verification_n to_o give_v a_o character_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o course_n make_v up_o of_o such_o reproach_n of_o simplicity_n or_o cheatry_n against_o all_o engage_v in_o it_o perplexity_n and_o vexation_n of_o all_o that_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o insolent_a mock_v at_o the_o overthrow_n of_o god_n work_n and_o desolation_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o malice_n itself_o can_v have_v utter_v nothing_o more_o false_a and_o virulent_a the_o truth_n be_v say_v he_o that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o form_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n and_o thicket_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o and_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n about_o their_o true_a sâ—nse_n etc._n etc._n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n as_o always_o may_v and_o often_o do_v even_o within_o a_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long-lived_a thus_o he_o and_o for_o justify_v the_o censure_n which_o serious_o i_o have_v without_o prejudice_n premise_v i_o first_o inquire_v why_o be_v there_o here_o such_o a_o insinuation_n prefaced_a of_o many_o other_o evil_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o enumerat_a must_v we_o believe_v the_o covenant_n to_o ebb_n worse_o than_o can_v be_v express_v because_o the_o accuser_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o why_o be_v this_o accusation_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o general_a of_o all_o such_o covenant_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o intend_v against_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v it_o because_o the_o author_n will_v have_v we_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o combination_n or_o because_o he_o have_v the_o same_o regard_n and_o faith_n for_o all_o covenant_n or_o at_o least_o tâ—at_a by_o such_o a_o general_n he_o may_v the_o better_o cover_v the_o pointednesse_n of_o his_o calumny_n only_o level_v at_o this_o but_o take_v all_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o our_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o person_n among_o themselves_o not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o serve_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n but_o 1._o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v the_o unsincerity_n and_o bias_n of_o a_o few_o person_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o perfect_a yet_o that_o the_o body_n of_o both_o the_o parliament_n assembly_n and_o people_n of_o these_o nation_n be_v act_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o league_n with_o such_o unanimity_n straightness_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o liberty_n as_o can_v not_o ready_o be_v instance_a in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n and_o can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n and_o assistance_n be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o less_o the_o comfort_n of_o its_o faithful_a adherer_n than_o the_o confusion_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n 2._o as_o the_o matter_n it_o self_n be_v thus_o carry_v so_o i_o can_v appeal_v to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thousand_o that_o the_o take_n &_o renew_v of_o our_o covenant_n both_o in_o this_o &_o our_o neighbour_n land_n be_v attend_v with_o more_o sincere_a mourning_n serious_a repentance_n and_o solid_a conversion_n than_o almost_o â—ath_v be_v in_o any_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o daâ—es_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o admit_v that_o the_o person_n and_o motive_n influence_v this_o covenant_n have_v be_v such_o as_o be_v represent_v yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n righteousness_n plainness_n and_o consistencie_n of_o all_o its_o article_n that_o consider_v their_o brevity_n the_o mighty_a party_n engage_v and_o how_o circumstantiat_fw-la with_o their_o universal_a and_o most_o important_a concern_v that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o make_v its_o reproach_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o lord_n overrule_a providence_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o covenant_n glory_n but_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o too_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n certain_o in_o fair_a yea_o in_o charitable_a deal_v if_o the_o author_n have_v intend_v either_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a or_o have_v but_o tender_v his_o own_o repute_n so_o broad_a and_o foul_a a_o challenge_n shall_v at_o least_o have_v be_v qualify_v by_o a_o condescendence_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o oppose_v one_o general_a to_o another_o nor_o do_v i_o fear_v any_o loss_n from_o the_o inequality_n of_o our_o credit_n but_o i_o be_o so_o persuade_v both_o from_o conscience_n reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o calumny_n that_o i_o be_o angry_a that_o by_o this_o disappointment_n he_o shall_v robe_n i_o and_o our_o cause_n of_o so_o probable_a a_o advantage_n i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o quibling_n of_o the_o oxfoord_v doctor_n and_o other_o i_o free_o refer_v my_o reader_n both_o to_o their_o write_n and_o the_o answer_v they_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o the_o best_a solution_n if_o i_o may_v here_o guess_v at_o the_o author_n meaning_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o occur_v the_o versatile_a ambiguity_n he_o will_v objecte_v be_v most_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o reformation_n in_o order_n to_o england_n for_o as_o to_o the_o variety_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o many_o article_n and_o clause_n that_o he_o mention_n within_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v find_v he_o more_o particular_a and_o as_o to_o this_o uncertainty_n i_o have_v so_o full_o evince_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o league_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extirpation_n covenant_v wherein_o both_o party_n do_v clear_o agree_v and_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o tâ—e_v general_a clause_n of_o reformation_n be_v refer_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a rule_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o conformable_a example_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a whatever_o may_v be_v man_n fraud_n or_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n yet_o the_o covenant_n in_o this_o part_n can_v be_v accuse_v either_o of_o uncertainty_n or_o ambiguity_n without_o wound_v through_o its_o side_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o dart_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o covenant_n become_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n a_o thicket_n oâ—_n brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o conscience_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n etc._n etc._n good_a sir_n why_o so_o