Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n discipline_n doctrine_n 4,176 5 6.2312 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51154 An apology for the clergy of Scotland chiefly oppos'd to the censures, calumnies, and accusations of a late Presbyterian vindicator, in a letter to a friend : wherein his vanity, partiality and sophistry are modestly reproved, and the legal establishment of episcopacy in that kingdom, from the beginning of the Reformation, is made evident from history and the records of Parliament : together with a postscript, relating to a scandalous pamphlet intituled, An answer to The Scotch Presbyterian eloquence. Monro, Alexander, d. 1715? 1693 (1693) Wing M2437; ESTC R20155 87,009 107

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

have_v be_v worship_v such_o constitution_n and_o solemnity_n have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o he_o suppose_v it_o and_o reason_n from_o it_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strong_o incline_v towards_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o true_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n therefore_o such_o constitution_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v in_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o anniversary_n day_n and_o festival_n have_v be_v profane_v among_o the_o pagan_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n why_o digression_n may_v they_o not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o true_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n public_a solemnity_n have_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v reprovable_a no_o more_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o season_n if_o any_o part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v abuse_v to_o excess_n or_o riot_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o idol_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o when_o we_o return_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o we_o change_v our_o excess_n into_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a scene_n be_v become_v pure_a what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o can_v be_v blame_v do_v not_o we_o see_v all_o nation_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o public_a solemnity_n and_o anniversary_n festival_n and_o fast_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o beauty_n of_o religion_n even_o those_o nation_n that_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o our_o custom_n our_o language_n our_o law_n and_o way_n of_o live_v upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o worship_v their_o idol_n have_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o happy_a victory_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n when_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o idolatry_n time_n and_o place_n have_v change_v their_o object_n their_o exercise_n and_o their_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a anniverssary_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v appoint_v immediate_o by_o divine_a authority_n but_o have_v not_o they_o other_o anniverssary_n not_o immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o do_v you_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o prophet_n do_v reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o such_o anniverssary_n they_o do_v indeed_o reprove_v their_o negligence_n and_o indevotion_n in_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v acknowledge_v reasonable_a and_o prudent_a and_o a_o very_a powerful_a instrument_n of_o true_a religion_n when_o manage_v with_o contrition_n true_a simplicity_n and_o piety_n zach._n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o fast_n mention_v here_o be_v of_o humane_a appointment_n and_o yet_o anniversary_n our_o saviour_n be_v present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v superstitious_a he_o have_v certain_o reprove_v it_o and_o give_v direction_n against_o such_o usage_n in_o the_o general_a to_o shake_v off_o all_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o multiply_a of_o they_o the_o one_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o other_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o preserve_v knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n more_o than_o the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a or_o extemporary_a fit_n of_o devotion_n but_o the_o church_n by_o her_o excellent_a discipline_n order_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o forget_v the_o faith_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v once_o baptise_a but_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n the_o people_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o leader_n to_o despise_v all_o form_n such_o great_a soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v fetter_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o child_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n that_o can_v repeat_v the_o commandment_n or_o the_o creed_n i_o mean_v the_o child_n of_o presbyterian_a parent_n and_o by_o such_o enthusiastic_a pretence_n atheism_n be_v insensible_o promote_v and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n alienate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o scarce_o will_v they_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o true_a religion_n that_o mention_n those_o first_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o tell_v how_o much_o their_o opposition_n to_o form_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n have_v infatuate_v their_o people_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o clown_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n laugh_v so_o hearty_o as_o when_o the_o curate_n recommend_v to_o their_o child_n the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n understanding_n unless_o he_o entertain_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a decree_n of_o justification_n before_o conversion_n and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o natural_a conscience_n may_v be_v distnguish_v from_o the_o conviction_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o antiquate_a superstition_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o state_v festival_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n do_v preserve_v and_o increase_v true_a devotion_n and_o mortification_n fast_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o religion_n by_o all_o nation_n who_o profess_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v but_o suppose_v by_o our_o saviour_n why_o may_v not_o then_o the_o church_n regulate_v and_o direct_v the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v as_o well_o as_o of_o prayer_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o proper_a to_o fix_v our_o attention_n as_o fast_v it_o deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o body_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o true_a and_o native_a