a_o inquiry_n and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o preface_n any_o thing_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o treaty_n and_o the_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n that_o have_v since_o be_v practise_v i_o shall_v take_v its_o term_n from_o their_o most_o assure_a warrant_n viz._n the_o article_n late_o give_v in_o at_o paseley_n to_o the_o mimister_n there_o conveening_a under_o the_o title_n and_o of_o the_o tenor_n follow_v article_n propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o dissent_v brother_n will_v come_v to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n anent_o church-government_n and_o swear_v or_o subscribe_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o shall_v have_v liberty_n at_o their_o entry_n to_o the_o say_a meeting_n to_o declare_v and_o enter_v it_o in_o what_o form_n they_o please_v 2._o that_o all_o church_n affair_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o presbyter_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o 3._o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o diocesian_a synod_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n 4._o that_o intrant_v be_v lawful_o present_v by_o the_o patron_n and_o due_o try_v by_o the_o presbytery_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytrie_n for_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o theiâ—_n solemn_a ordination_n and_o admission_n at_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o impossibility_n or_o extreme_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n fall_v in_o touch_v that_o affair_n it_o shall_v be_v referable_a to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o their_o committee_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o my_o l._n commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n 6._o that_o no_o intrant_fw-la shall_v be_v engage_v to_o any_o canonical_a oath_n or_o subscription_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o his_o opinion_n anent_o that_o government_n shall_v not_o prejudge_v he_o in_o this_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o declare_v these_o be_v the_o condition_n offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o intend_a accommodation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o for_o a_o due_a understanding_n of_o their_o import_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o meeting_n call_v presbytery_n synod_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o which_o the_o brethren_n be_v invite_v and_o for_o that_o end_n we_o must_v not_o only_o transpose_v the_o five_o article_n to_o the_o first_o place_n and_o supply_v it_o with_o such_o other_o probability_n as_o may_v be_v have_v but_o also_o arise_v a_o little_a high_o to_o remember_v the_o change_n that_o we_o have_v late_o see_v and_o from_o what_o and_o to_o what_o they_o have_v carry_v we_o for_o see_v our_o join_n in_o the_o present_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o or_o under_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v reduce_v be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o demand_v of_o we_o it_o be_v so_o little_a possible_a without_o this_o previous_a examination_n right_o and_o fair_o to_o define_v the_o case_n in_o contratraversie_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o acquit_v the_o preposterousness_n and_o deficiency_n in_o the_o article_n of_o a_o great_a error_n than_o a_o common_a mistake_n the_o thing_n then_o which_o come_v first_o to_o be_v note_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o which_o i_o shall_v represent_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o impartiality_n that_o i_o hope_v none_o shall_v deny_v it_o be_v that_o this_o church_n have_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o abrogat_fw-la and_o abjure_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o bishop_n and_o set_v up_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o its_o pure_a simplicity_n and_o parity_n we_o together_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n solemn_o engage_v constant_o to_o adhere_v unto_o and_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o establish_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n reform_v and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o these_o novation_n after_o which_o time_n the_o church_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n do_v enjoy_v a_o ministry_n and_o government_n true_o ecclesiastic_a commit_v to_o they_o by_o and_o depend_v upon_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n thereafter_o by_o a_o act_n rescissory_a it_o be_v declare_v and_o statute_n by_o both_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1640._o and_o 1641._o agreeable_o to_o the_o oath_n former_o take_v that_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o kirk_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o in_o the_o general_n provincial_a and_o ptesbyterial_a assembly_n with_o the_o kirk_n session_n establish_v by_o act._n p._n 1592._o &_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o the_o year_n 1643._o the_o whole_a kingdom_n do_v again_o swear_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o to_o extirpate_v popery_n prelacy_n schism_n superstition_n profannesse_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o engagement_n we_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o to_o continow_v in_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o to_o promove_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n thus_o matter_n stand_v both_o in_o obligation_n and_o general_a observance_n until_o the_o year_n 1661._o at_o which_o time_n the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v have_v prepare_v their_o way_n by_o exalt_v of_o the_o prerogative_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o by-gone_a time_n special_o that_o of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o bond_n they_o at_o one_o blow_v rescinde_v all_o parliament_n after_o the_o year_n 1633._o and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o civil_a sanction_n and_o its_o continowance_n by_o another_o act_n permit_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v only_o precarious_a during_o