of_o faith_n be_v not_o hinder_v for_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o but_o these_o observation_n which_o be_v diverse_o celebrate_v be_v in_o her_o apparel_n and_o tortullian_n lib._n de_fw-fr virg._n velaâ—d_fw-mi faith_n regula_fw-la quidem_fw-la fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omninò_fw-la est_fw-la sola_fw-la immobilis_fw-la et_fw-la irreformabilis_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o hâc_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la manente_fw-la cetera_fw-la jam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la et_fw-la conversationis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la novitatem_fw-la correctionis_fw-la operante_fw-la et_fw-la proficiente_fw-la usque_fw-la in_fw-la finem_fw-la gratia_fw-la dei_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v altogether_o one_o only_o unchangeable_a and_o such_o as_o admit_v no_o reformation_n this_o law_n of_o faith_n stand_v firm_a the_o rest_n that_o concern_v discipline_n and_o reformation_n may_v admit_v the_o novelty_n of_o correction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o work_v a_o profitable_a progress_n even_o to_o the_o end_n their_o three_o consideration_n be_v that_o by_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n they_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n be_v move_v by_o god_n and_o urge_v by_o necessity_n to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n since_o have_v bless_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o application_n abjure_v and_o suspend_v all_o novation_n former_o introduce_v till_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o king_n urge_v of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o the_o true_a essential_a cause_n of_o their_o rebellious_a covenant_n but_o only_o a_o occasion_n greedy_o apprehend_v by_o the_o ringleader_n to_o make_v that_o a_o pretext_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o rebellion_n which_o they_o have_v before_o purpose_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n when_o the_o king_n discharge_v that_o book_n their_o rebellion_n have_v there_o cease_v for_o sublata_fw-la vera_fw-la causa_fw-la tollitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la the_o true_a cause_n be_v take_v away_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o cease_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o rebellion_n do_v never_o show_v itself_o in_o so_o damnable_a effect_n as_o it_o do_v after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o grant_v of_o all_o their_o petition_n 2._o the_o urge_n of_o that_o book_n contain_v no_o impious_a thing_n against_o god_n nor_o hurtful_a to_o true_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v a_o just_a motive_n to_o move_v they_o by_o any_o necessity_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v high_a treason_n when_o as_o subject_n without_o permission_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v combine_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a band_n of_o maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v the_o king_n their_o sovereign_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n direct_o and_o against_o he_o only_o albeit_o they_o cunning_o dissemble_v and_o pretend_v the_o contrary_a for_o from_o who_o can_v so_o many_o potent_a nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o such_o worth_n with_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o their_o follower_n possible_a or_o by_o any_o liklihood_n fear_v any_o danger_n or_o harm_n in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n for_o refuse_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n or_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v innovation_n urge_v chief_o by_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o special_a command_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o king_n himself_o can_v they_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o thirteen_o or_o fourteen_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n old_a decrepit_a and_o impotent_a man_n or_o be_v there_o any_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o external_a invasion_n or_o inward_a conspiracy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n before_o they_o make_v it_o by_o their_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o king_n only_o they_o fear_v danger_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o rebellious_a intention_n by_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a that_o the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n be_v only_o intend_v against_o the_o king_n majesty_n self_n 3._o be_v there_o no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n but_o by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o harmful_a physic_n which_o prescribe_v a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n itself_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o can_v come_v to_o religion_n by_o this_o book_n be_v only_o in_o circumstance_n ceremony_n and_o some_o misinterpret_a word_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v can_v not_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o peaceable_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n they_o may_v have_v be_v better_o interpret_v or_o otherwise_o correct_v than_o by_o open_a disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o his_o anoint_a as_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n so_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n bring_v more_o danger_n and_o harm_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n can_v be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o any_o wise_a man_n may_v consider_v by_o the_o miserable_a effect_n which_o ordinary_o accompany_v rebellion_n 4_o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v move_v thereto_o by_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n the_o author_n and_o commander_n of_o obedience_n unto_o superior_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v call_v without_o blasphemy_n the_o author_n of_o rebellion_n disobedience_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o this_o covenant_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o have_v produce_v all_o those_o evil_n as_o the_o proper_a effect_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptist_n and_o fanatical_a libertine_n to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o their_o brain_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v be_v move_v to_o this_o rebellious_a covenant_n by_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v move_v to_o make_v insurrection_n draw_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o aarâ—n_n since_o both_o the_o act_n be_v very_o like_o one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n that_o traitor_n raviliack_n who_o kill_v henry_n the_o four_o of_o france_n be_v a_o confident_a in_o his_o imagination_n affirm_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n that_o he_o be_v not_o move_v to_o that_o fact_n by_o any_o parâ—â—â—ular_a respect_n or_o instigation_n of_o another_o person_n but_o only_o by_o god_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n 5._o it_o be_v false_a also_o that_o they_o be_v thereto_o draw_v by_o necessity_n it_o be_v think_v indeed_o that_o those_o of_o lower_n germany_n be_v draw_v by_o some_o necessity_n to_o confederate_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n who_o be_v their_o prince_n indeed_o yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v such_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o as_o our_o king_n have_v over_o scotland_n because_o he_o violent_v their_o conscience_n compel_v