after_o the_o reformation_n the_o synod_n be_v a_o convocation_n of_o the_o whole_a clergy_n of_o a_o diocese_n with_o their_o bishop_n who_o meet_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o consult_v about_o matter_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a province_n national_a synod_n common_o call_v general_n assâ—…mblies_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o dean_n together_o with_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o respective_a diocese_n and_o one_o commissioner_n from_o each_o presbytery_n join_v with_o the_o moderator_n be_v call_v by_o the_o king_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o deliberate_a concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n in_o the_o provincial_a synod_n the_o bishop_n take_v care_n to_o examine_v iâ—…_n the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v diligent_a in_o their_o duty_n of_o punish_v offender_n and_o if_o â—…ny_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o censure_n hâ—…e_v they_o be_v prosecute_v â—…or_a their_o misdemeanour_n now_o â—…ese_n judicatory_n be_v so_o far_o â—…rom_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n biâ—…hops_n powâ—…r_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o a_o great_a assistance_n to_o they_o for_o promote_a â—…he_n discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n weâ—…e_v â—…irst_v erect_v with_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n â—…hemselves_fw-mi they_o judge_v it_o very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o religion_n without_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o their_o clergy_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o these_o court_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a power_n since_o they_o so_o entire_o depend_v on_o the_o bishop_n authority_n that_o without_o his_o consent_n no_o act_n of_o they_o can_v be_v valid_a but_o i_o think_v true_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n be_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n most_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o we_o have_v some_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n as_o yet_o among_o we_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o few_o national_a church_n at_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o vestige_n we_o have_v of_o that_o ancient_a custom_n of_o communicatory_a letter_n among_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n of_o it_o among_o our_o bishop_n by_o dimissory_a letter_n so_o it_o be_v still_o in_o force_n among_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v none_o into_o their_o congregation_n till_o they_o first_o bring_v â—…ertificates_n from_o the_o minister_n in_o who_o parish_n they_o former_o live_v testify_v that_o during_o their_o residence_n among_o his_o flock_n they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o christianly_o and_o sober_o and_o that_o â—…e_n know_v nothing_o against_o they_o why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o christian_a congregation_n without_o this_o they_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v not_o â—…he_a presbyterian_o by_o their_o tumult_n and_o commotion_n envy_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o have_v the_o english_a liturgy_n settle_v among_o we_o the_o conâ—…titution_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n be_v such_o as_o make_v we_o inferior_a to_o few_o national_a church_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n of_o that_o party_n that_o although_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n upon_o any_o term_n with_o the_o episcopal_a church_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v yet_o they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o settle_v among_o the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o commâ—…nion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n our_o author_n transient_a reflection_n upon_o the_o clergy_n be_v dress_v up_o clergy_n in_o such_o scurrilous_a and_o obscene_a language_n as_o must_v needs_o make_v any_o man_n of_o a_o virâ—…uous_a education_n blush_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o modest_a reader_n by_o repeat_v they_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n till_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v his_o three_o part_n and_o aâ—…_n present_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n which_o relate_v either_o to_o matter_n of_o argument_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o here_o i_o can_v omit_v his_o great_a protestation_n of_o his_o ingenuâ—…us_a and_o fair_a dâ—…aling_n in_o this_o work_n whereby_o he_o think_v the_o more_o easy_o to_o captivate_v unthinking_a reader_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o liâ—…s_n and_o calumny_n he_o pretend_v â—…o_o have_v insert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o credible_a hand_n but_o he_o think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o gratify_v his_o reader_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o name_n of_o those_o câ—…edible_a person_n who_o authority_n he_o avouch_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o aspersion_n have_v he_o give_v we_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n with_o attest_v declaration_n under_o their_o hand_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n allege_v against_o some_o of_o our_o clergy_n we_o can_v have_v then_o know_v of_o what_o credit_n and_o authority_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o forgery_n of_o his_o calumny_n and_o to_o purge_v those_o innocent_a person_n from_o the_o slander_n cast_v upon_o they_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n and_o envy_n but_o as_o â—…or_v our_o author_n ingenuity_n in_o his_o collection_n he_o have_v scrape_v together_o a_o great_a many_o stoâ—…ies_n many_o of_o which_o be_v most_o notorious_o false_a and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v aâ—…terwards_o make_v appear_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o some_o of_o they_o he_o appeal_v to_o record_n where_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v extant_a or_o to_o be_v see_v as_o i_o have_v have_v particular_a occasion_n to_o inquire_v some_o of_o his_o accusation_n â—…re_v against_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v either_o suspend_v or_o depose_v by_o the_o church_n for_o their_o immorality_n and_o yet_o this_o author_n impute_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o man_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o acquaint_v his_o reader_n with_o the_o censure_n pass_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o church_n other_o again_o be_v passage_n relate_v of_o some_o clergyman_n who_o â—…ived_v under_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n duâ—…ing_v the_o time_n of_o its_o last_o usurpation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o this_o author_n be_v please_v to_o charge_n upon_o the_o present_a episcopal_a church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v fair_a and_o ingenuous_a deal_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o unbiased_a reader_n this_o author_n insist_o much_o upon_o the_o address_v present_v to_o their_o general_n parâ—…y_n assembly_n by_o some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o share_n of_o their_o church_n government_n this_o he_o urge_v as_o a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o life_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o at_o least_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o these_o episcopal_a addresser_n be_v no_o honest_a man_n themselves_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v associate_v with_o such_o knave_n as_o they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o presbytâ—…rians_n out_o for_o this_o address_n be_v opâ—…osed_v by_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n most_o of_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o prinple_n of_o christian_a communion_n to_o join_v any_o way_n in_o communion_n with_o thosâ—…_n who_o they_o own_v to_o be_v notorious_a schismatic_n as_o long_o as_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o schism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o this_o they_o urge_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o nation_n be_v in_o a_o distract_a â—…tate_n and_o condition_n yet_o it_o concern_v every_o individual_a christian_a especial_o clergyman_n to_o lend_v their_o assistance_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o â—…candalous_a and_o vicious_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n who_o still_o retain_v possession_n of_o their_o church_n might_n consistent_o enough_o with_o their_o principle_n join_v â—…ith_n they_o in_o â—…he_n puâ—…ishing_v of_o contumacious_a offender_n â—…specially_o since_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o this_o act_n of_o union_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o presbyterian_a ordination_n or_o to_o own_o their_o authority_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a but_o only_o to_o unite_n with_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o laic_n