severe_a sure_o whatever_o ground_n of_o complaint_n other_o may_v have_v in_o this_o regard_v you_o who_o have_v find_v a_o way_n through_o these_o brier_n and_o thorn_n and_o be_v come_v out_o of_o this_o thicket_n with_o your_o coat_n rough_a than_o at_o your_o entry_n have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o no_o doubt_n have_v all_o engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o a_o conscience_n such_o as_o you_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o by_o its_o serpentine_a subtlety_n and_o irreligious_a indifferency_n to_o have_v extricat_fw-la themselves_o from_o great_a difficulty_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n have_v wicked_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o to_o disguise_v it_o he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o who_o remain_v faithful_a be_v catch_v in_o the_o brier_n and_o detain_v against_o their_o will_n i_o shall_v not_o ask_v what_o these_o snaresâ—_n thicket_n and_o contention_n be_v whereof_o he_o accuse_v this_o engagement_n it_o be_v below_o his_o dignity_n to_o be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o we_o know_v that_o many_n part_v open_o part_n more_o covert_o have_v deal_v very_o treacherous_o in_o this_o matter_n &_o if_o thereafter_o to_o palliate_v their_o perjury_n they_o have_v move_v debate_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n therewith_o to_o be_v charge_v one_o thing_n only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o as_o many_o of_o these_o disput_n have_v take_v their_o various_a pretension_n not_o from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o refer_v and_o which_o i_o wish_v the_o author_n do_v not_o account_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n so_o of_o all_o the_o objection_n move_v by_o such_o who_o in_o the_o succeed_a alteration_n of_o providence_n have_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o
the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la together_o with_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o two_o letter_n herein_o review_v whereunto_o also_o be_v subjoin_v a_o appendix_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o treaty_n anent_o accommodation_n ii_o cor._n xiii_o v._o viii_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z the_o preface_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o assure_v both_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o then_o that_o the_o most_o important_a event_n of_o this_o world_n concern_v do_v much_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v frequent_o turn_v by_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o certain_a midse_n and_o expedient_n only_o yea_o great_o recommend_v by_o this_o their_o subservient_fw-fr aptitude_n and_o influence_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a wellbeing_n even_o the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n by_o he_o thereto_o appoint_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slight_v by_o a_o abstract_n undervalue_v but_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o just_a estimation_n of_o these_o high_a and_o glorious_a end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v will_v quick_o intend_v our_o care_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n thereunto_o order_v in_o a_o agreeable_a proportion_n and_o also_o extend_v our_o command_a circumspection_n to_o a_o fidelity_n even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v least_o so_o it_o be_v only_a unseriousness_n and_o insincerity_n in_o the_o main_a together_o with_o the_o diversion_n of_o other_o temptation_n that_o occasion_v all_o the_o indifferency_n contempt_n and_o mockery_n wherewith_o we_o find_v the_o simplicity_n &_o meanness_n of_o gospel-institution_n common_o entertain_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o pervert_v by_o the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o liberty_n gallantry_n decency_n civil_a obedience_n or_o the_o like_a but_o also_o they_o be_v all_o contend_v for_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a affectation_n of_o more_o calm_a sublime_a and_o serene_a contemplation_n and_o the_o saucy_a reproach_n of_o hot_a disputation_n and_o bitter_a wrangling_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v elude_v and_o the_o thing_n vilify_v into_o empty_a formality_n and_o thereby_o a_o inlet_n make_v in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o man_n invention_n how_o much_o of_o these_o truth_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o anticipat_v by_o a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n the_o point_n i_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o exhort_v every_o one_o desirous_a to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o evil_a generation_n wherein_o the_o strange_a variety_n and_o opposition_n of_o event_n that_o we_o have_v see_v do_v suggest_v such_o strong_a temptation_n and_o interest_n have_v not_o more_o seduce_v man_n mind_n unto_o a_o irreligious_a lukwarmness_n than_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o pernicious_o debauch_v by_o wanton_a and_o wild_a cavillation_n to_o study_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sovereignty_n and_o most_o pure_a holiness_n of_o god_n the_o most_o wondered_a love_n and_o marvellous_a condescendence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o next_o to_o have_v the_o heart_n establish_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o suitable_a faith_n and_o fear_n cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o strength_n and_o hate_v every_o vain_a and_o false_a way_n sure_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o qualify_v shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o as_o he_o will_v be_v of_o a_o good_a sound_a and_o quick_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o so_o much_o toss_v debate_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o backsliden_fw-mi and_o light_a generation_n at_o best_o only_o seek_v therein_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o own_o curiosity_n be_v many_o time_n sad_o stumble_v unto_o great_a irreligion_n he_o will_v easy_o discern_v and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o of_o a_o low_a appearance_n then_o of_o a_o high_a and_o in_o estimable_a tendency_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o i_o recommend_v and_o submit_v the_o ensue_a disquisition_n if_o the_o unconcerned_a world_n do_v laugh_v if_o the_o foolish_a mock_n &_o the_o wicked_a rage_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o work_n be_v with_o my_o god_n &_o its_o fruit_n shall_v be_v to_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n be_v move_v by_o the_o excessive_a silence_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o immoderate_a boast_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o party_n engage_v in_o this_o affair_n to_o interpose_v for_o truth_n thus_o unequal_o treat_v that_o by_o this_o poor_a essay_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n vindicat_fw-la