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we_o wherein_o neither_o king_n nor_o prince_n be_v include_v so_o do_v they_o account_v it_o a_o gross_a usurpation_n for_o the_o king_n on_o earth_n in_o place_n of_o their_o promise_a patrociny_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o claim_v and_o invade_v a_o overrule_v arbitrament_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n &_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o establish_v the_o distinction_n and_o confirm_v their_o right_n by_o separate_v caesar_n thing_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v also_o exact_a the_o same_o on_o their_o part_n 3._o the_o brethren_n conveen_v in_o these_o assembly_n do_v meet_v in_o perfect_a parity_n and_o equality_n against_o which_o the_o extraordinary_a employment_n and_o commission_n delegated_a to_o some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a exigence_n of_o these_o time_n do_v grant_v no_o privilege_n or_o pre-eminence_n from_o these_o three_o observation_n without_o mention_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n contain_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o frame_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v compile_v in_o the_o year_n 8560._o and_o then_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o subscribe_v to_o by_o a_o great_a many_o lord_n and_o counsellor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n constant_o intend_v and_o its_o foundation_n real_o lay_v we_o need_v not_o mention_v that_o the_o pope_n authority_n and_o all_o jurisdiction_n flow_v therefrom_o be_v by_o law_n in_o the_o same_o year_n 1560_o express_o abrogate_a and_o discharge_v nor_o that_o in_o these_o first_o assembly_n great_a benefice_n be_v crave_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o prelacy_n repute_v to_o be_v only_o a_o humane_a device_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o clear_v how_o that_o extraordinary_a employment_n of_o superintendency_n use_v for_o a_o few_o year_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v both_o only_o design_v for_o a_o interim_n and_o in_o itself_o whole_o 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the_o year_n 1581._o do_v with_o much_o prayer_n fast_v and_o painfulness_n intend_v the_o work_n until_o by_o perfect_v of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o reduce_v of_o the_o bishop_n to_o a_o simple_a dimission_n and_o condemn_v their_o office_n as_o unwarrantable_a they_o complete_v their_o work_n in_o the_o exact_a model_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o all_o its_o court_n and_o officer_n 5._o during_o this_o space_n in_o march_n 1581._o as_o we_o now_o reckon_v and_o after_o the_o assembly_n have_v condemn_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o unwarrantable_a the_o king_n his_o court_n and_o council_n do_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o national_a covenant_n by_o which_o both_o the_o pope_n usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n in_o one_o article_n and_o his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o another_o be_v abjure_v and_o the_o swearer_n do_v join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o true_a reform_a church_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o
this_o poor_a church_n and_o nation_n o_o that_o all_o man_n will_v yet_o at_o length_n after_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o warning_n which_o god_n have_v send_v among_o we_o serious_o consider_v their_o way_n take_v unto_o themselves_o shame_n and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o our_o utter_a destruction_n and_o desolation_n who_o know_v but_o the_o lord_n will_v repent_v himself_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v our_o power_n be_v go_v and_o return_v on_o high_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o compass_n he_o about_o and_o render_v vengeance_n unto_o all_o his_o adversary_n 3._o that_o neither_o fail_v nor_o backslide_v of_o many_o of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o the_o wicked_a hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n practise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o and_o conclude_v of_o these_o treaty_n whereby_o the_o king_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n 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not_o that_o dissimulate_v promise_n and_o engagement_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v to_o jeremiah_n chap._n 42.20_o rather_o hasten_v and_o aggravat_fw-la the_o punishment_n of_o their_o disobedience_n v_o 21_o and_o 22_o all_o who_o love_n truth_n or_o fear_v a_o oath_n do_v no_o doubt_n abhor_v such_o wickedness_n but_o the_o main_a objection_n be_v that_o all_o these_o condescension_n be_v extort_a by_o force_n and_o fear_n which_o do_v excuse_v the_o dissimulation_n and_o annul_v the_o oath_n we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v to_o clear_v and_o refute_v this_o cavillation_n which_o other_o have_v so_o full_o answer_v for_o as_o to_o the_o position_n that_o neither_o force_n nor_o fear_n do_v cause_n to_o cease_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o a_o matter_n mere_o indifferent_a much_o less_o holy_a righteous_a and_o true_a as_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v all_o yield_v but_o that_o neither_o force_n fear_v