episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o his_o majesty_n realm_n of_o scotland_n contain_v many_o remarkable_a passage_n new_o publish_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n print_v 1641._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n in_o this_o book_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1._o they_o agree_v in_o like_o subtle_a policy_n in_o their_o proceed_n specify_v in_o 6._o point_n 2._o they_o disagree_v in_o that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o external_a order_n be_v more_o formal_a than_o this_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o discuss_v the_o article_n chap._n ii_o contain_v two_o reason_n why_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v only_o against_o the_o act_n condemn_v episcopacy_n 1._o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n be_v establish_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n 2._o because_o their_o principal_a purpose_n in_o desire_v this_o assembly_n be_v to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v set_v down_o verbatim_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o their_o print_a copy_n subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n chap._n iii_o discuss_v their_o four_o consideration_n in_o their_o preface_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remark_v 2._o that_o many_o evil_a innovation_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n wherein_o also_o three_o notable_a falsehood_n be_v remâ—rked_v 3._o that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o be_v move_v of_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v remark_v 7._o notable_a falsehood_n 4._o that_o many_o have_v subscribe_v the_o covenant_n without_o their_o application_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v 1580._o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o be_v show_v divers_a falsehood_n and_o impertinency_n chap._n four_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v propon_v to_o be_v voice_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o right_n state_v the_o question_n 2._o that_o their_o proposition_n be_v captious_a and_o confuse_a include_v three_o several_a question_n of_o divers_a nature_n whereunto_o no_o one_o categorical_a answer_n can_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o many_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o term_n 4._o it_o be_v sophistical_o and_o subtle_o draw_v à _fw-la thesâ—ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la 5._o that_o be_v propose_v in_o that_o manner_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n but_o rather_o increase_v they_o 6._o the_o question_n simple_o propose_v have_v be_v fit_a to_o resolve_v doubt_n 7._o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v unlawful_a in_o episcopacy_n 1._o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o moâ—_n particular_a â—â—ocks_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n chap._n v._o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conform_v thereto_o and_o to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o a_o positive_a and_o negative_a and_o that_o the_o positive_a be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n 3._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o confession_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n do_v express_o approve_v the_o same_o 4._o a_o parallel_n betwixt_o superintendent_n and_o bishop_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o superintendent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o which_o bishop_n require_v now_o 5._o that_o bishop_n retain_v the_o office_n title_n and_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n for_o 20._o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o by_o approbation_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a estate_n chap._n vi_o that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o covenant_n 1._o that_o this_o negative_a confession_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o a_o appendix_n thereof_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o confession_n whereunto_o all_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v 3._o two_o reason_n show_v that_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o negative_a confession_n episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v 1._o because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_a to_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v a_o appendix_n 2._o because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o not_o to_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o king_n to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o oath_n be_v require_v chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o passage_n allege_v in_o the_o act_n out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n 1._o answer_v in_o general_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o 2._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o his_o associate_n 3._o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o passage_n show_v it_o to_o be_v cite_v false_o and_o impertinent_o chap._n viii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o be_v show_v clear_o 1._o a_o notable_a falsehood_n in_o the_o citation_n both_o by_o changâ—ng_v word_n and_o add_v other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_n 2._o divers_a reason_n why_o this_o passage_n do_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n chap._n ix._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v impertinent_a 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hierarchy_n neither_o antichristian_a nor_o wicked_a prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n 4._o their_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n be_v by_o a_o false_a syllogism_n ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la particularibus_fw-la et_fw-la affirmantibus_fw-la in_fw-la secundâ_fw-la figurâ_fw-la 5._o this_o reason_n passable_a among_o themselves_o because_o no_o man_n dare_v examine_v it_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o their_o second_o reason_n childish_a and_o sophistical_a 7._o their_o three_o reason_n impertinent_o apply_v 8._o their_o four_o reason_n have_v no_o consequence_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n 9_o their_o last_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n false_o relate_v chap._n x._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o passage_n contain_v three_o particular_n 1._o an_fw-mi explain_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v not_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 3._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v express_o limitate_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o four_o limitation_n by_o every_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o abjure_v 4._o the_o first_o limitation_n that_o we_o swear_v only_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n but_o all_o be_v conform_v thereto_o 5._o the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o many_o notable_a realm_n and_o church_n no_o realm_n nor_o church_n do_v condemn_v this_o except_o geneâ—a_n and_o that_o not_o absolute_o but_o many_o church_n do_v approve_v it_o express_o 6._o the_o three_o limitation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o doctrine_n be_v express_v therein_o contrary_a to_o this_o point_n 7._o the_o four_o limitation_n be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o profess_a by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o king_n and_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v express_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v this_o point_n here_o damn_v 8._o the_o discipline_n be_v limitate_v by_o the_o same_o limitation_n 9_o the_o discipline_n be_v either_o take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n signify_v the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n 10._o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o yet_o retain_v precise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o episcopal_a government_n and_o
people_n most_o impudent_o to_o promote_v their_o own_o end_n albeit_o this_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v that_o abjuration_n and_o covenâ—â—t_v or_o any_o part_n thereof_o of_o any_o such_o meaning_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o evident_a we_o shall_v examine_v particular_o every_o one_o of_o these_o four_o sentence_n cite_v by_o they_o show_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o allege_v by_o they_o to_o prove_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o to_o the_o first_o sentence_n here_o produce_v by_o it_o we_o may_v judge_v tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la what_o we_o mâ—y_o expect_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o reverend_a father_n 〈◊〉_d they_o begin_v with_o a_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o we_o 〈…〉_z divers_a more_o in_o that_o kind_n the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o citation_n be_v we_o profess_v that_o we_o detest_v all_o tradition_n bring_v into_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o god_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n whereas_o in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o there_o the_o word_n be_v and_o final_o we_o detest_v all_o his_o to_o wit_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n tradition_n without_o or_o against_o god_n word_n first_o we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o all_o tradition_n absolute_o and_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n tradition_n for_o albeit_o we_o detest_v as_o sincere_o as_o they_o do_v all_o antichristian_a tradition_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o so_o detest_v all_o tradition_n absolute_o which_o have_v not_o express_v or_o particular_a warrant_n from_o god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a thereto_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n be_v those_o which_o be_v invent_v by_o he_o for_o uphold_v his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n make_v equal_a to_o god_n word_n and_o intrude_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n those_o we_o detest_v and_o abhor_v from_o our_o very_a heart_n but_o to_o abjure_v absolute_o all_o tradition_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o god_n word_n it_o be_v never_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n nor_o of_o any_o well_o reform_a church_n for_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o neoterick_n orthodox_a writer_n do_v teach_v that_o some_o apostolical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o also_o almost_o necessary_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n necessary_a i_o say_v if_o not_o ad_fw-la esse_fw-la simplict_a yet_o ad_fw-la bene_fw-la esse_fw-la such_o as_o be_v according_a to_o these_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14._o according_a to_o decency_n and_o good_a order_n and_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o such_o as_o be_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o s._n austin_n lib._n 4._o contra_fw-la donat._n cap._n 41._o quod_fw-la universa_fw-la tenet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nec_fw-la concilijs_fw-la constitutum_fw-la semper_fw-la retentum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la apostolicà _fw-la authoritate_fw-la traditum_fw-la rectissimè_fw-la crediture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o profitable_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n both_o concerning_o doctrine_n manner_n government_n and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o canonical_a book_n from_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n before_o the_o church_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o child_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v sufficient_a the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o ordinary_a celebration_n thereof_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o appropriate_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o these_o pastor_n who_o be_v set_v in_o authority_n over_o other_o and_o divers_a ecclesiastical_a canon_n concerning_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o government_n second_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o all_o tradition_n have_v be_v simple_o abjure_v which_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v not_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o sentence_n can_v not_o have_v serve_v to_o prove_v their_o conclusion_n for_o although_o some_o of_o the_o point_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n now_o appertain_v thereto_o be_v by_o apostolic_a tradition_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n yet_o this_o point_n here_o call_v in_o question_n that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o a_o tradition_n either_o against_o or_o without_o god_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n but_o first_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a write_a verity_n approve_v by_o god_n word_n express_o and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o very_a first_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n not_o only_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o under_o the_o new_a also_o continue_v in_o all_o church_n until_o this_o lust_n age_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o great_a impudencic_n than_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n but_o