they_o not_o only_o to_o forsake_v but_o also_o to_o forswear_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o embrace_v popish_a idolatry_n not_o by_o proclamation_n only_o but_o by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o cruel_a torment_n in_o the_o inquisition_n whereby_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n most_o cruel_o before_o ever_o they_o make_v any_o combination_n among_o themselves_o or_o refuse_v due_a obedience_n to_o their_o prince_n although_o nevertheless_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o their_o rise_n in_o arm_n against_o their_o prince_n be_v not_o altogether_o justifiable_a before_o god_n much_o less_o than_o can_v our_o covenanter_n allege_v true_o that_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o any_o necessity_n to_o this_o rebellious_a combination_n since_o for_o the_o refusal_n of_o that_o book_n never_o a_o man_n in_o scotland_n have_v lose_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o a_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n or_o be_v fine_v in_o a_o farthing_n or_o have_v his_o body_n imprison_v or_o a_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n touch_v before_o that_o covenant_n 6._o they_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n enjoin_v by_o king_n james_n which_o be_v most_o false_a for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contract_n of_o a_o new_a one_o different_a in_o substance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v swear_v either_o the_o year_n 1580._o or_o 1590._o as_o they_o know_v well_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o
more_o particular_a â—â—ocks_n condemn_v by_o this_o act._n 3._o they_o frame_v the_o question_n in_o this_o manner_n to_o strike_v a_o terror_n of_o a_o fearful_a perjury_n upon_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o these_o who_o can_v not_o discern_v right_o either_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o the_o matter_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o rebellious_a project_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o swearer_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o oath_n according_a to_o their_o false_a interpretation_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o interveen_a law_n or_o constitution_n absolve_v they_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o fearful_a perjury_n can_v never_o be_v expiate_v except_o they_o renew_v their_o oath_n to_o that_o covenant_n together_o with_o their_o false_a application_n and_o perverse_a interpretation_n far_o different_a yea_o flat_a contrary_a to_o their_o meaning_n who_o frame_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enjoin_v the_o oath_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a fear_n it_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a deal_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v propose_v the_o question_n more_o simple_o and_o in_o more_o perspicuous_a term_n ask_v whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v solid_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o it_o have_v be_v evident_a also_o that_o the_o oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v abjure_v be_v lawful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o oath_n do_v bind_v both_o the_o actual_a swearer_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o clear_a scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v be_v lawful_a than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o the_o oath_n whereby_o they_o do_v abjure_v it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o contrary_a all_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v of_o middle_a nature_n neither_o simple_o unlawful_a nor_o necessary_o lawful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o make_v a_o law_n either_o establish_v or_o abolish_n the_o same_o who_o may_v also_o require_v a_o oath_n of_o all_o to_o observe_v that_o law_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v have_v doubt_v but_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o positive_a law_n stand_v in_o force_n that_o oath_n do_v bind_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o the_o law_n be_v abolish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n no_o man_n be_v further_o bind_v but_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la absolve_v from_o the_o oath_n so_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o resolve_v any_o other_o way_n it_o have_v clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o move_v all_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n but_o be_v propound_v in_o their_o manner_n no_o resolution_n do_v take_v away_o all_o doubt_n as_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v by_o this_o act_n but_o rather_o do_v multiply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o great_a for_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v clear_v that_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o do_v yet_o a_o great_a doubt_n remain_v whether_o that_o abjuration_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o which_o can_v not_o be_v resolve_v except_o it_o have_v be_v first_o make_v manifest_a that_o episcopacy_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o by_o god_n word_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o method_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n we_o shall_v leave_v at_o this_o time_n the_o probation_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o god_n word_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o divers_a learned_a divine_n to_o the_o which_o the_o best_a of_o that_o sect_n can_v never_o sufficient_o answer_v take_v then_o the_o question_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o point_n which_o they_o only_o here_o condemn_v in_o that_o office_n first_o that_o they_o have_v charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o second_o that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o preeminency_n over_o their_o brethren_n we_o shall_v make_v it_o therefore_o evident_a 1._o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o long_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o year_n after_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o and_o charge_n over_o more_o parish_n than_o one_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v lawful_a second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o passage_n bring_v by_o they_o at_o length_n in_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o strong_a they_o can_v find_v forth_o of_o the_o abjuration_n in_o the_o covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_a assembly_n do_v prove_v their_o conclusion_n but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o false_o or_o impertinent_o cite_v far_o by_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v sophystical_o allege_v chap._n v._o that_o this_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n here_o question_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o have_v remark_v before_o to_o wit_n that_o large_a confession_n establish_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n frame_v by_o john_n knox_n and_o other_o faithful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1560._o confirm_v by_o divers_a general_a assembly_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o and_o insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n contain_v all_o the_o positive_a ground_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n the_o other_o call_v common_o the_o negative_a confession_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o perfeâ—t_n confession_n but_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o