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
impower_v by_o the_o state_n to_o inflict_v censure_n upon_o obstinate_a sinner_n these_o be_v the_o term_n propose_v to_o they_o by_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o carry_v on_o this_o union_n and_o this_o they_o think_v they_o may_v have_v lawâ—…ully_o do_v without_o own_v so_o much_o as_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o more_o without_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o approve_v of_o or_o to_o inquire_v into_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n since_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o bad_a â—…ives_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separate_v from_o their_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v lawful_a the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d episcopal_a party_n bear_v a_o inveteraâ—…e_a mâ—…lice_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o thereâ—…ore_o their_o testimony_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o authority_n in_o these_o accusation_n whiâ—…h_v they_o bring_v against_o they_o but_o our_o author_n if_o his_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n have_v not_o be_v too_o predominant_a may_v have_v save_v himself_o all_o this_o trouble_n since_o the_o episcopal_a party_n do_v not_o oâ—…er_v to_o urge_v any_o thing_n against_o thâ—…m_n upon_o their_o own_o bare_a authority_n but_o what_o they_o can_v evident_o prove_v from_o authentic_a recoâ—…ds_n and_o from_o the_o aâ—…testations_n of_o man_n of_o â—…nspotted_a fame_n and_o credit_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o mâ—…ny_v of_o the_o villainy_n and_o injury_n do_v to_o our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o have_v already_o do_v beyond_o thâ—…_n possibility_n of_o a_o conâ—…utation_n in_o the_o case_n â—…f_n â—…he_v afflicâ—…ed_v clergy_n â—…nd_v somâ—…_n other_o discourse_n which_o they_o have_v publish_v relate_v to_o their_o latâ—…_n barbarous_a persecution_n late_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o call_v it_o since_o it_o rage_v almost_o as_o much_o now_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v truâ—…_n the_o clergy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o expose_v to_o the_o rage_n and_o â—…ury_n of_o the_o rabble_n as_o they_o be_v by_o who_o instigation_n be_v very_o well_o knowâ—…_n not_o very_o long_o ago_o but_o their_o misery_n be_v far_o fâ—…m_a bâ—…ing_n at_o a_o end_n they_o stiâ—…l_v remâ—…in_v in_o exile_n from_o their_o church_n and_o house_n be_v expose_v to_o all_o thâ—…_n misery_n of_o poverty_n and_o want_n have_v not_o the_o least_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d wherâ—…by_o they_o may_v gain_v bread_n to_o 〈◊〉_d their_o cry_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d misâ—…rie_n do_v daily_a increase_n upon_o they_o and_o whiâ—…h_n be_v most_o discourage_a they_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o deliverance_n â—…_n pray_v â—…od_a may_v enable_v thâ—…m_o pâ—…tiently_o to_o undergo_v this_o fiery_a tryâ—…l_n to_o withstand_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o interest_n and_o worldâ—…y_a poâ—…iticks_n and_o to_o remain_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o assert_v those_o prinâ—…iples_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n for_o which_o they_o at_o presenâ—…_n suffer_v that_o so_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n before_o their_o eye_n but_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n thâ—…y_v mâ—…y_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hopâ—…_n of_o receive_v at_o laâ—…_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o suffering_n that_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o all_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o well_o do_v but_o let_v we_o pursue_v our_o author_n thread_n of_o discourse_n and_o see_v what_o 〈◊〉_d the_o ground_n be_v whereon_o he_o accuse_v the_o episcopal_a party_n with_o inveterate_a malice_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o meet_v with_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o aggressor_n and_o impugn_a the_o governmâ—…nt_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n by_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o first_o it_o have_v after_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a surprise_v to_o see_v what_o pain_n the_o presbyterian_o take_v to_o delude_v the_o ignorant_a people_n into_o a_o belief_n that_o our_o first_o reformer_n condemn_v and_o explode_v the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o odious_a to_o they_o than_o the_o romish_a superstition_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a â—…rom_fw-mi history_n than_o that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n government_n and_o the_o bishop_n who_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o reformation_n be_v lest_o in_o full_a possession_n not_o only_o of_o all_o their_o temporal_a dignity_n but_o likewise_o of_o their_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n sucâ—…_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o persist_v in_o the_o romish_a error_n and_o corruptiâ—…ns_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o exercise_n their_o spiritual_a authority_n over_o the_o clergy_n but_o some_o of_o the_o reform_a communion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendant_o be_v place_v over_o their_o diocese_n and_o invest_v with_o the_o whole_a episcopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o province_n who_o be_v oblige_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o national_a synod_n 21._o to_o pay_v to_o their_o superintendent_o all_o the_o canonical_a obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o other_o bishop_n and_o by_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n meet_v at_o leith_n in_o january_n 1572_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o their_o election_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n which_o declaration_n be_v ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o 26._o sâ—…me_a year_n and_o likewise_o by_o a_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o perth_n in_o â—…gust_n thereafter_o till_o the_o year_n 1575._o about_o fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o â—…gal_a settlement_n of_o our_o reformation_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o disturbance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o mr._n and._n mâ—…lvil_n return_v ifrom_o gâ—…eva_n where_o he_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o presbyterian_a parity_n begin_v to_o raise_v commotion_n in_o the_o church_n by_o attempt_v to_o have_v the_o geneva_n model_n establish_v in_o 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o fuâ—…ler_a account_n of_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n after_o the_o reformation_n you_o may_v see_v in_o a_o treatise_n publish_v by_o archbishop_n spoâ—…swood_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o entitle_v refutatio_fw-la libelli_fw-la de_fw-la regimine_fw-la ecclâ—…siae_fw-la scoâ—…icanae_n and_o likewise_o in_o a_o late_a discourse_n 26._o where_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v at_o large_a consider_v and_o in_o which_o it_o be_v undeniable_o prove_v from_o the_o record_n of_o parliament_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o only_o the_o first_o government_n establish_v in_o our_o church_n immediate_o upon_o the_o reformation_n but_o whaâ—…_n be_v more_o that_o although_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v frequent_o weaken_v and_o interrupt_v by_o the_o popular_a insurrection_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o by_o law_n abolish_v in_o that_o kingdom_n till_o the_o unhappy_a civil_a war_n break_v out_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n charles_n i._n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o when_o they_o pretend_v their_o great_a idol_n of_o parity_n be_v erect_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n allow_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n than_o what_o be_v grant_v they_o before_o which_o the_o king_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o many_o sedition_n and_o commotion_n raise_v by_o melvil_n and_o his_o accomplice_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o bishop_n do_v still_o continue_v to_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o in_o all_o parliament_n they_o do_v sit_v and_o vote_n as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1596._o lâ—…slie_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d ross_n die_v at_o brussels_n mr._n david_n lindsay_n be_v present_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o bishopric_n the_o very_a next_o year_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o at_o that_o time_n episcopacy_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o existent_a by_o law_n all_o which_o be_v make_v out_o very_o plain_o and_o evident_o in_o this_o apology_n but_o our_o author_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v thâ—…_n superintendency_n establish_v râ—…formation_n in_o the_o church_n by_o our_o first_o reformer_n to_o be_v a_o species_n of_o prelacy_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v first_o that_o those_o superintendent_o have_v the_o very_a same_o form_n of_o ordination_n with_o other_o ministerâ—…_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v something_o concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o institution_n at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v not_o think_v safe_a that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n who_o still_o adhere_v to_o their_o
