Selected quad for the lemma: word_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
word_n bishop_n church_n deacon_n 3,156 5 10.5827 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29746 An apologeticall relation of the particular sufferings of the faithfull ministers & professours of the Church of Scotland, since August, 1660 wherein severall questions, usefull for the time, are discussed : the King's preroragative over parliaments & people soberly enquired into, the lawfulness of defensive war cleared, the by a well wisher to the good old cause. Brown, John, 1610?-1679. 1665 (1665) Wing B5026; ESTC R13523 346,035 466

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

scruple_n now_o at_o the_o take_n of_o that_o oath_n let_v wise_a man_n judge_v next_o as_o to_o the_o rise_n of_o this_o power_n over_o the_o church_n &_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o oath_n in_o scotland_n see_v it_o may_v sufficient_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o short_a historical_a narration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n set_v down_o sect._n 1._o a_o short_a recapitulation_n will_v be_v sufficient_a here_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v ratify_v &_o approve_v by_o the_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1560._o &_o again_o ratify_v &_o insert_v in_o the_o record_n anno_fw-la 1567._o cap._n 25._o the_o power_n in_o church_n matter_n which_o be_v there_o give_v unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o to_o they_o chief_o and_o most_o principal_o appertain_v the_o conservation_n &_o purgation_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o for_o suppress_v of_o idola●…ry_n and_o superstition_n &_o in_o that_o same_o parl._n an._n 1567._o act_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o act_n which_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1560._o ratify_v ordaine_v that_o the_o ●…ishop_n of_o rome_n call_v the_o pope_n have_v no_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o none_o of_o his_o maj._n subject_n suit_n or_o desire_v title_n or_o right_a of_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o his_o sect_n to_o any_o thing_n within_o his_o realm_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o banishment_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o no_o bishop_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n under_o the_o pain_n foresaid_a whereby_o the_o pope_n authority_n be_v quite_o reject_v not_o only_o in_o civil_a matter_n but_o in_o church_n matter_n &_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o express_a word_n of_o the_o king_n be_v invest_v with_o any_o such_o power_n anno_fw-la 1568._o there_o be_v one_o thomas_n bassenden_n printer_n in_o edinburgh_n who_o do_v print_v a_o book_n entitle_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o in_o that_o book_n the_o king_n be_v call_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n this_o give_v great_a offence_n &_o move_v the_o general_a assembly_n to_o cause_n call_v in_o these_o book_n &_o to_o delete_a that_o title_n of_o the_o king_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o encroachment_n for_o when_o montgom_o pretend_a archb._n of_o glasgow_n be_v proceed_v against_o the_o king_n summon_v the_o whole_a synod_n of_o lothian_n before_o he_o &_o afterward_o when_o this_o same_o mr_n montgomery_n be_v summon_v before_o the_o national_n assembly_n there_o come_v a_o messinger_n of_o arm_n from_o his_o maj._n to_o discharge_v the_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n &_o of_o put_v of_o they_o to_o the_o horn_n to_o proceed_v any_o further_a whereupon_o the_o assembly_n do_v complain_v of_o this_o encroachment_n april_n 27_o anno_fw-la 1580._o as_o such_o the_o like_a whereof_o have_v never_o be_v make_v before_o but_o this_o avail_v not_o for_o mr_n balcanquell_n &_o mr_n dury_n be_v summon_v before_o the_o council_n for_o some_o freedom_n which_o they_o have_v use_v in_o preach_v of_o this_o the_o assembly_n do_v complain_v again_o which_o occasion_v a_o conference_n betwixt_o the_o king_n &_o some_o minister_n the_o result_n whereof_o be_v that_o in_o all_o time_n come_v the_o trial_n of_o minister_n doctrine_n shall_v be_v refer_v to_o church_n judicatory_n as_o the_o only_a competent_a judge_n but_o this_o be_v soon_o forget_v for_o anno_fw-la 1581._o mr_n balcanquell_n be_v again_o accuse_v &_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n be_v encroach_v upon_o which_o do_v put_v the_o church_n to_o supplicat_fw-la anno_fw-la 1582._o &_o complain_v that_o his_fw-la maj._n by_o advice_n of_o some_o consellour_n be_v about_o to_o take_v the_o spiritual_a power_n &_o authority_n upon_o himself_o propper_o belong_v unto_o christ_n as_o the_o king_n &_o head_n of_o his_o church_n &_o of_o the_o ministry_n &_o the_o execution_n thereof_o unto_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n so_o that_o in_o his_o person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a popedom_n as_o if_o his_o maj._n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n &_o head_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n unless_o the_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o the_o temporal_a power_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v bereave_v of_o his_o authority_n &_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o wreck_n of_o all_o true_a relig_n &_o it_o their_o next_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o article_n draw_v up_o to_o be_v present_v unto_o his_o maj._n to_o this_o affect_v that_o see_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v by_o god_n the_o father_n through_o our_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n &_o give_v to_o those_o only_a who_o by_o preach_v &_o oversee_n bear_v office_n within_o the_o same_o to_o be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o injunction_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v the_o liberty_n &_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o hereafter_o none_o other_o under_o whatsoever_o pretence_n have_v any_o colour_n to_o ascribe_v or_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o part_n thereof_o in_o place_v or_o displace_v of_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n in_o spiritual_a live_n or_o office_n without_o the_o church_n admission_n or_o in_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n or_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n or_o of_o hinder_v or_o disannul_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o exeem_v any_o offendor_n there_o from_o by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o these_o faithful_a worthy_n any_o may_v see_v what_o a_o spirit_n be_v stir_v then_o when_o the_o king_n will_v assume_v to_o himself_o spiritual_a power_n &_o authority_n &_o so_o rob_v christ_n of_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o king_n &_o head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o make_v himself_o a_o pope_n &_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n &_o jurisdiction_n both_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a &_o challenge_v power_n to_o give_v commission_n for_o depose_v &_o ordaine_v of_o minister_n &_o hinder_v free_a preach_n to_o try_v &_o censure_v doctrine_n &_o to_o annul_v all_o church_n censure_v as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v then_o stir_v at_o court_n &_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o life_n &_o this_o be_v it_o which_o court_v parasite_n say_v do_v belong_v unto_o the_o crown_n let_v the_o church_n say_v &_o do_v to_o the_o contrary_n what_o she_o can_v hence_o a_o little_a after_o this_o mr_n melvin_n be_v accuse_v for_o his_o sermon_n &_o after_o he_o have_v decline_v the_o king_n &_o his_o council_n as_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o that_o cause_n be_v force_v to_o withdraw_v to_o berwick_n for_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n anno_fw-la 1584._o the_o parliament_n which_o be_v sudden_o convocate_v do_v put_v the_o copestone_n upon_o this_o business_n &_o give_v the_o king_n in_o form_n what_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o former_o upon_o the_o matter_n &_o in_o their_o very_a first_o act_n give_v he_o royal_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o estate_n as_o well_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a within_o the_o realm_n and_o statute_n and_o ordain_v that_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n or_o successor_n be_v themselves_o and_o their_o counsel_n in_o all_o time_n come_v judges_z competent_a to_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n function_n 〈◊〉_d condition_n they_o be_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o all_o matter_n &_o that_o none_o decline_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o premise_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n from_o this_o supremacy_n flow_v the_o impower_a of_o bishop_n with_o church_n jurisdiction_n as_o commissioner_n from_o the_o king_n so_o that_o when_o the_o king_n write_v unto_o a_o prelate_n he_o still_v he_o our_o belove_a clerck_n &_o commissioner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n so_o that_o by_o this_o supremacy_n the_o power_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n be_v make_v proper_a to_o the_o king_n &_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v commit_v by_o he_o to_o who_o he_o will_v after_o this_o blast_n be_v something_o blow_v over_o anno_fw-la 1592._o papist_n &_o other_o at_o court_n stir_v up_o his_o maj._n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v meet_v &_o have_v send_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o show_v the_o king_n what_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o his_o call_n home_o the_o popish_a lord_n he_o be_v offend_v &_o ask_v how_o they_o dare_v meet_v without_o his_o warr●…nd_n but_o mr_n andrew_n melvin_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v two_o king_n &_o two_o
persecution_n be_v another_o question_n elder_n be_v ordain_v &_o appoint_v to_o church_n act._n 14_o 23._o tit._n 1_o 5._o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o this_o place_n the_o first_o particular_a then_o must_v be_v a_o little_a more_o narrow_o examine_v he_o say_v that_o in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o there_o be_v noneplace_v but_o only_o a_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n &_o for_o this_o he_o cit_v clement_n epistle_n say_v the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n but_o by_o bishop_n here_o he_o can_v understand_v such_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o church_n for_o himself_o do_v abundant_o clear_v the_o contrary_n and_o what_o can_v be_v allaidge_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o mean_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o yet_o apparent_a only_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o other_o testimony_n which_o must_v also_o be_v look_v upon_o &_o examine_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o place_n itself_o speak_v as_o much_o for_o one_o deacon_n in_o a_o place_n as_o for_o one_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n for_o both_o be_v one_o as_o himself_o will_v acknowledge_v &_o as_o clear_o for_o more_o bishop_n as_o for_o more_o deacon_n in_o village_n or_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o well_o bishop_n in_o city_n &_o village_n as_o deacon_n but_o then_o he_o cit_v epiphanius_n contra_fw-la ae●…m_fw-la haeres_fw-la 75._o saying_n that_o at_o the_o first_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n appoint_v &_o then_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o presbyter_n &_o deacon_n for_o by_o these_o two_o officer_n all_o ecclesiastic_a office_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o where_o there_o be_v none_o find_v worthy_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n the_o place_n remain_v without_o one_o but_o where_o necessity_n require_v one_o &_o there_o be_v some_o find_v fit_a some_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n but_o for_o want_v of_o convenient_a number_n there_o can_v be_v no_o presbyter_n find_v out_o &_o in_o such_o place_n they_o be_v content_v with_o the_o bishop_n &_o deacon_n but_o what_o can_v epiphanius_n or_o any_o other_o writter_n in_o his_o time_n do_v as_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o present_a discourse_n must_v their_o testimony_n be_v believe_v without_o a_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n the_o same_o yea_o must_v they_o be_v believe_v when_o they_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v presbyter_n &_o deacon_n &_o again_o a_o time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v bishop_n &_o deacons_n what_o will_v this_o say_v so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n be_v distinct_a officer_n &_o not_o one_o &_o the_o same_o as_o be_v suppose_v of_o the_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n now_o under_o debate_n all_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v a_o distinct_a species_n of_o government_n but_o always_o one_o &_o the_o same_o whether_o the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v presbyter_n or_o bishop_n 3._o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n appoint_a of_o which_o there_o can_v no_o warrant_n be_v see_v in_o scripture_n for_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 14_o 23._o &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1_o 5._o for_o it_o be_v to_o city_n whither_o the_o apostle_n do_v most_o resort_v to_o plant_v church_n &_o not_o to_o country_n village_n where_o gentilism_n do_v long_o thereafter_o continue_v whence_o these_o of_o that_o religion_n be_v call_v pagani_n what_o will_v this_o speak_v for_o episcopal_a government_n so_o long_o as_o this_o one_o bishop_n can_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v not_o have_v presbyter_n under_o he_o or_o