not_o indifferent_a but_o necessary_a we_o desire_v to_o understand_v with_o what_o conscience_n it_o have_v be_v slight_v and_o utter_o neglect_v by_o the_o prelate_n these_o 20_o year_n past_a and_o how_o it_o be_v that_o you_o have_v carry_v so_o small_a regard_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a child_n as_o not_o to_o require_v urge_v and_o press_v the_o practice_n thereof_o both_o in_o your_o own_o charge_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi this_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v partial_a deal_n to_o press_v some_o ceremony_n and_o neglect_v other_o some_o while_o both_o by_o the_o same_o canon_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v appoint_v 2._o you_o do_v hereby_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n from_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n till_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o put_v no_o small_a guiltiness_n upon_o other_o reform_a kirkes_n who_o use_v not_o that_o at_o all_o but_o rather_o abstain_v from_o it_o as_o dangerous_a which_o you_o now_o do_v profess_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a 3._o we_o wish_v you_o wise_o to_o consider_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o you_o live_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v more_o press_v by_o the_o people_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o private_a baptism_n and_o communion_n than_o all_o the_o kirkes_n in_o the_o kingdom_n beside_o where_o these_o twenty_o year_n past_a rare_o any_o such_o motion_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o not_o because_o that_o popery_n prevail_v there_o and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o if_o god_n have_v tie_v his_o grace_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o child_n die_v without_o baptism_n and_o other_o without_o their_o last_o viaticum_fw-la do_v perish_v thus_o you_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n in_o private_a as_o necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la and_o the_o people_n seem_v to_o desire_v and_o receive_v they_o as_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la a_o evil_n very_a curable_a in_o that_o city_n where_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n for_o public_a worship_n be_v frequent_a wherein_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v minister_v frequent_o enough_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o edification_n 4._o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o baptism_n privatlie_o minister_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o that_o a_o child_n thus_o private_o baptize_v be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o although_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o private_a baptism_n make_v way_n to_o this_o error_n of_o rebaptising_a yet_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o commandment_n stand_v only_o for_o baptism_n in_o public_a since_o no_o precept_n require_v baptism_n but_o when_o the_o ministration_n thereof_o can_v be_v have_v orderly_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n requisite_a whereof_o this_o be_v one_o that_o it_o be_v minister_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o visible_a kirk_n whereof_o the_o child_n be_v to_o be_v member_n for_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o child_n but_o the_o congregation_n also_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o baptism_n of_o every_o member_n that_o enter_v in_o their_o communion_n which_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o public_a action_n no_o less_o than_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o rot_a member_n by_o excommunication_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v public_o 5._o it_o be_v know_v that_o private_a baptism_n have_v breed_v and_o foster_v the_o opinion_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n of_o baptism_n by_o woman_n and_o private_a person_n of_o baptism_n by_o supposition_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o private_a place_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v people_n to_o the_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o public_a and_o to_o the_o profanation_n thereof_o in_o private_a 6._o when_o all_o the_o form_n of_o ministration_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v compare_v both_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_fw-mi keep_v easter_n and_o pentecost_n for_o the_o solemn_a time_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o popish_a kirk_n and_o other_o kirke_n not_o well_o purge_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o popery_n minister_a baptism_n and_o communion_n at_o all_o time_n in_o private_a place_n and_o before_o few_o person_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o no_o better_a course_n can_v be_v take_v then_o that_o which_o have_v be_v wise_o appoint_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n since_o the_o reformation_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v minister_v in_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o god_n people_n unto_o which_o they_o have_v regard_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o place_n of_o material_a kirkes_n which_o we_o add_v lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o entertain_v any_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o place_n to_o the_o five_o to_o the_o first_o exception_n we_o have_v even_o now_o answer_v and_o need_v to_o add_v no_o far_o concern_v private_a baptism_n and_o communion_n 2._o we_o look_v that_o your_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la have_v be_v close_v in_o the_o four_o reply_n and_o wish_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o dispute_n of_o popish_a english_a ceremony_n or_o any_o other_o treatise_n of_o that_o kind_n or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a have_v be_v keep_v to_o another_o time_n for_o will_v any_o of_o we_o refuse_v to_o swear_v the_o short_a confession_n because_o you_o have_v expound_v some_o article_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o our_o mind_n our_o desire_n be_v that_o you_o keep_v your_o own_o meaning_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n and_o we_o keep_v we_o according_a to_o our_o diverse_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o that_o both_o side_n promise_v forbearance_n as_o be_v require_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o may_v very_o well_o stand_v both_o with_o your_o meaning_n and_o we_o of_o we_o there_o be_v no_o question_n and_o of_o you_o there_o need_v none_o to_o be_v move_v by_o you_o since_o you_o think_v they_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v promise_v to_o forbear_v they_o from_o this_o ground_n and_o from_o the_o different_a use_n of_o the_o word_n discipline_n and_o policy_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v both_o your_o sorite_n and_o dilemma_n for_o the_o late_a covenant_n bind_v you_o to_o keep_v the_o former_a according_a to_o the_o common_a meaning_n of_o the_o subscriver_n and_o not_o according_a to_o your_o interpretation_n or_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o horn_n of_o your_o dilemma_n may_v be_v turn_v about_o against_o yourselves_o for_o we_o ask_v of_o you_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o distinction_n do_v you_o refer_v episcopacy_n and_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n if_o they_o be_v abjure_v for_o ever_o before_o pearth_n assembly_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v admit_v and_o practise_v they_o since_o that_o time_n for_o this_o be_v perjury_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o abjure_v but_o by_o the_o short_a confession_n be_v leave_v indifferent_a why_o may_v you_o not_o for_o any_o impediment_n you_o have_v from_o that_o confession_n forbear_v now_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o we_o look_v not_o for_o velitation_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o the_o change_n of_o commissioner_n send_v unto_o you_o may_v have_v prevent_v but_o for_o some_o solid_a and_o grave_a reason_n why_o you_o can_v not_o subscrive_v the_o covenant_n whether_o present_v from_o our_o hand_n or_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o our_o learned_a and_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o your_o practice_n and_o judgement_n who_o may_v have_v be_v send_v unto_o you_o in_o our_o place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n because_o many_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o discipline_n and_o policy_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o censure_n of_o manner_n by_o office_n bearer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a sometime_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v alterable_a or_o constant_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a object_n and_o three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o action_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v variable_a we_o appeal_v with_o you_o to_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n who_o be_v judicious_a whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o your_o subscription_n to_o know_v our_o opinion_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n we_o have_v reason_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o we_o
withhold_v his_o subscription_n from_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o do_v not_o as_o it_o intend_v not_o to_o express_v everâ—â—_n duty_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o if_o the_o not_o name_v be_v a_o deny_v of_o the_o duty_n reply_n what_o you_o have_v reply_v in_o your_o answer_n to_o our_o first_o demand_n we_o have_v examine_v in_o our_o confutation_n of_o your_o answer_n 2._o if_o you_o consider_v well_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o make_n of_o your_o covenant_n you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v amiss_o at_o this_o time_n to_o have_v express_v more_o full_o the_o loyalty_n of_o your_o intention_n to_o maintain_v the_o king_n person_n and_o honour_n next_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o express_v it_o yet_o more_o full_o for_o our_o cause_n who_o you_o require_v to_o swear_v &_o subscrive_v your_o covenant_n lest_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n that_o be_v doubt_v whither_o or_o no_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o our_o oath_n to_o maintain_v the_o king_n authority_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o foresay_a true_a religion_n or_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v not_o employ_v against_o it_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n with_o this_o limitation_n precise_o and_o if_o you_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o confere_v with_o you_o of_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o demand_n whethere_o or_o no_o we_o can_v sincere_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n true_o and_o proper_o monarchical_a of_o the_o king_n and_o withal_o swear_v also_o disobedience_n to_o these_o article_n which_o be_v authorize_v by_o his_o stand_a law_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n against_o he_o in_o their_o disobedience_n of_o his_o law_n as_o yet_o stand_v in_o vigour_n concern_v these_o thing_n answer_n 1._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o demand_v be_v useful_a here_o also_o 2._o forbearance_n of_o practice_n for_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v rather_o obedience_n than_o disobedience_n for_o example_n kneel_v be_v think_v convenient_a because_o all_o memory_n of_o superstition_n be_v past_a shall_v it_o not_o therefore_o be_v forbear_v because_o superstition_n be_v now_o revive_v and_o flagrant_a they_o who_o practice_n keep_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o who_o forbear_v keep_v the_o life_n and_o reason_n thereof_o replye_n your_o covenant_n require_v more_o of_o we_o than_o the_o forbearance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n as_o we_o have_v often_o time_n declare_v 2._o we_o have_v also_o show_v that_o the_o forbearance_n of_o obedience_n to_o stand_v law_n without_o licience_n of_o superior_n and_o contrary_a to_o their_o commandment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o deliberation_n and_o if_o man_n tie_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n to_o do_v so_o be_v manifest_a disobedience_n 3._o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n