and_o a_o check_n give_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o swell_a word_n of_o the_o adversary_n be_v all_o my_o aim_n as_o for_o these_o of_o our_o opposite_n who_o may_v find_v themselves_o more_o near_o touch_v in_o the_o few_o sheet_n subjoin_v if_o they_o think_v i_o therein_o transport_v to_o any_o excess_n i_o do_v assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o ungrateful_a violence_n of_o their_o provocation_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o own_o inclination_n i_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o paper_n emit_v by_o they_o than_o the_o two_o that_o i_o do_v particular_o review_v and_o annexe_v special_o a_o long_a letter_n suppose_v to_o be_v g._n b_n and_o write_v by_o way_n of_o amplification_n of_o the_o former_a but_o see_v i_o do_v full_o discuss_v his_o text_n &_o after_o trial_n discover_v that_o his_o excellent_a &_o noble_a friend_n gold_n as_o he_o speak_v be_v but_o dross_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v easy_o pardon_v my_o not_o prosecute_n a_o further_o fruitless_a search_n into_o what_o he_o call_v his_o own_o ore_n and_o thus_o i_o dismiss_v my_o reader_n unto_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o follow_v reader_n before_o thou_o read_v be_v please_v to_o correct_v with_o a_o pen_n these_o errata_fw-la pag._n 18_o lin._n 29._o read_v probability_n p._n 19_o l._n 13._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 21._o l._n 29._o r._n rule_n p._n 23._o l._n 15._o r._n a_o p._n 24._o l._n 13._o r._n preach_v p._n 28._o l._n 27._o r._n ordination_n p._n 29._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o p._n 52._o l._n 2._o what_o r._n with_o p._n 55._o l._n 17._o with_o r._n which_o p._n 68_o l._n 31._o r._n revolution_n p._n 68_o l._n 35._o this_o r._n he_o p._n 72._o l._n 30._o r._n cuss_v p._n 73._o l._n 30._o express_v r._n expel_v p._n 74._o l._n 25._o be_v r._n be_v p._n 79._o l._n 29._o r._n wisdom_n p._n 88_o l._n 6._o preserve_v râ—_n prefer_v p._n 92_o l._n 18._o he_o r._n the._n ibid._n l._n 28._o master_n r._n majesty_n p._n 106._o l._n 23._o your_o r._n their_o p._n 109._o l._n 18._o r._n change_n ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n enjoy_v p._n 114._o l._n 13._o r._n piece_n p._n 115._o l._n 23._o pretend_v r._n perpend_v p._n 118._o l._n 18._o r._n distinct_a the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la such_o have_v be_v the_o high_a and_o stiff_a opposition_n and_o no_o less_o contrary_a and_o important_a consequence_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n within_o this_o church_n that_o as_o their_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o desirable_a to_o all_o our_o temporize_a pursuer_n of_o peace_n so_o certain_o it_o do_v no_o less_o challenge_v the_o sincere_a and_o strict_a search_n of_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o consideration_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a notice_n of_o the_o rise_n procedure_v and_o issue_n of_o this_o affair_n i_o be_o resolve_v for_o the_o impartial_a vindication_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n of_o government_n in_o his_o house_n and_o our_o engadgement_n thereto_o and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o know_a precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o exhibit_v my_o observation_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o calmeness_n and_o candour_n suitable_a to_o such_o
more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n contain_v in_o scripture_n so_o the_o apparent_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o man_n devise_v can_v be_v no_o justification_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v if_o this_o ground_n be_v reject_v how_o will_v we_o maintain_v or_o where_o will_v we_o find_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o our_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n syond_n provincial_a and_o national_a with_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependency_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v that_o only_a of_o the_o kirk-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n do_v constant_o moderate_a for_o without_o this_o express_a kule_n a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o frame_n which_o we_o contenâ—_n for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n i_o must_v begin_v with_o its_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practiâ—e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o â—ollow_v thaâ—_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppoâ—sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v â—ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
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-prâ—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 â—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 â—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 latâ—er_n may_v notwithstanding_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o the_o foâ—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 constiâ—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
perjurious_a declare_v against_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o since_o the_o reformation_n we_o have_v not_o in_o scotland_n that_o species_n of_o prelacy_n particular_o describe_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n but_o the_o same_o be_v therein_o insert_v main_o in_o order_n to_o our_o neighbour_n church_n so_o the_o episcopal_a government_n at_o this_o day_n restore_v in_o scotland_n be_v the_o same_o and_o worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o and_o the_o presidencie_n now_o propose_v be_v one_o of_o these_o very_a corruption_n against_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n therefra_fw-mi reform_v but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n do_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o distinction_n viz._n that_o by_o the_o covenant_n the_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o describe_v and_o not_o moderate_a episcopacy_n that_o be_v a_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n conjun_v with_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v abjure_v and_o for_o prove_v this_o assertion_n he_o cite_v the_o two_o paper_n of_o proposal_n to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n anno_fw-la 1661._o master_n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o church-government_n and_o theophilus_n thimorcus_fw-la in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o to_o be_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o prelacy_n only_o therein_o specify_v it_o be_v answer_v to_o measure_v our_o main_a obligation_n by_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scoâ—land_n by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o dull_a a_o inadvertencie_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a delusion_n can_v have_v make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o author_n knowledge_n and_o sobriety_n to_o lapse_v into_o it_o nay_o