sovereignty_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n the_o state_v period_n of_o fast_v oblige_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o impenitent_a to_o think_v of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o visible_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v repentance_n more_o effectual_o and_o make_v more_o last_a impression_n than_o the_o loose_a and_o indefinite_a homily_n of_o self-conceited_a man_n the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v abuse_v as_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n be_v when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a weakness_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o preserve_v religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n without_o those_o vehicles_n of_o form_n lent-fast_a and_o order_n nothing_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o grecian_a church_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o error_n and_o superstition_n so_o much_o as_o the_o open_a neglect_n of_o fast_v old_a among_o the_o protestant_n and_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v defend_v but_o rather_o lament_v and_o amend_v what_o a_o cruelty_n be_v it_o in_o all_o the_o sectary_n to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o public_a help_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v who_o can_v justify_v this_o that_o consider_v the_o many_o encumbrance_n tentation_n weakness_n that_o we_o daily_o encounter_v they_o that_o set_v up_o method_n of_o their_o own_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v amuse_v the_o people_n for_o a_o while_n but_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o be_v solid_a or_o useful_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o grecian_a church_n have_v long_o ere_o now_o make_v a_o utter_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o ancient_a and_o fix_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o retain_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o triumph_v over_o sensuality_n and_o concupiscence_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o most_o useful_a thing_n in_o art_n or_o nature_n may_v be_v sad_o abuse_v by_o folly_n or_o ignorance_n we_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a church_n further_o than_o they_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o this_o truth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o pray_v public_o upon_o the_o great_a fast_n and_o
church_n polity_n to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o entire_a scheme_n of_o their_o government_n to_o be_v deface_v and_o all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n and_o upon_o no_o wise_a consideration_n than_o because_o their_o enemy_n pretend_a religion_n and_o give_v most_o sacred_a name_n to_o the_o most_o abominable_a crime_n and_o now_o again_o that_o they_o be_v uppermost_a they_o be_v very_o angry_a that_o man_n do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o suffer_v their_o folly_n and_o tyranny_n to_o overspread_v the_o nation_n without_o contradiction_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o their_o minister_n do_v suffer_v upon_o the_o restitution_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o why_o they_o will_v not_o take_v presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n nor_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n they_o will_v possess_v their_o benefice_n against_o the_o law_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o authority_n but_o be_v any_o of_o they_o turn_v out_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n lighton_n so_o earnest_n be_v some_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o place_n that_o they_o make_v such_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o accommodation_n as_o none_o can_v refuse_v but_o sullen_a and_o desperate_a incendiary_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o but_o what_o the_o most_o rigid_a presbyterian_o may_v comply_v with_o if_o their_o zeal_n to_o support_v their_o faction_n have_v not_o infatuate_v they_o as_o much_o against_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n as_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n be_v general_o blind_v with_o this_o fatal_a prejudice_n a_o evidence_n of_o their_o incurable_a enthusiasm_n they_o think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o he_o immediate_o act_n against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o way_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o present_o without_o examination_n you_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nay_o you_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v against_o their_o party_n be_v do_v rather_o against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o enemy_n than_o the_o petulance_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n therefore_o they_o insinuate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o all_o reason_n against_o they_o proceed_v from_o profanity_n and_o atheism_n or_o from_o man_n void_a of_o all_o principle_n and_o religion_n you_o may_v as_o easy_o reason_v a_o bedlamite_n out_o of_o his_o fancy_a honour_n and_o principality_n as_o persuade_v any_o of_o their_o delude_a disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o this_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o cunning_a teacher_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o their_o belief_n as_o imperious_o as_o the_o cruel_a brach-mans_n do_v among_o the_o indian_n but_o let_v i_o inquire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n calm_o do_v the_o meek_a covenanter_n when_o they_o get_v the_o ascendent_n in_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o his_o time_n treat_v their_o opposite_a with_o that_o gentleness_n and_o discretion_n that_o condescension_n and_o longanimity_n that_o become_v the_o true_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o so_o very_o far_o from_o this_o temper_n that_o they_o prosecute_v the_o malignant_n with_o all_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o another_o instance_n of_o their_o cruelty_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n wishart_n man_n may_v easy_o penetrate_v into_o the_o genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o party_n then_o their_o pulpit_n thunder_v against_o the_o malignant_n all_o the_o curse_n in_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o be_v malignant_n in_o their_o dialect_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_o add_v to_o this_o the_o universal_a and_o restless_a endeavour_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o ruin_v the_o person_n estate_n and_o family_n of_o all_o that_o oppose_v their_o design_n and_o their_o discipline_n be_v make_v a_o engine_n to_o pry_v into_o the_o great_a secret_n of_o family_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a chaplain_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o minister_n intelligencer_n complain_v