the_o king_n pleasure_n afterwards_o all_o ecclesiastic_a meeting_n in_o synod_n presbytry_n and_o session_n be_v by_o proclamation_n the_o 9_o january_n 1662._o discharge_v until_o they_o shall_v be_v authorize_v and_o order_v by_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n then_o nominat_fw-la by_o his_o majesty_n upon_o their_o enter_v into_o the_o government_n of_o their_o respective_a see_v by_o which_o mean_n the_o former_a government_n be_v overturn_v and_o raze_v unto_o the_o very_a foundation_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o man_n can_v effectuate_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v be_v the_o new_a structure_n and_o frame_n that_o be_v raise_v in_o its_o place_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o parliament_n again_o meet_v by_o their_o first_o act_n for_o re-establish_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n lay_v it_o for_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v unto_o his_o majesty_n as_o a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o vertew_n of_o his_o supremacy_n they_o do_v thereby_o redintegrat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n not_o only_o to_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o their_o accustom_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n but_o also_o to_o their_o episcopal_a function_n presidency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o power_n of_o ordination_n censure_n and_o all_o church-discipline_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v of_o know_a loyalty_n and_o prudence_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o all_o scruple_n the_o parliament_n do_v further_a rescinde_v all_o former_a act_n by_o which_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o
no_o moment_n it_o be_v answer_v i_o grant_v that_o this_o reduction_n be_v indeed_o give_v out_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o alteration_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o supremacy_n more_o than_o in_o the_o papacy_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n and_o the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o prelacy_n itself_o do_v lie_v and_o that_o the_o present_a offer_n of_o this_o presidencie_n be_v only_o a_o politic_a draught_n â—ending_v by_o the_o engage_v of_o these_o who_o just_o reclaim_v to_o sit_v &_o act_v in_o its_o court_n to_o the_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a establishment_n of_o the_o same_o supremacy_n and_o render_v of_o its_o influence_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o project_n may_v possible_o appear_v a_o more_o covert_a but_o be_v in_o truth_n raâ—her_o a_o more_o dangerous_a part_n of_o the_o same_o mystery_n if_o then_o this_o fix_a praeses_fw-la at_o first_o set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n unwarrantable_a and_o anti-scriptural_a that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la offer_v to_o we_o must_v be_v much_o more_o such_o can_v be_v controvert_v in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v several_a material_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o all_o aggravate_v against_o the_o present_a proposal_n as_o this_o short_a comparison_n of_o the_o two_o do_v abundant_o hold_v out_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la in_o ancient_a time_n be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v and_o consequent_o be_v by_o they_o censurable_a as_o also_o he_o do_v only_o preside_v over_o one_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o a_o very_a small_a classis_fw-la the_o take_n of_o the_o election_n from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o exempt_n the_o then_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la from_o their_o control_n and_o the_o superinduction_n of_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n be_v all_o posterior_n invention_n whereas_o the_o praeses_fw-la popose_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v nominat_fw-la and_o appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o he_o only_o deposable_a or_o removable_a as_o also_o the_o least_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v over_o many_o presbytery_n or_o class_n whereof_o any_o one_o be_v by_o far_o too_o large_a for_o a_o conscientious_a gospel_n oversight_n and_o two_o of_o they_o over_o several_a synod_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o extrinsic_a and_o absurd_a secularity_n clear_o incompatible_a both_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n which_o difference_n to_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o material_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o make_v out_o but_o since_o our_o reject_v of_o this_o prostasia_fw-la do_v proceed_v upon_o far_o more_o solid_a and_o comprehensive_a ground_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v they_o only_o that_o i_o may_v a_o little_a recreate_v my_o reader_n the_o return_n make_v at_o pase_o by_o a_o worthy_a doctor_n to_o that_o disparity_n of_o the_o present_a praeses_fw-la his_o being_n nominat_fw-la by_o the_o king_n be_v very_o observable_a and_o after_o he_o have_v meen_o declare_v the_o manner_n of_o old_a election_n and_o how_o the_o people_n sometime_o aswell_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o have_v make_v his_o answer_n that_o the_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v and_o choose_v this_o praeses_fw-la for_o want_v of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n with_o no_o better_a consequence_n than_o iâ—_n one_o shall_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n do_v then_o and_o the_o magistrate_n may_v now_o ordain_v minister_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o majesty_n appointment_n and_o nomination_n partly_o from_o the_o prerogative_n of_o universal_a patron_n competent_a to_o he_o jure_fw-la coronae_fw-la and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o partly_o because_o that_o a_o inferior_a patron_n by_o present_v a_o minister_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o his_o presentation_n do_v thereby_o make_v he_o a_o proestos_n over_o the_o parochial_a elder_n be_v not_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a reason_n but_o