nor_o any_o other_o indirect_a way_n 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shall_v plead_v &_o pretend_v to_o rational_a pretext_n for_o the_o present_a apostasy_n and_o not_o rather_o content_v themselves_o to_o say_v with_o the_o king_n in_o one_o of_o his_o declaration_n emit_v short_o after_o his_o return_n to_o england_n that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v by_o what_o abusive_a mean_v his_o majesty_n be_v adduce_v to_o make_v and_o publish_v that_o declaration_n at_o dumfermling_n without_o any_o more_o special_a condescendence_n which_o be_v impossible_a but_o oh_o that_o the_o world_n do_v also_o know_v and_o consider_v all_o the_o reiterate_v oath_n and_o subscription_n high_a and_o solemn_a attestation_n free_a and_o unrequire_v profession_n fearful_a execration_n make_v before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n both_o in_o public_a upon_o the_o throne_n under_o the_o crown_n in_o plain_a parliament_n and_o also_o in_o private_a conference_n which_o many_o yet_o alive_a can_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o which_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o nation_n be_v ensnare_v and_o precipitate_v into_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o since_o the_o year_n 1650._o unto_o this_o day_n have_v afflict_v we_o however_o the_o lord_n who_o see_v and_o hear_v do_v also_o consider_v to_o require_v it_o and_o the_o violence_n do_v to_o himself_o in_o many_o of_o his_o suffer_a member_n who_o partly_o even_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o that_o be_v most_o therein_o concern_v do_v mockat_n dare_v not_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n in_o a_o ambulatory_a compliance_n with_o the_o wicked_a apostasy_n in_o these_o time_n 4._o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o after_o the_o prevail_a and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o english_a usurpation_n these_o only_a for_o the_o most_o part_n remain_v mindful_a of_o and_o faithful_a to_o the_o king_n who_o be_v faithful_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n when_o as_o these_o who_o former_o do_v and_o at_o present_a do_v pretend_v so_o high_o for_o the_o king_n in_o prejudice_n both_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a covenant_n do_v in_o their_o slavish_a compliance_n abandon_v all_o allegiance_n and_o honesty_n to_o compliment_v the_o then_o power_n for_o the_o promove_v of_o their_o own_o selfish_a design_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o all_o their_o engagement_n and_o rule_v and_o aim_v of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o do_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v sufferer_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o half_a of_o these_o temptation_n which_o the_o faithful_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o allegiance_n do_v constant_o resist_v the_o king_n interest_n for_o their_o part_n have_v be_v for_o ever_o forget_v as_o it_o be_v by_o many_o of_o they_o open_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v and_o that_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o their_o then_o seem_v and_o pretend_a loyalty_n be_v the_o improbability_n of_o credit_n with_o and_o acceptance_n from_o the_o usurper_n because_o of_o their_o know_a naughtiness_n have_v thus_o declare_v the_o lord_n great_a work_n and_o glorious_a presence_n among_o we_o in_o all_o these_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o show_v upon_o we_o and_o these_o strange_a vicissitude_n &_o alternation_n sometime_o of_o his_o grace_n &_o power_n engage_a we_o with_o heart_n &_o hand_n unto_o himself_o sometime_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n wickedness_n and_o unstedfastness_n again_o cause_v we_o to_o apostatise_v and_o backslide_v from_o his_o holy_a command_n and_o covenant_n which_o dare_v the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o year_n 1560_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n pass_v over_o we_o that_o by_o all_o these_o great_a temptation_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o king_n and_o that_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v we_o for_o a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n far_o exalt_v above_o many_o other_o nation_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o year_n 1660_o wherein_o though_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v according_a to_o his_o glorious_a sovereignty_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n to_o break_v the_o yoke_n of_o our_o oppressor_n restore_v our_o covenant_v king_n law_n and_o liberty_n and_o to_o make_v all_o faction_n party_n and_o interest_n not_o only_o to_o cede_fw-la unto_fw-la but_o unanimous_o to_o conspire_v for_o this_o bless_a restitution_n yet_o how_o evident_o have_v it_o since_o appear_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v eye_n to_o see_v nor_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o that_o very_a day_n we_o need_v not_o here_o resume_v the_o king_n be_v most_o solemn_a and_o indissoluble_a engagement_n which_o we_o have_v so_o late_o mention_v nor_o add_v that_o
