therefore_o once_o for_o all_o review_n and_o sum_n up_o the_o manifold_a and_o manifest_a evil_n of_o this_o device_n not_o more_o conceit_v and_o boast_v of_o by_o its_o contriver_n the_o servant_n of_o man_n then_o deserve_o reject_v by_o all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o specious_a pretext_n and_o fair_a smoothe_n that_o have_v be_v adhibite_fw-la for_o trime_a up_o this_o accommodation_n to_o a_o allure_a and_o take_v condescendence_n yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o who_o ever_o serious_o ponder_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v quick_o convince_v that_o the_o difficulty_n follow_v do_v still_o remain_v as_o invincible_a impediment_n to_o all_o conscientious_a man_n first_o that_o a_o conjunction_n with_o and_o in_o the_o present_a church_n meeting_n be_v a_o certain_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o participation_n with_o the_o present_a ecclesiastick-government_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v not_o 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the_o subdelegate_n of_o his_o majesty_n delegate_n a_o strange_a accumulation_n of_o absurdity_n which_o i_o be_o certain_a this_o constitution_n stand_v can_v be_v salve_v by_o any_o overture_n whatsoever_o five_o the_o meeting_n whereunto_o we_o be_v invite_v do_v consist_v of_o â—uch_n member_n for_o their_o perjurious_a intrusion_n and_o canonical_a servitude_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o more_o extrinseck_n delinquency_n of_o profanity_n insufficiency_n and_o irreligion_n as_o may_v not_o only_o warrant_v a_o non-conjunction_n but_o a_o positive_a separation_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o crime_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a bishop_n do_v even_o under_o that_o different_a constitution_n offend_v some_o of_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n to_o a_o abhorrent_n with_o draw_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v their_o brimful_a measure_n in_o our_o day_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o our_o covenant_n and_o man_n unparalleled_a 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engagement_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o principle_n of_o presbytery_n and_o in_o effect_n very_o little_a lowed_a from_o any_o of_o these_o power_n and_o height_n which_o he_o acclaime_v in_o asmuch_o as_o he_o be_v still_o at_o the_o king_n nomination_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o either_o the_o censure_n or_o control_v of_o the_o meeting_n over_o which_o he_o do_v preside_v 2._o he_o retain_v all_o his_o vain_a and_o absurd_a temporality_n 3._o as_o constant_a moderator_n the_o power_n of_o propose_v and_o the_o method_n of_o handle_v and_o vote_v any_o matter_n controvert_v with_o the_o care_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o any_o sentence_n pronounce_v pertain_v to_o he_o sole_o 4._o for_o any_o thing_n as_o yet_o declare_v the_o bishop_n must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o more_o eminent_a power_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n and_o in_o this_o point_n not_o only_o the_o article_n be_v most_o suspicious_o reserve_v and_o obscure_a but_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o accomodator_n their_o other_o discourse_n and_o write_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o power_n of_o both_o be_v to_o abide_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n 1612._o and_o observe_v before_o 1638._o so_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n all_o the_o ease_n offer_v by_o the_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o quick_o calculat_v and_o in_o a_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o only_a that_o where_o now_o these_o meeting_n do_v by_o a_o precarious_a tolerance_n consult_v and_o determine_v in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o in_o thing_n more_o weighty_a do_v rather_o prepare_v and_o ripen_v to_o the_o bishop_n decision_n who_o also_o ordain_v and_o censure_n with_o very_o little_a ceremony_n by_o this_o treaty_n and_o its_o article_n over_o and_o above_o the_o wretched_a salvo_fw-la of_o a_o pactioned_a and_o contrariant_n protestation_n this_o tolerance_n be_v to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o more_o assure_a liberty_n as_o to_o the_o bishop_n but_o every_o whit_n as_o dependent_a upon_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v and_o perform_v more_o public_o and_o with_o great_a solemnity_n which_o observation_n i_o must_v confess_v be_v to_o i_o so_o obvious_a that_o it_o have_v be_v always_o attend_v with_o no_o less_o persuasion_n that_o if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o judge_v our_o conscience_n as_o peevish_a and_o fickle_a as_o he_o asteem_v the_o matter_n in_o difference_n frivolous_a and_o empty_a trifle_n he_o will_v not_o have_v this_o risce_v his_o own_o reputation_n in_o all_o the_o business_n and_o stir_n he_o have_v make_v about_o such_o a_o nothing_o of_o condescendence_n of_o which_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o though_o the_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v discuss_v be_v by_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v write_v some_o year_n ago_o and_o do_v all_o along_o conclude_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a establishment_n yet_o the_o bishop_n very_o just_o though_o imprudent_o suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o have_v make_v much_o use_n of_o they_o of_o late_a without_o the_o least_o alteration_n to_o engage_v we_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o his_o new_a agreement_n seven_o this_o accommodation_n utter_o disow_v &_o cut_v off_o the_o rule_v elder_a a_o officer_n not_o only_o clear_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n and_o singular_o commend_v by_o his_o usefulness_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n countenance_v even_o by_o the_o mixture_n we_o see_v in_o his_o master_n ecclesiastic_a commission_n eight_o the_o term_n offer_v be_v propose_v with_o this_o express_a condition_n episcopacy_n be_v always_o preserve_v and_o in_o effect_n so_o full_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o grievance_n of_o that_o model_n and_o frame_n by_o we_o very_o solemn_o and_o often_o abjure_v both_o by_o the_o national_a and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o