see_v the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o civil_a right_n though_o indeed_o a_o sad_a incumberance_n to_o the_o church_n only_o respect_v the_o benefice_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o patron_n confer_v no_o ecclesiastic_a power_n or_o any_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o office_n but_o in_o that_o regard_n refer_v the_o person_n present_v entire_o to_o the_o tyral_a of_o the_o church_n which_o alone_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o function_n and_o convey_v to_o he_o any_o ecclesiastic_a power_n thereto_o competent_a i_o only_o wish_v the_o doctor_n that_o reflection_n and_o sobriety_n as_o may_v hereafter_o prevent_v such_o phlegmatic_a mistake_n the_o next_o argument_n against_o this_o fix_a presidencie_n and_o why_o we_o can_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o i_o take_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o not_o that_o i_o account_v these_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o scruple_v as_o the_o bishop_n allege_v to_o be_v by_o many_o of_o we_o pretend_a no_o i_o be_o more_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o swear_v to_o or_o renounce_v by_o we_o in_o these_o engagement_n which_o be_v not_o antecedent_o either_o duty_n or_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o argument_n who_o from_o the_o determination_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o oath_n in_o thing_n within_o our_o power_n do_v thence_o conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o by_o our_o oath_n only_o abjure_v but_o see_v covenant-breaker_n do_v now_o turn_v covenant-interpreter_n and_o it_o be_v the_o author_n own_o undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o fix_a presidencie_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o this_o our_o oath_n and_o see_v that_o the_o same_o oath_n do_v indeed_o superadde_a a_o special_a obligation_n as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o hear_v i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o this_o episcopus_fw-la prese_n be_v by_o we_o abjure_v and_o then_o review_v the_o author_n observation_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o do_v only_o or_o yet_o principal_o conclude_v in_o this_o matterâ—_n no_o he_o who_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n concern_v our_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n .1638_o and_o our_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n with_o the_o explication_n thereto_o subjoin_v whereby_o have_v find_v presbyterian_a government_n with_o a_o equal_a parity_n to_o be_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v former_o establish_v by_o oath_n in_o this_o land_n and_o have_v then_o restore_v it_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o constant_o to_o defend_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o then_o reform_v from_o the_o novation_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereof_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v before_o the_o foresaid_a novation_n he_o i_o say_v who_o remember_v these_o thing_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o oath_n that_o our_o chief_a obligation_n depend_v and_o it_o be_v to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v our_o engagement_n by_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o that_o the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o league_n bind_v to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o â—ound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n whatever_o respect_v it_o may_v have_v to_o england_n and_o ireland_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o as_o to_o scotland_n it_o must_v more_o forcible_o infer_v a_o abjuration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n already_o find_v to_o be_v such_o whereupon_o it_o most_o evident_o followethâ—_n that_o presbyterian_a government_n with_o its_o exact_a parity_n be_v then_o the_o thing_n swear_v by_o we_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n abjure_v as_o novation_n contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n this_o fix_a presidencie_n offer_v and_o our_o consent_n thereto_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o oath_n and_o engagement_n but_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o paper_n say_v unto_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o irregularity_n and_o violent_a way_n of_o press_v and_o prosecute_a oâ—_n it_o yet_o to_o they_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o which_o we_o most_o intend_v in_o return_v whereunto_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o every_o inconsideration_n be_v not_o a_o just_a exception_n to_o make_v void_a a_o oath_n the_o author_n own_o inconsideration_n in_o this_o very_a allegiance_n be_v too_o manifest_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o that_o strait_a he_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o their_o church_n and_o nation_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o distraction_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o happy_a discovery_n nay_o that_o the_o very_o vex_a bishop_n shall_v not_o for_o their_o own_o peace_n have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o still_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o maintain_v a_o thing_n nothing_o repugnant_a to_o their_o pretension_n but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o serious_a i_o say_v true_a presbyterian-government_n do_v not_o admit_v among_o the_o lord_n minister_n of_o any_o state_v imparity_n either_o in_o power_n prerogative_n or_o presidency_n one_o or_o all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o very_a form_n of_o the_o controverâ—ed_a episcopacy_n therefore_o they_o be_v what_o all_o man_n hitherto_o constant_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o episcopacy_n by_o preserve_a union_n be_v perfective_a of_o presbytery_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o any_o lawful_a mean_a preserve_a union_n be_v indeed_o perfective_a of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o government_n but_o see_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o only_o not_o at_o all_o a_o mean_a