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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n lord_n people_n way_n 3,983 5 4.6149 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51052 The case of the accommodation lately proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane to the non-conforming ministers examined wherein also the antient Prostasia, or, Episcopus Præses is considered, and the Solemne League and Covenant occasionally vindicat : together with a copy of the two letters herein reviewed : vvhereunto also is subjoined an appendix in ansvver to a narrative of the issue of the treaty anent accommodation. McWard, Robert, 1633?-1687. 1671 (1671) Wing M231; ESTC R5121 109,669 138

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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 men●_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 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import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v t●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 ha●reds_n fo●_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
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 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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 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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 r●_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
more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n contain_v in_o scripture_n so_o the_o apparent_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o man_n devise_v can_v be_v no_o justification_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v if_o this_o ground_n be_v reject_v how_o will_v we_o maintain_v or_o where_o will_v we_o find_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o our_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n syond_n provincial_a and_o national_a with_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependency_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v that_o only_a of_o the_o kirk-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n do_v constant_o moderate_a for_o without_o this_o express_a kule_n a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o frame_n which_o we_o conten●_n for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n i_o must_v begin_v with_o its_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practi●e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o ●ollow_v tha●_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppo●sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v ●ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
apostle_n do_v abundant_o determine_v the_o moderatorship_n in_o his_o favour_n 3._o if_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n do_v preside_v among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o secondary_a order_n join_v to_o he_o for_o his_o assistance_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o one_o minister_n shall_v fix_o preside_v over_o many_o in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o himself_o and_o equal_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o meeting_n what_o logic_n can_v knit_v together_o such_o inference_n have_v thus_o demonstrat_fw-la from_o scripture-pr●cepts_a and_o practice_n and_o firm_a rational_a conclusion_n thence_o deduct_v the_o command_n of_o our_o parity_n with_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o our_o court_n and_o all_o their_o gradation_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o we_o do_v thereby_o full_o satisfy_v all_o the_o obligation_n to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n which_o our_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n &_o institution_n undoubted_o flow_v ●rom_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a government_n thereof_o do_v lay_v upon_o we_o as_o for_o what_o the_o author_n allege_v against_o we_o that_o we_o do_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a aswell_o as_o only_o lawful_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o ever_o tumour_n may_v appear_v in_o such_o expression_n over_o and_o above_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v his_o own_o devise_v on_o purpose_n contrive_v that_o he_o may_v represent_v we_o as_o high_a talker_n above_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n and_o yet_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o the_o commender_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o only_a true_a ancient_a apostolic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v speak_v at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o their_o act_n in_o its_o behalf_n do_v indeed_o surpass_v all_o other_o measure_n i_o be_o certain_a will_n easy_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o consider_v how_o presbytery_n be_v the_o only_a butt_n against_o which_o their_o malice_n &_o persecution_n be_v level_v and_o that_o into_o this_o malice_n all_o the_o zeal_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v against_o popery_n profanity_n atheism_n and_o irreligion_n seem_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o stir_v activity_n may_v also_o in_o this_o same_o author_n who_o be_v in_o his_o ministry_n rather_o a_o recluse_n monastic_a be_v for_o its_o sake_n become_v a_o very_a busy_a prelate_n most_o obvious_o be_v instance_a now_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n which_o i_o have_v adduce_v for_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n the_o contrary_a repugnancy_n to_o scripture_n rule_v of_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v sufficient_o hold_v out_o so_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v from_o what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n the_o scripture_n agreeablenesse_n thereof_o be_v by_o our_o author_n assert_v for_o my_o part_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diotriphes_n i_o know_v not_o where_o the_o least_o vestige_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o second_o point_n affirm_v vice_n the_o non-contrariety_n and_o agreeablenesse_n of_o this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o though_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n of_o the_o church_n this_o prostasia_fw-la can_v be_v more_o evident_o discover_v yet_o see_v the_o better_a pattern_n of_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o ancient_a time_n do_v hold_v out_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o a_o equal_a parity_n among_o the_o elder_n or_o overseer_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n level_v by_o humility_n and_o order_v by_o love_n and_o concord_n and_o that_o this_o presidencie_n do_v in_o its_o tendency_n and_o progress_n become_v the_o rise_v not_o only_o of_o aspire_a prelacy_n but_o of_o the_o monstrous_a papacy_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n equal_o unwarrantable_a and_o dangerous_a and_o here_o i_o may_v show_v how_o little_a light_n we_o have_v even_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n from_o history_n or_o any_o other_o pure_a and_o credible_a record_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n in_o the_o century_n mention_v and_o that_o the_o more_o near_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o more_o uncorrupted_a any_o such_o testimony_n be_v find_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n and_o ireneus_fw-la for_o as_o for_o ignatius_n epistle_n even_o these_o of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o best_a repute_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o impartial_a reader_n who_o consider_v either_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o time_n or_o the_o stile_n suitable_a to_o both_o will_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v from_o such_o a_o author_n the_o more_o they_o homologat_v with_o scripture_n in_o the_o synonomie_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o office_n thereby_o signify_v and_o i_o may_v also_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o ●or_a all_o the_o alteration_n and_o advance_v make_v towards_o prelacy_n in_o the_o succeed_a century_n yet_o the_o father_n in_o these_o time_n chief_o jerom_n do_v affirm_v the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n and_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v but_o as_o i_o be_o too_o well_o persuade_v that_o pride_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o subtle_a and_o active_a corruption_n that_o do_v invade_v the_o church_n so_o i_o can_v very_o easy_o grant_v that_o a_o protocathedria_n be_v thereby_o very_o early_o either_o occasion_v or_o usurp_v and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o insist_v how_o that_o partly_o by_o design_n of_o the_o ambitious_a partly_o by_o mistake_n against_o the_o factious_a it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v introduce_v i_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v by_o a_o few_o observe_v so_o to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o its_o rise_n and_o its_o worse_a tendency_n that_o in_o this_o above_o all_o all_o man_n may_v perceive_v the_o perinciousness_n of_o humane_a invention_n how_o specious_a soever_o when_o superad_v to_o gospel_n truth_n and_o simplicity_n and_o first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o alledgeance_n make_v for_o this_o prostasia_fw-la