the_o mean_a time_n the_o earl_n of_o marr_n call_v from_o the_o castle_n a_o company_n of_o musqueteer_n to_o guard_n the_o king_n person_n upon_o the_o notice_n whereof_o the_o multitude_n choose_v to_o disband_v and_o go_v away_o as_o confuse_o as_o they_o meet_v and_o whether_o such_o practice_n as_o these_o be_v not_o direct_o to_o invade_v the_o temporal_a sword_n and_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n i_o shall_v leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_n and_o if_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a practice_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o encroach_a upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n it_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o reform_a communion_n since_o it_o be_v what_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accountable_a for_o than_o for_o the_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v our_o fellow_n christian_n it_o be_v to_o these_o unjustifiable_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o presbyterian_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o the_o encroachment_n that_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a power_n in_o these_o late_a day_n for_o the_o popish_a clergy_n together_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o not_o be_v satisfy_v to_o assert_v only_o the_o independent_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a have_v endeavour_v to_o extend_v its_o jurisdiction_n so_o far_o as_o plain_o to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n and_o to_o subject_v the_o state_n to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o spiâ—…ituals_n but_o likewise_o in_o temporal_n and_o this_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v tempt_v many_o of_o the_o laiâ—…y_n in_o these_o late_a age_n when_o man_n be_v degenerate_v into_o such_o a_o indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o temporal_a concern_v of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v of_o faâ—…_n great_a value_n and_o concern_v than_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o grasp_v at_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o auâ—…hority_n â—…ith_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v invest_v she_o independent_o of_o any_o humane_a authority_n and_o which_o to_o usurp_v from_o she_o be_v sacrilege_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n the_o second_o reason_n our_o author_n bringâ—…_n to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v in_o the_o blame_n for_o refuse_v a_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v indiffâ—…rent_a whereas_o the_o presbyterian_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o unlawful_a and_o that_o propoâ—…i_fw-la the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v under_o promise_n to_o king_n james_n to_o have_v do_v it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o englâ—…nd_n have_v reasonable_a ground_n to_o oppose_v a_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o term_n then_o propose_v i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v already_o and_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o breach_n of_o promise_n which_o they_o make_v concern_v it_o while_o king_n james_n be_v here_o be_v what_o can_v well_o be_v allege_v since_o they_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o grant_v they_o all_o imaginable_a ease_n as_o to_o their_o unreasonable_a scruple_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o church_n and_o communion_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o use_n of_o those_o innocent_a and_o instruct_v rite_n in_o our_o worship_n mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o groundless_a scruple_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v to_o return_v to_o our_o communion_n upon_o these_o term_n be_v what_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v well_o expect_v our_o author_n in_o this_o paragraph_n seem_v to_o tâ—…x_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n with_o be_v addict_v to_o arminianism_n and_o socinianism_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o â—…ainted_v with_o these_o sort_n of_o principle_n they_o entertain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o his_o divinity_n his_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n according_a as_o they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o to_o the_o controvert_v doctrine_n about_o election_n reprobation_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v st._n paul_n rule_n not_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o arminius_n in_o these_o thing_n any_o further_a than_o he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v often_o assume_v to_o themselves_o war._n a_o power_n of_o make_v peace_n and_o war_n and_o have_v declare_v engagement_n to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n honour_n and_o prerogative_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o parliament_n without_o their_o consent_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o great_a rhetoric_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o although_o this_o author_n very_o confident_o aver_v the_o contrary_a pag._n 56._o if_o we_o but_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n under_o king_n charles_n i._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o these_o proceed_n the_o parliament_n or_o committee_n of_o estate_n appoint_v thereby_o to_o govern_v the_o nation_n never_o act_v any_o thing_n in_o relation_n either_o to_o peace_n or_o war_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o general_n aâ—…sembly_n or_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o pass_v any_o aâ—…ts_n without_o their_o consent_n they_o be_v instant_o declare_v â—…o_o be_v unlâ—…wful_a and_o of_o no_o obligation_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o but_o consult_v their_o proceed_n in_o oppose_a â—…he_n king_n affair_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o for_o when_o the_o parliament_n of_o scoâ—…lâ—…nd_n have_v resolve_v on_o a_o engagement_n for_o deliver_v the_o king_n person_n from_o his_o imprisonment_n in_o england_n do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_a 339_o minister_n prescribe_v some_o article_n to_o the_o parliament_n for_o carry_v on_o this_o war_n against_o england_n and_o because_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o desire_n herein_o they_o solemn_o protest_v against_o all_o they_o have_v resolve_v on_o and_o thunder_v curâ—…es_n and_o damnation_n against_o all_o who_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o engagement_n pag._n 59_o this_o author_n be_v high_o displease_v with_o his_o antagonist_n gospâ—…llers_n for_o throw_v upon_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n the_o reproachful_a term_n of_o new_a gospeler_n and_o he_o can_v apprehend_v what_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o presbyterian_a write_n to_o ground_n this_o accusation_n upon_o but_o i_o think_v â—…ruly_o when_o we_o conâ—…der_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o of_o their_o difcourse_n upon_o religion_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o preach_n it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v reproach_v with_o this_o distinguish_a character_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o mainâ—…ain_o whole_o a_o new_a and_o a_o singular_a gospel_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v so_o disguise_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o its_o ancient_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v corrupt_v most_o of_o its_o doctrine_n with_o their_o rude_a and_o indigested_a notion_n they_o have_v transform_v the_o meek_a and_o calm_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n and_o revenge_n instead_o of_o convert_v their_o sword_n into_o prune_a hook_n and_o plough_n share_v they_o to_o propagate_v their_o eccentric_a notion_n of_o religion_n maintain_v it_o lawful_a to_o resâ—…st_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o rather_o than_o fail_v of_o their_o design_n to_o imbroil_v nation_n into_o perpetual_a war_n and_o bloodshed_n and_o this_o meâ—…hinks_v be_v quite_o another_o gospel_n from_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o propagate_v religion_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o any_o such_o indirect_a mean_n there_o we_o find_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v to_o the_o christian_a convert_v than_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o be_v not_o teach_v from_o thence_o to_o prosecute_v with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o malice_n and_o revenge_n all_o such_o as_o differ_v â—…rom_fw-mi we_o in_o the_o lâ—…ast_a matter_n about_o religion_n but_o we_o be_v rather_o exhort_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o error_n in_o the_o