see_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v &_o intend_v his_o logic_n shall_v so_o pitiful_o fail_v he_o as_o not_o to_o add_v and_o from_o that_o church_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o will_v have_v so_o clear_o restrict_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o article_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a at_o on_o glance_n he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o scotland_n as_o its_o primarie_a object_n to_o be_v impertinent_a but_o where_o there_o have_v appear_v no_o conscience_n in_o keep_v why_o do_v we_o expect_v much_o sense_n in_o interpret_n and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o therefore_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n &_o member_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o its_o self_n anent_o which_o we_o do_v now_o inquire_v &_o for_o clear_v thereof_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o the_o solemn_a league_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v then_o establish_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o establishment_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o extirpation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v only_o covenant_v which_o though_o it_o do_v sufficient_o exclude_v this_o fix_a presidencie_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o establishment_n and_o also_o unto_o sound_a doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o its_o subjoined_a explication_n whereby_o not_o only_a the_o episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o be_v among_o we_o &_o be_v now_o restore_v &_o advance_v but_o the_o bishop_n their_o constant_a moderatorship_n as_o a_o novation_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o church_n be_v plain_o abjure_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o national_a by_o which_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o former_a swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v be_v first_o settle_v do_v manifest_o exclude_v this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la so_o the_o obligement_n in_o the_o league_n to_o extirpate_v the_o prelacy_n therein_o describe_v only_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n where_o it_o then_o be_v be_v most_o improper_o make_v use_n of_o for_o explain_v our_o engagement_n in_o order_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o case_n controvert_v now_o as_o to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o english_a author_n adduce_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o be_v not_o therein_o much_o concern_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o england_n and_o how_o that_o article_n of_o extirpation_n for_o that_o church_n principal_o provide_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o either_o by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o engagement_n lie_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o all_o corruption_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o setlement_n we_o then_o enjoy_v which_o be_v subject_n quite_o distinct_a and_o thereby_o this_o heap_n of_o citation_n gather_v by_o the_o author_n be_v by_o one_o blast_n dissipate_v but_o lest_o it_o may_v appear_v hard_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o such_o a_o precise_a form_n in_o scotland_n and_o england_n in_o that_o same_o covenant_n leave_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n it_o be_v answer_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o secret_a design_n of_o some_o unsound_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o neither_o be_v bind_v nor_o can_v distinct_o know_v this_o one_o thing_n be_v evident_a that_o for_o we_o in_o scotland_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o england_n groan_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o prelacy_n shall_v instant_o upon_o our_o grant_n of_o assistance_n embrace_v presbytery_n in_o all_o its_o form_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o full_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o no_o experience_n and_o withal_o see_v we_o do_v hold_v presbyterian_a government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o common_a estimation_n then_o make_v in_o england_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n geneva_n the_o netherlands_o and_o france_n as_o the_o best_a reform_v the_o obligation_n provide_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n with_o the_o article_n of_o extirpation_n subjoin_v in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v certain_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o upon_o which_o we_o do_v very_o rational_o relyea_n neither_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o least_o impugn_a by_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o author_n cite_v viz._n that_o many_o grave_a man_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n desire_v that_o the_o word_n prelacy_n may_v be_v explain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o episcopacy_n they_o be_v against_o and_o therefore_o the_o particular_a description_n be_v subjoin_v as_o also_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n scruple_v the_o meaning_n of_o prelacy_n it_o be_v resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brother_n inâ—cotland_o â—cotland_z that_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o then_o in_o be_v in_o england_n and_o mr_n coleman_n administrate_v it_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n diâ—_n so_o explain_v it_o because_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o consistent_a that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o england_n have_v then_o attain_v we_o shall_v â—ave_n close_v with_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a oath_n for_o extirpate_v the_o evil_n discover_v and_o yet_o for_o a_o further_o advance_v rest_n upon_o the_o more_o general_a obligement_n so_o sure_o and_o safe_o caution_v until_o god_n shall_v give_v further_a light_n so_o the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o both_o party_n that_o the_o then_o prelacy_n be_v only_o express_o abjure_v and_o not_o all_o episcopacy_n see_v no_o species_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o by_o they_o reserve_v or_o by_o we_o consent_v to_o do_v nothing_o contradict_v why_o both_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o episcopacy_n &_o set_v up_o of_o presbytery_n may_v not_o still_o be_v covenant_v unto_o under_o the_o general_a provision_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o a_o church_n convince_v of_o evil_n but_o not_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n may_v covenante_n against_o the_o evil_n in_o particular_a and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a obligement_n become_v bind_v to_o make_v a_o more_o exact_a