most_o conformable_a thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v before_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o passage_n can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o their_o purpose_n but_o be_v both_o false_o and_o impertinent_o produce_v by_o they_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o be_v answer_v the_o second_o passage_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o second_o passage_n cite_v from_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o abjuration_n be_v no_o less_o falsify_v than_o the_o former_a both_o in_o the_o change_n of_o word_n and_o addition_n of_o other_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n of_o their_o citation_n be_v we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n as_o they_o be_v then_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o church_n of_o scotland_n when_o the_o say_a confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o but_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v only_o these_o as_o they_o be_v now_o dawn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n so_o that_o they_o change_v that_o particle_n now_o in_fw-la then_o and_o add_v more_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a when_o the_o confession_n be_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o 1590._o and_o 1591._o albeit_o this_o alteration_n seem_v but_o small_a to_o change_v now_o in_fw-la then_o yet_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v very_o material_a and_o subtle_o make_v to_o wrest_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o who_o frame_v this_o abjuration_n in_o make_v this_o now_o relative_a to_o the_o damn_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o other_o thereafter_o albeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n intend_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o abjuration_n for_o divers_a reason_n first_o that_o now_o in_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o present_a definite_a time_n then_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v frame_v or_o subscribe_v but_o as_o it_o be_v express_o expone_v a_o little_a before_o now_o for_o along_o time_n to_o wit_n from_o that_o time_n when_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o anno_fw-la 1560._o and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1567._o by_o the_o which_o confession_n those_o particular_a head_n of_o papistry_n be_v condemn_v and_o confute_v and_o the_o true_a doctrine_n opposite_a thereunto_o now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o now_o be_v not_o relative_a to_o that_o condemnation_n of_o episcopacy_n 1580._o which_o be_v not_o then_o for_o a_o long_a time_n condemn_v but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a year_n second_o albeit_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o definite_a time_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n for_o albeit_o by_o that_o assembly_n 1580._o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o approbation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v stand_v in_o force_n in_o the_o person_n of_o superintendent_n commissioner_n or_o visitor_n and_o not_o abrogate_a
until_o the_o year_n 1590._o towit_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o set_n down_o and_o swear_v of_o this_o abjuration_n and_o therefore_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v be_v then_o condemn_v in_o the_o abjuration_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o for_o otherwise_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v condemn_v that_o which_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v approve_v and_o practise_v three_o notwithstanding_o that_o act_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n yet_o these_o point_n of_o the_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o express_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a by_o that_o whole_a assembly_n wherein_o episcopacy_n be_v call_v in_o question_n anno_fw-la 1575._o 1576._o as_o shall_v be_v evident_o clear_v when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o discuss_v the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n four_o those_o point_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a head_n damn_v and_o confute_v by_o god_n word_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o principal_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n then_o of_o a_o long_a time_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n contain_v either_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o profess_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n contrary_a to_o these_o point_n of_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o brethren_n or_o more_o particular_a flock_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o point_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v by_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v damn_v then_o by_o god_n word_n or_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o so_o this_o passage_n do_v not_o more_o serve_v to_o prove_v their_o purpose_n than_o the_o former_a chap._n ix._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o passage_n the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o those_o word_n we_o detest_v the_o roman_a antichrist_n his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n in_o this_o passage_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o false_a citation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a two_o yet_o be_v there_o as_o great_a impertinency_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o i_o can_v see_v what_o they_o can_v assume_v upon_o this_o proposition_n to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n except_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n be_v a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n and_o therefore_o detest_a and_o abjure_v but_o if_o this_o assumption_n be_v true_a than_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a monarch_n and_o the_o divers_a degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n distinguish_v by_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v a_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o his_o brethren_n and_o charge_n over_o all_o the_o particular_a flock_n in_o judea_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o their_o fellow-labourer_n titâ—u_o timothy_n and_o other_o have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preheâ—ninence_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o charge_v over_o more_o particular_a flock_n as_o bishop_n have_v now_o which_o may_v be_v qualify_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o venerable_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o live_v either_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o near_o to_o they_o so_o likewise_o those_o reverend_a father_n themselves_o as_o polycarpus_n ignatius_n cyprian_n austin_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v esteem_v no_o better_o yea_o likewise_o our_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o province_n shall_v have_v be_v antichristian_a worldly_a monarch_n so_o that_o the_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n must_v be_v think_v to_o have_v instead_o of_o a_o laudable_a reformation_n bring_v in_o a_o antichristian_a worldly_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o the_o principal_a word_n which_o they_o do_v most_o urge_v be_v the_o last_o câ—â—â—se_n of_o this_o passage_n his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v make_v clear_a as_o they_o allege_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v what_o be_v make_v clear_a in_o the_o assembly_n we_o know_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o clear_a god_n willing_a to_o 〈◊〉_d who_o eye_n be_v not_o blind_v with_o partial_a affection_n that_o those_o reason_n produce_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o end_n thereof_o at_o length_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a they_o can_v bring_v be_v foolish_a childish_a and_o ridiculous_a unworthy_a of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v be_v account_v among_o the_o people_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v to_o discuss_v their_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o explain_v the_o word_n hierarchy_n and_o show_v what_o hierarchy_n be_v here_o condemn_v first_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o the_o ancient_a grocian_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o certain_a magistracy_n the_o charge_n whereof_o be_v to_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o of_o temple_n altar_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v translate_v by_o anâ—ient_a christian_a writer_n to_o signify_v the_o sacred_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a order_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v even_o in_o presbyterial_a government_n there_o be_v three_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v charge_n of_o sacred_a thing_n of_o distinct_a power_n and_o authority_n towit_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o those_o order_n may_v be_v â—afely_o call_v a_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n they_o who_o understand_v the_o greek_a word_n know_v perfect_o that_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sacred_a thing_n or_o a_o holy_a government_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o these_o ecclesiastical_a function_n have_v every_o one_o their_o own_o point_n of_o government_n and_o that_o about_o sacred_a and_o holy_a thing_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o abhor_v the_o word_n since_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n signify_v thereby_o to_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v it_o because_o the_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o ethnic_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v abhor_v for_o this_o cause_n more_o than_o the_o word_n episcopus_fw-la presbyter_fw-la and_o pastor_n which_o do_v signify_v also_o among_o the_o ethnic_n certain_a office_n or_o magistracy_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o their_o writing_n or_o be_v it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n neither_o can_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v reject_v take_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n and_o separate_v papistical_a corruption_n from_o it_o more_o than_o the_o other_o title_n give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n which_o all_o have_v be_v abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o that_o this_o word_n hierarchy_n may_v be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o will_v bring_v no_o other_o testimony_n than_o that_o of_o calvin_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n he_o in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-la nâ—cessitatâ—_n refâ—rmanda_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n say_v if_o they_o will_v set_v we_o down_o such_o a_o hierarchy_n wherein_o bishop_n have_v so_o pre-eminence_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n depend_v from_o he_o as_o from_o their_o head_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o wherein_o they_o do_v so_o entertain_v society_n amoâ—gst_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v but_o by_o his_o truth_n then_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o thâ—se_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v exâ—crable_a who_o will_v not_o reverence_v such_o a_o hierarchy_n and_o with_o all_o humble_a obedience_n receive_v the_o same_o where_o we_o see_v that_o calvin_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a hierarchy_n neither_o wicked_a nor_o antichristian_a and_o such_o be_v this_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n wherein_o bishop_n