ouâ—…_n author_n will_v needs_o publish_v this_o instance_n as_o one_o of_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n when_o he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o return_v with_o a_o witness_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n but_o it_o â—…ems_v the_o contrive_v this_o shame_n have_v cost_v they_o so_o great_a pain_n that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o lose_v the_o fruit_n of_o so_o much_o labour_n even_o though_o the_o mystery_n be_v now_o unfold_v hope_v by_o such_o aspersion_n at_o least_o to_o impose_v upon_o stranger_n as_o before_o they_o have_v do_v for_o some_o time_n on_o the_o neighbourhood_n till_o that_o overrule_a providence_n which_o most_o â—…requently_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n bring_v to_o light_v that_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n the_o story_n in_o 〈◊〉_d â—…s_v thus_o mr._n chisholm_n have_v a_o servant_n maid_n in_o his_o house_n who_o happen_v to_o be_v with_o child_n she_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o kirk-session_n declare_v who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n the_o person_n on_o who_o she_o father_v the_o child_n own_v it_o to_o be_v his_o and_o both_o she_o and_o the_o say_a father_n do_v penance_n for_o this_o scandal_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a custom_n as_o be_v enjoyâ—…ed_v and_o thereupon_o receive_v the_o church_n absolution_n mr._n chisholm_n upon_o his_o maid_n fall_v into_o this_o scandâ—…l_n remove_v she_o from_o his_o service_n and_o afterward_o the_o lady_n cherrietrâ—…es_v a_o zealous_a presbyteâ—…ian_a and_o who_o will_v not_o let_v slip_n any_o occasion_n of_o bring_v reproach_n on_o the_o clergy_n and_o render_v that_o sacred_a profession_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n be_v as_o appear_v â—…rom_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o history_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o paâ—…ty_n hire_v this_o woman_n to_o be_v her_o servant_n and_o by_o some_o art_n or_o other_o prevail_v with_o she_o to_o say_v that_o mr._n chisholm_n her_o late_a master_n be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o make_v the_o thing_n more_o clamorous_a they_o persuade_v she_o to_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n where_o mr._n john_n welch_n pâ—…eached_v and_o there_o by_o all_o the_o hypocritical_a sorrow_n she_o can_v counterseit_v to_o pretend_v herself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o intolerable_a remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o conceal_v the_o sin_n of_o her_o master_n the_o noise_n of_o this_o no_o soonenr_n go_v abroad_o than_o the_o neighbour_a clergy_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o appoint_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v summon_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o their_o presbytery_n who_o when_o she_o appear_v they_o interrogated_a whether_o she_o own_v what_o be_v common_o report_a she_o have_v say_v concern_v mr._n chisholm_n be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n she_o answer_v she_o have_v say_v so_o and_o that_o she_o now_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o mr._n chisholm_n have_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o this_o her_o bold_a accuâ—…ation_n do_v not_o a_o little_a amaze_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o mr._n chisholm_n who_o they_o have_v always_o esteem_v a_o man_n of_o a_o inoffensive_a life_n have_v be_v of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n his_o brethren_n however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n do_v suspend_v he_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n with_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o confession_n of_o his_o gild_n and_o to_o persuade_v hâ—…m_n to_o dimit_v his_o office_n his_o ministry_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n he_o have_v fall_v under_o render_v altogether_o useless_a but_o after_o the_o process_n have_v be_v long_o depend_v and_o he_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v notwithstanding_o unalterable_o persist_v in_o his_o plead_v not_o guilty_a and_o do_v by_o such_o serious_a protestation_n remonstrate_v his_o innocence_n to_o his_o brethren_n that_o they_o firm_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v very_o much_o injure_v in_o this_o affair_n he_o tell_v they_o iâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o save_v his_o preâ—…erment_n that_o he_o stand_v so_o much_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o innocence_n but_o that_o his_o personal_a reputation_n be_v high_o wrong_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o especial_o there_o be_v so_o much_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n upon_o his_o account_n he_o think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavouâ—…_n all_o he_o can_v to_o have_v this_o affair_n thorough_o canvas_v that_o â—…e_n may_v clear_v not_o only_o his_o own_o reputation_n but_o likewise_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o this_o great_a scandal_n so_o malicious_o throw_v upon_o they_o after_o this_o some_o of_o mr._n 〈◊〉_d his_o friend_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o his_o innocence_n think_v sit_v to_o make_v application_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o take_v the_o matter_n under_o their_o cognizance_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o place_n that_o he_o may_v take_v some_o effectual_a course_n for_o have_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o whole_a affair_n unfold_v the_o sheriff_n send_v for_o the_o woman_n and_o tell_v she_o he_o have_v very_o good_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o what_o â—…he_v report_a of_o mr._n chisholms_n be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o â—…hild_n be_v a_o â—…eer_a calumny_n and_o forgery_n she_o have_v at_o first_o declare_v another_o man_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n and_o this_o man_n have_v own_v the_o child_n to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o both_o have_v do_v penance_n for_o the_o scandal_n according_o she_o still_o persist_v to_o say_v mr._n chisholm_n be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n the_o sheriff_n tell_v she_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o clear_v this_o matter_n but_o by_o her_o oath_n and_o therefore_o require_v she_o to_o hold_v up_o her_o hand_n the_o way_n of_o administer_a a_o oath_n in_o scotland_n and_o solemn_o to_o declare_v whether_o mr._n chishâ—…lm_n be_v the_o father_n of_o that_o child_n or_o not_o the_o hussie_n hold_v up_o her_o hand_n but_o find_v that_o the_o sheriff_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o tender_v she_o the_o oath_n she_o present_o pull_v back_o her_o hand_n and_o resuse_v to_o depose_v the_o sheriff_n have_v from_o this_o her_o behoviour_n good_a ground_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cheat_n in_o the_o business_n proceed_v to_o threaten_v she_o with_o the_o torture_n if_o she_o do_v not_o instant_o disclose_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o tâ—…is_n affair_n upon_o this_o the_o hussie_n present_o conseâ—…es_v that_o mr._n chisholm_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n but_o that_o the_o lady_n 〈◊〉_d a_o zealous_a bigot_n for_o presbytery_n have_v take_v she_o into_o her_o service_n prevail_v with_o she_o to_o father_n it_o upon_o mr._n chishâ—…lm_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n may_v bâ—…_n the_o more_o public_a to_o do_v penance_n for_o it_o in_o a_o â—…ield_n conventiâ—…le_n the_o sheriff_n send_v forthwith_o â—…or_a the_o lady_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d â—…er_n and_o after_o have_v thorough_o examine_v the_o matter_n anâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d her_o guilty_a he_o fine_n she_o in_o the_o sum_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o and_o 〈◊〉_d pound_n sterling_a in_o this_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a proof_n of_o our_o author_n fair_a and_o candid_a dâ—…ling_n of_o which_o he_o so_o faithful_o 〈◊〉_d his_o reader_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o preface_n and_o it_o likewise_o afford_v we_o a_o singular_a instance_n of_o the_o disingenuouâ—…_n art_n and_o villainous_a practice_n of_o that_o party_n who_o never_o clergy_n stick_v at_o any_o thing_n nay_o not_o the_o most_o hellish_a and_o indirect_a mean_n they_o can_v conceive_v to_o stain_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o contempt_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n as_o i_o have_v here_o relate_v it_o i_o have_v it_o from_o a_o very_a grave_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o then_o live_v near_o to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o happen_v and_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o so_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o affair_n but_o this_o whole_a story_n be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o very_o well_o know_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o country_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a our_o adversary_n can_v never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o bâ—…sides_n there_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a accident_n some_o may_v perchance_o call_v it_o a_o judgement_n from_o god_n that_o happen_v in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o notoâ—…ious_a cheat_n which_o make_v the_o whole_a story_n the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o lady_n cherrietree_n who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n
