Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n great_a king_n people_n 5,724 5 4.8029 4 true
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
A51154 An apology for the clergy of Scotland chiefly oppos'd to the censures, calumnies, and accusations of a late Presbyterian vindicator, in a letter to a friend : wherein his vanity, partiality and sophistry are modestly reproved, and the legal establishment of episcopacy in that kingdom, from the beginning of the Reformation, is made evident from history and the records of Parliament : together with a postscript, relating to a scandalous pamphlet intituled, An answer to The Scotch Presbyterian eloquence. Monro, Alexander, d. 1715? 1693 (1693) Wing M2437; ESTC R20155 87,009 107

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

god_n unto_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v any_o book_n by_o i_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v especial_o from_o their_o own_o calderwood_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n upon_o the_o late_a revolution_n but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v upon_o their_o principle_n and_o former_a practice_n it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o observe_v what_o different_a battery_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n raise_v against_o episcopacy_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n plead_v for_o their_o national_a classical_a spiritual_a power_n independent_a upon_o king_n the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n plead_v that_o such_o a_o spiritual_a union_n among_o clergyman_n be_v too_o powerful_a a_o faction_n and_o may_v easy_o endanger_v the_o safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n burscough_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o such_o a_o union_n in_o scotland_n and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n have_v no_o legal_a cement_n to_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o possession_n of_o at_o present_a be_v wicked_a and_o dangerous_a but_o if_o they_o can_v grasp_v it_o it_o may_v become_v a_o very_a useful_a engine_n to_o propagate_v the_o covenant_n all_o europe_n over_o for_o they_o find_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o averse_a to_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o support_v it_o by_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o law_n and_o edict_n and_o by_o the_o inquisition_n itself_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o far_o open_v as_o to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n wrought_v but_o by_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o presbyterian_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o general_a topick_n because_o most_o of_o his_o book_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o subterfuge_n alone_o that_o cameronian_n be_v no_o presbyterian_o though_o they_o can_v be_v reduce_v to_o no_o other_o schismatic_n and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v disow_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o though_o he_o himself_o know_v the_o contrary_a and_o the_o whole_a party_n magnify_v these_o hero_n and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n but_o i_o leave_v this_o general_a head_n when_o i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o one_o remarkable_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n and_o tergiversation_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o palliate_v the_o crime_n of_o his_o party_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o material_a since_o if_o he_o fail_v in_o this_o he_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o apology_n by_o which_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o lead_a man_n of_o his_o party_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o any_o tumult_n no_o not_o in_o that_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o december_n 1688._o his_o word_n be_v edition_n for_o the_o tumult_n at_o edinburgh_n we_o know_v of_o none_o but_o what_o be_v make_v by_o the_o student_n at_o the_o college_n there_o in_o burn_v the_o pope_n in_o effigy_n and_o a_o little_a altar_n that_o any_o presbyterian_o who_o then_o or_o since_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o state_n or_o church_n do_v assist_v in_o contrivance_n or_o management_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v utter_o deny_v i_o have_v faithful_o transcribe_v his_o own_o word_n because_o this_o be_v a_o considerable_a passage_n which_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o evidence_n and_o contradict_v the_o conviction_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o edinburgh_n then_o if_o the_o barbarous_a tumult_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v manage_v and_o contrive_v by_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o his_o party_n who_o then_o and_o since_o have_v have_v authority_n in_o the_o state_n in_o that_o case_n all_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o from_o this_o one_o single_a instance_n his_o book_n be_v ruin_v and_o his_o authority_n baffle_v omnes_fw-la and_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n will_v order_v he_o to_o be_v more_o cautious_a and_o quiet_o tell_v he_o it_o have_v be_v better_a he_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o this_o unfortunate_a sally_n against_o his_o