belief_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v there_o chap._n x._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n the_o four_o and_o last_o passage_n of_o the_o abjuration_n or_o negative_a confession_n whereby_o they_o allege_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v be_v we_o profess_v that_o we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n first_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o by_o these_o four_o distinct_a term_n be_v not_o signify_v four_o several_a distinct_a thing_n but_o by_o doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n be_v signify_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n for_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o conserve_v doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o we_o see_v in_o the_o next_o word_n contain_v the_o promissory_a part_n of_o the_o oath_n they_o be_v all_o reducee_v to_o two_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n second_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v whereunto_o they_o swear_v it_o be_v not_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n of_o scotland_n nor_o every_o point_n of_o discipline_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o their_o session_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n for_o then_o god_n know_v how_o doubtsome_a and_o uncertain_a a_o oath_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v because_o those_o point_n have_v be_v often_o change_v and_o some_o direct_o contrary_a to_o other_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o particular_o set_v down_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o man_n may_v involve_v themselves_o rash_o in_o a_o contradictory_a oath_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o frame_v this_o oath_n have_v wise_o and_o considerate_o set_v down_o divers_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v whereunto_o they_o promise_v by_o their_o oath_n to_o join_v themselves_o but_o our_o covenanter_n have_v dissemble_v subtle_o those_o necessary_a limitation_n and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o general_a and_o indefinite_a term_n only_o name_v in_o general_a the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v more_o evident_o what_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v here_o mean_v i_o shall_v set_v down_o at_o more_o length_n the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_a we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o moâ—thes_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a true_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n and_o chief_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o along_o time_n public_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o these_o word_n be_v comprehend_v four_o necessary_a limitation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o this_o oath_n if_o we_o prove_v that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o limitation_n it_o can_v be_v exclude_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o probation_n more_o full_a we_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o not_o by_o one_o only_a but_o by_o all_o these_o four_o limitation_n this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o brethren_n or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n and_o therefore_o not_o abjure_v as_o a_o popish_a error_n the_o first_o limitation_n be_v that_o they_o only_o do_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n or_o by_o god_n word_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o express_v by_o god_n word_n or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n therefore_o by_o that_o oath_n none_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o such_o doctrine_n condemn_v that_o point_n but_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v so_o clear_o testify_v by_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n that_o we_o much_o admire_v why_o man_n so_o verse_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v so_o blind_v as_o not_o to_o so_o so_o clear_a a_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o without_o conscience_n to_o abjure_v it_o as_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n compel_v other_o to_o abjure_v the_o same_o by_o so_o solemn_a and_o fearful_a a_o oath_n wherein_o they_o move_v they_o real_o to_o perjure_v themselves_o for_o eschew_v a_o suppose_a perjury_n the_o second_o limitation_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n whereunto_o they_o swear_v to_o adhere_v be_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n than_o when_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n for_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n do_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o the_o church_n of_o high-germany_n rohemia_n denmark_n sweden_n norway_n poland_n hungaria_n helvetia_n england_n ireland_n and_o our_o own_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o can_v produce_v one_o realm_n nor_o any_o church_n that_o have_v at_o that_o time_n embrace_v full_o presbyterial_a government_n except_o one_o city_n of_o geneva_n which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o they_o do_v as_o we_o have_v show_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a member_n of_o that_o church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n there_o be_v now_o some_o church_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o geneva_n discipline_n as_o the_o palatinate_n in_o high-germany_n the_o confederate_a province_n of_o lower-germany_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n which_o notwithstanding_o have_v not_o that_o discipline_n nor_o a_o full_a establish_a church_n among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o palatinate_n continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o augustâ—ne_n confession_n until_o the_o year_n 1584._o when_o john_n cassitmere_n prince_n elector_n after_o his_o brother_n lâ—dâ—wick's_n death_n bring_v in_o calvinism_n as_o lucus_n oâ—iander_n in_o his_o epitome_n histor_n eccles._n ceâ—t_n 26._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 20._o do_v testify_v in_o the_o low_a country_n albeit_o there_o be_v many_o protestant_n before_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o year_n 1583._o when_o as_o they_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n neither_o have_v they_o of_o france_n a_o establish_a church_n until_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o four_o read_v over_o all_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n contain_v in_o that_o syâ—tagâ—â—â—â—onfessionum_fw-la you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o of_o they_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n or_o episcopacy_n absolute_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o they_o do_v express_o approve_v it_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v not_o many_o notable_a church_n and_o realm_n which_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o one_o pastor_n to_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o or_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v express_o restrict_v to_o that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v particular_o express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o anno_fw-la 1560._o and_o ratify_v public_o by_o divers_a act_n
of_o parliament_n before_o this_o abjuration_n be_v swear_v by_o which_o limitation_n be_v exclude_v from_o this_o oath_n all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n add_v since_o either_o by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n synod_n or_o presbytery_n since_o that_o confession_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dâ—ndie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glâ—sgow_n 1581._o condemn_v episcopacy_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o such_o be_v our_o covenanter_n addition_n or_o application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o their_o rebellioâ—s_a covenant_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v produce_v one_o word_n of_o that_o confession_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n neither_o have_v the_o church_n who_o establish_v it_o any_o such_o purpose_n or_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n in_o set_v down_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n do_v approve_v that_o power_n and_o preeminency_n under_o the_o title_n of_o superintendent_n therefore_o this_o point_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n four_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v determine_v to_o be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n profess_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v profess_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o this_o by_o the_o king_n or_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o that_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o that_o oath_n for_o the_o king_n profession_n we_o have_v show_v cap._n 6._o what_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o both_o before_o and_o after_o then_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o particular_a man_n opinion_n but_o by_o public_a act_n either_o by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o they_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o act_n of_o either_o of_o those_o court_n long_o before_o show_v such_o a_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v produce_v act_n of_o both_o those_o court_n not_o only_o long_o before_o but_o also_o continual_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o at_o that_o same_o very_a time_n when_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o make_v and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n approve_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n the_o first_o act_n they_o can_v produce_v have_v any_o appearance_n of_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n first_o because_o this_o act_n be_v not_o long_o before_o if_o not_o after_o this_o abjuration_n be_v first_o frame_v be_v even_o that_o same_o very_a year_n about_o that_o same_o time_n second_o albeit_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o pastor_n may_v have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v he_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o we_o have_v signify_v before_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v hereafter_o three_o long_o before_o this_o the_o power_n and_o preeminency_n of_o superintendent_n and_o commissioner_n be_v public_o approve_v by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n even_o then_o and_o some_o year_n after_o stand_v in_o force_n unrepealed_a which_o we_o have_v before_o faithful_o cite_v cap._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a court_n both_o of_o council_n and_o parliament_n they_o declare_v their_o profession_n by_o reject_v of_o divers_a suit_n make_v for_o ratify_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n as_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o 1579._o and_o 1580._o cite_v here_o by_o themselves_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o divers_a suit_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o otherwise_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v often_o refuse_v moreover_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n may_n 22._o 1584._o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o profession_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a power_n pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o most_o ample_a form_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n long_o before_o the_o swear_n of_o this_o covenant_n receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n now_o in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n they_o can_v so_o 〈◊〉_d abuse_n christian_a people_n as_o to_o impose_v false_o â—uch_n a_o burden_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o people_n in_o press_v to_o persuade_v they_o against_o so_o many_o evident_a reason_n that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o oath_n so_o fearful_o perjure_v who_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o episcopacy_n but_o because_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o rather_o to_o be_v abjure_v under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n than_o under_o the_o name_n of_o doctrine_n therefore_o to_o take_v away_o all_o way_n of_o escape_n or_o subtâ—rfuge_n we_o shall_v examine_v the_o point_n of_o discipline_n also_o and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n and_o albeit_o it_o be_v by_o all_o those_o former_a limitation_n exclude_v also_o for_o these_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v aswell_o to_o the_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o for_o further_a resolution_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o word_n discipline_n be_v take_v in_o divers_a signification_n first_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o policy_n which_o concern_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v practise_v upon_o those_o who_o do_v err_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n or_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereto_o but_o may_v very_o well_o subsist_v therewith_o and_o have_v subsist_v actual_o both_o during_o the_o government_n under_o superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n as_o also_o under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n since_o they_o be_v re-etablish_v for_o the_o same_o censure_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n and_o by_o divers_a act_n of_o general_n assembly_n long_o before_o bishop_n be_v re-etablish_v do_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o admoâ—itions_n private_a and_o public_a the_o same_o sentence_n of_o excomâ—unication_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o by_o three_o private_a and_o three_o public_a citation_n before_o ecclesiastical_a indicatory_n the_o same_o public_a prayer_n â—ppointed_v by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o delinquent_n upon_o three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n the_o same_o form_n of_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o enjoin_v private_a or_o public_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o absolve_v of_o the_o penâ—tent_n as_o all_o within_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o power_n and_o prehâ—minence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o disciplâ—â—e_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o this_o â—eale_n 〈◊〉_d apparent_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o oath_n for_o in_o â—ll_n speech_n or_o wâ—â—â—s_n of_o conâ—sequencâ—_z chiâ—â—â—_z those_o which_o be_v see_v down_o for_o a_o solâ—â—â—_n oath_n â—hich_v aught_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o usual_a sense_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o unproper_a and_o figurative_a except_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o must_v be_v take_v improper_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o usual_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n discipline_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o order_n set_v down_o before_o our_o psalm_n book_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n