in_o his_o prayer_n of_o what_o he_o think_v amiss_o in_o the_o family_n or_o neighbourhood_n nay_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n groan_v under_o this_o tyrannical_a pedantry_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v under_o the_o egyptian_n when_o their_o bloody_a scaffold_n stand_v erect_v for_o some_o whole_a week_n together_o then_o it_o be_v that_o their_o modest_a minister_n say_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v like_a to_o prosper_v when_o they_o justify_v one_o crime_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o another_o and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o their_o arbitrary_a tyranny_n from_o their_o success_n and_o prosperity_n when_o their_o turkish_a argument_n of_o force_n and_o arm_n run_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o meek_a and_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o now_o forsooth_o they_o must_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v rigid_a and_o peevish_a and_o severe_a to_o their_o parishioner_n when_o perhaps_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n the_o ten_o part_n of_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o yet_o the_o law_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o give_v up_o the_o name_n of_o recusant_n and_o do_v not_o we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o since_o the_o late_a revolution_n have_v out_o do_v the_o diligence_n of_o all_o man_n against_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n for_o the_o whole_a faction_n apply_v their_o utmost_a force_n since_o the_o revolution_n to_o ruin_v her_o neighbour_n and_o possess_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o place_n civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o people_n upon_o earth_n that_o value_n government_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v it_o be_v the_o idol_n they_o bow_v to_o there_o be_v nothing_o gratify_v their_o high_a passion_n so_o much_o as_o a_o power_n to_o tyrannize_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v once_o under_o their_o foot_n they_o will_v look_v cheerful_a their_o blood_n will_v circulate_v more_o brisk_o until_o this_o be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n nor_o peace_n for_o mankind_n the_o discipline_n the_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o geneve_n must_v wrestle_v with_o all_o authority_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o former_a excuse_n do_v not_o serve_v his_o design_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o insinuate_v all_o a_o long_a his_o book_n that_o most_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v wicked_a man_n but_o let_v i_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o infamous_a accusation_n who_o make_v they_o judge_n of_o the_o scandalous_a clergy_n who_o delegate_n be_v they_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o punishment_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o very_a few_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o western_a shire_n but_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o general_o the_o clergy_n in_o those_o shire_n be_v grave_a sober_a and_o assiduous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o gain_v those_o enthusiast_n from_o their_o schism_n and_o delusion_n and_o be_v very_o successful_a in_o this_o christian_a design_n if_o a_o new_a indulgence_n after_o the_o defeat_n at_o bothwel_n bridge_n have_v not_o buoy_v up_o their_o interest_n as_o for_o the_o scandalous_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o western_a presbyterian_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o one_o of_o the_o vindicator_n own_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o a_o party_n and_o indeed_o of_o such_o a_o party_n who_o from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n place_v much_o of_o their_o strength_n in_o reproach_v the_o clergy_n if_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o character_n we_o ought_v rather_o all_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n to_o lament_v it_o rather_o than_o insult_v and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o it_o indeed_o a_o minister_n who_o employment_n be_v to_o fit_v other_o man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a and_o scandalous_a opposition_n to_o his_o rule_n be_v the_o most_o monstrous_a thing_n in_o nature_n all_o the_o satirical_a write_n of_o the_o poet_n and_o all_o the_o invective_n of_o orator_n can_v furnish_v one_o word_n to_o give_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o that_o loathsome_a creature_n but_o
preferment_n receive_v persecution_n a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n he_o go_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n send_v he_o to_o the_o presbytery_n to_o undergo_v the_o ordinary_a trial_n of_o his_o literature_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o when_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n with_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n than_o the_o bishop_n serve_v a_o public_a ●dict_n at_o the_o church_n where_o the_o candidate_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v invite_v all_o the_o parishioner_n to_o come_v to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n against_o a_o appoint_a day_n to_o see_v if_o they_o have_v any_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o the_o candidate_n and_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o hurry_n but_o they_o have_v a_o competent_a time_n allow_v they_o to_o gather_v all_o possible_a information_n concern_v he_o from_o all_o quarter_n and_o if_o they_o can_v object_v any_o thing_n against_o he_o that_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n they_o be_v heardand_v the_o candidate_n be_v repulse_v now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o people_n can_v complain_v of_o in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o consusion_n of_o election_n that_o be_v sole_o leave_v to_o the_o people_n be_v innumerable_a and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o famous_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a effect_n of_o such_o popular_a election_n our_o own_o country_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o very_a many_o sad_a experiment_n marcelinum_fw-la when_o the_o parishioner_n can_v not_o compromise_v the_o affair_n peaceable_o they_o quick_o come_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o many_o place_n to_o bloodshed_n and_o riot_n these_o be_v all_o the_o good_a effect_n we_o can_v discern_v of_o their_o popular_a election_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o method_n of_o elect_v the_o clergy_n vary_v often_o and_o appear_v under_o many_o figure_n in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n since_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v no_o christian_a church_n come_v near_o the_o apostolical_a method_n and_o more_o