anent_o kneel_v be_v not_o ground_v only_o nor_o yet_o principal_o upon_o that_o narrative_a which_o you_o mention_v but_o rather_o upon_o the_o conveniency_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o reason_n do_v yet_o continue_v as_o also_o the_o other_o reason_n which_o you_o mention_v hold_v yet_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o church_n be_v never_o papist_n and_o consequent_o have_v no_o memory_n of_o popish_a superstition_n as_o those_o who_o live_v in_o time_n of_o reformation_n 4._o we_o can_v not_o see_v nor_o conceive_v how_o a_o vow_n and_o band_n of_o maintain_v the_o mean_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o consequent_o against_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o our_o second_o reply_n in_o disobedience_n of_o his_o law_n can_v consist_v with_o that_o love_n reverence_n and_o subjection_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o king_n neither_o have_v you_o bring_v any_o thing_n in_o your_o answer_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o because_o you_o allege_v as_o we_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o do_v vindicate_v yourselves_o by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o you_o promise_v to_o maintain_v the_o king_n authority_n we_o pray_v you_o to_o express_v your_o mind_n more_o full_o concern_v it_o and_o to_o show_v we_o 1._o what_o you_o mean_v by_o mantain_v the_o king_n authority_n in_o that_o part_n of_o your_o covenant_n wherein_o you_o express_v your_o loyal_a intention_n to_o maintain_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o in_o special_a whether_o or_o no_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v take_v by_o you_o as_o it_o exclude_v all_o resist_n of_o his_o authority_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n even_o although_o he_o shall_v command_v thing_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o so_o we_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o take_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o demonstrate_v neither_o can_v we_o swear_v it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n 2._o whether_o your_o promise_n of_o mutual_a defence_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n etc._n etc._n aught_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o maintain_v the_o king_n authority_n absolute_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o no_o or_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o maintain_v the_o king_n authority_n conditional_o in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o not_o any_o other_o way_n if_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o first_o way_n we_o assent_n to_o that_o part_n of_o your_o covenant_n and_o have_v no_o more_o scruple_n anent_o it_o except_o that_o one_o which_o we_o mention_v in_o our_o reply_n to_o your_o second_o answer_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n of_o your_o protestation_n seem_v to_o import_v more_o and_o that_o your_o paction_n or_o covenant_n be_v make_v without_o the_o king_n privity_n and_o consent_n if_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o second_o way_n than_o we_o continue_v urge_v our_o foresay_a demand_n to_o wit_n how_o a_o man_n can_v maintain_v the_o king_n authority_n and_o withal_o maintain_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n in_o resist_v his_o authority_n and_o how_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o stand_v for_o the_o king_n honour_n when_o we_o vow_v and_o promise_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o profess_v to_o be_v against_o his_o honour_n and_o which_o in_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o man_n be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o point_n be_v more_o than_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o in_o sincerity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n confer_v of_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o who_o doubt_v of_o this_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n the_o ten_o demand_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v to_o such_o a_o covenant_n which_o take_v away_o from_o we_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o mattere_n present_o debate_v for_o how_o can_v these_o vote_n free_o of_o any_o matter_n propound_v to_o the_o decision_n and_o deliberation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n who_o have_v already_o swear_v to_o adheere_v to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o how_o can_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o judgement_n chief_o see_v they_o be_v possessoures_n and_o have_v law_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a stand_v as_o yet_o for_o they_o answer_n we_o perceive_v that_o this_o ten_o demand_n be_v make_v of_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n therefore_o we_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o we_o promise_v only_a forbearance_n which_o can_v prejudge_v no_o man_n liberty_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n replye_n we_o have_v show_v that_o your_o covenant_n and_o oath_n import_v a_o manifest_a abjuration_n of_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o therefore_o the_o swear_n of_o it_o do_v manifest_o prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o a_o national_n assembly_n for_o how_o can_v they_o free_o either_o reason_n in_o a_o assembly_n concern_v episcopacy_n and_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n or_o else_o give_v their_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n concern_v they_o who_o have_v already_o promise_v swear_v and_o vow_v first_o to_o adheere_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi that_o be_v according_a to_o your_o interpretation_n to_o the_o whole_a external_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v 1581._o 2._o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_v lawful_a to_o remove_v and_o expel_v all_o those_o rite_n and_o
be_v see_v of_o all_o her_o lover_n concern_v your_o confidence_n of_o we_o as_o we_o in_o love_n judge_n that_o you_o think_v not_o yourselves_o â—o_o be_v stryve_v against_o the_o truth_n so_o may_v you_o conceive_v that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v to_o your_o mind_n than_o we_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v reform_v swear_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o late_a and_o precede_a covenant_n and_o from_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o religious_a reformer_n and_o the_o many_o worthy_n succeed_v they_o in_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v see_v the_o day_n which_o we_o now_o do_v see_v and_o for_o which_o we_o pray_v that_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v be_v thankful_a so_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o discern_v and_o use_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n visitation_n so_o shall_v we_o all_o rejoice_v together_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o first_o reply_n your_o experience_n in_o your_o dispute_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n wherein_o you_o say_v you_o be_v so_o frequent_a have_v no_o doubt_n teach_v you_o how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o multiply_v objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o yourselves_o know_v that_o your_o objection_n against_o our_o call_v and_o the_o warrant_n of_o our_o come_n to_o you_o be_v frame_v and_o publish_v in_o print_n before_o it_o be_v propound_v unto_o we_o and_o ere_o our_o answer_n can_v be_v have_v but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o do_v hear_v your_o demand_n we_o answer_v incontinent_a in_o the_o humility_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v to_o obtrude_v nothing_o upon_o you_o or_o your_o flock_n by_o any_o particular_a authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a but_o that_o we_o do_v come_v in_o all_o meekness_n to_o represent_v unto_o you_o the_o present_a case_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o in_o love_n to_o entreat_v you_o to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o peace_n thereof_o for_o which_o we_o trust_v without_o wrong_v any_o lawful_a authority_n we_o may_v claim_v the_o warrant_n of_o the_o high_a and_o great_a authority_n although_o we_o have_v not_o be_v send_v from_o almost_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n lawful_o convene_v at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o sore_o shake_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o favourer_n let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n hebr._n 10._o 24._o and_o where_o you_o object_n that_o without_o your_o leave_n we_o preach_v within_o your_o congregation_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o you_o as_o a_o heinous_a fault_n both_o against_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o canon_n of_o ancient_a counsel_n which_o you_o have_v laborious_o quote_v against_o we_o we_o entreat_v you_o to_o be_v more_o spare_v lest_o the_o guiltiness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o reflex_n upon_o yourselves_o for_o your_o pulpit_n and_o kirk_n be_v deny_v we_o not_o from_o any_o injury_n do_v by_o we_o but_o by_o your_o own_o determination_n before_o our_o come_n a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o deliver_v our_o message_n in_o such_o place_n as_o your_o courtesy_n do_v permit_v wherein_o no_o man_n will_v find_v that_o we_o have_v fail_v if_o he_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v as_o wide_a difference_n betwixt_o ecclesia_fw-la turbata_fw-la &_o paâ—ata_fw-la the_o trouble_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o a_o kirk_n as_o be_v betwixt_o ecclesia_fw-la constituenda_fw-la &_o constituta_fw-la and_o many_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o one_o which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o expedient_a in_o the_o other_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi this_o year_n as_o if_o you_o have_v be_v speak_v thereof_o many_o year_n before_o this_o time_n 2._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o counsel_n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o to_o care_n for_o their_o own_o flock_n that_o they_o forbid_v they_o not_o to_o care_v for_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o common_a combustion_n when_o the_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o run_v to_o all_o rowm_n where_o he_o may_v quench_v it_o when_o a_o like_fw-mi strick_v up_z in_o a_o ship_n every_o mariner_n yea_o every_o passenger_n aught_o to_o labour_v to_o stop_v it_o even_o he_o who_o be_v not_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_fw-mi &_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 12._o 4._o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o vers_fw-la 25._o if_o some_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n have_v not_o care_v more_o kind_o in_o this_o time_n of_o common_a danger_n than_o other_o some_o have_v do_v the_o whole_a body_n have_v be_v ere_o now_o dangerous_o if_o not_o desperate_o disease_v 3._o that_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o hour_n for_o deliver_v our_o message_n that_o the_o people_n may_v attend_v your_o ordinary_a time_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o make_v your_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n contempt_n or_o we_o of_o your_o ministry_n to_o be_v most_o unjust_a in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o reply_n to_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o first_o demand_n you_o may_v have_v make_v choice_n of_o word_n witness_v more_o respect_n to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n now_o '_o and_o to_o the_o church_fw-mi in_o former_a time_n then_o of_o a_o confederation_n and_o negative_a confession_n we_o know_v no_o other_o confederation_n at_o this_o time_n but_o this_o same_o laudable_a covenant_n which_o our_o progenitor_n and_o many_o yet_o live_v make_v with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o at_o the_o commandment_n of_o authority_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o former_a time_n neither_o be_v that_o short_a confession_n mere_o negative_a since_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o be_v affirmative_a and_o do_v virtual_o contain_v the_o first_o large_a confession_n ratisy_v in_o parliament_n 1567._o 2._o no_o pastor_n in_o our_o knowledge_n have_v either_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o foreign_a country_n or_o have_v be_v threaten_v