better_a preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n each_o bishop_n shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o his_o administration_n to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o bishop_n shall_v yield_v up_o some_o of_o their_o right_n and_o for_o the_o entertain_v the_o better_a correspondence_n with_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o diocese_n condescend_v to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o the_o office_n of_o their_o function_n yet_o this_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o degrade_v they_o of_o their_o office_n or_o make_v they_o to_o be_v no_o bishop_n we_o grant_v that_o the_o superintendent_o do_v yearly_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o their_o function_n to_o a_o national_a synod_n but_o this_o synod_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o the_o superintendent_o and_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o dioceâ—…es_n and_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o superintendant_o to_o sit_v in_o that_o meeting_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n permit_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o synod_n till_o he_o be_v first_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o superintendant_o 22._o as_o a_o person_n sit_o qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v bring_v beâ—…ore_o that_o assembly_n and_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v of_o this_o author_n whether_o the_o superintendant_o be_v any_o more_o aâ—…countable_a to_o this_o national_a synod_n than_o the_o bishop_n who_o go_v along_o with_o the_o reformation_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o their_o be_v accountable_a be_v still_o look_v upon_o as_o bishop_n and_o leave_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o their_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a right_n which_o they_o enjoy_v before_o the_o reformation_n and_o if_o those_o man_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v bishop_n be_v as_o much_o accountable_a as_o the_o superintendâ—…nts_n than_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v no_o bishop_n the_o next_o instance_n which_o this_o author_n bring_v of_o the_o episcopal_a party_n party_n their_o bear_v a_o inveterate_a malice_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v a_o long_a enumeration_n of_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n make_v by_o king_n charles_n ii_o and_o his_o parliament_n for_o suppress_v the_o many_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n raise_v against_o his_o government_n by_o the_o presbyterian_a faction_n he_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o that_o rebellious_a crew_n and_o these_o he_o high_o aggravate_v as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o cruelty_n in_o any_o government_n but_o as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o learned_a and_o worthy_a sir_n george_n mackenzie_n have_v quite_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o this_o clamour_v party_n by_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o government_n of_o k._n charles_n ii_o against_o the_o ii_o presbyterian_a dissenter_n he_o have_v there_o give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o mild_a and_o calm_a method_n use_v by_o the_o government_n to_o reclaim_v this_o obstinate_a party_n who_o be_v even_o harden_v in_o their_o rebellious_a principle_n he_o show_v that_o the_o enact_v of_o these_o penal_a â—…aws_n against_o they_o which_o this_o author_n have_v scrape_v together_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o governor_n of_o any_o nation_n will_v have_v be_v out_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n force_v to_o do_v for_o its_o safety_n and_o security_n he_o have_v collect_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o the_o pretend_a instance_n of_o cruelty_n against_o particular_a person_n which_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v now_o most_o grievous_o complain_v of_o and_o do_v most_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o rail_n and_o belching_n against_o the_o government_n to_o all_o these_o instance_n he_o have_v give_v such_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o every_o impartial_a reader_n must_v needs_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o person_n meet_v with_o no_o severity_n but_o what_o their_o rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a act_n against_o the_o government_n do_v just_o deserve_v that_o the_o punishment_n inslict_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o opâ—…n_n and_o avow_a design_n of_o subvert_v the_o monarchy_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o their_o trial_n very_o fair_a and_o legal_a and_o that_o the_o method_n of_o proceed_v in_o our_o criminal_a court_n of_o scotland_n which_o this_o author_n so_o gross_o belie_v pag._n 30._o 31._o be_v the_o fair_a and_o just_a and_o the_o pannaâ—…s_v indulge_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o europe_n all_o which_o he_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o every_o disiâ—…teressed_v person_n who_o upon_o read_v the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o the_o mildness_n and_o clemency_n of_o that_o government_n towards_o the_o rebellious_a sectary_n be_v its_o great_a cruelty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o labour_n in_o vain_a for_o this_o author_n to_o be_v so_o full_a and_o copious_a in_o relate_v these_o suffering_n of_o his_o party_n unless_o he_o can_v disprove_v what_o sir_n george_n mackenzie_n and_o other_o have_v demonstrate_v against_o they_o of_o their_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o srequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o state_n as_o will_v have_v provoke_v the_o mild_a government_n on_o earth_n to_o have_v quite_o extirpate_v they_o but_o all_o the_o attempt_n which_o either_o this_o author_n or_o another_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v the_o vindication_n of_o k._n charles_n ii_o governmâ—…nt_n make_v that_o way_n be_v only_o some_o weak_a esfort_n upon_o sir_n george_n personal_a â—…ame_n and_o reputation_n which_o be_v sound_v upon_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o the_o great_a malice_n of_o this_o party_n be_v not_o able_a to_o undermine_v his_o admirable_a quality_n of_o learning_n loyalty_n and_o religion_n have_v so_o just_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o esteem_v of_o all_o virtuouâ—…_n and_o ingenious_a man_n that_o for_o these_o scribbler_n to_o attempt_v the_o blemish_v of_o his_o â—…ame_n be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o the_o dog_n bark_v at_o thâ—…_n moon_n what_o this_o author_n allege_v against_o sir_n george_n ingenuous_a deal_n i._n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o print_v some_o fanatical_a covenant_n and_o declaration_n publish_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o urge_v these_o as_o â—…_n ground_n â—…or_n enacâ—…ing_v those_o severe_a law_n against_o they_o although_o the_o law_n werâ—…_n make_v long_o before_o the_o publish_n of_o thâ—…se_a declaration_n i_o say_v what_o he_o allege_v on_o this_o score_n be_v most_o notorious_o false_a for_o these_o covenant_n and_o declaration_n be_v only_o annex_v to_o sir_n gâ—…orge's_n vindication_n of_o the_o government_n by_o the_o publisher_n and_o that_o with_o design_n to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v with_o what_o impudence_n this_o party_n do_v accuse_v the_o government_n of_o severity_n when_o it_o appear_v from_o their_o own_o authentic_a declaration_n that_o they_o be_v still_o peâ—…sisting_v obstinate_o in_o their_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a practice_n against_o the_o state_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o recur_v to_o these_o posteriour_a declaration_n of_o rebellion_n to_o justify_v the_o make_n of_o these_o law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o since_o their_o former_a treaâ—…onable_a act_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o k._n james_n vi_o and_o k._n charles_n i._o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o direct_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o â—…o_o suppress_v the_o sedition_n of_o rebel_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n their_o srequent_a insurrection_n against_o k._n jamâ—…s_n vi_o in_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o his_o person_n at_o the_o castle_n of_o ruthven_n in_o the_o year_n 1582_o and_o keep_v he_o prisoner_n thâ—…re_o for_o several_a month_n together_o in_o raise_v a_o army_n against_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1585._o in_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o advance_v therewith_o straight_o towards_o stâ—…rlin_n where_o the_o king_n then_o be_v and_o in_o tumultuous_o get_v to_o arm_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o there_o besiege_v the_o session-house_n where_o the_o king_n and_o his_o counsellor_n be_v meet_v together_o and_o by_o that_o insurrection_n have_v like_a to_o have_v do_v considerable_a mischief_n have_v not_o their_o rage_n be_v stop_v by_o the_o loyalty_n of_o some_o citizen_n who_o instant_o assemble_v together_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o the_o many_o other_o commotion_n they_o raise_v against_o his_o government_n by_o their_o seditious_a libel_n and_o sermon_n beside_o that_o the_o whole_a reign_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o that_o moâ—…t_o just_a and_o clement_a prince_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o rebellion_n raise_v against_o he_o by_o these_o presbyterian_a votary_n i_o say_v all_o these_o
