TTRRARV OF THK THFOTOairAT SFMTNTARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/caseofaccommodatOOmcwa Tii^ale ot tiies f Jjaul^ propofed bp the :jP of CUMBLANE, - To Non-conibrming 5 examined. ^ Wherein aljo anticnt ^TrejTdJta , or Epifcopm Trafes , is conf^dered ^ ;iu iemne League and Qcvenant occafionally vindicat • ’ v* Together Copy of the two T T E R s Hefein reviewed. V , aljo is fuhjoined an P P- E N D I X dNamtiv^oftheJJfue of the Treaty anem Accommodatm, I. V, VIII. Truth , but for the Truth. in the Year 1671. Thcj PREFACE. ^Lthough there be nothing more aflured , both in the ac- knowledgement and experience of all, then that the inoft important events of this worlds concerncs, 'do much de¬ pend upon, and are frequently turned by , theobfervation or ncgledt of certain midfes and expedients only, yea great¬ ly , recommended by this their fiibfervient aptitude and in- flu^ceV^yeTr'on the other hand, itis nolefle'evident, that in the matters ofGod, andofourfouls everlafting wellbeing, even the Ordinances ofiife, by him thereto appointed , are, for the moll: part, flighted by an ablhadt- ing undervalue : But, as it is beyond all controvcriie that the full perfwa- fion and juft eftimation of thefe high and glorious ends, whereunto they are defigned , would quickly intend our care about all things and circumftances thereunto ordered in an agreeable proportion , and alfoextend our comman¬ ded circumfpedion to a fidelity even in the things that are leaft ; foitis only unferioufnefs andinfinceri'ty inthe main , together with the diverfion ofo- thertemptations, that occalionethalltheindifferencie, contempt and moc¬ kery , wherq^ith w’e finde the fimplicity & meannefs of Gofpehinftirutions commoidy entertained • and hence it is , that not only they aredefpifed, and perveeised^ the vain pretenders to liberty , gallantrie, decencie, civilc- ^bedience orthelike ; Butalfothey are all contending for them, under the tpe. of God , to the delufi- onsoiTOH^inventions. How ijwch of thefe truths may be remarked in the enfuing difcourfe, I shalljpp!ftj||t,e anticipat by an unneceflary rcflfdion •, the point I aime at is, rff ^p f^'eVery one, defirous to be faithful to God in the midft of this evil! gen^«on, vvhereintheftrangevariety and oppofition of events that vve iSfef^n do fuggeft fuch ftrong temptations, and intereft hath not more fe- dii® mens rnindes unto an irreligious lukvvarmnefs , then theirSpirits aiC n\o^|erniciouily debauched by wanton and wild cavillation , to ftudie , in thjefiffi place, tohave the mindeenligbtned with the true knowledge of & moftHig|i foveraignity , and moft pureholinefs of God , themofl; vvon- d^|jl Id^knd marvellous condefcendence of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and tfii^ffeai^erfedion of the holy Law, and excellencie of all Gofpel Ordinan- 7he *Tvefacc^. ces‘ andnexttohave the heart eft ablished through the graCo of God, by {uitable faith and fear cleaving unto God with the whole foul and ftrength , and hating ever j vain and falfe way: Surely he that is thus qualified shali^itJ^ ver be moved j but as he will be oi a good, found, and quick underftandfdfef ' inall things, foin thefefpmuchtofleddebates , whereby themoft part of this backfliden and light generation , atbeftonly feeking therein the grati¬ fications of their own curiofity, are many timesfadly ftumbled unto greater, irreligion, hewilleafilydifcerneandlay hold upon the will and way of the iord, being convinced that the meaneft of his matters are not of a lower ap¬ pearance , then of a high and in eftimable tendencie. To fuch therefore it is that I recommend and fubmitthcenfuing difquifi- tionj (if the unconcerned world do laugh, if the foolish mock, & the wicked rage, yet, I hope , my work is with my God , & its fruit shall be to all the lovers of our Lord Jefus Chriftin fincerity) being moved by theexceflivc filence of the one, & the immoderate boafting of the other of the two parties ingaged in this affaire, to interpofe for truth thus unequally treated, that by this poor eflayitmay be, infome meafure, vindicat, and a check gi¬ ven to the pride and fwelling words of the Adveffaries , is all my aime. As for thefe of our oppofites who may finde themfeivcs more