god_n with_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o injurious_a reflection_n thereupon_o or_o their_o own_o adherence_n thereunto_o with_o more_o equability_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n sweet_o temper_v with_o the_o sorrow_n be_v of_o sin_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o with_o less_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o alteration_n of_o carriage_n or_o countenance_n than_o these_o worthy_n do_v here_o indeed_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o do_v the_o lord_n stand_v by_o and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o other_o forsake_v yea_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o of_o their_o adversary_n the_o confirmation_n &_o establishment_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o encouragement_n of_o many_o thousand_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n and_o their_o immortal_a commendation_n do_v work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o 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at_o all_o permit_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n there_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o joint_a testimony_n be_v extant_a more_o than_o be_v of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o speak_v at_o their_o death_n in_o glasgow_n &_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o suffer_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o west_n of_o who_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o more_o particular_o but_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o do_v work_v in_o they_o all_o the_o same_o steadfastness_n patience_n humility_n consolation_n courage_n and_o confidence_n these_o be_v the_o last_o time_n wherein_o sin_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o be_v wax_v cold_a i_o can_v divine_v what_o pity_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n especial_o consider_v the_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o dark_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n and_o discountenance_v whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v overshaddow_v general_o the_o whole_a world_n over_o and_o even_o among_o the_o reform_a church_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v entertain_v among_o both_o person_n and_o church_n whereby_o these_o of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n among_o other_o thing_n reciprocal_o give_v and_o receive_v information_n of_o their_o common_a affair_n that_o if_o they_o can_v or_o will_v express_v no_o other_o act_n of_o love_n they_o may_v at_o least_o the_o more_o suitable_o sympathize_v and_o mutual_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o providence_n give_v the_o opportunity_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a to_o communicate_v the_o follow_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n hope_v that_o as_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n so_o the_o wrestle_a church_n of_o scotland_n in_o due_a time_n shall_v reap_v the_o blessing_n of_o naphtali_n who_o gen._n 49.21_o be_v call_v a_o hind_n let_v loose_a and_o say_v to_o give_v goodly_a word_n for_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o her_o wrestle_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o victory_n and_o liberty_n and_o her_o ancient_a covenant_v doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n may_v become_v as_o pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a as_o it_o be_v profitable_a not_o only_o within_o herself_o but_o also_o among_o the_o church_n abroad_o this_o title_n be_v only_o affirmative_a of_o she_o and_o not_o negative_a of_o other_o church_n as_o if_o only_o she_o and_o not_o also_o they_o have_v wrestle_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n let_v no_o man_n offend_v thereat_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n redeemer_n have_v several_a office_n equal_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o and_o inseparable_a by_o man_n and_o as_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o person_n have_v their_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o excellency_n and_o according_o their_o distinct_a work_n assign_v unto_o they_o whereby_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o more_o or_o less_o eminent_o assert_v and_o propugn_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a truth_n so_o in_o this_o distribution_n whereas_o other_o church_n have_v assert_v and_o contend_v for_o his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n the_o lot_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o scotland_n to_o assert_v and_o wrestle_v more_o eminent_o than_o many_o other_o for_o the_o croun_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o do_v our_o first_o famous_a reformer_n strive_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o for_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n for_o preservation_n and_o restauration_n of_o this_o do_v their_o worthy_a successor_n zealous_o contend_v by_o petition_n warning_n conference_n and_o disputation_n all_o invasion_n usurpation_n or_o the_o least_o encroachment_n upon_o this_o diâ—_n they_o valiant_o resist_v by_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n and_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o this_o do_v they_o patient_o suffer_v bond_n imprisonment_n confinement_n sentence_n of_o death_n and_o of_o late_a death_n itself_o neither_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v this_o strange_a as_o