adversary_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_o make_v out_o than_o that_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v the_o sole_a actor_n and_o contriver_n of_o this_o hideous_a tumult_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o let_v i_o observe_v first_o that_o he_o shussle_v and_o confound_v two_o very_a different_a story_n into_o one_o viz._n the_o tumultuous_a desace_v of_o the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o pope_n in_o effigy_n for_o the_o last_o be_v near_o a_o fortnight_n after_o the_o other_o without_o any_o tumult_n or_o disorder_n the_o student_n have_v make_v a_o mock_n effigy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o carry_v it_o from_o the_o place_n that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o the_o college_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n at_o edinburgh_n all_o of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n walk_v orderly_o in_o their_o rank_n and_o the_o college_n mace_n carry_v before_o they_o by_o one_o of_o the_o public_a servant_n this_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v without_o the_o master_n permission_n so_o there_o be_v no_o tumult_n nor_o no_o disorder_n intend_v a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o most_o of_o the_o citizen_n of_o best_a quality_n be_v look_v on_o and_o when_o this_o foolish_a ceremony_n be_v over_o they_o retire_v to_o their_o lodging_n without_o any_o tumult_n or_o extravagance_n but_o the_o deface_a the_o chapel_n at_o holyrude_a house_n be_v a_o tumult_n indeed_o and_o a_o very_a tragical_a one_o too_o in_o all_o its_o beginning_n and_o consequence_n this_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o 10._o day_n of_o december_n 1688._o the_o presbyterian_a faction_n in_o edinburgh_n have_v sometime_o before_o determine_v to_o rifle_n the_o king_n house_n particular_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n lodging_n to_o deface_v the_o chapel_n and_o to_o force_v the_o guard_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o the_o most_o numerous_a show_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o give_v out_o that_o the_o papist_n intend_v a_o massacre_n of_o the_o protestant_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o papist_n in_o edinburgh_n to_o two_o thousand_o protestant_n and_o in_o the_o confusion_n that_o man_n be_v then_o in_o a_o great_a many_o unwary_a people_n be_v fright_v and_o the_o presbyterian_o concert_v their_o measure_n and_o slay_v to_o their_o arm_n and_o the_o city_n for_o that_o night_n become_v a_o dismal_a habitation_n carry_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o hell_n and_o confusion_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o screeche_n lamentable_a howl_n and_o shooting_n and_o this_o be_v not_o manage_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v very_o a_o verse_n to_o such_o treacherous_a and_o unmanly_a adventure_n but_o by_o some_o of_o the_o lead_a presbyterian_o who_o then_o and_o now_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o state_n and_o may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o large_a buff-belt_n and_o a_o halberd_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n run_v up_o and_o down_o in_o great_a fury_n to_o excite_v the_o people_n to_o this_o reformation_n in_o this_o scuffle_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o chapel_n there_o be_v some_o kill_v and_o several_a wound_v by_o the_o guard_n that_o keep_v the_o king_n house_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o governor_n of_o this_o tumult_n find_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o pillage_n the_o king_n house_n go_v up_o and_o down_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o own_o child_n be_v kill_v when_o those_o very_a child_n be_v as_o home_o and_o safe_a in_o their_o lodging_n and_o though_o many_o be_v wound_v and_o several_n kill_v yet_o not_o a_o student_n belong_v to_o the_o college_n be_v hurt_v for_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o of_o they_o who_o youth_n and_o levity_n have_v engage_v they_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o this_o tumult_n i_o believe_v the_o ringleader_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o at_o edinburgh_n will_v give_v the_o vindicator_n but_o little_a thanks_o for_o mention_v this_o tumult_n that_o be_v open_o avow_v by_o themselves_o and_o he_o may_v ask_v not_o only_o the_o forementioned_a gentleman_n but_o also_o the_o master_n of_o f_o and_o several_a other_o who_o name_n be_v conceal_v and_o may_v continue_v so_o unless_o the_o vindicator_n or_o some_o of_o his_o associate_n by_o their_o indiscretion_n oblige_v i_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a whether_o they_o be_v there_o and_o what_o a_o glorious_a figure_n they_o make_v if_o it_o be_v unpleasant_a to_o name_v particular_a gentleman_n they_o may_v thank_v their_o vindicator_n who_o obtrude_v such_o fulsome_a lie_n upon_o
