assembly_n can_v have_v no_o such_o pretence_n against_o those_o few_o episcopal_a clergy_n that_o â—…esired_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o they_o in_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n they_o be_v willing_a i_o suppose_v to_o own_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o unity_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o all_o their_o assembly_n and_o to_o submit_v always_o to_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o plurality_n of_o voice_n in_o their_o meeting_n though_o sometime_o they_o themselves_o when_o they_o see_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n destroy_v this_o principle_n of_o unity_n so_o fundamental_o neceâ—…ary_a to_o all_o democratical_a society_n and_o allow_v the_o lesser_a number_n to_o preponderate_v the_o great_a as_o in_o the_o case_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o st._n andrews_n a_o 1591._o about_o settle_v a_o minister_n at_o leuchars_n and_o this_o methinks_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v far_o more_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o oppose_v the_o comprehension_n with_o the_o dissenter_n than_o the_o scots_a presbyterian_o have_v to_o reject_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o episcopal_a addresser_n but_o this_o author_n will_v needs_o have_v the_o disadvantage_n appear_v whole_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n â—…ide_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o little_a the_o reason_n he_o bring_v for_o his_o assertion_n his_o first_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o king_n be_v real_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o their_o râ—…sons_n church_n power_n as_o â—…aving_v the_o make_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o do_v still_o remain_v head_n of_o thâ—…ir_a church_n whereas_o he_o have_v actual_o renounce_v name_n and_o thing_n in_o scotland_n where_o the_o whole_a ecolesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v by_o law_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n the_o king_n be_v indeed_o own_a by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o their_o church_n power_n be_v what_o i_o believe_v the_o most_o erastian_n principled_a among_o they_o never_o dream_v their_o 37th_o article_n assert_v the_o contrary_a in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v where_o it_o be_v say_v '_o '_o that_o they_o give_v not_o to_o their_o prince_n the_o minister_a either_o of_o god_n word_n or_o of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o only_a prerogative_n which_o they_o see_v to_o have_v be_v always_o give_v to_o all_o godly_a prince_n in_o holy_a scripture_n by_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v all_o estate_n and_o degree_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a and_o restrain_v with_o the_o civil_a sword_n the_o stubborn_a and_o evil_a doer_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o article_n allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n no_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a he_o can_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o consecrate_v either_o bishop_n or_o priest_n neither_o can_v he_o inflict_v any_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o obstinate_a offender_n the_o civil_a power_n may_v for_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v her_o discipline_n the_o more_o dread_a and_o regard_v enforce_v she_o spiritual_a censure_n with_o secular_a punishment_n but_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o his_o own_o right_n it_o be_v from_o he_o the_o church_n derive_v that_o power_n of_o have_v civil_a penalty_n inflict_v on_o such_o as_o contemn_v and_o despise_v thâ—…_n ecclesiastical_a censure_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n which_o render_v the_o party_n excommunicate_v obnoxious_a to_o temporal_a imprisonment_n and_o incapacitates_fw-la he_o from_o carrying_z on_o any_o suit_n or_o action_n in_o the_o civil_a court_n the_o church_n can_v by_o her_o own_o authority_n use_v the_o civil_a sword_n to_o punish_v the_o stubborn_a and_o evil_a doer_n and_o therefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n extend_v the_o church_n jurisdiction_n to_o some_o secular_a matter_n and_o empower_n she_o to_o inflict_v civil_a penalty_n for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o her_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o clergy_n must_v own_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o derive_v this_o power_n but_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o only_o can_v be_v call_v proper_o the_o church_n power_n they_o derive_v it_o from_o a_o high_a original_a from_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o true_a â—…ead_n of_o our_o church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o lay-person_n god_n have_v institute_v a_o distinct_a order_n of_o man_n in_o our_o church_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o transmit_v this_o spiritual_a power_n down_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o posterity_n that_o there_o may_v still_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v his_o worâ—…_n and_o sacrament_n to_o his_o people_n and_o it_o be_v