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 â—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 boâ—h_o â—or_a his_o open_a perjury_n and_o craftâ—_n calumny_n but_o the_o author_n as_o it_o seem_v fear_v such_o a_o replyâ—_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 â—o_o bâ—_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 commissionâ—_n â—_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 â—he_n evening_n he_o may_v have_v promise_v to_o himself_o the_o lâ—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 wiâ—h_v a_o apology_n otâ—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 â—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 â—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 tâ—e_v supremacy_n and_o have_v also_o at_o large_a except_v against_o â—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 repeâ—itions_n pretend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o exâ—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 englandâ—_n â—_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 châ—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 â—his_fw-la church_n shall_v in_o some_o insâ—ances_n use_v a_o little_a moâ—e_n authority_n than_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o apply_v their_o power_n â—o_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truâ—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 bâ—_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 â—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
part_n be_v certain_o as_o little_a worth_n all_o the_o stir_n and_o vexation_n make_v about_o he_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o insignificant_a dignity_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o cause_n inferior_a to_o the_o late_a war_n which_o they_o do_v most_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n insufferable_a for_o wise_a menâ—_n so_o desirous_a of_o ease_n to_o set_v so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n disturb_v by_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o presidencie_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o this_o proposal_n be_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a establishment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o relax_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o former_a engagement_n but_o to_o the_o suppression_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n more_o absurd_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o its_o instrument_n prelacy_n which_o we_o have_v express_o and_o particular_o abjure_v can_v the_o author_n reasonable_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o rencontre_v in_o we_o a_o opposition_n commensurat_fw-la both_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o prize_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o man_n for_o poor_a perish_a interest_n do_v endeavour_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o introduce_v their_o mode_n and_o invention_n for_o no_o other_o end_n imaginableâ—_n then_o that_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o influence_n thereof_o they_o may_v have_v the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n still_o in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v not_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n more_o vigorous_o resist_v all_o these_o their_o intend_a corruption_n i_o maâ—_n not_o here_o stand_v to_o discuss_v the_o specious_a and_o flatter_a pretension_n hold_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o mere_a subtlety_n be_v by_o we_o oppose_v to_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n certain_o he_o who_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n be_v very_o cunning_a to_o set_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n on_o foot_n from_o the_o small_a and_o least_o suspicious_a beginning_n &_o yet_o thence_o by_o more_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a method_n than_o these_o which_o our_o author_n undervalue_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o very_a revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o withal_o consider_v in_o our_o own_o late_a experience_n the_o mien_n entry_n as_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n with_o the_o sudden_a elevation_n and_o corruption_n of_o king_n james_n his_o prelate_n unless_o he_o do_v very_o supine_o misregard_n the_o intimation_n of_o all_o present_a circumstance_n special_o that_o of_o a_o al-swaying_a supremacy_n already_o regnant_a can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o catch_v by_o such_o device_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a value_n thus_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v and_o overturn_v the_o righteous_a peace_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v their_o possession_n attain_v by_o wrong_n and_o violence_n a_o plea_n for_o their_o security_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o that_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o covenant_n &_o ranverse_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ministry_n they_o have_v get_v what_o theâ—_n desire_v and_o use_v force_n and_o compulsion_n against_o conscientious_a nonconformist_n until_o they_o be_v weary_v now_o they_o come_v forth_o to_o practice_v by_o flattery_n a_o few_o siren_n with_o charm_n of_o peace_n cant_v in_o nazianzen_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o try_v if_o these_o entice_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a and_o by_o a_o strange_o comprehensive_a spirituality_n both_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o one_o say_v he_o be_v for_o bishop_n another_o i_o be_o for_o presbytery_n that_o we_o be_v carnal_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o a_o divisive_a respect_n of_o person_n be_v equal_o against_o the_o discrimination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v certain_o distinguish_v but_o as_o in_o the_o competition_n of_o peace_n the_o heathen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v admonish_v the_o author_n and_o see_v that_o that_o peace_n be_v only_o precious_a which_o be_v found_v in_o &_o design_v for_o truth_n so_o when_o it_o be_v mere_o pretend_v for_o procure_v a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o a_o evil_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a delusion_n we_o know_v who_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o pretend_v for_o nay_o to_o pursue_v serious_o after_o peace_n without_o regard_n to_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v only_o a_o precipitant_a error_n and_o lie_a vision_n but_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v his_o people_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n shall_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o when_o the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o the_o sweetersound_a of_o unite_a mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n then_o and_o not_o before_o may_v we_o look_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o and_o restore_v unto_o we_o his_o favour_n the_o fountain_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o real_a supplicant_n for_o peace_n &_o indeed_o to_o remove_v all_o the_o obstruction_n