former_a frame_v not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n first_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n himself_o and_o his_o household_n then_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n date_v the_o 5._o of_o march_n 1580._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o person_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v swear_v the_o same_o and_o for_o more_o commodious_a do_v thereof_o it_o be_v present_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1581._o that_o they_o may_v approve_v it_o and_o enjoin_v every_o minister_n to_o see_v the_o oath_n take_v by_o all_o their_o parishioner_n and_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o abjuration_n of_o most_o special_a gross_a error_n of_o popery_n the_o same_o abjuâ—ation_n be_v again_o command_v by_o the_o king_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o when_o as_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o some_o papist_n traffic_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n be_v discover_v have_v annex_v thereto_o a_o general_a band_n or_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o the_o subject_n bind_v themselves_o with_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o maintenance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n authority_n and_o estate_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o and_o without_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o end_n that_o true_a professor_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v discern_v from_o hypocritical_a papist_n and_o seditious_a rebel_n now_o as_o for_o that_o only_o perfect_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o clause_n nor_o article_n therein_o which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n condemn_v this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n here_o controvert_v neither_o have_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o allege_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o godly_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o set_v it_o down_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n nor_o
therefore_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o break_v 11._o discipline_n be_v again_o distinguish_v in_o these_o point_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o perpetual_a and_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_a and_o mutable_a 12._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n word_n and_o be_v not_o abolish_v by_o episcopal_a government_n but_o observe_v inviolable_a 13._o the_o other_o sort_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o alterable_a by_o the_o church_n 14._o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o the_o oath_n bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o force_n but_o be_v abrogate_v by_o a_o new_a constitution_n the_o oath_n thereto_o be_v dissolve_v 15._o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o those_o alteration_n do_v against_o their_o oath_n chap._n xi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n allege_v contrary_a to_o this_o point_n until_o the_o year_n 1580._o wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o no_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v before_o that_o year_n 1575._o 2._o the_o occasion_n of_o impugn_v episcopacy_n at_o that_o time_n 1._o some_o fiery_a humour_n late_o come_v from_o geneva_n and_o zealous_a of_o geneva_n discipline_n 2._o the_o king_n minority_n 3._o faction_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n 4._o the_o sacrilegious_a greediness_n of_o those_o gape_n after_o the_o church_n rend_v who_o for_o their_o own_o end_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o pride_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v but_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n until_o this_o year_n 1575._o 4._o at_o this_o assembly_n in_o august_n 1575._o be_v the_o first_o motion_n against_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 5._o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n declare_v at_o length_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o this_o point_n here_o in_o controversy_n be_v not_o challenge_v therein_o but_o express_o approve_v by_o all_o 6._o nothing_o in_o substance_n conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n for_o five_o year_n after_o 7._o a_o notable_a dissimulation_n of_o our_o covenanter_n in_o cite_v a_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n chap._n xii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n for_o establish_v the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n wherein_o be_v these_o particular_n 1._o this_o book_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o same_o occasion_n whereby_o episcopacy_n begin_v to_o be_v challenge_v 2._o this_o discipline_n be_v never_o full_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n some_o point_n thereof_o never_o practise_v and_o those_o which_o be_v practise_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n 3._o they_o do_v not_o themselves_o nor_o will_v not_o approve_v some_o point_n in_o this_o book_n but_o refuse_v obedience_n thereto_o instance_v in_o three_o particular_n 4._o this_o book_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o have_v any_o strength_n of_o a_o law_n before_o the_o enjoin_n of_o the_o oath_n 5._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o discipline_n and_o superabundant_a in_o point_n not_o pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o discipline_n therein_o contain_v can_v be_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o join_v ourselves_o precise_o chap._n xiii_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o condemn_v episcopacy_n together_o with_o the_o act_n at_o glasgo_n 1581._o explain_v the_o same_o contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o albeit_o they_o condemn_v in_o these_o act_n episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v then_o use_v in_o scotland_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o condemn_v these_o point_n here_o controvert_v 2._o neither_o do_v the_o church_n then_o condemn_v any_o substantial_a point_n of_o episcopacy_n except_o they_o do_v contradict_v themselves_o instance_v in_o six_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 3._o they_o condemn_v only_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o bishop_n themselves_o whereof_o some_o be_v only_o suppose_a corruption_n some_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o only_o personal_a and_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n 4._o the_o principal_a point_n they_o condemn_v in_o bishop_n be_v that_o they_o receive_v not_o their_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o point_n of_o their_o function_n chap._n xiiii_o answer_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n here_o cite_v 1._o their_o act_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o the_o former_a whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v and_o therefore_o refute_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n 2._o some_o particular_a observation_n upon_o these_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o make_v more_o against_o they_o nor_o for_o they_o 3._o many_o of_o these_o act_n show_v that_o they_o be_v conclude_v express_o against_o the_o king_n majesty_n intention_n 4._o the_o reason_n why_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v presbytery_n be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v approve_v the_o same_o but_o for_o eschew_v of_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o fear_v 6._o that_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n do_v