strong_a delusion_n indeed_o the_o event_n prove_v far_o otherwise_o for_o in_o our_o late_a distraction_n these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o merciful_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a in_o carry_v on_o the_o commotion_n â—…gainst_a the_o state_n and_o the_o persecution_n againâ—…t_v the_o clergy_n nay_o their_o ingratitude_n be_v such_o that_o they_o alone_o occasion_v the_o rabble_a of_o those_o very_a clergyman_n who_o have_v former_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o gallow_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o ask_v our_o aâ—…thor_n here_o whether_o he_o can_v chargâ—…_n any_o of_o our_o clergy_n with_o petition_v the_o government_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o any_o of_o these_o rebel_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o former_a time_n when_o presbytery_n have_v usurp_v the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n many_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v here_o produce_v to_o show_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n how_o their_o teacher_n during_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n do_v often_o petition_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o a_o speedy_a execution_n of_o the_o prisâ—…ners_n when_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a woâ—…th_n and_o integrity_n and_o have_v no_o crime_n allege_v against_o they_o but_o loyalty_n to_o thâ—…ir_a prince_n as_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—…_n pâ—…rth_o in_o the_o year_n 1645_o and_o how_o they_o have_v persuade_v the_o general_n of_o their_o army_n to_o put_v those_o prisoner_n to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o sword_n who_o have_v surrender_v themselves_o upon_o quarter_n ask_v and_o give_v as_o they_o do_v after_o the_o defeat_n of_o monâ—…rose_n by_o david_n lâ—…sly_o at_o philiphaugh_n in_o the_o same_o year_n 1645._o for_o the_o foot_n calumny_n in_o montrose_n army_n surrender_v themselves_o upon_o quarter_n which_o the_o general_n ready_o grant_v but_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v then_o in_o the_o army_n be_v high_o enrage_v that_o quarter_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o such_o wretch_n as_o they_o and_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o most_o sinful_a impiety_n to_o spare_v they_o and_o so_o by_o their_o importunity_n they_o prevail_v with_o d._n lâ—…sly_o to_o suffer_v the_o army_n to_o be_v let_v loose_a upon_o they_o and_o cut_v they_o all_o in_o piece_n many_o such_o instance_n of_o their_o cruelty_n may_v be_v here_o produce_v from_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n but_o i_o purposely_o forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o more_o of_o they_o this_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v here_o in_o answer_n to_o cruâ—…lty_n our_o author_n first_o part_n since_o sir_n george_n mackenzie_n in_o the_o abovenamed_a treatise_n have_v already_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o disinterest_v person_n that_o what_o the_o presbyterian_o suffer_v under_o the_o former_a reign_n be_v occasion_v mere_o by_o their_o own_o rebellion_n and_o can_v not_o in_o any_o justice_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o justify_v the_o government_n in_o enact_v these_o law_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o wiâ—…l_v likewise_o vindicate_v those_o noble_a person_n who_o be_v employ_v either_o in_o the_o state_n or_o army_n undâ—…r_v that_o government_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o cruelty_n throw_v upon_o they_o by_o thiâ—…_n scribbler_n if_o the_o government_n be_v endanger_v by_o the_o tumult_n and_o insurrection_n of_o a_o party_n must_v the_o minister_n thereof_o overlook_v such_o dangerous_a practice_n and_o not_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n against_o the_o incendiary_n of_o these_o commotion_n though_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o lenity_n imaginable_a by_o those_o gentleman_n who_o this_o author_n in_o his_o pamphlet_n accuse_v of_o the_o great_a cruelty_n most_o of_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o affairâ—…_n under_o that_o government_n especial_o those_o who_o he_o chief_o vent_v his_o malice_n against_o pag._n 26._o be_v know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o such_o worth_a and_o merit_n that_o our_o author_n do_v his_o party_n no_o small_a prejudice_n by_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o their_o practice_n have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o provoke_v man_n of_o that_o honour_n and_o quality_n to_o be_v their_o enemy_n but_o before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o chapter_n i_o must_v consider_v one_o particular_a 166â—…_n more_o which_o this_o author_n urge_v as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o government_n and_o where_o the_o party_n that_o do_v susfer_v can_v be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d say_v to_o have_v susfer_v for_o rebellion_n though_o they_o may_v just_o enough_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o obstinate_a and_o peevish_a contâ—…pt_n of_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n it_o be_v pag._n 6._o wâ—…ere_o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n the_o council_n by_o thâ—…ir_a act_n octob._n 1662._o turn_v out_o 300_o minister_n out_o of_o thâ—…ir_a church_n without_o â—…ither_o accusation_n citation_n conviction_n or_o sentence_n or_o a_o heave_v allow_v they_o to_o answer_v this_o objection_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o reader_n whether_o this_o matter_n when_o true_o represent_v can_v be_v with_o any_o reason_n urge_v as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o government_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o presbyterian_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_v as_o they_o listeâ—…_n the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v abolish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o after_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o parliâ—…ment_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o restore_v this_o right_n to_o the_o patron_n and_o require_v all_o the_o â—…lergy_n to_o take_v presentation_n from_o they_o under_o they_o pain_n of_o â—…orfeiting_v their_o church_n but_o that_o the_o present_a incumbent_n who_o have_v enter_v to_o their_o church_n without_o a_o pâ—…esentation_n from_o the_o patron_n may_v not_o sustain_v any_o damage_n by_o this_o act_n it_o be_v thâ—…reby_o providâ—…d_v that_o the_o patron_n shall_v give_v presentation_n to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v enter_v thereto_o by_o the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n there_o be_v severâ—…l_o pâ—…esbyterian_a minister_n who_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o compliâ—…nce_n with_o this_o act_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o will_v take_v no_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d privy-council_n issue_v out_o a_o proclamation_n require_v all_o the_o clergy_n comply_v with_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o declare_v the_o placâ—…s_n of_o those_o void_a who_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereto_o upon_o which_o the_o non-compliers_a of_o their_o own_o accord_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n 〈◊〉_d of_o accusation_n or_o sentence_n against_o they_o abstain_v after_o the_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o act_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o thâ—…ir_a ministry_n and_o tâ—…e_v patron_n take_v care_n to_o present_v other_o to_o the_o vacant_a church_n but_o i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n why_o this_o act_n shall_v bâ—…_n urge_v aâ—…_n a_o instâ—…uce_n of_o so_o great_a severity_n in_o the_o government_n since_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n thereby_o intend_v to_o the_o clergy_n the_o design_n of_o the_o act_n be_v only_o to_o secure_v the_o right_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o have_v be_v iâ—…croached_v upon_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a usurpation_n for_o the_o minister_n that_o have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o church_n before_o the_o year_n 1649_o and_o have_v receive_v presentation_n from_o the_o right_a patron_n be_v not_o include_v in_o this_o act_n but_o remain_v in_o their_o settlement_n as_o before_o and_o such_o as_o be_v now_o willing_a to_o own_o the_o right_n of_o their_o patâ—…ons_n by_o take_v presentation_n from_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o keep_v their_o church_n and_o the_o patron_n oblige_v to_o give_v presentation_n to_o they_o and_o to_o none_o else_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o they_o so_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o uncanonicalness_n of_o the_o proceed_n against_o they_o though_o even_o that_o may_v be_v justify_v since_o all_o the_o bishop_n concur_v with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o council_n in_o that_o matter_n that_o their_o sentence_n of_o deprivation_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v pronounce_v by_o a_o spiritual_a rather_o than_o a_o lay-court_n and_o that_o thâ—…_n bishop_n be_v more_o competent_a judge_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o miâ—…istry_n than_o the_o