as_o conduce_v much_o to_o order_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o division_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v its_o fixedness_n be_v a_o vain_a &_o empty_a pretence_n for_o see_v this_o fixedness_n as_o such_o import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o suspending_a of_o the_o more_o certain_a change_n of_o a_o annual_a or_o other_o term_o election_n unto_o that_o more_o uncertain_a one_o of_o term_n of_o life_n and_o that_o sometime_o this_o lat●er_n may_v notwithstanding_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o the_o fo●mer_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o man_n calm_a and_o serious_a reflection_n that_o it_o be_v mere_o to_o the_o presidencie_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o this_o controvert_v quality_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o advantage_n commend_v can_v be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o concern_v of_o order_n be_v once_o due_o provide_v for_o by_o a_o suitable_a moderation_n the_o more_o obnoxious_a the_o person_n moderate_v be_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o society_n the_o less_o hazard_n of_o a_o ensue_a abuse_n or_o usurpation_n so_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o this_o superfluous_a fixedness_n import_v a_o certain_a degree_n of_o exemption_n can_v only_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v a_o foment_n of_o pride_n and_o gratification_n of_o ambition_n as_o the_o event_n itself_o to_o plain_o verify_v of_o which_o if_o any_o man_n do_v yet_o doubt_v let_v he_o consider_v rome_n papacy_n that_o under_o this_o pretence_n fortify_v by_o ierom_n testimony_n cuncti_fw-la nempe_fw-la apostoli_fw-la clave_n regni_fw-la caelorum_fw-la accipiunt_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la duodecem_fw-la unus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la ut_fw-la capite_fw-la consti●uto_fw-la schismatis_fw-la tollatur_fw-la occasio_fw-la do_v not_o only_a arrogat_fw-la to_o itself_o the_o primacy_n but_o to_o this_o day_n do_v thereby_o vail_v its_o tyrrannie_n i_o grant_v that_o power_n be_v a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o contention_n and_o division_n but_o if_o we_o measure_v it_o out_o by_o our_o own_o wisdom_n with_o a_o regard_n only_o to_o this_o exigence_n neither_o respect_v the_o lord_n warrant_v nor_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o blessing_n it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o this_o rule_n may_v quick_o lead_v we_o to_o surmount_v the_o papacy_n and_o its_o implicit_a faith_n and_o never_o suffer_v we_o to_o cease_v until_o by_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n both_o truth_n &_o conscience_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n let_v we_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o
no_o moment_n it_o be_v answer_v i_o grant_v that_o this_o reduction_n be_v indeed_o give_v out_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o alteration_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o supremacy_n more_o than_o in_o the_o papacy_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o prelacy_n itself_o do_v lie_v and_o that_o the_o present_a offer_n of_o this_o presidencie_n be_v only_o a_o politic_a draught_n ●ending_v by_o the_o engage_v of_o these_o who_o just_o reclaim_v to_o sit_v &_o act_v in_o its_o court_n to_o the_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a establishment_n of_o the_o same_o supremacy_n and_o render_v of_o its_o influence_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o project_n may_v possible_o appear_v a_o more_o covert_a but_o be_v in_o truth_n ra●her_o a_o more_o dangerous_a part_n of_o the_o same_o mystery_n if_o then_o this_o fix_a praeses_fw-la at_o first_o set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n unwarrantable_a and_o anti-scriptural_a that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la offer_v to_o we_o must_v be_v much_o more_o such_o can_v be_v controvert_v in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v several_a material_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o all_o aggravate_v against_o the_o present_a proposal_n as_o this_o short_a comparison_n of_o the_o two_o do_v abundant_o hold_v out_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la in_o ancient_a time_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o consequent_o be_v by_o they_o censurable_a as_o also_o he_o do_v only_o preside_v over_o one_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o a_o very_a small_a classis_fw-la the_o take_n of_o the_o election_n from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o exempt_n the_o then_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la from_o their_o control_n and_o the_o superinduction_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n be_v all_o posterior_n invention_n whereas_o the_o praeses_fw-la popose_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v nominat_fw-la and_o appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o he_o only_o deposable_a or_o removable_a as_o also_o the_o least_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v over_o many_o presbytery_n or_o class_n whereof_o any_o one_o be_v by_o far_o too_o large_a for_o a_o conscientious_a gospel_n oversight_n and_o two_o of_o they_o over_o several_a synod_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o extrinsic_a and_o absurd_a secularity_n clear_o incompatible_a both_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n which_o difference_n to_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o material_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o make_v out_o but_o since_o our_o reject_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la do_v proceed_v upon_o far_o more_o solid_a and_o comprehensive_a ground_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v they_o only_o that_o i_o may_v a_o little_a recreate_v my_o reader_n the_o return_n make_v at_o pase_o by_o a_o worthy_a doctor_n to_o that_o disparity_n of_o the_o present_a praeses_fw-la his_o being_n nominat_fw-la by_o the_o king_n be_v very_o observable_a and_o after_o he_o have_v meen_o declare_v the_o manner_n of_o old_a election_n and_o how_o the_o people_n sometime_o aswell_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o have_v make_v his_o answer_n that_o the_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v and_o choose_v this_o praeses_fw-la for_o want_v of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n with_o no_o better_a consequence_n than_o i●_n one_o shall_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o the_o magistrate_n may_v now_o ordain_v minister_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o majesty_n appointment_n and_o nomination_n partly_o from_o the_o prerogative_n of_o universal_a patron_n competent_a to_o he_o jure_fw-la coronae_fw-la and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o partly_o because_o that_o a_o inferior_a patron_n by_o present_v a_o minister_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o his_o presentation_n do_v thereby_o make_v he_o a_o proestos_n over_o the_o parochial_a elder_n be_v not_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a reason_n but_o see_v the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o civil_a right_n though_o indeed_o a_o sad_a incumberance_n to_o the_o church_n only_o respect_v the_o benefice_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o patron_n confer_v no_o ecclesiastic_a power_n or_o any_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o office_n but_o in_o that_o regard_n refer_v the_o person_n present_v entire_o to_o the_o tyral_a of_o the_o church_n which_o alone_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o function_n and_o convey_v to_o he_o any_o ecclesiastic_a power_n thereto_o competent_a i_o only_o wish_v the_o doctor_n that_o reflection_n and_o sobriety_n as_o may_v hereafter_o prevent_v such_o phlegmatic_a mistake_n the_o next_o argument_n against_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n and_o why_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o i_o take_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o not_o that_o i_o account_v these_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o scruple_v as_o the_o bishop_n allege_v to_o be_v by_o many_o of_o we_o pretend_a no_o i_o be_o more_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o swear_v to_o or_o renounce_v by_o we_o in_o these_o engagement_n which_o be_v not_o antecedent_o either_o duty_n or_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o argument_n who_o from_o the_o determination_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o oath_n in_o thing_n within_o our_o power_n do_v thence_o conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o by_o our_o oath_n only_o abjure_v but_o see_v covenant-breaker_n do_v now_o turn_v covenant-interpreter_n and_o it_o be_v the_o author_n own_o undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o this_o our_o oath_n and_o see_v that_o the_o same_o oath_n do_v indeed_o superadde_a a_o special_a obligation_n as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o hear_v i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o this_o episcopus_fw-la prese_n be_v by_o we_o abjure_v and_o then_o review_v the_o author_n observation_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o