happy_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n than_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n but_o you_o may_v put_v the_o vindicator_n in_o mind_n they_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o never_o think_v the_o call_v of_o the_o people_n so_o essential_a a_o constitution_n of_o that_o pastoral_n relation_n for_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n order_v the_o presbytery_n to_o name_v a_o minister_n to_o such_o parish_n as_o be_v malignant_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n so_o this_o pretend_a popular_a election_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o prove_v unserviceable_a to_o advance_v their_o tyranny_n be_v immediate_o reject_v for_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v any_o such_o inherent_a right_n in_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n for_o they_o think_v the_o malignant_n have_v no_o right_a to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o malignant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v consult_v according_o we_o see_v that_o though_o their_o parliament_n judge_v the_o power_n of_o election_n in_o the_o heretor_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o parish_n or_o in_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o yet_o no_o election_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o presbytery_n though_o never_o so_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a but_o such_o as_o be_v promote_v by_o their_o own_o faction_n witness_n musselburgh_n and_o tranent_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n insist_v upon_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o more_o foolish_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o common_a honesty_n than_o this_o topick_n from_o popular_a election_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n the_o old_a presbyterian_o never_o obtrude_v such_o a_o whimsy_n upon_o the_o people_n the_o lay_v patronage_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o scotland_n until_o the_o year_n 49._o when_o the_o discipline_n be_v in_o its_o zeaith_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n preach_v against_o but_o malignancy_n and_o the_o king_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v possess_v by_o the_o kirk_n presbyterian_o in_o other_o country_n quiet_o submit_v to_o lay_v patron_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o bishop_n take_v care_v that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v ordain_v what_o harm_n can_v the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d by_o such_o presentation_n may_v not_o the_o clergy_n examine_v such_o candidate_n 〈◊〉_d offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n accurate_o and_o narrow_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o most_o tri_a and_o supersicial_a student_n do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n nay_o there_o be_v so_o many_o mean_a and_o abject_a art_n requisite_a to_o promote_v a_o clergyman_n if_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o popular_a election_n hold_v necessary_a that_o a_o ingenuous_a man_n can_v proslitute_v himself_o to_o such_o servile_a and_o popular_a method_n as_o for_o the_o grave_n and_o retire_v clergyman_n he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o be_v prefer_v and_o if_o some_o judicious_a and_o discreet_a patron_n do_v not_o force_v he_o out_o of_o his_o solitude_n he_o be_v like_a to_o die_v among_o his_o book_n and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v serve_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n by_o such_o as_o lest_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o insinuation_n and_o it_o will_v continue_v so_o until_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o the_o vindicator_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o clergy_n press_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o worship_n but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o doxology_n and_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n at_o baptism_n that_o they_o themselves_o object_v against_o be_v not_o these_o mighty_a grievance_n to_o tender_a conscience_n the_o vindicator_n tell_v we_o that_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o against_o the_o use_n of_o those_o form_n but_o they_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o the_o prelatist_n do_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o before_o the_o year_n 1638._o make_v use_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o after_o the_o year_n 38._o until_o cromwell_n army_n invade_v our_o nation_n they_o never_o leave_v off_o the_o use_n of_o those_o catholic_n and_o christian_a form_n but_o such_o of_o the_o remonstrator_n as_o be_v deep_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o usurper_n then_o leave_v off_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n draw_v as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o spiritual_a height_n and_o pretend_a purity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o the_o army_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o that_o time_n in_o our_o nation_n vary_v in_o its_o outward_a figure_n and_o in_o their_o notion_n about_o it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o school_n and_o the_o wise_a question_n of_o universal_a and_o objectum_fw-la attributionis_fw-la logicae_fw-la the_o vindicator_n be_v content_a to_o use_v such_o form_n but_o not_o as_o the_o episcopal_a church_n do_v command_v it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o unity_n and_o society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o though_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n to_o preserve_v and_o support_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o he_o think_v he_o may_v leave_v the_o communion_n the_o church_n without_o either_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o those_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v short_a abstract_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o yet_o no_o people_n be_v now_o so_o violent_a as_o they_o in_o press_v subscription_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a confession_n at_o westminster_n and_o that_o without_o any_o exception_n restriction_n or_o explication_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o edinburgh_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v from_o their_o infancy_n teach_v in_o and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a vanity_n in_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o insinuate_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o only_a man_n careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n do_v not_o the_o clergy_n that_o address_v to_o the_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n plain_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v subscribe_v the_o westminster_n confession_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o protestant_a religion_n but_o this_o the_o vindicator_n think_v do_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v arminian_n there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n that_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o freewill_n after_o the_o method_n of_o arminius_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v not_o favour_v the_o calvinian_a hypothesis_n they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o propagate_a their_o