do_v he_o think_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o one_o preach_v presbyter_n be_v set_v over_o a_o parish_n or_o a_o village_n &_o that_o he_o &_o other_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n one_o or_o more_o of_o a_o neighbour_n city_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n or_o must_v he_o rule_v in_o that_o village_n independent_o mr_n stillingfleet_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v exerce_fw-la episcopal_a power_n therefore_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o the_o government_n may_v still_o be_v presbyterial_a 4_o how_o can_v epiphanius_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o if_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o who_o can_v do_v it_o else_o have_v they_o not_o the_o spirit_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o prompt_v they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a &_o expedient_a either_o they_o can_v not_o get_v man_n fit_a to_o be_v bishop_n or_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o be_v presbyter_n but_o this_o will_v suppone_v that_o at_o that_o time_n presbyter_n &_o bishop_n be_v destinct_n which_o still_v fleet_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v &_o epiphanius_n can_v give_v one_o instance_n of_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o &_o superior_a unto_o preach_v presbyter_n settle_v in_o a_o church_n alone_o with_o some_o few_o deacons_n the_o reader_n may_v see_v this_o passage_n more_o full_o examine_v by_o wallo_n messalinus_n pag._n 102._o &_o pag._n 277._o etc._n etc._n the_o next_o author_n which_o he_o cit_v be_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n out_o of_o eusebius_n say_v that_o john_n after_o his_o ret●…n_n from_o pa●…mos_n go_v abroad_o into_o several_a place_n in_o some_o constitute_a bishop_n in_o some_o set_n in_o order_n whole_a church_n in_o other_o choose_n ●…ur_n one_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o he_o set_v over_o the_o church_n but_o of_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v utter_o silent_a &_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o undo●…_n ed_z thing_n &_o what_o will_v mr_n stillingfleet_n gather_v from_o 〈◊〉_d he_o seat_v it_o down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o walo_n messalinus_n pag._n ●…25_n in_o majoribus_fw-la urbibus_fw-la plures_fw-la i._n e._n it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v mo●…_n presbyter_n ordain_v in_o great_a town_n and_o few_o in_o lesser_a tow●…_n b●…_n village_n or_o little_a parish_n one_o only_a especial_o when_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d number_n of_o believer_n and_o now_o let_v any_o ●…dge_v it_o there_o c●…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n gather_v thence_o for_o episcopal_a government_n &_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n for_o this_o end_n he_o must_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o passage_n 〈◊〉_d do_v nothing_o he_o must_v prove_v out_o of_o it_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d some_o place_n do_v settle_v presbyterian_a government_n &_o 〈◊〉_d place_n episcopal_a otherwise_o he_o be_v but_o beat_v the_o wind_n for_o no_o asserter_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n do_v ever_o yet_o find_v themselves_o necessitate_v to_o maintain_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v set_v up_o a_o equal_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n or_o yet_o a_o plurality_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n in_o each_o village_n or_o country_n place_n or_o such_o as_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v his_o point_n will_v not_o yet_o be_v prove_v at_o le●…_n he_o cit_v ambrose_n or_o rather_o ●…ilarius_fw-la in_fw-la eph._n 4._o saying_n primum_fw-la enim_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n at_o first_o all_o do_v teach_v &_o all_o do_v baptize_v at_o any_o time_n or_o on_o any_o day_n but_o when_o the_o church_n take_v in_o all_o place_n about_o there_o be_v conventicle_n institute_v &_o there_o be_v governor_n &_o other_o office_n appoint_v that_o so_o none_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o that_o office_n which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o he_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o ordain_v &_o therefore_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o every_o point_n agree_v with_o the_o ordination_n which_o now_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o this_o can_v speak_v home_o to_o the_o point_n i●…_n not_o discernible_a for_o the_o author_n be_v to_o give_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v viz_o because_o matter_n be_v other_o way_n settle_v in_o his_o time_n then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v any_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n settle_v church_n with_o distinct_a form_n o●…_n model_n because_o after_o age_n do_v so_o who_o will_v believe_v this_o consequence_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v
practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a church_n be_v but_o a_o application_n of_o that_o general_a to_o a_o particular_a species_n of_o government_n his_o second_o arg_n be_v this_o all_o the_o stand_a law_n respect_v church_n government_n be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o several_a form_n ans._n be_v they_o applyable_a to_o the_o hierarchy_n to_o erastianisme_n to_o independency_n &_o to_o morellianisme_n or_o only_o to_o presbytery_n &_o prelacy_n if_o only_o to_o these_o two_o than_o all_o other_o form_n but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o be_v utter_o exclude_v &_o there_o be_v no_o more_o liberty_n leave_v save_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o one_o of_o these_o but_o what_o if_o this_o ground_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o hold_v he_o refer_v all_o the_o law_n to_o these_o three_o head_n the_o 1._o head_n be_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n for_o the_o office_n of_o government_n &_o so_o cit_v 1_o tim._n 3_o 1_o to_o 8._o tit._n 1_o 5_o to_o 10._o ans._n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v use_v his_o own_o word_n mu●…atis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la that_o all_o these_o &_o the_o rest_n be_v equal_o require_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o pope_n in_o a_o patriarch_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n yea_o every_o one_o may_v invent_v a_o number_n of_o new_a officer_n &_o defend_v they_o with_o this_o that_o all_o these_o qualification_n agree_v to_o they_o the_o 2._o head_n be_v the_o precept_n require_v a_o right_a management_n of_o the_o work_n &_o cit_v act._n 20_o 28._o 2_o tim._n 4_o 2._o &_o 2_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o 21_o 22._o heb._n 13_o 17._o tit._n 1_o 5._o and_o add_v there_o be_v no_o precept_n in_o all_o these_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n &_o titus_n prescribeing_n whether_o they_o shall_v act_n sole_o or_o only_o as_o consul_n in_o senatu_fw-la ans._n but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v such_o &_o require_v such_o a_o management_n &_o such_o work_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o possibility_n in_o any_o tolerable_a manner_n be_v obey_v &_o perform_v by_o officer_n under_o such_o a_o form_n than_o it_o can_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o form_n &_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o applyable_a unto_o prelate_n be_v one_o man_n able_a to_o exhort_v reprove_v &_o watch_v over_o a_o whole_a dio●…cy_n his_o alone_a see_v he_o in_o all_o probability_n shall_v never_o see_v their_o face_n and_o as_o for_o delegation_n of_o church_n power_n mr_n still_v fleet_n himself_o say_v part._n 2._o c._n ult_n §_o 8._o pag._n 414._o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o it_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o man_n can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a manner_n obey_v these_o command_n &_o watch_v over_o such_o a_o number_n over_o which_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o minister_n can_v not_o get_v well_o watch_v god_n lay_v not_o utter_a impossibility_n on_o his_o officer_n so_o then_o see_v these_o precept_n be_v not_o applyable_a unto_o any_o other_o form_n then_o presbyterial_a his_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n see_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o man_n can_v rule_v such_o a_o numerous_a people_n &_o watch_v over_o they_o by_o discipline_n over_o who_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o presbytery_n each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o minister_n &_o as_o many_o roll_a elder_n beside_o the_o competent_a number_n of_o roll_a elder_n which_o each_o particular_a congregation_n have_v be_v set_v &_o have_v all_o work_n enough_o &_o more_o than_o they_o can_v well_o overtake_v but._n 2._o what_o will_v he_o do_v with_o that_o command_n 1_o cor._n 5._o give_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n to_o conveen_n together_o for_o a_o act_n of_o discipline_n do_v not_o that_o command_n concern_v gospel_n church_n now_o as_o much_o as_o any_o of_o these_o precept_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n and_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v applyable_a unto_o one_o man_n sure_o then_o this_o command_n be_v not_o equal_o applyable_a to_o both_o form_n for_o a_o precept_n give_v to_o a_o collegiat_fw-la body_n to_o meet_v together_o be_v not_o applyable_a to_o one_o single_a person_n the_o 3._o head_n be_v general_a rule_n such_o as_o these_o that_o none_o preach_v without_o a_o call_n heb._n 5_o 2._o rom._n 10_o 14._o that_o offender_n be_v censure_v that_o complaint_n b●…_n make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n that_o all_o be_v do_v decent_o in_o order_n &_o to_o edification_n ans_fw-fr will_n than_o if_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n that_o complaint_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a church_n to_o receive_v these_o complaint_n &_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o fix_a church_n which_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o complaint_n &_o inflict_v church_n censure_n &_o excommunicate_a can_v as_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o prelate_n as_o of_o a_o body_n of_o church_n officer_n incorporate_v and_o if_o mr_n still_v fleet_n can_v be_v able_a to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v or_o may_v be_v take_v for_o one_o single_a person_n than_o his_o notion_n will_v be_v more_o able_a to_o stand_v but_o if_o not_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n obs._n 9_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o consider_v how_o weighty_a a_o business_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v &_o of_o what_o great_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o model_v aright_o for_o experience_n have_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o much_o more_o effectual_a for_o keep_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n pure_a from_o error_n &_o heresy_n &_o for_o beare_v down_o of_o profanity_n &_o for_o promove_v of_o the_o work_n of_o godliness_n in_o power_n one_o species_n or_o form_n be_v than_o another_o and_o this_o may_v speak_v very_o much_o for_o the_o lord_n keep_n that_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n &_o not_o leave_v it_o unto_o any_o prince_n or_o pastor_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o species_n of_o government_n especial_o consider_v with_o what_o byass_n &_o by-respect_n the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v carry_v &_o how_o readyall_n be_v to_o model_n church_n government_n so_o as_o may_v most_o suit_n their_o own_o end_n &_o serve_v most_o to_o make_v they_o great_a in_o a_o world_n and_o hence_o it_o have_v be_v see_v that_o when_o man_n leave_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o the_o p●…terne_a there_o set_v down_o they_o run_v wild_a &_o never_o once_o consult_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o promove_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o soul_n etc._n etc._n but_o their_o own_o base_a end_n and_o when_o man_n will_v be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v &_o follow_v their_o own_o notion_n &_o device_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o delusion_n &_o to_o more_o strange_a fancy_n and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o get_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o &_o superior_a unto_o presbyter_n but_o also_o metropolitan_n &_o after_o these_o primat_n &_o at_o length_n patriarch_n &_o final_o the_o pope_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n but_o think_v that_o they_o be_v lest_o at_o liberty_n as_o mr_n still_v fleet_n do_v sad_o make_v out_o part._n 2._o c._n 7._o &_o will_v have_v the_o church_n as_o pompous_a as_o the_o state_n &_o so_o make_v the_o state_n government_n their_o copy_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v one_o emperor_n so_o there_o behove_v to_o be_v one_o universal_a bishop_n &_o pope_n who_o the_o world_n have_v never_o see_v have_v not_o this_o notion_n of_o mr_n stillingfleet_v be_v in_o their_o head_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v order_v the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n as_o they_o please_v best_o &_o though_o mr_n stillingfleet_n make_v use_n of_o this_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o his_o notion_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o may_v make_v all_o tender_a heart_a protestant_n tremble_v at_o it_o &_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o raise_v up_o antichrist_n obs._n 10._o mr_n stillingfleet_n be_v please_v in_o the_o last_o chapt_n of_o his_o book_n to_o gather_v together_o some_o expression_n of_o divine_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o in_o france_n germany_n &_o the_o low_a country_n as_o favour_v his_o purpose_n which_o to_o examine_v a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o who_o will_v may_v do_v it_o &_o