do_v only_o or_o yet_o principal_o conclude_v in_o this_o matter●_n no_o he_o who_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n concern_v our_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n .1638_o and_o our_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n with_o the_o explication_n thereto_o subjoin_v whereby_o have_v find_v presbyterian_a government_n with_o a_o equal_a parity_n to_o be_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v former_o establish_v by_o oath_n in_o this_o land_n and_o have_v then_o restore_v it_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o constant_o to_o defend_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o then_o reform_v from_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereof_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v before_o the_o foresaid_a novation_n he_o i_o say_v who_o remember_v these_o thing_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o oath_n that_o our_o chief_a obligation_n depend_v and_o it_o be_v to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v our_o engagement_n by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o that_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n bind_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o ●ound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatever_o respect_v it_o may_v have_v to_o england_n and_o ireland_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o as_o to_o scotland_n it_o must_v more_o forcible_o infer_v a_o abjuration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n already_o find_v to_o be_v such_o whereupon_o it_o most_o evident_o followeth●_n that_o presbyterian_a government_n with_o its_o exact_a parity_n be_v then_o the_o thing_n swear_v by_o we_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n abjure_v as_o novation_n contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n this_o fix_a presidencie_n offer_v and_o our_o consent_n thereto_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o oath_n and_o engagement_n but_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o paper_n say_v unto_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_a o●_n it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o
all_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_z without_o know_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v lawful_a &_o righteous_a &_o whether_o the_o common_a people_n be_v more_o know_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o their_o representatives_n privilege_n or_o conform_v minister_n in_o his_o majesty_n sublime_a prerogative_n and_o extensive_a jurisdiction_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a discerner_n but_o 3._o what_o strange_a hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi indeed_o do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o engagement_n all_o thing_n spiritual_a ecclesiastic_a and_o temporal_a confound_v in_o the_o supremacy_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o the_o poor_a intrant_fw-la mus_fw-la further_o abjure_v all_o foreign_a power_n and_o ●urisdictions_n swear_v to_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v upon_o oath_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o church_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o of_o the_o king_n presentation_n under_o god_n of_o his_o majesty_n do_v homage_n unto_o the_o king_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o same_o if_o at_o the_o presentation_n of_o another_o under_o god_n by_o the_o king_n of_o the_o patron_n thereof_o and_o last_o swear_v obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n even_o his_o majesty_n authority_n though_o just_a now_o so_o full_o recognosce_v not_o except_v be_v not_o this_o a_o odd_a medley_n to_o be_v huddle_v up_o in_o a_o sacred_a oath_n whereof_o whether_o every_o article_n therein_o be_v more_o impertinent_a for_o a_o intrant_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o itself_o more_o obscure_a and_o indistinct_a real_o i_o can_v not_o define_v but_o the_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o do_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o any_o point_n of_o moderation_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o commendable_a even_o in_o our_o enemy_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o party_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standart_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o i_o free_o appeal_v to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n if_o ever_o they_o hear_v ingenuity_n exhort_v to_o by_o two_o such_o disingenuous_a insinuation_n as_o first_o to_o recommend_v the_o moderation_n of_o a_o party_n who_o after_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v perjurious_o break_v their_o covenant_n both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n do_v in_o such_o manner_n instigat_fw-la the_o power_n to_o rigour_n exclusion_n and_o persecution_n against_o all_o who_o in_o conscience_n do_v only_o refuse_v to_o own_o and_o countenance_v their_o wicked_a apostasy_n as_o have_v almost_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o do_v at_o length_n weary_a the_o very_a actor_n and_o next_o to_o give_v out_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o implicit_o wed_v to_o our_o party_n whereof_o the_o least_o argument_n or_o vestige_n have_v not_o be_v make_v appear_v no_o nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o allege_v but_o but_o as_o all_o man_n do_v sufficient_o know_v these_o restraint_n of_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o better_a consideration_n in_o our_o ruler_n that_o have_v produce_v the_o apparent_a quiet_n which_o be_v here_o pretend_a for_o moderation_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o by_o a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o way_n we_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sigh_v of_o god_n as_o there_o to_o leave_v this_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n convict_v and_o confound_v bo●h_o ●or_a his_o open_a perjury_n and_o craft●_n calumny_n but_o the_o author_n as_o it_o seem_v fear_v such_o a_o reply●_n provide_v a_o retreat_n conclude_v but_o oh_o who_o will_v not_o long_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n and_o ●o_o b●_n at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a conte_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o since_o he_o walk_v so_o much_o in_o darkness_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o he_o long_o for_o shadde_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v labour_v as_o serious_o upon_o his_o master_n mission_n to_o reconcile_v soul_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v travel_v upon_o his_o majesty_n commission●_n ●_z to_o patch_v up_o a_o sinful_a accommodation_n his_o hope_n of_o rest_n have_v be_v both_o more_o sweet_a and_o more_o assure_v and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o ●he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o l●ght_n inaccessible_a for_o his_o everlasting_a refreshment_n but_o see_v these_o very_a poor_a childish_a trifle_n contest_v whereby_o he_o will_v cunning_o decry_v all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v in_o effect_n his_o own_o device_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n shall_v make_v his_o work_n manifest_a when_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o burn_a thereof_o may_v be_v all_o his_o loss_n after_o the_o body_n of_o one_o of_o these_o letter_n we_o have_v a_o postscript_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o all_o the_o long_n for_o rest_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o another_o whife_n as_o we_o know_v who_o once_o character_v the_o lord_n servant_n when_o with_o much_o travel_n labour_v in_o his_o work_n and_o herein_o the_o author_n complement_a wi●h_v a_o apology_n ot●er_v church_n join_v rome_n with_o england_n as_o be_v most_o supposible_a wherein_o episcopal-government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v wish_n that_o ●he_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o by_o he_o use_v may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o most_o and_o one_o part_n of_o his_o wish_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v serve_v by_o a_o very_a candid_a representation_n if_o the_o event_n misgive_v he_o must_v blame_v himself_o his_o design_n be_v to_o allay_v man_n extreme_a fervour_n by_o the_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n which_o to_o we_o be_v hateful_a be_v to_o english_a presbyterian_o desirable_a and_o that_o upon_o inquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v ●o_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o demonstrat_fw-la our_o present_a form_n as_o establish_v and_o exercise_v to_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prelacy_n but_o the_o very_a absurd_a usurpation_n of_o t●e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o ●he_n fix_v presidency_n of_o late_o propose_v and_o show_v both_o what_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v think_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v anent_o it_o why_o do_v our_o author_n by_o such_o weak_a repe●itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o ex●reme_a fervour_n to_o condemn_v a_o aversion_n which_o alas_o be_v in_o all_o to_o remiss_a one_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o