it_o as_o a_o thing_n worse_o than_o the_o calf_n of_o dan_n and_o bethel_n now_o you_o have_v no_o other_o character_n of_o the_o vindicator_n from_o i_o than_o what_o i_o have_v extract_v from_o his_o book_n nor_o do_v i_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v habitual_o guilty_a of_o such_o shuffle_n and_o disingenuity_n but_o single_a act_n may_v grow_v into_o root_a habit_n he_o be_v so_o deep_o tincture_v with_o the_o fulleness_n of_o his_o faction_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o question_v whether_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v luminous_a than_o admit_v the_o least_o scruple_n concern_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbytery_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o discourse_n of_o be_v his_o theological_a reason_n that_o occasional_o fall_v under_o his_o consideration_n when_o he_o plead_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v true_a the_o vindicator_n do_v not_o design_o insist_v on_o those_o theological_a head_n that_o i_o be_o short_o to_o speak_v of_o but_o incidental_o they_o fall_v in_o his_o way_n but_o he_o pag._n can_v forbear_v his_o venomous_a squib_n when_o he_o mention_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o most_o expose_v their_o novelty_n and_o enthusiasm_n the_o first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v his_o censure_n of_o the_o catholic_n observation_n of_o christmas_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o letter_n do_v very_o judicious_o observe_v how_o diametrical_o opposite_a the_o 25._o western_a fanatic_n be_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o they_o shall_v begin_v their_o barbarity_n against_o the_o clergy_n upon_o that_o very_a day_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n do_v celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o which_o the_o angelical_a host_n of_o heaven_n do_v magnify_v with_o triumphant_a song_n the_o vindicator_n can_v let_v this_o observation_n 25._o pass_v without_o his_o theological_a animadversion_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o author_n of_o that_o letter_n value_v himself_o upon_o this_o fine_a notion_n certain_o the_o author_n can_v not_o value_v himself_o upon_o this_o notion_n but_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o value_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n next_o the_o vindicator_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o assert_v that_o that_o day_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n what_o say_v he_o do_v the_o court_n of_o heaven_n keep_v the_o anniversary_n day_n this_o be_v profound_o wise_a there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o the_o wit_n and_o smartness_n of_o such_o repartee_n what_o do_v not_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v not_o the_o anniversary_n solemnity_n of_o this_o festival_n a_o just_a imitation_n of_o what_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n do_v but_o he_o ask_v if_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n do_v keep_v a_o anniversary_n for_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v in_o that_o word_n anniversary_n but_o may_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n take_v care_n that_o this_o glorious_a mystery_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o our_o posterity_n shall_v remember_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o reveal_v and_o can_v the_o christian_a church_n take_v more_o effectual_a method_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o than_o by_o appoint_v this_o anniversary_n festival_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o institution_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o that_o the_o church_n do_v keep_v it_o in_o all_o age_n be_v say_v without_o book_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyterian_a book_n that_o give_v evidence_n for_o this_o festival_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o from_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v and_o in_o what_o period_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o observe_v and_o than_o we_o may_v see_v more_o clear_o into_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o festival_n and_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o christian_a church_n may_v continue_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o ask_v again_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v upon_o the_o 25_o day_n of_o december_n but_o this_o be_v childish_a and_o impertinent_a when_o the_o church_n do_v order_v the_o commemoration_n of_o that_o mystery_n on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n she_o do_v not_o decide_v that_o chronological_a nicety_n whether_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o increase_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v with_o regard_n to_o one_o day_n more_o than_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o such_o a_o critical_a minute_n of_o time_n i_o hope_v the_o vindicator_n know_v that_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n in_o france_n be_v not_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n in_o britain_n and_o yet_o the_o christian_n of_o either_o communion_n celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v nay_o he_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n but_o the_o vindicator_n christmas_n think_v that_o such_o a_o anniversary_n day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o god_n appointment_n but_o have_v not_o god_n appoint_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n our_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a ruler_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v not_o they_o regulate_v the_o public_a solemnity_n and_o return_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o regulation_n but_o what_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o what_o impudence_n then_o dare_v we_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n when_o her_o constitution_n be_v so_o just_a so_o wise_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n can_v one_o read_v it_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v continue_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n in_o the_o church_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o this_o their_o hypothesis_n reason_n become_v useless_a to_o order_v the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v once_o reveal_v they_o need_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o order_v its_o public_a solemnity_n