that_o both_o they_o &_o the_o minister_n who_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v apprehend_v &_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o persecuter_n and_o thus_o the_o honest_a &_o zealous_a servant_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o put_v from_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o all_o whether_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a or_o bring_v into_o great_a trouble_n &_o hazard_v thereby_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a sad_a &_o astonish_a thing_n that_o when_o whole_a country_n side_n be_v almost_o lay_v waste_n people_n wander_v from_o place_n to_o place_n seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o thousand_o be_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n &_o multitude_n delude_v with_o false_a teacher_n such_o minister_n as_o be_v drive_v from_o their_o own_o flock_n may_v not_o lay_v out_o themselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o perish_a soul_n &_o do_v what_o they_o can_v for_o instruct_v strengthen_v &_o comfort_v of_o the_o poor_a afflict_a &_o persecute_a people_n of_o god_n may_v not_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o admiration_n that_o any_o upon_o this_o account_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o suffer_v and_o certane_o none_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n will_v condemn_v those_o minister_n if_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o few_o particular_n follow_v 1._o though_o they_o be_v banish_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a judge_n yet_o they_o remain_v still_o minister_n no_o such_o sentence_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o office_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o to_o this_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n only_o it_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v upon_o their_o banishment_n as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o exerce_fw-la the_o ministerial_a function_n in_o that_o place_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v banish_v but_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o act_n of_o banishment_n they_o remain_v minister_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o connexion_n betwixt_o their_o be_v minister_n &_o their_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o all_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v only_o to_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n all_o this_o will_v be_v beyond_o disput_n with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o gross_a erastians_n for_o no_o reform_a divine_a will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v immediate_o depose_v a_o minister_n far_o less_o can_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o banishment_n so_o then_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o own_o parish_n remain_v still_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o &_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o foregoing_a section_n minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a unto_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o drunken_a in_o independent_a principle_n that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n have_v a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o unto_o the_o national_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o may_v wherever_o they_o be_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n in_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n 3._o not_o only_o may_v they_o do_v so_o but_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o woe_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o if_o once_o they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n as_o serva●…ts_n to_o he_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o he_o to_o the_o out_o most_o of_o their_o power_n &_o must_v not_o think_v of_o lay_v up_o their_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n lest_o they_o get_v the_o wicked_a &_o slothful_a servant_n reward_n they_o have_v a_o divine_a command_n to_o preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n &_o to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o the_o yondmost_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n this_o will_v also_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v never_o great_a necessity_n for_o their_o bestirring_a of_o themselves_o as_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o now_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o leave_v destitute_a &_o so_o many_o lead_v away_o with_o false_a guide_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o deceive_v people_n &_o to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o so_o many_o ready_a to_o faint_v under_o persecution_n &_o sore_a affliction_n be_v not_o the_o harvest_n now_o great_a &_o be_v not_o the_o labourer_n few_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v many_o mile_n before_o he_o shall_v hear_v any_o honest_a minister_n and_o shall_v such_o on_o who_o god_n be_v call_v aloud_o to_o teach_v exhort_v &_o comfort_n be_v silent_a now_o be_v not_o sa●…_n bussy_a lead_v some_o away_o to_o atheism_n other_o to_o profanity_n some_o to_o popery_n other_o to_o quaker●…sme_n and_o do_v not_o this_o call_v aloud_o on_o all_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o their_o master_n to_o be_v active_o bestirring_a themselves_o now_o for_o the_o good_a of_o s●…uls_n &_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o many_o honest_a follower_n of_o christ_n lie_v under_o sore_a oppression_n &_o bondage_n their_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v &_o their_o soul_n waste_v with_o hear_v &_o see_v what_o they_o do_v hear_v &_o see_v and_o have_v not_o these_o need_n to_o be_v comfort_v &_o cheer_v up_o under_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o god_n allow_v consolation_n to_o such_o &_o be_v he_o not_o call_v on_o his_o servant_n to_o speak_v comfortable_o to_o such_o be_v there_o not_o many_o almost_o faint_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n &_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o trial_n &_o shall_v not_o minister_n mind_n that_o command_n 1_o thes._n 5_o 14._o comfort_n 〈◊〉_d feeble_a mind_v &_o support_v the_o weak_a be_v there_o not_o many_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n &_o have_v not_o satan_n many_o instrument_n weary_v themselves_o in_o this_o service_n of_o seduce_v poor_a people_n &_o draw_v they_o into_o their_o net_n &_o snare_n &_o shall_v not_o minister_n be_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n such_o as_o be_v in_o hazard_n &_o to_o recover_v such_o as_o be_v already_o ensnare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n great_a then_o be_v the_o necessity_n that_o poor_a people_n be_v into_o &_o double_a must_v the_o woe_n be_v that_o abide_v such_o minister_n as_o be_v silent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n &_o to_o show_v people_n their_o transgression_n &_o their_o hazard_n &_o to_o be_v burn_v &_o shine_v light_n that_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o darkness_n may_v see_v their_o way_n &_o be_v comfort_v 5._o such_o a_o practice_n be_v abundant_o warrant_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o other_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o they_o go_v to_o several_a place_n &_o preach_v the_o gospel_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n they_o go_v unto_o another_o &_o still_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n abound_v with_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o cite_v any_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n prop●…ets_n &_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v not_o fix_v to_o any_o one_o place_n as_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o charactersticke_a of_o unfixed_a officer_n but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o fix_a pastor_n &_o doctor_n &_o preach_v unfix_o be_v not_o always_o their_o note_n &_o essential_a mark_n because_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n pastor_n &_o doctor_n may_v have_v preach_v wherever_o they_o come_v as_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v who_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o stephen_n act_n 8._o 1._o do_v go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n v_o 4._o those_o who_o be_v scatter_v behove_v to_o be_v the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v leave_v that_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o long_o without_o preach_v officer_n fix_v for_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n see_v they_o have_v institute_v deacon_n who_o be_v less_o necessary_a act_n 6_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o see_v themselves_o be_v not_o fix_v there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v through_o the_o world_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n &_o the_o direction_n &_o guide_v of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o so_o be_v it_o warrant_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a &_o honest_a servant_n of_o christ_n
king_n be_v &_o 〈◊〉_d as_o contrary_a t●…_n 〈◊〉_d covenant_n albeit_o in_o these_o day_n they_o ●…ad_v a_o way_n of_o use_v liberty_n enough_o &_o more_o than_o be_v fit_v ans._n it_o will_v ●…come_v this_o gentleman_n to_o speak_v spare_o or_o these_o zealous_a &_o stedf●…st_a worthy_n who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n &_o who_o name_n for_o th●…ir_a piety_n constancy_n &_o zeal_n shall_v smell_v most_o fragrant_o when_o his_o may_v be_v rot_v above_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v like_a he_o will_v suffer_v sin_n to_o be_v upon_o king_n &_o court_n &_o sell_v his_o soul_n &_o conscience_n by_o sinful_a silence_n in_o a_o day_n of_o defection_n &_o thus_o declare_v himself_o a_o priest_n of_o baal_n &_o none_o of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o shall_v set_v the_o trumpet_n unto_o their_o mouth_n but_o to_o the_o purpose_n whether_o the_o ass●…mblies_n &_o minister_n do_v at_o that_o time_n speak_v of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o king_n &_o of_o the_o council_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n or_o not_o who_o can_v tell_v this_o be_v know_v that_o both_o assembly_n &_o minister_n understand_v that_o king_n &_o court_n &_o all_o the_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n several_a time_n thereafter_o there_o be_v a_o letter_n which_o mr_n andrew_n melvin_n who_o no_o doubt_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o assembly_n write_v unto_o divine_n abroad_o an._n 1584._o in_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o fay_v as_o reverend_a mr_n petree_n cit_v in_o his_o history_n pag._n 448._o and_o three_o year_n since_o be_v approve_v seal_a &_o confirm_v with_o profession_n of_o faith_n subscription_n of_o hand_n &_o religion_n of_o oath_n by_o the_o king_n &_o every_o subject_a ●…f_n every_o state_n particular_o mr_n petree_n also_o say_v pag._n 570._o that_o an._n 1604._o when_o mr_n john_n spottisw●…d_v &_o mr_n james_n law_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n for_o overturning_a the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n &_o have_v deny_v the_o same_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v the_o con●…ssion_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o they_o &_o so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n this_o confession_n do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o prelacy_n &_o a_o promise_n of_o maintain_v of_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o again_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v empanel_v at_o l●…gow_n for_o treason_n &_o sedition_n for_o meet_v at_o aberdeen_n 1605._o mr_n forbe_n who_o be_v one_o of_o they_o have_v a_o discourse_n to_o the_o gentleman_n who_o be_v on●…_n the_o assize_n &_o show_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n &_o have_v read_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o he_o infer_v th●…t_v they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n if_o for_o fear_n or_o pleasure_n they_o shall_v decern_v that_o to_o be_v treason_n which_o themselves_o have_v swear_v &_o subscribe_v &_o he_o desire_v the_o earl_n of_o dumbar_n to_o report_v unto_o the_o king_n in_o their_o name_n what_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n make_v unto_o the_o gibconite_n &_o how_o it_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o like_a shall_v follow_v upon_o his_o maj._n &_o his_o posterity_n yea_o this_o author_n himself_o say_v pag._n 13._o that_o minister_n then_o account_v themselves_o as_o real_o bind_v against_o the_o allowa●…ce_n of_o episcopal_a government_n both_o by_o the_o covenant_n &_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o do_v judge_v themselves_o engage_v against_o it_o by_o late_a bond_n whether_o they_o do_v mistake_v in_o this_o or_o not_o we_o say_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o do_v s●…_n judge_v be_v out_o ●…f_a all_o question_n but._n 2._o this_o author_n can_v with_o any_o good_a ground_n say_v that_o assembly_n &_o minister_n do_v not_o then_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o king_n &_o council_n do_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n for_o a_o negative_a testimony_n from_o humane_a history_n be_v the_o weak_a of_o all_o argument_n moreover_o this_o be_v certane_v that_o the_o court_n of_o christ_n both_o national_a provincial_a &_o classical_a be_v at_o this_o time_n go_v on_o faithful_o in_o their_o work_n keep_v their_o meeting_n &_o censure_v that_o perverse_a man_n mr_n montgomery_n who_o pr●…us_o like_v change_v often_o &_o lick_v