england●_n ●_z yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o what_o these_o do_v import_n be_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o neither_o decline_v nor_o use_v their_o testimony_n we_o be_v fix_v on_o sure_a foundation_n yet_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o persuade_v that_o as_o abstract_a general_a question_n be_v but_o lame_a and_o blind_a discussion_n of_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o wherever_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o represent_v we_o shall_v report_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ch●ist_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o incorruptness_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a that_o these_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o ●his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o ins●ances_n use_v a_o little_a mo●e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n ●o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o tru●h_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o course_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n b●_n reason_n of_o the_o irreligion_n and_o profanitie_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o from_o its_o prophet_n unto_o the_o whole_a land_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a remedy_n i_o wish_v the_o author_n be_v as_o sensible_a of_o ●he_n cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o symptom_n of_o the_o malady_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o present_a church-governors_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o sober_a observer_n the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o mischief_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o cure_n what_o more_o hopeless_a or_o what_o more_o
by_o proclamation_n cast_v out_o both_o of_o our_o place_n pulpit_n and_o parish_n and_o that_o our_o former_a church-assembly_n be_v all_o at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppress_v we_o never_o have_v any_o station_n in_o these_o present_a meeting_n pretend_v to_o the_o succession_n this_o pitiful_a quibble_v as_o if_o we_o have_v extirpate_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o effect_n expulse_v i●_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_a mint_n at_o wit●_n altogether_o insufficient_a to_o colour_v its_o obvious_a impertinency_n as_o to_o what_o do_v here_o ensue_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o pre●ent_a episcopal-government_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o abjure_v and_o concern_v the_o acceptation_n that_o it_o will_v find_v in_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v consider_v it_o at_o that_o length_n and_o discuss_v it_o upon_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a ground_n as_o neither_o the_o author_n reason_n nor_o his_o prejudice_n his_o impartiality_n nor_o partiality_n with_o all_o the_o patience_n he_o wish_v we_o and_o impatience_n which_o he_o himself_o often_o show_v will_v be_v able_a satisfy_o to_o remove●_n whether_o then_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o author_n be_v indeed_o truth_n as_o he_o allege_v or_o gross_a error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v evince_v and_o his_o discern_v in_o them●_n though_o the_o best_a he_o have_v sound_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o palpable_a delusion_n i_o willing_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n ingenuity_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v truths●_n ●_z he_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v pertinent_a truth_n towards_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o sad_a division_n ●ut_v when_o he_o shall_v make_v as_o much_o serious_a search_n after_o the_o cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o effect_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_a untruth_n but_o most_o impertinent_a however_o if_o any_o list_n to_o be_v contention_n he_o wish_v he_o can_v say_v of_o this_o churchy_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o this_o wish_v i_o confess_v be_v very_o consequent_a to_o both_o the_o author_n opinion_n and_o design_n for_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o undervalue_v the_o ordinance_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n though_o most_o convince_o seal_v among_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n unto_o mode_n and_o trifle_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v gain_v to_o a_o compliance_n where_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o simulat_fw-la condescendency_n so_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o to_o be_v as_o little_a material_a as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o the_o excrementitious_a hair_n he_o endeavour_v to_o enervat_fw-la all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o reproach_n of_o strange_a contention_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o do_v real_o merit_v that_o immovable_a steadfastness_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o our_o lord_n command_v and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n we_o hope_v the_o custom_n of_o perfidious_a time-serving_a which_o the_o prelate_n have_v so_o much_o practise_v in_o this_o distract_a church_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o counterbalance_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n have_v by_o their_o vain_a carnal_a and_o violent_a contention_n at_o best_a for_o their_o formality_n but●_n in_o effect_n for_o fulfil_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n not_o only_o dis-edified●_a but_o destroy_v and_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o disobey_v and_o disgrace_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v so_o let_v we_o as_o the_o fearer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o our_o peace_n consider_v his_o example_n so_o much_o the_o more_o endure_v contradiction_n despise_v shame_n and_o reproach_n fight_n ●he_v good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o hold_v fast_o our_o integrity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v at_o that_o day_n unto_o all_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o now_o remain_v the_o author_n one_o word_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o be_v undeniable_a and_o he_o think_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a accommodation_n can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o most_o famous_a general_a assembly_n of_o it_o the_o conncil_n of_o nice_a yea_o to_o go_v no_o high_o though_o safe_o i_o may_v say_v he_o he_o must_v as_o certain_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n cyprian_n upon_o this_o very_a scruple_n of_o the_o government_n as_o novatus_n do_v upon_o another_o occasion_n whence_o the_o author_n do_v draw_v his_o assurance_n and_o whereon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o bestow_v our_o consideration_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o explicit_a that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v there_o be_v a_o episcopacy_n well_o advance_v in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o its_o government_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o quiet_o comport_v with_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o to_o this_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v replied●_n that_o there_o be_v a_o huge_a disparity_n betwixt_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o lawful_a government_n still_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o substance_n by_o our_o lord_n authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o government_n fundamental_o corrupt_a derive_v all_o its_o power_n from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o found_v in_o a_o antichristian_a supremacy_n the_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o author_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o satisfy_a re●urn_n but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n this_o prostasia_fw-la have_v creep_v in_o and_o from_o small_a begining_n and_o under_o very_o specious_a pretence_n grow_v up_o insensible_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystery_n therein_o secret_o work_v not_o have_v open_o disclose_v itself_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o though_o by_o the_o more_o discern_v the_o evil_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o never_o the_o less_o no_o remedy_n offer_v it_o be_v not_o direct_o oppose_v whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o latent_fw-la corruption_n with_o its_o most_o pernicious_a tendency_n and_o bitterfruit_n be_v full_o discover_v and_o thereupon_o by_o we_o solemn_o eject_v and_o abjure_v and_o now_o on●●_n re-obtruded_n under_o the_o guild_v of_o some_o apparent_a condescendency_n the_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o for_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n the_o very_a consummation_n of_o this_o iniquity_n certain_o these_o thing_n do_v import_v a_o most_o manifest_a difference_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o clear_v how_o that_o a_o oath_n though_o take_v upon_o a_o matter_n antecedent_o bind_v do_v nevertheless_o in_o such_o manner_n superinduce_v a_o ●urther_a obligation_n as_o do_v not_o only_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n but_o also_o to_o a_o measure_n of_o zeal_n against_o defection_n beyond_o the_o opposition_n to_o that_o same_o material_a transgression_n former_o require_v nor_o need_v i_o to_o put_v any_o in_o mind_n how_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o high_a place_n permit_v without_o reproof_n to_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v afterward_o make_v a_o exception_n from_o the_o integrity_n of_o succeed_a prince_n certain_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o relapse_n into_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o compliance_n with_o this_o episcopal_a presidency_n which_o once_o it_o find_v in_o the_o church_n under_o quite_o different_a circumstance_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v time_n despise_v warning_n trample_v upon_o deliverance_n and_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o to_o contradict_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n mention_v and_o that_o to_o that_o height_n that_o i_o be_o assure_v be_v the_o same_o ancient_a christian_n boast_v of_o on_z li●e_z to_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n that_o have_v ensue_v upon_o their_o well-meaning_a practice_n and_o the_o patrociny_n which_o be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o