be_v former_o instrument_n to_o bring_v we_o under_o popery_n and_o slavery_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a government_n as_o do_v concern_v it_o to_o punish_v severe_o i_o leave_v my_o reader_n to_o judge_v since_o to_o accuse_v the_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n under_o any_o government_n of_o such_o odious_a crime_n as_o enslave_v their_o country_n be_v a_o direct_a insinuation_n against_o the_o government_n itself_o as_o if_o it_o by_o employ_v such_o kind_n of_o instrument_n do_v real_o design_n those_o mischief_n against_o the_o nation_n with_o which_o they_o upbraid_v their_o chief_a minister_n of_o state_n and_o here_o i_o can_v enough_o admire_v the_o impudence_n of_o this_o author_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o english_a peer_n for_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n when_o he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o support_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v from_o the_o inâ—…luence_n of_o some_o foreign_a presbyterian_o and_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o english_a nobleman_n have_v not_o as_o good_a right_n to_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o church_n as_o any_o dutch_a presbyterian_a but_o to_o take_v off_o all_o church_n of_o england_n man_n from_o have_v any_o pity_n or_o 〈◊〉_d compassion_n upon_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o our_o church_n he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o scotland_n be_v so_o very_a sar_n disferent_a from_o that_o of_o england_n that_o although_o our_o clergy_n be_v sufferer_n sor_n the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o law_n establish_v in_o that_o nation_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v say_v â—…o_o suffer_v for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o not_o deserve_v that_o fellowfeeling_n and_o countenance_n which_o some_o worthy_a member_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v please_v to_o show_v they_o his_o first_o instance_n to_o show_v the_o dâ—…erence_n betwixt_o the_o two_o constâ—…tutions_n be_v this_o that_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o we_o by_o the_o tyrâ—…nny_n of_o our_o 〈◊〉_d now_o suppose_v his_o asseâ—…tion_n be_v tâ—…ue_v yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a consequence_n that_o two_o constitution_n must_v needs_o be_v disferent_a in_o their_o nature_n because_o disferent_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o setâ—…le_v they_o in_o a_o nation_n can_v not_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o ruler_n have_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o that_o of_o england_n as_o easy_o as_o one_o that_o be_v disferent_a but_o his_o assertion_n be_v as_o notorious_o false_a as_o the_o consequence_n he_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o it_o for_o in_o the_o insancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n our_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o supâ—…rintendents_n and_o that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v appâ—…oved_v of_o by_o the_o unâ—…nimous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n both_o clergy_n and_o laiâ—…y*_n and_o as_o to_o these_o late_a time_n our_o 〈◊〉_d public_a record_n of_o parliament_n can_v yet_o testify_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sorce_v upon_o the_o nation_n against_o their_o will_n and_o consent_n that_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v by_o twenty_o seven_o successive_a legal_a paâ—…liaments_n it_o be_v know_v that_o at_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n the_o whole_a nation_n have_v long_o groan_v undâ—…_n the_o yoke_n of_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a government_n of_o episcopacy_n restore_v that_o they_o may_v be_v rescue_v fâ—…om_o the_o tyranny_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a anarchy_n under_o which_o tâ—…y_n have_v so_o severe_o smart_v during_o their_o usurpation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o clergy_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o whole_a diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n almost_o to_o a_o man_n addâ—…essed_v hiâ—…_n majesty_n upon_o this_o account_n his_o next_o instance_n be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v engrafâ—…ed_v with_o our_o reformation_n bâ—…shops_n prelacy_n can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o kindly_a nor_o plenary_a possession_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o instance_n in_o our_o retain_v of_o kirk-sessiâ—…ns_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n even_o under_o bishop_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v no_o settlement_n in_o our_o church_n for_o many_o year_n aâ—…ter_v the_o reformation_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o prove_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a but_o that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o reform_v we_o from_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n both_o in_o scotland_n and_o other_o nation_n where_o the_o reformation_n happy_o prevail_v be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o because_o presbyter_n be_v more_o instrumental_a than_o bishop_n in_o promote_a that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o reâ—…ormation_n that_o therefoâ—…e_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v wherever_o the_o reformation_n obtain_v and_o that_o of_o episcopacy_n overturn_v or_o because_o presbyter_n have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n do_v that_o therefore_o authorize_v they_o to_o usurp_v the_o sacred_a oâ—…fice_n of_o a_o biâ—…hop_n without_o bâ—…ing_v due_o call_v and_o ordain_v thereto_o by_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v that_o authority_n although_o some_o bishop_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v backward_o and_o negligent_a in_o do_v their_o duty_n as_o those_o popish_a bishop_n â—…ho_n oppose_v the_o reformation_n yet_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o whole_a order_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o crime_n of_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o their_o fraâ—…ernity_n what_o our_o author_n mean_v by_o say_v episcopacy_n never_o attain_v to_o a_o plenary_a possession_n among_o we_o i_o do_v not_o well_o apprehend_v â—…or_fw-la '_o â—…is_n plain_a the_o constitution_n of_o our_o episcopacy_n be_v such_o that_o thâ—…_n biâ—…hop_n be_v â—…nvested_v with_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o his_o own_o particular_a district_n the_o whole_a presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o own_v he_o for_o their_o chief_a governor_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o discipline_n put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n but_o by_o the_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o diocâ—…san_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v such_o a_o full_a and_o plenaâ—…y_a possession_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o even_o to_o a_o through_o setâ—…lement_n as_o â—…or_v his_o instance_n of_o our_o kirk-session_n presbyteriâ—…_n synod_n prâ—…vincial_a bâ—…shops_n and_o national_a because_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o constitution_n not_o so_o very_o well_o know_v here_o in_o england_n i_o shall_v trouble_v my_o reader_n wiâ—…_n this_o short_a account_n of_o they_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o kirk_n 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n establish_v in_o every_o parish_n consist_v of_o the_o minisâ—…er_n and_o some_o few_o laic_n of_o good_a reputation_n that_o aâ—…e_v his_o parishioner_n who_o he_o associate_n to_o himself_o for_o give_v he_o inâ—…ormation_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o conversation_n of_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o â—…eceiving_v from_o these_o man_n exact_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o â—…is_n parish_n all_o scandalouâ—…_n and_o vicious_a person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishmâ—…nt_n the_o presbytery_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o judicatory_a under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n consist_v mere_o of_o the_o clergy_n â—…or_n every_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a presbytery_n each_o of_o which_o consist_v of_o about_o 12_o minister_n or_o thereby_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a than_o other_o this_o judicatory_a meet_v at_o least_o once_o a_o month_n and_o their_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o several_a churchès_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o qualification_n of_o those_o that_o design_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o holy_a ministry_n the_o bishop_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o holy_a order_n but_o such_o as_o have_v their_o approbation_n after_o several_a exercise_n do_v before_o they_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o any_o parish_n which_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o meddle_v in_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n he_o bâ—…ings_v it_o before_o this_o judicatory_a and_o lay_v open_a the_o whole_a matter_n to_o they_o desire_v their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a affair_n of_o punish_v a_o obstinate_a offiender_n who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o judicatory_a be_v not_o indeed_o know_v in_o our_o church_n till_o near_o 26_o year_n