for_o when_o the_o festivity_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o conversant_a about_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n already_o reveal_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o common_a sense_n and_o discretion_n must_v clothe_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o such_o vehicle_n of_o time_n place_n and_o public_a solemnity_n as_o best_a preserve_v their_o reverence_n and_o transmit_v they_o to_o posterity_n but_o this_o be_v a_o unfortunate_a mistake_n a_o original_a blunder_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v to_o this_o maxim_n they_o must_v necessary_o continue_v stubborn_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o proof_n against_o the_o wise_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o they_o must_v have_v scripture_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o fortify_v this_o with_o a_o latin_a sentence_n as_o if_o nonsense_n can_v change_v its_o nature_n credimus_fw-la by_o be_v put_v into_o latin_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o perhaps_o the_o vindicator_n may_v yield_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o christmas_n if_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o anniversary_n there_o be_v some_o hide_a dangerous_a plot_n in_o that_o word_n anniversary_n as_o if_o our_o posterity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o so_o enthusiastic_a our_o presbyterian_o be_v become_v that_o they_o broach_v principle_n unknown_a to_o all_o the_o subdivision_n of_o dissenter_n in_o england_n and_o though_o more_o know_v and_o intelligent_a among_o they_o never_o scruple_n the_o observation_n of_o a_o anniversary_n day_n since_o they_o yearly_o commemorate_v the_o dreadful_a fire_n of_o london_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a if_o not_o impious_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o those_o excellent_a constitution_n that_o have_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n
external_a evidence_n there_o be_v no_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v only_o accessible_a to_o omniscience_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a but_o the_o vindicator_n may_v remember_v that_o the_o dissent_v ministe_n in_o and_o faith_n about_o london_n in_o their_o late_a agreement_n require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o as_o mark_n of_o orthodoxy_n than_o the_o subsoription_n of_o 36_o article_n the_o vindicator_n insinuate_v that_o though_o the_o clergy_n do_v subscribe_v they_o yet_o they_o preach_v against_o they_o this_o be_v another_o stroke_n of_o his_o good_a nature_n and_o civility_n and_o he_o may_v beconvince_v long_o ever_o now_o that_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v not_o so_o very_o pliable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o conviction_n in_o view_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n even_o when_o he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v be_v very_o active_a to_o reduce_v they_o to_o extraordinary_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n nay_o if_o he_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o can_v tell_v he_o where_o some_o minister_n of_o that_o faction_n be_v so_o villainous_o zealous_a against_o the_o clergy_n that_o they_o do_v solicit_v witness_n against_o they_o where_o they_o themselves_o or_o some_o of_o their_o intimate_a brethren_n be_v judge_n i_o be_o not_o to_o publish_v name_n but_o i_o can_v prove_v this_o whenever_o it_o be_v find_v convenient_a i_o know_v the_o vindicator_n will_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o know_v my_o informer_n but_o i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o be_v so_o particular_a though_o i_o be_o resolve_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o promise_n i_o make_v to_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n but_o the_o next_o censure_n that_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o clergy_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o letter_n have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o among_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o be_v every_o day_n talk_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o i_o think_v the_o author_n give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o prudence_n and_o modesty_n of_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o vindicator_n lash_v he_o here_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o his_o discourse_n be_v impertinent_a for_o they_o do_v not_o require_v that_o one_o shall_v talk_v always_o to_o the_o people_n of_o decree_n and_o reprobation_n but_o here_o the_o vindicator_n give_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o logic_n for_o the_o phrase_n every_o day_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o metaphysical_a strictness_n as_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o never_o preach_v on_o any_o other_o subject_a but_o on_o the_o absolute_a decree_n and_o reprobation_n but_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n be_v that_o presbyterian_o do_v frequent_o and_o indiscreet_o handle_v such_o abstruse_a subject_n as_o neither_o they_o nor_o the_o people_n be_v able_a to_o fathom_n and_o all_o such_o phrase_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o imply_v a_o logical_a universality_n must_v be_v interpret_v to_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o next_o blow_n be_v more_o severe_a and_o one_o have_v need_v 66._o to_o be_v arm_v capapee_n to_o meet_v with_o it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o must_v if_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n both_o praeteritum_fw-la as_o a_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o praedamnatum_fw-la as_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v forth_o or_o teach_v to_o the_o people_n we_o abhor_v this_o as_o a_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o pitiful_a advocate_n for_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o the_o clergy_n thus_o the_o vindicator_n be_v sufficient_o revenge_v of_o his_o adversary_n who_o be_v now_o more_o lamentable_o shatter_v than_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v not_o generous_a in_o the_o vindicator_n thus_o to_o pursue_v his_o victory_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o meek_a and_o calm_a saint_n shall_v thus_o open_o expose_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o antagonist_n but_o if_o the_o vindicator_n be_v out_o of_o his_o passion_n i_o will_v entreat_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o in_o what_o place_n of_o saint_n irae_fw-la paul_n epistle_n do_v he_o read_v of_o a_o decretum_fw-la praedamnatum_fw-la and_o what_o ever_o come_v of_o the_o calvinian_a or_o arminian_n hypothesis_n i_o be_o afraid_a his_o explication_n be_v both_o complicate_v nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o understand_v philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o