that_o may_v disappoint_v its_o firm_a enjoyment_n nay_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o the_o â—ord_n do_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n attain_v to_o that_o superexcel_a peace_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o establish_v and_o that_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n take_v from_o they_o but_o the_o author_n still_o long_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o outward_a peace_n not_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n leave_v and_o give_v to_o his_o follower_n exhort_v unto_o a_o temper_n receptive_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o their_o right_a application_n these_o be_v most_o beautiful_a grace_n but_o as_o they_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v propose_v for_o the_o preposterous_a court_v of_o this_o world_n peace_n i_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_o recommend_v in_o exclusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n incompatible_a with_o the_o author_n evil_a course_n but_o with_o a_o extension_n of_o charity_n to_o rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n and_o meekness_n towards_o wickedness_n beyond_o their_o know_a and_o just_a measure_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o baâ—ge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v â—ollowers_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v â—his_fw-la that_o we_o love_v on_o another_o yet_o â—_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v first_o that_o in_o this_o point_n to_o confound_v person_n and_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o transfer_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v the_o former_a to_o tâ—e_v latter_a though_o never_o so_o detestable_a be_v but_o a_o silly_a sophism_n he_o who_o right_o estimate_v christian_n love_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n may_v be_v faithful_a when_o his_o kiss_n will_v prove_v deceitful_a next_o that_o though_o the_o author_n will_v alleviat_v our_o present_a difference_n as_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o opinion_n and_o humour_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v o_o that_o import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v tâ—e_v supremacy_n to_o the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o his_o house_n not_o to_o merit_v the_o privilege_v of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nay_o that_o in_o order_n to_o such_o david_n profession_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o not_o i_o grieve_v o_o lord_n with_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n may_v rather_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o this_o law_n of_o love_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n &_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n &_o root_v haâ—reds_n foâ—_n thing_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o do_v as_o certain_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n exception_n as_o the_o
be_v evident_a to_o the_o author_n that_o that_o very_a scruple_n be_v make_v by_o some_o member_n in_o parliament_n and_o resolve_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o prelacy_n as_o than_o it_o be_v in_o be_v in_o england_n leave_v a_o latitude_n for_o episcopacy_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v note_v that_o when_o that_o covenant_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v no_o episcopacy_n at_o all_o in_o be_v in_o scotland_n but_o in_o england_n only_o so_o that_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o frame_n only_o can_v then_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v likewise_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o there_o be_v in_o scotland_n at_o present_a the_o name_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n and_o commissary_n yet_o that_o none_o of_o tâ—ose_n at_o all_o do_v exerce_fw-la any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n under_o that_o name_n neither_o any_o other_o as_o chancellor_n or_o surrogat_n etc._n etc._n by_o delegation_n from_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n from_o all_o power_n and_o share_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n and_o this_o with_o we_o and_o import_v so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o discipline_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o even_o of_o minister_n in_o scotland_n when_o they_o take_v the_o covenant_n may_v likewise_o understand_v that_o article_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n whatsoever_o even_o the_o most_o moderate_a especial_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v restore_v under_o the_o express_a name_n of_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n never_o consider_v how_o different_a the_o nature_n and_o model_n and_o way_n oâ—_n exercise_v it_o may_v be_v though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o that_o the_o due_a regulate_v of_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o either_o the_o retain_v or_o alter_v of_o the_o name_n but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o certain_o it_o concern_v they_o now_o to_o consider_v it_o when_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o that_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n itself_o do_v very_o genuinly_a consist_v with_o such_o a_o qualify_a &_o distinctive_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o very_a composer_n or_o empower_n of_o it_o or_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o do_v so_o understand_v and_o intend_v it_o and_o unless_o they_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o that_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n &_o moderation_n rather_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o first_o mistake_n and_o excessive_a zeal_n as_o for_o love_n of_o it_o to_o divide_v from_o their_o church_n and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n it_o may_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o england_n who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o covenant_n do_v possible_o except_v against_o that_o article_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v the_o total_a renounciation_n and_o abolition_n of_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o see_v that_o be_v the_o real_a event_n and_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v many_o other_o strong_a and_o weighty_a reason_n for_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v little_a curious_a to_o inquire_v what_o past_a among_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o and_o what_o distinction_n or_o different_a sense_n either_o the_o word_n of_o that_o article_n may_v admit_v or_o those_o contriver_n may_v intend_v by_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o frame_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—ully_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v there_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n &_o clause_n &_o those_o