instance_n of_o their_o treasonable_a and_o rebellious_a practice_n in_o former_a time_n be_v suâ—…ficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v the_o nation_n in_o enact_v such_o â—…aws_n as_o might_n best_o prevent_v these_o disturbance_n for_o the_o future_a withouâ—…_n have_v any_o recourse_n to_o these_o after-monument_n of_o their_o râ—…bellion_n to_o justiâ—…ie_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o government_n against_o they_o however_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o judge_v from_o these_o covenant_n and_o declaration_n whether_o any_o government_n or_o society_n can_v possible_o subsist_v where_o such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n be_v tolerate_v but_o that_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o frequent_a rebellion_n of_o this_o party_n against_o concession_n the_o state_n which_o occasion_v the_o enact_v of_o these_o law_n against_o they_o do_v partly_o appear_v from_o this_o author_n be_v own_o concession_n for_o pag._n 1â—…_n he_o own_v that_o their_o field_n meeting_n which_o they_o have_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v call_v by_o the_o parliament_n rendevouze_v of_o rebellion_n and_o pag._n 14._o he_o grant_v that_o after_o the_o deseat_n they_o receive_v at_o their_o insurrection_n of_o boâ—…hwel-bridge_n the_o prisoner_n be_v all_o set_v at_o liberty_n upon_o this_o only_a condition_n of_o give_v bond_n never_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n againsâ—…_n the_o king_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoeuâ—…r_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v still_o so_o harden_v in_o their_o rebellion_n as_o to_o refuse_v their_o liberty_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n and_o yet_o methinks_v these_o be_v no_o very_a hard_a condition_n sâ—…om_o such_o a_o persecutiug_n government_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o government_n and_o its_o minister_n in_o enact_v these_o law_n be_v only_o to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o calm_a method_n imaginable_a to_o reclaim_v these_o delude_a creature_n from_o their_o seditious_a and_o treasonable_a practice_n against_o the_o state_n and_o after_o argilâ—…'s_n rebellion_n in_o the_o year_n 1685_o which_o threaten_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o monarchy_n aâ—…d_v in_o which_o the_o whole_a presbyterian_a party_n be_v engage_v when_o argile_n himself_o be_v make_v captive_a his_o whole_a force_n disperse_v and_o many_o of_o they_o take_v prisoner_n and_o so_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o government_n yet_o such_o be_v its_o clemency_n towards_o they_o that_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v kill_v in_o the_o skirmish_n betwixt_o the_o two_o army_n i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v not_o four_o in_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o suffer_v death_n upon_o that_o account_n so_o merciful_o be_v they_o then_o deal_v with_o although_o now_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a oppression_n again_o pag._n 15._o our_o author_n confess_v that_o a_o party_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v declare_v king_n charles_n the_o second_o to_o have_v forfeit_v his_o right_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o king_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n because_o of_o his_o vicious_a life_n they_o excommunicate_v he_o which_o this_o author_n express_o justify_v they_o in_o by_o say_v they_o have_v more_o honesty_n than_o policy_n in_o dâ—…ing_v so_o and_o whether_o the_o tolerate_v such_o kind_n of_o practice_n as_o these_o be_v not_o altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o any_o government_n i_o leave_v my_o reader_n to_o judge_v can_v the_o mild_a government_n on_o earth_n wink_v at_o such_o open_a and_o avow_v design_n of_o subvert_v the_o monarchy_n can_v it_o suffer_v a_o number_n of_o delude_a people_n to_o range_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n like_o as_o many_o wild_a bear_n threaten_v destruction_n to_o the_o state_n and_o all_o its_o minister_n declare_v it_o lawful_a to_o murder_v all_o such_o as_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o put_v these_o threaten_n in_o execution_n against_o some_o of_o the_o â—…oyal_a subject_n can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o government_n shall_v tolerate_v such_o pernicious_a course_n and_o so_o destructiuâ—…_n of_o its_o own_o security_n without_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o ringleader_n and_o incendiary_n of_o this_o rebellion_n to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o after_o this_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o suffering_n i_o â—…hink_v i_o may_v very_o confident_o appeal_v to_o any_o disinterest_v person_n whether_o the_o episcopal_a party_n have_v not_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o their_o present_a persecution_n in_o scotland_n as_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o any_o treatment_n the_o presbyterian_o ever_o meet_v with_o since_o what_o they_o susfer_v and_o be_v please_v to_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o persecution_n be_v always_o for_o their_o rebellion_n and_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n against_o the_o government_n but_o what_o the_o episcopal_a party_n do_v now_o suffer_v or_o have_v suffer_v since_o this_o revolution_n at_o the_o presbyterian_o hand_n be_v mere_o for_o maintain_v and_o assert_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n without_o which_o they_o can_v pretend_v no_o just_a title_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o that_o what_o râ—…ligion_n the_o presbyterian_o suffer_v under_o the_o late_a reign_n be_v mere_o for_o their_o rebellion_n yet_o this_o author_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o persuade_v we_o pag._n 13._o that_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clâ—…rgy_n if_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v needs_o cover_v their_o treasonable_a design_n against_o the_o state_n always_o with_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o rebellion_n pretend_v that_o they_o suffer_v for_o conscience-sake_n who_o can_v help_v it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o some_o of_o their_o party_n that_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o may_v make_v to_o religion_n yet_o the_o state_n take_v notice_n oâ—…ly_o of_o their_o rebellion_n if_o they_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v the_o episcopal_a minister_n preach_v shall_v abstain_v from_o church_n and_o meet_v together_o sometime_o all_o of_o they_o in_o arm_n in_o their_o house_n and_o field-conventicle_n the_o better_a to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n against_o the_o state_n and_o there_o preach_v nothing_o but_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n and_o if_o the_o government_n upon_o this_o account_n shall_v strict_o prohibit_v all_o such_o seditious_a meeting_n and_o punish_v those_o who_o frequent_v they_o can_v this_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v call_v susfer_v for_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o for_o their_o meeting_n be_v prohibit_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n chief_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n vent_v in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o our_o presbyterian_o it_o have_v be_v not_o only_o their_o constant_a practice_n but_o likewise_o of_o all_o other_o seditious_a and_o ambitious_a person_n in_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o overturning_a state_n and_o nation_n always_o to_o cover_v their_o wicked_a design_n of_o rebellion_n with_o the_o specious_a pretext_n of_o râ—…ligion_n to_o amuse_v and_o delude_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o publiâ—…h_v in_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o design_v nothing_o by_o their_o attempt_n but_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o religion_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n any_o think_v or_o consider_v man_n may_v clear_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n or_o aim_n before_o their_o eye_n but_o to_o promote_v their_o own_o wicked_a and_o ambitious_a ends._n now_o to_o deal_v with_o religion_n in_o this_o dissemble_n and_o hypocritical_a manner_n to_o shelter_v their_o villainous_a design_n under_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n be_v suâ—…h_v a_o conteâ—…pt_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a such_o a_o act_n of_o wickedness_n and_o villainy_n as_o the_o divine_a justice_n can_v easy_o pardon_v upon_o what_o ground_n our_o author_n allege_v that_o their_o suffering_n clâ—…rgy_n be_v at_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n i_o can_v râ—…adily_o conjecture_v i_o be_o sure_a many_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a where_o the_o clergy_n have_v intercee_v with_o thâ—…_n government_n in_o behalf_n of_o many_o of_o these_o rebel_n who_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n and_o by_o their_o importunate_a intercession_n have_v save_v their_o life_n think_v by_o these_o calm_a and_o mild_a method_n to_o recâ—…aim_v they_o from_o their_o error_n and_o