covenant_n to_o close_v and_o comply_v therewith_o be_v at_o least_o to_o desert_n the_o lord_n cause_n by_o cast_v away_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o that_o detestable_a indifferency_n and_o neutrality_n which_o we_o have_v by_o oath_n so_o enix_o renounce_v nine_o the_o embrace_v of_o this_o pretend_a coalition_n but_o real_a suppression_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o total_a surrender_n of_o that_o interest_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o its_o adversary_n but_o engage_v we_o into_o snare_n contest_v offence_n and_o temptation_n that_o may_v be_v better_o foresee_v than_o they_o can_v be_v number_v let_v be_v prevent_v the_o author_n propone_v peace_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o overture_n and_o yet_o they_o know_v nay_o do_v express_o provide_v a_o liberty_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o protestation_n that_o must_v necessary_o ensue_v what_o a_o strange_a method_n have_v we_o here_o of_o compose_v strife_n neither_o by_o remove_v the_o ground_n nor_o separate_v the_o party_n but_o plain_o by_o join_v they_o in_o their_o declare_a opposition_n and_o swear_v contrary_a endeavour_n of_o the_o one_o to_o mantain_n and_o the_o other_o to_o extirpate_v to_o exasperate_v the_o feud_n and_o be_v not_o this_o one_o reflection_n sufficient_a to_o redargue_v the_o insincerity_n of_o this_o whole_a project_n and_o to_o inform_v all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o union_n but_o the_o very_a extinction_n of_o presbytery_n that_o be_v thereby_o design_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o note_v that_o the_o brethren_n be_v once_o bring_v in_o to_o these_o meeting_n where_o there_o will_v be_v infallible_o no_o less_o discord_n than_o inequality_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o hatred_n envy_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o strong_a against_o the_o weak_a will_v in_o this_o juncture_n so_o fertile_a of_o occasion_n soon_o procure_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v depose_v and_o eject_v and_o that_o by_o a_o power_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o disowne_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v in_o that_o event_n fall_v out_o so_o acceptablie_o to_o the_o patient_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o at_z presents_z reckon_v it_o as_o a_o inconvenience_n the_o evil_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o as_o no_o conscientious_a man_n can_v rational_o hold_v out_o the_o small_a benefit_n or_o use_n of_o edification_n that_o can_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o so_o heterogeneous_a distract_a and_o unequal_a association_n so_o what_o can_v be_v thence_o expect_v except_o either_o the_o temptation_n of_o continual_a heat_n sorrow_n and_o offence_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a too_o visible_a decay_n the_o cool_a of_o zeal_n the_o decline_a to_o luke_o warmness_n the_o ensnare_a of_o conscience_n connive_v at_o corrupt_a act_n and_o practice_n the_o partake_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o the_o evil_a example_n stumble_v and_o grief_n that_o will_v thereon_o redound_v to_o all_o the_o fearer_n of_o god_n and_o lover_n of_o his_o righteous_a cause_n i_o do_v not_o here_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o some_o do_v who_o use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n yea_o their_o main_a one_o that_o this_o accommodation_n be_v displease_v by_o provoke_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o as_o close_v with_o it_o will_v defeat_v its_o own_o design_n no_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v righteous_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a to_o indulge_v to_o humour_n be_v indeed_o a_o vain_a popularity_n and_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o good_a man_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n shall_v have_v bewray_v so_o great_a weakness_n as_o by_o insinuate_v a_o false_a charge_n of_o humour_n against_o the_o people_n to_o have_v not_o only_o discover_v their_o own_o pusillanimity_n but_o furnish_v the_o adversary_n with_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a a_o advantage_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o point_n to_o g._n by_o his_o correction_n and_o he_o also_o to_o his_o vain_a illusion_n as_o if_o herein_o he_o have_v overcome_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o strength_n the_o offence_n that_o i_o fear_v &_o prognostic_n from_o a_o compliance_n with_o this_o accommodation_n be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o now_o in_o this_o bakslide_a time_n such_o a_o bad_a and_o influence_a example_n may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o how_o tender_a of_o the_o soul_n concernment_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o fearful_a of_o that_o woe_n which_o even_o he_o who_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v denounce_v against_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v every_o sincere_a christ_n a_o aught_o in_o this_o point_n to_o be_v i_o hope_v all_o interest_v will_v serious_o consider_v but_o now_o it_o be_v full_a time_n to_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o ●eeing_v the_o term_n of_o this_o accommodation_n be_v ambiguous_a defective_a and_o sinful_a its_o design_n and_o tendency_n most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o whole_a fabric_n and_o frame_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o discern_a man_n only_o forge_v out_o by_o necessity_n and_o policy_n and_o smooth_v by_o delusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n on_o purpose_n to_o catch_v a_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a minister_n witness_n against_o the_o present_a backslide_n &_o thereby_o if_o possible_a for_o ever_o to_o suppress_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n i_o judge_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o vain_a ensnare_a invention_n so_o that_o although_o the_o hatcher_n shall_v be_v thereby_o wrathful_o irritat_fw-la &_o this_o cockatrice_n egg_n shall_v break_v out_o into_o a_o viper_n yet_o better_o it_o be_v crush_v for_o our_o suffering_n then_o sinful_o eat_v to_o our_o death_n &_o destruction_n the_o reproach_n of_o ungovernable_a and_o unpeacable_a may_v indeed_o be_v bitter_a unto_o ingenuous_a spirit_n let_v be_v sincere_a lover_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o persecution_n of_o man_n may_v possible_o proceed_v to_o afflict_v and_o vex_v but_o see_v that_o through_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n their_o know_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n these_o thing_n be_v in_o place_n of_o the_o opprobry_n become_v rather_o the_o badge_n of_o truth_n only_o let_v our_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o let_v we_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n once_o give_v unto_o we_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o our_o adversary_n which_o be_v to_o they_o a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o we_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n for_o unto_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v one_o temptation_n which_o do_v more_o specious_o insinuate_v and_o that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o man_n may_v possible_o in_o their_o displeasure_n abridge_v or_o total_o take_v from_o we_o but_o as_o this_o solicitude_n be_v not_o more_o praise_n worthy_a when_o devolve_v on_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n then_o subtle_o deceitful_a when_o its_o application_n be_v spare_v thyself_o so_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v we_o neither_o let_v we_o reckon_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v therefore_o truth_n simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n be_v our_o main_a study_n and_o faith_n &_o entire_a submission_n our_o only_a establishment_n know_v and_o on_o this_o rest_n that_o not_o only_o his_o peace_n here_o shall_v be_v our_o portion_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n but_o that_o god_n can_v as_o easy_o of_o our_o ash_n raise_v up_o minister_n to_o himself_o as_o of_o stone_n child_n to_o abraham_n and_o that_o he_o who_o have_v glorify_v his_o name_n will_v glorify_v it_o again_o amen_o finis_fw-la the_o copy_n of_o two_o letter_n common_o repute_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n at_o least_o by_o he_o communicate_v to_o several_a friend_n the_o first_o letter_n sir_n in_o the_o late_a conference_n i_o have_v with_o your_o friend_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o episcopal-government_n manage_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o most_o agreeable_a to_o both_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o