too_o oâ—_n so_o versatile_a &_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n thicket_n of_o brier_n &_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o &_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n &_o disput_n among_o they_o about_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n &_o the_o tie_n &_o obligement_n of_o those_o doubtful_a clause_n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n &_o revolution_n of_o affair_n as_o always_o may_v &_o often_o do_v even_o within_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long_o live_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o their_o excuse_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n who_o in_o yeeldance_n to_o the_o power_n that_o press_v it_o and_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o this_o church_n at_o that_o time_n do_v take_v that_o covenant_n in_o the_o most_o moderate_a &_o least_o schismatical_a sense_n that_o the_o term_n can_v admit_v yet_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o clear_v they_o of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n that_o not_o only_o frame_v such_o a_o engine_n but_o violent_o impose_v it_o upon_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n not_o minister_n &_o other_o public_a person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o community_n of_o the_o people_n thereby_o engage_v such_o drove_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a person_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o &_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a as_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o subject_n &_o condign_a punishment_n of_o malignant_n thing_n hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n and_o decision_n of_o they_o &_o therefore_o certain_o as_o far_o off_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o yet_o to_o tie_v they_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o certain_o they_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n they_o require_v neither_o subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v and_o far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_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 whatsoever_o else_o be_v real_o commendable_a even_o in_o those_o we_o account_v our_o great_a enemy_n &_o not_o to_o take_v any_o part_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o absolute_a standard_n and_o unfailing_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n in_o all_o thing_n 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 to_o be_v at_o rest_n from_o all_o these_o poor_a childish_a trifle_a contest_v postscript_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o copy_v out_o the_o passage_n cite_v in_o this_o paper_n &_o of_o add_v these_o few_o thought_n that_o then_o occur_v touch_v that_o subject_n i_o will_v have_v neither_o of_o they_o understode_fw-la as_o intend_a any_o way_n to_o reflect_v upon_o or_o judge_v other_o church_n where_o this_o government_n be_v otherwise_o exercise_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v only_o argumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la &_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o person_n and_o notion_n and_o scruple_n we_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o in_o this_o church_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o figned_a to_o come_v to_o very_a few_o hand_n yet_o i_o wish_v that_o what_o be_v here_o represent_v be_v by_o some_o better_a way_n bring_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o such_o as_o know_v least_o of_o it_o and_o need_v it_o mostâ—_n that_o if_o it_o be_v posfible_a their_o extreme_a fervour_n may_v be_v somewhat_o allay_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o this_o very_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o they_o be_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o the_o neighbour_n kingdom_n account_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o desirable_a and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n much_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n yea_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o say_v yet_o further_o that_o i_o think_v
offend_v we_o be_v that_o admit_v the_o thing_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o way_n of_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n in_o the_o manner_n represent_v yet_o see_v this_o presidency_n be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o lord_n command_v be_v not_o a_o holy_a but_o a_o unhallowed_a employment_n any_o form_n of_o benediction_n that_o can_v be_v thereto_o use_v be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o promise_n but_o a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o jealous_o love_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o conservation_n as_o if_o we_o judge_v that_o a_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n to_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a employment_n be_v apt_a to_o unhallow_a it_o no_o this_o alledgeance_n do_v too_o gross_o and_o caloumniouslie_o beg_v the_o question_n but_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o author_n will_v as_o soon_o prove_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n as_o he_o will_v rational_o persuade_v that_o this_o high_a employment_n be_v holy_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o grave_n and_o solemn_a admission_n be_v as_o little_a apt_a to_o hallow_v it_o or_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a instrument_n of_o make_v it_o better_o as_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o high_a place_n be_v of_o old_a when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v destroy_v in_o itself_o allowable_a or_o unto_o the_o lord_n acceptable_a the_o next_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o the_o degree_n or_o power_n of_o bishop_n beyond_o other_o presbyter_n be_v certain_o not_o to_o be_v so_o fit_o measure_v by_o any_o other_o rule_n as_o by_o the_o receive_v practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a counsel_n very_o right_a why_o shall_v not_o their_o origin_n and_o warrant_n and_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o their_o power_n go_v together_o but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v this_o primitive_a practice_n to_o be_v dislonant_n from_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a rule_n the_o author_n must_v pardon_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o disow_v both_o his_o rule_n and_o measure_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o this_o only_a unerring_a canon_n yet_o see_v he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o his_o deep_a ingenuity_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o wherein_o we_o account_v ourselves_o but_o little_a concern_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o for_o our_o warning_n we_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o the_o discovery_n he_o add_v then_o that_o by_o the_o forementioned_a practice_n and_o