privy-council_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o severity_n in_o the_o government_n since_o these_o minister_n be_v permit_v to_o keep_v their_o church_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n and_o the_o mildness_n of_o the_o government_n towards_o they_o be_v such_o that_o many_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o they_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n be_v indulge_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o keep_v peaceable_a possession_n of_o their_o church_n although_o this_o author_n malicious_o insinuate_v that_o all_o their_o suffering_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o instigâ—…ion_n of_o â—…he_a prâ—…lates_n but_o a_o â—…uller_a account_n of_o this_o you_o have_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o late_a establishment_n of_o 〈◊〉_d government_n by_o the_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1690._o pag._n 14._o chap._n ii_o our_o author_n in_o his_o second_o part_n conâ—…ines_v himself_o to_o a_o particular_a consutation_n of_o the_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o scot_n presbyterian_a elâ—…quence_n but_o before_o he_o bâ—…gins_v to_o take_v it_o to_o task_n he_o be_v very_o high_a in_o his_o panâ—…gyricks_n upon_o the_o lordâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d and_o mâ—…lvil_n i_o do_v incline_v to_o make_v any_o particular_a reâ—…lexions_n either_o upon_o the_o part_n or_o integâ—…ity_n of_o these_o two_o lord_n the_o tree_n may_v be_v easy_o know_v by_o its_o fruit_n but_o this_o i_o must_v beg_v our_o author_n leave_n to_o say_v that_o as_o for_o their_o share_n in_o this_o baâ—…barous_a peâ—…secution_n of_o our_o clergy_n let_v they_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n imaginable_a to_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o stranger_n let_v they_o deny_v it_o never_o so_o impudent_o yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o starve_a oâ—…phans_n of_o many_o of_o our_o poor_a cleâ—…gy_n will_v appear_v as_o dreadful_a witness_n against_o they_o in_o that_o great_a anâ—…_n teâ—…rible_a day_n when_o they_o be_v callâ—…d_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a and_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v they_o be_v that_o they_o may_v at_o last_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a injustice_n and_o barbarity_n of_o theiâ—…_n proceed_n towards_o our_o clergy_n that_o so_o by_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n they_o may_v atone_v for_o these_o crime_n and_o save_v their_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o loâ—…d_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o accuse_v the_o author_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a eloquâ—…nce_n oâ—…cusions_n for_o assert_v a_o great_a many_o untruth_n in_o his_o book_n and_o p._n 36._o he_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o charge_v the_o presbyterian_o with_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o a._n b_o p._n of_o st._n 〈◊〉_d â—…or_n say_v he_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v so_o far_o from_o approve_v it_o that_o thâ—…y_o refuse_v the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o conâ—…erned_v in_o it_o particular_o at_o the_o scoâ—…s_n 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d what_o abhorrence_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o holland_n have_v of_o this_o barbaâ—…ous_a murder_n i_o can_v well_o say_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o our_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n be_v so_o far_o from_o detest_a it_o that_o they_o general_o approve_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o glorious_a action_n and_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o never_o one_o of_o the_o party_n there_o refuse_v to_o admit_v the_o murderer_n to_o their_o sacrament_n or_o ever_o offer_v to_o inflict_v any_o other_o censure_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o heinous_a villainy_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v notorious_a how_o most_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o suffer_v for_o their_o rebellion_n in_o scotland_n do_v justify_v this_o murder_n in_o the_o face_n of_o authority_n and_o commend_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o good_a service_n do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o such_o a_o oppressor_n this_o our_o author_n impudence_n caâ—…_n hardly_o serve_v he_o to_o deny_v bold_o enough_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v satisfy_v rather_o to_o recriminate_a the_o matter_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a party_n by_o charge_v the_o privy-council_n of_o scâ—…tland_n with_o hang_v five_o man_n in_o magus-moor_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d murderer_n though_o never_o one_o of_o they_o â—…ad_v see_v a_o bishop_n these_o man_n be_v punish_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o murderer_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n yet_o they_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o government_n and_o these_o crime_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v against_o they_o and_o they_o justify_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o archbishops_n murder_n i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o breach_n either_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o make_v they_o a_o public_a â—…xample_n for_o the_o terâ—…ifying_v other_o wicked_a offender_n and_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o society_n for_o the_o future_a he_o say_v likewise_o that_o the_o council_n hang_v mr._n mitchel_n for_o shoot_v at_o 37._o the_o say_a archbishop_n though_o he_o miss_v â—…im_v but_o although_o this_o villain_n justify_v happen_v to_o miss_v of_o his_o design_n against_o the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o orkney_n be_v then_o in_o coach_n with_o the_o archbishop_n be_v unfortunate_o wound_v with_o the_o same_o shot_n which_o occasion_v his_o death_n though_o not_o very_o short_o after_o now_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o any_o good_a man_n will_v ever_o offer_v to_o condemn_v the_o punish_n of_o such_o a_o villainy_n and_o râ—…ally_o i_o very_o much_o wonder_n that_o this_o author_n regard_v so_o little_a the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o his_o own_o party_n as_o to_o oâ—…er_v so_o public_o to_o countenance_n or_o excuse_v such_o villainous_a practice_n as_o have_v just_o render_v that_o party_n odious_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o he_o allege_v about_o the_o earl_n of_o rothes_n and_o the_o council_n their_o promise_a mitchel_n his_o life_n upon_o confession_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o i_o be_o credible_o informeâ—…_n that_o they_o solemn_o declare_v before_o the_o justice_n court_n that_o they_o never_o make_v he_o any_o such_o promise_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n of_o more_o honour_n and_o integrity_n than_o to_o have_v retract_v it_o this_o author_n be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n 39_o be_v moâ—…e_o popular_a in_o scotland_n than_o episcopaâ—…y_a which_o have_v ever_o be_v much_o religâ—…on_n insist_v upon_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o government_n as_o if_o any_o principle_n or_o doctrine_n be_v the_o trueâ—…_n because_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n if_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n why_o be_v not_o christianity_n explode_v and_o heathenism_n still_o continue_v as_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v such_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o will_v go_v near_o to_o subvert_v all_o its_o doctrine_n since_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v popular_a that_o they_o be_v downright_a enemy_n to_o fleâ—…h_n and_o blood_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o greedy_o pursue_v it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a sign_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o cause_n when_o they_o flee_v for_o shelter_v to_o the_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a humour_n of_o the_o vulgar_a when_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o government_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a indication_n they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o better_a to_o produce_v this_o new_a method_n we_o have_v take_v up_o to_o promote_v religion_n by_o establish_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o a_o people_n may_v chance_v to_o have_v more_o fatal_a consequence_n than_o we_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o a_o slippery_a foundation_n dispose_v people_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o indifferent_a and_o ambulatory_a so_o that_o each_o nation_n may_v set_v up_o what_o form_n of_o church-government_n they_o please_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o ambulatory_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o constitution_n yea_o so_o essential_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o god_n have_v establish_v