into_o a_o high_a ferment_n they_o be_v successor_n of_o judas_n iscariot_n and_o rabshake_v no_o doubt_v the_o sister_n will_v think_v that_o the_o vindicator_n be_v a_o precious_a convince_a man_n he_o trample_v upon_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o if_o they_o be_v below_o his_o notice_n there_o be_v no_o grapple_v with_o a_o giant_n of_o so_o much_o strength_n and_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v teach_v better_a manner_n than_o to_o venture_v upon_o this_o man_n of_o oak_n and_o forehead_n poor_a creature_n have_v not_o we_o be_v teach_v better_a than_o to_o make_v public_a the_o secret_n of_o the_o faction_n if_o this_o man_n write_v once_o again_o he_o will_v ruin_v we_o for_o ever_o be_v not_o the_o world_n well_o mend_v by_o this_o reformation_n but_o i_o have_v rather_o prove_v the_o vindicator_n a_o liar_n than_o call_v he_o so_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v ask_v he_o who_o give_v he_o information_n that_o my_o lord_n dundee_n have_v gather_v together_o at_o edinburgh_n two_o thousand_o man_n of_o the_o king_n disband_v force_n that_o with_o they_o he_o 40._o may_v surprise_v the_o convention_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n know_v that_o when_o he_o retire_v from_o edinburgh_n he_o have_v not_o above_o thirty_o or_o forty_o to_o attend_v his_o person_n who_o see_v the_o two_o thousand_o and_o how_o come_v the_o vindicator_n to_o six_o upon_o that_o precise_a number_n twice_o where_o be_v they_o muster_v and_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o my_o lord_n dundee_n at_o the_o head_n of_o two_o thousand_o well_o train_v old_a soldier_n can_v be_v force_v to_o retire_v from_o edinburgh_n by_o all_o the_o vagabond_n russian_n that_o come_v from_o the_o west_n let_v the_o vindicator_n recollect_v himself_o a_o little_a and_o inquire_v where_o he_o have_v this_o information_n what_o my_o lord_n dundee_n intend_v be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n but_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o four_o part_n of_o that_o number_n the_o vindicator_n allege_v he_o can_v have_v quick_o make_v the_o convention_n at_o that_o time_n retire_v and_o this_o i_o confident_o think_v though_o the_o vindicator_n confute_v this_o probability_n by_o tell_v mr._n morer_fw-la 13._o that_o the_o presbyterian_a confidence_n be_v build_v on_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o as_o dundee_n be_v and_o here_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o gentleman_n charitable_a temper_n and_o condescension_n mr._n morer_fw-la one_o of_o the_o prebendary_n of_o sarum_n write_v that_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o my_o lord_n dundee_n have_v live_v he_o will_v have_v change_v at_o that_o time_n the_o face_n of_o affair_n in_o scotland_n from_o this_o the_o vindicator_n conclude_v that_o the_o episcopal_a party_n in_o scotland_n place_v their_o confidence_n in_o none_o high_a than_o my_o lord_n dundee_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o shun_v those_o venomous_a dart_n of_o spite_n and_o ill_a nature_n so_o when_o ever_o you_o speak_v to_o a_o presbyterian_a i_o advise_v you_o to_o take_v good_a heed_n what_o you_o say_v and_o how_o if_o you_o do_v not_o say_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o conclude_v that_o what_o be_v leave_v unsay_v be_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v by_o you_o so_o when_o mr._n morer_fw-la write_v again_o he_o must_v tell_v his_o patron_n that_o though_o such_o a_o change_n be_v probable_a according_a to_o the_o situation_n of_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o the_o episcopal_a party_n place_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o if_o his_o word_n be_v not_o thus_o guard_v the_o presbyterian_o will_v immediate_o conclude_v that_o the_o episcopal_a party_n be_v but_o a_o pack_n of_o atheist_n that_o place_v no_o confidence_n in_o god_n but_o lean_a on_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n i_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o that_o that_o i_o late_o mention_v viz._n the_o vindicator_n story_n of_o two_o thousand_o disband_v soldier_n which_o carry_v with_o it_o all_o the_o mark_n by_o which_o a_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a lie_n may_v be_v know_v from_o modest_a and_o ingenuous_a truth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o instance_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v because_o the_o vindicator_n be_v at_o edinburgh_n or_o not_o far_o from_o it_o about_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o from_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o either_o he_o lie_v deliberate_o and_o wilful_o or_o his_o informer_n be_v liar_n and_o idle_a talker_n or_o at_o best_o he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o supine_n negligence_n in_o gather_v true_a information_n for_o to_o do_v he_o justice_n i_o promise_v to_o retract_v this_o public_o if_o he_o get_v five_o or_o six_o man_n of_o any_o note_n even_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o edinburgh_n who_o will_v declare_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o know_v that_o my_o lord_n dundee_n have_v gather_v together_o two_o thousand_o disband_v soldier_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o he_o retire_v from_o the_o convention_n and_o the_o vindicator_n himself_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a piece_n of_o condescension_n that_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o presbyterian_o themselves_z since_o he_o reject_v all_o episcopal_a witness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o instance_n as_o to_o his_o candour_n and_o integrity_n be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o preface_n he_o