subservient_fw-fr to_o presbytery_n or_o its_o union_n what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o government_n or_o its_o union_n in_o general_n but_o be_v also_o in_o itself_o unwarrantable_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o union_n never_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o more_o conducible_a than_o presbytery_n but_o either_o by_o the_o destroy_n or_o tyrannous_a suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n thereof_o by_o which_o the_o right_a side_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v maintain_v i_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o censure_v the_o author_n before_o go_v observe_v as_o pitiful_o groundless_a it_o be_v true_a our_o presbytery_n do_v not_o retain_v union_n as_o it_o be_v desire_v but_o what_o then_o if_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n do_v either_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n or_o avert_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o best_a of_o mean_n be_v therefore_o the_o mean_v itself_o to_o be_v condemn_v or_o if_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v no_o choice_n a_o mean_a shall_v be_v devise_v by_o man_n more_o promise_v in_o appearance_n as_o to_o that_o wherein_o the_o mean_v ordain_v have_v not_o through_o our_o fault_n be_v so_o successful_a and_o withal_o if_o this_o invention_n shall_v be_v infallible_o attend_v with_o far_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n ought_v we_o either_o in_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o shuffle_v out_o the_o former_a to_o make_v place_n for_o the_o late_a certain_o as_o these_o thing_n do_v exact_o quadrat_fw-la to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o accidental_a difference_n here_o object_v so_o the_o change_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o a_o humane_a device_n upon_o such_o a_o pretence_n be_v like_a to_o ieroboam_n policy_n who_o for_o the_o establishment_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o kingdom_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n than_o that_o parity_n and_o straightness_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o the_o party_n their_o great_a power_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n insolent_a pride_n be_v due_o cousider_v the_o oligarchik_a model_n of_o the_o author_n episcopoacie_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o object_v division_n than_o the_o lowly_a and_o equal_a presbytery_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o can_v refer_v their_o prevention_n except_o unto_o the_o over-awe_n either_o oâ—_n the_o papal_a tyranny_n or_o of_o a_o more_o absurd_a supremacy_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o to_o be_v the_o ultimat_fw-la progress_n of_o these_o vain_a delusion_n but_o have_v former_o meet_v with_o almost_o the_o same_o alledgeancee_n i_o proceed_v the_o author_n add_v and_o again_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o substance_n be_v salve_v in_o the_o present_a model_n their_o obligation_n be_v abundant_o preserve_v it_o be_v ans._n seeing_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v principal_o attend_v both_o in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o observation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o take_v of_o it_o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o oath_n although_o of_o its_o subject_n abstract_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v only_o a_o circumstance_n the_o distinction_n as_o here_o apply_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o captious_a than_o pertinent_a now_o that_o the_o thing_n chief_o intend_v in_o that_o article_n to_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o then_o in_o be_v be_v to_o preserve_v presbytery_n from_o the_o reinvasion_n of_o all_o these_o corruptious_a from_o which_o it_o have_v be_v before_o so_o late_o vindicat_fw-la and_o reform_v and_o that_o of_o these_o corruptious_a the_o controvert_v presidencie_n or_o constant_a moderatorship_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o notour_n that_o i_o can_v but_o marvel_v at_o the_o author_n so_o perverse_a dispute_n in_o the_o contrary_n but_o he_o say_v if_o no_o chip_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o the_o then_o presbyterian_a government_n may_v be_v alter_v even_o to_o the_o better_a then_o be_v the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o article_n anent_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n illusorie_n and_o a_o perfect_a cheat_n in_o as_o much_o as_o though_o the_o same_o rule_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o recee_n from_o the_o then_o frame_v of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n thus_o the_o author_n according_a to_o his_o accustom_a deceit_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o a_o alteration_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n do_v manifest_o intend_v and_o prosecut_v it_o with_o all_o the_o might_n and_o craft_n that_o they_o can_v adhibit_v yet_o for_o to_o delude_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n sâ—icketh_v not_o by_o insinuate_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v but_o chip_n and_o circumstance_n flat_o to_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o clear_a scripture_n &_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o this_o constant_a presidency_n in_o steed_n of_o be_v a_o chip_n or_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n repugnant_a to_o that_o parity_n which_o our_o lorth_n have_v command_v and_o wherein_o true_a presbytery_n be_v essential_o found_v and_o therefore_o be_v by_o we_o eject_v and_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n swear_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o covenant_n establish_v in_o its_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o here_o except_v by_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a cavillation_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o it_o may_v well_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o â—aires_n with_o the_o covenant_n as_o with_o the_o truth_n itself_o no_o such_o redargution_n of_o all_o calumny_n object_v