privy-council_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o severity_n in_o the_o government_n since_o these_o minister_n be_v permit_v to_o keep_v their_o church_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n and_o the_o mildness_n of_o the_o government_n towards_o they_o be_v such_o that_o many_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o they_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n be_v indulge_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o keep_v peaceable_a possession_n of_o their_o church_n although_o this_o author_n malicious_o insinuate_v that_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o instigâ—…ion_n of_o â—…he_a prâ—…lates_n but_o a_o â—…uller_a account_n of_o this_o you_o have_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o late_a establishment_n of_o 〈◊〉_d government_n by_o the_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1690._o pag._n 14._o chap._n ii_o our_o author_n in_o his_o second_o part_n conâ—…ines_v himself_o to_o a_o particular_a consutation_n of_o the_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o scot_n presbyterian_a elâ—…quence_n but_o before_o he_o bâ—…gins_v to_o take_v it_o to_o task_n he_o be_v very_o high_a in_o his_o panâ—…gyricks_n upon_o the_o lordâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d and_o mâ—…lvil_n i_o do_v incline_v to_o make_v any_o particular_a reâ—…lexions_n either_o upon_o the_o part_n or_o integâ—…ity_n of_o these_o two_o lord_n the_o tree_n may_v be_v easy_o know_v by_o its_o fruit_n but_o this_o i_o must_v beg_v our_o author_n leave_n to_o say_v that_o as_o for_o their_o share_n in_o this_o baâ—…barous_a peâ—…secution_n of_o our_o clergy_n let_v they_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n imaginable_a to_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o stranger_n let_v they_o deny_v it_o never_o so_o impudent_o yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o starve_a oâ—…phans_n of_o many_o of_o our_o poor_a cleâ—…gy_n will_v appear_v as_o dreadful_a witness_n against_o they_o in_o that_o great_a anâ—…_n teâ—…rible_a day_n when_o they_o be_v callâ—…d_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a and_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v they_o be_v that_o they_o may_v at_o last_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a injustice_n and_o barbarity_n of_o theiâ—…_n proceed_n towards_o our_o clergy_n that_o so_o by_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n they_o may_v atone_v for_o these_o crime_n and_o save_v their_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o loâ—…d_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o accuse_v the_o author_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a eloquâ—…nce_n oâ—…cusions_n for_o assert_v a_o great_a many_o untruth_n in_o his_o book_n and_o p._n 36._o he_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o charge_v the_o presbyterian_o with_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o a._n b_o p._n of_o st._n 〈◊〉_d â—…or_n say_v he_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o approve_v it_o that_o thâ—…y_o refuse_v the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o conâ—…erned_v in_o it_o particular_o at_o the_o scoâ—…s_n 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d what_o abhorrence_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o holland_n have_v of_o this_o barbaâ—…ous_a murder_n i_o can_v well_o say_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o our_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n be_v so_o far_o from_o detest_a it_o that_o they_o general_o approve_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o glorious_a action_n and_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o never_o one_o of_o the_o party_n there_o refuse_v to_o admit_v the_o murderer_n to_o their_o sacrament_n or_o ever_o offer_v to_o inflict_v any_o other_o censure_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o heinous_a villainy_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v notorious_a how_o most_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o suffer_v for_o their_o rebellion_n in_o scotland_n do_v justify_v this_o murder_n in_o the_o face_n of_o authority_n and_o commend_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o good_a service_n do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o such_o a_o oppressor_n this_o our_o author_n impudence_n caâ—…_n hardly_o serve_v he_o to_o deny_v bold_o enough_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v satisfy_v rather_o to_o recriminate_a the_o matter_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a party_n by_o charge_v the_o privy-council_n of_o scâ—…tland_n with_o hang_v five_o man_n in_o magus-moor_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d murderer_n though_o never_o one_o of_o they_o â—…ad_v see_v a_o bishop_n these_o man_n be_v punish_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o murderer_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n yet_o they_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o government_n and_o these_o crime_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v against_o they_o and_o they_o justify_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o archbishops_n murder_n i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n either_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o make_v they_o a_o public_a â—…xample_n for_o the_o terâ—…ifying_v other_o wicked_a offender_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o society_n for_o the_o future_a he_o say_v likewise_o that_o the_o council_n hang_v mr._n mitchel_n for_o shoot_v at_o 37._o the_o say_a archbishop_n though_o he_o miss_v â—…im_v but_o although_o this_o villain_n justify_v happen_v to_o miss_v of_o his_o design_n against_o the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o orkney_n be_v then_o in_o coach_n with_o the_o archbishop_n be_v unfortunate_o wound_v with_o the_o same_o shot_n which_o occasion_v his_o death_n though_o not_o very_o short_o after_o now_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o any_o good_a man_n will_v ever_o offer_v to_o condemn_v the_o punish_n of_o such_o a_o villainy_n and_o râ—…ally_o i_o very_o much_o wonder_n that_o this_o author_n regard_v so_o little_a the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o his_o own_o party_n as_o to_o oâ—…er_v so_o public_o to_o countenance_n or_o excuse_v such_o villainous_a practice_n as_o have_v just_o render_v that_o party_n odious_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o he_o allege_v about_o the_o earl_n of_o rothes_n and_o the_o council_n their_o promise_a mitchel_n his_o life_n upon_o confession_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o i_o be_o credible_o informeâ—…_n that_o they_o solemn_o declare_v before_o the_o justice_n court_n that_o they_o never_o make_v he_o any_o such_o promise_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n of_o more_o honour_n and_o integrity_n than_o to_o have_v retract_v it_o this_o author_n be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n 39_o be_v moâ—…e_o popular_a in_o scotland_n than_o episcopaâ—…y_a which_o have_v ever_o be_v much_o religâ—…on_n insist_v upon_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o government_n as_o if_o any_o principle_n or_o doctrine_n be_v the_o trueâ—…_n because_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n if_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n why_o be_v not_o christianity_n explode_v and_o heathenism_n still_o continue_v as_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v such_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o will_v go_v near_o to_o subvert_v all_o its_o doctrine_n since_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v popular_a that_o they_o be_v downright_a enemy_n to_o fleâ—…h_n and_o blood_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o greedy_o pursue_v it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a sign_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o cause_n when_o they_o flee_v for_o shelter_v to_o the_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a humour_n of_o the_o vulgar_a when_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o government_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a indication_n they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o better_a to_o produce_v this_o new_a method_n we_o have_v take_v up_o to_o promote_v religion_n by_o establish_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o a_o people_n may_v chance_v to_o have_v more_o fatal_a consequence_n than_o we_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o a_o slippery_a foundation_n dispose_v people_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o indifferent_a and_o ambulatory_a so_o that_o each_o nation_n may_v set_v up_o what_o form_n of_o church-government_n they_o please_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o ambulatory_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o constitution_n yea_o so_o essential_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o god_n have_v establish_v
spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n chap._n iii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o our_o author_n three_o and_o last_o part_n where_o he_o have_v thâ—…m_n heap_v together_o a_o parcel_n of_o such_o villainous_a and_o profane_a story_n of_o such_o manifest_a lie_n and_o forgery_n as_o do_v plain_o show_v the_o author_n to_o have_v abandon_v all_o sense_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n and_o â—…o_o have_v prostitute_v his_o conscience_n mere_o to_o gratisie_n his_o malice_n and_o revenge_n after_o he_o have_v in_o â—…he_n â—…ormer_a part_n of_o his_o book_n almost_o in_o every_o page_n revile_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n and_o gentry_n both_o in_o eâ—…gland_n and_o scotland_n at_o a_o most_o ignominious_a rate_n represent_v they_o all_o as_o drunkard_n and_o whoremonger_n as_o wallow_v in_o all_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o impurity_n he_o now_o 〈◊〉_d the_o person_n of_o some_o particular_a clergyman_n in_o scotland_n who_o he_o endeavour_v now_o to_o wound_v in_o thâ—…ir_a reputation_n and_o honour_n as_o his_o party_n have_v already_o do_v in_o their_o â—…ives_n and_o â—…ortunes_n it_o be_v no_o way_n strange_a to_o see_v person_n when_o they_o have_v either_o murder_v rob_v or_o any_o way_n injure_v a_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o blacken_v he_o in_o his_o fame_n and_o reputation_n to_o represent_v he_o as_o the_o vile_a monster_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v their_o own_o wicked_a and_o hellish_a practice_n against_o he_o can_v we_o ever_o expect_v that_o the_o preâ—…byterians_n after_o they_o have_v once_o attempt_v frequent_o threaten_v and_o at_o last_o accompliâ—…hed_v in_o a_o most_o barbarous_a manner_n the_o murder_n of_o thaâ—…_n great_a primate_n bishop_n sharp_a that_o they_o shall_v after_o this_o unparalleled_a villainy_n of_o they_o allow_v he_o the_o character_n he_o deseâ—…vedly_o bear_v of_o a_o religious_a prudent_a and_o godly_a prelate_n can_v we_o imagine_v they_o will_v deal_v more_o tender_o with_o his_o reputation_n than_o they_o have_v do_v with_o his_o life_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v charge_v he_o with_o all_o the_o notorious_a villainy_n their_o malice_n can_v invent_v as_o this_o libeler_n very_o civil_o treat_v he_o pag._n 64._o so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n â—…o_o wonder_n at_o this_o insatiable_a malice_n of_o our_o presbyâ—…erians_n that_o after_o â—…hey_n have_v raise_v a_o most_o furious_a persecution_n against_o our_o clergy_n thrust_v â—…hem_n from_o their_o spiritual_a cure_n and_o preferment_n rob_v they_o of_o â—…heir_o temporal_a fortune_n and_o estate_n and_o cruel_o treat_v their_o person_n by_o murder_v of_o some_o and_o wound_v of_o other_o that_o their_o malice_n shall_v not_o stop_v here_o but_o likewise_o extend_v itself_o to_o their_o fame_n and_o reputation_n the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n we_o possess_v i_o say_v we_o need_v not_o much_o wondeâ—…_n aâ—…â—…his_v since_o iâ—…_n be_v no_o more_o â—…han_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o crown_v their_o glorious_a work_n of_o reformation_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o theâ—…eby_o the_o more_o expose_v the_o person_n of_o our_o clergy_n to_o further_a ignoâ—…niny_o and_o contempt_n but_o likewise_o may_v have_v some_o show_n or_o pretence_n to_o colour_v their_o own_o barbarous_a practice_n against_o â—…hem_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o life_n and_o conversaâ—…ions_n immorality_n this_o author_n so_o malicious_o attack_n at_o least_o of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o alive_a that_o in_o this_o present_a persecution_n against_o they_o raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o with_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n that_o be_v possible_a there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o deprive_v for_o their_o immoral_a life_n and_o action_n their_o adversary_n not_o only_o persecute_v they_o in_o their_o person_n but_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o blacken_v they_o in_o their_o reputation_n by_o all_o the_o hellish_a art_n they_o can_v contrive_v they_o frame_v libel_n against_o they_o stuff_v with_o all_o the_o groundless_a â—…tories_n they_o can_v possible_o scrape_v together_o and_o with_o all_o the_o lie_v and_o forgery_n their_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o indirect_a mâ—…ans_n use_v by_o they_o to_o stain_v the_o reputation_n of_o our_o clergy_n i_o very_o believe_v they_o can_v instance_n in_o four_o person_n against_o who_o they_o can_v â—…ind_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o deprive_v they_o â—…or_a their_o immorality_n and_o this_o methinks_v be_v enough_o to_o detect_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o villain_n be_v forgery_n and_o to_o vindicate_v those_o of_o the_o clergy_n who_o he_o here_o assault_v from_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n he_o so_o invidious_o throw_v upon_o they_o iâ—…_n these_o of_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v in_o the_o least_o obnoxious_a in_o their_o life_n can_v they_o have_v possible_o escape_v so_o critical_a a_o censure_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o sift_v all_o their_o acquaintance_n for_o story_n against_o they_o and_o rip_v up_o their_o life_n to_o their_o veâ—…y_a infancy_n and_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v find_v unblamable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o charge_v some_o of_o they_o with_o their_o juvenilia_fw-la and_o even_o those_o they_o represent_v under_o a_o great_a number_n of_o aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o never_o have_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n have_v i_o the_o good_a fortune_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v here_o libel_v by_o our_o author_n or_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n of_o correspond_v with_o these_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o can_v fair_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v this_o accuser_n in_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o forgery_n but_o since_o i_o be_o at_o present_a deprive_v of_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o general_a correspondence_n as_o this_o require_v i_o must_v in_o this_o vindication_n conâ—…ine_v myself_o to_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o i_o have_v either_o the_o happiness_n of_o know_v or_o have_v have_v occasion_n more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o history_n of_o their_o life_n and_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v discover_v as_o touch_v this_o libeller_n disingenuous_a and_o unfair_a deal_v with_o respect_n to_o these_o clergy_n the_o reader_n may_v easy_o guess_v how_o fair_o and_o candid_o he_o treat_v their_o brethren_n and_o what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o calumniâ—…s_n and_o aspersion_n upon_o they_o what_o i_o design_v upon_o this_o subject_a be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n anticipate_v by_o scoâ—…laud_n a_o late_a treatise_n concern_v our_o scots_a asfair_n entitle_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n where_o the_o worthy_a author_n in_o a_o appendix_n to_o his_o book_n have_v vindicate_v many_o of_o our_o clergy_n from_o the_o libel_n bring_v against_o they_o by_o this_o petty_a scribbler_n and_o have_v give_v such_o true_a and_o just_a character_n of_o they_o as_o all_o that_o know_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o due_n to_o this_o appendix_n therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o scurrilous_a libel_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o repeat_v here_o what_o be_v so_o excellent_o say_v by_o thâ—…t_a author_n in_o vindication_n of_o our_o clergy_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o subjoin_v such_o further_a matter_n for_o their_o vindication_n from_o this_o libeller_n aspersion_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o appendix_n have_v not_o then_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v and_o have_v since_o come_v to_o my_o haâ—…ds_n and_o first_o as_o for_o dr._n canary_n against_o who_o the_o bent_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d accuser_n maâ—…ice_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o level_v although_o i_o never_o give_v the_o least_o crâ—…dit_n to_o this_o abominable_a story_n charge_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o pamphlet_n as_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o viâ—…tuous_a and_o exemplary_a life_n yet_o because_o the_o libeler_n so_o confident_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o story_n to_o the_o register_n of_o 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v the_o curiosity_n to_o send_v â—…hither_o to_o a_o woâ—…thy_a friend_n of_o i_o for_o a_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o registâ—…rs_n conceâ—…ning_v this_o matter_n not_o doubt_v but_o our_o author_n have_v consult_v the_o râ—…cords_n himself_o beâ—…ore_o he_o make_v so_o public_a a_o appeal_n to_o they_o thâ—…_n answer_v i_o receive_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o as_o for_o dr._n 〈◊〉_d his_o affair_n after_o all_o the_o researche_n can_v be_v make_v into_o the_o record_n of_o the_o kirk-session_n and_o presbytery_n of_o dundee_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o to_o be_v â—…ound_v there_o and_o the_o minister_n assure_v he_o never_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v record_v so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o send_v i_o any_o
