religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o â—_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o
the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la together_o with_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o two_o letter_n herein_o review_v whereunto_o also_o be_v subjoin_v a_o appendix_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o treaty_n anent_o accommodation_n ii_o cor._n xiii_o v._o viii_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z the_o preface_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o assure_v both_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o then_o that_o the_o most_o important_a event_n of_o this_o world_n concern_v do_v much_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v frequent_o turn_v by_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o certain_a midse_n and_o expedient_n only_o yea_o great_o recommend_v by_o this_o their_o subservient_fw-fr aptitude_n and_o influence_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a wellbeing_n even_o the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n by_o he_o thereto_o appoint_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slight_v by_o a_o abstract_n undervalue_v but_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o just_a estimation_n of_o these_o high_a and_o glorious_a end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v will_v quick_o intend_v our_o care_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n thereunto_o order_v in_o a_o agreeable_a proportion_n and_o also_o extend_v our_o command_a circumspection_n to_o a_o fidelity_n even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v least_o so_o it_o be_v only_a unseriousness_n and_o insincerity_n in_o the_o main_a together_o with_o the_o diversion_n of_o other_o temptation_n that_o occasion_v all_o the_o indifferency_n contempt_n and_o mockery_n wherewith_o we_o find_v the_o simplicity_n &_o meanness_n of_o gospel-institution_n common_o entertain_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o pervert_v by_o the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o liberty_n gallantry_n decency_n civil_a obedience_n or_o the_o like_a but_o also_o they_o be_v all_o contend_v for_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a affectation_n of_o more_o calm_a sublime_a and_o serene_a contemplation_n and_o the_o saucy_a reproach_n of_o hot_a disputation_n and_o bitter_a wrangling_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v elude_v and_o the_o thing_n vilify_v into_o empty_a formality_n and_o thereby_o a_o inlet_n make_v in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o man_n invention_n how_o much_o of_o these_o truth_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o anticipat_v by_o a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n the_o point_n i_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o exhort_v every_o one_o desirous_a to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o evil_a generation_n wherein_o the_o strange_a variety_n and_o opposition_n of_o event_n that_o we_o have_v see_v do_v suggest_v such_o strong_a temptation_n and_o interest_n have_v not_o more_o seduce_v man_n mind_n unto_o a_o irreligious_a lukwarmness_n than_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o pernicious_o debauch_v by_o wanton_a and_o wild_a cavillation_n to_o study_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sovereignty_n and_o most_o pure_a holiness_n of_o god_n the_o most_o wondered_a love_n and_o marvellous_a condescendence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o next_o to_o have_v the_o heart_n establish_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o suitable_a faith_n and_o fear_n cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o strength_n and_o hate_v every_o vain_a and_o false_a way_n sure_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o qualify_v shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o as_o he_o will_v be_v of_o a_o good_a sound_a and_o quick_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o so_o much_o toss_v debate_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o backsliden_fw-mi and_o light_a generation_n at_o best_o only_o seek_v therein_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o own_o curiosity_n be_v many_o time_n sad_o stumble_v unto_o great_a irreligion_n he_o will_v easy_o discern_v and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o of_o a_o low_a appearance_n then_o of_o a_o high_a and_o in_o estimable_a tendency_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o i_o recommend_v and_o submit_v the_o ensue_a disquisition_n if_o the_o unconcerned_a world_n do_v laugh_v if_o the_o foolish_a mock_n &_o the_o wicked_a rage_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o work_n be_v with_o my_o god_n &_o its_o fruit_n shall_v be_v to_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n be_v move_v by_o the_o excessive_a silence_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o immoderate_a boast_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o party_n engage_v in_o this_o affair_n to_o interpose_v for_o truth_n thus_o unequal_o treat_v that_o by_o this_o poor_a essay_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n vindicat_fw-la and_o a_o check_n give_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o swell_a word_n of_o the_o adversary_n be_v all_o my_o aim_n as_o for_o these_o of_o our_o opposite_n who_o may_v find_v themselves_o more_o near_o touch_v in_o the_o few_o sheet_n subjoin_v if_o they_o think_v i_o therein_o transport_v to_o any_o excess_n i_o do_v assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o ungrateful_a violence_n of_o their_o provocation_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o own_o inclination_n i_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o paper_n emit_v by_o they_o than_o the_o two_o that_o i_o do_v particular_o review_v and_o annexe_v special_o a_o long_a letter_n suppose_v to_o be_v g._n b_n and_o write_v by_o way_n of_o amplification_n of_o the_o former_a but_o see_v