if_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a or_o the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n be_v indifferent_a and_o consequent_o contend_v and_o suffer_v therefore_o unwarrantable_a or_o needless_a as_o pretender_n to_o different_a form_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v hithertil_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v heen_n as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n and_o the_o bird_n round_o about_o have_v be_v against_o she_o she_o have_v endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o many_o tongue_n as_o well_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o many_o hand_n upon_o both_o hand_n false_a witness_n have_v lay_v to_o her_o charge_n thing_n which_o she_o know_v not_o as_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n too_o laxe_n or_o too_o rigid_a yea_o as_o unnatural_a child_n have_v eat_v through_o their_o mother_n bowel_n so_o unkind_o brethren_n have_v reward_v she_o evil_n for_o good_a stand_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o look_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n rejoice_v over_o she_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o destruction_n and_o speak_v proud_o in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o distress_n yea_o lay_v hand_n on_o her_o substance_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v his_o invincible_a truth_n need_v the_o help_n of_o humane_a passion_n if_o therefore_o such_o man_n do_v not_o fear_v i_o shall_v not_o desire_v that_o their_o own_o tongue_n may_v fall_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v render_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n and_o according_a to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o endeavour_n but_o rather_o study_v the_o revenge_n of_o good_a will_n by_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n &_o convert_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v take_v revenge_n on_o themselves_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a obleege_v to_o believe_v till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a that_o scripture_n conscience_n covenant_n and_o credit_n will_v make_v those_o who_o do_v once_o laudable_o assert_v constant_o propugn_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o presbyterial_a government_n until_o they_o publish_v which_o none_o can_v do_v as_o convince_v reason_n of_o retractation_n &_o contrary_a practice_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v expect_v of_o other_o religion_n reason_n candor_n gratitude_n and_o policy_n will_v seem_v to_o require_v that_o those_o who_o in_o their_o distress_n entreat_v &_o obtain_v the_o successful_a assistance_n of_o the_o covenant_v interest_n of_o scotland_n &_o other_o who_o owe_v thereunto_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v more_o than_o just_a nothing_o debt_n or_o break_a fortune_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o contemptuous_a throw_v away_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o old_a almâ—nack_n when_o by_o it_o as_o a_o
and_o inclination_n of_o person_n time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o pretend_a conveniency_n of_o civil_a policy_n as_o to_o leave_v doctrine_n and_o worship_n thus_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o variable_a according_a to_o these_o crooked_a and_o changeable_a rule_n if_o church_n government_n must_v be_v indifferent_a and_o thus_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o ambulatory_a because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o express_o affirm_v that_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o only_a government_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v unalterable_a to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministry_n never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v why_o may_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o any_o other_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o institute_v or_o alter_a church_n government_n or_o officer_n by_o parity_n of_o reason_n make_v many_o other_o necessary_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o more_o express_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v unalterable_a truth_n then_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v though_o all_o be_v evident_a enough_o to_o be_v also_o indifferent_a &_o arbitrary_o determinable_a &_o mutable_a &_o then_o farewell_n infant-baptisme_n woman_n receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n &_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n yea_o farewell_o law_n &_o testimony_n &_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v go_v &_o take_v heed_n &_o for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o practice_n welcome_o humane_a prudence_n state-policy_n corrupt_a &_o changeable_n disposition_n of_o man_n &_o pretend_a necessity_n or_o conveniency_n of_o state_n time_n &_o place_n yea_o welcome_o all_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n which_o though_o they_o be_v once_o positive_o prohibit_v can_v allege_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o law_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o every_o one_o without_o transgression_n may_v do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n if_o only_o he_o can_v temporize_v and_o