nearly touched ia the few sheets fubjoyned, if they think me therein tranfportedip any exceffe I doaffurethem , that it is from the ungrateful violence of their provocation, andnotatallihechoifeof my own inclination: I acknowledge dlfo, that there are other Papers emitted by them -, then the two that I do particularly ,,- review andannexe, fpecially along Letter fuppofed to be. G. B’s, andv^t- ten by way of amplification of the former : Butfeing I do fully difcuffe his^ Text, &aftertrial difcover that his excellent & noble fiiend’s gold, as.hc^ fpeaks , is butdroffe, I U pehe will eafily pardone my not prp^uj further fruitlefs fearciTinto what he calls his own ore. And thus 1 Sift: Reader unto the pcrufaJ of what follovves. R E A D E R, Before thou read he pleafed to correB with a pen thefe Errata* P Ag. i8,Lin.29. read, probabilities, p. 19.1.13. r.its. p.2i. 1 .29.r.Rule!] ].i5,r.an. p. 14. 1. 13. r. preach, p. 28.1.27. r. ordination, p.29.1.17. p. 5*2. 1. 2. what. r. with, p. 55. 1. 17. with. r. which, p. 68. I.3 i.r. revolutf p. 68. 1 .3 5- this, r. his. p.72.1. 30. r. cuffed, p. 73. 1. 30. expreTed, ffexpeUed. p. 74. 1.25. was, r. were. p. 79.1.29-r. wifdome. p. 88. 1. 6. prefefve.’r- preferre, p. 92 1 . i8.he. r. the. ibid. 1. 28. Mafters r. Majeftie. p. io6. 1 . 23^ur,-r. t^ir. p.. 109. 1.18. r. change, ibid.I 29. r.enjoyed, p. 114.1.13. r.pieee. pretended, r. perpended, p. 118.1.18. r.diftinft. Tag. 1 Cafe of the ACCOMMODATION, Lately propofed by the bishop of DUMBLANE To N O N-G O N F O R M I N G M I N I S T E R S> VVherein alfo T he ancient Trojlapa , or Solemn League Splfcopm is confidered, and Covenant occafionally vindicat. and the Uch have been the high aridftiffoppo- fitions , and no lefs contrary and im¬ portant confequences ofPrelacie and Presbyterie within this Church, that as their Accommodation may be very defireable to all our temporizing pur- fuers of peace; fo certainly it doth no lefs challenge the fincere and ftrid fearch ofall the followers of Truth, U- pon which confideration, havingbeen indBe'^ilto a more particular notice of the rife, procedure an ifluipfthis affair, lamrefolved, for the impartial vindication ot ^he Cords ordinance of Government in his Honfe, and our en- ‘^ffgements thereto j and in the confcience of that known pre- ^t, to exhibit my obfervanons u- pbn^it;! with the calmenefs and candor fuitable to fuch an mquirie. , And therfpre, omitting to prefaceany thing upon the nr pro- pofal of this Treatie, and the methods of its profecution that have ^^Ic-been praitifed > I shall take its termes from their moft a ure * ^ warrant> a 7hecafe of the Accommodation warrant, viz. the Articles lately given in at totheMi- miflers there conveening, under the title, and of the tenor fol- lowing, . ^, 2 Articlespropofedhy the Bishop or thehiyQd'fn^ mi tty: as any othermatter. 5. It is not to be doubted , but my Z. Commijfioner his Grace wid' mak^ good what he offered) anent the eHablifhment of Presbyteries dW^^/ds and we truH his Grace will procure fuchfecurity to thefe Brethren fordecGring their judgement) that they may do itwithout any ha'i{ard,incontraveei^yig any Law: and that the Bishop fhad humbly and earnelily recommeridthWiO' his (jrate^. . ■> tf. That no Intrant fad be engadged to any Canonical Oath-pr Subfirip^ lion to the BifJjop j and that his opinion, anent that Govermient , fhad nol prejudge him in this: but that it fhad be free for him to decUYCfl'' ^ , ^ Zxmined* ^ Thefc being the conditions offered, in order to the intended a^ccommodation , it is evident, that for a! due underftanding of their import, we ought firft to know what is the nature of thefe Meetings called Presbyteries, Synods, and Provincial Affem- blies, to which the Brethren are invited : And for that end , we muft not only tranfpofe the fifth Article to the firfl place, and fup- plie it with fuch other probabilities as may be had 5 butalfoarife a little higher, to remember the changes that we have lately feen; and from what , and to what they have carried us : For , feing our joyninginthe prefent Presbyteries and Synods, with 9 or un¬ der Bishops, as they are offered to be reduced, is that which is principally demanded of us,it is fo little polTiblc^without this pre¬ vious examination, rightly and fairly to define the cafe in contra- traverfie > that I can hardly acquit the prepofleroufnefs and defi- ciencie in the Articles, of a greater error then a common miftake. The thing then which comes firfl to be noted in point of fadt, and which 1 shall reprefent with thattruth and impartiality , that 1 hope none shall deny it, is , that this Church, having in the Year i6j8. abrogat and abjured the Government of the Kirk by Bishops, and fet up Presbyterian Government in its pureflfim- plicity and paritie, w e together with the renewing ofthe National Covenant, folemnly engadged, Qonjlantly to adhere unto ^ and de¬ find the true Religion then ejlahlishedy inn)o^rine, Worshipand(jovern~ meM ^.contrary JO all the novations and corruptions from which it was at that time reformed \ and to labour by all means , for the purity and liberty of the 04 it was eJlablUhed andprofefedbefore thefe novations. After wmi^time the Church , in our acknowledgement, did enjoy aMiniflrieand Government truely Ecclefiaftick, committed to 'tlierp by, and depending upon our Lord Jefus Chrifl alone, as i^gin Zion, and Head of his Church. Thereafter, by an Ad: R,dci,frorie,itwas declared and flatute, by both King and Parlia¬ ment ,;in.the Year 164.0. and 1641. agreeably to the Oath former¬ ly taken , t^atthe foie and only power and jurisdiction within xfeis Kii^* did ftand in the Kirk of God as it was then reformed j ' General, Provincial and Ptesbyterial Aflemblies, with A X the ^ theCafiofthei^ccmmodathn theKirkSendotiseftablishedby-^if?. P. 1592. & in like manner, by the Solemn League and Covenant , entred into in the Year I643, the whole Kingdome doth again fweartothe prefervation of the Reformed Religion ot the Church of Scotland , in Dodtrine, Wor¬ ship, DifciplineandGovernmentj and to extirpate Popery, Pre- lacie, Schifm, Superftition, Profannefle, and whatfoevershall be found contrary to found Dodl:rine,and the Power of Godlinefs: Which engagement, we are bound all the dayes of our life :{ealouJIy aud conflantly to continowin , againU all oppofttion'^ and to promovethe fame^according to our power. Thus matters flood, botli in obligation and general obfervance, until the Year 1661. At which time, the Parliament then fitting, having prepared their way by exalting of the prerogative, in oppofition to, and for the overthrow of the pradlices of bygone times, fpecially that of entering into Leagues and Bonds ^ they at one blow refeinde all Parliaments after the year i6]3. and the Government of the Church, being thereby wholly deprived of the civill fandlion, and its continowance, by another permitted and declared to be only precarious , during the Kingspleafure; Afterward,all Ec- clefiaftick meetings in Synods, Presbytries and Seflions, are, by proclamation the 9 january 166 2. difeharged, untill they should be authorized and ordered by the Archbishops and Bishops then nominat by his Majeflie, upon their entering into the Goveriv ment of their refpedlive Sees. By which means, tll€ fornper tj'o- vernment being overturned and razed unto the very foundation , at lead as much as the wit and power of man could efledlu^ 4he next thing th at offers, is the new ftrudlure and frame that is raided in its place: And in the year 1662. the Parliament again meeting by their firfl Adi forre-eflablishing of the Government of Churchby Bishops , laying it for the ground, That the diffofaHf the external Government of the Church doth proper f belong unto hit Majefihy 04 an inherent right of the Crown , hy vertew of his Supremacies They do- thereby redintegrat the eflate of Bishops, not only tewheir places in Parliament, and their accuflomed dignities andprit^iledges,* but alfo to theirEpifeopai fundlion, Prefidency hitheChtft^,. Mxamifted. S and power of Ordination, Cenlures and all Church-difclpllne to be performed by them, with the advice of fuch oftheClereie as they should find to be of known loyalty and prudence. And, for removing of allfcruples, the Parliament doth furder refcindeall former vS?