apostle_n do_v abundant_o determine_v the_o moderatorship_n in_o his_o favour_n 3._o if_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n do_v preside_v among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o secondary_a order_n join_v to_o he_o for_o his_o assistance_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o one_o minister_n shall_v fix_o preside_v over_o many_o in_o the_o same_o order_n with_o himself_o and_o equal_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o meeting_n what_o logic_n can_v knit_v together_o such_o inference_n have_v thus_o demonstrat_fw-la from_o scripture-prâ—cepts_a and_o practice_n and_o firm_a rational_a conclusion_n thence_o deduct_v the_o command_n of_o our_o parity_n with_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o our_o court_n and_o all_o their_o gradation_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o we_o do_v thereby_o full_o satisfy_v all_o the_o obligation_n to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n which_o our_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n &_o institution_n undoubted_o flow_v â—rom_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a government_n thereof_o do_v lay_v upon_o we_o as_o for_o what_o the_o author_n allege_v against_o we_o that_o we_o do_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a aswell_o as_o only_o lawful_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o ever_o tumour_n may_v appear_v in_o such_o expression_n over_o and_o above_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v his_o own_o devise_v on_o purpose_n contrive_v that_o he_o may_v represent_v we_o as_o high_a talker_n above_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n and_o yet_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o the_o commender_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o only_a true_a ancient_a apostolic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v speak_v at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o their_o act_n in_o its_o behalf_n do_v indeed_o surpass_v all_o other_o measure_n i_o be_o certain_a will_n easy_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o consider_v how_o presbytery_n be_v the_o only_a butt_n against_o which_o their_o malice_n &_o persecution_n be_v level_v and_o that_o into_o this_o malice_n all_o the_o zeal_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v against_o popery_n profanity_n atheism_n and_o irreligion_n seem_v to_o be_v convert_v which_o stir_v activity_n may_v also_o in_o this_o same_o author_n who_o be_v in_o his_o ministry_n rather_o a_o recluse_n monastic_a be_v for_o its_o sake_n become_v a_o very_a busy_a prelate_n most_o obvious_o be_v instance_a now_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n which_o i_o have_v adduce_v for_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n the_o contrary_a repugnancy_n to_o scripture_n rule_v of_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v sufficient_o hold_v out_o so_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v from_o what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n the_o scripture_n agreeablenesse_n thereof_o be_v by_o our_o author_n assert_v for_o my_o part_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diotriphes_n i_o know_v not_o where_o the_o least_o vestige_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o second_o point_n affirm_v vice_n the_o non-contrariety_n and_o agreeablenesse_n of_o this_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o though_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n of_o the_o church_n this_o prostasia_fw-la can_v be_v more_o evident_o discover_v yet_o see_v the_o better_a pattern_n of_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o ancient_a time_n do_v hold_v out_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o a_o equal_a parity_n among_o the_o elder_n or_o overseer_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n level_v by_o humility_n and_o order_v by_o love_n and_o concord_n and_o that_o this_o presidencie_n do_v in_o its_o tendency_n and_o progress_n become_v the_o rise_v not_o only_o of_o aspire_a prelacy_n but_o of_o the_o monstrous_a papacy_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n equal_o unwarrantable_a and_o dangerous_a and_o here_o i_o may_v show_v how_o little_a light_n we_o have_v even_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n from_o history_n or_o any_o other_o pure_a and_o credible_a record_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n in_o the_o century_n mention_v and_o that_o the_o more_o near_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o more_o uncorrupted_a any_o such_o testimony_n be_v find_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n and_o ireneus_fw-la for_o as_o for_o ignatius_n epistle_n even_o these_o of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o best_a repute_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o impartial_a reader_n who_o consider_v either_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n or_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o time_n or_o