be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o particular_a flock_n but_o dissemble_v the_o other_o point_n of_o agreement_n which_o we_o have_v rehearse_v import_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n because_o they_o find_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o conclusion_n three_o albeit_o they_o intend_v at_o this_o assembly_n present_o to_o have_v throw_v down_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o ground_n yet_o because_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n do_v oppose_v they_o stand_v firm_o for_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n there_o pass_v five_o or_o six_o year_n in_o these_o contestation_n before_o the_o final_a sentence_n be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o episcopomastiges_n cease_v not_o to_o labour_v diligent_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o draw_v other_o to_o their_o judgement_n use_v likewise_o the_o persuasion_n of_o man_n of_o special_a note_n beyond_o sea_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contestation_n the_o lord_n glames_z then_o chancellor_n of_o scotland_n be_v move_v by_o our_o genevate_a minister_n to_o write_v to_o beza_n crave_v his_o opinion_n concerning_o the_o present_a government_n under_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_n to_o the_o which_o letter_n beza_n make_v a_o large_a answer_n condemn_v the_o present_a government_n and_o set_v down_o a_o plot_n of_o that_o policy_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o embrace_v according_a to_o the_o which_o they_o do_v frame_v their_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o in_o many_o point_n ipsissimis_fw-la verbis_fw-la as_o may_v appear_v by_o confer_v the_o book_n with_o his_o epistle_n that_o second_o citation_n from_o the_o assembly_n april_n 1576._o serve_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o albeit_o some_o bishop_n be_v censure_v because_o they_o have_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o superindents_n who_o albeit_o they_o have_v particular_a flock_n wherein_o they_o be_v special_o bind_v to_o attend_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v charge_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o more_o parish_n final_o those_o corruption_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o be_v not_o full_o conclude_v in_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v damn_v absolute_o but_o only_o propose_v by_o some_o and_o crave_v to_o be_v consider_v chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n for_o establish_v of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o second_o rank_n of_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o general_n assembly_n be_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n such_o as_o be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o april_n 1578._o sess._n 4._o that_o in_o april_n 1578._o july_n 1579._o july_n 1580._o sess._n 10._o april_n 1581._o 1590._o 1591._o sess._n 4._o to_o the_o which_o they_o need_v no_o particular_a answer_n but_o general_o concerning_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v bring_v in_o head_n and_o urge_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o occasion_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o to_o subvert_v the_o former_a establish_a government_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o bishop_n that_o the_o church_n the_o more_o easy_a may_v be_v rob_v of_o her_o patrimony_n by_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n and_o factious_a humour_n strive_v to_o singularity_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a and_o most_o modest_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o oppose_v continual_o by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o very_a act_n themselves_o here_o produce_v by_o they_o do_v evident_o declare_v second_o the_o act_n of_o those_o assembly_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o book_n itself_o for_o the_o establish_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o that_o discipline_n whereunto_o we_o swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o in_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n first_o because_o at_o this_o time_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v but_o only_o a_o thing_n in_fw-la fieri_fw-la not_o as_o yet_o conclude_v when_o the_o oath_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v account_v to_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o for_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o whereby_o that_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v registrate_v in_o the_o assembly_n book_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a law_n neither_o be_v it_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o that_o the_o posterity_n shall_v think_v well_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o church_n but_o not_o effect_v as_o likewise_o that_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1590._o concerning_o the_o subscription_n to_o that_o book_n do_v not_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o but_o to_o actual_a minister_n only_o and_o yet_o of_o those_o many_o do_v resist_v it_o as_o particular_o the_o minister_n of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o which_o cause_v it_o be_v think_v needful_a that_o a_o new_a act_n shall_v be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1591._o enjoin_v again_o the_o subscription_n under_o a_o penalty_n and_o particular_o to_o those_o of_o angus_n and_o mearâ—es_n this_o book_n be_v never_o ratify_v by_o any_o act_n of_o estate_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o law_n as_o they_o do_v in_o that_o assembly_n july_n 1579._o and_o that_o assembly_n 1580_o sess._n 10._o as_o for_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o here_o allege_v first_o it_o be_v after_o the_o last_o urge_v of_o the_o swear_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1591._o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o oath_n second_o it_o be_v but_o a_o partial_a ratification_n not_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o of_o general_n synodal_a and_o of_o presbyterial_a assembly_n and_o parish_n session_n which_o do_v still_o remain_v under_o episcopal_a government_n with_o great_a regularity_n than_o they_o be_v before_o 2._o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n many_o year_n after_o the_o first_o motion_n thereof_o can_v not_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o ministry_n find_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o a_o imaginary_a plot_n which_o can_v be_v hardly_o effectuate_v or_o endure_v long_o in_o the_o church_n without_o great_a corruption_n as_o the_o event_n prove_v some_o of_o it_o never_o put_v in_o practice_n either_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o the_o frame_n of_o policy_n in_o plato_n republik_a or_o of_o outopia_n as_o those_o point_n de_fw-fr diaconatu_fw-la concerning_o the_o collect_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o point_n the_o contrary_a have_v ever_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o book_n cap._n 7._o that_o landward_o church_n shall_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o have_v particular_a eldership_n and_o yet_o ever_o after_o there_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o landward_o church_n but_o have_v their_o particular_a session_n consist_v of_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n it_o be_v likewise_o there_o appoint_v that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n may_v never_o leave_v it_o again_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o use_n that_o he_o who_o be_v elder_a this_o year_n shall_v be_v cashier_v the_o next_o and_o every_o year_n a_o new_a election_n make_v item_n it_o be_v ordain_v cap._n 3._o that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a parson_n as_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n shall_v receive_v the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n to_o their_o office_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o eldership_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v never_o practise_v imposition_n of_o hand_n upon_o elder_n or_o deacon_n but_o only_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n many_o other_o point_n may_v be_v bring_v which_o either_o be_v never_o practise_v or_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bring_v in_o 3._o if_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o church_n whereby_o the_o negative_a confession_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v interpret_v than_o those_o who_o have_v swear_v the_o covenant_n have_v swear_v also_o to_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o which_o of_o all_o the_o covenanter_n can_v free_v themselves_o of_o perjury_n for_o
estate_n and_o do_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n therein_o both_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o to_o the_o enact_n of_o any_o law_n the_o consent_n of_o prelate_n be_v ever_o think_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o two_o estate_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n no_o act_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n ever_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o three_o estate_n whosoever_o will_v press_v to_o suppress_v the_o estate_n of_o prelate_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o to_o come_v yet_o near_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n those_o who_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o place_n of_o bishop_n call_v superintendent_n have_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n as_o great_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o charge_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o bishop_n do_v now_o require_v in_o their_o diocese_n it_o be_v true_a the_o superintendent_n have_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o can_v have_v for_o why_o the_o bishop_n retain_v still_o their_o possession_n in_o those_o place_n upon_o their_o ancient_a commission_n often_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o reformation_n never_o quarrel_v by_o any_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n until_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o wherein_o the_o bishop_n be_v require_v only_o not_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o special_a commission_n thereâ—ra_n and_o a_o few_o year_n before_o to_o wit_n at_o the_o assembly_n at_o ediâ—burgh_n 1573._o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v express_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n with_o some_o exceptious_a not_o very_o material_a as_o we_o remark_v before_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o except_v this_o power_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o do_v tacit_o at_o the_o least_o approve_v this_o the_o ancient_a commission_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n final_o at_o the_o last_o re-establish_v of_o bishop_n thou_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v express_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n for_o first_o by_o that_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o the_o church_n give_v commission_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n though_o not_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_n affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o glasgoâ—_n and_o lithgow_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o they_o do_v under_o the_o very_a title_n of_o bishop_n receive_v full_a commission_n from_o the_o church_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o to_o exercise_v their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n power_n and_o and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o pastor_n and_o people_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o so_o every_o bishop_n particular_o by_o their_o election_n and_o consecration_n receive_v power_n to_o use_v this_o commission_n whensoever_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o for_o every_o several_a act_n they_o do_v in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o new_a particular_a commission_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o power_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v elect_v to_o that_o office_n shall_v have_v this_o commission_n once_o for_o all_o during_o his_o life_n time_n or_o until_o by_o his_o malversation_n in_o his_o charge_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o legal_o deprive_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o church_n may_v add_v new_a article_n to_o their_o commission_n as_o time_n and_o occasion_n require_v as_o be_v do_v in_o england_n and_o ireland_n where_o the_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n sit_v ever_o in_o the_o time_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v upon_o such_o article_n as_o be_v think_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o serve_v for_o the_o we_o will_v of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o care_n they_o may_v receive_v due_a ratification_n but_o the_o turbulent_a behaviour_n of_o some_o minister_n in_o scotland_n who_o scorn_v to_o have_v their_o petition_n propose_v orderly_o by_o the_o bishop_n have_v as_o yet_o bar_v the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n from_o that_o privilege_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v