke_o warm_a indifferency_n in_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o the_o gospel_n he_o who_o judge_v not_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n worthy_a to_o be_v contend_v forâ—_n will_v hard_o persuade_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o we_o hearty_o renounce_v and_o disow_v all_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n it_o be_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n &_o of_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o hope_v to_o overcâ—me_v if_o these_o be_v account_v contentious_a it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a share_n of_o the_o lord_n suffering_n compare_v to_o these_o reproach_n of_o rebellion_n and_o sedition_n wherewith_o heâ—_n and_o his_o follower_n have_v be_v slander_v it_o be_v rather_o my_o regrete_n that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o backsliding_n we_o have_v not_o more_o say_n from_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o jeremiah_n woe_n be_v we_o man_n of_o strife_n and_o man_n of_o contention_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n but_o the_o peevish_a policy_n of_o such_o who_o after_o that_o by_o perjury_n contention_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v impose_v and_o press_v their_o own_o form_n and_o invention_n and_o by_o the_o same_o practice_n seat_v themselves_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o they_o design_v do_v in_o effect_n retain_v the_o same_o peremptory_a rigour_n and_o do_v only_o decry_v contention_n that_o they_o may_v mock_v man_n from_o anâ—_n just_a opposition_n to_o their_o course_n do_v not_o merit_v any_o further_a notice_n he_o who_o calm_o and_o impartial_o consider_v this_o whole_a matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contention_n separation_n nor_o division_n thing_n in_o themselves_o reciprocal_a of_o a_o middle_a signification_n that_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o it_o be_v from_o pride_n perverseness_n and_o other_o evil_a mixture_n and_o design_n that_o both_o their_o evil_a and_o scandal_n do_v proceed_v and_o on_o which_o side_n these_o be_v to_o be_v found'_v a_o small_a reflection_n may_v satisfy_v every_o inquir_a but_o now_o after_o all_o the_o vehemence_n we_o have_v hear_v the_o â—_z on_o purpose_n to_o amuse_v where_o he_o can_v prevail_v fall_v a_o wonder_v to_o see_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o some_o little_a mode_n and_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o seâ—_n so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o churchy_n â—_z '_o â—is_n answer_v the_o redargution_n imply_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o this_o exclamation_n do_v so_o palpable_o occur_v that_o i_o can_v dissemble_v the_o apostle_n observation_n thereby_o so_o obvious_o suggest_v viz._n that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v sore_a while_n in_o their_o deceive_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n be_v bare_a metaphysical_a exception_n but_o that_o even_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o formality_n how_o do_v they_o themselves_o appear_v to_o be_v deceive_v who_o press_v theâ—e_n very_a â—ordâ—_n &_o formalitiesâ—_n more_o than_o the_o weighty_a affair_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_o balance_v it_o wouâ—d_v begin_v at_o home_n &_o by_o surceass_v the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o vain_a trifle_n thereby_o most_o effectual_o frustrate_v the_o contrary_a defence_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o the_o appearance_n be_v neither_o be_v we_o nor_o the_o author_n mistake_v upon_o the_o matter_n a_o constant_a fix_v praeses_fw-la on_o his_o
covenant_n to_o close_v and_o comply_v therewith_o be_v at_o least_o to_o desert_n the_o lord_n cause_n by_o cast_v away_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o that_o detestable_a indifferency_n and_o neutrality_n which_o we_o have_v by_o oath_n so_o enix_o renounce_v nine_o the_o embrace_v of_o this_o pretend_a coalition_n but_o real_a suppression_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o total_a surrender_n of_o that_o interest_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o its_o adversary_n but_o engage_v we_o into_o snare_n contest_v offence_n and_o temptation_n that_o may_v be_v better_o foresee_v than_o they_o can_v be_v number_v let_v be_v prevent_v the_o author_n propone_v peace_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o overture_n and_o yet_o they_o know_v nay_o do_v express_o provide_v a_o liberty_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o protestation_n that_o must_v necessary_o ensue_v what_o a_o strange_a method_n have_v we_o here_o of_o compose_v strife_n neither_o by_o remove_v the_o ground_n nor_o separate_v the_o party_n but_o plain_o by_o join_v they_o in_o their_o declare_a opposition_n and_o swear_v contrary_a endeavour_n of_o the_o one_o to_o mantain_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v to_o exasperate_v the_o feud_n and_o be_v not_o this_o one_o reflection_n sufficient_a to_o redargue_v the_o insincerity_n of_o this_o whole_a project_n and_o to_o inform_v all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o union_n but_o the_o very_a extinction_n of_o presbytery_n that_o be_v thereby_o design_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o note_v that_o the_o brethren_n be_v once_o bring_v in_o to_o these_o meeting_n where_o there_o will_v be_v infallible_o no_o less_o discord_n than_o inequality_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o hatred_n envy_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o strong_a against_o the_o weak_a will_v in_o this_o juncture_n so_o fertile_a of_o occasion_n soon_o procure_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v depose_v and_o eject_v and_o that_o by_o a_o power_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o disowne_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v in_o that_o event_n fall_v out_o so_o acceptablie_o to_o the_o patient_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o at_z presents_z reckon_v it_o as_o a_o inconvenience_n the_o evil_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o as_o no_o conscientious_a man_n can_v rational_o hold_v out_o the_o small_a benefit_n or_o use_n