the_o stile_n suitable_a to_o both_o will_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v from_o such_o a_o author_n the_o more_o they_o homologat_v with_o scripture_n in_o the_o synonomie_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o office_n thereby_o signify_v and_o i_o may_v also_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o that_o â—or_a all_o the_o alteration_n and_o advance_v make_v towards_o prelacy_n in_o the_o succeed_a century_n yet_o the_o father_n in_o these_o time_n chief_o jerom_n do_v affirm_v the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n and_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v but_o as_o i_o be_o too_o well_o persuade_v that_o pride_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o subtle_a and_o active_a corruption_n that_o do_v invade_v the_o church_n so_o i_o can_v very_o easy_o grant_v that_o a_o protocathedria_n be_v thereby_o very_o early_o either_o occasion_v or_o usurp_v and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o insist_v how_o that_o partly_o by_o design_n of_o the_o ambitious_a partly_o by_o mistake_n against_o the_o factious_a it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v introduce_v i_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v by_o a_o few_o observe_v so_o to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o its_o rise_n and_o its_o worse_a tendency_n that_o in_o this_o above_o all_o all_o man_n may_v perceive_v the_o perinciousness_n of_o humane_a invention_n how_o specious_a soever_o when_o superad_v to_o gospel_n truth_n and_o simplicity_n and_o first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o alledgeance_n make_v for_o this_o prostasia_fw-la as_o conduce_v much_o to_o order_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o division_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v its_o fixedness_n be_v a_o vain_a &_o empty_a pretence_n for_o see_v this_o fixedness_n as_o such_o import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o suspending_a of_o the_o more_o certain_a change_n of_o a_o annual_a or_o other_o term_o election_n unto_o that_o more_o uncertain_a one_o of_o term_n of_o life_n and_o that_o sometime_o this_o latâ—er_n may_v notwithstanding_o happen_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o the_o foâ—mer_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o man_n calm_a and_o serious_a reflection_n that_o it_o be_v mere_o to_o the_o presidencie_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o this_o controvert_v quality_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o advantage_n commend_v can_v be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o concern_v of_o order_n be_v once_o due_o provide_v for_o by_o a_o suitable_a moderation_n the_o more_o obnoxious_a the_o person_n moderate_v be_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o society_n the_o less_o hazard_n of_o a_o ensue_a abuse_n or_o usurpation_n so_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o this_o superfluous_a fixedness_n import_v a_o certain_a degree_n of_o exemption_n can_v only_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v a_o foment_n of_o pride_n and_o gratification_n of_o ambition_n as_o the_o event_n itself_o to_o plain_o verify_v of_o which_o if_o any_o man_n do_v yet_o doubt_v let_v he_o consider_v rome_n papacy_n that_o under_o this_o pretence_n fortify_v by_o ierom_n testimony_n cuncti_fw-la nempe_fw-la apostoli_fw-la clave_n regni_fw-la caelorum_fw-la accipiunt_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la duodecem_fw-la unus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la ut_fw-la capite_fw-la constiâ—uto_fw-la schismatis_fw-la tollatur_fw-la occasio_fw-la do_v not_o only_a arrogat_fw-la to_o itself_o the_o primacy_n but_o to_o this_o day_n do_v thereby_o vail_v its_o tyrrannie_n i_o grant_v that_o power_n be_v a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o contention_n and_o division_n but_o if_o we_o measure_v it_o out_o by_o our_o own_o wisdom_n with_o a_o regard_n only_o to_o this_o exigence_n neither_o respect_v the_o lord_n warrant_v nor_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n and_o countenance_n of_o his_o blessing_n it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o this_o rule_n may_v quick_o lead_v we_o to_o surmount_v the_o papacy_n and_o its_o implicit_a faith_n and_o never_o suffer_v we_o to_o cease_v until_o by_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n both_o truth_n &_o conscience_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n let_v we_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o
search_n anent_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o thing_n anent_o which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o covenant_v they_o be_v more_o hesitant_n and_o after_o discovery_n to_o reject_v even_o that_o which_o former_o they_o think_v more_o probable_a it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o doubt_v in_o england_n anent_o moderate_a episcopacy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o these_o engagement_n do_v nothing_o impede_fw-la why_o both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o our_o respective_a station_n be_v not_o still_o oblige_v to_o reform_v that_o church_n from_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o extirpate_v it_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o that_o england_n latitude_n as_o to_o this_o point_n be_v rather_o apparent_a then_o real_a and_o our_o obligation_n in_o order_n to_o both_o kingdom_n be_v in_o effect_n objectiuè_fw-la the_o same_o i_o grant_v the_o author_n cite_v do_v understand_v the_o thing_n otherwise_o but_o not_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o proposal_n mention_v be_v neither_o make_v nor_o approven_v