offeâ—d_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o violation_n of_o his_o arbitrary_a institution_n and_o law_n in_o church_n affair_n wherein_o he_o must_v be_v supreme_a o_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o such_o latitudinarian_a or_o rather_o in_o this_o nullifidian_n adiaphorist_n we_o will_v not_o be_v here_o mistake_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n any_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n allow_v unto_o he_o for_o as_o we_o assert_v his_o office_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o person_n be_v lawful_o therewith_o vest_v to_o be_v signal_o impress_v with_o a_o special_a character_n of_o majestic_a authority_n wherefore_o in_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o all_o he_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o and_o obey_v so_o we_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n because_o of_o his_o moral_a incapacity_n to_o exerce_fw-la more_o power_n about_o religion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n have_v only_o a_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la signaâ—o_fw-la and_o â—us_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v ius_n in_o re_fw-mi and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la may_n and_o shall_v by_o his_o law_n establish_v the_o true_a religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o command_v his_o subject_n to_o make_v public_a profession_n thereof_o that_o by_o his_o civil_a sanction_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v ratify_v ecclesiastical_a sentence_n aggreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o anent_o these_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v exercise_n a_o antecedent_n discretive_a judgement_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o add_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o for_o preach_v and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o nurse_v of_o piety_n and_o learning_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v provide_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a accommodation_n and_o encouragement_n as_o to_o person_n place_n and_o revenue_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o advice_n he_o may_v call_v occasional_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o other_o to_o confer_v and_o debate_v matter_n before_o he_o that_o pro_n râ—_n nata_fw-la he_o may_v convocate_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n to_o reason_n and_o conclude_v church_n affair_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o outward_a force_n and_o inward_a confusion_n he_o may_v be_v present_a therein_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o delegate_n that_o by_o his_o power_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n in_o the_o free_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o all_o her_o intrinsical_a privilege_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v repress_v error_n heresy_n superstition_n atheism_n blasphemy_n and_o profanness_n and_o punish_v the_o author_n and_o spreader_n thereof_o that_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n he_o may_v command_v all_o and_o even_a minister_n to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n in_o general_a as_o necessity_n require_v and_o that_o for_o civil_a transgression_n he_o may_v civil_o punish_v ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o well_o as_o other_o subject_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o righteous_a law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o zealous_a discharge_n of_o all_o which_o we_o will_v thankful_o acknowledge_v to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n nurse_v â—atheâ—s_n but_o if_o discontent_a herewith_o as_o if_o all_o this_o together_o with_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v too_o little_a work_n for_o his_o transcendent_a power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v no_o kingdom_n or_o government_n or_o these_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o though_o thâ—y_o be_v as_o if_o he_o be_v equal_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o both_o he_o will_v needs_o arbitrary_o institut_n or_o alter_fw-la the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n authorize_v exauthorise_v or_o restrain_v church-officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o parliament_n and_o council_n have_v prohibit_v some_o hundred_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v sole_o and_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n have_v deprive_v some_o from_o the_o office_n &_o interdict_v other_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o he_o will_v define_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o prescribe_v what_o head_n of_o doctrine_n minister_n shall_v treat_v or_o not_o treat_v of_o in_o their_o sermon_n as_o the_o king_n have_v do_v in_o his_o print_a letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o york_n and_o thereupon_o primary_o immediate_o and_o antecedent_o to_o any_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v of_o minister_n doctrine_n when_o the_o church_n herself_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o criminal_o or_o capital_o punish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n as_o several_a instance_n can_v be_v