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 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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
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
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 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the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o 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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 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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
unstedfastnesse_n the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o great_a changeling_n have_v here_o give_v the_o poor_a and_o mean_a account_n scarce_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o colour_n to_o his_o reproach_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o notice_n the_o great_a pretence_n of_o this_o complaint_n viz_o that_o in_o the_o revolution_n we_o have_v see_v the_o covenant_n have_v prove_v so_o uneasy_a i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o in_o this_o the_o very_a scripture_n of_o truth_n may_v also_o be_v construe_v a_o hundred_o fold_n more_o uneasy_a but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o who_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o plead_v for_o a_o compliant_a liberty_n for_o all_o these_o so_o contrary_a change_n that_o be_v go_v over_o we_o must_v not_o only_o slack_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n but_o of_o all_o honesty_n and_o ingenuity_n among_o man_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o he_o that_o will_v be_v faithful_a aswell_o as_o he_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v persecution_n the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n of_o a_o foolish_a world_n but_o who_o through_o uprightness_n and_o patience_n for_o this_o trouble_n do_v attain_v unto_o the_o promise_a peace_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v as_o for_o the_o author_n observe_v that_o the_o model_n &_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long-lived_a we_o judge_v not_o by_o such_o appearance_n our_o establishment_n be_v that_o god_n live_v and_o reign_v &_o our_o lord_n be_v rise_v again_o &_o alive_a for_o evermore_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a consolation_n and_o who_o know_v but_o he_o may_v also_o make_v this_o triumph_v as_o he_o have_v make_v many_o the_o likeâ—_n to_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o now_o when_o my_o author_n have_v run_v his_o first_o career_n against_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n poor_a man_n what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o scotland_n principal_a obligation_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n viz._n the_o bond_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o so_o great_a unanimity_n explain_v in_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a term_n confirm_v both_o by_o treaty_n and_o pacificationsâ—_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o full_a authority_n both_o of_o king_n parliament_z and_o general_z assembly_n certain_o this_o be_v that_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o thought_n his_o indignation_n against_o the_o league_n do_v so_o transport_v he_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o regard_v and_o therefore_o he_o go_v on_o and_o first_o he_o insinuat_v a_o excuse_n for_o some_o who_o he_o say_v in_o yeeldance_n to_o the_o power_n that_o press_v it_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o this_o church_n do_v take_v theâ—_n covenant_n in_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o least_o schismatic_a sense_n sure_a this_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o author_n mistake_n that_o it_o must_v only_o be_v his_o own_o apology_n his_o head_n still_o run_v upon_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n and_o no_o doubt_n his_o sense_n thereof_o aswell_o for_o popery_n as_o prelacy_n be_v as_o moderate_v and_o little_a schismatic_n as_o may_v be_v sor_n all_o know_v he_o to_o be_v large_a as_o catholic_a in_o the_o common_a exception_n as_o christian._n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligement_n to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o this_o debate_n main_o respect_v i_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o think_v it_o capable_a of_o two_o sense_n let_v be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a but_o next_o he_o say_v he_o can_v clear_v they_o of_o a_o 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 and_o other_o public_a person_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n oâ—_n 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 and_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 â—iâ—ill_a as_o church_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_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 therefore_o certain_o as_o far_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 and_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 greaâ—er_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o thus_o he_o a_o weighty_a accusation_n indeed_o if_o well_o found_v but_o though_o the_o simple_a reflection_n who_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v viz._n the_o great_a wise_a and_o most_o religious_a court_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n not_o lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o a_o prelatic_a influence_n which_o their_o sottish_a clergy_n may_v not_o contradict_v but_o use_v all_o liberty_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o suffrage_n may_v make_v every_o one_o so_o advertent_fw-la as_o to_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o exception_n yet_o because_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n last_o reserve_v i_o shall_v review_v it_o particular_o and_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o deceitful_a phrase_n of_o frame_v engine_n which_o he_o use_v his_o first_o challenge_n be_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v violent_o impose_v upon_o all_o rank_n not_o only_o minister_n and_o public_a person_n but_o upon_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n of_o â—he_n land_n certain_o to_o take_v their_o word_n according_a to_o their_o obvious_a import_n a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o be_v by_o a_o few_o violent_a and_o monstruous_a tyrant_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o prevail_v against_o these_o nation_n do_v cudgel_v all_o rank_n in_o they_o to_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereas_o the_o know_a truth_n that_o not_o only_o the_o nation_n do_v by_o â—heir_a representative_n unanimous_o but_o by_o themselves_o for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n cheerful_o engage_v therein_o do_v render_v the_o calumny_n very_o palpable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o few_o that_o do_v refuse_v it_o but_o suppose_v â—his_n to_o have_v be_v their_o single_a deserve_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o their_o suffering_n be_v so_o just_a and_o notwithstanding_o moderate_a and_o their_o number_n so_o small_a as_o i_o have_v above_o observe_v that_o it_o can_v give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o exception_n the_o next_o thing_n object_v be_v that_o drove_n of_o ignorant_a person_n be_v engage_v to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o to_o speak_v free_o to_o such_o a_o hodge_fw-mi podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernement_n religious_a and_o civil_a &c_n &c_n who_o will_v forbear_v a_o â—ree_n and_o round_a reply_n to_o such_o a_o confident_a assertion_n he_o come_v forâ—h_n in_o a_o simulat_fw-la pity_n of_o poor_a ignorant_o and_o a_o great_a resentment_n of_o their_o be_v by_o other_o abuse_v and_o yet_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o himself_o betray_v as_o crass_a ignorance_n in_o this_o passage_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o among_o the_o drove_n he_o mention_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o proportion_n a_o impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o superlative_o presumptuous_a and_o for_o prove_v of_o this_o i_o only_o ask_v he_o be_v not_o every_o soul_n bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v his_o king_n his_o country_n and_o his_o neighbour_n right_n prerogative_n and_o privilege_n who_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o be_v he_o therefore_o bind_v to_o know_v they_o all_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o who_o see_v not_o the_o ridiculous_a vanity_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o a_o empty_a dilemma_n to_o be_v clear_a therefore_o and_o distinct_a in_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o very_o stiff_a opponent_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o a_o oath_n bind_v simple_o to_o particular_n of_o mere_a fact_n do_v no_o doubt_n require_v to_o the_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v swear_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o taker_n both_o know_v the_o thing_n swear_v to_o and_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a thus_o he_o who_o engage_v by_o oath_n to_o certain_a specific_a privilege_n agree_v unto_o be_v no_o doubt_n in_o conscience_n first_o oblige_v to_o know_v both_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n else_o can_v not_o satisfy_v the_o forementioned_a command_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o a_o oath_n do_v bind_v not_o to_o matter_n
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 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