not_o endure_v in_o full_a force_n above_o ten_o year_n 7._o a_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n 1589._o disgraceful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o act_n wherein_o be_v contain_v these_o particular_n 1._o their_o hyperbolical_a magnify_n of_o their_o accurate_a proceed_n in_o conclude_v this_o act_n not_o like_o to_o be_v true_a 2._o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o moderator_n informal_a obscure_a ambiguous_a sophistical_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v answer_v categorical_o 3._o the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o their_o voice_n be_v because_o all_o be_v debar_v who_o they_o suspect_v will_v make_v any_o contradiction_n 4._o the_o voice_n as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v do_v neither_o full_o answer_v to_o their_o proposition_n nor_o condemn_v any_o thing_n in_o episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n 5._o they_o can_v excuse_v this_o but_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upâ—n_n the_o printer_n which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v true_a for_o many_o reason_n episcopacy_n not_o abjure_v in_o scotland_n chap._n i._n a_o comparison_n betwixt_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a conventicle_n of_o covenant_a minister_n and_o misrul_a elder_n assemble_v at_o glasgow_n novemb._n 1638._o can_v be_v compare_v to_o none_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o well_o as_o to_o that_o infamous_a council_n of_o trent_n which_o as_o it_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n trouble_v the_o whole_a world_n emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n for_n this_o have_v vex_v mighty_o the_o king_n majesty_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v lead_v all_o his_o subject_n in_o scotland_n blindfold_o to_o rebellion_n give_v evil_a example_n to_o other_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v a_o evident_a scandal_n upon_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o have_v be_v no_o less_o human_a or_o rather_o satanical_a policy_n and_o subtle_a close_a conveyance_n practise_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n both_o in_o the_o preparation_n prosecution_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o yet_o in_o this_o more_o malice_n and_o less_o respect_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o present_v establish_v estate_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o trent_n first_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n in_o the_o consistory_n profess_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o general_a council_n and_o do_v open_o exhort_v the_o emperor_n king_n prince_n and_o republic_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o declare_v evident_o by_o their_o deal_n that_o they_o desire_v either_o not_o at_o all_o a_o council_n or_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v assemble_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o or_o their_o ambassador_n shall_v have_v suffrage_n therein_o and_o much_o less_o presidency_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n suffrage_n or_o presence_n will_v cross_v their_o particular_a end_n even_o so_o our_o covenanter_n albeit_o they_o often_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o they_o declare_v plain_o by_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v either_o convocate_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n or_o wherein_o he_o his_o commission_n or_o council_n shall_v preside_v or_o give_v suffrage_n or_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o their_o choice_n account_v it_o so_o
that_o act_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o have_v disouss_v those_o passage_n allege_v out_o of_o the_o abjuration_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o answer_v in_o like_o manner_n to_o the_o act_n of_o divers_a general_a assembly_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v condemn_v this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o another_o and_o over_o more_o particular_a flock_n albeit_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o judicious_a reader_n out_o of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o assembly_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n we_o must_v consider_v they_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o end_n than_o we_o may_v show_v what_o weight_n and_o force_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n those_o act_n here_o cite_v by_o they_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a answer_n without_o tautology_n may_v be_v dispose_v in_o three_o rank_n first_o some_o of_o they_o contain_v only_a preparation_n to_o the_o condemn_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o those_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o 1580._o next_o there_o be_v some_o that_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n transfer_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n to_o presbytery_n three_o other_o be_v such_o as_o condemn_v episcopacy_n which_o all_o we_o shall_v examine_v particular_o in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o never_o allege_v one_o word_n of_o any_o assembly_n since_o the_o reformation_n until_o that_o at_o edinburgh_n 1575._o albeit_o there_o be_v thirty_o general_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n more_o uncorrupt_a holy_a and_o venerable_a than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v of_o they_o for_o why_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v by_o any_o probability_n that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v think_v any_o evil_a of_o this_o power_n and_o preeminency_n but_o do_v continual_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o same_o both_o by_o her_o constitution_n and_o practice_n next_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n move_v the_o minister_n at_o that_o time_n to_o alter_v their_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n and_o if_o we_o remark_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o these_o who_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n in_o those_o day_n we_o shall_v find_v evident_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n of_o judgement_n first_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n some_o man_n of_o learning_n but_o of_o fiery_a and_o violent_a humour_n come_v into_o scotland_n from_o geneva_n who_o because_o of_o their_o travel_n abroad_o and_o learning_n be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o they_o be_v themselves_o great_o in_o love_n with_o geneva_n discipline_n do_v labour_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o persuasion_n to_o move_v other_o to_o like_o both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o nobleman_n to_o a_o like_n thereof_o also_o at_o least_o by_o entreaty_n persuasion_n and_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n make_v secret_o among_o themselves_o a_o reasonable_a number_n both_o of_o nobility_n and_o ministry_n who_o carry_v a_o great_a sway_n in_o general_a assembly_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o party_n if_o the_o former_a government_n be_v call_v in_o question_n second_o they_o think_v the_o time_n fit_a to_o further_a their_o design_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n minority_n be_v then_o about_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n at_o most_o and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n govern_v himself_o by_o divers_a man_n of_o divers_a humour_n three_o there_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o this_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n