of_o edification_n that_o can_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o so_o heterogeneous_a distract_a and_o unequal_a association_n so_o what_o can_v be_v thence_o expect_v except_o either_o the_o temptation_n of_o continual_a heat_n sorrow_n and_o offence_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a too_o visible_a decay_n the_o cool_a of_o zeal_n the_o decline_a to_o luke_o warmness_n the_o ensnare_a of_o conscience_n connive_v at_o corrupt_a act_n and_o practice_n the_o partake_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o the_o evil_a example_n stumble_v and_o grief_n that_o will_v thereon_o redound_v to_o all_o the_o fearer_n of_o god_n and_o lover_n of_o his_o righteous_a cause_n i_o do_v not_o here_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o some_o do_v who_o use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n yea_o their_o main_a one_o that_o this_o accommodation_n be_v displease_v by_o provoke_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o as_o close_v with_o it_o will_v defeat_v its_o own_o design_n no_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v righteous_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a to_o indulge_v to_o humour_n be_v indeed_o a_o vain_a popularity_n and_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o good_a man_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n shall_v have_v bewray_v so_o great_a weakness_n as_o by_o insinuate_v a_o false_a charge_n of_o humour_n against_o the_o people_n to_o have_v not_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o pusillanimity_n but_o furnish_v the_o adversary_n with_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a a_o advantage_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o point_n to_o g._n by_o his_o correction_n and_o he_o also_o to_o his_o vain_a illusion_n as_o if_o herein_o he_o have_v overcome_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o strength_n the_o offence_n that_o i_o fear_v &_o prognostic_n from_o a_o compliance_n with_o this_o accommodation_n be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o now_o in_o this_o bakslide_a time_n such_o a_o bad_a and_o influence_a example_n may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o how_o tender_a of_o the_o soul_n concernment_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o fearful_a of_o that_o woe_n which_o even_o he_o who_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v denounce_v against_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v every_o sincere_a christ_n a_o aught_o in_o this_o point_n to_o be_v i_o hope_v all_o interest_v will_v serious_o consider_v but_o now_o it_o be_v full_a time_n to_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o â—eeing_v the_o term_n of_o this_o accommodation_n be_v ambiguous_a defective_a and_o sinful_a its_o design_n and_o tendency_n most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o whole_a fabric_n and_o frame_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o discern_a man_n only_o forge_v out_o by_o necessity_n and_o policy_n and_o smooth_v by_o delusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n on_o purpose_n to_o catch_v a_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a minister_n witness_n against_o the_o present_a backslide_n &_o thereby_o if_o possible_a for_o ever_o to_o suppress_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n i_o judge_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o vain_a ensnare_a invention_n so_o that_o although_o the_o hatcher_n shall_v be_v thereby_o wrathful_o irritat_fw-la &_o this_o cockatrice_n egg_n shall_v break_v out_o into_o a_o viper_n yet_o better_o it_o be_v crush_v for_o our_o suffering_n then_o sinful_o eat_v to_o our_o death_n &_o destruction_n the_o reproach_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o unpeacable_a may_v indeed_o be_v bitter_a unto_o ingenuous_a spirit_n let_v be_v sincere_a lover_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o persecution_n of_o man_n may_v possible_o proceed_v to_o afflict_v and_o vex_v but_o see_v that_o through_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n their_o know_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n these_o thing_n be_v in_o place_n of_o the_o opprobry_n become_v rather_o the_o badge_n of_o truth_n only_o let_v our_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o let_v we_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n once_o give_v unto_o we_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o our_o adversary_n which_o be_v to_o they_o a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o we_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n for_o unto_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v one_o temptation_n which_o do_v more_o specious_o insinuate_v and_o that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o man_n may_v possible_o in_o their_o displeasure_n abridge_v or_o total_o take_v from_o we_o but_o as_o this_o solicitude_n be_v not_o more_o praise_n worthy_a when_o devolve_v on_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n then_o subtle_o deceitful_a when_o its_o application_n be_v spare_v thyself_o so_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v we_o neither_o let_v we_o reckon_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v therefore_o truth_n simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n be_v our_o main_a study_n and_o faith_n &_o entire_a submission_n our_o only_a establishment_n know_v and_o on_o this_o rest_n that_o not_o only_o his_o peace_n here_o shall_v be_v our_o portion_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n but_o that_o god_n can_v as_o easy_o of_o our_o ash_n raise_v up_o minister_n to_o himself_o as_o of_o stone_n child_n to_o abraham_n and_o that_o he_o who_o have_v glorify_v his_o name_n will_v glorify_v it_o again_o amen_o finis_fw-la the_o copy_n of_o two_o letter_n common_o repute_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n at_o least_o by_o he_o communicate_v to_o several_a friend_n the_o first_o letter_n sir_n in_o the_o late_a conference_n i_o have_v with_o your_o friend_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o episcopal-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 most_o agreeable_a to_o both_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o