from_o this_o sacred_a order_n of_o the_o divine_a appointment_n that_o our_o clergy_n derive_v their_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v from_o their_o hand_n they_o receive_v holy_a order_n and_o a_o power_n of_o minister_a in_o holy_a thing_n and_o none_o but_o they_o alone_o can_v divest_v they_o of_o this_o authority_n our_o author_n expression_n of_o the_o king_n be_v have_v the_o make_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v somewhat_o ambiguous_a if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o king_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o power_n to_o consecrate_v and_o separate_a the_o bishop_n for_o their_o sacred_a function_n it_o be_v such_o a_o notorious_a falsehood_n as_o need_v no_o confutation_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v so_o visible_a but_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o king_n have_v power_n to_o nominate_v any_o clergyman_n to_o a_o vacant_a bishopric_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o themselves_o allow_v to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o popular_a election_n and_o if_o the_o laity_n in_o these_o election_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o nominate_v their_o own_o pastor_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v blame_v for_o allow_v the_o king_n to_o nominate_v and_o recommend_v to_o they_o a_o person_n â—…itly_o qualiâ—…ied_v for_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v to_o his_o bounty_n they_o owe_v all_o the_o temporal_a privilege_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o episcopal_a see_v the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o external_a order_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d with_o which_o the_o â—…ing_n be_v invest_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v likewise_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scotland_n â—…e_o have_v the_o power_n of_o nominate_v the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o clergy_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v allow_v to_o meddle_v in_o secular_a matter_n and_o to_o inâ—…lict_v any_o civil_a penalty_n upon_o such_o as_o dâ—…spise_v their_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d what_o this_o author_n allege_v about_o the_o resâ—…inding_n of_o the_o whole_a supremacy_n in_o scâ—…tland_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o this_o revolution_n be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n as_o may_v easy_o appear_v fâ—…om_o this_o short_a narrative_n thereos_fw-la by_o the_o 129th_o act_n parl._n 8._o â—…_n jamâ—…s_fw-la vi_o the_o king_n be_v royal_a prerogative_n of_o supremacy_n over_o all_o estate_n as_o well_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a be_v acknowledge_v and_o ratiâ—…ied_v and_o it_o iâ—…_n dâ—…clared_v that_o none_o shall_v dâ—…cline_v the_o â—…ing's_n power_n in_o 〈◊〉_d premise_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n thereafter_o by_o the_o â—…_n aâ—…_n 2._o parl._n k_o charlâ—…s_v ii_o there_o be_v a_o expâ—…ication_n of_o this_o act_n and_o prerogative_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o whatever_o constitution_n the_o king_n sâ—…all_v make_v concern_v the_o ordâ—…ing_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v obey_v as_o law_n this_o last_o act_n be_v think_v to_o give_v â—…he_a king_n too_o much_o power_n since_o he_o may_v thereby_o have_v aboliâ—…hed_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o be_v some_o pretext_n for_o rescind_v this_o last_o act_n and_o it_o be_v rescindâ—…d_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o second_o session_n of_o parliament_n of_o â—…_n wâ—…lliam_n but_o the_o â—…irst_n act_n be_v not_o rescind_v and_o there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d order_n to_o the_o commissioner_n not_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o act_n in_o prejâ—…dice_n theâ—…eof_o so_o that_o the_o king_n then_o by_o virtue_n
error_n and_o superstition_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v exclude_v therefrom_o and_o other_o of_o the_o reform_a communion_n be_v vest_v with_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v surrogated_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o the_o see_v of_o the_o popish_a bishop_n not_o be_v esteem_v void_a but_o supply_v by_o protestant_a superintendent_o who_o do_v not_o enjoy_v any_o of_o the_o temporal_a privilege_n and_o honour_n annex_v to_o the_o bishopric_n for_o although_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o such_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v allow_v during_o their_o life_n to_o possess_v all_o the_o revenue_n of_o their_o bishopriâ—…ks_n and_o to_o sit_v and_o vote_n in_o parliament_n as_o peer_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o such_o of_o the_o bishop_n as_o go_v along_o with_o the_o reformation_n be_v allow_v not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v all_o their_o temporal_a privilege_n but_o likewise_o to_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o superintendant_o name_v for_o their_o diocefe_n as_o be_v for_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a bishop_n now_o although_o we_o shall_v grant_v our_o author_n that_o their_o