adduce_v against_o king_n and_o council_n in_o the_o series_n of_o our_o church_n if_o he_o will_v ordain_v particular_a church_n censure_v to_o to_o be_v execute_v against_o particular_a person_n for_o particular_a definite_a ecclesiastical_a allege_v offence_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o the_o parliament_n have_v appoint_v suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o bishop_n meeting_n and_o the_o king_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o the_o high_a commission_n have_v appoint_v excommunication_n whereas_o they_o may_v as_o well_o immediate_o suspend_v deprive_v and_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o manner_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o commission_n if_o after_o the_o example_n of_o antichristian_a or_o pagan_a nation_n he_o will_v institut_n and_o enjoin_v needless_a vain_a superstitious_a significant_a and_o burdensome_a rit_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o most_o of_o the_o impose_v 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reformation_n of_o exorbitant_a prelacy_n as_o the_o examination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o these_o day_n do_v witness_v three_o that_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a truth_n and_o the_o precept_n promise_v and_o presence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n chirst_n do_v enable_v unto_o all_o patience_n with_o joy_n such_o as_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a providence_n the_o lord_n set_v forth_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n who_o for_o the_o love_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n cheerful_o embrace_v the_o fire_n and_o faggott_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v multiply_v the_o faithful_a to_o a_o reasonable_a capacity_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resign_v themselves_o and_o abandon_v that_o first_o and_o most_o just_a privilege_n of_o self-defence_n to_o the_o arbitrament_n even_o of_o the_o lawful_a power_n and_o of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o not_o only_o
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the_o wealth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o country_n your_o riches_n and_o stability_n o_o abject_a scotland_n how_o be_v thou_o abandon_v this_o be_v the_o design_n rage_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o tyrannize_a prelate_n in_o order_n thereunto_o there_o must_v be_v five_o troop_n more_o add_v to_o these_o already_o leavy_v and_o the_o country_n yet_o more_o oppress_v for_o the_o secure_n and_o establish_v of_o their_o wickedness_n 2_o they_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o have_v the_o declaration_n against_o the_o covenant_n general_o press_v that_o either_o by_o violent_a strain_n they_o may_v destroy_v all_o conscience_n thereof_o or_o may_v more_o full_o discover_v and_o more_o effectual_o reach_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n who_o by_o the_o test_n of_o a_o refusal_n they_o purpose_v to_o stage_n and_o severe_o punish_v as_o enemy_n to_o authority_n we_o shall_v not_o offer_v here_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o declaration_n if_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v in_o this_o land_n now_o by_o the_o space_n of_o near_o a_o 100_o year_n all_o that_o his_o servant_n have_v former_o declare_v and_o testify_v and_o now_o of_o late_o have_v witness_v and_o seal_v with_o thâ—â—r_a blood_n and_o all_o the_o tenor_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o discourse_n avail_v not_o to_o justify_v our_o holy_a covenant_n and_o condemn_v this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o wicked_a declaration_n nothing_o certain_o will_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v and_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n can_v only_o convert_v only_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o deceat_fw-la which_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o due_a obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n ensnare_v wretched_a edinburgh_n to_o a_o combination_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anoint_v may_v renew_v the_o same_o practice_n upon_o the_o whole_a land_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a involve_v of_o such_o in_o this_o apostasy_n who_o possible_o the_o gross_a and_o palpable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o declaration_n may_v deter_v and_o to_o such_o we_o give_v this_o warning_n that_o as_o all_o power_n be_v subordinat_a to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o appoint_v and_o limit_v by_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o people_n good_a and_o as_o our_o allegiance_n be_v and_o stand_v perpetual_o and_o express_o thus_o qualify_v viz._n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o our_o first_o and_o second_o covenant_n and_o last_o see_v all_o allegiance_n and_o obedience_n to_o any_o create_a power_n whatsoever_o though_o in_o the_o construction_n of_o charity_n apparent_o indefinite_a yet_o of_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n be_v indispensible_o thus_o restrict_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o or_o take_v any_o the_o like_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n pure_o and_o simple_o purposely_o