the_o only_a exception_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v make_v against_o any_o point_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o since_o that_o exception_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v now_o remove_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1581._o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v chap._n xiiii_o discuss_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n here_o cite_v since_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o subsequent_a assembly_n against_o bishop_n be_v ground_v upon_o these_o two_o former_a act_n whereby_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v and_o since_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o must_v have_v as_o little_a strength_n as_o they_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o particular_a discuss_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o lest_o it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o have_v over_o past_o they_o altogether_o we_o shall_v remark_v some_o few_o particular_a observation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o their_o purpose_n here_o yet_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o divers_a point_n against_o they_o first_o those_o act_n cite_v here_o concerning_o the_o presentation_n by_o the_o king_n and_o admission_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o of_o m._n robert_n poâ—s_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o caithâ—es_n and_o the_o divers_a ineffectual_a suit_n make_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o king_n council_n and_o parliament_n for_o advance_v of_o their_o presbyterial_a discipline_n and_o suppression_n of_o bishop_n to_o wit_n those_o present_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1587._o serve_v against_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o declare_v that_o their_o violent_a proceed_n against_o bishop_n and_o for_o establish_v of_o their_o new_a discipline_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n all_o this_o time_n but_o direct_o resist_v as_o contrary_a to_o their_o will_n and_o manifest_a intention_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v any_o such_o meaning_n or_o intention_n as_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n suffer_v a_o act_n to_o pass_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v in_o a_o part_n their_o new_a discipline_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o their_o meaning_n to_o approve_v the_o same_o direct_o but_o for_o a_o pregnant_a reason_n of_o estate_n they_o do_v tolerate_v lesser_a evil_n that_o great_a may_v be_v eschew_v for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n be_v mighty_o astonish_v by_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o a_o dangerous_a conspiracy_n of_o sundry_a nobleman_n of_o great_a power_n in_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o trasâ—ieking_a jesuit_n and_o gentleman_n affect_v to_o the_o popish_a religion_n such_o as_o father_n creightou_n father_n abercromy_n sir_n william_n graham_n of_o fentry_n m._n george_n carr_n and_o other_o who_o bring_v in_o great_a sum_n of_o spanish_a gold_n and_o promise_v great_a whereby_o those_o nobleman_n and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o faction_n be_v corrupt_v to_o betray_v their_o
place_n according_a to_o his_o degree_n with_o such_o gravity_n modesty_n and_o decency_n as_o do_v become_v reverend_a father_n distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o habit_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o beholder_n a_o venerable_a assembly_n 3._o in_o their_o proceed_n be_v appoint_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o bishop_n and_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o doctor_n to_o frame_v the_o article_n and_o be_v frame_v be_v particular_o one_o by_o one_o discuss_v by_o weighty_a reason_n mature_o in_o several_a day_n and_o diet_n all_o doubt_n particular_o move_v and_o objection_n solid_o answer_v according_a to_o their_o ground_n use_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a approve_a counsel_n father_n and_o learned_a schoolman_n but_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o that_o if_o in_o their_o conclusion_n they_o have_v ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o have_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o pope_n sole_a authority_n that_o council_n may_v have_v have_v a_o more_o happy_a event_n for_o the_o well_o and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n be_v not_o observe_v that_o form_n order_n or_o decency_n which_o do_v become_v a_o venerable_a ecclesiastic_a meeting_n for_o first_o these_o who_o be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o principal_a member_n of_o all_o general_a or_o national_a counsel_n to_o wit_n the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exclude_v a_o company_n of_o layman_n earl_n lord_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n without_o warrant_n authority_n or_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v thrust_v in_o their_o room_n bear_v chief_a sway_n in_o the_o assembly_n carry_v all_o matter_n violent_o for_o their_o own_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v remark_v by_o wise_a and_o grave_a man_n that_o one_o earl_n and_o one_o lord_n make_v more_o speech_n in_o the_o assembly_n than_o all_o the_o clergy_n except_o the_o moderator_n 2._o in_o their_o session_n no_o order_n or_o decency_n observe_v all_o sit_v pel-mell_o without_o distinction_n of_o degree_n save_v only_o that_o lay-nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n occupy_v the_o chief_a room_n with_o their_o sword_n and_o pistol_n by_o their_o side_n the_o minister_n mix_v among_o burgess_n merchant_n and_o nobleman_n servant_n hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o they_o by_o their_o habit_n or_o carriage_n many_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o colour_a clothes_n all_o in_o short_a cloak_n except_o the_o minister_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v their_o gown_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o have_v know_v their_o person_n before_o they_o shall_v scarce_o have_v discern_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o merchant_n or_o taylor_n 3._o the_o minister_n be_v not_o there_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o scotland_n long_o after_o the_o reformation_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n july_n 1568._o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v leave_v his_o flock_n except_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o their_o superintendent_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o their_o new_a invent_a form_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o layman_n have_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o rather_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o most_o wise_a modest_a and_o learned_a brethren_n but_o the_o most_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o bold_a to_o oppose_v authority_n fit_a member_n indeed_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n 4._o in_o discuss_v of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v conclude_v no_o reason_n but_o superficial_a no_o careful_a ponder_n of_o the_o reason_n but_o all_o take_v implicit_a fide_fw-la which_o have_v any_o show_n no_o exact_a distinguish_n of_o the_o article_n but_o many_o matter_n of_o different_a nature_n be_v hâ—dled_v up_o together_o confuse_o and_o with_o great_a precipitation_n be_v voice_v and_o conclude_v the_o assembly_n continue_v only_o a_o month_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n to_o wit_v from_o the_o 21._o of_o november_n to_o the_o 4._o of_o december_n be_v consume_v in_o circumstantial_a point_n concerning_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o receive_v and_o discuss_v their_o commission_n in_o contestation_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o covenanter_n in_o exclude_v some_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsellor_n authorize_v by_o he_o to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o ancient_a approve_a counsel_n either_o general_n or_o national_a in_o reject_v most_o just_a protestation_n of_o divers_a presbytery_n against_o this_o assembly_n as_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o pâ—ables_n of_o aberdeine_n of_o the_o channonry_n of_o rosse_n in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v read_v the_o most_o just_a declinature_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o final_o in_o declare_v certain_a book_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v authentic_a register_n at_o last_o the_o four_o of_o december_n they_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a matter_n for_o which_o this_o assembly_n be_v require_v begin_v at_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o six_o last_o general_a assembly_n convene_v continue_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n authority_n and_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n which_o they_o do_v in_o short_a space_n than_o can_v suffice_v to_o read_v they_o over_o so_o precipitate_a be_v they_o in_o condemn_v absolute_o so_o many_o grave_a assembly_n with_o such_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o never_o one_o be_v call_v but_o without_o reason_n or_o judgement_n condemn_v they_o all_o in_o one_o word_n by_o implicit_a faith_n give_v to_o some_o few_o neither_o of_o the_o most_o wise_a or_o learn_v of_o the_o company_n who_o have_v a_o committee_n to_o invent_v some_o apparent_a reason_n to_o annul_v the_o same_o and_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o two_o part_n of_o those_o who_o voice_v against_o they_o have_v never_o see_v the_o act_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o peruse_v they_o but_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o jesuitical_a obedience_n do_v it_o only_o because_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o rebellious_a leader_n in_o another_o session_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v summary_o fourteen_o bishop_n upon_o a_o pretend_a false_a libel_n produce_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n against_o they_o which_o by_o no_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v competent_a judge_n to_o their_o process_n without_o lawful_a citation_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o many_o general_a assembly_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v never_o accustom_v no_o not_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a time_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o proceed_v so_o summary_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o most_o notorious_a offender_n without_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o long_a space_n grant_v to_o the_o accuse_v either_o to_o justify_v himself_o or_o declare_v his_o repentance_n 1._o there_o be_v use_v three_o private_a personal_a citation_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o presbytery_n next_o if_o those_o be_v not_o obey_v three_o public_a citation_n one_o three_o several_a sabbath_n 3._o followed_n three_o public_a prayer_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o at_o any_o of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v appear_v either_o to_o purge_v themselves_o of_o the_o crime_n impute_v to_o they_o or_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o another_o session_n they_o condemn_v with_o one_o voice_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o court_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o space_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v read_v over_o all_o those_o book_n muchless_o to_o peruse_v they_o thorough_o and_o discuss_v the_o controvert_a point_n therein_o which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v before_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n for_o the_o which_o chief_o they_o do_v procure_v this_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o slight_o and_o with_o such_o precipitation_n handle_v to_o wit_n whether_o bishop_n shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o doctrine_n so_o universal_o approve_v by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n even_o in_o her_o pure_a time_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o allow_v in_o substance_n by_o