but_o yet_o the_o author_n say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o excess_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n beside_o and_o if_o he_o can_v condescend_v on_o any_o instance_n clothe_v with_o our_o circumstance_n and_o exact_o parallel_v to_o our_o case_n be_v it_o not_o as_o manifest_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o boast_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a inconcludent_a flourish_n if_o he_o love_v to_o plead_v with_o such_o argument_n let_v he_o produce_v i_o any_o one_o of_o all_o these_o church_n society_n or_o party_n which_o he_o muster_v up_o that_o after_o have_v experiment_v the_o evil_a and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o search_v after_o its_o origin_n and_o warrant_n unto_o a_o clear_a conviction_n of_o its_o want_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o delusion_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o tendency_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n unanimousl_o both_o by_o law_n canon_n and_o oath_n abrogat_fw-la and_o reform_v from_o it_o and_o when_o by_o the_o politic_a influence_n of_o court_n design_n and_o state_n project_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o same_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v seven_o time_n worse_o than_o of_o before_o and_o so_o with_o a_o most_o plenary_a confirmation_n of_o all_o these_o grievance_n former_o object_v against_o it_o do_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o conspicuous_a zeal_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o act_v in_o any_o nation_n reject_v this_o corrupt_a plant_n and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n introduce_v in_o its_o place_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n thereto_o opposite_a by_o a_o most_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n in_o very_o observable_a power_n and_o plenty_n until_o that_o by_o as_o gross_a perjury_n and_o violence_n as_o ever_o the_o sun_n behold_v this_o covenant_n be_v again_o condemn_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ordinance_n subsubvert_v and_o this_o old_a episcopacy_n not_o only_o with_o a_o sevenfold_a but_o with_o a_o seventy_o and_o sevenfold_a increase_n of_o all_o its_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n re-esstablished_n and_o last_o the_o supremacy_n the_o compliment_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a usurpation_n with_o a_o explication_n broad_a than_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o papacy_n be_v superad_v for_o the_o better_a secure_n of_o all_o which_o abomination_n after_o full_a proof_n make_v of_o all_o that_o abuse_a authority_n and_o power_n can_v do_v against_o a_o faithful_a nonconforming_a remnant_n policy_n at_o length_n do_v instruct_v to_o propose_v a_o accommodation_n upon_o term_n seem_o indeed_o condescend_v but_o real_o corroborative_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n and_o most_o visible_o suppressive_a of_o any_o relic_n of_o dissent_n or_o opposition_n which_o possible_o may_v revive_v against_o it_o now_o let_v the_o author_n i_o say_v produce_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o church_n or_o society_n thus_o circumstantiat_fw-la &_o if_o not_o only_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n therein_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o serious_a fearer_n of_o god_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v not_o give_v their_o suffrage_n on_o our_o side_n nay_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o propose_v as_o in_o truth_n it_o stand_v if_o even_o these_o to_o who_o he_o appeal_v do_v not_o clear_o declare_v for_o we_o then_o let_v we_o bear_v the_o scorn_n of_o singularity_n and_o what_o worse_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o cast_v upon_o we_o forever_o but_o lest_o the_o author_n imagine_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o represent_v with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n to_o who_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v or_o unknow_v do_v rather_o proceed_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o cross_a verdict_n upon_o the_o simple_a question_n of_o the_o fix_a presidencie_n from_o the_o person_n and_o church_n to_o who_o he_o refer_v i_o grant_v that_o among_o the_o reformer_n and_o in_o those_o church_n mention_v there_o may_v be_v find_v good_a man_n who_o not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n unto_o a_o more_o near_o and_o strict_a examination_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o rather_o compare_v its_o appear_a moderation_n with_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o prelacy_n then_o reduce_v matter_n to_o their_o first_o institution_n have_v write_v of_o it_o more_o indulgent_o and_o respectful_o but_o as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o experiment_a and_o try_v ca●e_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o we_o and_o as_o the_o author_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o do_v all_o of_o they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o do_v unanimous_o recomend_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n so_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o if_o the_o example_n of_o the_o same_o reformer_n and_o church_n in_o occurrence_n of_o less_o importance_n may_v found_v a_o probable_a conjecture_n it_o may_v very_o fair_o thence_o be_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v now_o state_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o we_o they_o will_v as_o far_o exceed_v we_o in_o this_o faint_a and_o languish_a zeal_n whereof_o we_o be_v accuse_v as_o by_o the_o author_n we_o be_v now_o construe_v to_o exceed_v they_o with_o what_o truth_n reason_n or_o civility_n then_o the_o author_n be_v please_v according_a to_o the_o dull_a affectation_n of_o his_o oraculous_a wit_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o our_o zeal_n unless_o that_o word_n of_o the_o roman_a philosopher_n superstitio_fw-la est_fw-la error_n insanus_fw-la it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o judge_v but_o if_o he_o account_v it_o superstition_n for_o we_o a●ter_v our_o most_o convince_a experience_n of_o the_o woeful_a evil_n of_o his_o episcopacy_n and_o no_o inferior_a persuasion_n that_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o adhere_v constant_o to_o scripture_n rule_v and_o covenant_n engagement_n we_o free_o confess_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o he_o call_v supestition_n so_o we_o fear_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n and_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v and_o have_v hope_v also_o towards_o god_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n can_v and_o may_v revive_v his_o work_n in_o which_o profession_n though_o the_o author_n do_v judge_v we_o to_o be_v beside_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o be_v ascertain_v that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o have_v any_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o also_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v answer_v for_o we_o that_o sir_n we_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o consider_v the_o author_n additional_a reflection_n upon_o our_o two_o covenant_n and_o as_o to_o what_o he_o preface_v of_o his_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o league_n touch_v prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v there_o specify_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o episcopacy_n in_o question_n i_o believe_v i_o have_v as_o sufficient_o clear_v both_o the_o author_n impertinency_n in_o this_o restriction_n and_o also_o the_o unquestionable_a concern_v of_o both_o our_o covenant_n from_o other_o head_n in_o the_o episcopacy_n controvert_v but_o here_o he_o insinuat_v that_o of_o late_o he_o be_v inform_v that_o we_o now_o fly_v to_o the_o other_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n engage_v we_o to_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o be_v and_o hereupon_o he_o wish_v that_o we_o will_v impartial_o consider_v whether_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o discipline_n &_o government_n or_o if_o it_o will_v not_o rather_o be_v find_v to_o be_v corroborative_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o as_o apt_a to_o keep_v it_o in_o more_o union_n &_o so_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a and_o more_o last_a than_o it_o former_o prove_v or_o likely_a will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v again_o restore_v it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v not_o here_o object_v that_o by_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o then_o establish_a discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o virtual_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v the_o present_a controvert_v episcopacy_n no_o both_o the_o reformation_n that_o have_v then_o so_o recent_o precede_v and_o the_o reformation_n that_o have_v since_o so_o direct_o overturn_v it_o do_v make_v this_o point_n too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o author_n or_o any_o pretend_v to_o common_a sense_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v here_o propose_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o well_o advise_v in_o that_o our_o oath_n as_o have_v thereby_o exclude_v a_o special_a mean_n