with_o the_o want_n of_o their_o stipend_n for_o the_o refuse_v their_o subscription_n but_o this_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n go_v to_o court_n for_o procure_v of_o protection_n against_o their_o creditor_n and_o against_o the_o law_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n have_v make_v lie_v between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o people_n other_o we_o know_v have_v wilful_o refuse_v to_o abide_v with_o their_o flock_n and_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v by_o they_o to_o attend_v their_o charge_n have_v leave_v they_o and_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o country_n for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o people_n have_v subscrive_v and_o as_o you_o know_v that_o argument_n have_v be_v take_v from_o augmentation_n of_o stipend_n to_o hinder_v subscription_n so_o you_o may_v know_v that_o fear_v of_o worldly_a loss_n rather_o hinder_v man_n to_o subscrive_v than_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o prelate_n flight_n seem_v rather_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o inward_a fury_n of_o accuse_v conscience_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o storm_n which_o be_v procure_v by_o their_o own_o do_v may_v be_v easy_o prognosticate_v by_o they_o then_o from_o the_o enforce_a of_o subscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o in_o our_o knowledge_n be_v never_o require_v of_o any_o of_o the_o prelate_n although_o they_o be_v gross_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o do_v swear_v &_o subscrive_v before_o 3._o your_o help_n by_o your_o prayer_n and_o other_o mean_n for_o extinguish_v of_o the_o present_a combustion_n we_o still_o desire_v but_o with_o all_o entreat_n that_o you_o will_v both_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kirkes_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o public_a humiliation_n and_o fast_v which_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v proclaim_v and_o call_v for_o at_o this_o time_n so_o shall_v your_o prayer_n be_v the_o more_o effectual_a and_o also_o you_o be_v good_a instrument_n according_a to_o your_o power_n with_o your_o own_o people_n and_o the_o country_n about_o to_o join_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o shall_v you_o find_v the_o work_n of_o pacification_n the_o more_o easy_a 4._o the_o reason_n which_o we_o touch_v in_o our_o answer_n for_o prove_v that_o you_o may_v without_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o
now_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o although_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v discharge_v they_o we_o behove_v still_o to_o practice_v they_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o pearth_n have_v determine_v nothing_o of_o the_o indifferency_n or_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n second_o if_o any_o who_o allow_v these_o article_n do_v at_o that_o time_n in_o their_o discourse_n and_o speech_n call_v they_o indifferent_a they_o mean_v only_o that_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o these_o sacrament_n the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o tie_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n and_o at_o time_n appoint_v for_o sermon_n but_o we_o may_v celebrate_v they_o in_o private_a house_n and_o at_o other_o time_n but_o judicious_a and_o learned_a man_n even_o than_o think_v the_o deny_v of_o these_o sacrament_n to_o person_n who_o can_v not_o come_v or_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o restrain_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n altogether_o unwarrandable_a by_o god_n word_n whence_o you_o may_v collect_v whether_o or_o not_o they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a three_o you_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o our_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o abstain_v from_o private_a baptism_n and_o communion_n although_o our_o national_a assembly_n shall_v discharge_v they_o for_o as_o we_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o omit_v any_o necessary_a duty_n of_o our_o call_v so_o we_o carry_v a_o singular_a respect_n to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n abhor_v schism_n as_o the_o very_a pest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o the_o thirteen_o duply_v 53_o next_o you_o say_v if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o of_o festival_n day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v among_o we_o which_o have_v be_v incident_a to_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n that_o thing_n have_v be_v first_o bring_v in_o as_o indifferent_a then_o urge_v as_o necessary_a certain_o brethren_n none_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o this_o as_o yourselves_o and_o your_o associate_n for_o you_o have_v now_o make_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v esteem_v necessary_a by_o your_o follower_n which_o have_v be_v account_v indifferent_a not_o only_o since_o the_o reformation_n but_o these_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by-gone_a and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v wise_o forbid_v you_o do_v now_o make_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o consist_v as_o for_o we_o we_o stand_v as_o we_o stand_v before_o and_o do_v yet_o think_v kneel_v in_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o five_o festival_n day_n to_o be_v rite_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o indeed_o very_o profitable_a and_o edificative_a if_o pastor_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o make_v their_o people_n sensible_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n &_o expediency_n of_o they_o 54._o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n concern_v confirmation_n which_o calvin_n write_v upon_o hebr._n 6._o 2._o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v undoubted_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institut_n cap._n 19_o §_o 14._o we_o wish_v that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v again_o restore_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o that_o partial_a deal_n with_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n which_o you_o object_v unto_o we_o what_o have_v move_v our_o most_o reverend_a prelate_n to_o abstain_v hitherto_o from_o the_o practise_n of_o it_o we_o know_v not_o they_o can_v themselves_o best_o satisfy_v you_o in_o this_o point_n and_o we_o modest_o judge_v that_o this_o omission_n have_v proceed_v from_o weighty_a and_o regardable_a cause_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n in_o our_o particular_a station_n but_o the_o urge_n and_o press_v of_o that_o practice_n upon_o the_o bishop_n require_v high_a authority_n then_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o know_v the_o bishop_n never_o disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o act_n of_o pearth_n concern_v confirmation_n or_o of_o any_o other_o of_o these_o act_n as_o you_o have_v do_v who_o have_v be_v hitherto_o profess_v and_o avow_a disobeyer_n of_o they_o all_o wherefore_o we_o wish_v you_o hereafter_o not_o to_o bring_v this_o omission_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o confirmation_n as_o a_o argument_n for_o that_o forbearance_n of_o pearth_n article_n which_o you_o require_v of_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n command_v by_o a_o law_n and_o a_o avow_a or_o profess_v yea_o swear_a disobedience_n of_o the_o law_n 55._o last_o of_o all_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o we_o by_o mantain_v the_o necessity_n of_o private_a baptism_n and_o communion_n do_v condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o our_o church_n from_o the_o reformation_n till_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o put_v no_o small_a guiltiness_n upon_o other_o reform_a church_n who_o use_v not_o private_a baptism_n and_o communion_n at_o all_o but_o abstain_v from_o they_o as_o dangerous_a we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o modesty_n propon_v our_o own_o judgement_n concern_v private_a baptism_n and_o private_a communion_n nominem_fw-la judicaâ—tes_fw-la as_o cyprian_n say_v of_o old_a in_o consilio_fw-la carthag_n in_o praefat_fw-la nor_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v the_o practice_n either_o of_o this_o church_n in_o time_n precede_v pearth_n assembly_n or_o of_o other_o reform_a church_n we_o can_v not_o indeed_o deny_v but_o we_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o condemn_v of_o they_o we_o may_v no_o less_o just_o say_v to_o you_o that_o you_o condemn_v the_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o our_o reformer_n in_o the_o particular_n mention_v before_o in_o this_o same_o dup_o but_o also_o of_o diverse_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o we_o declare_v in_o our_o six_o demand_n and_o shall_v again_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o our_o six_o duply_v a_o defence_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n concern_v the_o celebration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o private_a place_n 56._o you_o desire_v we_o wise_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o desire_n which_o our_o people_n have_v of_o baptism_n and_o communion_n in_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v not_o occasion_v by_o prevail_v of_o popery_n and_o through_o a_o superstitious_a conceit_n that_o people_n have_v of_o these_o sacrament_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v short_a of_o you_o in_o duty_n of_o charity_n especial_o in_o good_a wish_n and_o therefore_o we_o likewise_o wish_v you_o wise_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o sacrament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n which_o be_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n proceed_v not_o from_o some_o want_n of_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n 57_o it_o be_v well_o that_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o minister_v these_o sacrament_n in_o private_a as_o necessary_a only_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o conceive_v that_o our_o people_n imagine_v or_o seem_v to_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a mean_n as_o that_o god_n have_v tie_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o judge_v charitable_o of_o those_o who_o be_v unknown_a to_o you_o and_o withal_o we_o declare_v that_o neither_o we_o do_v teach_v our_o people_n nor_o do_v they_o think_v for_o aught_o we_o do_v ever_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o mean_a unto_o salvation_n that_o without_o it_o god_n can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o say_v any_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v confident_a that_o when_o baptism_n be_v earnest_o seek_v for_o or_o unfeigned_o desire_v and_o yet_o can_v not_o be_v have_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o parent_n and_o of_o the_o church_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_a the_o use_n whereof_o be_v hinder_v by_o unavoidable_a necessity_n and_o so_o in_o this_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o 32._o rigid_a tenet_n of_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o part_n we_o likewise_o teach_v and_o according_o our_o people_n learn_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_a of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o our_o regeneration_n to_o the_o use_n whereof_o god_n by_o his_o commandment_n have_v tie_v we_o 58._o if_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o
