religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o â—_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o
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
yet_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o as_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a and_o rational_a so_o it_o may_v testify_v on_o our_o part_n a_o most_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a candour_n in_o asmuch_o as_o although_o the_o english_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o we_o and_o willing_o &_o free_o engage_v with_o we_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o have_v then_o attain_v yâ—t_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o it_o be_v bottom_v and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n how_o little_a we_o be_v either_o addict_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o or_o incline_v to_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o their_o distress_n we_o agree_v to_o covenant_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n not_o precise_o according_a to_o our_o example_n though_o we_o veer_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o divine_a warrant_n but_o according_a to_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o 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last_o clause_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v thereby_o import_v over_o &_o above_o what_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o article_n do_v contain_v but_o 3._o the_o palpablâ—_n fallacy_n of_o the_o author_n objection_n be_v that_o he_o false_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n in_o scotland_n frame_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o that_o even_o the_o swearer_n of_o this_o oath_n do_v thereto_o refer_v as_o not_o be_v full_o ascertain_v and_o ultimate_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o congruity_n of_o that_o very_a establishment_n which_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o swear_v to_o mantain_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o article_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n that_o as_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o england_n also_o by_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o engagement_n do_v thereunto_o assent_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o common_a persuasion_n that_o we_o engage_v to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o do_v in_o the_o hold_n and_o not_o alter_v of_o these_o obligation_n with_o a_o just_a accommodation_n of_o undetermined_a circumstance_n joint_o vow_v and_o hope_n for_o the_o above_o mention_v uniformity_n 4._o as_o the_o certain_a conformity_n of_o scotland_n then_o reformation_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v direct_o contradict_v the_o author_n supposition_n and_o the_o alterableness_n of_o the_o then_o constitution_n of_o government_n in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n whereby_o the_o author_n argument_n be_v utter_o ruin_v so_o we_o do_v constant_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o unerring_a rule_n whereunto_o we_o hearty_o submit_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o author_n can_v show_v that_o this_o rule_n either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o uniformity_n or_o any_o other_o do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o that_o government_n whereunto_o we_o be_v bind_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o redargue_v we_o from_o pretend_a inconsistency_n in_o the_o word_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o oath_n see_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o plain_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v try_v the_o author_n add_v that_o if_o no_o hoof_n or_o hair_n of_o the_o scottish_a model_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o both_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n shall_v require_v it_o than_o ought_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o 1._o waive_v the_o fraud_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o author_n hoof_n and_o hair_n whereof_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o fix_a presidency_n unless_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o excrementitious_a superfluity_n can_v be_v call_v none_o why_o do_v the_o author_n cavil_v if_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o our_o model_n let_v he_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n wherefore_o the_o ingagment_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o reformation_n in_o england_n do_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o to_o any_o particular_a example_n 3._o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n england_n covenant_v reformation_n in_o discipline_n &_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o effect_n resolve_v in_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o our_o then_o constitution_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n be_v either_o a_o cheat_n or_o a_o abuse_n god_n forbid_v the_o rule_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o give_v ground_n to_o such_o a_o consequence_n and_o certain_o the_o author_n second_o thought_n will_v correct_v his_o rashness_n but_o the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o how_o this_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o certain_o introductive_a of_o the_o than_o scottish_a model_n will_v have_v pass_v with_o our_o english_a brethren_n and_o particular_o with_o these_o present_n at_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o question_n here_o main_o agitat_fw-la be_v neither_o how_o the_o english_v understand_v the_o ingagment_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o reformation_n nor_o yet_o what_o may_v be_v its_o real_a import_n but_o plain_o what_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o article_n oblige_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a
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
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o which_o we_o most_o intend_v in_o return_v whereunto_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o every_o inconsideration_n be_v not_o a_o just_a exception_n to_o make_v void_a a_o oath_n the_o author_n own_o inconsideration_n in_o this_o very_a allegiance_n be_v too_o manifest_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o that_o strait_a he_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o their_o church_n and_o nation_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o distraction_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o happy_a discovery_n nay_o that_o the_o very_o vex_a bishop_n shall_v not_o for_o their_o own_o peace_n have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o still_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o maintain_v a_o thing_n nothing_o repugnant_a to_o their_o pretension_n but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o serious_a i_o say_v true_a presbyterian-government_n do_v not_o admit_v among_o the_o lord_n minister_n of_o any_o state_v imparity_n either_o in_o power_n prerogative_n or_o presidency_n one_o or_o all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o controverâ—ed_a episcopacy_n therefore_o they_o be_v what_o all_o man_n hitherto_o constant_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o episcopacy_n by_o preserve_a union_n be_v perfective_a of_o