as_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n the_o article_n question_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o head_n discover_v by_o divine_a light_n and_o after_o much_o wrestle_v recover_v from_o man_n corruption_n be_v direct_o and_o plain_o engage_v unto_o so_o such_o extrinseck_n and_o lesser_a circumstance_n as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o only_o determinable_a by_o a_o prudence_n regulat_fw-la by_o the_o general_a scripture-rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n either_o question_v or_o reform_v be_v not_o in_o this_o obliton_n of_o our_o oath_n otherwise_o comprehend_v or_o thereby_o render_v unalterable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o article_n oblige_v to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o the_o same_o point_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n which_o qualification_n adject_v although_o through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v give_v the_o principal_a occasion_n both_o to_o perversion_n and_o calumny_n
religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o â—_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o
furious_a storm_n that_o break_v off_o and_o destroy_v the_o branch_n the_o root_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v by_o this_o bond_n make_v sure_a until_o the_o time_n of_o our_o restitution_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o first_o and_o most_o air_o appearance_n so_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o in_o place_n of_o the_o babel-confusion_n wherewith_o these_o master_n of_o confusion_n and_o rebuilder_n of_o babylon_n do_v upbraid_v we_o cause_n his_o work_n appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o glory_n unto_o their_o child_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o author_n say_v he_o hear_v that_o some_o take_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n for_o the_o same_o with_o our_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gloss_n of_o glasgow_n which_o yet_o he_o say_v do_v gross_o corrupt_v the_o text_n for_o the_o romish_a 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as_o then_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n and_o discipline_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o which_o head_n especial_o that_o of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o these_o time_n as_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o the_o government_n then_o in_o be_v be_v contain_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o take_n and_o subscribe_v of_o this_o covenant_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o be_v design_o enjoin_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o presbiterian_a government_n then_o complet_o perfect_v and_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o universal_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o in_o this_o matter_n any_o shadow_n of_o scruple_n shall_v remain_v i_o may_v here_o add_v for_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o when_o within_o a_o few_o year_n thereafrer_n king_n james_n and_o his_o court-faction_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o innovat_fw-la that_o form_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n or_o fix_a precedent_n the_o faithful_a who_o oppose_v these_o course_n do_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n and_o public_a protestation_n yet_o extant_a very_o free_o testify_v against_o they_o as_o perjurious_a defection_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v take_v but_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a account_n of_o this_o oath_n which_o i_o have_v already_o exhibit_v be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o consonancy_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o interpretation_n make_v by_o the_o 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positiuè_v renounce_v the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v this_o error_n in_o the_o manner_n can_v not_o by_o any_o rule_n dissolve_v the_o force_n of_o our_o oath_n but_o the_o certainty_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o abjuration_n by_o this_o oath_n both_o of_o prelacy_n and_o episcopacy_n and_o all_o their_o aspire_a degree_n have_v be_v already_o by_o i_o so_o large_o and_o evident_o declare_v that_o any_o addition_n be_v altogether_o superfluous_a as_o for_o what_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n in_o former_a time_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o by_o that_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o separate_a from_o the_o synod_n wherein_o bishop_n preside_v as_o their_o practice_n do_v evidence_n i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o case_n from_o we_o and_o thereby_o reconcile_v their_o and_o our_o practice_n in_o a_o most_o agreeable_a consistency_n that_o the_o very_a simple_a noticing_z of_o this_o reflection_n may_v almost_o be_v account_v a_o excess_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o if_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v true_o restore_v upon_o its_o own_o properâ—_n foundation_n and_o no_o thing_n impose_v beside_o this_o constant_a precedent_n both_o eligible_a &_o deposible_a by_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o moderat_o the_o practice_n of_o withdraw_v will_v be_v liable_a to_o more_o probable_a exception_n but_o see_v the_o very_o low_a condescendence_n that_o probable_o can_v be_v conjecture_v be_v immens_o distant_a from_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o a_o testimony_n flow_a from_o our_o present_a unrepented_a backslide_n with_o the_o far_o more_o probable_a ensue_a of_o evil_n then_o good_a upon_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o other_o circumstance_n obvious_a in_o our_o present_a condition_n do_v according_a to_o these_o ground_n and_o rule_n declare_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n still_o persuade_v to_o a_o humble_a tender_a prudent_a and_o witness_v separation_n i_o do_v here_o put_v a_o period_n to_o these_o debate_n finis_fw-la