division_n and_o faction_n at_o that_o time_n among_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n every_o one_o strive_v to_o thrust_v out_o his_o neighbour_n from_o that_o employment_n he_o have_v about_o the_o king_n and_o court_n as_o witness_v the_o violent_a death_n of_o three_o regent_n and_o the_o four_o like_o enough_o have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n if_o his_o govermneâ—t_n have_v endure_v long_o and_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n cut_v off_o by_o particular_a quarrel_n some_o just_o some_o unjust_o under_o colour_n of_o legal_a proceed_n as_o witness_v likewise_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o whereby_o a_o solemn_a fast_n be_v enjoin_v for_o divers_a reason_n especial_o because_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a ungodly_a sâ—ditions_n and_o division_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n some_o nobleman_n therefore_o and_o courtier_n in_o those_o factious_a time_n as_o fish_v in_o trouble_a water_n to_o further_v their_o own_o end_n do_v labour_n to_o make_v some_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o do_v strive_v to_o haâ—e_n the_o church_n upon_o their_o side_n abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n zealous_a of_o the_o new_a discipline_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o impatient_a of_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o yoke_n know_v that_o they_o by_o their_o sermon_n and_o private_a practice_n may_v do_v much_o to_o make_v the_o people_n incline_v to_o which_o faction_n they_o please_v best_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o force_v the_o king_n majesty_n for_o fear_n of_o a_o general_a insurrection_n to_o grant_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o desire_v which_o policy_n our_o covenant_a nobleman_n have_v careful_o practise_v now_o with_o great_a but_o a_o dangerous_a effect_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o in_o those_o time_n so_o bold_a a_o traitor_n but_o he_o find_v minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o countenance_v he_o and_o approve_v his_o do_n both_o private_o and_o public_o as_o witness_v their_o applaud_v the_o earl_n of_o bothwell_n in_o his_o treasonable_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o those_o money_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o geneva_n a_o part_n be_v employ_v to_o wage_v soldier_n for_o he_o i_o know_v and_o can_v name_v if_o i_o please_v both_o the_o deliverer_n and_o receiver_n thereof_o it_o be_v know_v also_o that_o minister_n of_o that_o sect_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o those_o attempt_n which_o common_o be_v call_v road_n as_o at_o the_o road_n of_o stritil_v the_o road_n of_o leith_n and_o the_o abbey_n road_n and_o at_o the_o 17._o day_n of_o december_n the_o earl_n of_o gowry_n find_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a minister_n of_o that_o sect_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o king_n delivery_n from_o that_o treasonable_a attempt_n final_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n be_v vehement_o trouble_v and_o vex_v most_o unjust_o by_o that_o sect_n during_o the_o time_n of_o that_o anarchy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o himself_o leave_v in_o record_n in_o his_o basilicon_fw-la doron_n four_o to_o those_o occasion_n another_o be_v join_v to_o further_a the_o ruin_n of_o episcopacy_n towit_o the_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o some_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o courtier_n gape_v after_o the_o church-rent_n which_o they_o perceive_v they_o can_v never_o obtain_v so_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n do_v subsist_v and_o therefore_o do_v use_v the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o bear_v down_o that_o estate_n push_v forward_o the_o minister_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o blue_a abroad_o their_o personal_a fault_n both_o in_o their_o assembly_n pulpit_n and_o private_a conference_n to_o make_v the_o very_a office_n itself_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o more_o than_o manifest_a that_o those_o troublesome_a and_o factioâ—s_a time_n can_v be_v account_v a_o good_a prâ—sident_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n for_o shall_v a_o few_o turbulent_a assembly_n back_v and_o 〈◊〉_d forward_o by_o factious_a humour_n and_o sacrilegious_a greed_n of_o nobleman_n and_o courtier_n in_o the_o miâ—orage_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n constitute_v a_o new_a discipline_n by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o small_a city_n of_o geneva_n confirm_v only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o year_n at_o most_o be_v able_a to_o counterpoise_v god_n word_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o venerable_a pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v
the_o inferior_a member_n to_o correct_v the_o head_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o general_n or_o national_a counsel_n and_o none_o of_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o exeme_v from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v lawful_o constitute_v albeit_o the_o bishop_n do_v decline_v upon_o many_o just_a reason_n this_o assembly_n of_o covenanter_n which_o be_v at_o length_n express_v in_o their_o declinature_n yet_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v decline_v from_o the_o same_o the_o last_o corruption_n they_o remark_n in_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o scotland_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o corruption_n indeed_o but_o not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o a_o law_n if_o any_o omit_v that_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o personal_a fault_n it_o be_v great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a office_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o one_o or_o two_o but_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v then_o condemn_v in_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o commission_n to_o exercise_v their_o charge_n from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v not_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o nomination_n or_o election_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o be_v nominate_v and_o present_v by_o the_o king_n elect_v by_o those_o of_o the_o chapton_n only_o and_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o move_v they_o â—o_z despiteful_o to_o condemn_v that_o estate_n in_o the_o constitution_n whereof_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o a_o hand_n and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o require_v that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v their_o commission_n only_o from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n they_o will_v have_v condescend_v to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o their_o function_n 1._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o they_o confess_v that_o albeit_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n have_v not_o power_n over_o more_o â—locks_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n they_o may_v exercise_v it_o lawful_o 2._o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o both_o party_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o among_o the_o pastor_n one_o may_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o visit_v certain_a bound_n comprehend_v many_o particular_a parish_n and_o therein_o to_o plant_v minister_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v they_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n 