neighbour_n pray_v let_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o which_o of_o the_o schoolman_n or_o protestant_a calvinist_n do_v he_o ever_o read_v of_o a_o decretum_fw-la praedamnatum_fw-la praeteritio_fw-la and_o praedamnatio_fw-la may_v be_v meet_v with_o but_o a_o decretum_fw-la praedamnatum_fw-la be_v the_o peculiar_a invention_n of_o this_o philosophorum_fw-la philosopher_n the_o decree_n be_v the_o act_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o he_o can_v be_v condemn_v such_o a_o unfortunate_a blunder_n as_o this_o be_v be_v never_o before_o see_v in_o print_n and_o yet_o the_o vindicator_n must_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o saint_n paul_n too_o true_o i_o think_v they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v hold_v forth_o but_o hide_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o boundless_a register_n of_o chimera_n nonentities_a and_o negation_n i_o think_v this_o deoretum_n praedamnatum_fw-la may_v keep_v company_n with_o such_o ancient_a gentleman_n of_o its_o own_o kindred_n and_o family_n and_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o vindicator_n you_o may_v advise_v he_o to_o read_v the_o calvinian_a hypothesis_n before_o he_o venture_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v some_o about_o he_o who_o may_v expose_v his_o explication_n of_o the_o decree_n as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v his_o latin_a reason_v against_o idolatry_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v his_o historical_a argument_n from_o the_o culdee_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o scotland_n in_o the_o primitive_a pag_n time_n before_o popery_n enter_v and_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v that_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o for_o any_o weight_n or_o historical_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o learned_a blondel_n make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o support_v that_o imaginary_a hypothesis_n from_o some_o ancient_a testimony_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o buchanan_n history_n and_o that_o learned_a historian_n take_v it_o unwary_o from_o his_o contemporary_a monk_n boctius_n and_o other_o or_o such_o as_o be_v little_o remove_v from_o his_o own_o age_n blondel_n make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o serve_v the_o dissent_v 315._o interest_n in_o britain_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o great_a muster_n of_o testimony_n he_o must_v needs_o erect_v a_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o scotland_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n or_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v of_o considerable_a weight_n but_o the_o great_a misfortune_n be_v there_o be_v no_o author_n now_o extant_a upon_o who_o testimony_n a_o affair_n so_o distant_a from_o our_o time_n can_v be_v reasonable_o found_v none_o within_o six_o hundred_o year_n of_o that_o period_n give_v we_o the_o least_o evidence_n for_o it_o when_o i_o say_v six_o hundred_o year_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o good_a author_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o year_n give_v any_o evidence_n for_o it_o more_o than_o their_o predecessor_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o vouch_v it_o within_o that_o period_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o impose_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o true_a history_n and_o our_o vindicator_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n 1._o continue_v for_o some_o age_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o they_o have_v bishop_n can_v he_o name_v any_o church_n upon_o earth_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o none_o to_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o own_o time_n for_o some_o age_n together_o but_o if_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a presbyterian_o be_v lose_v be_v there_o no_o fragment_n of_o they_o preserve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o succeed_a age_n there_o be_v no_o people_n so_o ignorant_a as_o the_o monk_n for_o some_o century_n before_o the_o reformation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o ignorant_a in_o as_o true_a ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o most_o learned_a and_o accurate_a what_o can_v they_o help_v
to_o connive_v a_o while_n at_o at_o their_o insolence_n for_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o people_n into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o king_n be_v to_o betray_v his_o own_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o when_o three_o nobleman_n be_v bring_v to_o trial_n before_o the_o justice_n the_o minister_n will_v needs_o order_v the_o process_n in_o october_n 1593._o and_o to_o back_v they_o they_o stir_v up_o multitude_n of_o the_o rabble_n to_o arm_n thereby_o to_o force_v justice_n to_o decide_v in_o their_o favour_n nor_o will_v they_o disband_v or_o abstain_v from_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n in_o arm_a crowd_n although_o the_o king_n and_o council_n do_v by_o proclamation_n prohibit_v they_o if_o this_o be_v presbyterian_a government_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o anno_fw-la 1590._o 1591._o 1592._o and_o 1593._o presbyter_n have_v it_o sole_o but_o all_o this_o time_n bishop_n do_v exist_v by_o law_n enjoy_v their_o rent_n and_o preach_v in_o their_o church_n if_o you_o trust_v not_o we_o notice_n the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o jac._n 6._o chap._n 7._o minister_n be_v order_v to_o be_v present_v by_o the_o patron_n to_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o diocese_n note_v at_o this_o time_n most_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v popish_a which_o occasion_v the_o protestant_n to_o appoint_v superintendent_o anno_fw-la 1572._o parl._n 3_o jac._n 6._o chap_n 45._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 bishop_n and_o superintendent_o note_v both_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v contemporary_a then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o like_a own_a chap._n 46._o 48._o and_o 54._o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1573._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v own_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 4._o par._n jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1578._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 63._o parl._n 5._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1579._o the_o like_a by_o act._n 71._o parliam_fw-la 6._o jac._n 6._o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n appear_v from_o act_n 100_o parl._n 7._o jac._n 6._o the_o like_a appear_v from_o the_o act_n 106_o and_o 114_o of_o that_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o the_o bishop_n authority_n full_o own_a act._n 132._o parl._n 8._o jac._n 6_o in_o the_o year_n 1587._o it_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n