the_o act_n parliament_n 1612._o give_v unto_o bishop_n their_o church-power_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o to_o be_v found_v in_o nor_o flow_v from_o the_o supremacy_n but_o to_o proceed_v simple_o by_o way_n of_o ratification_n of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n make_v two_o year_n precede_v and_o by_o the_o same_o act._n 1612._o the_o act_n 1592._o establish_v aswell_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o presbiterian_a government_n and_o also_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v only_o rescind_v in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o article_n then_o conclude_v whereas_o the_o king_n with_o consent_n of_o parliament_n by_o the_o act_n 1662._o lay_v down_o the_o supremacy_n for_o the_o basis_n and_o ascrybe_a to_o himself_o the_o origin_n of_o ecclesiastic_a power_n restore_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o own_o commissioner_n and_o delegate_n and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o supremacy_n may_v transcend_v all_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v total_o rescind_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reserve_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o be_v above_o declare_v four_o in_o former_a time_n whatever_o be_v the_o error_n and_o wrong_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n or_o both_o in_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o bishop_n yet_o this_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o important_a that_o the_o church-assembly_n at_o first_o convene_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o after_o confirm_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v not_o upon_o the_o change_n discontinue_v but_o honest_a man_n do_v therein_o maintain_v both_o their_o right_n and_o possession_n except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v invade_v and_o they_o hinder_v by_o the_o bishop_n their_o prevalencie_n whereas_o of_o late_a not_o only_o be_v the_o former_a presbytry_n and_o synod_n raise_v &_o dissolve_v but_o the_o new_a meeting_n now_o convene_v in_o their_o place_n be_v appoint_v to_o sit_v down_o as_o they_o sell_v be_v authorize_v &_o order_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n who_o thereafter_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n restore_v and_o impower_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o person_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a and_o declare_v arbiter_n by_o right_a of_o his_o crown_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o both_o be_v call_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v sit_v and_o act_n by_o vertew_n of_o a_o power_n acknowledge_v a_o subordination_n unto_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o sovereignty_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o be_v also_o to_o he_o make_v accountable_a i_o grant_v that_o for_o better_a conceal_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o supremacy_n &_o prelacy_n the_o present_a meeting_n be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o same_o bound_n &_o much_o under_o the_o same_o form_n and_o name_n with_o the_o old_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o see_v their_o precarious_a dependence_n on_o bishop_n with_o the_o bishop_n their_o proper_a &_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a over_o the_o church_n be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o above_o cite_v act._n 1662._o that_o therefore_o the_o present_a church-government_n as_o it_o be_v freqent_o call_v in_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n so_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v his_o majesty_n government_n and_o not_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v not_o invest_v he_o therewith_o either_o by_o deputation_n or_o surrender_n be_v evident_a above_o exception_n neither_o be_v these_o thing_n so_o only_o in_o the_o law_n and_o appointment_n as_o be_v by_o some_o allege_a no_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o bishop_n their_o depose_n and_o suspend_v in_o synod_n after_o have_v ask_v mere_o pro_fw-la forma_fw-la the_o advice_n of_o a_o few_o next_o to_o they_o without_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a their_o renverse_v the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n &_o control_v whole_a synod_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o his_o majesty_n grant_v of_o the_o high_a commission_n impower_v secular_o to_o appoint_v minister_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o deposition_n and_o suspension_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_n to_o punish_v by_o fine_v consign_v &_o imprison_a his_o remove_n and_o place_v bishop_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o his_o late_a grant_v a_o commission_n of_o oversight_n or_o episcopacy_n for_o the_o diocese_n of_o glasgow_n to_o he_o who_o most_o scruple_v at_o a_o patent_n of_o the_o bishopric_n because_o of_o its_o temporality_n these_o example_n i_o say_v do_v clear_o bring_v up_o our_o practice_n the_o full_a length_n of_o all_o enact_v have_v thus_o explain_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o present_a ecclesiastic_a constitution_n in_o its_o authority_n principle_n and_o practice_n whole_o different_a from_o any_o model_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v in_o this_o church_n i_o think_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o method_n i_o may_v leave_v the_o description_n of_o the_o present_a prebytery_n and_o synod_n to_o the_o reader_n own_o ingenuous_a collection_n but_o to_o render_v my_o discourse_n the_o more_o easy_a i_o say_v that_o the_o presbitery_n and_o synod_n which_o be_v now_o so_o term_v among_o we_o be_v meeting_n for_o church-matter_n convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n call_v act_v by_o his_o authority_n in_o a_o precarious_a dependence_n upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o absolute_a subordination_n to_o the_o supremacy_n and_o this_o definition_n be_v so_o manefest_o the_o result_n of_o what_o be_v premise_v and_o compose_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n and_o supremacy_n and_o proclamation_n so_o often_o mention_v that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o present_a question_n whether_o we_o may_v simple_o join_v in_o