general_n demand_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n propound_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o aberdene_n to_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o come_v â—â—ither_o to_o recommend_v the_o late_a covenant_n to_o thâ—â—_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n together_o with_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a brethren_n to_o the_o say_a demand_n as_o also_o the_o reply_v of_o the_o foresay_a minister_n &_o professor_n to_o their_o answer_n 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o 16._o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v your_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n aberdene_n reprint_v by_o john_n forbes_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1662._o general_n demand_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n together_o with_o answer_n to_o they_o and_o reply_v to_o those_o answer_n the_o first_o demand_n by_o what_o power_n or_o warrant_v these_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n can_v sure_o of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o people_n subscription_n to_o this_o late_a covenant_n not_o be_v send_v by_o his_o majesty_n or_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o counsel_n nor_o by_o any_o national_n synod_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o by_o any_o judicatorie_a establish_v in_o it_o and_o how_o they_o can_v enforce_v upon_o we_o or_o upon_o our_o people_n who_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n unto_o they_o their_o interpretation_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n in_o respect_n whereof_o as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoev_a this_o late_a covenant_n be_v substantial_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n anno_fw-la 1580_o and_o 1581._o answer_n we_o be_v not_o come_v hither_o to_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a judicatorie_a or_o to_o enforce_v upon_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o subscription_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o article_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v call_v negative_a or_o whatsoev_a else_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o be_v send_v to_o represent_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o humility_n the_o present_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n cry_v for_o help_v at_o their_o hand_n also_o and_o in_o brotherlie_a love_n to_o exhort_v and_o entreat_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o contribute_v their_o best_a endeavour_n for_o extinguish_v the_o common_a combustion_n which_o by_o join_v with_o almost_o the_o whole_a church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o late_a covenant_n we_o trust_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o to_o any_o lawful_a judicatorie_a or_o to_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n above_o mention_v since_o the_o sound_a interpretation_n and_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o error_n of_o our_o time_n can_v make_v no_o substantial_a change_n and_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n wherein_o we_o obliedge_n ourselves_o to_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v join_v at_o first_o with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n like_a as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n object_v that_o our_o covenant_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n have_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o declaration_n bear_v that_o we_o have_v solemn_o swear_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o of_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n reply_n we_o have_v reverend_a brethren_n sufficient_o consider_v and_o examine_v your_o answer_n to_o our_o demand_n by_o which_o we_o expect_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o our_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n but_o true_o in_o modesty_n and_o brotherlie_a love_n we_o tell_v you_o that_o your_o answer_n whatsoev_a you_o think_v of_o they_o yourselves_o have_v not_o give_v we_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o we_o expect_v we_o know_v that_o some_o who_o rash_o condemn_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v or_o write_v contrary_a to_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o maintain_v will_v bold_o say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v close_v our_o eye_n against_o a_o clear_a and_o ingyre_a light_n but_o first_o we_o say_v with_o job_n our_o witness_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o our_o record_n be_v on_o high_a that_o lord_n who_o only_o see_v the_o secret_n of_o heart_n know_v that_o we_o love_v his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a so_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v unto_o we_o to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v it_o before_o the_o world_n next_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v maturelie_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o argument_n and_o of_o these_o answer_n which_o it_o have_v please_v you_o to_o give_v we_o wish_v they_o yea_o most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o judge_v both_o of_o your_o writing_n and_o we_o without_o prejudice_n or_o any_o partial_a respect_n yea_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o you_o also_o oâ—_n who_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v persuade_v will_v after_o better_a advysement_n and_o more_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n debate_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o it_o the_o lord_n open_a your_o eye_n that_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o truth_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v we_o object_v to_o you_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o you_o have_v not_o a_o call_v to_o urge_v we_o to_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n from_o any_o acknowledge_a authority_n or_o lawful_a judicaâ—â—rie_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n or_o kingdom_n to_o which_o objection_n you_o answer_v noâ—_n here_o particular_o as_o we_o expect_v and_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v come_v to_o exhort_v we_o and_o our_o people_n in_o all_o humility_n to_o join_v with_o you_o how_o be_v it_o that_o without_o our_o consent_n and_o against_o our_o will_n not_o have_v lawful_a authority_n which_o you_o seem_v here_o not_o to_o acclaime_v to_o yourselves_o you_o have_v publicklie_o preach_v to_o our_o people_n within_o our_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o elder_n or_o pastor_n the_o care_n of_o those_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 2_o as_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o pastor_n who_o the_o flock_n must_v know_v and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o do_v watch_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o flock_n and_o must_v give_v account_n for_o they_o 1._o thessaly_n 5._o 12_o hebr._n 13._o 17._o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n pastor_n be_v command_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o charge_n and_o not_o to_o presume_v to_o exercise_v pastoral_a office_n in_o another_o pastor_n diocese_n or_o parioch_n without_o leave_n as_o also_o they_o forbid_v pastor_n to_o receive_v to_o divine_a service_n any_o man_n of_o another_o pariochin_n that_o come_v in_o contempt_n of_o his_o own_o pastor_n council_n nicen._n â—_o oecum_fw-la 1._o can._n 16._o council_n 2._o oecum_fw-la constantinop_n can._n 2._o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 11._o council_n carthag_n 3._o can._n 20._o council_n chalced._n oecum_fw-la 4._o can._n 13._o council_n nicen._n 2._o can._n 10._o council_n tribur_n can._n 28._o council_n nannet_n cap._n 1._o &_o 2._o †_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o without_o reason_n say_v that_o you_o and_o other_o of_o your_o confederation_n enforce_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n upon_o other_o seeing_z we_o hear_v that_o some_o pastor_n and_o prelate_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o forraygne_a country_n for_o fear_v of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o have_v refuse_v the_o say_a interpretation_n and_o those_o 〈…〉_z ave_fw-la stay_v in_o the_o country_n dare_v scarce_o appear_v in_o the_o h_o 〈…〉_z or_o street_n and_o be_v threaten_v that_o their_o stipend_n shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o they_o until_o they_o subscrive_v your_o covenant_n †_o 3._o whereas_o you_o do_v
of_o the_o controvert_v word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o humble_o entreat_v that_o no_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o this_o scruple_n withhold_v his_o testimony_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o miss-taking_n if_o you_o have_v not_o give_v out_o that_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n judicial_o but_o only_o have_v make_v know_v your_o own_o meaning_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reformer_n as_o you_o allege_v then_o first_o your_o interpretation_n have_v no_o obligatory_a power_n over_o other_o and_o consequent_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o obtrude_v your_o interpretation_n upon_o we_o more_o than_o we_o do_v our_o interpretation_n thereof_o upon_o you_o neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o be_v molest_v or_o threaten_v for_o not_o receive_v your_o interpretation_n chief_o see_v all_o who_o be_v of_o your_o confederation_n have_v so_o solemn_o vow_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n &_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n second_o as_o for_o the_o mind_n or_o judgement_n of_o our_o reformer_n we_o know_v no_o evidencie_n of_o it_o have_v public_a authority_n to_o obliedge_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n except_o that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o our_o national_n confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n twenty_o year_n before_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v pen_v wherein_o we_o find_v no_o warrant_n or_o ground_n of_o such_o interpretation_n as_o you_o bring_v three_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o negative_a confession_n set_v down_o in_o your_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v not_o public_a ratione_fw-la personae_fw-la so_o also_o not_o ratione_fw-la medii_fw-la for_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v ever_o perceive_v either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n or_o from_o our_o national_n confession_n registrate_v in_o parliament_n as_o for_o the_o second_o misstake_v oâ—_n misinterpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n first_o we_o marvel_v that_o a_o general_n covenant_n appoint_v to_o be_v subscrive_v by_o all_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v have_v be_v set_v down_o by_o you_o in_o such_o ambiguous_a term_n for_o true_o all_o man_n here_o even_o the_o most_o judicious_a do_v so_o take_v your_o word_n as_o if_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v in_o they_o abjure_v 2._o we_o have_v again_o more_o attentive_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o do_v evident_o perceive_v by_o they_o that_o in_o the_o say_a covenant_n the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v as_o erroneous_a and_o damnable_a corruption_n for_o where_o you_o profess_v and_o before_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o world_n solemn_o declare_v that_o you_o shall_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_v lawful_a to_o recover_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n we_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o your_o word_n have_v reference_n when_o you_o promise_v to_o labour_v to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v &_o establish_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o service-booke_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v urge_v upon_o you_o to_o wit_n the_o last_o year_n bypass_a in_o summer_n than_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o that_o time_n you_o enjoin_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o that_o you_o yet_o enjoy_v it_o for_o no_o new_a thing_n have_v since_o that_o time_n be_v publicklie_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o this_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v as_o undoubtedlie_o we_o think_v you_o do_v the_o time_n precede_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o pearth_n than_o you_o comprehend_v both_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o pearth_n under_o these_o novation_n for_o the_o remove_n whereof_o you_o promise_v to_o labour_v according_a to_o your_o power_n and_o consequent_o do_v disallow_v and_o condemn_v they_o even_o before_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o before_o they_o be_v hear_v who_o maintain_v &_o approve_v they_o as_o lawful_a 3._o we_o may_v evidentlie_o demonstrate_v this_o argumento_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o school_n for_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v abjure_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n be_v also_o abjure_v in_o your_o late_a covenant_n which_o as_o you_o say_v be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o negative_a confession_n or_o with_o the_o covenant_n make_v 1581._o but_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n