native_a country_n promise_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o subscription_n of_o blank_a paper_n to_o give_v way_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n navy_n to_o enter_v within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o although_o in_o so_o perilous_a a_o time_n when_o a_o total_a ruin_n both_o of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o policy_n and_o religion_n be_v fear_v and_o threaten_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n think_v it_o fit_a for_o eschew_v the_o present_a danger_n to_o give_v way_n at_o that_o time_n to_o those_o new_a disciplinarian_n suffer_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o pass_v in_o their_o favour_n fear_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v resist_v their_o present_a importunity_n turbulent_a spirit_n as_o some_o of_o they_o be_v may_v have_v make_v a_o further_a distraction_n even_o among_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n whereby_o a_o other_o gate_n may_v have_v be_v open_v for_o the_o entry_n of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o so_o the_o estate_n be_v thus_o divide_v shall_v have_v be_v less_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o common_a enemy_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a reason_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v to_o condescend_v to_o this_o act_n whereof_o they_o brag_v so_o much_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o constant_a intention_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o blast_n past_a and_o that_o conspiracy_n repress_v but_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n do_v set_v himself_o more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o to_o re-establish_v episcopal_a government_n and_o bear_v down_o that_o new_a discipline_n the_o evil_n and_o corruption_n whereof_o disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o perceive_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o 3_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o do_v allow_v presbyterial_a government_n by_o a_o law_n and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v the_o first_o establishment_n thereof_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o short_a a_o continuance_n it_o have_v in_o this_o church_n and_o how_o soon_o it_o become_v loathsome_a to_o all_o estate_n of_o person_n spuria_n putamina_fw-la non_fw-la agunt_fw-la altas_fw-la radices_fw-la for_o not_o full_a eight_o year_n after_o this_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o it_o receive_v a_o great_a blow_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v by_o one_o step_n more_o advance_v wherein_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n shall_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n by_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_a affair_n thereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n who_o power_n be_v enlarge_v by_o that_o assembly_n at_o haliruâ—house_n 1602._o and_o bishop_n thereafter_o under_o their_o own_o proper_a title_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o and_o solemn_o ratify_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n 1612._o 4._o we_o can_v omit_v that_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n march_n 1589._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v for_o asmuch_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n i_o can_v conceive_v who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n here_o except_o it_o be_v some_o few_o schismatic_n who_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n be_v challenge_v before_o the_o star-chamber_n for_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o promote_a unto_o the_o people_n a_o new_a form_n of_o discipline_n different_a in_o many_o point_n both_o from_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n and_o that_o of_o geneva_n who_o because_o they_o do_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o some_o interrogatory_n propose_v to_o they_o by_o the_o council_n of_o england_n be_v commit_v to_o prison_n of_o which_o number_n be_v one_o wigintone_n who_o stir_v up_o three_o fanatical_a fellow_n edmund_n coppinger_n william_n hacket_n and_o henry_n arthington_n to_o labour_n for_o their_o relief_n persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v thereto_o hacket_n be_v mighty_o possess_v by_o this_o humour_n do_v give_v out_o that_o christ_n be_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v call_v he_o extraordinary_o to_o purge_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o send_v out_o before_o he_o his_o two_o principal_a prophet_n coppinger_n and_o arthington_n to_o who_o he_o assign_v a_o diverse_a charge_n that_o coppinger_n shall_v offer_v grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o people_n if_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o follow_v he_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o arthingtone_n shall_v denounce_v god_n wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o will_v not_o adhere_v to_o they_o those_o two_o be_v send_v by_o hacket_n come_v to_o the_o street_n of_o london_n and_o do_v preach_v according_a to_o their_o charge_n rail_v impudent_o against_o the_o queen_n and_o council_n declare_v open_o that_o she_o be_v fall_v from_o her_o right_a to_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o hacket_n be_v their_o king_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v be_v place_v in_o christ_n stead_n whereby_o they_o move_v great_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o follow_v they_o but_o before_o they_o can_v effectuate_v their_o purpose_n they_o be_v prevent_v by_o certain_a of_o the_o council_n send_v by_o the_o queen_n who_o apprehend_v they_o in_o the_o very_a act_n at_o cheapside_n the_o 16._o of_o july_n 1591._o for_o the_o which_o cause_n hacket_n be_v execute_v as_o a_o traitor_n coppinger_n kill_v himself_o in_o prison_n and_o arthington_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o madness_n do_v confess_v their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o who_o confession_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o encouragement_n to_o this_o attempt_n from_o scotland_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o one_o penry_n who_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n a_o preacher_n in_o scotland_n waâ—_z return_v a_o little_a before_o this_o enterprise_n and_o be_v lurk_v then_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n or_o in_o some_o place_n thereabouts_o this_o penry_n be_v chief_o the_o man_n who_o procure_v these_o consolatorie_a letter_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o his_o companion_n to_o the_o great_a disgrace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o further_a such_o a_o treasonable_a attempt_n and_o apparent_o that_o letter_n write_v from_o scotland_n by_o one_o gibson_n to_o coppinger_n be_v one_o of_o these_o consolatorie_a letter_n ordain_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v write_v to_o they_o wherein_o he_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o minister_n be_v most_o careful_a of_o your_o estate_n and_o have_v send_v for_o that_o effect_n a_o preacher_n of_o our_o church_n to_o wit_v penry_n this_o last_o summer_n 1590._o of_o purpose_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o best_a affect_a minister_n of_o your_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o a_o plot_n how_o our_o church_n may_v best_o travel_v for_o â—our_n relief_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n who_o do_v heavy_o regrate_a that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v mighty_o abuse_v by_o this_o penry_n who_o although_o he_o be_v for_o a_o time_n in_o great_a estimation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n likewise_o yet_o they_o find_v he_o at_o last_o a_o arrant_a kâ—ave_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v so_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o refricare_fw-la banâ—_z scabieâ—_n in_o call_v to_o remembrance_n again_o that_o opproâ—ric_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o these_o time_n as_o have_v have_v two_o deep_a a_o hand_n in_o that_o attempt_n to_o stir_v up_o a_o combustion_n in_o our_o neighbour_n kingdom_n and_o church_n but_o our_o covenanter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o as_o they_o cease_v not_o as_o yet_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o they_o can_v find_v in_o england_n such_o fanatical_a fellow_n as_o hacket_n and_o coppinger_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o act_n now_o after_o they_o have_v set_v down_o their_o confuse_a rhapsody_n of_o reason_n for_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n they_o conclude_v in_o these_o hyperbolical_a term_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n
johnstone_n clerk_n thereto_o under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manual_a a._o johnstone_n cler._n eccl._n edinburgh_n the_o 12_o of_o jan_n 1639._o chap._n iii_o discuss_v the_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v to_o make_v this_o act_n our_o covenanter_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o act_n have_v set_v down_o four_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v move_v yea_o force_v of_o necessity_n to_o conclude_v this_o act_n against_o bishop_n and_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n yet_o we_o will_v short_o observe_v some_o few_o note_n thereupon_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o impertinent_a consideration_n this_o act_n have_v be_v ground_v their_o first_o consideration_n be_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o this_o nation_n in_o that_o excellent_a and_o divine_a work_n of_o reformation_n bring_v to_o perfection_n not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o in_o discipline_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o if_o they_o have_v sorious_o consider_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o due_a respect_n towards_o these_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o god_n use_v as_o instrument_n in_o effectuate_a that_o work_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o have_v conclude_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o at_o the_o reformation_n do_v establish_v such_o a_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n word_n as_o whereby_o one_o pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_n may_v lawful_o have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o which_o discipline_n and_o government_n continue_v with_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n above_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n but_o they_o have_v make_v this_o act_n quite_o contrâ—dictorie_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d have_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o brethren_n nor_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n than_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v no_o wise_n be_v true_a for_o that_o can_v right_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o substance_n and_o nature_n thereof_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v presbyterial_a include_v a_o absolute_a parity_n among_o pastor_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v episcopal_a include_v direct_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v no_o way_n true_o be_v call_v the_o perfection_n thereof_o 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o this_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o qualify_v by_o discuss_v all_o the_o passage_n false_o and_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o the_o same_o as_o likewise_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a that_o this_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o point_n thereof_o be_v never_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o oâ—_n long_a continuance_n the_o practice_n of_o 8._o or_o 10._o or_o 15._o year_n which_o be_v the_o most_o i_o can_v reckon_v can_v be_v account_v such_o a_o continue_a practice_n as_o may_v make_v prescription_n against_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o above_o six_o and_o thirty_o year_n since_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o their_o discipline_n be_v discontinue_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o their_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o man_n seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n many_o innovation_n and_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n and_o evil_n such_o as_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n baptism_n in_o private_a place_n in_o â—ase_n of_o necessity_n reverent_a kneel_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o refuse_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o the_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n upon_o certain_a appoint_a day_n the_o cateâ—hizing_n of_o young_a child_n and_o present_v of_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bless_v they_o by_o prayer_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n and_o continuance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v neither_o evil_n in_o themselves_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o evil_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n neglect_v of_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n special_a benefit_n and_o ignorance_n in_o youth_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o great_a good_a in_o the_o church_n as_o sound_a government_n reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thankfulness_n for_o god_n benefit_n increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n to_o christian_a soul_n in_o distress_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v novation_n but_o rather_o a_o restore_n of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o pure_a time_n 2._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o consent_n both_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n as_o all_o those_o constitution_n which_o they_o challenge_v have_v be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o true_o to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o either_o by_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n yea_o direct_o against_o the_o act_n of_o both_o stand_n in_o force_n be_v violent_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o receive_v they_o simple_o but_o likewise_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o have_v authority_n or_o lawful_a call_n thereunto_o but_o by_o certain_a seditious_a private_a person_n and_o such_o be_v their_o seditious_a covenant_n and_o impertinent_a application_n or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n whereby_o many_o person_n of_o sundry_a estate_n be_v by_o false_a allurement_n and_o violent_a threaten_n force_v against_o their_o mind_n to_o swear_v direct_o disobedience_n to_o the_o king_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n final_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novaâ—ions_n have_v undo_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v rather_o restore_v by_o the_o establish_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v destroy_v in_o that_o point_n by_o their_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o absolute_a parity_n of_o pastor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v hereafter_o then_o albeit_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o external_a apparel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v change_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o faith_n religion_n worship_n and_o the_o beautiful_a face_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v still_o without_o change_n or_o alteration_n which_o s._n austin_n epist._n 86._o express_v fit_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a novation_n in_o these_o word_n una_fw-la fides_fw-la oft_fw-la universa_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fidei_fw-la unitas_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la diversis_fw-la observationibus_fw-la celebratur_fw-la quibus_fw-la nullo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la fide_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la impeditur_fw-la omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la filia_fw-la regis_fw-la intrinsecùs_fw-la illa_fw-la autem_fw-la observationes_fw-la quae_fw-la variè_fw-la celebrantur_fw-la in_fw-la ejus_fw-la veste_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v one_o although_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n itself_o be_v celebrate_v by_o some_o diversity_n of_o observation_n whereby_o the_o truth_n