these_o meeting_n or_o not_o for_o see_v that_o not_o only_o this_o conjunction_n will_v be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o supremacy_n nothing_o different_a from_o yea_o rather_o worse_o than_o the_o sit_v in_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o a_o active_a submission_n to_o and_o own_v of_o prelacy_n in_o its_o high_a usurpation_n but_o even_o the_o article_n of_o accommodation_n by_o offer_v a_o mitigation_n do_v evident_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o presbyterian_a principle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o a_o simple_a unqualified_a union_n with_o and_o in_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a debate_n the_o point_n therefore_o that_o come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v be_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o article_n do_v indeed_o contain_v such_o condescension_n and_o condition_n as_o may_v full_o relieve_v we_o of_o our_o just_a exception_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v most_o direct_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o my_o l_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v aneâ—â—_n the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o these_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o contraveen_v any_o lawâ—_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o commend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o article_n and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v i_o be_o not_o so_o doubtful_a of_o the_o comissioner_n performance_n as_o i_o be_o still_o uncertain_a of_o what_o be_v offer_v the_o brethren_n who_o confer_v in_o the_o abbey_n tell_v we_o that_o presbytery_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o before_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v pass_v from_o his_o negative_a voice_n and_o so_o forth_o but_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o offer_n or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o conscience_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o still_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o which_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v and_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o be_v a_o court_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n and_o act_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n any_o other_o court_n call_v by_o the_o king_n and_o act_v by_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n if_o in_o matter_n proper_o ecclesiastic_a be_v but_o a_o complexed_a usurpation_n against_o christ_n who_o the_o government_n be_v both_o in_o the_o constituent_a and_o actor_n if_o in_o civil_n than_o it_o be_v whole_o without_o the_o minister_n sphere_n and_o not_o to_o be_v meddle_v in_o by_o they_o now_o that_o before_o the_o 1638._o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n then_o sit_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o lord_n court_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v by_o succession_n the_o same_o
particular_a inquiry_n thereinto_o for_o the_o time_n do_v without_o all_o peradventure_o most_o convince_o redargue_v these_o weak_a quibling_n boâ—h_o of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o calumny_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o tâ—e_v folly_n and_o bitterness_n of_o these_o reproach_n whereby_o this_o author_n upon_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o what_o do_v equal_o militat_fw-la against_o all_o our_o general_a obligation_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v please_v to_o asperse_v the_o covenant_n as_o a_o hodge_n podge_fw-mi of_o various_a concernment_n religious_a and_o civil_a what_o can_v not_o these_o thing_n lie_v easy_o enough_o together_o in_o a_o oath_n which_o yet_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o church_n true_a government_n the_o righteous_a privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o call_v that_o evil_a doâ—rs_n may_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o rebel_n purge_v out_o of_o the_o land_n upon_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v both_o of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n thing_n either_o impertinent_a to_o any_o or_o in_o themselves_o incompatible_a or_o be_v it_o because_o that_o our_o author_n have_v by_o confound_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o betray_v at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n government_n unto_o the_o supremacy_n as_o former_o under_o the_o usurper_n he_o little_o regard_v either_o the_o subject_n liberty_n or_o his_o prince_n his_o authority_n and_o be_v know_v to_o have_v always_o his_o pretend_a charity_n as_o contract_v towards_o zealous_a godly_a protestant_n as_o dilate_a unto_o irreligious_a papist_n and_o prelatist_n pollute_v his_o own_o conscience_n and_o render_v it_o unclean_a that_o therefore_o even_o this_o sacred_a oath_n be_v become_v unclean_a and_o nauseat_v unto_o he_o what_o can_v he_o reply_v to_o these_o thing_n or_o can_v he_o assign_v we_o a_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o assertion_n he_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a enough_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a to_o draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v plain_a definition_n of_o they_o but_o will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v any_o concernment_n in_o or_o obligation_n to_o they_o no_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o inference_n no_o less_o nay_o more_o absurd_a then_o to_o allege_v that_o none_o be_v bind_v or_o may_v swear_v to_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n authority_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v the_o just_a line_n of_o all_o his_o prerogative_n or_o rather_o that_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v his_o person_n but_o such_o as_o can_v draw_v his_o picture_n to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o as_o all_o man_n have_v undoubted_o a_o interest_n more_o or_o less_o remote_a in_o these_o mattersâ—_n so_o they_o either_o real_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o knowledge_n proportionable_a to_o their_o engagement_n thereto_o to_o