up_o his_o own_o vomit_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o prohibition_n or_o inhibition_n they_o gote_v from_o his_o maj._n they_o open_o protest_v before_o the_o king_n &_o his_o council_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n &_o supplicate_v &_o exhort_v his_o maj._n that_o as_o a_o chief_a member_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v have_v a_o chief_a care_n thereof_o &_o they_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v play_v the_o pope_n usurp_v both_o sword_n all_o which_o will_v speak_v some_o thing_n equivalent_a unto_o that_o which_o this_o author_n allege_v they_o do_v not_o speak_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v the_o assembly_n 1638._o their_o declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o have_v some_o what_o to_o say_v as_o 1._o that_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o assembly_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v a_o covenant_n when_o few_o or_o no●…e_v of_o the_o man_n be_v live_v who_o take_v that_o covenant_n or_o if_o live_a few_o or_o none_o of_o t●…em_n be_v member_n of_o that_o assembly_n 1638._o as_o juramentum_fw-la est_fw-la vinculum_fw-la p●…rsonale_fw-la so_o no_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o define_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o dead_a man_n in_o take_v a_o oath_n unless_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o authentic_a express_a evidence_n that_o such_o be_v their_o meaning_n in_o take_v the_o oath_n ans._n 1._o by_o this_o argue_n the_o sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o a_o covenant_n perish_v with_o the_o covenant●…rs_n 2._o it_o be_v true_a juramentum_fw-la or_o foedus_fw-la personale_fw-la est_fw-la vinculum_fw-la personale_fw-la but_o there_o be_v another_o covenant_n that_o be_v call_v foedus_fw-la real_n of_o which_o kind_n this_o national_a covenant_n be_v &_o the_o vinculum_fw-la of_o this_o be_v more_o than_o personale_fw-la it_o oblige_v more_o than_o such_o as_o do_v personal_o take_v it_o 3._o therefore_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o national_a real_a covenant_n oblige_v the_o land_n in_o all_o time_n come_v posterity_n be_v call_v to_o search_v &_o to_o see_v very_o exact_o &_o narrow_o into_o the_o sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o which_o themselves_o stand_v bind_v before_o god_n 4._o who_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v a_o coven●…nt_n than_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o it_o be_v show_v before_o what_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o honest_a minister_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o covenant_n even_o in_o the_o time_n when_o prelate_n be_v heigh_o advance_v out_o of_o this_o same_o author_n &_o so_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n have_v come_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n among_o the_o honest_a party_n even_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a time_n &_o then_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o tuto_fw-la 6._o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n do_v produce_v authentic_a express_a evidence_n that_o such_o be_v the_o meaning_n &_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o first_o enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o this_o he_o be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o all_o that_o which_o they_o produce_v amount_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o before_o july_n 1580._o the_o church_n have_v be_v labour_v against_o bishop_n who_o notwithstanding_o countinue_v till_o thereafter_o but_o all_o their_o citation_n prove_v not_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o word_n in_o it_o ans._n 1._o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o that_o covenant_n some_o government_n or_o discipline_n be_v swear_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o &_o defend_v as_o the_o expre●…e_a word_n before_o cite_v do_v show_v 2._o it_o be_v certane_v that_o this_o discipline_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o prelacy_n or_o presbyterian_a government_n there_o not_o be_v a_o three_o competitour_n &_o if_o it_o be_v prelacy_n presbyterian_a government_n be_v abjure_v &_o if_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a government_n than_o prelacy_n be_v abjure_v 3._o it_o be_v certane_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o clear_v what_o that_o government_n be_v which_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o &_o about_o that_o time_n do_v own_o as_o the_o only_a government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v clear_v what_o that_o
government_n be_v which_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o &_o to_o continue_v in_o &_o consequent_o what_o government_n be_v abjure_v thereby_o therefore_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o that_o government_n be_v which_o the_o church_n do_v own_o &_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n here_o for_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o it_o be_v church_n government_n by_o presbytery_n synod_n &_o assembly_n which_o they_o both_o before_o at_z &_o after_o that_o time_n do_v own_o &_o defend_v till_o it_o be_v violent_o take_v away_o and_o if_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o will_v amount_v to_o this_o they_o will_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v at_o that_o time_n and_o whether_o their_o citation_n shall_v do_v so_o or_o not_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v judge_v when_o he_o have_v consider_v &_o lay_v together_o these_o two_o &_o twenty_o particular_n into_o which_o the_o citation_n shall_v be_v branch_v forth_o 1._o when_o the_o church_n have_v be_v wre●…ing_v &_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o bishop_n from_o the_o year_n 1571_o unto_o the_o year_n 1575._o &_o be_v continual_o weary_v with_o complaint_n give_v in_o against_o they_o they_o enter_v at_o last_o into_o a_o search_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o &_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n to_o which_o he_o preach_v &_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n &_o so_o it_o can_v not_o design_n a_o distinct_a officer_n 2._o anno_fw-la 1576._o the_o assembly_n do_v censure_v such_o prelate_n as_o have_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a flock_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v unanimous_o agree_v upon_o 4_o at_o another_o assembly_n that_o same_o year_n the_o moderator_n tell_v montrose_n chanceler_n seaton_n &_o lindsay_n that_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o this_o church_n 5._o at_o that_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o be_v pastor_n of_o one_o flock_n shall_v usurp_v no_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n shall_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o empire_n over_o their_o particular_a eldership_n &_o shall_v not_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n 6._o an._n 1579_o the_o assembly_n judge_v that_o every_o meeting_n for_o exercise_n may_v be_v account_v a_o presbytery_n 7._o an._n 1580._o after_o deliberation_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o prelate_n be_v pretend_v &_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o such_o shall_v dimit_v &_o leave_v the_o examine_v as_o a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n &_o this_o be_v before_o as_o be_v say_v above_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o the_o same_o assembly_n send_v some_o commissioner_n to_o his_o maj._n desire_v that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n until_o the_o meeting_n of_o a_o parliament_n 9_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1581._o at_o glasgow_n the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v explain_v &_o i●…_n be_v show_v that_o thereby_o the_o church_n do_v condemn_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n 10._o at_o this_o assembly_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v present_v &_o the_o plot_n of_o presbytery_n with_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o nobleman_n &_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n for_o further_a the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n &_o thus_o at_o the_o very_o present_v of_o the_o confession_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v subscribe_v the_o king_n &_o the_o assembly_n agree_v in_o one_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v presbyterial_a &_o according_a to_o this_o harmonious_a desire_n presbytery_n be_v erect_v in_o several_a place_n 11._o in_o that_o same_o assembly_n the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o registres_n of_o the_o church_n &_o immediate_o after_o the_o covenant_n be_v insert_v that_o all_o posterity_n may_v see_v that_o the_o government_n which_o they_o swear_v to_o maintain_v &_o own_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n &_o thus_o that_o book_n of_o discipline_n &_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n do_v harmonious_o accord_v 12._o anno_fw-la 1581._o the_o assembly_n will_v not_o suffer_v mr_n montgomery_n minister_n at_o sterlin_n to_o become_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n but_o command_v he_o to_o waire_z on_o his_o ministry_n at_o sterlin_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 13._o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o church_n a_o commission_n for_o erect_v of_o more_o presbytery_n be_v grant_v and_o a_o new_a ordinance_n make_v for_o subscribeing_n the_o covenant_n can_v any_o man_n now_o doubt_v what_o that_o government_n be_v which_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n own_v by_o that_o covenant_n 14._o anno_fw-la 1582._o a_o new_a commission_n be_v grant_v for_o erect_v of_o more_o presbytery_n &_o mr_n montgomery_n for_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o presbytery_n &_o prelacy_n be_v incompatible_a 15_o in_o another_o assembly_n that_o same_o year_n commission_n be_v give_v to_o some_o presbytery_n to_o try_v &_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o some_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o council_n to_o desire_v their_o approbation_n of_o a_o act_n for_o establish_v of_o presbytery_n synod_n &_o assembly_n do_v the_o church_n incline_v any_o thing_n to_o prelacy_n then_o 16._o anno_fw-la 1586._o it_o be_v determine_v at_o a_o assembly_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n officer_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n beside_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n &_o deacon_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n now_o 17._o anno_fw-la 1587._o it_o be_v ordain_v at_o a_o assembly_n that_o the_o admission_n of_o mr_n montgomery_n suppose_v but_o to_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o glasgow_n shall_v be_v annul_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n that_o slander_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o church_n 18._o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o letter_n draw_v up_o unto_o his_o maj._n show_v that_o they_o find_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o damn_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n 19_o anno_fw-la 1590._o when_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n be_v subscribe_v universal_o of_o new_a the_o assembly_n desire_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o jurisdiction_n &_o discipline_n in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n 20._o it_o be_v ordain_v also_o that_o all_o intrant_n shall_v subscribe_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n especial_o the_o head_n controvert_v &_o also_o all_o who_o be_v present_o in_o office_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 21._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1591._o the_o forementioned_a act_n be_v renew_v 22._o anno_fw-la 1592._o commissioner_n be_v send_v to_o attend_v the_o parliament_n &_o to_o desire_v a_o rescinde_v of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1584._o make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o of_o the_o church_n &_o a_o ratify_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n both_o which_o be_v grant_v now_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v from_o these_o particular_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o confession_n or_o covenant_n &_o whether_o these_o citation_n amount_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o this_o author_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o slight_v &_o undervalue_v so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v the_o pain_n take_v by_o that_o reverend_a assembly_n to_o clear_v the_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o first_o take_v it_o but_o he_o add_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o account_v unlawful_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n within_o six_o year_n after_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o name_n bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n &_o function_n thereto_o annex_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o a_o benefi●…e_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a anno_fw-la 1586._o there_o be_v a_o conference_n draw_v on_o at_o haly_n rude_a house_n by_o the_o king_n betwixt_o some_o minister_n &_o some_o who_o he_o do_v commissionat_a which_o do_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v a_o care_n of_o one_o flock_n that_o he_o