covenant_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v 2._o in_o the_o party_n betwixt_o who_o 3._o in_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n whereunto_o they_o bind_v themselves_o 4._o in_o the_o end_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v contract_v but_o in_o all_o these_o point_n this_o covenant_n be_v different_a from_o the_o former_a enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n of_o hâ—ppy_a memory_n first_o the_o king_n covenant_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n who_o only_o under_o god_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v all_o his_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v only_o frame_v and_o urge_v by_o private_a man_n upon_o those_o over_o who_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a second_o in_o that_o covenant_n the_o party_n be_v the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n on_o one_o part_n and_o all_o his_o subject_n on_o the_o other_a part_n in_o this_o the_o party_n be_v some_o particular_a private_a person_n 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to_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o mutual_a defence_n one_o of_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o false_a application_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n add_v thereunto_o like_o the_o gloss_n of_o orleans_n destroy_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n 3._o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v novation_n constitute_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o command_v by_o the_o king_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o swear_v disobedience_n both_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o to_o god_n also_o 4._o to_o reject_v the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o king_n authority_n consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a general_a assembly_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a estate_n in_o parliament_n final_o to_o suppress_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n oâ—_z parliament_n thereby_o destroy_v the_o 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they_o be_v confident_a they_o shall_v to_o have_v bring_v in_o foreign_a force_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o praise_v be_v god_n those_o estate_n be_v wise_a than_o so_o as_o to_o assist_v subject_n in_o their_o unjust_a rebellion_n against_o their_o natural_a prince_n final_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v their_o foolish_a and_o vain_a boast_n here_o and_o in_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n often_o repeat_v usque_fw-la aâ—_z nauseam_fw-la that_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n bless_v from_o heaven_n they_o conceive_v so_o because_o of_o the_o great_a applaâ—se_n it_o have_v have_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o prosperous_a succeâ—â—e_n they_o have_v find_v in_o their_o erterprise_n against_o the_o king_n castle_n in_o put_v their_o army_n to_o the_o field_n and_o harm_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n without_o present_a damage_n to_o themselves_o but_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abirars_n have_v good_a success_n at_o the_o first_o and_o draw_v after_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o man_n of_o renown_n as_o it_o be_v write_v numb._n 16._o 2._o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o people_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o so_o that_o moses_n be_v great_o astonish_v fall_v down_o most_o abject_o upon_o his_o face_n before_o they_o and_o can_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repress_v that_o sedition_n except_o the_o lord_n have_v comfort_v and_o direct_v he_o these_o man_n may_v have_v think_v as_o our_o covenanter_n do_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v their_o enterprise_n from_o heaven_n yet_o ere_o it_o be_v long_a they_o find_v god_n just_a judgement_n and_o curse_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o earth_n swallow_v up_o some_o of_o they_o quick_a and_o other_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n let_v all_o seditious_a rebel_n therefore_o learn_v by_o this_o example_n to_o repent_v in_o time_n and_o not_o to_o boast_v too_o confident_o of_o their_o present_a success_n but_o fear_v the_o end_n the_o four_o and_o last_o consideration_n be_v because_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o council_n by_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n have_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n without_o their_o application_n and_o that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o subscriber_n have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o date_n tenor_n and_o meaâ—ing_v it_o have_v an._n 1581._o there_o for_o they_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o declare_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o profess_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v be_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o their_o doubt_n concerning_o this_o consideration_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o howsoever_o the_o subscriber_n of_o that_o rebellious_a covenant_n do_v understand_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o those_o who_o do_v subscribe_v the_o king_n covenant_n at_o his_o majesty_n command_n both_o first_o and_o last_o can_v not_o lawful_o swear_v to_o it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o the_o king_n who_o require_v the_o oath_n do_v understand_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o oath_n require_v by_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o direct_a and_o explain_v meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v himself_o plain_o enough_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v his_o council_n nor_o his_o other_o subject_n to_o sweat_v this_o confession_n in_o such_o meaning_n as_o thereby_o either_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o other_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v abjure_v for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v a_o delude_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o a_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n who_o teach_v their_o suppost_n that_o axiom_n unto_o dangerous_a interrogatory_n one_o may_v frame_v to_o himself_o a_o safe_a sense_n and_o swear_v thereto_o think_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o who_o require_v the_o oath_n therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a nobleman_n will_v practise_v jesuitical_a trick_n to_o elude_v his_o majesty_n command_n in_o swear_v that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o they_o know_v his_o majesty_n intend_v 2._o albeit_o that_o in_o their_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v they_o have_v all_o add_v express_o that_o restriction_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n it_o have_v anno_fw-la 1581._o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a
be_v not_o a_o point_n controvert_v betwixt_o the_o reformer_n of_o religion_n who_o set_v down_o the_o confession_n and_o their_o adversary_n the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o confession_n and_o by_o consequent_a albeit_o there_o be_v no_o such_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v abjure_v then_o there_o be_v as_o little_a coherence_n betwixt_o the_o last_o two_o question_n for_o although_o it_o have_v be_v abjure_v at_o that_o time_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o be_v now_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v abjure_v wrongful_o and_o out_o of_o ignorance_n but_o afterwards_o man_n come_v to_o better_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n that_o which_o rash_o have_v be_v abjure_v before_o may_v be_v lawful_o restore_v now_o next_o because_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n and_o constitution_n against_o it_o for_o certain_a reason_n of_o not_o expediency_n the_o church_n may_v have_v abjure_v it_o for_o that_o time_n yet_o that_o law_n be_v abrogate_a by_o lawful_a authority_n it_o may_v be_v receive_v again_o by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v hold_v as_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o oath_n give_v to_o human_a positive_a law_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a oblige_v no_o long_a than_o the_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n now_o therefore_o since_o the_o law_n forbid_v preeminency_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o if_o any_o such_o law_n be_v be_v now_o abrogate_a and_o the_o contrary_n establish_v this_o preeminency_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v now_o though_o former_o abjure_v second_o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o yea_o almost_o every_o word_n have_v its_o own_o ambiguity_n for_o 1._o the_o word_n confession_n be_v ambiguous_a for_o although_o there_o be_v two_o writ_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v confession_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o only_o proper_a and_o perfect_a profession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n neither_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v any_o more_o in_o one_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n set_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o that_o church_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n an._n 1560._o and_o ratify_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v verbatim_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n that_o other_o which_o be_v call_v the_o negative_a confession_n be_v only_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o certain_a special_a error_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o it_o be_v doubtful_a which_o of_o those_o confession_n be_v here_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o ambiguity_n in_o that_o word_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v diverse_o for_o either_o it_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v express_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o according_a to_o the_o same_o or_o otherwise_o it_o may_v signify_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o though_o not_o particular_o express_v now_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n perhaps_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n because_o it_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v therein_o which_o be_v no_o absurdity_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o yet_o be_v it_o according_a to_o it_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n because_o not_o contrary_a thereunto_o 3._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v anno_fw-la 1580._o etc._n etc._n for_o either_o it_o must_v be_v signify_v as_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v in_o writ_n or_o print_v and_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o profess_v at_o that_o time_n than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v now_o at_o this_o present_a but_o have_v be_v ever_o conserve_v unalter_v or_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a restriction_n to_o those_o year_n 1580._o 1581._o 1590._o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a or_o by_o profession_n be_v signify_v the_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v an._n 1580._o and_o thus_o also_o that_o restriction_n of_o the_o profession_n to_o those_o year_n be_v no_o less_o superfluous_a for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v