3._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1578._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a petition_n they_o make_v to_o the_o regent_n be_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n excepâ—_z such_o as_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n ought_v to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o have_v be_v do_v we_o see_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n their_o charge_n over_o more_o particular_a flock_n their_o sit_n in_o council_n and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n to_o have_v be_v lawful_a which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a function_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o then_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n such_o a_o commission_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o point_n of_o their_o office_n how_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v exercise_v they_o lawful_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a exception_n against_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n this_o commission_n 1._o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n this_o commission_n to_o exercise_v power_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o representative_a church_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o bishop_n over_o certain_a bound_n over_o the_o which_o they_o receive_v jurisdiction_n as_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o bound_n of_o asia_n minor_a thereabouts_o commission_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o receive_v or_o repel_v accusation_n give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o by_o consequent_a to_o judge_v and_o correct_v or_o censure_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n receive_v titus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o creta_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o like_a commission_n unto_o other_o in_o these_o nation_n where_o they_o travel_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o also_o the_o office_n and_o that_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o call_v in_o controversy_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v except_o those_o who_o will_v impudent_o deny_v all_o tâ—rue_a record_n of_o antiquity_n since_o all_o the_o oâ—thodox_a father_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o do_v with_o unanimous_a consent_n testify_v the_o same_o the_o which_o commission_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o of_o succeed_a age_n confirm_v by_o continual_a practice_n uncontrolled_a for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n by_o any_o orthodox_a writer_n until_o this_o last_o age_n that_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n begin_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 3._o the_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o can_v not_o have_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o commonwealth_n yet_o so_o soon_o as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n authorize_v by_o law_n than_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o civil_a law_n do_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o better_a obedience_n thereto_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o do_v earnest_o supplicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n that_o some_o commissioner_n from_o the_o church_n may_v have_v place_n in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n whereby_o law_n be_v establish_v to_o further_a therein_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n nè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la the_o which_o supplication_n christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o magistrate_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a zeal_n do_v grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v authorise_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n to_o sit_v in_o their_o sovereign_a court_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n this_o privilege_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a prelate_n do_v enjoy_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o advancement_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a deal_n moâ—e_n wicked_a sacrilege_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o privilege_n than_o to_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o these_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n to_o be_v sacrilegious_a in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o sacrilegious_a in_o the_o other_o 4._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o history_n that_o since_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n therein_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n do_v not_o only_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n but_o also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o do_v much_o good_a by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n to_o the_o king_n the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n before_o popish_a tyranny_n have_v place_n therein_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v any_o formal_a parliament_n in_o scotland_n the_o prelate_n make_v up_o the_o three_o
estate_n and_o do_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n therein_o both_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o to_o the_o enact_n of_o any_o law_n the_o consent_n of_o prelate_n be_v ever_o think_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o two_o estate_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n no_o act_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n ever_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o three_o estate_n whosoever_o will_v press_v to_o suppress_v the_o estate_n of_o prelate_n do_v reverse_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o to_o come_v yet_o near_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n those_o who_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o place_n of_o bishop_n call_v superintendent_n have_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n as_o great_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o charge_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o bishop_n do_v now_o require_v in_o their_o diocese_n it_o be_v true_a the_o superintendent_n have_v not_o vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o can_v have_v for_o why_o the_o bishop_n retain_v still_o their_o possession_n in_o those_o place_n upon_o their_o ancient_a commission_n often_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o reformation_n never_o quarrel_v by_o any_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n until_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o october_n 1578._o wherein_o the_o bishop_n be_v require_v only_o not_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o special_a commission_n thereâ—ra_n and_o a_o few_o year_n before_o to_o wit_n at_o the_o assembly_n at_o ediâ—burgh_n 1573._o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n be_v express_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n with_o some_o exceptious_a not_o very_o material_a as_o we_o remark_v before_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o except_v this_o power_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o do_v tacit_o at_o the_o least_o approve_v this_o the_o ancient_a commission_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n final_o at_o the_o last_o re-establish_v of_o bishop_n thou_o commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v express_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n for_o first_o by_o