the_o time_n as_o to_o condemn_v their_o own_o former_a proceed_n &_o to_o entertain_v strange_a &_o unbeseeming_a thought_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o the_o right-hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a wrought_v among_o they_o &_o so_o become_v ashamed_a of_o their_o cause_n &_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n therefore_o be_v confident_a of_o the_o good_a acceptance_n which_o this_o undertake_n shall_v meet_v with_o from_o compassionate_a &_o christianly_o affect_v church_n &_o people_n about_o &_o persuade_v that_o god_n who_o interest_n &_o cause_n this_o be_v will_n in_o his_o own_o good_a time_n arise_v &_o plead_v the_o same_o &_o vindicate_v his_o work_n from_o all_o the_o aspersion_n &_o calumny_n of_o man_n by_o a_o revive_n thereof_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n &_o a_o best_a ir_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o same_o until_o the_o copstone_n be_v put_v on_o &_o thereby_o give_v such_o one_fw-mi unanswerable_a apology_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o adversary_n &_o to_o confirm_v his_o follower_n &_o comfort_v the_o saddened_a heart_n of_o his_o sufferer_n this_o present_a piece_n of_o work_n be_v the_o more_o cheerful_o undertake_v to_o the_o end_n beside_o what_o use_n the_o present_a suffer_a member_n of_o that_o church_n may_v make_v hereof_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n encouragement_n &_o strengthen_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o of_o the_o nighbour_n church_n about_o who_o ear_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o slanderous_a report_n to_o the_o vex_v of_o their_o soul_n raise_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o that_o church_n &_o carry_v on_o by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o strengthen_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o ill_a cause_n may_v be_v undeceive_v &_o right_o inform_v touch_v the_o truestate_a of_o affair_n in_o that_o church_n and_o to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o give_v a_o short_a &_o clear_a historical_a relation_n of_o the_o trouble_n which_o the_o former_a prelate_n which_o be_v in_o that_o church_n do_v create_v unto_o she_o both_o in_o their_o rise_n &_o when_o they_o do_v come_v unto_o their_o hieght_n &_o of_o the_o wonderful_a manner_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o down_o &_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o that_o land_n &_o church_n with_o shame_n &_o disgrace_n and_o then_o to_o give_v some_o vieu_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n by_o mention_v some_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o present_a suffering_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n there_o &_o clear_v the_o equity_n &_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n who_o have_v choyse_v affliction_n rathen_a then_o sin_n &_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o shall_v be_v see_v from_o what_o a_o excellent_a &_o desirable_a state_n that_o church_n be_v now_o fall_v as_o in_o a_o moment_n &_o into_o what_o a_o condition_n of_o woe_n &_o lamentation_n she_o be_v now_o plunge_v all_o who_o be_v christianly_o affect_v with_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n may_v be_v move_v to_o compassionate_v her_o case_n &_o to_o sympathize_v with_o she_o &_o if_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o mind_n that_o bleed_a swoon_a &_o almost_o expire_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n section_n i._n show_v how_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v long_o govern_v without_o prelate_n &_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o do_v arise_v to_o their_o height_n there_o without_o the_o church_n consent_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o origen_n &_o tertullian_n the_o scot_n do_v embrace_v the_o faith_n among_o the_o first_o &_o probable_o as_o buchan_n show_v they_o receive_v it_o from_o some_o of_o john_n disciple_n who_o flee_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n cause_v by_o that_o bloody_a domitian_n so_o that_o about_o the_o year_n 203._o which_o be_v the_o 4_o year_n of_o king_n donald_n the_o first_o christian_n religion_n be_v public_o profess_v the_o king_n himself_o his_o queen_n &_o diverse_a of_o the_o noble_n be_v solemn_o baptize_v after_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o root_v out_o heathenism_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o be_v hinder_v by_o war_n with_o the_o emperor_n severus_n there_o after_o about_o the_o year_n 277_o king_n cratilinth_n intend_v a_o reformation_n but_o be_v much_o hinder_v by_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n call_v druid_n from_o their_o sacrifice_v in_o grove_n under_o oak_n as_o some_o suppose_v who_o by_o their_o subtle_a insinuation_n &_o power_n have_v much_o influence_n upon_o the_o people_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v second_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o good_a king_n &_o send_v several_a worthy_a man_n both_o minister_n &_o private_a christian_n from_o the_o south_n part_n of_o britan_n where_o the_o nine_o &_o ten_o persecution_n under_o aurelius_n &_o disclesian_n do_v rage_n &_o these_o for_o their_o single_a &_o retire_a life_n be_v call_v culdee_n quasicultores_fw-la dei_fw-la more_o probable_o then_o because_o of_o their_o live_n in_o cell_n and_o this_o work_n continow_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 360_o &_o then_o do_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a interruption_n by_o reason_n of_o civil_a war_n whereby_o the_o land_n be_v waste_v &_o all_o th●…_n scot_n banish_v until_o about_o the_o year_n 420_o when_o fergus_n the_o second_o come_v into_o scotland_n who_o son_n ewen_n send_v for_o the_o exile_a culdee_n &_o give_v they_o great_a encouragement_n &_o they_o do_v set_v themselves_o to_o their_o work_n and_o this_o continowed_a until_o about_o the_o year_n 452_o when_o palladius_n be_v send_v into_o britain_n by_o pope_n celestin_n come_v into_o scotland_n who_o by_o his_o subtle_a insinuation●…_n do_v gain_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o simple_a people_n as_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n he_o move_v they_o to_o consent_v unto_o a_o change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o prelacy_n &_o himself_o become_v the_o arch_a prelate_n but_o before_o this_o palladius_n come_v scotland_n never_o see_v a_o prelate_n if_o our_o ancient_a historiographer_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v such_o as_o balcus_fw-la in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o briton_n etc._n etc._n cent_n 14._o cap_n 6._o say_v ante_fw-la palladium_fw-la scoti_n etc._n etc._n before_o palladius_n come_v the_o scot_n have_v their_o bishop_n &_o minister_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o of_o asia_n but_o those_o thing_n do_v not_o please_v the_o roman_n beda_n in_o his_o history_n of_o england_n lib._n 1._o who_o say_v palladiu●…_n ad_fw-la scotos_o etc._n etc._n i._o e._n palladius_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o scot_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n by_o celestin_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o their_o first_o bishop_n prosper_n in_o his_o chron_n ad_fw-la an._n 436_o say_v add_v scotos_o etc._n etc._n i_o e._n unto_o the_o scot_n then_o believe_v in_o christ_n palladius_n be_v ordain_v by_o pope_n celestin_n &_o send_v thither_o the_o first_o bishop_n john_n fordon_n in_o his_o scottish_a chronic._n lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o say_v ante_fw-la palladis_fw-la adventum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e_o before_o the_o come_n of_o palladius_n the_o scot_n have_v for_o teacher_n of_o the_o faith_n &_o minister_n of_o the_o sacrament_n presbyter_n only_a or_o monk_n follow_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n johannes_n major_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o palladius_n who_o say_v per_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la &_o monach_v etc._n etc._n i_o e._n the_o scot_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o priest_n &_o monk_n without_o any_o bishop_n and_o buchanan_n who_o say_v nam_fw-la ad_fw-la id_fw-la usque_fw-la tempus_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n to_o that_o very_a time_n speak_v of_o palladius_n come_v into_o scotland_n &_o change_v the_o government_n the_o church_n be_v rule_v by_o monk_n without_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a spotiswood_n in_o his_o late_a history_n will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o culdee_n there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o prelatical_a because_o boetius_fw-la say_v that_o those_o priest_n or_o culdee_n be_v wont_a for_o their_o better_a government_n to_o elect_v some_o out_o of_o their_o number_n by_o common_a suffrage_n to_o be_v chief_a &_o principal_a among_o they_o without_o who_o knowledge_n &_o consent_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o any_o mater_fw-la of_o importance_n &_o that_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v be_v call_v scotorum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la &_o far_o as_o if_o his_o bare_a dissent_v from_o buchan_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n &_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o renown_a historian_n he_o say_v p._n 7._o of_o his_o history_n what_o warrant_v he_o i._n e._n buchan_n
of_o the_o church_n by_o prelate_n be_v overturn_v church_n session_n be_v establish_v the_o way_n of_o election_n &_o trial_n of_o minister_n contrary_a to_o the_o episcopal_a way_n be_v appoint_v &_o several_a other_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o right_a govern_n of_o the_o church_n be_v determine_v be_v draw_v up_o &_o present_v to_o the_o conncell_n may_v 20._o 1560._o whereupon_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o council_n to_o this_o effect_n we_o who_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n have_v advise_v with_o the_o article_n therein_o specify_v as_o be_v above_o mention_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n think_v the_o same_o good_a &_o conform_v to_o god●…_n word_n in_o all_o point_n conform_v to_o the_o note_n &_o addition_n here_o to_o eek_z &_o promise_v to_o set_v the_o samme_fw-fr forward_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n provide_v that_o the_o bishop_n abbot_n prior_n &_o other_o prelate_n &_o benefice_a man_n who_o else_o have_v adjoin_v they_o to_o we_o bruik_fw-mi the_o revenue_n of_o their_o benefice_n during_o their_o life_n time_n they_o sustain_v &_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o minister_n as_o herein_o be_v specify_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administrate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o act_n be_v subscribe_v by_o twenty_o six_o nobleman_n &_o among_o the_o rest_n by_o mr._n gordon_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n &_o by_o the_o dean_n of_o murray_n spottswood_n in_o his_o history_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o this_o book_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o prelate_n that_o he_o say_v pag._n 174._o it_o be_v frame_v by_o john_n knox_n partly_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n &_o partly_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v see_v at_o geneva_n neither_fw-mi of_o which_o church_n do_v favour_n prelate_n it_o be_v true_a the_o late_a historian_n the_o archprelate_n will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o superintendent_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o that_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o bishop_n but_o his_o fondo_fw-la mistake_n in_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o who_o will_v but_o consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o what_o the_o thought_n be_v which_o this_o archprelate_n have_v of_o this_o book_n which_o treat_v of_o those_o superintendent_o as_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o john_n knox_n &_o famous_a knox_n first_o nor_o last_o be_v never_o a_o friend_n to_o prelate_n or_o prelacy_n 2._o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o reform_a church_n such_o as_o geneva_n and_o those_o of_o germany_n &_o these_o church_n know_v no_o prelate_n 3._o he_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a nor_o a_o dream_n &_o so_o can_v never_o take_v effect_n but_o have_v it_o be_v a_o establish_n of_o prelacy_n it_o have_v be_v no_o dream_n in_o his_o account_n and_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o it_o have_v take_v effect_n 4._o he_o will_v &_o wish_v that_o john_n knox_n have_v retain_v the_o old_a policy_n &_o so_o this_o book_n contain_v a_o policy_n distinct_a from_o the_o old_a policy_n &_o a_o policy_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o prelacy_n 2._o what_o the_o thought_n be_v which_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o reform_a religion_n have_v of_o it_o now_o they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o therefore_o after_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o they_o do_v supplicate_v the_o parliament_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n &_o of_o all_o that_o discipline_n which_o do_v flow_v there_o from_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n &_o with_o the_o discipline_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n but_o 3._o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o think_v that_o these_o reformer_n be_v so_o inconsiderate_a as●…_n to_o set_v up_o prelate_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n when_o they_o be_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n to_o pull_v they_o down_o with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o popish_a prelate_n alone_o which_o they_o be_v labour_v to_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o when_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v popish_a prelate_n before_o have_v relinquish_v popery_n &_o embrace_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o have_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o mr_n gordoun_n in_o galloway_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o to_o exerce_fw-la the_o power_n