edit_fw-la write_v that_o there_o be_v advice_n write_v by_o dr._n canary_n to_o mr._n lisk_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o episcopal_a party_n that_o they_o shall_v yield_v feign_v obedience_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o at_o present_a and_o these_o word_n he_o cause_v to_o be_v print_v in_o a_o different_a character_n that_o every_o one_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o dr._n canary_n letter_n whereas_o the_o doctor_n never_o write_v such_o a_o thing_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v yield_v any_o such_o consequence_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o pleasant_a to_o read_v his_o letter_n that_o justify_v this_o disingenuous_a usage_n because_o forsooth_o feign_v obedience_n be_v a_o scriptural_a phrase_n and_o though_o the_o doctor_n write_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o he_o think_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o print_v this_o relation_n of_o he_o so_o as_o all_o the_o world_n may_v conclude_v these_o word_n be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o dr._n canarie_n letter_n and_o this_o lie_n be_v more_o unpardonable_a than_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v deliberate_a and_o unrepented_a off_o i_o shall_v mention_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o his_o candour_n and_o integrity_n and_o it_o relate_v to_o mr._n macmath_n who_o he_o injure_v most_o atrocious_o and_o because_o he_o raise_v all_o his_o battery_n against_o mr._n macmath_n the_o minister_n of_o leswade_n we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o the_o vindicator_n ingenuity_n nor_o no_o other_o character_n of_o his_o genius_n than_o to_o read_v that_o part_n of_o his_o libel_n that_o relate_v to_o mr._n macmath_n first_o he_o charge_v he_o with_o drunkenness_n but_o the_o vindicator_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n only_o the_o barbarous_a villain_n who_o wound_v he_o upon_o the_o road_n as_o he_o be_v travel_v from_o edinburgh_n to_o his_o own_o house_n they_o will_v take_v care_n to_o transmit_v to_o the_o vindicator_n such_o story_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o he_o to_o propagate_v but_o mr._n macmath_n be_v that_o very_a night_n before_o he_o come_v from_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o company_n of_o two_o gentleman_n of_o honour_n and_o integrity_n straitone_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o whether_o they_o can_v perceive_v in_o he_o either_o the_o first_o beginning_n or_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o any_o excess_n or_o disorder_n and_o their_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o all_o the_o story_n that_o the_o vindicacor_n can_v patch_v together_o from_o such_o villain_n as_o make_v a_o attempt_n upon_o his_o life_n next_o he_o charge_v he_o with_o amorous_a wanton_a and_o lascivious_a behaviour_n and_o i_o be_o glad_a the_o vindicator_n mention_n it_o because_o in_o this_o very_a story_n we_o have_v a_o notorious_a instance_n of_o their_o villainy_n and_o hypocrisy_n there_o be_v a_o poor_a woman_n hire_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o say_v that_o mr._n macmath_n once_o make_v love_n to_o she_o and_o she_o be_v prevail_v with_o by_o her_o brother_n a_o presbyterian_a to_o say_v so_o and_o when_o she_o be_v encourage_v by_o they_o again_o to_o adhere_v to_o what_o she_o say_v she_o decline_v it_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o she_o have_v say_v enough_o for_o any_o thing_n she_o have_v get_v her_o brother_n who_o have_v teach_v she_o thus_o to_o accuse_v a_o innocent_a man_n be_v smite_v with_o such_o a_o remorse_n when_o he_o come_v to_o consider_v more_o narrow_o what_o he_o have_v do_v
have_v be_v worship_v such_o constitution_n and_o solemnity_n have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o he_o suppose_v it_o and_o reason_n from_o it_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strong_o incline_v towards_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o true_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n therefore_o such_o constitution_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v in_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o anniversary_n day_n and_o festival_n have_v be_v profane_v among_o the_o pagan_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n why_o digression_n may_v they_o not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o true_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n public_a solemnity_n have_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v reprovable_a no_o more_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o season_n if_o any_o part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v abuse_v to_o excess_n or_o riot_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o idol_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o when_o we_o return_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o we_o change_v our_o excess_n into_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a scene_n be_v become_v pure_a what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o can_v be_v blame_v do_v not_o we_o see_v all_o nation_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o public_a solemnity_n and_o anniversary_n festival_n and_o fast_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o