/, by which the foie and only power and jurifdidtion within this Church, doth (land in the C hurch, and its Afiemblies; and all other Adtswhatfomever, giving any Church-power, Ju- rifdidtion or Government to its Office-bearers or Meetings, other then that which acknowledgeth a dependance upon, and fubor- dination unto the Soveraigne Power of the KingasSupreme5 and which is to be regulated and authorized, in the exercife thereof, bythe Bishops and Archbishops, who are to be accountable to his Majefty for ther adminiflration: And moreover, by the fame Ait, the Ait 1591. (whereby Presbyterian Government was an¬ ciently confirmed, and which, by vertew of the above mentioned Ait Refciirory,did now in fo far,by the Ait 161 z.fiand refcinded) in refpeit that it doth alfo limite the Kings prerogative to be without prejudice or derogation to the priviledge that God hath given to the Spiritual Office-bearers in the Kirk , concerning heads of Religion, Herefie, Excommunication, Collation, or Deprivation of Minifters , or any fuch likeCenfure, fpecially grounded in the Word of G od. T his Ait, 1 fay, 15 9 2. is now for this reafon totally annulled, in all the heads, articles and claufes theteof: froip which Ad of Refiitution, although the nature of our prefect Church-confiitution may be very obvioufiy gatheredi yet * thereare two other alfo, to the fame purpofe, of which I cannot bur^e notice. The one is that concerning a National Synod v^er^in his Majefty, by vertew of his Supremacy, doth more ab- Tolutely appoint and determine upon the manner and members 'ihereof, then if it were a meer civillCourt, unqueftionably de¬ pendent upon his Royal Authority 5 referving to himfelfe, afwell 'tliepropofal , as the-final approbation of all matters to be therein treaW ijjae other is the late afterting theSupremacie, Svhereby t^ Supreme Authority over all perfons, & in all caufes efiaftick, isfofiillydeclaredtoappertaine totheKing, and A 3 that; 6 The cafe of the Accommodation that by vertew thereof, he may difpofeupoh the Government and Perfons Ecclefiaftick j and ena^i concerning the Churches meet¬ ings and matters therein to be propofed , as he shall think fit, that a more abfolute power in any thing can hardly be devifed in bis favours. Thefe ABs lying fo well together, I could not but lay them forthtoajointconfideration. Andfromthem, Ifiippofe, itwill be very evident, that the work ofthelafl; revolution, was not only an invafion made upon the Churches Government, by the fetting up of Bishops, and their ufurpation over Presbyteries and Synods, ashapened in their former introdudion, proceeding the year 1612: But that the alteration made, is plainly fundamental: and that, by hisMajeftiesafluming all Church-power to himfelf, as the proper right and prerogative of the Crown, without fo much as pretending, with the Pope, aCommifiion from Jefus ChriftforthiselFed:^ and conveying the fame by rhefe communi¬ cations alone, which he is pleafed to difpenfe 5 and to fuch per¬ fons and meetings as he thinketh good to appoint, and maketh to himfelf accountable ; there is not fo much as that Genus of £c- clefiaftick Government recognofced by Presbytery, as only fountained in, and derived from our Lord as Head of the Church j let be its fpecification from our Claffical form, at prefent to be found'inbeingin this Church. But it may be faid, that J feem to make a difference betwlxt thd' former and the latter eredlion of Epifcopal Government in this Church-, and yet when Bishops were brought in, in the yea^j|>o6.' the Kings prerogative was, by the then Parliament, firftenaafef, and by the next Ad, their reftitution is thereon alfo founded •, and in like manner, by the Ad 1612. Presbyteries and Synods ar? turned to exercifes of the Brethren, and Diocefian vifitationsj ^n A the power of ordination, depofition, and excommunication., is given to the Bishop: and to compleat all, by the fam^Ad, the Ad 15 9 2. was alfo refcinded: So that it appeares, A at betwixt the former pradices, and the late eftablishment, thesis no great difparitie. ’Tisaniwered, the apparent refemblance ofthe|:hi|g| Examined, obje(C^:ed, is neverthelefs accompanied by fuch real! and mate¬ rial! differences, thatic doth only themore notablie evince the ftrangenefs of the methods, and nature of the prefenteflablish- ment, beyond all that the famedefignes in former times could fuggeft. King James was indeed bent for Prelacie, as all do ac¬ knowledge; but by Peeking thereby to qualifie and overfway the Government of the Church, in effed to fubvert all Government given by our Lord unto his Church, is an abfurditie which his better underflanding did prudently forbear j and nothing , fave either the myfterie of this growing iniquity, or the precipitancie of our times could have produced. Now that this is the true (late of the difference betwixt our, and the former times, the particulars following will eafiely evince. And/r/?, it is true, the Parliament 1 606. doth, by their firfl Ad:, declare the Ki ngs prerogative, but only upon the narrative of the acceffion of the Crowns of England2ind Ireland, and in (reneral, over all eflates, perfons, andcaufes, without the leaf! derogation to the explication made in favours oftheChurch,by theParl. 1592. Whereas^in our dayes.rhisSupremacy hath been aflerted,declared and exercifed, in order to Ecclefiaflick Perfons, meetings and rnatters, not only far beyond any thing pretended toincivilsi but above all that ever was arrogate, eitherby Pope, or temporal Po¬ tentate. Next^ by the fecondAdl of the fore-mentioned Parliament i6o6;^^f?i66i. laying down the Supremacy for the ba- fis, and afcrybing to himfelf the origen of Ecclefiaftick p(|^r,' reftores the Bishops , in the fame manner, as if they were Ills own Commiffionersand Delegates. And to the effeCfthe Supr^- v^- macy may tranfcend all, ih^AH 1592. is totally refcinded, with|;^'^ out fo much as a referve for the Proteftant Religion *, as is abovdf declared. Fourthly^ in former times, whatever were the errors and wrongs, either of Church, or State, or both, iii^hebringing^^' in of Bishops; yet this is very certain and important; that the Church-aftemblies, atfirft, conveened by warrandi)f the Chur¬ ches intrinfick-power > and after> confirmed by the Paf^iai^|^|: Exofnlned. "4 \ 59”2. were not Upon the change difcontinued j but honefl melt did therein maintain both their right and pofTeffion, except in fo far as the fame were invaded j and they hindered by the Bishops their prevaleneie: whereas of late , not only were the former Presbytries and Synods raifed &:di(rolved,butthe newmeetings, now conveened in their place, were appointed to fit down, as they fould be authorized & ordered by the Bishops and Archbis¬ hops 5 who thereafter, are, by of Parliament, refloredand impowered by the King, as fupreme, over Perfons and Cau- fes Ecclefiaftick, and declared Arbiter by right of his Crown in thefe matters: So that it is evident, that they both are called in his name, and do fit and adf , by vertew of a power, acknow¬ ledging a fubordinationunto, and dependence upon his Sove- raignity 5 by reafon whereof, they are alfo to him made accoun¬ table. 1 grant, that for better concealing the myfterieofthis Supre- macie & Prelacie, the prefent meetings were fet up, for the mod part, in the fame bounds, & much under the fame forme and name with the old presbyteries and fynods: But feeing their precarious doth manifeftly bewray the Dodfors groffe inadvertencie j & that the more to be regrated, that he is not affrayed to obtefl: us, as beforeGod, to anfwere for our flicking at fuch a fun^ilio^ when yet he himfelf, in a short but untrue fuppofition of the famnefs of the former and prefent Epifcopal courts, infinuateth a very obvious reafon, rendering the difference very material and important. To be plain therefore , feeing the Supremacy, as at prefent i^():ablished,hath clearly everted and fw alio wed up all true Eccle- fiaflick - government j and the Presbyteries and Synods now bearing that name, are only its^unwarrantable Conventicles 5 unlefs that thefe prevailing floods of this prerogative be abat¬ ed, and. the true eflablishments of the government of the Lords houfq^ifeovered j I do not fee where the difire of any to be innoceSt can reft, orhow the Lords faithful fervants can be fatiffied, .ann comply with this part of the overture. I might here , A'.' . ■' By adde •V The Cafe of the t^ecommodation adde, that feeing there may be in fome cafes jufl: reafbn for with¬ drawing, afwelbecaufe of the quality ofthe members, asthena- tureoftheconftitution, the reAification ofthe latter can as little inourcafeasin any be refpedVed as a full ground of