be_v abjure_v as_o you_o say_v in_o the_o covenant_n make_v 1581._o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v also_o abjure_v in_o this_o your_o late_a covenant_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o in_o your_o late_a covenant_n speak_v of_o the_o oath_n contain_v in_o that_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o you_o profess_v that_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n in_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o foresay_a national_n oath_n as_o you_o call_v it_o and_o subscription_n unviolable_a the_o second_o proposition_n also_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o you_o for_o these_o twenty_o year_n bybast_a you_o have_v accuse_v those_o who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o pearth_n of_o perjury_n and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v violate_v the_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o in_o the_o which_o those_o article_n as_o you_o allege_v be_v abjure_v but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v those_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v swear_v and_o subscrive_v your_o late_a covenant_n and_o notwithstanding_a of_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n be_v tie_v only_o to_o the_o forbearance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n for_o a_o time_n we_o answer_v first_o the_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a or_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n ambiguous_a the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o declare_v and_o manifest_v that_o all_o may_v know_v it_o 2._o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o and_o therefore_o see_v you_o who_o require_v this_o oath_n of_o we_o think_v the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n conclude_v at_o pearth_n to_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o oath_n make_v anno_fw-la 1581._o how_o can_v we_o swear_v and_o subâ—rive_v your_o covenant_n which_o renew_v the_o foresay_a oath_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o it_o 3._o if_o we_o shall_v swear_v and_o subscrive_v the_o negative_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v include_v in_o your_o covenant_n than_o you_o who_o think_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n to_o be_v abjure_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n will_v think_v we_o tie_v by_o our_o own_o personal_a oath_n to_o condemn_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n 4._o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v pen_v by_o you_o who_o have_v hitherto_o not_o conform_v yourselves_o to_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o have_v oppose_v episcopacy_n and_o see_v you_o all_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v that_o popish_a or_o wicked_a hierarchy_n mention_v in_o the_o negative_a confession_n as_o also_o esteem_v the_o thing_n conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n to_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o you_o in_o your_o solemn_a vow_n make_v to_o god_n for_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o resist_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o novation_n &_o corruption_n of_o it_o have_v pass_v by_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o only_a novation_n already_o introduce_v by_o authority_n and_o from_o which_o as_o you_o affirm_v the_o church_n have_v so_o great_a need_n to_o be_v purge_v chief_o see_v you_o think_v they_o as_o popish_a superstitious_a &_o idolatrous_a as_o you_o do_v these_o other_o novation_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o introduce_v 5._o if_o in_o all_o your_o supplication_n plaint_n and_o protestation_n you_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o remove_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o new_a high_a commission_n not_o complain_v of_o any_o other_o novation_n and_o see_v his_o majesty_n have_v discharge_v the_o first_o two_o &_o have_v promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o three_o or_o last_o of_o they_o then_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o think_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v not_o satisfy_v your_o supplication_n for_o all_o the_o novation_n upon_o which_o you_o complain_v be_v remove_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o
brethren_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n mention_v in_o our_o demand_n but_o also_o suppose_v that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o we_o ask_v how_o be_v it_o that_o those_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v not_o publicklie_o by_o you_o condemn_v and_o rebuke_v why_o be_v the_o actor_n of_o they_o not_o try_v and_o censure_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o give_v some_o public_a document_n to_o the_o world_n of_o your_o aversation_n of_o such_o miscarriage_n chief_o see_v they_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v a_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n we_o can_v not_o sufficient_o marvel_v that_o you_o have_v keep_v up_o your_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o not_o answer_v to_o so_o important_a and_o necessary_a a_o demand_n as_o for_o your_o complaint_n of_o perjure_n and_o rebellion_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o mean_v the_o warn_v late_o write_v to_o the_o subject_n in_o scotland_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v much_o displease_v with_o any_o offensive_a asperitie_n which_o have_v be_v find_v in_o some_o write_a copy_n thereof_o and_o have_v already_o do_v that_o for_o remove_v of_o that_o offenâ—â—_n which_o we_o hope_v shall_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o man_n the_o thirteen_o demand_n how_o can_v we_o subscrive_v that_o covenant_n without_o incur_v many_o grievous_a scandal_n as_o first_o the_o scandal_n of_o dissent_v from_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o famous_a divyne_n the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o europe_n who_o do_v hold_v these_o rite_n which_o be_v abjure_v in_o this_o late_a covenant_n as_o mere_o unlawful_a popish_a and_o idolatrous_a to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a second_o the_o scandal_n of_o dissent_v from_o antiquity_n and_o vilipend_v it_o altogether_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o know_v and_o have_v find_v by_o frequent_a experience_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o make_v many_o papist_n more_o averse_a from_o our_o profession_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v three_o the_o scandal_n of_o perjury_n which_o some_o of_o we_o can_v not_o escape_v who_o do_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o to_o our_o ordinary_n at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n answer_n that_o threefold_a scandal_n cease_v upon_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o the_o forbearance_n of_o the_o novation_n already_o introduce_v replye_n we_o have_v show_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o forbearance_n not_o to_o be_v right_a and_o have_v refute_v it_o we_o think_v by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o your_o covenant_n so_o that_o none_o of_o these_o three_o scandal_n can_v be_v eschew_v by_o we_o if_o we_o subscrive_v to_o your_o foresay_a covenant_n 2._o suppose_v the_o other_o two_o may_v be_v eschew_v by_o that_o interpretation_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o forbearance_n yet_o the_o three_o can_v not_o be_v eschew_v see_v at_o our_o admission_n we_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o to_o our_o ordinary_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o prove_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o else_o we_o can_v not_o without_o violation_n of_o our_o oath_n make_v at_o our_o admission_n forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o foresay_a article_n against_o the_o will_n of_o our_o ordinary_n and_o other_o our_o lawful_a superioure_n the_o fourteen_o demand_n last_o of_o all_o we_o pray_v these_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a brethren_n to_o consider_v impartial_o and_o charitable_o see_v we_o have_v all_o these_o scruple_n in_o our_o mind_n concern_v their_o covenant_n as_o also_o see_v we_o be_v yet_o most_o confident_a and_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n together_o with_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o venerable_a antiquity_n of_o episcopal_a government_n how_o we_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n give_v our_o consent_n that_o they_o shall_v preach_v in_o our_o pulpit_n who_o come_v profess_o to_o withdraw_v our_o people_n from_o that_o which_o we_o in_o the_o inmost_a thought_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v embrace_v as_o lawful_a and_o from_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o do_v owe_v to_o their_o gracious_a and_o pious_a sovereign_n therein_o who_o be_v last_o proclamation_n have_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o all_o and_o much_o rejoice_v our_o heart_n in_o respect_n he_o have_v therein_o most_o solemn_o and_o by_o his_o oath_n declare_v not_o only_o his_o sincerity_n in_o profess_v the_o truth_n but_o also_o his_o pious_a resolution_n to_o continue_v therein_o and_o maintain_v it_o constant_o to_o his_o life_n end_v most_o gracious_o and_o wise_o remove_v these_o thing_n which_o have_v occasion_v the_o late_a perturbation_n of_o our_o church_n we_o wish_v they_o likewise_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o can_v require_v this_o of_o we_o see_v they_o will_v not_o we_o appeal_v their_o own_o conscience_n be_v content_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o themselves_o we_o mean_v that_o any_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o their_o pulpit_n and_o condemn_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v and_o withdraw_v their_o people_n from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o truth_n we_o conclude_v exhort_v earnest_o entreat_v lovingly_z and_o charge_v modest_o these_o and_o all_o other_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v in_o his_o kingdom_n if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n to_o look_v narrow_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n remember_v that_o of_o jeremiah_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o to_o judge_v charitable_o of_o we_o their_o brethren_n remember_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n if_o so_o be_v they_o think_v we_o to_o have_v go_v astray_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n know_v we_o no_o way_n do_v perceive_v remember_v that_o of_o s._n paul_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o also_o that_o of_o s._n james_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v after_o it_o that_o this_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o a_o dangerous_a warrefare_n and_o to_o all_o the_o woeful_a consequent_n thereof_o of_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v not_o think_v without_o tremble_v and_o horror_n answer_n 1._o nothing_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pearth_n article_n and_o of_o episcopal_a government_n 2._o we_o never_o intend_v to_o draw_v the_o mean_a of_o the_o subject_n from_o that_o loyalty_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o we_o 3._o the_o counsel_n have_v rescind_v the_o approbation_n of_o that_o proclamation_n 4._o his_o majesty_n religious_a and_o righteous_a disposition_n have_v be_v to_o we_o a_o ground_n and_o chief_a argument_n of_o our_o hope_n of_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n 5._o we_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o wrong_v our_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a brethren_n but_o rather_o to_o pass_v in_o silence_n the_o wrong_n which_o we_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o unto_o our_o god_n and_o prove_v faithful_a in_o the_o employment_n put_v upon_o we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o every_o eye_n may_v perceive_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v find_v fight_v against_o god_n and_o that_o all_o of_o we_o may_v join_v heart_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ouâ—_n lord_n jesus_n christ_n bless_v for_o ever_o julie_n 21._o 1638._o mr._n alexander_n henderson_n minister_n at_o levehars_n mr._n david_n dickson_n minister_n at_o irw_v mr._n andrew_z cant_n minister_n at_o petsligâ—_n replye_n there_o be_v too_o much_o as_o we_o think_v in_o your_o covenant_n against_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o pearth_n article_n 2._o your_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o may_v draw_v subject_n perhaps_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o their_o king_n which_o god_n avert_v and_o consequent_o from_o that_o loyalty_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o we_o except_o you_o declare_v &_o explain_v yourselves_o
defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n and_o to_o appoint_v and_o hold_v meeting_n to_o that_o end_n like_v as_o our_o proceed_n have_v be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_a mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n and_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n to_o your_o interrogatoure_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o propone_v rather_o to_o be_v snare_n to_o we_o then_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o yourselves_o we_o answer_v once_o for_o all_o in_o general_a that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o that_o disputation_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o deny_v nothing_o unto_o authority_n of_o that_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n these_o royalist_n sound_a divine_n and_o loyal_a subject_n give_v unto_o king_n and_o prince_n god_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o not_o from_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n but_o see_v so_o oft_o and_o so_o instant_o you_o press_v we_o in_o this_o point_n you_o force_v we_o mutual_o to_o propone_v to_o you_o such_o question_n as_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v have_v no_o great_a delight_n to_o answer_v 1._o we_o desire_v to_o understand_v of_o you_o whether_o you_o allow_v or_o disallow_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n if_o you_o disallow_v they_o as_o a_o innovation_n of_o religion_n why_o have_v you_o not_o either_o join_v in_o supplication_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o make_v a_o supplication_n of_o your_o own_o against_o they_o or_o some_o other_o way_n testify_v your_o dislike_n next_o whether_o it_o be_v pertinent_a for_o man_n of_o your_o place_n and_o quality_n to_o move_v question_n of_o state_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o liberty_n of_o subject_n after_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o wise_a statesman_n have_v receive_v satisfaction_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o suppress_v such_o motion_n as_o you_o 3._o whether_o do_v the_o subscriver_n more_o tender_a his_o majesty_n honour_n by_o suppose_v his_o constancy_n in_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o equitable_a disposition_n in_o ministration_n of_o justice_n or_o you_o who_o suppose_v he_o shall_v fall_v upon_o his_o religious_a and_o loyal_a subject_n with_o force_n of_o arm_n contrary_a to_o both_o 4._o whether_o the_o join_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o entertain_n of_o division_n by_o your_o writing_n preach_v and_o threaten_v of_o your_o people_n otherwise_o willing_a to_o join_v be_v a_o more_o ready_a mean_a to_o settle_v the_o present_a commotion_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n 5._o if_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o follower_n labour_v to_o introduce_v popery_n in_o the_o land_n make_v a_o faction_n by_o themselves_o or_o as_o the_o guisian_n in_o france_n do_v abuse_v his_o majesty_n name_n in_o execution_n of_o the_o bloody_a decree_n of_o trent_n which_o god_n forbid_v we_o ask_v whether_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lawful_a defence_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o such_o a_o faction_n be_v a_o resist_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o a_o take_a arm_n against_o the_o king_n if_o you_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v be_v not_o this_o to_o take_v part_n with_o a_o faction_n seek_v their_o own_o end_n against_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n if_o you_o say_v not_o why_o then_o sinde_v you_o fault_n with_o our_o protestation_n of_o defend_v the_o religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o and_o in_o that_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n 6._o whether_o do_v you_o think_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o be_v of_o so_o absolute_a &_o unbounded_a power_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o promise_n or_o paction_n make_v with_o the_o subject_n at_o their_o coronation_n or_o of_o any_o law_n make_v for_o establish_v their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o suffer_v of_o martyrdom_n in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a invasion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n if_o you_o think_v that_o any_o defence_n be_v lawful_a why_o misconstrue_v you_o the_o subscriver_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o not_o how_o can_v you_o be_v free_a of_o flattery_n and_o of_o stir_v up_o prince_n against_o their_o loyal_a subject_n for_o such_o end_n as_o yourselves_o know_v best_o we_o very_o believe_v that_o you_o shall_v report_v small_a thanks_o either_o of_o so_o good_a and_o just_a a_o king_n or_o of_o so_o dutiful_a subject_n for_o enter_v within_o these_o list_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o such_o question_n be_v agitate_a in_o the_o school_n and_o that_o with_o as_o great_a prudency_n and_o as_o circumspect_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o ten_o first_o you_o take_v we_o in_o our_o four_o reply_n to_o be_v the_o penner_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o will_v rather_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o it_o to_o your_o own_o meaning_n then_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o we_o for_o we_o prejudge_v not_o your_o liberty_n of_o conception_n of_o that_o short_a confession_n but_o permit_v it_o to_o yourselves_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o private_a meaning_n of_o some_o who_o have_v subâ—crived_v yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o late_a interpretation_n that_o condemn_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o episcopacy_n as_o popish_a novation_n you_o may_v voice_n and_o reason_n in_o a_o assembly_n as_o free_o concern_v they_o and_o give_v your_o judgement_n of_o they_o without_o prejudice_n notwithstanding_o of_o your_o oath_n according_a to_o your_o own_o ground_n as_o you_o will_v have_v do_v at_o the_o assembly_n of_o pearth_n 2._o we_o hopâ—_n you_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi neither_o will_v we_o judge_v so_o uncharitable_o as_o to_o think_v you_o so_o corrupt_a that_o in_o your_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o have_v enter_v in_o the_o church_fw-mi since_o that_o time_n design_v by_o you_o beside_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n which_o can_v be_v think_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o eleven_o first_o you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o upon_o this_o occasion_n give_v you_o that_o testimony_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o you_o of_o your_o sincerity_n in_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o to_o supply_v our_o defect_n have_v take_v a_o ample_a testimony_n to_o yourselves_o of_o pain_n in_o dispute_v in_o wryt_v and_o preach_v against_o popery_n in_o process_v of_o papist_n and_o in_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n of_o humble_v yourselves_o before_o he_o of_o your_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v make_v we_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o hear_v that_o testimony_n rather_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o we_o may_v be_v no_o more_o challenge_v as_o deficient_a in_o that_o kind_n but_o give_v unto_o you_o your_o deserve_a praise_n to_o inquire_v in_o matter_n whereupon_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o other_o we_o hear_v that_o for_o all_o your_o pain_n papist_n and_o person_n popish_o affect_v be_v multiply_v and_o papistry_n increase_v in_o your_o town_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o town_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o no_o less_o under_o your_o ministry_n than_o any_o time_n before_o since_o the_o reformation_n that_o there_o be_v in_o private_a house_n mess_n crucisix_n and_o other_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n that_o you_o have_v not_o many_o convert_v from_o popery_n that_o jesuit_n and_o priest_n be_v countenance_v there_o that_o your_o people_n at_o home_n and_o your_o magistrate_n abroad_o complain_v that_o you_o be_v but_o too_o spare_v of_o your_o pain_n in_o preach_v and_o often_o fill_v your_o place_n with_o novice_n but_o this_o we_o be_v spare_v to_o believe_v and_o wish_v that_o the_o not_o employ_v of_o your_o tongue_n and_o pen_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n which_o be_v so_o pester_v with_o popery_n if_o the_o seed_n of_o romish_a heresy_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o papal_a tyranny_n come_v under_o that_o censure_n and_o your_o willingness_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n
in_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n have_v be_v also_o testimony_n of_o your_o sincerity_n against_o popery_n 2._o the_o laudable_a mean_n of_o preach_v pray_v etc._n etc._n which_o we_o wish_v may_v be_v still_o in_o all_o faithfulness_n use_v by_o you_o may_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o both_o be_v join_v have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n past_a produce_v more_o powerful_a effect_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o many_o thousand_o than_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o preach_a have_v do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o which_o testify_v that_o as_o it_o be_v warrand_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o motion_n have_v procee_v from_o god._n all_o the_o argument_n and_o subtlety_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v will_v never_o make_v a_o people_n who_o at_o this_o time_n have_v find_v god_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o think_v the_o contrary_n 3._o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o people_n to_o popery_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o of_o their_o disposition_n may_v make_v the_o people_n to_o conceive_v other_o way_n of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o canon_n that_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v in_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o prevent_v of_o those_o and_o other_o evil_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o the_o subject_n join_v in_o a_o covenant_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o twelve_o first_o we_o have_v ever_o preach_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n and_o have_v give_v example_n of_o reverence_n to_o authority_n and_o the_o lord_n service_n but_o we_o neither_o acknowledge_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o prelate_n for_o lawful_a authority_n nor_o the_o service_n book_n for_o the_o lord_n service_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o intolerable_a for_o the_o prelate_n without_o authority_n from_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o parliament_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o service_n book_n into_o god_n own_o house_n upon_z the_o lord_n own_o day_n which_o make_v it_o nothing_o strange_a that_o people_n zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o oppose_v and_o we_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o these_o who_o have_v oppose_v do_v bear_v as_o loyal_a respect_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o provoke_v he_o to_o just_a wrath_n as_o their_o opposite_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o do_v you_o not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o child_n be_v high_o provoke_v to_o wrath_n by_o the_o prelate_n who_o you_o account_v reverend_a and_o holy_a father_n 2._o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o own_o private_a possession_n from_o invasion_n of_o other_o belong_v to_o ourselves_o under_o the_o king_n protection_n so_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n house_n from_o pollution_n and_o superstition_n belong_v to_o authority_n to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o place_n and_o order_n 3._o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o do_v no_o more_o allow_v