by_o all_o nor_o belike_o by_o the_o sound_a presbyterian_o in_o england_n that_o mr_n baxter_n be_v not_o singular_a in_o this_o only_a subject_n and_o that_o timorcus_n who_o have_v do_v very_o well_o in_o his_o main_a subject_n may_v have_v do_v better_a in_o this_o particular_a one_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o ground_n which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v down_o viz._n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o by_o the_o covenant_n particular_o abjure_v be_v most_o fallacious_a in_o asmuch_o as_o if_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o experience_n that_o all_o manner_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v repugnant_a thereto_o and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v and_o it_o have_v be_v by_o i_o assay_v its_o non-abjuration_n in_o special_a do_v nothing_o militat_fw-la against_o the_o import_n of_o the_o other_o general_a article_n as_o for_o the_o other_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o author_n citation_n viz._n the_o agreeablenesse_n of_o this_o presidencie_n to_o the_o scripture_n &_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o kirk-session_n they_o be_v already_o answer_v &_o what_o mr_n baxter_n add_v anent_o the_o superintendent_o &_o visitor_n which_o we_o have_v in_o scotland_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v as_o easy_o remove_v by_o the_o then_o infancy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o extreme_a penury_n of_o pastor_n as_o his_o other_o argument_n from_o the_o temporary_a moderator_n choose_v by_o synod_n for_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o they_o accountable_a be_v concludent_fw-la as_o to_o the_o fix_a precedent_n now_o under_o question_n to_o these_o authority_n the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o though_o we_o have_v the_o name_n of_o dean_n chapter_n and_o commissary_n yet_o that_o none_o of_o these_o under_o that_o name_n exerce_fw-la any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v by_o any_o other_o have_v delegation_n from_o the_o bishop_n with_o a_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o community_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o that_o model_n of_o prelacy_n to_o be_v extirpate_v and_o this_o with_o we_o who_o will_v not_o pity_v such_o folly_n who_o know_v not_o that_o england_n prelacy_n be_v ever_o different_a from_o any_o episcopacy_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n although_o by_o the_o way_n i_o must_v remind_v my_o reader_n how_o much_o by_o the_o late_a restitution_n it_o be_v advance_v but_o if_o by_o the_o particular_a obligation_n to_o extirpate_v contain_v in_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o extirpate_v england_n prelacy_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o notwitstanding_n of_o the_o obligement_n to_o preserve_v presbytery_n then_o settle_v in_o scotland_n and_o in_o general_a to_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o especial_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o abjuration_n make_v by_o we_o of_o our_o former_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n that_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o dissent_v from_o &_o oppose_v the_o late_a restitution_n whereby_o presbyterian_a govern._n be_v overturn_v the_o same_o yea_o a_o worse_a bond_n of_o episcopacy_n then_o what_o we_o abjure_v be_v restore_v real_o these_o insinuation_n be_v so_o raw_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o meddle_v with_o they_o &_o yet_o the_o author_n fancy_n which_o all_o that_o know_v he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o a_o very_a overrul_a faculty_n be_v once_o lese_v with_o this_o mistake_n anent_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o even_o of_o minister_n in_o scotland_n may_v have_v understand_v that_o article_n as_o against_o all_o episcopacy_n but_o if_o he_o will_v credit_v truth_n he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v viz._n that_o though_o the_o generality_n may_v very_o well_o by_o the_o whole_a complexed_a tenor_n of_o that_o article_n understand_v all_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v swear_v against_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o still_o understand_v their_o principal_a bind_a engagement_n against_o it_o to_o flow_v from_o their_o abjuration_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o their_o oath_n in_o both_o the_o national_a and_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v and_o adhere_v to_o presbyterian_a parity_n then_o estabished_a and_o therefore_o the_o new_a discovery_n here_o pretend_a as_o if_o the_o covenant_n do_v admit_v in_o our_o church_n a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n notwithstanding_o our_o obligement_n to_o extirpate_v prelacy_n with_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a â—atle_n ensue_v concern_v the_o genuine_a consistencie_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o article_n for_o extirpation_n with_o such_o a_o qualify_a and_o distinctive_a sense_n and_o also_o the_o meaning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o composer_n and_o imposer_n for_o a_o moderate_a episcopacy_n different_a from_o that_o prelacy_n be_v but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o delusion_n but_o now_o i_o hope_v to_o awaken_v this_o dreamer_n who_o add_v that_o unless_o we_o make_v it_o appeareâ—_n that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o in_o question_n with_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n or_o to_o the_o mitigate_v sense_n of_o their_o own_o oath_n it_o will_v seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o christian_a