by_o any_o otherwise_o interpret_v in_o these_o year_n or_o now_o than_o it_o be_v understand_v at_o the_o beginning_n by_o those_o who_o set_v it_o down_o for_o as_o we_o say_v unusquisque_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la suorum_fw-la verborum_fw-la interpres_fw-la and_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o frame_v that_o confession_n do_v interpret_v it_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n thereafter_o so_o as_o it_o do_v approve_v the_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v interpret_v it_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n they_o wrong_v great_o the_o worthy_a reformer_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v not_o now_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o wrongful_a deal_n 4._o there_o be_v ambiguity_n likewise_o in_o the_o word_n bishop_n which_o sometime_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o every_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v power_n to_o oversee_v the_o action_n of_o the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n sometime_o more_o particular_o as_o it_o signify_v those_o that_o have_v jurisdiction_n both_o over_o more_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o a_o certain_a bound_n call_v a_o diocese_n as_o it_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o former_a age_n but_o because_o this_o be_v discuss_v in_o the_o question_n itself_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o it_o final_o there_o be_v ambiguity_n in_o those_o word_n a_o particular_a flock_n for_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o bishop_n aswell_o as_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o particular_a flock_n of_o a_o minister_n many_o more_o ambiguity_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o question_n which_o for_o briefue_n we_o omit_v here_o but_o shall_v be_v god_n willing_a discuss_v as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n three_o it_o be_v also_o subtle_a sophistical_a deal_n that_o they_o have_v draw_v the_o question_n à _fw-la thesi_fw-la ad_fw-la hypothesin_fw-la they_o do_v not_o ask_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v retain_v or_o remove_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o only_o as_o the_o confession_n be_v understand_v an._n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1590._o involve_v the_o question_n in_o divers_a intricate_a supposition_n which_o they_o have_v do_v subtle_o for_o their_o own_o end_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v any_o solid_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o approve_a father_n or_o practice_n of_o true_a antiquity_n to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o office_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o this_o act_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v there_o one_o syllable_n produce_v out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o approve_v their_o conclusion_n but_o all_o their_o proof_n be_v from_o their_o negative_a confession_n of_o faith_n impudent_o wrest_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o from_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n strange_o misapply_v and_o from_o certain_a act_n of_o late_a general_n assembly_n which_o all_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o human_a testimony_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o proof_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o their_o ordinary_a exclamation_n against_o human_a ordinance_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n continual_o pretend_v to_o all_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n god_n word_n and_o conscience_n which_o only_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o 2._o they_o have_v frame_v the_o question_n so_o restrict_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n to_o the_o year_n 1580._o etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o from_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o time_n they_o can_v not_o allege_v any_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o book_n of_o discipline_n show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o such_o intention_n as_o absolute_o to_o condemn_v episcopacy_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n have_v declare_v both_o by_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o divers_a assembly_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o make_v clear_a that_o she_o do_v so_o explain_v her_o meaning_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n concerning_o the_o point_n of_o government_n as_o she_o do_v approve_v express_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o charge_v over_o
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
that_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o have_v disouss_v those_o passage_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v in_o like_o manner_n to_o the_o act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o another_o and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n albeit_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o judicious_a reader_n out_o of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o assembly_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n we_o must_v consider_v they_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o end_n than_o we_o may_v show_v what_o weight_n and_o force_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n those_o act_n here_o cite_v by_o they_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a answer_n without_o tautology_n may_v be_v dispose_v in_o three_o rank_n first_o some_o of_o they_o contain_v only_a preparation_n to_o the_o condemn_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o those_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o 1580._o next_o there_o be_v some_o that_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n transfer_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o presbytery_n three_o other_o be_v such_o as_o condemn_v episcopacy_n which_o all_o we_o shall_v examine_v particular_o in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o never_o allege_v one_o word_n of_o any_o assembly_n since_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o at_o edinburgh_n 1575._o albeit_o there_o be_v thirty_o general_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n more_o uncorrupt_a holy_a and_o venerable_a than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v of_o they_o for_o why_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v by_o any_o probability_n that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v think_v any_o evil_a of_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n but_o do_v continual_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o same_o both_o by_o her_o constitution_n and_o practice_n next_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n move_v the_o minister_n at_o that_o time_n to_o alter_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n and_o if_o we_o remark_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o these_o who_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n in_o those_o day_n we_o shall_v find_v evident_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n of_o judgement_n first_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n some_o man_n of_o learning_n but_o of_o fiery_a and_o violent_a humour_n come_v into_o scotland_n from_o geneva_n who_o because_o of_o their_o travel_n abroad_o and_o learning_n be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o they_o be_v themselves_o great_o in_o love_n with_o geneva_n discipline_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o persuasion_n to_o move_v other_o to_o like_o both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o nobleman_n to_o a_o like_n thereof_o also_o at_o least_o by_o entreaty_n persuasion_n and_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n make_v secret_o among_o themselves_o a_o reasonable_a number_n both_o of_o nobility_n and_o ministry_n who_o carry_v a_o great_a sway_n in_o general_a assembly_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o party_n if_o the_o former_a government_n be_v call_v in_o question_n second_o they_o think_v the_o time_n fit_a to_o further_a their_o design_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n minority_n be_v then_o about_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n at_o most_o and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n govern_v himself_o by_o divers_a man_n of_o divers_a humour_n three_o there_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o this_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n division_n and_o faction_n at_o that_o time_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n every_o one_o strive_v to_o thrust_v out_o his_o neighbour_n from_o that_o employment_n he_o have_v about_o the_o king_n and_o court_n as_o witness_v the_o violent_a death_n of_o three_o regent_n and_o the_o four_o like_o enough_o have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n if_o his_o govermneâ—t_n have_v endure_v long_o and_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n cut_v off_o by_o particular_a quarrel_n some_o just_o some_o unjust_o under_o colour_n of_o legal_a proceed_n as_o witness_v likewise_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o whereby_o a_o solemn_a fast_n be_v enjoin_v for_o divers_a reason_n especial_o because_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a ungodly_a sâ—ditions_n and_o division_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n some_o nobleman_n therefore_o and_o courtier_n in_o those_o factious_a time_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n to_o further_v their_o own_o end_n do_v labour_n to_o make_v some_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o do_v strive_v to_o haâ—e_n the_o church_n upon_o their_o side_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n zealous_a of_o the_o new_a discipline_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o impatient_a of_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o yoke_n know_v that_o they_o by_o their_o sermon_n and_o private_a practice_n may_v do_v much_o to_o make_v the_o people_n incline_v to_o which_o faction_n they_o please_v best_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o force_v the_o king_n majesty_n for_o fear_n of_o a_o general_a insurrection_n to_o grant_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o desire_v which_o policy_n our_o covenant_a nobleman_n have_v careful_o practise_v now_o with_o great_a but_o a_o dangerous_a effect_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o in_o those_o time_n so_o bold_a a_o traitor_n but_o he_o find_v minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o countenance_v he_o and_o approve_v his_o do_n both_o private_o and_o public_o as_o witness_v their_o applaud_v the_o earl_n of_o bothwell_n in_o his_o treasonable_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o those_o money_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o geneva_n a_o part_n be_v employ_v to_o wage_v soldier_n for_o he_o i_o know_v and_o can_v name_v if_o i_o please_v both_o the_o deliverer_n and_o receiver_n thereof_o it_o be_v know_v also_o that_o minister_n of_o that_o sect_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o those_o attempt_n which_o common_o be_v call_v road_n as_o at_o the_o road_n of_o stritil_v the_o road_n of_o leith_n and_o the_o abbey_n road_n and_o at_o the_o 17._o day_n of_o december_n the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n find_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o that_o treasonable_a attempt_n final_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n be_v vehement_o trouble_v and_o vex_v most_o unjust_o by_o that_o sect_n during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o anarchy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o himself_o leave_v in_o record_n in_o his_o basilicon_fw-la doron_n four_o to_o those_o occasion_n another_o be_v join_v to_o further_a the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n towit_o the_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o some_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n which_o they_o perceive_v they_o can_v never_o obtain_v so_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n do_v subsist_v and_o therefore_o do_v use_v the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o bear_v down_o that_o estate_n push_v forward_o the_o minister_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o blue_a abroad_o their_o personal_a fault_n both_o in_o their_o assembly_n pulpit_n and_o private_a conference_n to_o make_v the_o very_a office_n itself_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o more_o than_o manifest_a that_o those_o troublesome_a and_o factioâ—s_a time_n can_v be_v account_v a_o good_a prâ—sident_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n for_o shall_v a_o few_o turbulent_a assembly_n back_v and_o 〈◊〉_d forward_o by_o factious_a humour_n and_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n in_o the_o miâ—orage_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n constitute_v a_o new_a discipline_n by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o small_a city_n of_o geneva_n confirm_v only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o year_n at_o most_o be_v able_a to_o counterpoise_v god_n word_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o venerable_a pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v