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 ●_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 inco●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 sel●_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 wo●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 lo●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
furious_a storm_n that_o break_v off_o and_o destroy_v the_o branch_n the_o root_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v by_o this_o bond_n make_v sure_a until_o the_o time_n of_o our_o restitution_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o first_o and_o most_o air_o appearance_n so_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o babel-confusion_n wherewith_o these_o master_n of_o confusion_n and_o rebuilder_n of_o babylon_n do_v upbraid_v we_o cause_n his_o work_n appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o glory_n unto_o their_o child_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o author_n say_v he_o hear_v that_o some_o take_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n for_o the_o same_o with_o our_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gloss_n of_o glasgow_n which_o yet_o he_o say_v do_v gross_o corrupt_v the_o text_n for_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o other_o nor_o have_v any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n even_o such_o as_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o power_n to_o bind_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n so_o different_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o their_o clear_a and_o genuine_a signification_n i_o can_v here_o in_o the_o close_o insist_v on_o all_o the_o impertinency_n huddle_v up_o in_o these_o few_o line_n though_o by_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n mean_v not_o only_a rome_n proper_a hierarchy_n usurp_a and_o pretend_v to_o a_o domination_n over_o we_o but_o also_o all_o such_o like_a corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n whether_o in_o its_o rise_n growth_n or_o consummation_n under_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o controvert_v episcopacy_n as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o that_o mystery_n must_v necessary_o be_v comprehend_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o this_o clause_n alone_o of_o this_o covenant_n that_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v abjure_v among_o we_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v both_o cumulative_a and_o concludent_fw-la above_o exception_n viz._n that_o albeit_o that_o it_o do_v principal_o relate_v to_o head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o popery_n yet_o it_o do_v also_o extend_v itself_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n &_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n whereby_o without_o question_n all_o the_o degree_n occasion_n &_o tendency_n either_o of_o worldly_a domination_n or_o undue_a elation_n of_o christ_n minister_n over_o his_o flock_n or_o among_o themselves_o be_v disclaim_v but_o thereby_o we_o do_v express_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o which_o head_n especial_o that_o of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o these_o time_n as_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o the_o government_n then_o in_o be_v be_v contain_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o take_n and_o subscribe_v of_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o be_v design_o enjoin_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o presbiterian_a government_n then_o complet_o perfect_v and_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o universal_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o in_o this_o matter_n any_o shadow_n of_o scruple_n shall_v remain_v i_o may_v here_o add_v for_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o when_o within_o a_o few_o year_n thereafrer_n king_n james_n and_o his_o court-faction_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o innovat_fw-la that_o form_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a precedent_n the_o faithful_a who_o oppose_v these_o course_n do_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n and_o public_a protestation_n yet_o extant_a very_o free_o testify_v against_o they_o as_o perjurious_a defection_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v take_v but_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a account_n of_o this_o oath_n which_o i_o have_v already_o exhibit_v be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o consonancy_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o interpretation_n make_v by_o the_o forementioned_a assembly_n against_o the_o author_n identick_a and_o ridiculous_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o therefore_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o that_o oath_n can_v contain_v the_o present_a episcopacy_n because_o forsooth_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o less_o ignorant_a and_o lascivient_fw-la confidence_n whereby_o he_o go_v about_o not_o only_o impudent_o to_o decry_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o clear_a explication_n as_o gross_a and_o shameful_a but_o impertinent_o to_o defy_v or_o mock_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o thereby_o conduct_v i_o may_v in_o this_o place_n moreover_o subjoine_v that_o admit_v for_o the_o author_n be_v more_o full_a redargution_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v lap●ed_v in_o their_o exposition_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v material_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n &_o we_o be_v thereunto_o bind_v by_o our_o sacred_a oath_n not_o so_o much_o assertorie_n of_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o explanation_n as_o positiuè_v renounce_v the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v this_o error_n in_o the_o manner_n can_v not_o by_o any_o rule_n dissolve_v the_o force_n of_o our_o oath_n but_o the_o certainty_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o abjuration_n by_o this_o oath_n both_o of_o prelacy_n and_o episcopacy_n and_o all_o their_o aspire_a degree_n have_v be_v already_o by_o i_o so_o large_o and_o evident_o declare_v that_o any_o addition_n be_v altogether_o superfluous_a as_o for_o what_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n in_o former_a time_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o by_o that_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o separate_a from_o the_o synod_n wherein_o bishop_n preside_v as_o their_o practice_n do_v evidence_n i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o case_n from_o we_o and_o thereby_o reconcile_v their_o and_o our_o practice_n in_o a_o most_o agreeable_a consistency_n that_o the_o very_a simple_a noticing_z of_o this_o reflection_n may_v almost_o be_v account_v a_o excess_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o if_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v true_o restore_v upon_o its_o own_o proper●_n foundation_n and_o no_o thing_n impose_v beside_o this_o constant_a precedent_n both_o eligible_a &_o deposible_a by_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o moderat_o the_o practice_n of_o withdraw_v will_v be_v liable_a to_o more_o probable_a exception_n but_o see_v the_o very_o low_a condescendence_n that_o probable_o can_v be_v conjecture_v be_v immens_o distant_a from_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o a_o testimony_n flow_a from_o our_o present_a unrepented_a backslide_n with_o the_o far_o more_o probable_a ensue_a of_o evil_n then_o good_a upon_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o other_o circumstance_n obvious_a in_o our_o present_a condition_n do_v according_a to_o these_o ground_n and_o rule_n declare_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n still_o persuade_v to_o a_o humble_a tender_a prudent_a and_o witness_v separation_n i_o do_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o these_o debate_n finis_fw-la