form_n oâ—…_n dâ—…ceses_n ordination_n be_v not_o diâ—…ferent_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o whole_a episcopal_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o several_a diocese_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bugbear_n in_o episcopacy_n with_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o pretend_v to_o quarrel_v because_o they_o usurp_v lordship_n and_o dâ—…minion_n over_o their_o brethren_n they_o be_v clothe_v with_o full_a power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n of_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o sacred_a function_n of_o censure_v and_o punish_v the_o clergy_n according_a to_o their_o several_a crime_n and_o all_o this_o they_o be_v authorize_v to_o do_v 21._o without_o ask_v the_o advice_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o be_v more_o than_o our_o bishop_n at_o present_a do_v ‖_o all_o appeal_n from_o presbyter_n and_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o supâ—…rintendents_n they_o be_v 1563._o to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preside_v in_o synod_n and_o to_o direct_v the_o church_n censure_v inslict_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n all_o the_o presbyter_n within_o their_o diocese_n be_v require_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o deposition_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o government_n and_o authority_n and_o be_v not_o allow_v without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o superintendent_o to_o transact_v any_o thing_n of_o moment_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o belong_v to_o bishop_n and_o this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v enough_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n who_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v exclaim_v against_o nothing_o in_o this_o sacred_a order_n but_o the_o authority_n which_o bishop_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o cleâ—…gy_n and_o as_o for_o their_o ordinaâ—…ion_n it_o seem_v at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v different_a 1563._o from_o that_o of_o other_o ministâ—…rs_n since_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v to_o be_v superintendant_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o as_o have_v already_o receive_v the_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o upon_o their_o election_n to_o a_o superinâ—…endency_n they_o be_v again_o solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n for_o â—…hat_o oâ—…ice_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v again_o receive_v the_o same_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n which_o have_v be_v already_o confer_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o second_o mission_n mention_v upon_o their_o be_v choose_v superintendent_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o episcopal_a consecration_n or_o something_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n equivalent_a to_o it_o they_o â—…ad_v long_o before_o receive_v the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n and_o now_o when_o they_o be_v elect_v superintendent_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o 3._o that_o office_n by_o certain_a solemn_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n consecrate_a anew_o to_o that_o sacred_a function_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o they_o above_o other_o presbyter_n can_v be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n of_o confer_v order_n and_o exercise_v other_o act_v of_o jurisdiction_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o bishop_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o have_v this_o episcopal_a authority_n confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o they_o can_v without_o any_o difficulty_n obtain_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n who_o have_v embrace_v the_o reform_a communion_n however_o it_o be_v not_o peremptory_o say_v here_o that_o the_o ordination_n of_o superintendent_o to_o the_o episcopal_a ofâ—…ice_n be_v altogether_o â—…anonical_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n that_o they_o be_v of_o new_a solemn_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o more_o eminent_a oâ—…ice_n in_o the_o church_n the_o clergy_n and_o laiâ—…y_n have_v such_o a_o regard_n for_o the_o â—…piscopal_a order_n that_o they_o consider_v the_o superintendent_o as_o such_o and_o pay_v the_o same_o deference_n to_o they_o that_o former_o be_v due_a to_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o though_o their_o distinct_a ordination_n will_v not_o bâ—…_n madâ—…_n evident_a from_o hiâ—…tory_n to_o be_v canonical_a yet_o their_o power_n be_v undoubted_o episcopal_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o notorious_o false_a than_o what_o this_o author_n urge_v in_o the_o second_o place_n against_o the_o superintendent_o that_o their_o 160._o office_n be_v temporary_a during_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n policy_n which_o the_o protestant_a clergy_n offer_v to_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1561_o one_o of_o its_o head_n be_v concern_v superinâ—…endents_n and_o it_o be_v there_o appoint_v that_o the_o election_n of_o superintendant_o