presbytery_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o any_o lawful_a mean_a preserve_a union_n be_v indeed_o perfective_a of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o government_n but_o see_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o only_o not_o at_o all_o a_o mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o presbytery_n or_o its_o union_n what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o government_n or_o its_o union_n in_o general_n but_o be_v also_o in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o union_n never_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o more_o conducible_a than_o presbytery_n but_o either_o by_o the_o destroy_n or_o tyrannous_a suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n thereof_o by_o which_o the_o right_a side_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v maintain_v i_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o censure_v the_o author_n before_o go_v observe_v as_o pitiful_o groundless_a it_o be_v true_a our_o presbytery_n do_v not_o retain_v union_n as_o it_o be_v desire_v but_o what_o then_o if_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n do_v either_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n or_o avert_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o best_a of_o mean_n be_v therefore_o the_o mean_v itself_o to_o be_v condemn_v or_o if_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v no_o choice_n a_o mean_a shall_v be_v devise_v by_o man_n more_o promise_v in_o appearance_n as_o to_o that_o wherein_o the_o mean_v ordain_v have_v not_o through_o our_o fault_n be_v so_o successful_a and_o withal_o if_o this_o invention_n shall_v be_v infallible_o attend_v with_o far_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n ought_v we_o either_o in_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o shuffle_v out_o the_o former_a to_o make_v place_n for_o the_o late_a certain_o as_o these_o thing_n do_v exact_o quadrat_fw-la to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o accidental_a difference_n here_o object_v so_o the_o change_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o a_o humane_a device_n upon_o such_o a_o pretence_n be_v like_a to_o ieroboam_n policy_n who_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o kingdom_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n than_o that_o parity_n and_o straightness_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o the_o party_n their_o great_a power_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n insolent_a pride_n be_v due_o cousider_v the_o oligarchik_a model_n of_o the_o author_n episcopoacie_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o object_v division_n than_o the_o lowly_a and_o equal_a presbytery_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o can_v refer_v their_o prevention_n except_o unto_o the_o over-awe_n either_o oâ—_n the_o papal_a tyranny_n or_o of_o a_o more_o absurd_a supremacy_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o to_o be_v the_o ultimat_fw-la progress_n of_o these_o vain_a delusion_n but_o have_v former_o meet_v with_o almost_o the_o same_o alledgeancee_n i_o proceed_v the_o author_n add_v and_o again_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o substance_n be_v salve_v in_o the_o present_a model_n their_o obligation_n be_v abundant_o preserve_v it_o be_v ans._n seeing_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v principal_o attend_v both_o in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o observation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o take_v of_o it_o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o oath_n although_o of_o its_o subject_n abstract_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v only_o a_o circumstance_n the_o distinction_n as_o here_o apply_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o captious_a than_o pertinent_a now_o that_o the_o thing_n chief_o intend_v in_o that_o article_n to_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o in_o be_v be_v to_o preserve_v presbytery_n from_o the_o reinvasion_n of_o all_o these_o corruptious_a from_o which_o it_o have_v be_v before_o so_o late_o vindicat_fw-la and_o reform_v and_o that_o of_o these_o corruptious_a the_o controvert_v presidencie_n or_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o notour_n that_o i_o can_v but_o marvel_v at_o the_o author_n so_o perverse_a dispute_n in_o the_o contrary_n but_o he_o say_v if_o no_o chip_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o the_o then_o presbyterian_a government_n may_v be_v alter_v even_o to_o the_o better_a then_o be_v the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o article_n anent_o uniformity_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 illusorie_n and_o a_o perfect_a cheat_n in_o as_o much_o as_o though_o the_o same_o rule_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o recee_n from_o the_o then_o frame_v of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n thus_o the_o author_n according_a to_o his_o accustom_a deceit_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o a_o alteration_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n do_v manifest_o intend_v and_o prosecut_v it_o with_o all_o the_o might_n and_o craft_n that_o they_o can_v adhibit_v yet_o for_o to_o delude_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n sâ—icketh_v not_o by_o insinuate_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v but_o chip_n and_o circumstance_n flat_o to_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o clear_a scripture_n &_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o this_o constant_a presidency_n in_o steed_n of_o be_v a_o chip_n or_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n repugnant_a to_o that_o parity_n which_o our_o lorth_n have_v command_v and_o wherein_o true_a presbytery_n be_v essential_o found_v and_o therefore_o be_v by_o we_o eject_v and_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o covenant_n establish_v in_o its_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o here_o except_v by_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a cavillation_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o it_o may_v well_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o â—aires_n with_o the_o covenant_n as_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o no_o such_o redargution_n of_o all_o calumny_n object_v as_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n the_o article_n question_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o head_n discover_v by_o divine_a light_n and_o after_o much_o wrestle_v recover_v from_o man_n corruption_n be_v direct_o and_o plain_o engage_v unto_o so_o such_o extrinseck_n and_o lesser_a circumstance_n as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o only_o determinable_a by_o a_o prudence_n regulat_fw-la by_o the_o general_a scripture-rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n either_o question_v or_o reform_v be_v not_o in_o this_o obliton_n of_o our_o oath_n otherwise_o comprehend_v or_o thereby_o render_v unalterable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o article_n oblige_v to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o same_o point_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 which_o qualification_n adject_v although_o through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v give_v the_o principal_a occasion_n both_o to_o perversion_n and_o calumny_n