beauty_n of_o religion_n even_o those_o nation_n that_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o our_o custom_n our_o language_n our_o law_n and_o way_n of_o live_v upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o worship_v their_o idol_n have_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o happy_a victory_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n when_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o idolatry_n time_n and_o place_n have_v change_v their_o object_n their_o exercise_n and_o their_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a anniverssary_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v appoint_v immediate_o by_o divine_a authority_n but_o have_v not_o they_o other_o anniverssary_n not_o immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o do_v you_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o prophet_n do_v reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o such_o anniverssary_n they_o do_v indeed_o reprove_v their_o negligence_n and_o indevotion_n in_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v acknowledge_v reasonable_a and_o prudent_a and_o a_o very_a powerful_a instrument_n of_o true_a religion_n when_o manage_v with_o contrition_n true_a simplicity_n and_o piety_n zach._n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o fast_n mention_v here_o be_v of_o humane_a appointment_n and_o yet_o anniversary_n our_o saviour_n be_v present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v superstitious_a he_o have_v certain_o reprove_v it_o and_o give_v direction_n against_o such_o usage_n in_o the_o general_a to_o shake_v off_o all_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o multiply_a of_o they_o the_o one_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o other_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o preserve_v knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n more_o than_o the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a or_o extemporary_a fit_n of_o devotion_n but_o the_o church_n by_o her_o excellent_a discipline_n order_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o forget_v the_o faith_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v once_o baptise_a but_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n the_o people_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o leader_n to_o despise_v all_o form_n such_o great_a soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v fetter_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o child_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n that_o can_v repeat_v the_o commandment_n or_o the_o creed_n i_o mean_v the_o child_n of_o presbyterian_a parent_n and_o by_o such_o enthusiastic_a pretence_n atheism_n be_v insensible_o promote_v and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n alienate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o scarce_o will_v they_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o true_a religion_n that_o mention_n those_o first_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o tell_v how_o much_o their_o opposition_n to_o form_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n have_v infatuate_v their_o people_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o clown_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n laugh_v so_o hearty_o as_o when_o the_o curate_n recommend_v to_o their_o child_n the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n understanding_n unless_o he_o entertain_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a decree_n of_o justification_n before_o conversion_n and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o natural_a conscience_n may_v be_v distnguish_v from_o the_o conviction_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o antiquate_a superstition_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o state_v festival_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n do_v preserve_v and_o increase_v true_a devotion_n and_o mortification_n fast_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o religion_n by_o all_o nation_n who_o profess_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v but_o suppose_v by_o our_o saviour_n why_o may_v not_o then_o the_o church_n regulate_v and_o direct_v the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v as_o well_o as_o of_o prayer_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o proper_a to_o fix_v our_o attention_n as_o fast_v it_o deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o body_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o true_a and_o native_a sovereignty_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n the_o state_v period_n of_o fast_v oblige_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o impenitent_a to_o think_v of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o visible_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v repentance_n more_o effectual_o and_o make_v more_o last_a impression_n than_o the_o loose_a and_o indefinite_a homily_n of_o self-conceited_a man_n the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v abuse_v as_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n be_v when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a weakness_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o preserve_v religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n without_o