violence_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o we_o do_v allow_v the_o â—oule_a aspersion_n of_o rebellion_n heresy_n schism_n and_o perjury_n put_v upon_o the_o nobleman_n and_o remnant_n covenanter_n and_o where_o you_o ask_v of_o we_o why_o these_o tumult_n be_v not_o public_o by_o we_o condemn_v and_o rebuke_v we_o ask_v again_o of_o you_o why_o you_o do_v not_o condemn_v and_o rebuke_v such_o deal_n since_o that_o be_v no_o less_o transgression_n both_o against_o the_o six_o and_o nine_o command_n than_o the_o other_o be_v against_o the_o six_o and_o whereas_o you_o be_v now_o so_o peremptory_a in_o draw_v a_o declaration_n from_o we_o answerable_a to_o that_o which_o you_o have_v give_v concern_v the_o foresay_a aspersion_n and_o calumny_n we_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o in_o this_o point_n or_o to_o give_v document_n for_o our_o own_o private_a judgement_n do_v hearty_o disallow_v every_o wrong_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o for_o the_o apology_n of_o d._n john_n forbes_n of_o corse_n see_v the_o wrong_n have_v be_v do_v not_o unto_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n such_o as_o you_o say_v have_v be_v wrong_v by_o some_o of_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o nobleman_n baron_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v high_o offend_v thereby_o it_o be_v in_o we_o presumption_n and_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o call_v to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o receive_v any_o declaration_n of_o that_o kind_n especial_o wherein_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v reprovable_a as_o first_o that_o his_o bitter_a speech_n be_v occasion_v by_o some_o print_a book_n affirm_v that_o episcopacy_n and_o pearth_n article_n be_v antichristian_a and_o abominable_a suppose_v it_o be_v true_a do_v he_o think_v the_o nobleman_n and_o whole_a covenanter_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o be_v this_o deal_n agreeable_a to_o that_o christian_a meekness_n so_o much_o require_v of_o we_o before_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o print_a book_n be_v not_o the_o first_o who_o have_v speak_v so_o for_o master_n knox_n spare_v not_o in_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o to_o call_v this_o kneel_v a_o diabolical_a invention_n second_o the_o swear_n of_o forbearance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o say_a doctrine_n which_o we_o neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v to_o be_v import_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n but_o only_o in_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o we_o declare_v that_o promise_n be_v only_o make_v to_o forbear_v for_o a_o time_n do_v not_o deserve_v so_o bitter_a a_o censure_n as_o this_o apology_n bear_v upon_o we_o 3._o if_o the_o king_n majesty_n counsel_n or_o the_o subject_n of_o scotland_n have_v ask_v his_o opinion_n and_o advice_n he_o may_v have_v use_v the_o great_a liberty_n 4._o it_o be_v ill_o apologize_v to_o call_v it_o a_o holy_a indignation_n and_o worse_o defend_v since_o it_o be_v such_o a_o wrath_n as_o work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god._n 5._o whereas_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o qui_fw-la proficiendo_fw-la scribunt_fw-la &_o scribendo_fw-la proficiunt_fw-la we_o can_v wish_v that_o he_o have_v profit_v better_a by_o writing_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o write_v his_o irenicum_fw-la first_o and_o now_o this_o his_o warn_v after_o his_o irenicum_fw-la for_o which_o if_o he_o make_v no_o better_a apology_n then_o confess_v asperity_n of_o word_n proceed_v from_o a_o holy_a indignation_n it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v of_o his_o apology_n as_o it_o fare_v with_o his_o irenicum_fw-la unto_o which_o be_v apply_v fit_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o like_a case_n aut_fw-la fabrum_fw-la forceps_fw-la aut_fw-la ars_fw-la ignara_fw-la fefellit_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voluit_fw-la cudere_fw-la cudit_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o whereas_o you_o desire_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o you_o mean_v of_o we_o personal_o we_o have_v declare_v our_o judgement_n and_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n in_o every_o such_o duty_n and_o if_o you_o mean_v we_o and_o those_o that_o send_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o faill_n to_o report_v unto_o they_o what_o you_o desire_v although_o our_o commission_n from_o you_o have_v be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a if_o you_o have_v speak_v more_o reverent_o of_o our_o confession_n and_o covenant_n than_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o your_o desire_n and_o have_v put_v your_o hand_n unto_o the_o covenant_n which_o will_v present_o have_v join_v we_o in_o a_o great_a affection_n and_o make_v way_n for_o union_n in_o judgement_n and_o perfect_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o thirteen_o you_o pretend_v a_o threefold_a scandal_n which_o shall_v follow_v upon_o your_o subscription_n 1._o the_o scandal_n of_o dissent_v from_o other_o reform_a kirk_n and_o famous_a divyne_n 2._o the_o scandal_n of_o dissent_v from_o authority_n 3._o the_o scandal_n of_o perjury_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o controvert_v word_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v right_o conceive_v and_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o not_o after_o the_o gloss_n which_o you_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o do_v put_v you_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o all_o the_o three_o scandal_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o first_o two_o and_o may_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o three_o of_o perjury_n we_o dispute_v not_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o oath_n give_v at_o your_o admission_n by_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v exact_v with_o what_o conscience_n it_o be_v give_v nor_o how_o you_o can_v answer_v for_o the_o scandal_n rise_v thereupon_o but_o conceive_v
forget_v to_o many_o wise_a and_o ancient_a pastor_n and_o professor_n who_o do_v also_o find_v a_o unwonted_a flame_n warm_v their_o own_o breast_n the_o plot_n and_o work_n of_o the_o adversary_n have_v wrought_v against_o their_o own_o project_n and_o have_v serve_v for_o our_o end_n more_o than_o all_o that_o have_v be_v think_v or_o do_v by_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v just_o say_v what_o they_o devise_v for_o evil_a the_o lord_n have_v turn_v to_o good_a many_o thousand_o conveened_a diverse_a time_n in_o one_o place_n have_v be_v keep_v in_o such_o order_n and_o quietness_n without_o the_o small_a trouble_n in_o such_o soberness_n and_o temperance_n without_o excess_n or_o riot_n that_o hardly_o can_v history_n furnish_v a_o parallel_n and_o what_o effect_n there_o be_v already_o throughout_o the_o land_n of_o piety_n in_o domestic_a worship_n in_o observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o public_a of_o soberness_n in_o diet_n and_o apparel_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o concord_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v sensible_a by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o and_o shall_v be_v exemplary_a to_o the_o posterity_n these_o we_o present_v unto_o you_o and_o unto_o all_o as_o a_o commentary_n write_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o hand_n wish_v again_o that_o neither_o you_o nor_o other_o be_v find_v fight_v against_o god._n who_o so_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n psal._n 107._o 43._o lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v but_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o their_o envy_n at_o the_o people_n isai._n 26._o 11._o master_n alexander_n henderson_n minister_n at_o leuchars_n master_n david_n dickson_n minister_n at_o irwin_n duplye_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o aberdene_n to_o the_o second_o answer_n of_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n if_o thou_o take_v forth_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v as_o my_o mouth_n let_v they_o return_v unto_o thou_o but_o return_v not_o thou_o unto_o they_o jerem._n 15._o 19_o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_n the_o king_n 1._o pet._n 2._o 17._o to_o the_o unpartial_a reader_n it_o may_v be_v you_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o hear_v the_o true_a relation_n of_o our_o proceed_n and_o carriage_n towards_o those_o two_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o come_v late_o hither_o to_o recommend_v to_o we_o and_o our_o people_n the_o late_a covenant_n we_o declare_v therefore_o to_o you_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o their_o come_n and_o intention_n and_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n resolve_v that_o before_o we_o shall_v give_v consent_n that_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o our_o people_n we_o will_v propone_v to_o they_o by_o way_n of_o certain_a demand_n the_o chief_a reason_n which_o make_v we_o to_o be_v averse_a from_o their_o proceed_n promise_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o our_o pulpit_n if_o they_o shall_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o late_a covenant_n we_o intend_v not_o to_o print_v these_o demand_n at_o the_o first_o but_o afterward_o consider_v how_o much_o our_o people_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o they_o in_o that_o pious_a resolution_n which_o they_o have_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n concern_v episcopacy_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v conclude_v in_o pearth_n assembly_n we_o think_v good_a to_o put_v they_o to_o the_o press_n but_o determine_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o by_o divulgate_a they_o except_o we_o see_v that_o our_o people_n stand_v in_o present_a need_n of_o they_o which_o indeed_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o upon_o friday_n the_o twenty_o of_o jullie_n last_o these_o reverend_a brethren_n come_v to_o this_o town_n and_o have_v that_o same_o night_n receive_v our_o demand_n in_o writ_n they_o return_v their_o answer_n unto_o they_o on_o saturday_n follow_v late_o in_o the_o evening_n but_o they_o come_v noâ—_n to_o our_o hand_n who_o reply_v unto_o they_o until_o sunday_n in_o the_o morning_n neither_o have_v we_o leisure_n to_o read_v or_o consider_v until_o both_o the_o sermon_n be_v end_v in_o our_o church_n wherefore_o we_o do_v meet_v together_o that_o day_n at_o four_o hour_n afternoon_n that_o we_o may_v peruse_v they_o and_o at_o that_o same_o time_n hear_v that_o these_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v preach_v in_o audience_n of_o dyverse_n of_o our_o people_n convene_v in_o the_o court_n of_o a_o nobleman_n his_o lodging_n not_o have_v obtain_v our_o consent_n thereto_o and_o in_o their_o sermon_n have_v use_v a_o form_n of_o answer_v to_o our_o demand_n which_o they_o do_v public_o read_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o in_o a_o write_a copy_n of_o their_o answer_n which_o they_o have_v send_v to_o we_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n have_v labour_v to_o dissuade_v and_o draw_v our_o people_n from_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n and_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n ratify_v they_o we_o know_v how_o insufficient_a their_o answer_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o any_o who_o will_v due_o ponder_v our_o demand_n give_v licence_n to_o the_o printer_n to_o devulgate_v they_o and_o the_o next_o day_n do_v write_v our_o reply_v to_o their_o answer_n intend_v to_o put_v they_o to_o the_o press_n on_o tuesday_n but_o we_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v by_o a_o noble_a man_n to_o send_v back_o to_o they_o the_o copy_n of_o their_o answer_n that_o they_o may_v revise_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o also_o to_o delay_v the_o print_n of_o our_o reply_v until_o friday_n follow_v which_o we_o willing_o grant_v but_o wherefore_o this_o be_v desire_v of_o we_o you_o may_v conjecture_v see_v they_o neither_o add_v nor_o diminish_v nor_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o answer_n upon_o the_o next_o friday_n at_o night_n we_o give_v our_o reply_v to_o the_o printer_n and_o to_o these_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o return_v not_o to_o this_o city_n until_o saturday_n