extract_v of_o it_o as_o i_o desire_v and_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a impudence_n in_o the_o author_n of_o this_o pamphâ—…et_a to_o appeal_v to_o these_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o that_o abominable_a story_n as_o it_o be_v likewise_o most_o notorious_o false_a what_o this_o author_n allege_v that_o the_o doctor_n be_v constrain_v to_o flee_v for_o he_o averr_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o he_o and_o this_o he_o say_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbytery_n can_v attest_v he_o likewise_o say_v that_o his_o very_a accuser_n there_o do_v utter_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o form_n of_o baptism_n use_v which_o be_v so_o confident_o assert_v by_o this_o villain_n he_o tell_v i_o he_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o the_o fanatic_n in_o that_o place_n have_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o sift_v these_o accuser_n of_o the_o doctor_n and_o that_o mr._n spalding_n the_o presbyterian-intruder_n there_o have_v send_v some_o of_o his_o follower_n to_o examine_v they_o concern_v this_o matter_n and_o after_o all_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o mr._n sâ—…alding_n himself_o but_o never_o will_v acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o pamphlete_a record_n he_o conclude_v his_o letter_n thus_o that_o he_o must_v do_v dr._n canary_n the_o justice_n to_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v as_o â—…ittle_o taint_v with_o intemperance_n as_o any_o he_o know_v of_o his_o age_n and_o this_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n with_o we_o that_o it_o come_v from_o one_o who_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v exact_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o history_n of_o his_o young_a year_n when_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v examine_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dundee_n the_o doctor_n receive_v a_o acquittance_n from_o the_o presbytery_n clear_v he_o from_o have_v any_o accession_n to_o that_o scandal_n give_v by_o these_o two_o young_a gentleman_n who_o be_v in_o his_o company_n and_o accost_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o field_n and_o notwithstanding_o thâ—…_n malice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v aggravate_v that_o story_n into_o a_o heinous_a villainy_n yet_o the_o true_a and_o real_a ground_n of_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o these_o two_o young_a gentleman_n be_v in_o company_n with_o the_o doctor_n run_v from_o he_o to_o some_o woman_n in_o the_o field_n and_o undecent_o thrust_v their_o hand_n under_o their_o clothes_n when_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a 〈◊〉_d be_v publish_v mr._n castairs_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n toâ—…d_v dr._n 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v inâ—…ormed_v by_o mr._n spalding_n the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n at_o dundee_n the_o place_n where_o this_o story_n have_v its_o rise_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o malicious_a calumny_n against_o the_o doâ—…tor_n and_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n please_v he_o will_v write_v to_o mr._n spalding_n for_o a_o account_n of_o it_o which_o he_o think_v will_v be_v such_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctoâ—…s_n innocency_n as_o the_o most_o malicious_a of_o his_o enemy_n couâ—…d_v not_o well_o withstand_v mr._n castairs_o have_v write_v to_o mr._n spalâ—…ing_n who_o sâ—…nt_v he_o up_o some_o account_n of_o it_o to_o london_n he_o send_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o doâ—…tor_n acquainâ—…ing_v he_o that_o such_o a_o account_n be_v come_v fâ—…om_n mr._n spalding_n to_o london_n though_o not_o as_o yet_o to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o the_o doctor_n be_v innocency_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v from_o this_o malicious_a slander_n this_o letter_n from_o mr._n castairs_n i_o suppose_v the_o doctor_n have_v in_o his_o possession_n but_o mr._n castairs_n send_v not_o afterward_o to_o the_o doctor_n mr._n spalding_n letter_n for_o what_o reason_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v hence_o we_o may_v see_v how_o fair_o and_o candid_o the_o doctoâ—…_n have_v be_v treat_v by_o this_o malicious_a scribbler_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v but_o his_o be_v employ_v by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n to_o negotiate_v their_o affair_n with_o the_o present_a government_n and_o the_o vigorous_a opposition_n he_o always_o make_v to_o the_o design_n carry_v on_o by_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n for_o overturning_a and_o subvert_v our_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o resume_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o appendix_n above_o cite_v bring_v in_o further_a vindication_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v innocency_n as_o that_o he_o undergo_v two_o fiery_a trial_n before_o the_o presbyterian_a judicatories_n in_o scotland_n one_o before_o the_o privy_a council_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o consist_v then_o whole_o of_o presbyterian_o who_o be_v still_o by_o far_o the_o majority_n at_o the_o council-board_n the_o other_o before_o a_o meeting_n of_o presbyterian_a teacher_n at_o selkirk_n by_o both_o which_o he_o be_v acquit_v and_o not_o one_o instance_n of_o immorality_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o presbyterian_a minister_n offer_v cordial_o to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o society_n if_o he_o will_v but_o renounce_v his_o principle_n of_o episcopacy_n i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v in_o the_o doctor_n be_v vindication_n if_o he_o but_o appeal_v for_o his_o innocency_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v know_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n he_o may_v fair_o bid_v a_o defiance_n to_o the_o most_o inveterate_a malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n page_n 64._o he_o charge_v dean_n hamilton_n with_o sodomy_n and_o say_v he_o â—…ourt_n be_v convict_v of_o it_o by_o 88_o witness_n and_o again_o pag._n 73._o he_o accuse_v he_o of_o bugger_v a_o mare_n lie_v wiâ—…h_o several_a man_n wife_n in_o hamilton_n and_o several_a other_o immorality_n among_o which_o be_v his_o proffer_v bestiality_n i_o suppose_v our_o author_n will_v have_v say_v sodomy_n to_o a_o young_a man_n in_o london_n of_o this_o author_n be_v own_o acquaintance_n these_o crime_n he_o say_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o before_o the_o criminal_a court_n at_o edinburgh_n but_o he_o have_v bribe_v the_o judge_n the_o trial_n be_v put_v off_o as_o for_o these_o last_o crime_n buggery_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n the_o dean_n be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o accuse_v of_o they_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o as_o this_o libeler_n false_o allege_v and_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o impudence_n in_o he_o to_o arraign_v the_o whole_a justice_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o this_o rate_n for_o connive_v at_o such_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a immorality_n as_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n detest_v and_o abhor_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a judge_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v be_v so_o degenerate_v in_o their_o moral_n as_o to_o be_v bribe_v or_o corrupt_v by_o such_o a_o vile_a wretch_n as_o this_o dean_n hamilton_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v have_v our_o author_n calumny_n against_o he_o be_v trâ—…e_o the_o dean_n be_v indeed_o accuse_v of_o the_o crime_n of_o sodomy_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v cite_v first_o before_o the_o privy-câ—…uncil_a and_o afterward_o before_o the_o justice-court_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o all_o witness_n that_o can_v be_v have_v be_v examine_v against_o he_o but_o they_o not_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o crime_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v full_o absolve_v from_o it_o by_o both_o those_o honourable_a court_n and_o my_o informer_n assure_v i_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n pass_v upon_o this_o affair_n by_o both_o those_o court_n the_o one_o sign_v by_o duke_n hamilton_n as_o precedent_n of_o the_o council_n and_o the_o clerk_n to_o the_o privycounâ—…il_n the_o other_o sign_v by_o the_o justice_n general_n and_o the_o clerk_n to_o the_o justice-court_n and_o these_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o several_a register_n of_o those_o court_n now_o after_o the_o dean_n be_v so_o public_o absolve_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o crime_n it_o must_v needs_o argue_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o impudence_n and_o nothing_o less_o of_o malice_n in_o this_o author_n to_o aver_v so_o confident_o that_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o by_o â—…ighty_a eight_o wiâ—…nesses_n whether_o he_o be_v real_o guilty_a or_o not_o of_o such_o a_o villainy_n god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n can_v best_o tell_v it_o have_v be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o several_a pious_a and_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v â—…alsely_o accuse_v but_o however_o since_o he_o do_v so_o open_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o crime_n the_o law_n of_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o innocent_a till_o we_o have_v better_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a than_o the_o