that_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o the_o church_n give_v commission_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n though_o not_o under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_n affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o glasgoâ—_n and_o lithgow_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o they_o do_v under_o the_o very_a title_n of_o bishop_n receive_v full_a commission_n from_o the_o church_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o to_o exercise_v their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n power_n and_o and_o pre-eminence_n over_o all_o pastor_n and_o people_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o so_o every_o bishop_n particular_o by_o their_o election_n and_o consecration_n receive_v power_n to_o use_v this_o commission_n whensoever_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o for_o every_o several_a act_n they_o do_v in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o new_a particular_a commission_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o power_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o ever_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v elect_v to_o that_o office_n shall_v have_v this_o commission_n once_o for_o all_o during_o his_o life_n time_n or_o until_o by_o his_o malversation_n in_o his_o charge_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o legal_o deprive_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o church_n may_v add_v new_a article_n to_o their_o commission_n as_o time_n and_o occasion_n require_v as_o be_v do_v in_o england_n and_o ireland_n where_o the_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n sit_v ever_o in_o the_o time_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v upon_o such_o article_n as_o be_v think_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o serve_v for_o the_o we_o will_v of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o care_n they_o may_v receive_v due_a ratification_n but_o the_o turbulent_a behaviour_n of_o some_o minister_n in_o scotland_n who_o scorn_v to_o have_v their_o petition_n propose_v orderly_o by_o the_o bishop_n have_v as_o yet_o bar_v the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n from_o that_o privilege_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v the_o only_a exception_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v make_v against_o any_o point_n of_o the_o function_n of_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v as_o unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1581._o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o since_o that_o exception_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v now_o remove_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1580._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1581._o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v chap._n xiiii_o discuss_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n here_o cite_v since_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o subsequent_a assembly_n against_o bishop_n be_v ground_v upon_o these_o two_o former_a act_n whereby_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v condemn_v and_o since_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n depend_v thereupon_o must_v have_v as_o little_a strength_n as_o they_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o particular_a discuss_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o lest_o it_o be_v think_v that_o we_o have_v over_o past_o they_o altogether_o we_o shall_v remark_v some_o few_o particular_a observation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o their_o purpose_n here_o yet_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o divers_a point_n against_o they_o first_o those_o act_n cite_v here_o concerning_o the_o presentation_n by_o the_o king_n and_o admission_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n of_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n and_o of_o m._n robert_n poâ—s_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o caithâ—es_n and_o the_o divers_a ineffectual_a suit_n make_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o king_n council_n and_o parliament_n for_o advance_v of_o their_o presbyterial_a discipline_n and_o suppression_n of_o bishop_n to_o wit_n those_o present_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1580._o 1581._o and_o 1587._o serve_v against_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o declare_v that_o their_o violent_a proceed_n against_o bishop_n and_o for_o establish_v of_o their_o new_a discipline_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o council_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o parliament_n all_o this_o time_n but_o direct_o resist_v as_o contrary_a to_o their_o will_n and_o manifest_a intention_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v any_o such_o meaning_n or_o intention_n as_o by_o that_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n 2._o although_o that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n suffer_v a_o act_n to_o pass_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o establish_v in_o a_o part_n their_o new_a discipline_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o their_o meaning_n to_o approve_v the_o same_o direct_o but_o for_o a_o pregnant_a reason_n of_o estate_n they_o do_v tolerate_v lesser_a evil_n that_o great_a may_v be_v eschew_v for_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n be_v mighty_o astonish_v by_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o a_o dangerous_a conspiracy_n of_o sundry_a nobleman_n of_o great_a power_n in_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o trasâ—ieking_a jesuit_n and_o gentleman_n affect_v to_o the_o popish_a religion_n such_o as_o father_n creightou_n father_n abercromy_n sir_n william_n graham_n of_o fentry_n m._n george_n carr_n and_o other_o who_o bring_v in_o great_a sum_n of_o spanish_a gold_n and_o promise_v great_a whereby_o those_o nobleman_n and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o faction_n be_v corrupt_v to_o betray_v their_o
native_a country_n promise_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o subscription_n of_o blank_a paper_n to_o give_v way_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n navy_n to_o enter_v within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o although_o in_o so_o perilous_a a_o time_n when_o a_o total_a ruin_n both_o of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o policy_n and_o religion_n be_v fear_v and_o threaten_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n think_v it_o fit_a for_o eschew_v the_o present_a danger_n to_o give_v way_n at_o that_o time_n to_o those_o new_a disciplinarian_n suffer_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o pass_v in_o their_o favour_n fear_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v resist_v their_o present_a importunity_n turbulent_a spirit_n as_o some_o of_o they_o be_v may_v have_v make_v a_o further_a distraction_n even_o among_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n whereby_o a_o other_o gate_n may_v have_v be_v open_v for_o the_o entry_n of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o so_o the_o estate_n be_v thus_o divide_v shall_v have_v be_v less_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o common_a enemy_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a reason_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v to_o condescend_v to_o this_o act_n whereof_o they_o brag_v so_o much_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o constant_a intention_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o blast_n past_a and_o that_o conspiracy_n