in_o after_o time_n shall_v be_v strict_a than_o the_o present_a circumstance_n will_v allow_v and_o the_o last_o head_n of_o that_o policy_n prescribe_v some_o condition_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o future_a election_n of_o 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o our_o first_o reformer_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o superintendent_o only_a as_o a_o temporary_a thing_n the_o name_n i_o grant_v indeed_o to_o have_v be_v temporary_a and_o to_o have_v laâ—…ted_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n than_o during_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o the_o popish_a bishop_n for_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a their_o bishopric_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o temporality_n be_v not_o esteem_v vacant_a and_o the_o protestant_n who_o be_v set_v over_o their_o diocese_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o they_o not_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o temporal_a privilege_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o only_o with_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o that_o office_n but_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o popish_a bishop_n we_o find_v that_o whosoever_o be_v present_v to_o any_o of_o these_o diocese_n now_o fall_v void_a by_o their_o death_n they_o be_v not_o present_v under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o as_o thâ—…y_n have_v be_v former_o while_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v alive_a but_o have_v now_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n give_v they_o and_o be_v invest_v with_o all_o the_o temporalty_n annex_v to_o the_o bishopric_n thus_o it_o be_v we_o sin_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n both_o bishop_n and_o superintendant_o contemporary_a in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o we_o have_v no_o mention_n of_o superintendent_o and_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o unbiased_a reader_n that_o in_o those_o day_n the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o superintendency_n be_v both_o the_o same_o the_o three_o argument_n which_o he_o bring_v against_o the_o superintendent_o bishop_n be_v that_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o episcopacy_n although_o bishop_n at_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n over_o their_o flock_n independent_a of_o any_o authority_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o for_o their_o right_a administration_n of_o their_o office_n but_o to_o he_o alone_o yet_o in_o after_o age_n by_o a_o mutual_a compact_n among_o themselves_o they_o do_v agree_v that_o for_o the_o
his_o church_n as_o a_o society_n and_o invest_v it_o with_o peculiar_a privilege_n belong_v thereto_o he_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o establish_v a_o distinct_a order_n of_o person_n for_o the_o govern_v it_o and_o for_o admit_v member_n to_o a_o right_a to_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o if_o he_o have_v separate_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o person_n for_o this_o office_n and_o impower_v they_o and_o they_o alone_o to_o seal_v his_o covenant_n in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sacrilege_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o any_o to_o usurp_v that_o office_n without_o a_o due_a and_o legal_a call_n from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v his_o authority_n and_o god_n can_v never_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o act_n of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o never_o authorize_v to_o represent_v he_o no_o more_o than_o a_o king_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o ratiâ—…ie_v the_o act_n of_o any_o one_o that_o usurp_v his_o authority_n and_o false_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n so_o that_o to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o constitute_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o underminâ—…_n the_o whole_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v member_n unless_o we_o bâ—…_n admit_v into_o the_o society_n by_o those_o person_n who_o god_n have_v delegated_a to_o that_o office_n and_o entrust_v with_o that_o power_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o impertinence_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o church-government_n yet_o since_o our_o author_n insult_v so_o mighty_o upon_o it_o i_o shall_v comply_v with_o he_o so_o fâ—…r_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o assertion_n only_o i_o will_v caution_n the_o reader_n never_o to_o lay_v stress_n on_o such_o kind_n of_o argument_n as_o be_v altogether_o incompetent_a and_o of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o false_a that_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o never_o so_o general_a a_o reception_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o form_n of_o church_n government_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n all_o his_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n be_v more_o popular_a in_o 〈◊〉_d scotland_n than_o episcopacy_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v make_v more_o insurrection_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o