i_o do_v full_o discuss_v his_o text_n &_o after_o trial_n discover_v that_o his_o excellent_a &_o noble_a friend_n gold_n as_o he_o speak_v be_v but_o dross_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v easy_o pardon_v my_o not_o prosecute_n a_o further_o fruitless_a search_n into_o what_o he_o call_v his_o own_o ore_n and_o thus_o i_o dismiss_v my_o reader_n unto_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o follow_v reader_n before_o thou_o read_v be_v please_v to_o correct_v with_o a_o pen_n these_o errata_fw-la pag._n 18_o lin._n 29._o read_v probability_n p._n 19_o l._n 13._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 21._o l._n 29._o r._n rule_n p._n 23._o l._n 15._o r._n a_o p._n 24._o l._n 13._o r._n preach_v p._n 28._o l._n 27._o r._n ordination_n p._n 29._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o p._n 52._o l._n 2._o what_o r._n with_o p._n 55._o l._n 17._o with_o r._n which_o p._n 68_o l._n 31._o r._n revolution_n p._n 68_o l._n 35._o this_o r._n he_o p._n 72._o l._n 30._o r._n cuss_v p._n 73._o l._n 30._o express_v r._n expel_v p._n 74._o l._n 25._o be_v r._n be_v p._n 79._o l._n 29._o r._n wisdom_n p._n 88_o l._n 6._o preserve_v râ—_n prefer_v p._n 92_o l._n 18._o he_o r._n the._n ibid._n l._n 28._o master_n r._n majesty_n p._n 106._o l._n 23._o your_o r._n their_o p._n 109._o l._n 18._o r._n change_n ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n enjoy_v p._n 114._o l._n 13._o r._n piece_n p._n 115._o l._n 23._o pretend_v r._n perpend_v p._n 118._o l._n 18._o r._n distinct_a the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la such_o have_v be_v the_o high_a and_o stiff_a opposition_n and_o no_o less_o contrary_a and_o important_a consequence_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n within_o this_o church_n that_o as_o their_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o desirable_a to_o all_o our_o temporize_a pursuer_n of_o peace_n so_o certain_o it_o do_v no_o less_o challenge_v the_o sincere_a and_o strict_a search_n of_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o consideration_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a notice_n of_o the_o rise_n procedure_v and_o issue_n of_o this_o affair_n i_o be_o resolve_v for_o the_o impartial_a vindication_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n of_o government_n in_o his_o house_n and_o our_o engadgement_n thereto_o and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o know_a precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o exhibit_v my_o observation_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o calmeness_n and_o candour_n suitable_a to_o such_o
perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scoâ—land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v &_o intend_v his_o logic_n shall_v so_o pitiful_o fail_v he_o as_o not_o to_o add_v and_o from_o that_o church_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o will_v have_v so_o clear_o restrict_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o article_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a at_o on_o glance_n he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o scotland_n as_o its_o primarie_a object_n to_o be_v impertinent_a but_o where_o there_o have_v appear_v no_o conscience_n in_o keep_v why_o do_v we_o expect_v much_o sense_n in_o interpret_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o therefore_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n &_o member_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o its_o self_n anent_o which_o we_o do_v now_o inquire_v &_o for_o clear_v thereof_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o solemn_a league_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v then_o establish_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o establishment_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v only_o covenant_v which_o though_o it_o do_v sufficient_o exclude_v this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o establishment_n and_o also_o unto_o sound_a doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o its_o subjoined_a explication_n whereby_o not_o only_a the_o episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o be_v among_o we_o &_o be_v now_o restore_v &_o advance_v but_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatorship_n as_o a_o novation_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o church_n be_v plain_o abjure_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o national_a by_o which_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o former_a swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v be_v first_o settle_v do_v manifest_o exclude_v this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la so_o the_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n to_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n therein_o describe_v only_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n where_o it_o then_o be_v be_v most_o improper_o make_v use_n of_o for_o explain_v our_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o case_n controvert_v now_o as_o to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o english_a author_n adduce_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o be_v not_o therein_o much_o concern_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o england_n and_o how_o that_o article_n of_o extirpation_n for_o that_o church_n principal_o provide_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o either_o by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o engagement_n lie_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o all_o corruption_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o setlement_n we_o then_o enjoy_v which_o be_v subject_n quite_o distinct_a and_o thereby_o this_o heap_n of_o citation_n gather_v by_o the_o author_n be_v by_o one_o blast_n dissipate_v but_o lest_o it_o may_v appear_v hard_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o such_o a_o precise_a form_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n in_o that_o same_o