omit_v the_o former_a and_o due_a restriction_n especial_o where_o the_o power_n be_v in_o most_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o opposition_n to_o his_o cause_n and_o covenant_n be_v in_o effect_n equivalent_a to_o to_o a_o express_a reject_v and_o dis-owning_a of_o the_o same_o limitation_n and_o of_o the_o sovereign_a prerogative_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o king_n over_o all_o which_o be_v thereby_o reserve_v &_o as_o much_o as_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o affirm_v that_o whatever_o abuse_a authority_n shall_v command_v or_o do_v either_o as_o to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n subvert_v of_o religion_n destroy_v of_o right_n &_o liberty_n or_o persecute_v of_o all_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o stupid_o endure_v it_o but_o active_o concur_v with_o &_o assist_v in_o all_o this_o tyranny_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o more_o yea_o double_a wickdness_n above_o all_o that_o the_o declaration_n do_v import_v let_v all_o man_n consider_v o_o all_o you_o who_o desire_v to_o behold_v the_o good_a that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o his_o people_n beware_v of_o this_o high_a rebellion_n against_o he_o 3._o as_o all_o restraint_n of_o either_o conscience_n or_o law_n be_v now_o wicked_o take_v off_o and_o only_o a_o convenient_a oppurtunity_n wait_v for_o to_o re-introduce_a that_o dead_a carcase_n of_o formality_n the_o service-book_n and_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o these_o corrupt_a ceremony_n and_o pernicious_a superstition_n that_o have_v be_v former_o and_o always_o find_v so_o destructive_a to_o the_o light_n &_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n and_o judicial_a delusion_n from_o the_o lord_n can_v induce_v man_n to_o such_o foppery_n so_o may_v we_o certain_o expect_v the_o re-imposing_a of_o this_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o all_o the_o sin_n superstition_n persecution_n and_o wrath_n which_o necessary_o do_v attend_v it_o except_o we_o abide_v steadfast_a in_o the_o lord_n cause_n and_o covenant_n instant_o entreat_v and_o patient_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n again_o in_o this_o land_n thus_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o part_n both_o the_o sin_n suffering_n and_o distress_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o whole_a land_n which_o though_o they_o be_v most_o heavy_a and_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o their_o tendency_n &_o presage_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v can_v any_o man_n serious_o look_v upon_o the_o hatred_n and_o scorn_n of_o that_o light_n and_o truth_n wherein_o once_o we_o glory_v the_o spite_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o all_o conscience_n the_o blaphemy_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o the_o violence_n and_o persecution_n against_o all_o such_o as_o fear_v his_o name_n whereby_o the_o enemy_n rage_v and_o their_o tumult_n continual_o increase_v and_o not_o be_v astonish_v be_v there_o any_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o his_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o all_o his_o way_n judgement_n his_o threaten_n sure_o and_o certain_a his_o jealousy_n as_o a_o consume_a fire_n his_o wrath_n so_o dreadful_a and_o his_o indignation_n so_o terrible_a that_o only_o the_o same_o omnipotency_n which_o inflict_v the_o stroke_n can_v sustain_v poor_a passive_a wretch_n from_o evanish_v at_o its_o small_a rebuke_n and_o yet_o shall_v sustain_v they_o eternal_o and_o not_o tremble_v because_o of_o the_o provocation_n of_o all_o these_o abomination_n o_o that_o such_o who_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o constrain_v nor_o the_o tear_n and_o weep_v of_o a_o depart_a saviour_n move_v may_v be_v yet_o persuade_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o that_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n may_v make_v their_o heart_n soft_a sure_o abound_v sin_n be_v the_o great_a woe_n and_o prevail_a transgression_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o mourning_n but_o above_o all_o sin_n and_o transgression_n christ_n despise_v in_o his_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n and_o persecute_v in_o his_o member_n be_v the_o most_o mournful_a and_o fearful_a which_o as_o it_o scatter_a and_o destroy_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n and_o nation_n dear_a to_o he_o above_o all_o nation_n and_o have_v overturn_v and_o ruin_v the_o fair_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n either_o in_o barbarity_n or_o gross_a darkness_n so_o be_v it_o the_o great_a condemnation_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o wickedness_n of_o accurse_a prelacy_n most_o perjurious_a in_o its_o rise_n and_o ever_o antichristian_a in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n as_o all_o who_o have_v heart_n to_o understand_v what_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o matter_n must_v and_o will_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v thy_o sin_n o_o scotland_n and_o if_o mercy_n prevent_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v thy_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n testimony_n and_o warn_v of_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n