canon_n it_o will_v undoubted_o be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o some_o such_o particular_a power_n as_o what_o i_o know_v not_o but_o exortem_fw-la &_o eminenâ—em_fw-la potestatem_fw-la as_o hierom_n speak_v a_o man_n may_v hitherto_o have_v think_v that_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o the_o main_a thing_n acclaim_v by_o the_o author_n to_o his_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v a_o power_n of_o constant_a moderation_n in_o church_n meeting_n but_o here_o lest_o as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o shall_v frustrate_v his_o solemn_a consecration_n or_o rather_o the_o special_a ordination_n which_o he_o have_v just_a now_o assert_v he_o deal_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o plain_o and_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o in_o general_n of_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o power_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o primitive_a practice_n and_o ancient_a canon_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o most_o favourable_a conjecture_n from_o any_o probable_a pretence_n of_o either_o of_o these_o within_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o century_n of_o the_o declination_n of_o the_o primeve_v purity_n please_v to_o form_v it_o but_o that_o by_o these_o same_o rule_n beside_o a_o certain_a particular_a power_n which_o he_o do_v not_o specify_v they_o shall_v have_v potestatem_fw-la exortem_fw-la &_o eminentem_fw-la and_o this_o no_o doubt_n in_o a_o congruous_a enough_o construction_n of_o the_o frequent_a hyperbole_n use_v by_o the_o father_n on_o this_o subject_n may_v arise_v as_o high_a as_o either_o ambition_n or_o interest_n shall_v please_v to_o to_o serve_v it_o this_o be_v then_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o lax_n comprehension_n of_o the_o author_n measure_n what_o have_v be_v the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o treaty_n or_o what_o may_v have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o assent_v close_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o superior_a episcopacy_n from_o the_o very_a fiâ—st_a degree_n of_o its_o ascend_n to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o its_o progress_n the_o continual_a decline_n oâ—_n pure_a christianity_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o antichristian_a papacy_n and_o as_o i_o be_o convince_v from_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o all_o the_o pretence_n make_v â—or_a it_o and_o its_o power_n and_o privilege_n either_o from_o the_o practice_n grace_n virtue_n or_o suffering_n of_o those_o century_n wherein_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n and_o growth_n be_v only_o the_o involution_n of_o that_o strange_a mystery_n whereby_o it_o most_o secret_o and_o subtle_o proceed_v to_o its_o most_o prodigious_a manifestation_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v in_o the_o same_o evidence_n that_o the_o accommodate_v of_o faithful_a man_n with_o it_o under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n whithin_v this_o land_n shall_v quick_o either_o prove_v the_o readvance_n of_o its_o pride_n domination_n and_o wickedness_n or_o else_o the_o great_a establishment_n of_o the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o as_o infallible_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o devil_n grand_a design_n in_o all_o these_o unwarrant_v contrivance_n but_o the_o author_n add_v for_o a_o salvo_fw-la to_o these_o just_a fear_n that_o the_o forego_n passage_n may_v suggest_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o lowly_a master_n do_v more_o possess_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v little_a or_o no_o dispute_n but_o the_o sweet_a contest_v of_o strive_v who_o shall_v yield_v most_o and_o give_v most_o honour_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o find_v he_o always_o a_o high_a pretender_n to_o gospel_n rule_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o his_o advantage_n if_o he_o once_o attain_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o either_o his_o fancy_n or_o interest_n do_v recommend_v to_o he_o then_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a letter_n how_o full_a be_v he_o of_o the_o high_a eulogy_n of_o peace_n &_o of_o earnest_a long_n after_o it_o how_o hateful_a &_o odious_a be_v contention_n &_o hatred_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o main_a antichristian_a character_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n now_o that_o he_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n &_o its_o eminency_n how_o sweet_o will_v he_o seem_v to_o commend_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o meek_a &_o lowly_a master_n but_o see_v it_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n that_o if_o this_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o prevalent_a not_o only_o our_o disput_n &_o contest_v about_o their_o matter_n will_v cease_v but_o the_o very_a subject_a oâ—_n they_o be_v at_o best_a a_o vain_a invention_n pretend_v to_o order_n will_v be_v total_o remove_v my_o hearty_a wish_v and_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o author_n will_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o witness_n his_o sincerity_n by_o a_o through_o and_o absolute_a conformity_n then_o by_o such_o partial_a application_n the_o 9_o and_o last_o consideration_n which_o the_o author_n offer_v be_v anent_o the_o great_a and_o know_a moderation_n of_o all_o the_o late_a reformer_n the_o present_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a brother_n in_o england_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n but_o have_v before_o answer_v this_o abundant_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o sway_v with_o such_o alledgeance_n as_o here_o to_o make_v repetition_n only_o he_o say_v it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o we_o shall_v affect_v so_o exorbitant_a a_o height_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o this_o point_n so_o far_o beyond_o what_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o these_o we_o have_v name_v or_o any_o other_o society_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n either_o of_o our_o own_o former_a time_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o this_o evil_a and_o hipocritical_a generation_n and_o it_o and_o the_o world_n wonder_n do_v so_o often_o trist_n that_o i_o be_o only_o sorry_a that_o we_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o author_n and_o all_o man_n to_o more_o of_o it_o and_o that_o our_o reproach_n for_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o rejoice_n shall_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o in_o midst_n of_o such_o backslide_n and_o perverseness_n then_o to_o the_o just_a and_o slender_a charge_n of_o a_o singular_a affected_a fervour_n
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 caâ—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 aâ—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