covenant_n leave_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o secret_a design_n of_o some_o unsound_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o can_v distinct_o know_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v evident_a that_o for_o we_o in_o scotland_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o england_n groan_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o prelacy_n shall_v instant_o upon_o our_o grant_n of_o assistance_n embrace_v presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o form_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o full_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o no_o experience_n and_o withal_o see_v we_o do_v hold_v presbyterian_a government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o common_a estimation_n then_o make_v in_o england_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n geneva_n the_o netherlands_o and_o france_n as_o the_o best_a reform_v the_o obligation_n provide_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n with_o the_o article_n of_o extirpation_n subjoin_v in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v certain_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o upon_o which_o we_o do_v very_o rational_o relyea_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o least_o impugn_a by_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o author_n cite_v viz._n that_o many_o grave_a man_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o therefore_o the_o particular_a description_n be_v subjoin_v as_o also_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n scruple_v the_o meaning_n of_o prelacy_n it_o be_v resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brother_n inâ—cotland_o â—cotland_z that_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o then_o in_o be_v in_o england_n and_o mr_n coleman_n administrate_v it_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n diâ—_n so_o explain_v it_o because_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o consistent_a that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o england_n have_v then_o attain_v we_o shall_v â—ave_n close_v with_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a oath_n for_o extirpate_v the_o evil_n discover_v and_o yet_o for_o a_o further_o advance_v rest_n upon_o the_o more_o general_a obligement_n so_o sure_o and_o safe_o caution_v until_o god_n shall_v give_v further_a light_n so_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o both_o party_n that_o the_o then_o prelacy_n be_v only_o express_o abjure_v and_o not_o all_o episcopacy_n see_v no_o species_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o by_o they_o reserve_v or_o by_o we_o consent_v to_o do_v nothing_o contradict_v why_o both_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n &_o set_v up_o of_o presbytery_n may_v not_o still_o be_v covenant_v unto_o under_o the_o general_a provision_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o a_o church_n convince_v of_o evil_n but_o not_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n may_v covenante_n against_o the_o evil_n in_o particular_a and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a obligement_n become_v bind_v to_o make_v a_o more_o exact_a
part_n be_v certain_o as_o little_a worth_n all_o the_o stir_n and_o vexation_n make_v about_o he_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o insignificant_a dignity_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o cause_n inferior_a to_o the_o late_a war_n which_o they_o do_v most_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n insufferable_a for_o wise_a menâ—_n so_o desirous_a of_o ease_n to_o set_v 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 both_o church_n and_o state_n disturb_v by_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o presidencie_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o this_o proposal_n be_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a establishment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o relax_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o former_a engagement_n but_o to_o the_o suppression_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n more_o absurd_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o its_o instrument_n prelacy_n which_o we_o have_v express_o and_o particular_o abjure_v can_v the_o author_n reasonable_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o rencontre_v in_o we_o a_o opposition_n commensurat_fw-la both_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o prize_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o man_n for_o poor_a perish_a interest_n do_v endeavour_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o introduce_v their_o mode_n and_o invention_n for_o no_o other_o end_n imaginableâ—_n then_o that_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o influence_n thereof_o they_o may_v have_v the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n still_o in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v not_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n more_o vigorous_o resist_v all_o these_o their_o intend_a corruption_n i_o maâ—_n not_o here_o stand_v to_o discuss_v the_o specious_a and_o flatter_a pretension_n hold_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o mere_a subtlety_n be_v by_o we_o oppose_v to_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n certain_o he_o who_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n be_v very_o cunning_a to_o set_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n on_o foot_n from_o the_o small_a and_o least_o suspicious_a beginning_n &_o yet_o thence_o by_o more_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a method_n than_o these_o which_o our_o author_n undervalue_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o very_a revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o withal_o consider_v in_o our_o own_o late_a experience_n the_o mien_n entry_n as_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n with_o the_o sudden_a elevation_n and_o