repress_v but_o king_n james_n of_o happy_a memory_n do_v set_v himself_o more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o to_o re-establish_v episcopal_a government_n and_o bear_v down_o that_o new_a discipline_n the_o evil_n and_o corruption_n whereof_o disturb_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o perceive_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o 3_o we_o must_v remark_v that_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o do_v allow_v presbyterial_a government_n by_o a_o law_n and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v the_o first_o establishment_n thereof_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o short_a a_o continuance_n it_o have_v in_o this_o church_n and_o how_o soon_o it_o become_v loathsome_a to_o all_o estate_n of_o person_n spuria_n putamina_fw-la non_fw-la agunt_fw-la altas_fw-la radices_fw-la for_o not_o full_a eight_o year_n after_o this_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrosse_n 1600_o it_o receive_v a_o great_a blow_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v by_o one_o step_n more_o advance_v wherein_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n shall_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n by_o voice_n in_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o general_a affair_n thereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n who_o power_n be_v enlarge_v by_o that_o assembly_n at_o haliruâ—house_n 1602._o and_o bishop_n thereafter_o under_o their_o own_o proper_a title_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o and_o solemn_o ratify_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n 1612._o 4._o we_o can_v omit_v that_o act_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n march_n 1589._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v for_o asmuch_o as_o the_o neighbour_n kirk_n in_o england_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v heavy_o trouble_v for_o maintain_v of_o the_o true_a discipline_n and_o government_n who_o grief_n ought_v to_o move_v we_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v ordain_v to_o comfort_v the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n i_o can_v conceive_v who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n here_o except_o it_o be_v some_o few_o schismatic_n who_o a_o little_a before_o this_o time_n be_v challenge_v before_o the_o star-chamber_n for_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o promote_a unto_o the_o people_n a_o new_a form_n of_o discipline_n different_a in_o many_o point_n both_o from_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n and_o that_o of_o geneva_n who_o because_o they_o do_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o answer_v to_o some_o interrogatory_n propose_v to_o they_o by_o the_o council_n of_o england_n be_v commit_v to_o prison_n of_o which_o number_n be_v one_o wigintone_n who_o stir_v up_o three_o fanatical_a fellow_n edmund_n coppinger_n william_n hacket_n and_o henry_n arthington_n to_o labour_n for_o their_o relief_n persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v thereto_o hacket_n be_v mighty_o possess_v by_o this_o humour_n do_v give_v out_o that_o christ_n be_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v call_v he_o extraordinary_o to_o purge_v both_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o send_v out_o before_o he_o his_o two_o principal_a prophet_n coppinger_n and_o arthington_n to_o who_o he_o assign_v a_o diverse_a charge_n that_o coppinger_n shall_v offer_v grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o people_n if_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o follow_v he_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o arthingtone_n shall_v denounce_v god_n wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o will_v not_o adhere_v to_o they_o those_o two_o be_v send_v by_o hacket_n come_v to_o the_o street_n of_o london_n and_o do_v preach_v according_a to_o their_o charge_n rail_v impudent_o against_o the_o queen_n and_o council_n declare_v open_o that_o she_o be_v fall_v from_o her_o right_a to_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o hacket_n be_v their_o king_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v be_v place_v in_o christ_n stead_n whereby_o they_o move_v great_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o follow_v they_o but_o before_o they_o can_v effectuate_v their_o purpose_n they_o be_v prevent_v by_o certain_a of_o the_o council_n send_v by_o the_o queen_n who_o apprehend_v they_o in_o the_o very_a act_n at_o cheapside_n the_o 16._o of_o july_n 1591._o for_o the_o which_o cause_n hacket_n be_v execute_v as_o a_o traitor_n coppinger_n kill_v himself_o in_o prison_n and_o arthington_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o madness_n do_v confess_v their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o who_o confession_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o encouragement_n to_o this_o attempt_n from_o scotland_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o one_o penry_n who_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n a_o preacher_n in_o scotland_n waâ—_z return_v a_o little_a before_o this_o enterprise_n and_o be_v lurk_v then_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n or_o in_o some_o place_n thereabouts_o this_o penry_n be_v chief_o the_o man_n who_o procure_v these_o consolatorie_a letter_n from_o the_o assembly_n to_o his_o companion_n to_o the_o great_a disgrace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o further_a such_o a_o treasonable_a attempt_n and_o apparent_o that_o letter_n write_v from_o scotland_n by_o one_o gibson_n to_o coppinger_n be_v one_o of_o these_o consolatorie_a letter_n ordain_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v write_v to_o they_o wherein_o he_o say_v the_o best_a of_o our_o minister_n be_v most_o careful_a of_o your_o estate_n and_o have_v send_v for_o that_o effect_n a_o preacher_n of_o our_o church_n to_o wit_v penry_n this_o last_o summer_n 1590._o of_o purpose_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o best_a affect_a minister_n of_o your_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o a_o plot_n how_o our_o church_n may_v best_o travel_v for_o â—our_n relief_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n at_o that_o time_n who_o do_v heavy_o regrate_a that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v mighty_o abuse_v by_o this_o penry_n who_o although_o he_o be_v for_o a_o time_n in_o great_a estimation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n likewise_o yet_o they_o find_v he_o at_o last_o a_o arrant_a kâ—ave_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v so_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o refricare_fw-la banâ—_z scabieâ—_n in_o call_v to_o remembrance_n again_o that_o opproâ—ric_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o these_o time_n as_o have_v have_v two_o deep_a a_o hand_n in_o that_o attempt_n to_o stir_v up_o a_o combustion_n in_o our_o neighbour_n kingdom_n and_o church_n but_o our_o covenanter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o as_o they_o cease_v not_o as_o yet_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o they_o can_v find_v in_o england_n such_o fanatical_a fellow_n as_o hacket_n and_o coppinger_n chap._n xv_o discuss_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o act_n now_o after_o they_o have_v set_v down_o their_o confuse_a rhapsody_n of_o reason_n for_o prove_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n they_o conclude_v in_o these_o hyperbolical_a term_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n be_v public_o read_v and_o particular_o at_o great_a length_n