matter_n of_o god_n study_v his_o own_o way_n if_o we_o neglect_v this_o sure_a and_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o a_o self-denied_n and_o lowly_a gospel_n ministry_n with_o these_o prescription_n of_o truth_n humility_n and_o love●_n give_v to_o we_o as_o the_o remedy_n against_o all_o disorder_n schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o indulge_v to_o our_o own_o device_n where_o will_v we_o subsist_v i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o subtlety_n and_o presumption_n of_o man_n delusion_n special_o for_o promote_a that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o work_v in_o ecclesiastic_a aspire_n if_o our_o blind_a probability_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v the_o mean_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n there_o be_v no_o question_n carnal_a reason_n will_v again_o insinuat_fw-la according_a to_o the_o pretension_n that_o raise_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o frequent_a suggestion_n of_o our_o time_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o the_o proper_a and_o assure_a way_n to_o a_o firm_a establishment_n be_v to_o resolve_v either_o man_n belief_n or_o his_o obedience_n into_o the_o uncontrollable_a determination_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o prince_n but_o as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v let_v be_v regulat_fw-la by_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a capacity_n so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o revere_v these_o peremptory_a and_o severe_a restraint_n where_o with_o he_o have_v bound_v the_o darring_n of_o vain_a reason_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v in_o these_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v write_v special_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n when_o not_o only_o manifest_a disappointment_n as_o to_o the_o end_v pretend_v but_o the_o worst_a of_o consequence_n have_v by_o a_o very_a visible_a progress_n open_o discover_v both_o the_o folly_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o presidencie_n under_o question_n for_o evince_v whereof_o i_o observe_v .2_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o unto_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o such_o but_o unto_o the_o more_o abound_a grace_n of_o god_n under_o these_o frequent_a and_o grievous_a persecution_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v then_o exercise_v that_o the_o singular_a order_n unity_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v so_o the_o gradual_a advance_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la together_o with_o the_o joint_n and_o perpetual_a decline_v of_o true_a knowledge_n &_o piety_n &_o concur_v increase_n of_o pride_n contention_n irreligion_n &_o superstition_n be_v very_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o its_o vanity_n i_o need_v not_o note_v that_o the_o first_o time_n to_o which_o this_o presidencie_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n be_v the_o pure_a its_o first_o set_v up_o as_o most_o acknowledge_v be_v in_o the_o second_o centurie_n in_o a_o simple_a protocathedria_n to_o the_o senior_a presbyter_n short_o thereafter_o it_o turn_v to_o a_o prostasia_fw-la give_v by_o election_n and_o then_o still_o ascend_v even_o under_o the_o discountenance_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathenish_a power_n and_o people_n it_o do_v notwithstanding_o what_o by_o wrest_v the_o election_n in_o many_o place_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o what_o by_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n and_o censure_n advance_v to_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o prelacy_n as_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n and_o especial_o by_o good_a cyprian_n his_o word_n to_o his_o presbyter_n epist._n 6._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la statui_fw-la nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la privata_fw-la sententia_fw-la gerere_fw-la whereby_o as_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o then_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o other_o bishop_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v his_o contrary_a resolution_n now_o what_o under_o this_o progress_n of_o the_o prostasia_fw-la still_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o remedy_n be_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o evil_n both_o of_o contention_n schism_n and_o heresy_n special_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o the_o church_n suffering_n wherewith_o these_o several_a degree_n be_v manifest_o attend_v need_v not_o to_o be_v enforce_v by_o many_o instance_n that_o of_o victor_n as_o to_o superstition_n contention_n and_o schism_n who_o for_o a_o different_a observation_n of_o pasch_fw-mi a_o weighty_a point_n forsooth_o do_v excommunicate_a the_o better_a half_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v stand_v for_o a_o thousand_o and_o as_o for_o heresy_n their_o catalogue_n be_v almost_o endless_a but_o though_o its_o rise_n under_o so_o great_a pressure_n do_v very_o convince_o argue_v the_o strong_a and_o subtle_a spirit_n work_v in_o its_o elevation_n yet_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o constantin_n empire_n and_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o church_n that_o it_o do_v yet_o more_o evident_o begin_v to_o discover_v itself_o in_o its_o proper_a colour_n and_o from_o this_o period_n indeed_o it_o be_v that_o more_o and_o more_o exalt_v and_o explicate_v its_o power_n it_o cease_v not_o until_o through_o proud_a and_o fervid_v contention_n of_o the_o prelate_n among_o themselves_o for_o precedency_n more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o then_o all_o the_o petty_a contest_v that_o can_v arise_v among_o presbyter_n and_o these_o still_o varnish_v with_o he_o pretext_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o apostolic_a example_n but_o real_o animat_fw-la by_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o accompany_v with_o covetousness_n luxury_n neglect_v of_o truth_n abound_v of_o error_n superstition_n and_o irreligion_n it_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o papacy_n which_o by_o its_o tyrannous_a infallibility_n and_o implicit_a faith_n do_v in_o the_o end_n indeed_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o destroy_n of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n a_o apparent_a peace_n and_o unity_n most_o like_a to_o that_o indifferency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o surrender_v and_o abjection_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o abettor_n of_o our_o supremacy_n do_v under_o the_o same_o plausible_a name_n and_o pretence_n so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v this_o be_v then_o the_o growth_n progress_n and_o product_n of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la &_o its_o lie_a pretence_n of_o remedy_v &_o prevent_v schism_n in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o then_o the_o suitable_a revelation_n of_o that_o mystery_n which_o at_o first_o do_v more_o latent_o begin_v to_o work_v under_o its_o less_o discernible_a appearance_n what_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o i_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n ingenuity_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o although_o the_o ensue_a of_o prelacy_n and_o papacy_n and_o all_o their_o evil_n upon_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n may_v give_v a_o colour_n to_o the_o premise_a discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o such_o matter_n to_o strain_v observation_n and_o these_o consequence_n may_v be_v only_o its_o accidental_a and_o not_o its_o proper_a effect_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o natural_a and_o gradual_a connexion_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o impartial_a reflection_n then_o persuade_v by_o superfluous_a argue_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a first_o that_o the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a reason_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o ●ixed_a presidencie_n viz._n the_o ear_n of_o division_n and_o prevention_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o deceivablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v still_o make_v use_n of_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n until_o that_o at_o length_n it_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n and_o discover_v its_o effect_n infinite_o more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o evil_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o obviate_v 2_o that_o in_o matter_n religious_a the_o want_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o lord_n promise_v and_o blessing_n together_o with_o the_o actual_a follow_v of_o bad_a fruit_n &_o effect_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o thing_n question_v be_v thereof_o proper_o productive_a i_o need_v not_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o pope_n primacy_n and_o headship_n be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o all_o rome_n superstition_n and_o abomination_n if_o of_o old_a i_o send_v they_o not_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o sure_a and_o firm_a conclusion_n shall_v not_o then_o the_o visible_a accomplishment_n i_o appoint_v it_o not_o and_o it_o have_v not_o profit_v but_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o grievous_a mischief_n prove_v a_o evidence_n equal_o convince_a but_o it_o be_v say_v admit_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o course_n of_o its_o exaltation_n in_o these_o time_n yet_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o be_v now_o make_v with_o a_o manifest_o contrary_a design_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o low_a and_o reduce_v prelacy_n the_o precede_a representation_n be_v of_o