of_o superintendent_o mr_n gordoun_n with_o all_o his_o moyen_fw-fr can_v not_o obtain_v that_o power_n so_o that_o spotiswood_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o latin_a pamphlet_n call_v refutatio_fw-la libelli_fw-la de_fw-la regimine_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n pag._n 4._o &_o also_o in_o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o the_o former_a bishop_n who_o join_v with_o the_o reformer_n keep_v still_o their_o full_a power_n &_o jurisdiction_n bewray_v his_o impudence_n &_o falsehood_n his_o word_n in_o his_o epistle_n be_v these_o et_fw-la prasulibus_fw-la pristi●…s_fw-la modo_fw-la ●…idei_fw-la orthodoxa_fw-la non_fw-la restitissent_fw-la nec_fw-la adempt●…_n dignitas_fw-la nec_fw-la imminuta_fw-la fuisset_fw-la jurisdictio_fw-la quod_fw-la ita_fw-la liquet_fw-la ut_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la in●…iciari_fw-la sit_fw-la n●…gare_fw-la solemn_a in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la meridie_fw-la lucere_fw-la &_o in_o the_o book_n he_o say_v quotquot_fw-la autem_fw-la a_o puriore_fw-la cultu_fw-la non_fw-la ab●…orrebant_fw-la ●…is_fw-la j●…_n utendi_fw-la fruendi_fw-la episcopatuum_fw-la fructibus_fw-la &_o privilegiis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la jurisdictio_fw-la etiam_fw-la quam_fw-la ante_fw-la usurpabant_fw-la quat●…nus_fw-la religionis_fw-la incolum●…t_fw-la as_o pateretur_fw-la continuata_fw-la this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o impudence_n thus_o to_o avow_v palpable_a untrueth_n &_o that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o historian_n may_v for_o ever_o after_o be_v suspect_v let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o his_o history_n which_o he_o write_v in_o english_a &_o which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v more_o easy_o understand_v &_o so_o discover_v his_o falsehood_n he_o dare_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o these_o bishop_n enjoy_v the_o rent_n of_o their_o benefice_n see_v pag._n 175._o moreover_o 4._o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n itself_o give_v the_o clear_a ground_n of_o their_o appoint_v of_o these_o superintendent_o in_o these_o word_n we_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o god_n have_v ●…ndued_v with_o his_o singular_a grace_n among_o we_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o several_a place_n there_o to_o make_v their_o continual_a residence_n that_o then_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o realm_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o all_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a murmur_n but_o also_o be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v think_v it_o expedient_a at_o this_o time_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a who_o perchance_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n true_o preach_v shall_v come_v to_o some_o knowledge_n and_o many_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n shall_v attain_v to_o some_o feel_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v provoke_v to_o seek_v far_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v nothing_o more_o earnest_o then_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v once_o universal_o preach_v throughout_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o superintendent_o be_v only_o choose_v for_o that_o present_a exigent_n when_o there_o be_v so_o few_o learned_a &_o able_a minister_n &_o so_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n destitute_a of_o minister_n so_o that_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a &_o the_o labourer_n very_o few_o superstition_n &_o popery_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n &_o people_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o continow_v therein_o have_v either_o no_o minister_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o or_o such_o only_a who_o be_v ready_a to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o superstitious_a course_n &_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n at_o that_o time_n while_o the_o church_n be_v but_o in_o si●…ri_n that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o able_a of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o travel_v through_o such_o &_o such_o place_n of_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o to_o see_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o faithful_a &_o able_a minister_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n but_o 5._o so_o cautious_a be_v the_o reformer_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v those_o to_o be_v bishop_n either_o in_o name_n or_o thing_n for_o as_o their_o work_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o they_o give_v they_o a_o extraordinary_a name_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o who_o have_v be_v bishop_n before_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n to_o
what_o he_o &_o many_o other_o brethren_n have_v to_o object_v against_o their_o office_n mr_n james_n la●…son_n do_v second_o this_o &_o move_v the_o debate_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o mr_n andro_n melvin_n affirm_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v officebearer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o title_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n albeit_o the_o same_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n do_v conceive_v there_o be_v no_o superiority_n allow_v by_o christ_n among_o minister_n he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o same_o servant_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n have_v the_o like_a power_n these_o beginning_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v so_o to_o second_o with_o his_o blessing_n that_o when_o it_o be_v move_v by_o the_o regent_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v unto_o the_o policy_n agree_v upon_o at_o leith_n or_o settle_v some_o other_o form_n of_o government_n it_o be_v resolve_v that_o a_o constant_a form_n of_o church_n policy_n shall_v be_v set_v down_o &_o for_o this_o ●…ffect_n they_o nominate_v twenty_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v at_o several_a time_n &_o place_n for_o the_o draw_v the_o model_n thereof_o and_o according_o after_o some_o pain_n the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v finish_v &_o anno_fw-la 1577._o at_o the_o general_n assembly_n sess._n 13._o approven_v in_o all_o point_n except_o that_o touch_v deacon_n which_o be_v refer_v to_o far_a debate_n but_o anno_fw-la 1578._o that_o head_n with_o the_o rest_n be_v approven_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o though_o spotiswood_n will_v not_o let_v the_o world_n know_v so_o much_o when_o this_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v thus_o appoven_v by_o the_o national_n assembly_n after_o prayer_n &_o fast_v they_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o exhibit_v it_o to_o his_o maj._n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v add_v his_o approbation_n thereunto_o unto_o who_o the_o king_n be_v then_o about_o 13._o year_n of_o age_n do_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o proctor_n unto_o the_o church_n &_o cause_v some_o of_o his_o counselor_n confer_v with_o those_o minister_n upon_o that_o business_n the_o head_n of_o which_o conference_n be_v once_o insert_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o anno_fw-la 1584._o when_o the_o court_n have_v power_n of_o the_o register_n those_o leaf_n be_v take_v a_o way_n &_o see_v no_o more_o as_o shall_v be_v clear_v hereafter_o and_o again_o anno_fw-la 1579._o the_o king_n write_v unto_o the_o national_n assembly_n desire_v a_o far_a consultation_n upon_o the_o head_n on_o which_o his_o commissioner_n and_o their_o delegate_n do_v not_o accord_v the_o last_o year_n to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v full_o agree_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v approven_v in_o the_o ensue_a parliament_n &_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o assembly_n be_v go_v on_o prohibit_v any_o more_o bishop_n to_o be_v choose_v &_o ordain_v such_o as_o be_v choose_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n &_o according_o some_o then_o &_o all_o of_o they_o afterward_o do_v submit_v so_o anno_fw-la 1580._o they_o ordain_v that_o all_o who_o be_v call_v bishop_n shall_v dimit_v simpliciter_fw-la because_o that_o office_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n &_o they_o ordain_v provincial_n synod_n to_o call_v before_o they_o such_o bishop_n as_o live_v in_o their_o bound_n &_o ordain_v they_o to_o give_v obedience_n to_o this_o act_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o be_v present_a at_o this_o assembly_n of_o dundy_n do_v concur_v with_o this_o assembly_n in_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o model_n of_o the_o presbitery_n in_o this_o same_o year_n in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n for_o as_o yet_o the_o new_a year_n do_v not_o begin_v until_o the_o 25._o of_o march_n be_v the_o national_n covenant_n solemn_o take_v by_o the_o king_n his_o council_n &_o court_n &_o afterward_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o which_o covenant_n prelacy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v as_o shall_v be_v clear_v in_o due_a time_n &_o the_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v swear_v to_o be_v defend_v anno_fw-la 1581._o in_o aprile_a at_o glasgow_n the_o general_n assembly_n do_v insert_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o register_n &_o do_v show_v how_o the_o act_n touch_v bishop_n make_v at_o dundee_n anno_fw-la 1580._o do_v condemn_v the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n unto_o this_o assembly_n his_o maj_n commissioner_n william_n 〈◊〉_d of_o caprintoun_n present_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n &_o his_o household_n as_o also_o a_o plot_n of_o the_o presbitery_n to_o be_v erect_v mention_v their_o meeting_n place_n &_o appoint_v the_o several_a parish_n which_o shall_v belong_v to_o such_o &_o such_o presbitery_n with_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o nobleman_n &_o gentleman_n of_o the_o country_n for_o their_o concurrence_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o presbitery_n &_o dissolution_n of_o prelacy_n &_o in_o his_o maj_n name_n he_o promise_v that_o his_o maj_n will_v set_v forward_o the_o policy_n until_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o parliament_n &_o thus_o presbytery_n begin_v to_o be_v erect_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a sunshine_n but_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o very_a sad_a shower_n for_o when_o amate_v stuart_n of_o aubignee_n afterward_o duke_n of_o lennox_n obtain_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o mortoun_n who_o be_v execute_v &_o the_o banishment_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o angus_n the_o superiority_n of_o glasgow_n &_o other_o thing_n to_o secure_v the_o same_o to_o he_o &_o his_o posterity_n he_o aggrege_v with_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n minister_n at_o sterlin_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o bishopric_n &_o to_o dispone_v to_o he_o all_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o bishopric_n for_o the_o yearly_a payment_n of_o one_o thousand_o pound_n scot_n &_o some_o horse-corne_n &_o poultry_n which_o when_o the_o church_n hear_v he_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n &_o command_v to_o leave_v the_o bishopric_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n &_o the_o presbytery_n of_o sterlin_n be_v appoint_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o carriage_n in_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n for_o they_o have_v find_v he_o guilty_a in_o 14_o or_o 15_o point_n but_o he_o go_v on_o &_o notwithstanding_o the_o presbytery_n have_v suspend_v he_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o procure_v a_o order_n unto_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o bishop_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o banishment_n &_o with_o a_o company_n of_o arm_a soldier_n enter_v the_o church_n &_o pull_v mr._n david_n weems_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n &_o be_v summon_v to_o compear_v before_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n the_o king_n cause_v summon_v all_o the_o synod_n to_o compear_v before_o he_o at_o sterlin_n the_o 12_o of_o aprile_a mr._n pont_n &_o some_o other_o compear_v in_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n &_o protest_a that_o albeit_o they_o have_v compear_v to_o testify_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o mat._n yet_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o or_o his_o council_n judge_n in_o that_o mater_fw-la which_o be_v a_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n &_o that_o nothing_o do_v at_o that_o time_n shall_v prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o council_n reject_v the_o protestation_n &_o discharge_v they_o to_o proceed_v any_o further_a and_o short_o thereafter_o when_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v examine_v his_o process_n the_o king_n send_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o discharge_v they_o to_o proceed_v any_o further_a &_o when_o they_o go_v on_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o a_o messenger_n of_o arm_n to_o desist_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n but_o they_o think_v it_o better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n ordain_v mr._n montgomerie_n to_o compeer_n before_o they_o the_o next_o day_n who_o compeer_v not_o only_o a_o proctor_n in_o his_o name_n appeal_v unto_o the_o king_n the_o assembly_n do_v reject_v the_o appellation_n &_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o he_o &_o find_v he_o guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a crime_n they_o ordain_v he_o to_o be_v depose_v &_o excommunicate_v but_o ere_o the_o sentence_n be_v pronounce_v they_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o acquaint_v his_o maj._n with_o their_o whole_a procedure_n and_o ere_o long_o mr._n montgomery_n submit_v pass_v from_o his_o appellation_n acknowledge_v his_o fault_n &_o
