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
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 hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o other_o nor_o have_v any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n even_o such_o as_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o power_n to_o bind_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n so_o different_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o their_o clear_a and_o genuine_a signification_n i_o can_v here_o in_o the_o close_o insist_v on_o all_o the_o impertinency_n huddle_v up_o in_o these_o few_o line_n though_o by_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n abjure_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n mean_v not_o only_a rome_n proper_a hierarchy_n usurp_a and_o pretend_v to_o a_o domination_n over_o we_o but_o also_o all_o such_o like_a corruption_n in_o ecclesiastic_a government_n whether_o in_o its_o rise_n growth_n or_o consummation_n under_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o controvert_v episcopacy_n as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o that_o mystery_n must_v necessary_o be_v comprehend_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o this_o clause_n alone_o of_o this_o covenant_n that_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v abjure_v among_o we_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o for_o this_o abjuration_n be_v both_o cumulative_a and_o concludent_fw-la above_o exception_n viz._n that_o albeit_o that_o it_o do_v principal_o relate_v to_o head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o popery_n yet_o it_o do_v also_o extend_v itself_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n &_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v the_o pope_n worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n whereby_o without_o question_n all_o the_o degree_n occasion_n &_o tendency_n either_o of_o worldly_a domination_n or_o undue_a elation_n of_o christ_n minister_n over_o his_o flock_n or_o among_o themselves_o be_v disclaim_v but_o thereby_o we_o do_v express_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 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 forementioned_a assembly_n against_o the_o author_n identick_a and_o ridiculous_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o therefore_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n in_o that_o oath_n can_v contain_v the_o present_a episcopacy_n because_o forsooth_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n be_v the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o no_o less_o ignorant_a and_o lascivient_fw-la confidence_n whereby_o he_o go_v about_o not_o only_o impudent_o to_o decry_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o clear_a explication_n as_o gross_a and_o shameful_a but_o impertinent_o to_o defy_v or_o mock_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o thereby_o conduct_v i_o may_v in_o this_o place_n moreover_o subjoine_v that_o admit_v for_o the_o author_n be_v more_o full_a redargution_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v lapâ—ed_v in_o their_o exposition_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v material_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n &_o we_o be_v thereunto_o bind_v by_o our_o sacred_a oath_n not_o so_o much_o assertorie_n of_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o explanation_n as_o 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
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
yet_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o as_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a and_o rational_a so_o it_o may_v testify_v on_o our_o part_n a_o most_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a candour_n in_o asmuch_o as_o although_o the_o english_v do_v first_o seek_v to_o we_o and_o willing_o &_o free_o engage_v with_o we_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereunto_o we_o have_v then_o attain_v yâ—t_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o it_o be_v bottom_v and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n how_o little_a we_o be_v either_o addict_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o or_o incline_v to_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o their_o distress_n we_o agree_v to_o covenant_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n not_o precise_o according_a to_o our_o example_n though_o we_o veer_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o divine_a warrant_n but_o according_a to_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o submit_v all_o our_o engagement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n the_o best_a arbyter_n of_o all_o exterior_a indifference_n now_o after_o this_o cause_n follow_v the_o obligation_n to_o uniformity_n in_o these_o term_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n whereon_o our_o author_n do_v at_o present_a trifle_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v my_o reader_n to_o rectify_v his_o misrepresentation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o common_a work_n of_o uniformity_n and_o not_o england_n particular_a reformation_n that_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o see_v by_o the_o obvious_a tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a article_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v premise_v as_o midse_n conduce_v and_o tendency_n certain_o concentr_v in_o this_o conjunction_n wish_v for_o i_o be_o confident_a every_o ingenuous_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v both_o the_o consistency_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o adversary_n sophistry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o intend_a uniformity_n and_o conjunction_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n yet_o see_v the_o disconformity_n of_o either_o part_n make_v place_n for_o it_o &_o even_o perfection_n itself_o &_o imperfection_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o disconformity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o design_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v on_o both_o part_n can_v be_v thence_o infer_v so_o that_o the_o author_n conclusion_n from_o the_o