exist_v then_o by_o act_n 28._o parl._n 11._o jac._n 6._o also_o in_o that_o 11._o parl._n it_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n that_o prelacy_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n even_o although_o their_o temporalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o 111._o act_n of_o that_o 11._o parl._n in_o the_o year_n 1591._o 1592._o 1593._o and_o 1594._o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n can_v not_o stop_v the_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n nor_o their_o meeting_n in_o synod_n and_o assembly_n without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o royal_a authority_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v still_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o exerce_v some_o part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o in_o all_o parliament_n and_o convention_n of_o estate_n the_o prelate_n do_v do_v always_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n as_o the_o record_n and_o sederunt_n of_o all_o the_o parliament_n will_v prove_v in_o the_o year_n 1596._o leslie_n bishop_n of_o ross_n die_v at_o brussels_n mr._n david_n lindsey_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 in_o the_o year_n 1598._o there_o be_v a_o conference_n appoint_v at_o falkland_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o some_o appoint_v by_o the_o king_n to_o meet_v with_o they_o where_o they_o agree_v on_o ten_o article_n or_o proposition_n of_o policy_n for_o the_o church_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o clergy_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o diocese_n some_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v foolish_a but_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a that_o the_o king_n shall_v comply_v with_o those_o hot_a head_n in_o some_o thing_n for_o at_o that_o time_n several_n begin_v to_o debate_v his_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v all_o quiet_a at_o home_n yet_o still_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o bishop_n do_v then_o exist_v by_o law_n and_o that_o although_o something_o concern_v they_o be_v debate_v yet_o their_o office_n and_o order_n be_v not_o in_o the_o year_n 1600_o these_o forementioned_a article_n be_v approve_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o monross_n march_v 28_o 1600._o and_o to_o that_o assembly_n mr._n dury_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a tool_n with_o mr._n melvil_n for_o parity_n at_o his_o death_n do_v write_v a_o exhortation_n disow_v his_o former_a error_n and_o earnest_o advise_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o choose_v good_a bishop_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o year_n 1601._o the_o king_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v at_o brunt_n island_n where_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v enact_v both_o for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o reclaim_v the_o popish_a nobility_n from_o their_o error_n which_o prove_v more_o effectual_a and_o pacific_a than_o all_o the_o former_a furious_a method_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v promote_v by_o a_o hot_a head_v man_n call_v davidson_n who_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n incite_v they_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o king_n hypocrisy_n and_o other_o error_n the_o assembly_n will_v have_v proceed_v to_o censure_v he_o but_o the_o king_n will_v not_o allow_v it_o say_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n that_o these_o hot_a head_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o or_o some_o few_o in_o the_o year_n 1602._o the_o king_n in_o a_o assembly_n at_o halyrood-house_n do_v show_v great_a clemency_n to_o some_o fiery_a minister_n who_o the_o assembly_n will_v have_v censure_v as_o also_o he_o give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o nation_n by_o his_o excellent_a proposal_n for_o establish_v provision_n both_o for_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o this_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o five_o of_o august_n appoint_v a_o anniversary_n thanksgiving_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o gowry_n conspiracy_n before_o the_o diet_n appoint_v for_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n the_o crown_n of_o england_n do_v fall_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o death_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n so_o there_o be_v no_o meeting_n of_o church_n general_n assembly_n for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o few_o remain_v hot_a head_v presbyter_n be_v very_o busy_a on_o the_o king_n removal_n so_o far_o and_o fear_v the_o excellent_a order_n of_o the_o english_a church_n the_o great_a safety_n and_o peace_n of_o britain_n depend_v on_o a_o entire_a and_o full_a concord_n of_o the_o island_n they_o be_v apprehensive_a that_o upon_o such_o consideration_n the_o king_n will_v hearty_o promote_v a_o further_a establishment_n of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o scotland_n the_o presbyterian_o in_o this_o juncture_n do_v busy_o stir_v up_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o people_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o undoubted_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o though_o the_o king_n for_o good_a reason_n when_o he_o go_v to_o england_n adjourn_v the_o general_n assembly_n from_o july_n 1604_o to_o july_n 1605._o yet_o these_o man_n prevail_v with_o nine_o of_o the_o fifty_o presbytery_n of_o scotland_n to_o keep_v the_o meet_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n prorogation_n where_o thirteen_o person_n meet_v do_v most_o seditious_o run_v into_o such_o declaration_n against_o the_o statute_n and_o stand_v law_n as_o be_v by_o the_o judicature_n declare_v treason_n and_o for_o which_o several_n of_o the_o thirteen_o be_v condemn_v before_o the_o justice_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v either_o to_o acknowledge_v or_o revoke_v their_o seditious_a pasquil_n but_o they_o be_v afterward_o pardon_v by_o the_o king_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o chancellor_n encourage_v their_o meeting_n in_o july_n 1604._o and_o prove_v it_o which_o force_v the_o chancellor_n to_o prove_v likewise_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o connive_v at_o his_o be_v a_o papist_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v of_o the_o church_n land_n upon_o condition_n he_o shall_v own_v they_o against_o episcopacy_n whereupon_o the_o king_n say_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v betray_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o hatred_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o chancellor_n will_v betray_v episcopacy_n for_o greed_n of_o their_o temporalty_n so_o far_o my_o author_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o infer_v that_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o