those_o vehicles_n of_o form_n lent-fast_a and_o order_n nothing_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o grecian_a church_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o error_n and_o superstition_n so_o much_o as_o the_o open_a neglect_n of_o fast_v old_a among_o the_o protestant_n and_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v defend_v but_o rather_o lament_v and_o amend_v what_o a_o cruelty_n be_v it_o in_o all_o the_o sectary_n to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o public_a help_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v who_o can_v justify_v this_o that_o consider_v the_o many_o encumbrance_n tentation_n weakness_n that_o we_o daily_o encounter_v they_o that_o set_v up_o method_n of_o their_o own_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v amuse_v the_o people_n for_o a_o while_n but_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o be_v solid_a or_o useful_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o grecian_a church_n have_v long_o ere_o now_o make_v a_o utter_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o ancient_a and_o fix_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o retain_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o triumph_v over_o sensuality_n and_o concupiscence_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o most_o useful_a thing_n in_o art_n or_o nature_n may_v be_v sad_o abuse_v by_o folly_n or_o ignorance_n we_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a church_n further_o than_o they_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o this_o truth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o pray_v public_o upon_o the_o great_a fast_n and_o
worship_n of_o god_n appoint_v it_o be_v true_a the_o vindicator_n have_v not_o in_o this_o place_n any_o discourse_n to_o prove_v this_o unlawful_a but_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o theological_a hint_n that_o be_v intersperse_v in_o his_o defamatory_n libel_n but_o may_v not_o ceremony_n of_o human_a appointment_n if_o they_o decent_o and_o grave_o express_v our_o affection_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o solomon_n advise_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o patriarchal_a dispensation_n viz._n that_o of_o put_v off_o our_o shoe_n when_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a place_n as_o moses_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o because_o the_o place_n he_o stand_v upon_o be_v holy_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v a_o advertisement_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v ordinary_o do_v by_o all_o the_o eastern_a nation_n when_o he_o approach_v the_o place_n of_o god_n peculiar_a residence_n and_o pray_v be_v it_o not_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n expressive_a of_o their_o reverence_n and_o adoration_n in_o like_a manner_n sackcloth_n and_o ash_n do_v among_o all_o nation_n signify_v grief_n and_o sorrow_n therefore_o in_o their_o humiliation_n they_o be_v use_v to_o express_v their_o remorse_n and_o contrition_n the_o presbyterian_o fix_v upon_o a_o word_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n they_o repeat_v it_o with_o indignation_n and_o then_o their_o zealous_a disciple_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v present_o let_v fly_v their_o thought_n to_o some_o monstrous_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o such_o ugly_a thing_n stick_v to_o their_o imagination_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o master_n john_n frown_v when_o he_o hear_v that_o word_n pronounce_v what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o the_o word_n significant_a ceremony_n shall_v disturb_v their_o imagination_n why_o may_v not_o we_o express_v our_o thought_n passion_n and_o affection_n by_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n since_o both_o be_v innocent_a and_o both_o serve_v the_o same_o design_n but_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o use_v significant_a ceremony_n when_o they_o impose_v the_o covenant_n he_o that_o swear_v be_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n bare_a you_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o not_o the_o left_a and_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o not_o otherwise_o extend_v it_o be_v bare_a and_o not_o cover_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o human_a institution_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nature_n teach_v mankind_n to_o approach_n god_n with_o all_o the_o decent_a mark_n of_o distance_n and_o adoration_n and_o they_o that_o declaim_v most_o against_o ceremony_n do_v practice_n they_o frequent_o only_o they_o do_v this_o more_o awkward_o and_o with_o a_o figure_n become_v their_o singularity_n but_o this_o will_v never_o convince_v the_o intelligent_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v either_o wise_a or_o better_a than_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n true_a religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o innocent_a decency_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o affect_v nothing_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a or_o singular_a our_o saviour_n leave_v we_o this_o example_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o affect_v no_o custom_n different_a from_o the_o jew_n if_o the_o