which_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v most_o proper_o accessary_a the_o author_n add'_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o reach_n of_o poor_a country_n people_n understanding_n as_o from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o o_o how_o desirable_a be_v it_o that_o this_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a be_v indeed_o the_o special_a and_o main_a care_n of_o all_o man_n but_o to_o offer_v to_o confine_v poor_a people_n knowledge_n and_o obligation_n to_o their_o soul_n interest_n alone_o with_o a_o aim_n so_o palpable_a to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n abandon_v to_o lust_n and_o tyranny_n according_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o these_o adversary_n against_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v engage_v in_o savour_v more_o of_o hypocrisy_n then_o true_a spirituality_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n of_o god_n house_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o have_v be_v experiment_a to_o be_v of_o such_o important_a influence_n as_o to_o the_o promove_v the_o great_a work_n and_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n glory_n and_o wherein_o no_o doubt_n the_o interest_n of_o all_o soul_n be_v involve_v that_o whatever_o may_v be_v in_o this_o pretence_n of_o abstraction_n and_o self_n confinement_n yet_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o very_a gallio_n temper_n that_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o although_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n have_v no_o such_o direct_a tendency_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o only_o assure_v that_o in_o the_o then_o juncture_n of_o affair_n their_o defence_n be_v of_o notable_a subservience_n to_o the_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n principal_o covenant_v but_o that_o of_o themselves_o and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o their_o import_n they_o be_v so_o much_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o sense_n let_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o man_n that_o to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o concernment_n therein_o and_o engagement_n thereto_o by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o their_o soul_n true_a interest_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o all_o ingenuous_a person_n a_o very_a cunning_a and_o deceitful_a impertinency_n now_o from_o the_o premise_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o author_n conclude_v in_o these_o term_n so_o that_o to_o thy_fw-mi they_o viz._n the_o common_a people_n by_o a_o religious_a &_o sacred_a oath_n either_o to_o know_v all_o these_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a without_o know_v they_o can_v there_o be_v instance_a a_o great_a oppression_n &_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n then_o this_o etc._n etc._n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o oath_n do_v neither_o tie_n to_o know_v all_o these_o nor_o yet_o to_o contend_v for_o they_o blindfold_a but_o be_v enter_v into_o from_o the_o universal_a feel_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o the_o invasion_n make_v and_o threaten_v both_o against_o religion_n and_o liberty_n do_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o such_o assertory_n and_o accessary_a covenant_n only_o bind_v every_o on_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o suitable_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o he_o either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o such_o general_a and_o important_a concern_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n the_o ignorance_n and_o insolence_n of_o this_o inference_n do_v in_o deep_a astonishment_n only_o prompt_v i_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v the_o o_o adversary_n the_o lord_n who_o have_v choose_v this_o poor_a church_n rebuke_v thou_o be_v not_o the_o small_a remnant_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o a_o brand_n pluck_v out_o of_o tâ—e_v fire_n but_o behold_v how_o he_o wipe_v his_o mouth_n certain_o say_v he_o they_o who_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n near_o or_o like_a unto_o it_o no_o all_o pious_a holy_a tender_a soul_n but_o see_v i_o have_v remove_v the_o calumny_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o comparison_n i_o will_v not_o recriminat_fw-la yet_o we_o must_v hear_v a_o little_a of_o the_o man_n praise_n viz._n that_o whatever_o they_o require_v of_o intrant_n they_o neither_o require_v subscription_n nor_o oath_n of_o minister_n already_o enter_v far_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n but_o 1._o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a distinguish_a reason_n give_v for_o this_o practice_n we_o must_v conclude_v policy_n to_o be_v the_o only_a motive_n of_o this_o pretend_a moderation_n 2._o the_o oath_n with_o the_o act_n 1612._o prescribe_v to_o be_v take_v of_o intrant_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o true_o chargeable_a with_o a_o lax_n dubious_a and_o ensnare_a generality_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o of_o these_o who_o conform_v to_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v the_o author_n be_v confound_v with_o his_o own_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o therein_o they_o swear_v to_o the_o supremacy_n a_o infinite_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o the_o point_n wherein_o this_o oath_n be_v real_o peccant_a in_o all_o the_o foul_a reproach_n wherewith_o the_o covenant_n be_v false_o load_v be_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n privilege_n preeminency_n and_o authority_n grant_v and_o belong_v to_o his_o highness_n or_o unite_v to_o his_o royal_a crown_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v positiuè_n to_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n grant_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o distinction_n of_o righteous_a or_o unrighteous_a but_o also_o without_o any_o restriction_n to_o their_o place_n &_o calling_n now_o not_o to_o retort_v the_o author_n impertinency_n as_o if_o this_o oath_n do_v tie_v all_o intrant_n either_o to_o know_v