charity_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o as_o tolerable_a at_o least_o then_o to_o continue_v so_o inflexible_o fast_o to_o their_o fiâ—st_a mistake_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o â—his_n i_o hearty_o close_a and_o therefore_o see_v not_o to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n wâ—at_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v viz_o that_o the_o episcopacy_n now_o among_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n or_o true_a ecclesiastick-governmentâ—_a but_o mere_o his_o majesty_n usurpation_n over_o the_o houâ—e_n of_o god_n which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o abhor_v i_o say_v thaâ—_n see_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n in_o debate_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o impertinent_a mitigation_n offer_v of_o the_o article_n to_o extirpate_v no_o way_n proper_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o â—ational_a covenant_n and_o our_o abjuration_n therein_o contain_v and_o â—he_v first_o article_n of_o the_o league_n as_o above_o declare_v i_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v cease_v to_o accuse_v we_o of_o want_n of_o charity_n &_o of_o inflexibilitie_n but_o ratâ—er_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n special_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n which_o our_o author_n have_v hitherto_o very_o fatal_o and_o foolish_o forget_v and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v the_o bishop_n receive_v better_a information_n of_o our_o ground_n will_v at_o least_o cease_v from_o his_o presumptuous_a confidence_n until_o â—e_v find_v out_o for_o we_o a_o more_o colourable_a solution_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v in_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o aversion_n of_o some_o in_o england_n against_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v against_o all_o episcopacy_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o strain_n of_o the_o former_a ravery_n and_o therefore_o misregarding_a both_o the_o objection_n and_o solution_n i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o passage_n wherein_o the_o author_n cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n reverence_n to_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a assembly_n that_o ever_o sit_v in_o britain_n respect_v due_a to_o as_o wise_a and_o honourable_a parliament_n as_o ever_o these_o nation_n behold_v the_o good_a opinion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o man_n and_o christian_n true_o such_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n be_v once_o far_o engage_v in_o these_o way_n proceed_v without_o the_o least_o
there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o kiâ—k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o powâ—r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
yet_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o as_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a and_o rational_a so_o it_o may_v testify_v on_o our_o part_n a_o most_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a candour_n in_o asmuch_o as_o although_o the_o english_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o we_o and_o willing_o &_o free_o engage_v with_o we_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o have_v then_o attain_v yâ—t_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o it_o be_v bottom_v and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n how_o little_a we_o be_v either_o addict_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o or_o incline_v to_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o their_o distress_n we_o agree_v to_o covenant_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n not_o precise_o according_a to_o our_o example_n though_o we_o veer_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o divine_a warrant_n but_o according_a to_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o submit_v all_o our_o engagement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n the_o best_a arbyter_n of_o all_o exterior_a indifference_n now_o after_o this_o cause_n follow_v the_o obligation_n to_o uniformity_n in_o these_o term_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n whereon_o our_o author_n do_v at_o present_a trifle_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v my_o reader_n to_o rectify_v his_o misrepresentation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o common_a work_n of_o uniformity_n and_o not_o england_n particular_a reformation_n that_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o see_v by_o the_o obvious_a tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a article_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v premise_v as_o midse_n conduce_v and_o tendency_n certain_o concentr_v in_o this_o conjunction_n wish_v for_o i_o be_o confident_a every_o ingenuous_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v both_o the_o consistency_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o adversary_n sophistry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o intend_a uniformity_n and_o conjunction_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n yet_o see_v the_o disconformity_n of_o either_o part_n make_v place_n for_o it_o &_o even_o perfection_n itself_o &_o imperfection_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o disconformity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o design_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v on_o both_o part_n can_v be_v thence_o infer_v so_o that_o the_o author_n conclusion_n from_o the_o unalterableness_n of_o scotland_n frame_n that_o the_o article_n of_o uniformity_n be_v illusorie_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o perfect_a cheat_n