corruption_n of_o king_n james_n his_o prelate_n unless_o he_o do_v very_o supine_o misregard_n the_o intimation_n of_o all_o present_a circumstance_n special_o that_o of_o a_o al-swaying_a supremacy_n already_o regnant_a can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o catch_v by_o such_o device_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a value_n thus_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v and_o overturn_v the_o righteous_a peace_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v their_o possession_n attain_v by_o wrong_n and_o violence_n a_o plea_n for_o their_o security_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o that_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o covenant_n &_o ranverse_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ministry_n they_o have_v get_v what_o theâ—_n desire_v and_o use_v force_n and_o compulsion_n against_o conscientious_a nonconformist_n until_o they_o be_v weary_v now_o they_o come_v forth_o to_o practice_v by_o flattery_n a_o few_o siren_n with_o charm_n of_o peace_n cant_v in_o nazianzen_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o try_v if_o these_o entice_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a and_o by_o a_o strange_o comprehensive_a spirituality_n both_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o one_o say_v he_o be_v for_o bishop_n another_o i_o be_o for_o presbytery_n that_o we_o be_v carnal_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o a_o divisive_a respect_n of_o person_n be_v equal_o against_o the_o discrimination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v certain_o distinguish_v but_o as_o in_o the_o competition_n of_o peace_n the_o heathen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v admonish_v the_o author_n and_o see_v that_o that_o peace_n be_v only_o precious_a which_o be_v found_v in_o &_o design_v for_o truth_n so_o when_o it_o be_v mere_o pretend_v for_o procure_v a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o a_o evil_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a delusion_n we_o know_v who_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o pretend_v for_o nay_o to_o pursue_v serious_o after_o peace_n without_o regard_n to_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v only_o a_o precipitant_a error_n and_o lie_a vision_n but_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v his_o people_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n shall_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o when_o the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o the_o sweetersound_a of_o unite_a mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n then_o and_o not_o before_o may_v we_o look_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o and_o restore_v unto_o we_o his_o favour_n the_o fountain_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o real_a supplicant_n for_o peace_n &_o indeed_o to_o remove_v all_o the_o obstruction_n that_o may_v disappoint_v its_o firm_a enjoyment_n nay_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o the_o â—ord_n do_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n attain_v to_o that_o superexcel_a peace_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o establish_v and_o that_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n take_v from_o they_o but_o the_o author_n still_o long_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o outward_a peace_n not_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n leave_v and_o give_v to_o his_o follower_n exhort_v unto_o a_o temper_n receptive_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o their_o right_a application_n these_o be_v most_o beautiful_a grace_n but_o as_o they_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v propose_v for_o the_o preposterous_a court_v of_o this_o world_n peace_n i_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_o recommend_v in_o exclusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n incompatible_a with_o the_o author_n evil_a course_n but_o with_o a_o extension_n of_o charity_n to_o rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n and_o meekness_n towards_o wickedness_n beyond_o their_o know_a and_o just_a measure_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o baâ—ge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v â—ollowers_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v â—his_fw-la that_o we_o love_v on_o another_o yet_o â—_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v first_o that_o in_o this_o point_n to_o confound_v person_n and_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o transfer_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v the_o former_a to_o tâ—e_v latter_a though_o never_o so_o detestable_a be_v but_o a_o silly_a sophism_n he_o who_o right_o estimate_v christian_n love_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n may_v be_v faithful_a when_o his_o kiss_n will_v prove_v deceitful_a next_o that_o though_o the_o author_n will_v alleviat_v our_o present_a difference_n as_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o opinion_n and_o humour_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v o_o that_o import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v tâ—e_v supremacy_n to_o the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o his_o house_n not_o to_o merit_v the_o privilege_v of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nay_o that_o in_o order_n to_o such_o david_n profession_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o not_o i_o grieve_v o_o lord_n with_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n may_v rather_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o this_o law_n of_o love_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n &_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n &_o root_v haâ—reds_n foâ—_n thing_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o do_v as_o certain_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n exception_n as_o the_o
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