ceremony_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o nation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v if_o they_o decent_o express_v our_o reverence_n or_o our_o humiliation_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o word_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o public_a order_n and_o uniformity_n nor_o can_v they_o change_v their_o nature_n by_o be_v command_v for_o such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v be_v use_v and_o which_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v use_v may_v very_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n sit_v for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v never_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o posture_n of_o reverence_n yet_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n fit_v all_o of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n what_o they_o signify_v by_o it_o i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o that_o which_o become_v prayer_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appendage_n or_o expression_n but_o not_o constituent_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v foolish_o and_o peevish_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o i_o may_v put_v the_o vindicator_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o scotland_n read_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o what_o he_o suggest_v according_a to_o his_o wont_a candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o rather_o a_o open_a avow_v of_o their_o principle_n when_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o unite_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o another_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o pag._n 196_o 197._o the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n that_o be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o vindicator_n book_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o bishop_n that_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o government_n submit_v to_o reordination_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n not_o only_o of_o this_o but_o other_o reform_a church_n i_o know_v none_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o bishop_n will_v do_v it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o the_o foreign_a church_n or_o the_o french_a divine_n all_o of_o they_o the_o great_a man_n among_o other_o they_o be_v reordain_v when_o they_o come_v to_o england_n and_o they_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v never_o condemn_v by_o any_o public_a act_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n nor_o by_o none_o of_o their_o eminent_a divine_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v their_o ordination_n in_o france_n but_o rather_o wave_n the_o debate_n but_o she_o be_v determine_v to_o preserve_v a_o unquestionable_a succession_n of_o priest_n within_o her_o own_o bound_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n narrate_v in_o mr._n meldrum_n letter_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o i_o know_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o subscribe_v a_o paper_n and_o that_o the_o paper_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o archbishop_n letter_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o that_o now_o he_o repent_v for_o subscribe_v this_o paper_n and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o great_a friendship_n afterward_o with_o bishop_n scougal_n and_o do_v what_o other_o in_o that_o interval_n do_v yet_o he_o think_v that_o by_o all_o this_o he_o pay_v no_o formal_a canonical_a obedience_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a thing_n to_o live_v in_o or_o near_o a_o university_n as_o mr._n meldrum_n do_v distinction_n be_v very_o useful_a thing_n one_o have_v better_a carry_v a_o good_a bundle_n of_o they_o about_o he_o than_o all_o your_o famous_a elixir_n and_o essence_n one_o may_v pay_v material_a canonical_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o pay_v it_o formal_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o pay_v it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v swear_v canonical_a obedience_n formal_o and_o i_o have_v pay_v it_o material_o and_o shall_v never_o decline_v my_o bishop_n spiritual_a authority_n when_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o i_o think_v all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o national_a church_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o obey_v their_o spiritual_a governor_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o past_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o opposite_a faction_n since_o the_o revolution_n and_o now_o i_o think_v it_o high_a time_n to_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a that_o i_o promise_v viz._n to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o several_a period_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confident_a to_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n because_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o peruse_v a_o manuscript_n write_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o true_a learning_n relate_v to_o this_o very_a affair_n and_o it_o be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o found_v on_o our_o best_a historian_n but_o on_o the_o authentic_a record_n of_o parliament_n and_o