government_n than_o the_o episcopal_a church_n ever_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v their_o point_n will_v easy_o appear_v from_o hence_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o with_o respect_n to_o monarchy_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n they_o make_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n accountable_a to_o his_o subject_n and_o allow_v he_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o dethrone_v for_o his_o maladministration_n so_o that_o if_o the_o sovereign_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n think_v sit_v to_o mâ—…ke_v such_o alteration_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o do_v not_o exact_o quadrate_n with_o the_o wild_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o that_o party_n then_o they_o instant_o betake_v themselves_o to_o arm_n and_o resolve_v to_o involve_v the_o nation_n into_o blood_n and_o confusion_n rather_o than_o fail_v of_o have_v their_o unaccountable_a humour_n gratify_v but_o the_o episcopal_a church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v great_a restraint_n upon_o they_o they_o own_o in_o consormity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o reaâ—…_n and_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o his_o â—…irst_n institution_n of_o government_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v irresistible_a and_o can_v for_o any_o male_a administration_n be_v dethrone_v by_o his_o subject_n that_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o illegal_a or_o unjustifiable_a action_n in_o his_o government_n he_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o for_o they_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o although_o the_o sovereign_n shall_v chance_v to_o â—…stablish_v such_o constitution_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o realm_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strict_a obligation_n to_o absolute_a submission_n they_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o assert_v their_o right_n that_o be_v thus_o encroach_v upon_o they_o may_v indeed_o veâ—…y_v lawful_o refuse_v their_o actual_a concurrence_n and_o compliance_n with_o these_o sinful_a constitution_n but_o to_o resist_v or_o dethrone_v their_o sovereign_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o justify_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o its_o member_n have_v act_v contrary_a thereto_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o desert_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o church_n and_o slight_v their_o sacred_a vow_n and_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o ought_v in_o conscience_n speedy_o to_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o episcopal_a church_n act_n more_o submissive_o to_o the_o lawful_a power_n than_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o that_o there_o lie_v strict_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n upon_o the_o one_o party_n than_o the_o other_o no_o they_o be_v both_o subject_n to_o the_o same_o law_n be_v oblige_v to_o own_o the_o same_o prince_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n and_o tie_n of_o conscience_n to_o submit_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o but_o the_o difference_n lie_v here_o that_o the_o episcopal_a church_n make_v some_o conscience_n of_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o walk_v answerable_o â—…o_v their_o vow_n and_o obligation_n and_o resolve_v in_o conformity_n to_o their_o â—…imitive_a ancestor_n rather_o to_o suffer_v peâ—…secution_n than_o be_v guilty_a of_o rebellion_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o presbyterian_o sacrificâ—…_n aâ—…l_a duty_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n and_o where_o that_o be_v concern_v make_v light_n of_o all_o obligation_n so_o that_o whoever_o consider_v the_o different_a principle_n of_o both_o these_o party_n will_v never_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o presbytery_n be_v more_o popular_a in_o scotland_n than_o episcopacy_n mere_o because_o there_o have_v be_v more_o popular_a insurrection_n for_o it_o than_o for_o the_o other_o since_o the_o presbyterian_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o rebel_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o the_o episcopal_a church_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o altogether_o unjustiâ—…iable_a to_o resist_v the_o lawful_a power_n upon_o any_o account_n even_o of_o religion_n itself_o as_o for_o what_o our_o author_n urge_v concern_v the_o great_a party_n that_o side_n appear_v for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o last_o convention_n which_o abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o establish_v presbytery_n i_o shall_v plain_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o majority_n of_o the_o nation_n on_o their_o side_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o convention_n be_v call_v in_o scotland_n the_o affair_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v in_o such_o a_o distract_a condition_n as_o make_v the_o event_n altogether_o uncertain_a and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o of_o the_o episcopal_a gentleman_n