aspersion_n and_o calumny_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o virulent_a scribbler_n who_o have_v declare_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n in_o the_o follow_a page_n boyd_n he_o mention_n one_o mr._n bâ—…yd_v a_o west-country_n parson_n who_o he_o affirm_v to_o have_v get_v his_o mâ—…id_n with_o child_n and_o to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o act_n by_o some_o of_o his_o parishioner_n and_o thereupon_o to_o have_v desert_v his_o wife_n and_o run_v with_o the_o whâ—…re_n â—…o_v england_n in_o this_o our_o author_n be_v so_o fâ—…r_v mistake_v that_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v there_o never_o be_v a_o episcopal_a minister_n of_o that_o name_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o year_n 1662._o except_o one_o mr._n robert_n boyd_n minister_n at_o carmunoch_n who_o although_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o be_v once_o libel_v in_o bishop_n leighton_n time_n and_o absolve_v nothing_o of_o the_o libel_n be_v prove_v yet_o never_o any_o thing_n like_o adultery_n be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o at_o present_a he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d with_o his_o wife_n under_o a_o virtuous_a and_o commendable_a character_n in_o the_o same_o page_n our_o libeler_n assault_v the_o reputation_n of_o mr._n hugh_n reputation_n blair_n minister_n at_o rutherglen_n concern_v who_o he_o have_v these_o word_n that_o he_o wâ—…s_v a_o câ—…mmon_a drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o at_o last_o get_v his_o maid_n with_o child_n â—…or_n which_o he_o be_v suspend_v about_o a_o month_n by_o the_o bishop_n but_o have_v bribe_v one_o macfarland_n to_o marry_v the_o whore_n and_o say_v the_o child_n be_v he_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o his_o office_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v prove_v before_o the_o bishop_n by_o many_o witness_n who_o have_v see_v they_o lie_v together_o and_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o woman_n own_v it_o in_o her_o labour_n and_o that_o her_o husband_n have_v confess_v it_o i_o have_v choose_v the_o rather_o to_o set_v down_o our_o author_n word_n at_o large_a because_o they_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o as_o many_o lie_v as_o word_n that_o mr._n blair_n be_v either_o a_o drunkard_n or_o swearer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allege_v against_o he_o in_o all_o his_o process_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v caâ—…ried_v on_o with_o the_o height_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n that_o he_o get_v his_o maid_n with_o child_n be_v a_o most_o notorious_a lie_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o by_o and_o by_o as_o it_o be_v likewise_o false_a that_o the_o bishop_n ever_o suspend_v he_o on_o that_o or_o any_o other_o account_n that_o mr._n blair_n briâ—…ed_v one_o macfarlâ—…nd_v to_o marry_v the_o whore_n contain_v no_o less_o than_o two_o maâ—…ifest_a falsehood_n for_o first_o there_o be_v never_o one_o mâ—…cfarland_n mention_v in_o the_o whole_a process_n and_o second_o the_o whore_n live_v still_o unmarried_a to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v prove_v before_o the_o bishop_n by_o many_o witness_n that_o be_v examine_v about_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o notoâ—…ious_a â—…ntruth_n â—…or_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o witness_n that_o be_v examine_v about_o it_o not_o one_o of_o they_o depose_v that_o they_o see_v he_o as_o much_o as_o speak_v to_o she_o after_o he_o put_v she_o out_o of_o his_o service_n far_o less_o to_o haâ—…e_v the_o least_o scandâ—…lous_a carriage_n towaâ—…ds_v she_o that_o â—…he_a wâ—…man_n â—…ned_v it_o â—…n_v her_o childbed_n and_o that_o her_o hâ—…sband_n confâ—…ssed_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o calumny_n and_o have_v no_o great_a shadow_n of_o truth_n for_o when_o the_o hussie_n be_v in_o childbed_n she_o declare_v one_o donâ—…ld_v fergâ—…n_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n who_o own_v â—…t_a as_o he_o and_o maintain_v it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o child_n live_v as_o to_o the_o husband_n be_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v bribe_v to_o own_o the_o child_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o woman_n be_v never_o know_v to_o have_v a_o husband_n and_o that_o she_o live_v unmarried_a at_o this_o day_n but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o understand_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o aâ—…fair_n concern_v mr._n blair_n take_v the_o history_n of_o it_o as_o â—…ollows_v mr._n hugh_n blâ—…ir_n be_v indebt_v for_o some_o money_n to_o one_o james_n macfarland_n of_o kiâ—…k-town_n his_o own_o cousin-german_a and_o mr._n 〈◊〉_d have_v occasion_n to_o wriâ—…e_v to_o he_o frequent_o about_o it_o sâ—…t_v a_o seâ—…vant_n of_o his_o call_v donald_n fâ—…rguson_n with_o the_o letter_n and_o thiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d stayâ—…ng_v some_o time_n all_o night_n at_o mr._n blair_n house_n have_v occasion_n to_o â—…ebauch_v mâ—…rgaret_n draw_v one_o of_o his_o maidservant_n and_o get_v she_o with_o child_n â—…hich_v so_o soon_o as_o mr._n blair_n be_v inform_v of_o he_o put_v the_o hussiâ—…_n out_o of_o his_o â—…ervice_n then_o commissary_n fleeming_n his_o lady_n live_v in_o mr._n blaiâ—…'s_n parish_n and_o have_v have_v a_o former_a grudge_n against_o he_o lay_v hold_v on_o this_o occasion_n and_o deal_v with_o the_o whore_n to_o father_n the_o child_n on_o mr._n blair_n and_o for_o that_o end_n she_o and_o the_o fanatic_a party_n in_o glasgow_n give_v she_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n to_o own_o it_o which_o can_v yet_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o hussie_n own_o confession_n and_o by_o other_o witness_n that_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o â—…pon_v which_o she_o go_v to_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n and_o affirm_v mr._n blair_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o her_o child_n the_o rumour_n of_o this_o come_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o ear_n he_o forthwith_o appoint_v a_o visitation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rutâ—…eglen_n where_o mr._n blair_n be_v minister_n to_o be_v in_o april_n 1663._o and_o cause_v the_o woman_n 〈◊〉_d drâ—…w_n to_o be_v summon_v thereto_o she_o appear_v before_o â—…he_v preâ—…bytery_n declare_v that_o donald_n fergusoâ—…_n be_v the_o father_n oâ—…_n her_o child_n whereâ—…pon_n mr._n george_n milne_n minister_n at_o campsie_n in_o who_o pariâ—…h_n this_o ferguson_n live_v be_v order_v to_o summon_v he_o to_o the_o next_o presbytery_n meet_v who_o compear_v free_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n and_o do_v satisfy_v the_o discipline_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n at_o gavan_n for_o the_o say_a scandal_n where_o both_o of_o they_o confess_v the_o child_n be_v beget_v when_o the_o child_n be_v present_v to_o baptism_n this_o ferguson_n do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o father_n and_o do_v likewisâ—…_n maintain_v it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o child_n live_v commissary_n fleeming_n â—…ady_o be_v disappoint_v of_o this_o her_o design_n against_o mr._n blair_n set_v aâ—…other_n on_o foot_n of_o libel_v he_o and_o pâ—…ocured_v from_o the_o archbishop_n a_o second_o visitation_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o his_o church_n of_o rutheâ—…glen_n by_o the_o presbytery_n where_o all_o hiâ—…_n paâ—…hioners_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v agaiâ—…st_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v invite_v to_o come_v freelâ—…_n and_o declare_v it_o yet_o even_o then_o his_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d clear_v he_o of_o all_o imputation_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n â—…ut_o our_o presbyterian_a lady_n malice_n restâ—…d_v not_o so_o for_o she_o procure_v a_o three_o 〈◊〉_d against_o which_o time_n she_o have_v provide_v one_o williaâ—…_n robison_n a_o smith_n to_o his_o trade_n and_o a_o prosligate_v vicious_a fellow_n in_o his_o moral_n to_o give_v in_o a_o libel_n against_o mr._n blâ—…ir_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o several_a immorality_n this_o fellow_n have_v be_v a_o sergeant_n at_o the_o insurrection_n of_o 〈◊〉_d bridge_n before_o which_o time_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o kirk-sâ—…ssion_a have_v frequent_o censure_v he_o for_o 〈◊〉_d swear_v breach_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 〈◊〉_d and_o whoredom_n so_o that_o the_o archbishop_n and_o presbytery_n can_v not_o admit_v he_o as_o a_o accusâ—…_n and_o this_o necessitate_v the_o lady_n to_o set_v up_o one_o john_n widdersponâ—…_n a_o tailor_n to_o subscribe_v the_o libel_n against_o hiâ—…_n who_o be_v a_o bastard-relation_n of_o her_o own_o at_o that_o time_n her_o servant_n a_o young_a man_n not_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n have_v no_o family_n and_o not_o worth_a a_o groat_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o to_o give_v the_o lady_n satisfaction_n he_o be_v sustain_v but_o after_o more_o than_o two_o year_n process_n before_o synod_n sub-synod_n presbytery_n and_o tâ—…e_a examination_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o witness_n there_o be_v not_o one_o titlâ—…_n of_o the_o libel_n prove_v againsâ—…_n he_o even_o although_o no_o witness_n be_v reject_v but_o all_o admit_v even_a informer_n themselves_o and_o one_o john_n steuâ—…n_n who_o mr._n blair_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o madman_n be_v â—…dmitted_v