follow_v we_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o our_o reply_v in_o write_v on_z the_o lord_n day_n unto_o which_o we_o receive_v not_o their_o answer_n until_o they_o come_v from_o the_o press_n to_o wit_n on_o tuesday_n the_o fourteen_o of_o august_n that_o be_v eyghteene_a day_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v our_o reply_v what_o success_n these_o brethren_n have_v in_o their_o sermon_n which_o they_o preach_v here_o upon_o two_o several_a lord_n day_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v neither_o have_v they_o reason_n to_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o first_o of_o these_o day_n some_o few_o who_o be_v think_v to_o be_v that_o way_n incline_v before_o subscryve_v their_o covenant_n but_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n they_o scarce_o prevail_v with_o any_o at_o all_o and_o a_o great_a many_o who_o hear_v they_o both_o these_o day_n profess_a that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o sermon_n more_o averse_a from_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o be_v before_o now_o good_a reader_n we_o present_v to_o thou_o our_o reply_v to_o their_o second_o answer_n which_o for_o shortness_n cause_n we_o have_v call_v duplye_v we_o pray_v you_o consider_v they_o unpartial_o and_o if_o you_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o peruse_v they_o let_v it_o noâ—_n be_v ascrive_v unto_o we_o but_o to_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o conclude_v with_o zerâ—babell_a say_v bless_a be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o let_v all_o the_o people_n shout_n and_o say_v great_a be_v truth_n and_o mighty_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n mr._n alexander_n henderson_n and_o mr._n david_n dickson_n that_o your_o answer_n reverend_a and_o dear_a brethren_n have_v not_o in_o any_o degree_n satisfy_v we_o we_o impute_v it_o not_o to_o your_o weakness_n who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v able_a man_n and_o much_o exercise_v in_o the_o matter_n debate_v betwixt_o we_o but_o we_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o cause_n and_o to_o that_o inability_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o you_o to_o bear_v out_o against_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v sorry_a that_o you_o be_v not_o so_o respective_a and_o favourable_a in_o your_o judgement_n of_o we_o for_o you_o plain_o declare_v in_o your_o preface_n that_o you_o suspect_v we_o of_o prejudice_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o our_o demand_n which_o you_o conceive_v have_v be_v mere_o intend_v for_o you_o be_v publish_v before_o your_o come_n in_o print_n as_o also_o that_o our_o reply_v be_v print_v before_o we_o receive_v your_o last_o answer_n to_o they_o whenâ—e_v you_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v rather_o aim_v at_o victory_n move_v
they_o be_v but_o private_a as_o in_o dialecticke_a a_o intermediate_v genus_fw-la although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inferior_a species_n it_o be_v a_o genus_fw-la yet_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o superior_a genus_fw-la it_o be_v but_o a_o species_n all_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n be_v destitute_a of_o that_o power_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v for_o a_o private_a act_n for_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n order_n can_v not_o be_v but_o with_o a_o reference_n to_o that_o which_o be_v first_o hence_o king_n james_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a 6._o law_n of_o free_a monarchy_n pag._n 206._o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v but_o private_a man_n the_o authority_n be_v alwise_o with_o the_o magistrate_n second_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o very_a word_n of_o calvin_n in_o that_o same_o 31_o sect._n for_o there_o he_o except_v none_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v or_o suffer_v when_o king_n command_v thing_n unjust_a but_o only_o popular_a magistrate_n appoint_v for_o restrain_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o king_n now_o where_o such_o magistrate_n be_v erect_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o king_n in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v not_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o if_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n none_o can_v force_v he_o since_o a_o inferior_a can_v not_o force_v his_o superior_a this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o only_o by_o he_o who_o be_v superior_a or_o at_o least_o equal_a three_o this_o be_v clear_a also_o by_o the_o example_n adduce_v by_o calvin_n namely_o the_o lacedamonian_a ephori_fw-la the_o roman_a tribune_n and_o the_o athenian_a demarchi_fw-la when_o the_o ephori_fw-la be_v set_v up_o in_o lacedaemon_n the_o king_n of_o lacedaemon_n be_v but_o king_n author_n in_o name_n and_o have_v not_o the_o supreme_a power_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o learned_a so_o when_o the_o tribune_n have_v their_o full_a power_n in_o rome_n the_o supreme_a power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v in_o athens_n when_o the_o demarchi_fw-la have_v power_n therefore_o from_o this_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v for_o the_o lawful_a resistance_n of_o subject_n to_o a_o monarch_n or_o king_n properly_z so_o call_v four_o calvin_n apply_v this_o to_o the_o kingdom_n that_o now_o be_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o peradventure_o the_o three_o estate_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n have_v that_o same_o power_n which_o the_o forementioned_a ephori_fw-la etc._n etc._n have_v here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o he_o say_v only_o peradventure_o it_o be_v so_o which_o can_v be_v no_o warrant_n to_o a_o man_n conscience_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o he_o that_o resist_v his_o superior_a by_o force_n of_o arm_n shall_v not_o only_o think_v that_o peradventure_o he_o have_v power_n but_o shall_v be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v but_o that_o peradventure_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o may_v be_v as_o reasonable_o say_v peradventure_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o neither_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n even_o peradventure_o but_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n hence_o the_o learned_a rivet_n speak_v of_o calvin_n his_o mind_n in_o this_o place_n say_v that_o he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o people_n over_o monarch_n proper_o so_o call_v 13._o the_o same_o also_o be_v observe_v concern_v calvin_n his_o mind_n by_o albericus_fw-la gentilis_fw-la in_o his_o three_o royal_a dispute_n 20._o the_o same_o doctrine_n also_o be_v deliver_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o true_a law_n of_o free_a monarchy_n by_o hugo_n grotius_n in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la &_o pacis_fw-la cap._n 4._o by_o leonhartus_fw-la hutterus_n in_o his_o common_a place_n loc._n 32._o cap._n 3._o johannes_n gerhardus_fw-la in_o the_o 6_o tom._n of_o his_o common_a place_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr mastistratu_fw-la politico_fw-la num._n 483._o where_o he_o discourse_v accurat_o of_o this_o matter_n zepperus_n in_o his_o 3._o book_n de_fw-fr politia_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la in_o the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o 13_o chapter_n pag_n 573._o edit_fw-la herborn_n 1595._o alberious_a gentilis_fw-la in_o his_o regal_a disputation_n disput_n 3._o de_fw-la vi_fw-la civium_fw-la in_o regem_fw-la semper_fw-la inâ—usta_fw-la john_n bishop_n of_o rochester_n in_o his_o work_n write_v against_o bellarmine_n de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la papae_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la temporalibus_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o class_n 2._o where_o he_o adduce_v a_o cloud_n of_o many_o more_o author_n m._n antonius_n de_fw-fr dominis_n in_o his_o book_n call_v ostensio_fw-la errorum_fw-la prancisci_fw-la suarez_n cap._n 6._o §_o 27._o johannes_n angelius_n werdenhagen_n i._n c._n in_o his_o politica_fw-la generalis_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 10._o quest._n 14._o 21._o by_o these_o testimony_n we_o intend_v not_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o or_o any_o of_o our_o country_n man_n any_o imputation_n or_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o give_v sentence_n concern_v their_o proceed_n but_o only_o be_v invite_v hereto_o by_o your_o last_o answer_n we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o signify_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o many_o ancient_a and_o late_a famous_a writter_n be_v not_o of_o that_o opinion_n either_o to_o think_v the_o question_n touch_v authority_n so_o full_a of_o rock_n and_o thorn_n as_o you_o call_v it_o or_o yet_o to_o favour_v such_o a_o defensive_a take_n of_o arm_n as_o you_o think_v to_o be_v allow_v by_o whitaker_n bilson_n and_o rivet_n 22._o now_o to_o prosecute_v what_o remain_v of_o your_o answer_n whereas_o you_o say_v that_o when_o you_o justify_v your_o covenant_n and_o convention_n from_o their_o purpose_a end_n you_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o last_o and_o most_o remoâ—e_a â—nds_n but_o the_o near_a and_o immediate_a we_o pray_v you_o tell_v we_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o near_a and_o immediate_a end_n if_o you_o mean_v the_o object_n it_o itself_o which_o the_o schoolman_n call_v finem_fw-la intrinsecum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la then_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o matter_n vow_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o whence_o we_o infer_v that_o see_v the_o matter_n promise_v by_o you_o in_o this_o your_o covenant_n to_o wit_n your_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n none_o except_v be_v in_o our_o judgement_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n the_o end_n of_o your_o covenant_n be_v mere_o evil_a but_o if_o by_o the_o near_a end_n you_o mean_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v diverse_a from_o the_o object_n than_o we_o still_o affirm_v against_o the_o last_o part_n of_o your_o first_o answer_n to_o our_o second_o demand_n that_o convention_n and_o covenant_n and_o all_o other_o action_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o first_o or_o principal_o by_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o then_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v fine_n proximi_fw-la or_o fine_n remoti_fw-la 23._o we_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n blamer_n of_o our_o reformation_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o bear_v upon_o we_o because_o they_o hate_v and_o oppugn_v our_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o love_v and_o defend_v neither_o do_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o censure_v the_o proceed_n of_o our_o reformer_n but_o we_o stryve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o carry_v in_o our_o own_o time_n and_o to_o walk_v wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n as_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n may_v get_v no_o advantage_n to_o plead_v for_o their_o unwarrantable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n by_o any_o pretence_n of_o our_o example_n the_o iii_o duply._n in_o your_o three_o answer_n pass_v light_o from_o our_o reply_n you_o fall_v into_o some_o unexpected_a digression_n concern_v the_o service_n book_n and_o our_o thought_n thereof_o we_o esteem_v it_o a_o matter_n beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o humane_a judicatory_a to_o sit_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o man_n as_o for_o those_o outward_a expression_n which_o you_o allege_v upon_o some_o of_o we_o of_o not_o see_v error_n in_o that_o book_n or_o groan_v for_o it_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o such_o multiplicity_n of_o popish_a error_n as_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o of_o you_o to_o be_v in_o that_o book_n be_v invisible_a to_o some_o of_o we_o although_o to_o enter_v in_o a_o particular_a examination_n or_o consideration_n of_o every_o point_n and_o sentence_n in_o that_o book_n be_v not_o now_o time_n nor_o place_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o we_o profess_v groan_v for_o that_o book_n in_o particular_a but_o for_o a_o