who_o be_v wont_n former_o to_o be_v member_n of_o parliament_n think_v it_o safe_a to_o keep_v out_o of_o public_a business_n and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o be_v elect_v by_o those_o shire_n and_o burrough_n who_o they_o use_v always_o to_o represent_v in_o parliament_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o be_v elect_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v present_a to_o vote_n at_o the_o election_n of_o othâ—…rs_n think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o their_o tie_n and_o oath_n to_o the_o government_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o test_n to_o meet_v or_o consult_v about_o the_o aâ—…airs_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o king_n so_o that_o at_o many_o of_o the_o election_n one_o three_o part_n of_o the_o member_n concern_v therein_o refuse_v to_o be_v present_a and_o the_o episcopal_a gentleman_n decline_v to_o be_v elect_v there_o be_v no_o opposition_n make_v to_o any_o that_o will_v stand_v and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o reason_n why_o more_o presbyterian_a member_n â—…rept_v into_o this_o convention_n than_o ever_o dare_v appear_v in_o the_o like_a
kingdom_n defeat_v our_o force_n and_o oppress_v all_o that_o stand_v in_o any_o sort_n suspect_v of_o the_o crime_n of_o loyalty_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forward_o in_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o cromwell_n be_v so_o successful_a in_o the_o south_n of_o scâ—…tland_n as_o to_o have_v all_o besouth_o forth_o under_o his_o dominion_n great_a numbâ—…rs_n of_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o arm_n in_o the_o west_n and_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o nation_n for_o own_v the_o king_n interest_n and_o this_o much_o of_o the_o loyalty_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o this_o author_n pag._n 53._o to_o justify_v the_o procâ—…dings_n of_o their_o late_a râ—…sons_n general_n assembly_n in_o refuse_v to_o admit_v some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n into_o a_o share_n of_o their_o government_n upon_o the_o term_n desire_v by_o k._n william_n urge_v that_o they_o do_v noâ—…hing_v but_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n convocâ—…tion_n have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d they_o who_o 〈◊〉_d to_o admit_v thâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o same_o king_n dâ—…sire_n it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n in_o i_o to_o offer_v any_o vindication_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o learned_a and_o worthy_a meember_n of_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n who_o at_o that_o time_n oppose_v the_o design_a comprehension_n of_o the_o dissenter_n but_o i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v allowâ—…d_v to_o say_v that_o they_o wâ—…nt_v upon_o far_o better_a ground_n than_o our_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v such_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o condescend_v to_o address_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v here_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o â—…awfulness_n of_o what_o these_o â—…piscopal_a addresser_n do_v in_o desire_v to_o be_v unite_v with_o the_o prâ—…sbyterians_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v upon_o that_o question_n my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o scotland_n be_v â—…ar_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o deny_v the_o request_n of_o these_o episcopal_a minister_n that_o address_v they_o than_o those_o of_o the_o english_a convocation_n who_o obstruct_v the_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o term_n that_o be_v then_o propose_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n never_o offer_v any_o address_n to_o the_o convocotion_n declare_v their_o willingness_n to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n upon_o her_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o these_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v with_o have_v the_o presbyterian_o give_v but_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o abandon_v their_o schism_n upon_o the_o make_n of_o these_o alteration_n the_o clergy_n perhaps_o to_o further_a so_o desirable_a a_o work_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o ease_n as_o to_o their_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o those_o harmless_a rite_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o though_o indisferent_a in_o their_o nature_n yet_o be_v very_o signiâ—…icant_a in_o their_o use._n but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n ever_o to_o expect_v to_o reclaim_v the_o presbyterian_o from_o their_o schism_n upon_o such_o term_n since_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o the_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o woâ—…hip_n which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o esfect_a but_o to_o create_v more_o enemy_n to_o our_o communion_n be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n that_o be_v require_v in_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n now_o this_o be_v what_o the_o scâ—…ts_n assembly_n can_v urge_v in_o their_o defence_n since_o those_o