they_o concern_v the_o day_n which_o be_v the_o second_o &_o not_o the_o five_o that_o so_o such_o as_o will_v meet_v the_o second_o day_n be_v so_o few_o may_v easy_o be_v move_v to_o dissolve_v before_o the_o rest_n come_v who_o will_v intend_v only_o to_o keep_v the_o five_o day_n but_o the_o honest_a party_n perceive_v how_o their_o liberty_n be_v now_o in_o danger_n do_v resolve_v to_o meet_v at_o aberdeen_n &_o according_o there_o come_v from_o part_n neerby_o some_o against_o the_o second_o of_o july_n unto_o who_o lawreston_n his_o maj._n commissioner_n present_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o council_n &_o desire_v a_o answer_n they_o reply_v that_o they_o behoove_v first_o to_o constitute_v themselves_o &_o after_o he_o have_v withdraw_v they_o choose_v a_o moderator_n &_o clerk_n &_o then_o read_v the_o letter_n wherein_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n desire_v first_o that_o they_o will_v dissolve_v the_o meeting_n &_o next_o that_o they_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o day_n until_o his_o maj._n be_v advertise_v as_o to_o the_o first_o they_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o dissolve_v the_o meeting_n there_o be_v so_o few_o present_a to_o the_o next_o they_o answer_v that_o if_o lawreston_n as_o his_o maj._n commissioner_n will_v name_v a_o day_n they_o will_v aggree_v thereto_o if_o not_o they_o behoove_v to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n &_o so_o see_v lawreston_n refuse_v they_o appoint_v the_o next_o assembly_n to_o be_v at_o aberdeen_n the_o last_o tuysday_n of_o sept._n &_o advertise_v presbitery_n thereof_o when_o lawreston_n see_v this_o he_o protest_v against_o they_o as_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n &_o give_v his_o reason_n which_o be_v answer_v &_o they_o protest_v to_o the_o contrary_a &_o thereupon_o by_o a_o messenger_n of_o arm_n he_o charge_v they_o to_o depairt_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n &_o because_o as_o he_o allege_v he_o have_v discharge_v they_o the_o night_n before_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o mercat_n cross_n to_o conveen_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n he_o cause_v denounce_v they_o rebel_n whereupon_o in_o septr_n mr_n welsh_a &_o mr_n forbes_n be_v imprison_v by_o the_o council_n in_o blackness_n &_o in_o octr._n other_o be_v incarcerat_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v a_o declaration_n date_v at_o hampton_n court_n septr_n 26._o indict_v a_o assembly_n at_o dundy_n the_o last_o tuysday_n of_o july_n next_o now_o the_o imprison_a minister_n petition_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o general_n assembly_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o indict_v assembly_n at_o dundee_n but_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v sist_v before_o the_o council_n octr_n 24._o see_v that_o certain_o the_o assembly_n will_v be_v condemn_v they_o give_v in_o this_o declinature_n follow_v please_v your_o lo_o the_o approbation_n or_o disallowance_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v be_v &_o shall_v be_v a_o matter_n spiritual_a &_o always_o cognosce_v &_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n as_o judge_n competent_a within_o this_o realm_n &_o see_v we_o be_v call_v before_o your_o lo_o to_o hear_v &_o see_v it_o find_v &_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v contemptuous_o &_o seditious_o convene_v &_o assemble_v ourselves_o in_o a_o general_n assembly_n at_o aberdeen_n the_o first_o tuysday_n of_o july_n last_o &_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o be_v declare_v unlawful_a as_o a_o more_o length_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o summons_n execute_v against_o we_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o premise_n &_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v in_o by_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o decline_v your_o lo._n judgement_n as_o no_o way_n competent_a in_o the_o cause_n above_o specify_v &_o by_o these_o present_v we_o simpliciter_fw-la decline_v the_o same_o see_v we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o ge_n nerall_a assembly_n which_o be_v only_o the_o judge_n competent_a when_o the_o king_n hear_v of_o this_o declinature_n he_o lend_v down_o direction_n to_o the_o council_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n &_o send_v down_o the_o earl_n of_o dumbar_n for_o that_o effect_n whereupon_o six_o of_o they_o viz_o mrs_n john_n forbes_n john_n welch_n andrew_n duncan_n john_n sharp_a robert_n dury_n &_o alexander_n strachan_n be_v indict_v of_o high_a treason_n upon_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o &_o sist_v before_o a_o assize_n at_o lithgow_n and_o what_o by_o illegal_a procedure_n &_o threaten_n with_o fair_a promise_n use_v by_o the_o earl_n of_o dumber_n unto_o the_o assiser_n some_o of_o who_o be_v his_o own_o near_a kinssolk_n &_o particular_o by_o assurance_n that_o the_o king_n will_v not_o take_v their_o life_n they_o be_v declare_v guilty_a of_o treason_n by_o nine_o of_o the_o fifteen_o assiser_n &_o so_o send_v back_o to_o their_o prison_n then_o do_v the_o king_n send_v for_o mrs_n andro_n melvin_n james_n melvin_n james_n balfour_n william_n watson_n william_n scot_n john_n carmichel_n &_o adam_n colt_n &_o detain_v they_o long_o at_o london_n seek_v to_o entangle_v they_o with_o question_n &_o at_o length_n mr_n andro_n melvin_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o tower_n till_o the_o duke_n of_o boulogne_n three_o year_n thereafter_o procure_v liberty_n to_o he_o to_o go_v with_o he_o mr_n james_n melvin_n die_v at_o berwick_n &_o the_o rest_n be_v confine_v to_o several_a place_n of_o the_o country_n while_o these_o minister_n be_v at_o london_n the_o king_n signify_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o six_o condemn_a minister_n shall_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n &_o the_o other_o eight_o shall_v be_v consign_v as_o follow_v viz_o mr_n farm_n in_o bute_n mr_n monro_n in_o k●…ntire_a mr_n youngson_n in_o arran_n mr_n irvine_n in_o orkney_n mr_n william_n forbes_n in_o yetland_n mr_n grace_n in_o caitnesse_n mr_n english_a in_o southerland_n &_o mr_n rosse_n in_o lewes_n in_o this_o same_o year_n anno_fw-la 1606._o there_o be_v a_o parliament_n convene_v in_o july_n which_o acknowledge_v his_o maj._n sovereign_a authority_n princely_a power_n royal_a prerogative_n &_o privilege_n of_o the_o crown_n over_o all_o estate_n person_n &_o cause_n &_o promise_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o with_o their_o life_n land_n &_o good_n &_o restore_v the_o bishop_n to_o their_o ancient_n &_o accustom_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n previlege_n live_n land_n teind_n rend_v three_o &_o estate_n &_o rescind_v the_o act_n of_o annexation_n unto_o this_o parliament_n the_o commissioner_n from_o synod_n &_o presbitery_n give_v in_o a_o protestation_n desire_v they_o to_o keep_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n &_o reserve_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v neither_o to_o man_n nor_o angel_n viz_o to_o prescribe_v from_o his_o holy_a mountain_n a_o lively_a pattern_n according_a to_o which_o his_o own_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v frame_v &_o that_o they_o will_v not_o bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n which_o have_v be_v find_v the_o ground_n of_o much_o evil_n &_o of_o that_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o build_v jericho_n again_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o oath_n &_o subscription_n nor_o suffer_v that_o estate_n of_o bishop_n to_o arise_v which_o they_o offer_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a father_n &_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o modern_a most_o learned_a &_o godly_a divine_n the_o doctrine_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n the_o well_o &_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n maj._n the_o peace_n &_o quyetness_n of_o the_o realm_n &_o the_o well_o of_o all_o &_o every_o one_o of_o the_o subject_n and_o then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a &_o of_o their_o presbytery_n &_o in_o their_o own_o name_n &_o of_o all_o other_o pastor_n for_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n &_o conscience_n they_o do_v protest_v against_o bishopry_a &_o bishop_n &_o against_o the_o erection_n confirmation_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o require_v the_o famine_n to_o be_v registrate_v this_o protestation_n be_v subscribe_v by_o many_o minister_n &_o among_o other_o by_o mr_n adam_n banatine_n mr_n john_n abernethy_n &_o mr_n william_n couper_n who_o afterward_o become_v bishop_n themselves_o when_o prelate_n be_v thus_o advance_v to_o their_o civil_a dignity_n there_o be_v way_n assay_v for_o advance_v they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a power_n and_o this_o same_o year_n there_o be_v a_o assembly_n indict_v at_o lithgow_n the_o 10_o of_o december_n but_o only_o some_o presbytery_n in_o who_o the_o king_n confide_v most_o be_v advertise_v hereof_o &_o the_o business_n be_v carry_v so_o close_o that_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o here_o after_o some_o debate_n the_o overture_n propound_v by_o his_o
of_o any_o change_n in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n time_n for_o the_o author_n mention_v here_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v write_v near_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n 3._o though_o there_o have_v be_v some_o change_n &_o alteration_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o baptise_v &_o these_o be_v all_o the_o particular_n which_o the_o author_n mention_v &_o some_o order_n settle_v thereanent_a which_o have_v not_o be_v settle_v before_o what_o will_v this_o speak_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a order_n condescend_v on_o in_o preach_v and_o baptize_v which_o at_o first_o be_v not_o follow_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o church_n erect_v presbyterian_a government_n and_o in_o other_o episcopal_a by_o what_o medium_fw-la will_n this_o consequence_n be_v prove_v 4._o but_o how_o how_o shall_v it_o believe_v that_o thing_n be_v better_o settle_v afterward_o then_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n or_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o after_o age_n be_v as_o obligatory_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n then_o to_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o settle_a form_n in_o govern_v church_n but_o only_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n &_o occasion_n of_o the_o several_a church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v for_o neither_o this_o author_n nor_o any_o other_o which_o he_o have_v cite_v to_o this_o effect_n do_v prove_v it_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v all_o say_v it_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o see_v the_o law_n &_o the_o testimony_n show_v the_o contrary_a as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o plead_v for_o presbyterian_a government_n where_o they_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n &_o other_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o presbyter_n &_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o all_o gospel_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v uniform_a but_o he_o have_v another_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o certainty_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o divine_a right_n this_o notion_n he_o prosecute_v at_o great_a length_n chap._n 6._o &_o as_o a_o ground_n thereunto_o he_o prefix_v §_o 4._o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n do_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o thereupon_o proceed_v to_o clear_v both_o what_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v &_o how_o the_o form_n set_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v correspond_v thereunto_o all_o which_o concern_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n little_a or_o nothing_o &_o there_o fore_n may_v be_v pass_v see_v it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o consider_v whether_o or_o not_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v so_o govern_v &_o whether_o or_o not_o the_o apostle_n do_v follow_v that_o copy_n for_o that_o which_o be_v now_o seek_v for_o be_v such_o a_o government_n as_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o institute_v as_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v &_o such_o a_o government_n as_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n or_o of_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o now_o no_o jewish_a government_n as_o such_o can_v have_v this_o but_o only_o such_o a_o government_n as_o these_o by_o their_o practice_n do_v institute_v who_o be_v thereunto_o appoint_v of_o god_n &_o extraordinary_o call_v &_o qualify_v and_o moreover_o if_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v govern_v uniform_o &_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v set_v up_o a_o government_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n in_o a_o way_n correspondent_a there_o unto_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v a_o uniform_a way_n in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n &_o this_o cross_v what_o he_o say_v of_o late_a &_o confirm_v what_o be_v answer_v but_o leave_v this_o the_o proposition_n now_o under_o consideration_n be_v a_o question_n of_o fact_n the_o certanety_n of_o