unalterableness_n of_o scotland_n frame_n that_o the_o article_n of_o uniformity_n be_v illusorie_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o perfect_a cheat_n be_v pitiful_o claudicant_a and_o unworthy_a of_o both_o his_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o thing_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o scotland_n as_o be_v very_o acurat_o try_v and_o convince_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n both_o from_o their_o warrant_n and_o our_o oath_n unalterable_a yet_o see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o sublunary_a state_n there_o be_v several_a external_a circumstance_n attend_v the_o worship_n aswell_o as_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o positive_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o comprehend_v in_o this_o our_o oath_n for_o preservation_n that_o in_o these_o there_o be_v a_o latitude_n on_o all_o part_n leave_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o providence_n and_o gratification_n of_o charity_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o happy_a obtain_n of_o the_o uniformity_n covenant_v be_v in_o itself_o evident_a and_o the_o very_a subject_n and_o intendment_n of_o this_o last_o clause_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v thereby_o import_v over_o &_o above_o what_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o article_n do_v contain_v but_o 3._o the_o palpablâ—_n fallacy_n of_o the_o author_n objection_n be_v that_o he_o false_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v in_o order_n to_o uniformity_n call_v for_o a_o alteration_n in_o scotland_n frame_n covenant_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o that_o even_o the_o swearer_n of_o this_o oath_n do_v thereto_o refer_v as_o not_o be_v full_o ascertain_v and_o ultimate_o determine_v as_o to_o the_o congruity_n of_o that_o very_a establishment_n which_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o swear_v to_o mantain_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o article_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n that_o as_o we_o in_o scotland_n be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o which_o we_o swear_v to_o preserve_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o england_n also_o by_o concur_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o engagement_n do_v thereunto_o assent_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o common_a persuasion_n that_o we_o engage_v to_o endeavour_v england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o do_v in_o the_o hold_n and_o not_o alter_v of_o these_o obligation_n with_o a_o just_a accommodation_n of_o undetermined_a circumstance_n joint_o vow_v and_o hope_n for_o the_o above_o mention_v uniformity_n 4._o as_o the_o certain_a conformity_n of_o scotland_n then_o reformation_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v direct_o contradict_v the_o author_n supposition_n and_o the_o alterableness_n of_o the_o then_o constitution_n of_o government_n in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n whereby_o the_o author_n argument_n be_v utter_o ruin_v so_o we_o do_v constant_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o unerring_a rule_n whereunto_o we_o hearty_o submit_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o author_n can_v show_v that_o this_o rule_n either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o uniformity_n or_o any_o other_o do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o that_o government_n whereunto_o we_o be_v bind_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o redargue_v we_o from_o pretend_a inconsistency_n in_o the_o word_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o oath_n see_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o plain_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v try_v the_o author_n add_v that_o if_o no_o hoof_n or_o hair_n of_o the_o scottish_a model_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o both_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o the_o vow_a uniformity_n shall_v require_v it_o than_o ought_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o present_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o 1._o waive_v the_o fraud_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o author_n hoof_n and_o hair_n whereof_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o fix_a presidency_n unless_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o excrementitious_a superfluity_n can_v be_v call_v none_o why_o do_v the_o author_n cavil_v if_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n do_v require_v a_o alteration_n of_o our_o model_n let_v he_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n wherefore_o the_o ingagment_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o reformation_n in_o england_n do_v refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o to_o any_o particular_a example_n 3._o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n england_n covenant_v reformation_n in_o discipline_n &_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o effect_n resolve_v in_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o our_o then_o constitution_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o oath_n be_v either_o a_o cheat_n or_o a_o abuse_n god_n forbid_v the_o rule_n be_v too_o sacred_a to_o give_v ground_n to_o such_o a_o consequence_n and_o certain_o the_o author_n second_o thought_n will_v correct_v his_o rashness_n but_o the_o author_n subjoine_v that_o how_o this_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o england_n reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o certain_o introductive_a of_o the_o than_o scottish_a model_n will_v have_v pass_v with_o our_o english_a brethren_n and_o particular_o with_o these_o present_n at_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o question_n here_o main_o agitat_fw-la be_v neither_o how_o the_o english_v understand_v the_o ingagment_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o reformation_n nor_o yet_o what_o may_v be_v its_o real_a import_n but_o plain_o what_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o article_n oblige_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o reform_a