of_o the_o lpiscopal_a clergy_n who_o have_v the_o freedom_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n petition_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punish_v scandalous_a and_o contumacious_a offender_n which_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n they_o deâ—…ired_v to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o as_o for_o their_o presbyterian_a ordination_n they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v positive_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o any_o such_o act_n as_o they_o think_v to_o be_v direct_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n which_o may_v have_v influence_v the_o â—…nglish_fw-fr convocation_n to_o oppose_v the_o alteration_n in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o worship_n which_o k._n william_n do_v then_o desire_v they_o to_o make_v and_o that_o be_v tâ—…e_v preservation_n and_o safâ—…ty_n of_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n they_o be_v â—…t_v that_o time_n sensible_a of_o the_o fatal_a overthrow_n of_o their_o neighbour_a church_n of_o scâ—…tland_n how_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o governmâ—…nt_n be_v â—…uite_o overturn_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o not_o only_o the_o biâ—…hops_n turn_v out_o both_o of_o their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a right_n but_o 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n most_o barbarous_o treat_v â—…nd_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n and_o church_n this_o cruel_a treatment_n which_o their_o brethren_n in_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v from_o that_o dissent_v party_n may_v juâ—…tly_o aâ—…arm_v the_o english_a clergy_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o usage_n from_o the_o pâ—…esbyterians_n here_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o do_v thâ—…m_o any_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a interest_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v in_o that_o â—…irst_n parliament_n aâ—…ter_v the_o revolution_n it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v of_o the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n lest_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o obstacle_n in_o establish_v another_o as_o they_o be_v hardly_o able_a at_o that_o time_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a member_n of_o that_o parliament_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o have_v the_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v once_o dissolve_v they_o will_v have_v thâ—…own_v in_o so_o many_o stop_v and_o hindrance_n against_o a_o new_a establishment_n of_o the_o â—…urgy_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o will_v have_v start_v so_o many_o new_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v solve_v about_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v occasion_v such_o infinite_a deâ—…ys_n therein_o as_o will_v have_v make_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o our_o liturgy_n a_o tâ—…ing_n almost_o impossible_a if_o the_o parliament_n have_v offer_v to_o ratisie_n the_o service-book_n with_o the_o alteration_n the_o convocation_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v therein_o before_o they_o dissolve_v this_o present_a act_n of_o uniformity_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o many_o member_n of_o that_o convocation_n may_v have_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o consent_v to_o some_o alteration_n in_o those_o indisferent_a ceremony_n the_o presbyterian_o so_o groundless_o exclaim_v against_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v not_o have_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o continue_v in_o their_o notorious_a and_o wretched_a schism_n but_o for_o the_o convocation_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o dissolve_v the_o present_a establishment_n without_o have_v any_o security_n for_o another_o be_v what_o none_o can_v expect_v from_o any_o prudent_a or_o reasonable_a society_n three_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n may_v perhaps_o be_v the_o more_o remiss_a in_o promote_a a_o union_n with_o the_o diâ—…senters_n upon_o the_o term_n propose_v because_o they_o see_v no_o probability_n of_o preserve_v thereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o profess_v to_o own_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o unity_n with_o we_o that_o may_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o biâ—…hops_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o that_o intend_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o communion_n i_o say_v unless_o they_o own_o these_o catholic_n painciple_n of_o unity_n in_o common_a with_o we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o will_v remain_v we_o any_o long_a than_o their_o interest_n show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o a_o union_n with_o they_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n in_o stead_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o great_a rent_n and_o breach_n in_o our_o communion_n whenever_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o their_o interest_n again_o to_o erect_v altar_n against_o altar_n but_o our_o scot_n