towards_o the_o royal_a martyr_n k._n 〈◊〉_d i._o how_o they_o act_v against_o his_o majesty_n interest_n in_o a_o direct_a opâ—…sition_n to_o the_o whâ—…le_a â—…ody_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o the_o whole_a â—…ingdom_n 〈◊〉_d tâ—…ose_n who_o have_v former_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o â—…alse_a and_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n do_v unanimous_o embrace_v the_o king_n interest_n the_o presbyteâ—…ians_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sâ—…nsible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n that_o they_o â—…ted_v aâ—…ainst_a he_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o malice_n and_o enâ—…_n and_o yeâ—…_n tâ—…ese_n man_n â—…ave_v now_o the_o confidence_n to_o protest_v they_o 〈◊〉_d no_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d â—…inging_v he_o to_o his_o death_n as_o if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o â—…es_n be_v quiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o public_a monument_n of_o their_o treaâ—…nable_a and_o rebâ—…llious_a act_n against_o that_o prince_n remain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—…ternal_a 〈◊〉_d and_o reproach_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n these_o barbarous_a parâ—…icides_n receive_v from_o our_o presbyterian_o for_o when_o the_o â—…ws_n come_v to_o scotland_n of_o a_o treaty_n begin_v betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n mr._n rob._n blair_n and_o sir_n john_n cheesly_n be_v 〈◊〉_d â—…sently_o dispatch_v away_o by_o order_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n to_o join_v with_o cromwell_n in_o obstruct_v the_o treaty_n and_o upon_o their_o arrival_n there_o wiâ—…h_v two_o other_o commissioner_n viz._n the_o earl_n of_o lothian_n and_o will._n glendinning_n froâ—…_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n cromwell_n begin_v to_o show_v himself_o for_o crush_a the_o treaty_n he_o draw_v up_o his_o army_n towards_o london_n and_o send_v in_o a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o parliament_n show_v his_o disallowance_n of_o the_o treaty_n and_o crave_v justice_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o be_v do_v on_o the_o king_n now_o these_o presbyterian_a commissioner_n not_o only_o concur_v with_o cromwell_n in_o this_o remonstrance_n against_o the_o king_n but_o likewise_o remain_v at_o london_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o king_n trial_n and_o execution_n and_o never_o offer_v to_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o unjust_a and_o unnatural_a proceed_n against_o his_o majesty_n they_o do_v indeed_o send_v down_o to_o scotlanâ—…_n for_o instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o king_n trial_n and_o they_o be_v order_v to_o endeavour_v the_o procure_v a_o delay_n but_o in_o the_o mâ—…an_n timâ—…_n to_o be_v cautious_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o prevail_a party_n in_o â—…gland_n i_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o will_v here_o pretend_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o act_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o sole_o since_o their_o 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o kirk_n act_v nothing_o in_o reference_n hereto_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o commissioner_n from_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v now_o whole_o consist_v of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o know_a affection_n and_o loyalâ—…y_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o when_o the_o scot_n army_n be_v defeat_v by_o croâ—…_n at_o preston_n many_o of_o our_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n be_v 〈◊〉_d kill_v in_o the_o action_n other_o to_o a_o great_a number_n take_v prisoner_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o fortune_n to_o make_v their_o escape_n be_v â—…orced_v either_o to_o abscond_v or_o 〈◊〉_d the_o country_n to_o avoid_v the_o severity_n with_o which_o the_o presbyterian_a paâ—…ty_n who_o now_o have_v usurp_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v persecute_v all_o such_o as_o be_v concerâ—…d_v in_o this_o engagemâ—…nt_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o presbyterian_o get_v the_o whole_a management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n into_o tâ—…eir_n 〈◊〉_d and_o act_v there_o as_o they_o list_a so_o that_o although_o the_o committâ—…_n of_o â—…states_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n send_v commissioneâ—…_n to_o concur_v with_o the_o king_n murderer_n in_o england_n yet_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o this_o act_n can_v in_o any_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a crew_n who_o act_n have_v always_o tend_v to_o bring_v their_o country_n into_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o this_o royal_a martyr_n be_v just_o chargeable_a upon_o none_o of_o our_o nation_n but_o the_o presbyterian_a sectary_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v make_v evident_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o other_o sectary_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o only_a actor_n of_o that_o dismal_a tragedy_n and_o do_v most_o cruel_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o mâ—…mbers_n for_o persevere_v in_o their_o allegiance_n and_o duty_n to_o their_o sovereign_n but_o let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v what_o the_o behaviour_n of_o this_o party_n 〈◊〉_d be_v towards_o k_o charles_n ii_o upon_o his_o advancement_n to_o the_o throne_n for_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o they_o suffer_v on_o his_o account_n every_o body_n almost_o knowâ—…_n that_o our_o presbyterian_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o pro_fw-la â—…laiming_v of_o charles_n ii_o king_n upon_o the_o news_n of_o his_o father_n murder_n be_v true_a but_o their_o loyalty_n in_o this_o point_n be_v clog_v with_o such_o restâ—…ictions_n and_o limitation_n as_o be_v not_o â—…asie_a for_o the_o king_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o forâ—…ed_v he_o before_o his_o admission_n to_o the_o crown_n to_o sign_n a_o dâ—…laration_n signify_v his_o penitency_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o forefatâ—…rs_n in_o oppose_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o in_o so_o long_o follâ—…wing_v thâ—…ir_a â—…ootsteps_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o accomplish_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o covenant_n in_o all_o its_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o also_o for_o the_o more_o 〈◊〉_d they_o cause_v he_o to_o take_v and_o swear_v and_o because_o his_o majesty_n do_v at_o 〈◊〉_d refuse_v to_o sign_n this_o declaration_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o kirk_n do_v on_o the_o 1â—…_n of_o august_n 1650_o publish_v a_o 〈◊〉_d common_o call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o westkirk_n wherein_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o will_v not_o espouse_v any_o malignant_a party_n or_o quarrel_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o own_o the_o king_n nor_o his_o interest_n otherwise_o than_o â—…ith_o â—…_n subordination_n to_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o own_v and_o prosecute_v the_o â—…ause_n of_o â—…od_n and_o disclaim_v he_o and_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o disow_v all_o the_o â—…nemies_n thereof_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o declaration_n when_o the_o kingdom_n have_v resolve_v to_o call_v home_n k._n charles_n ii_o and_o for_o that_o end_n have_v admit_v to_o favour_n those_o who_o former_o be_v banish_v the_o court_n and_o nation_n as_o malignant_n this_o give_v the_o zealous_a and_o bigoted_a covenanter_n so_o great_a offence_n that_o they_o protest_v aâ—…ainst_a all_o the_o present_a proceed_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o solemn_a â—…eague_n and_o its_o end_n admit_v to_o the_o throne_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v a_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o quiet_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o â—…irk_n and_o this_o rigid_a party_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o west_n in_o the_o year_n 1650_o oct._n 17._o they_o pen_v and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o paper_n which_o they_o call_v a_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o gentleman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o minister_n attâ—…ending_v the_o force_n in_o the_o west_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o from_o which_o afterward_o they_o get_v the_o name_n of_o remonstrant_n hence_o we_o see_v how_o this_o merciful_a prince_n be_v treat_v by_o they_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o what_o further_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n they_o afterward_o occasion_v he_o be_v but_o too_o notorious_a from_o the_o many_o insurrection_n they_o raise_v against_o his_o government_n and_o which_o occasion_v the_o enact_v of_o those_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o which_o they_o now_o so_o grievous_o complain_v of_o what_o these_o suâ—…ferings_n be_v which_o this_o author_n allege_v the_o presbyterian_o meet_v with_o for_o adhere_v to_o k._n charles_n ii_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o some_o of_o the_o more_o moderate_a of_o their_o party_n be_v willing_a to_o own_o the_o king_n after_o he_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o upon_o that_o account_n suffer_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n when_o cromwell_n with_o the_o english_a army_n invade_v our_o
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