which_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o he_o allaidge_v viz_o what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o govern_v church_n or_o after_o what_o manner_n do_v they_o settle_v a_o government_n among_o they_o the_o uncertanety_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o think_v to_o evince_v by_o three_o argument_n the_o last_o of_o which_o viz_o the_o defectivenesse_n ambiguity_n partiality_n &_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n which_o shall_v inform●…_n 〈◊〉_d what_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v which_o he_o prosecuteh_o large_o &_o satisfactory_o from_o §_o 16._o to_o §_o 19_o may_v be_v pass_v as_o concern_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n nothing_o as_o to_o presbyteriaus_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prove_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_v they_o despair_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o prove_v the_o same_o from_o humane_a record_n &_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o he_o there_o give_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o reason_n or_o ground_n they_o must_v be_v examine_v the_o first_o than_o be_v this_o the_o equivalency_n of_o the_o name_n &_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o their_o signification_n by_o which_o this_o form_n shall_v be_v determine_v now_o there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a equivalency_n of_o name_n bishop_n &_o presbyter_n 1._o that_o both_o shall_v signify_v a_o presbyter_n as_o theodor_n in_o 1._o tim._n 3._o 1._o 2._o that_o both_o shall_v signify_v a_o bishop_n 3._o that_o both_o shall_v signify_v promiscuous_o some_o time_n a_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o a_o presbyter_n and._n 4._o that_o the_o name_n bishop_n always_o import_v a_o singular_a bishop_n but_o the_o name_n presbyter_n do_v promiscuous_o signify_v both_o equivocal_a word_n can_v never_o of_o themselves_o determine_v what_o sensethey_a be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o promiscuous_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o this_o sense_n but_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n before_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n as_o necessary_a can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o ans._n 1._o this_o be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o cast_v all_o scripture_n as_o unable_a to_o determine_v any_o controversy_n for_o if_o adversary_n may_v be_v believe_v all_o these_o passage_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o they_o do_v carry_v another_o sense_n &_o must_v be_v otherwise_o interpret_v &_o so_o all_o scripture_n must_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o equivocal_a sentence_n &_o must_v be_v lay_v aside_o 2._o presbyterian_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o business_n upon_o the_o name_n they_o have_v other_o thing_n whereby_o to_o prove_v their_o point_n then_o either_o the_o one_o name_n or_o the_o other_o and_o so_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o much_o 3._o the_o question_n betwixt_o presbyterian_o &_o their_o adversary_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n as_o a_o prelate_n have_v superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n &_o people_n &_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o not_o &_o not_o whether_o these_o two_o word_n signify_v one_o thing_n or_o another_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o the_o episcopal_a party_n except_o one_o who_o in_o his_o annot_n on_o act_n 11._o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n whereby_o these_o inferior_a presbyter_n may_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o the_o church_n so_o early_o that_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o all_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v bishop_n as_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n whether_o or_o not_o they_o be_v ordain_v &_o presbyterian_a divine_n do_v demonstrat_fw-la that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v no_o such_o officer_n can_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o that_o which_o some_o father_n say_v who_o write_v some_o century_n of_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n day_n &_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n after_o the_o form_n &_o manner_n in_o their_o time_n concern_v the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o two_o name_n it_o do_v no_o way_n wrong_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o officer_n in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la &_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v 4._o whatever_o these_o name_n may_v signify_v be_v not_o
covenant_n for_o though_o the_o sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n anno_fw-la 1581._o be_v not_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o anno_fw-la 1638._o either_o as_o concern_v prelacy_n or_o ceremony_n yet_o the_o covenant_n do_v strict_a against_o those_o as_o be_v afterward_o clear_v the_o covenant_n have_v still_o one_o sense_n &_o meaning_n though_o such_o as_o do_v live_v fifty_o &_o eight_o year_n after_o it_o be_v first_o draw_v up_o can_v not_o alike_o see_v it_o &_o discern_v it_o it_o be_v but_o little_a wonder_n that_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n after_o so_o many_o revolution_n the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n thereof_o can_v not_o be_v so_o obvious_a unto_o all_o as_o to_o overcome_v all_o doubt_n &_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v prudent_o resolve_v to_o suspend_v their_o approbation_n of_o those_o particular_n till_o they_o be_v try_v in_o free_a assembly_n and_o indeed_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o do_v search_v into_o the_o business_n &_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o reformer_n all_o scruple_n be_v loose_v &_o the_o people_n do_v cheerful_o assent_v unto_o the_o assembly_n determination_n for_o than_o they_o see_v that_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o ceremony_n of_o perth_n assembly_n &_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prelate_n be_v abjure_v and_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o this_o author_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o ever_o after_o that_o assembly_n wherein_o that_o business_n be_v clear_v any_o say_v that_o such_o as_o take_v that_o covenant_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o vote_n for_o prelacy_n or_o for_o the_o ceremony_n so_o then_o this_o author_n bewray_v much_o ignorance_n or_o maliciousness_n or_o both_o when_o he_o thus_o argue_v as_o he_o do_v let_v he_o read_v the_o answer_n of_o those_o minister_n in_o these_o place_n cite_v by_o himself_o &_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a if_o he_o will_v to_o see_v his_o mistake_n one_o of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o assembly_n 1638._o do_v determine_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v swear_v anno_fw-la 1580._o etc._n etc._n be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o covenant_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o act_n sess_v 16._o and_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v thus_o this_o import_v not_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n but_o only_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pop_n as_o it_o abjure_v the_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n so_o far_o at_o he_o make_v they_o sacrament_n so_o than_o the_o dependence_n of_o these_o office_n on_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n be_v abjure_v &_o also_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o these_o office_n and_o as_o they_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o be_v his_o as_o be_v his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n and_o not_o the_o office_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n among_o protestant_n bishop_n be_v now_o loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n upon_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o long_a discourse_n and_o it_o may_v be_v short_o answer_v thus_o that_o if_o the_o abjure_v the_o hierarchy_n import_v the_o abjure_v of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o &_o be_v corrupt_v by_o he_o than_o it_o will_v full_o import_v the_o abjure_v of_o prelate_n because_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o as_o well_o in_o esse_fw-la as_o in_fw-la operari_fw-la &_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v abjure_v with_o this_o wicked_a hierarchy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o pope_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v debate_v whether_o bishop_n be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la or_o not_o &_o the_o historian_n peter_n suave_fw-la add_v the_o reason_n viz._n lest_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v that_o they_o be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la they_o shall_v not_o so_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o they_o do_v &_o he_o will_v have_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o that_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o pope_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o depend_v upon_o himself_o alone_o even_o in_o their_o be_v &_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o stand_v upon_o &_o therefore_o when_o his_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v they_o in_o their_o essence_n &_o be_v be_v abjure_v it_o be_v true_a if_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n have_v ever_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o institute_v such_o a_o officer_n distinct_a from_o a_o preach_a presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o prelate_n as_o may_v be_v do_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n &c_n &c_n the_o deacon_n &_o as_o himself_o will_v ready_o grant_v then_o indeed_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o abjure_v of_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n will_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o abjure_v of_o those_o corruption_n which_o attend_v those_o officer_n as_o these_o which_o attend_v presbyter_n &_o deacons_n as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o the_o abjure_v of_o his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n import_v not_o the_o abjure_a of_o marriage_n in_o itself_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o undertake_v by_o this_o author_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v ever_o assert_v by_o the_o reformer_n o●…_n that_o church_n no_o not_o by_o mr_n craig_n the_o penner_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o prelate_n as_o superior_a unto_o &_o distinct_a from_o preach_v presbyter_n be_v officer_n of_o god_n appointment_n certane_o when_o they_o be_v abjure_v they_o be_v simple_o abjure_v so_o that_o till_o he_o demonstrative_o clear_a that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v institute_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o preach_v presbyter_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o &_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o abjure_v they_o and_o so_o when_o all_o those_o three_o be_v abjure_v they_o can_v be_v abjure_v after_o one_o &_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n &_o deacons_n be_v abjure_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o abuse_n that_o be_v the_o abuse_n &_o corruption_n which_o adher_v to_o these_o officer_n as_o they_o be_v make_v part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v but_o when_o prelate_n be_v abjure_v not_o only_o be_v their_o abuse_n or_o the_o corruption_n adhere_v to_o they_o abjure_v but_o the_o very_a use_n be_v abjure_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o officer_n not_o appoint_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o abuse_n and_o prelate_n as_o to_o their_o be_v depend_v only_o on_o the_o pope_n but_o say_v he_o bishop_n now_o be_v loose_v from_o that_o dependence_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n &_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o make_v all_o christian_a bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n &_o vassal_n portion_v out_o to_o they_o such_o measure_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o he_o think_v sit_v as_o their_o style_n in_o this_o country_n import_v of_o old_a ego_fw-la n._n dei_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la sedis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la episcopus_fw-la the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o wicked_a hierarchy_n ans._n this_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v by_o the_o national_a assembly_n 1638._o in_o the_o forecited_a act_n where_o they_o say_v and_n howbeit_o this_o hierarchy_n be_v call_v the_o antichrist_n hierarchy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o any_o other_o as_o lawful_a but_o the_o hierarchy_n wherever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v he_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o popish_a corruption_n be_v call_v his_o viz._n invocation_n of_o saint_n canonisation_n of_o saint_n dedication_n of_o altar_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v his_o not_o that_o there_o be_v another_o la●…full_a 〈◊〉_d and_o canonisation_n of_o saint_n or_o dedication_n of_o altar_n so_o that_o the_o bishop_n their_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o out_o from_o among_o the_o officer_n &_o part_n of_o that_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o so_o far_o as_o protestant_n church_n admit_v of_o prelate_n in_o so_o far_o they_o be_v unreformed_a from_o popery_n this_o be_v one_o 〈◊〉_d betwixt_o papist_n &_o protestant_n it_o be_v the_o prelate_n their_n depend_v on_o the_o pope_n that_o make_v the_o scottish_a reformer_n condemn_v they_o as_o his_o