be_v pitiful_o claudicant_a and_o unworthy_a of_o both_o his_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o thing_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o scotland_n as_o be_v very_o acurat_o try_v and_o convince_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n both_o from_o their_o warrant_n and_o our_o oath_n unalterable_a yet_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o sublunary_a state_n there_o be_v several_a external_a circumstance_n attend_v the_o worship_n aswell_o as_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o positive_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o comprehend_v in_o this_o our_o oath_n for_o preservation_n that_o in_o these_o there_o be_v a_o latitude_n on_o all_o part_n leave_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o providence_n and_o gratification_n of_o charity_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o happy_a obtain_n of_o the_o uniformity_n covenant_v be_v in_o itself_o evident_a and_o the_o very_a subject_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o last_o clause_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v thereby_o import_v over_o &_o above_o what_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o article_n do_v contain_v but_o 3._o the_o palpablâ—_n fallacy_n of_o the_o author_n objection_n be_v that_o he_o false_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n in_o scotland_n frame_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o that_o even_o the_o swearer_n of_o this_o oath_n do_v thereto_o refer_v as_o not_o be_v full_o ascertain_v and_o ultimate_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o congruity_n of_o that_o very_a establishment_n which_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o swear_v to_o mantain_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o article_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n that_o as_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o england_n also_o by_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o engagement_n do_v thereunto_o assent_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o common_a persuasion_n that_o we_o engage_v to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o do_v in_o the_o hold_n and_o not_o alter_v of_o these_o obligation_n with_o a_o just_a accommodation_n of_o undetermined_a circumstance_n joint_o vow_v and_o hope_n for_o the_o above_o mention_v uniformity_n 4._o as_o the_o certain_a conformity_n of_o scotland_n then_o reformation_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v direct_o contradict_v the_o author_n supposition_n and_o the_o alterableness_n of_o the_o then_o constitution_n of_o government_n in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n whereby_o the_o author_n argument_n be_v utter_o ruin_v so_o we_o do_v constant_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o unerring_a rule_n whereunto_o we_o hearty_o submit_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o author_n can_v show_v that_o this_o rule_n either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o uniformity_n or_o any_o other_o do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o that_o government_n whereunto_o we_o be_v bind_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o redargue_v we_o from_o pretend_a inconsistency_n in_o the_o word_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o oath_n see_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o plain_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v try_v the_o author_n add_v that_o if_o no_o hoof_n or_o hair_n of_o the_o scottish_a model_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o both_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n shall_v require_v it_o than_o ought_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o 1._o waive_v the_o fraud_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o author_n hoof_n and_o hair_n whereof_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o fix_a presidency_n unless_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o excrementitious_a superfluity_n can_v be_v call_v none_o why_o do_v the_o author_n cavil_v if_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o our_o model_n let_v he_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n wherefore_o the_o ingagment_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o reformation_n in_o england_n do_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o to_o any_o particular_a example_n 3._o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n england_n covenant_v reformation_n in_o discipline_n &_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o effect_n resolve_v in_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o our_o then_o constitution_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n be_v either_o a_o cheat_n or_o a_o abuse_n god_n forbid_v the_o rule_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o give_v ground_n to_o such_o a_o consequence_n and_o certain_o the_o author_n second_o thought_n will_v correct_v his_o rashness_n but_o the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o how_o this_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o certain_o introductive_a of_o the_o than_o scottish_a model_n will_v have_v pass_v with_o our_o english_a brethren_n and_o particular_o with_o these_o present_n at_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o question_n here_o main_o agitat_fw-la be_v neither_o how_o the_o english_v understand_v the_o ingagment_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o reformation_n nor_o yet_o what_o may_v be_v its_o real_a import_n but_o plain_o what_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o article_n oblige_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a