of_o the_o first_o act_n continue_v to_o have_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o esâ—…ates_v ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o civil_a and_o over_o all_o peâ—…sons_n and_o cause_n thereto_o relate_v and_o thâ—…_n clergy_n of_o sâ—…otland_n arâ—…_n as_o much_o bind_v to_o own_o this_o supremacy_n as_o those_o of_o 〈◊〉_d â—…ere_v i_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o visible_o the_o disloyalty_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o this_o paâ—…ty_n to_o all_o civil_a government_n do_v appear_v thâ—…y_v endeavour_v under_o pretence_n of_o lodging_n all_o ecclesiastical_a 〈◊〉_d in_o tâ—…_n church_n to_o divest_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o externâ—…l_a ordâ—…ing_n of_o church_n matter_n which_o do_v due_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n within_o his_o oâ—…n_a dominion_n and_o yet_o they_o aâ—…e_v so_o sar_n from_o settle_v the_o whole_a ecclesiasâ—…ical_a jurisdiction_n in_o tâ—…e_a hand_n of_o spiritual_a person_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o judicatory_a but_o what_o do_v consist_v of_o at_o least_o 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o laic_n as_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v ecclesiastic_n they_o 〈◊〉_d not_o allow_v the_o king_n so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o convocate_v the_o clergy_n soâ—…_n the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o matter_n about_o religion_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o â—…ommand_v they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o function_n which_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o civil_a power_n over_o their_o person_n as_o his_o subject_n and_o yet_o they_o allow_v the_o lay-elder_n in_o their_o general_n assembly_n to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o inâ—…licting_v spiritual_a censure_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o spiritual_a person_n and_o their_o indulge_v the_o laity_n this_o power_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v more_o than_o what_o they_o can_v well_o account_v â—…or_n according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o thâ—…_n ministry_n in_o their_o general_a assembly_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n dâ—…prived_v of_o hiâ—…_n function_n no_o sentence_n of_o â—…xcommunication_n pass_v no_o â—…eretick_n condemn_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n transact_v but_o what_o thâ—…ir_n lay-elder_n share_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o teacher_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o king_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d any_o such_o power_n in_o their_o meetiâ—…gs_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o â—…ly_v in_o his_o face_n as_o a_o oppressor_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o methinks_v they_o may_v at_o least_o indulge_v he_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o be_v one_o of_o their_o rule_v elder_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n of_o call_v her_o assembly_n and_o exercise_v 〈◊〉_d â—…er_a discipline_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n even_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v as_o this_o author_n be_v pleasâ—…d_v to_o allege_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n frequent_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o religious_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o then_o happen_v to_o arise_v among_o their_o bâ—…ethren_n and_o this_o they_o do_v without_o think_v that_o they_o encroach_v in_o the_o least_o upon_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o lawful_a power_n then_o in_o be_v and_o what_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v be_v still_o lawful_a for_o the_o prâ—…sent_a châ—…rch_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v now_o christian_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o no_o grâ—…ter_a power_n in_o church_n 〈◊〉_d by_o virtue_n of_o his_o civil_a authority_n than_o what_o do_v bâ—…ong_o to_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n the_o church_n may_v indeed_o upon_o prudent_a moâ—…ives_n indulge_v the_o christian_a magiâ—…trate_n a_o great_a power_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n than_o whâ—…t_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o â—…afe_a to_o intrust_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n wiâ—…h_n but_o this_o power_n which_o the_o church_n grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v to_o he_o by_o 〈◊〉_d of_o â—…is_n civil_a authority_n it_o be_v only_o indulge_v â—…im_n by_o the_o church_n in_o prospect_n of_o his_o temporal_a protection_n and_o thereâ—…ore_o 〈◊〉_d he_o instead_o of_o a_o nurse_n faâ—…her_o to_o she_o shall_v turn_v a_o oppress_a 〈◊〉_d or_o when_o the_o church_n shall_v see_v it_o any_o way_n necessary_a sor_n the_o well_o be_v and_o safety_n of_o religion_n she_o may_v recall_v it_o again_o at_o her_o pleasure_n but_o as_o we_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o matter_n pure_o spiritual_a so_o we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o 〈◊〉_d jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o she_o as_o to_o exâ—…mpt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o clâ—…gy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o owe_v their_o sovereign_n the_o same_o duty_n and_o obedience_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o his_o civil_a court_n as_o liable_a to_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o he_o inflict_v as_o the_o person_n of_o the_o laiâ—…y_n sor_n otherwise_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v have_v no_o security_n for_o hiâ—…_n government_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v the_o clergy_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o every_o thing_n do_v 〈◊〉_d by_o themselves_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o the_o popish_a usurpation_n and_o supremacy_n and_o make_v churchman_n no_o subject_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o assert_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o together_o with_o the_o papist_n carry_v it_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o claim_v a_o exemption_n for_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a court_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o only_o cognizable_a by_o themselves_o they_o deny_v the_o secular_a magistrate_n any_o power_n to_o punish_v the_o person_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n preach_v open_o from_o their_o pulpit_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n till_o they_o once_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o crime_n and_o condemn_v therefore_o by_o a_o sentence_n of_o a_o ecclesiastic_a judicatory_a that_o this_o be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a principle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o i_o admire_v this_o author_n shall_v ever_o attempt_v to_o conceal_v it_o be_v it_o not_o their_o proceed_n to_o practice_n upon_o these_o principle_n which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v to_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o k._n james_n vi's_fw-la reign_n ratify_v the_o king_n supremacy_n for_o one_o mr._n and._n melvil_n a_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v declaim_v â—…requently_o against_o the_o king_n for_o which_o be_v call_v before_o the_o council_n he_o bold_o decline_v the_o king_n and_o council_n as_o judge_n in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la of_o what_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n even_o though_o it_o be_v high_a treason_n and_o so_o he_o flee_v into_o england_n whereupon_o the_o nation_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o in_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o thâ—…se_n seditious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v pass_v the_o abovementioned_a act_n of_o supremacy_n and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o very_a act_n that_o mr_n ja._n guthrie_n a_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v anno_fw-la 1661._o hang_v for_o decline_v the_o king_n authority_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n declaim_v against_o and_o reproach_v this_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereto_o one_o of_o their_o number_n mr._n dau._n black_a have_v rail_v against_o k._n james_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n from_o the_o pulpit_n as_o enemy_n to_o god_n be_v call_v before_o the_o king_n council_n he_o not_o â—…nly_o decline_v the_o king_n power_n of_o judge_v he_o until_o he_o be_v first_o condemn_v by_o his_o brethren_n but_o unite_v most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o sâ—…tland_n most_o tumultuous_o in_o his_o defence_n and_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v then_o reside_v at_o edinburgh_n stir_v up_o the_o multitude_n to_o such_o a_o rage_n and_o fury_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o they_o present_o leapâ—…_n to_o arm_n and_o come_v to_o the_o street_n in_o great_a number_n cry_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gideon_n it_o shall_v either_o be_v they_o or_o we_o and_o take_v their_o march_n straight_o to_o the_o session-house_n where_o the_o king_n and_o 65._o his_o counsellor_n be_v then_o meet_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v force_v the_o door_n which_o upon_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o tumult_n be_v shut_v and_o do_v no_o small_a mischief_n be_v it_o not_o that_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o loyal_a party_n draw_v together_o by_o the_o deacon_n conveener_n of_o the_o hâ—…st_o trade_n keep_v they_o back_o for_o a_o while_n till_o their_o fury_n cool_v a_o little_a and_o in_o