deâ—…amations_n may_v be_v credit_v among_o the_o credulous_a or_o prejudicate_v vulgar_a yet_o i_o presume_v by_o this_o way_n you_o will_v not_o gain_v many_o proselyte_n among_o those_o that_o be_v good_a and_o wise_a â—…or_n who_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n will_v believe_v man_n guilty_a of_o groâ—…s_a crime_n upon_o your_o bare_a and_o naked_a narration_n wiâ—…hout_n adduce_v the_o attestation_n of_o any_o witness_n or_o yet_o aâ—…y_o seem_v or_o just_a proof_n or_o who_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o reâ—…igion_n and_o godliness_n can_v approve_v of_o the_o method_n of_o â—…itter_a malice_n revenge_n and_o unchristian_a calumny_n so_o contrair_a to_o all_o the_o ruâ—…es_n of_o humanity_n and_o christâ—…anity_n foâ—…â—…upporting_v and_o promote_a of_o any_o party_n or_o interâ—…st_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o equal_a tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o a_o man_n reputation_n as_o to_o his_o life_n i_o allow_v you_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v my_o conversation_n and_o life_n hitherto_o and_o treat_v i_o but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a justice_n and_o i_o be_o proof_n against_o your_o malice_n what_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v concern_v our_o author_n malice_n conclusion_n and_o disingenuity_n in_o these_o instâ—…nces_n we_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o may_v sâ—…rve_v i_o think_v as_o a_o sufficient_a caution_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a and_o impâ—…ial_a reader_n not_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o calumny_n and_o aspersion_n of_o this_o author_n nor_o to_o entertain_v any_o the_o hard_a thought_n of_o our_o clergy_n for_o be_v bespatter_v by_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o virulent_a scribbler_n for_o the_o candid_a treatmâ—…nt_n which_o these_o person_n i_o have_v mention_v have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o pâ—…mphlet_n may_v in_o a_o great_a meâ—…sure_n enable_v we_o to_o judge_v what_o credit_n and_o authority_n the_o reâ—…t_n of_o this_o author_n aspersion_n on_o our_o clergy_n ought_v to_o have_v since_o he_o deal_v so_o base_o and_o difingâ—…nuously_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n he_o invent_v story_n which_o he_o can_v sin_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n to_o justisiâ—…_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o of_o his_o matter_n of_o 〈◊〉_d he_o appeal_v to_o record_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o leâ—…st_a mention_n of_o thâ—…m_n to_o be_v find_v nâ—…y_o he_o stick_v at_o nothing_o so_o he_o but_o can_v seruâ—…_n hiâ—…_n main_a end_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o bâ—…acken_v the_o fame_n and_o reputation_n of_o our_o clergy_n and_o to_o render_v their_o sacred_a function_n odious_a to_o all_o mankind_n i_o pray_v god_n to_o give_v this_o author_n a_o dâ—…ep_a seâ—…se_n of_o the_o villainy_n of_o this_o his_o design_n that_o hâ—…_n may_v repent_v in_o time_n and_o sâ—…ve_v his_o soul_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o such_o hellish_a and_o diabolical_a practice_n as_o this_o author_n use_v shall_v be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v invocate_v such_o kind_n of_o practice_n be_v so_o inhuman_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o author_n and_o abeâ—…tors_n of_o they_o stink_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o all_o good_a and_o religious_a men._n all_o that_o i_o have_v â—…urther_o to_o add_v now_o be_v only_o to_o beg_v my_o reader_n be_v pardon_n for_o detain_v he_o so_o long_o in_o search_v into_o the_o rubbish_n of_o a_o parcel_n of_o profane_a and_o lewd_a story_n i_o must_v needs_o own_v it_o be_v no_o very_a please_a task_n to_o i_o to_o be_v rake_v into_o such_o a_o dunghill_n but_o find_v the_o reputation_n of_o some_o of_o our_o clergy_n very_o much_o injure_v among_o stranger_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o calumny_n and_o aspersion_n of_o this_o obscure_a writer_n i_o think_v myself_o obâ—…iged_v from_o the_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o my_o country_n and_o from_o thâ—…_n respect_v we_o all_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o the_o sacred_a charactâ—…r_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n and_o minister_n to_o contribute_v my_o small_a endeavour_n for_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o oppress_a innocence_n of_o our_o â—…lergy_n and_o for_o detect_v the_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n of_o this_o libeller_n asperâ—…ions_n in_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v be_v so_o successful_a with_o this_o small_a â—…say_n that_o after_o perusal_n thereof_o every_o disinterest_v peâ—…son_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o virulent_a libel_n against_o our_o â—…lergy_n have_v be_v total_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o have_v deal_v so_o base_o and_o disingenuous_o in_o all_o his_o relation_n which_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o search_v into_o that_o his_o bare_a accusation_n can_v be_v of_o no_o authority_n against_o the_o most_o obnoxious_a member_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o society_n finis_fw-la the_o unchâ—…_n ritablâ—…ness_n and_o inhuma_n nity_n of_o the_o author_n dâ—…_n sign_n pag._n 1â—…_n this_o methâ—…d_n of_o write_v 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d râ—…ligion_n and_o thâ—…_n laâ—…_n of_o humane_a sociâ—…ty_n the_o occâ—…sion_n of_o publisâ—…_n tâ—…e_o sâ—…ots_v presbyâ—…an_a eloquence_n this_o author_n reflection_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o some_o of_o the_o ministâ—…_n of_o state_n coâ—â—_n sidere_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o â—…otland_o â—…t_v by_o 〈◊〉_d â—…rce_n and_o â—…ranny_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ruler_n â—…t_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o â—…robation_n the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d anno_fw-la 1572._o â—…rl_n 3_o jac._n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 45_o 46_o â—…c_n 〈◊〉_d perthâ—…ss_n â—…ss_z in_o aug_n 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d in_o scotland_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thâ—…_n sâ—…l_v authoriâ—…y_v 〈◊〉_d â—…o_v bâ—…shops_n theâ—…e_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shâ—…wn_n to_o bâ—…_n nâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d â—…n_n the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n oâ—…r_fw-fr autâ—…ors_fw-fr disingenuity_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d â—…ous_fw-la râ—…lexions_n upon_o the_o clergy_n â—…ome_v few_o of_o â—…he_v episcopal_a 〈◊〉_d offâ—…ring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o 〈◊〉_d vindication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d live_v anâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…e_v 〈◊〉_d parâ—…y_n thâ—…_n epâ—…scopal_a clâ—…rgy_n have_v chargeâ—…_n thâ—…_n presbyterian_o wâ—…th_v nâ—…thing_v râ—…lating_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o 〈◊〉_d hauâ—…_n beâ—…n_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—…ko_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d first_o gouâ—…rnment_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o scotland_n after_o â—…he_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abolisâ—…ed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…nhappy_a ciuâ—…l_a wâ—…rs_n under_o the_o râ—…ign_n of_o k._n chaâ—…les_n brokâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spotsw_n refut_n libel_n de_fw-fr reg._n eccl._n scoâ—…_n p._n 21._o ibiâ—…_n p._n 26._o 26._o the_o occasion_n of_o settle_v sâ—…perintendants_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n upon_o the_o râ—…formation_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o whole_a epâ—…copal_a authâ—…rity_n and_o jurisdictâ—…on_a 〈◊〉_d the_o clâ—…rgy_n of_o their_o dâ—…ceses_n dâ—…ceses_n spotsw_n resut_fw-la p._n â—…_n 21._o †_o ass._n at_o st._n johnstoâ—…n_n sess._n 2._o july_n 26._o 1563._o he_o in_o ministrorum_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ante_fw-la coaptaâ—…i_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d munus_fw-la solennibus_fw-la auspiciis_fw-la de_fw-la stinabantur_fw-la destinaâ—…i_fw-la eligebantur_fw-la electi_fw-la suâ—…ctionem_fw-la inibant_fw-la spotsw_n res._n libel_n p._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d way_n temporary_a as_o to_o their_o officâ—…_n but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o name_n spotsw_n â—…ist_o â—…_n 150_o 160._o the_o superâ—…ntendants_n give_v a_o account_n to_o a_o national_a syâ—…od_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o their_o function_n no_o argument_n against_o their_o be_v bishop_n spotsw_n refut_n p._n 22._o the_o enact_v of_o these_o penal_a law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o this_o author_n have_v scrape_v together_o occasion_v mere_o bâ—…_n the_o frequent_a rebellion_n of_o that_o party_n *_o vindication_n of_o the_o government_n in_o scotland_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o k._n charles_n ii_o the_o nation_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o enaâ—…t_v 〈◊〉_d law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o from_o thâ—…ir_n trâ—…asonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d râ—…gns_n of_o k_o ja._n 6._o 〈◊〉_d â—…_n ch._n i._n that_o this_o be_v the_o trâ—…e_a occasion_n of_o enact_v these_o pâ—…nal_a lawâ—…_n appear_v from_o our_o aâ—…thors_n own_o concession_n it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…he_v conâ—…ant_a practicâ—…_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unâ—…r_n thâ—…_n name_n of_o râ—…ligion_n tâ—…_n suffâ—…rings_v of_o thâ—…_n prâ—…sbyterians_n no_n way_n prâ—…moted_v by_o thâ—…_n episcopaâ—…_n clâ—…rgy_n vid._n spirit_n of_o calumny_n the_o minâ—…sters_n â—…f_a state_n undâ—…r_fw-fr king_n charles_n gouâ—…rnment_n sufficient_o vindicate_v fâ—…om_o our_o author_n aspâ—…rsions_n of_o cruâ—…lty_n a_o short_a narrative_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o councâ—…l_n against_o some_o 〈◊〉_d â—…rned_a ouâ—…_n in_o 166â—…_n vid._n 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d hauâ—…_n justisy_v tâ—…e_a murder_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrews_n in_o the_o face_n of_o 〈◊〉_d upon_o 〈◊〉_d oâ—…cusions_n page_n 37._o mitchel_n execution_n