fatisfa£lion: butthedefe^ftivenelTeof thir x^rticles will more properly after¬ ward come to be confidered. And therefore I shall now go to the Firft, to fee what is there¬ by further offered: and here vve find it propofed , That, if the dijfenthtg brethren voill come to Trefbyteries and Synods > they /had not only not be obliged to renounce their om private opinion , anent Church' govern¬ ment, andfioearandfubferive any thingthereCo i but Jhadhave libertie,at there entrie to tbefaid meetingyo declared' enter it in what form they plea/e. If I were enclined toufe sharpnefs, I might on jufl: ground fay ,*that this Article, certainly to be underflood of entering to fit & ad, & not only to protefl & teftifie , doth contain no httittSahohr our exceptions, then what 5 ifadmitted, will equally allow the fame accefle to the Pope’s Conclave, or any other the moft unwarran¬ table and corrupt meeting upon earth*, is as evident, as that a Jefui- tick refervation of opinion, and declaration without any effed, or a proteflation contrarie to fad, is thereby judged a fufficient exo¬ neration. But to come to thepurpofeclofely,! affirme that the Sy¬ nods and Presbiteries, here invited to, are not truely fuch, but meerly nominal and pretended: being in efied Courts authorized by Bishops,and fubordinat tohisMajeftiein matters purely.Eccle^ fiaflickj over and about which he himfelf hath no fuch power. And ■ for the former part ofthe affertion, the Ads & other things by me premifed do abundantly clear it. As for the latter, that the King \ hath no fuch powerinand over the Churclv, it being uncontrover- 7 r ted in the Presbyterian perfwafion, and the Supremacy,made the ' ground of the abovementioned ASi Re^iimion , being to them a greater caufe of offence, then any of thefe difficulties in this mat¬ ter of conjundion with Presbyteries & Synods intended by the Accommodation ; it was the part of the Accommodaiors , either by convidion or condefcendence, to have removed it. However I may not digrefle i only 1 am aflured, if thefe three things be ebn- fiderqd Examined, fidered, whichT amreadie to demonftratagaind wliatfoever0]> ponentj (i.J That thisEcclefiaftickpo\ver?s the foie prerogative of JefusChrift, whereoftheadminiflration was committed by our Lord to his Church, when no Magiftrat was a Member thereof, and that upon the Magihrats becoming Chriflian , there is no ground adduceable whereupon it could accreafe to him: (2.) That all the power of the Magiftrat is, under God, from the People, and in fuch things over and about which the original po¬ wer was to them competent, to which this Church-power canin no fort be reckoned. (5.) Thatallthe extraordinarieinterpofi- tionsofgood Kings and Empercurs, in matters of Religion, did no wayes flow from any inherent right or prerogative they had converfantin thefe matters; but were the pure product of nece/Ti- tie, Mained by the righteoufnefs of the work,& deficiency of the more proper means. Thefe things, I fay, being duelyconfidered, I am very confident, that all the pretenfions of the Supremacy will very quickly evanish; and therefore it inevitably followes \ that, feeing the Kings Supremacy is a high ufurpation againft our Lord &Mafter,all Courts depending thereon,and acknowledging the fame»& partaking therein,what ever opinion a man do refe%e, or whatever declaration be made anent it, muft alfo be rejected. < But here there arifeth agreatnoife and clamor, whatiare the prcfent Presbyteries and Synods no Presbyteries and Synods > - thenarethc prefent Minifters no Presbyters > But their is nofucli hade; neither have thefe things any further connexion,then that the prefent Minifters are not Presbyters , in fo far as the fame denotes a pov/er of ruling committed by Jefus Chrid, which tru- iy„ I think in ingenuitie they can not deny,- fpecially feing, that although they hold themfelves to be Miniders by miffion ffrpmChridj yet they do neverthelefs acknowledge their power ofEcclefiadick Government and Jurisdidion to be from the King, on whom they grant that the Miniderie, as to other things, doth not in luch a rnanner depend: Whereupon it evidently followeth} that if thepower of government, do as well arjd in the fame man- -Her flow domjefus Uirid, as the power of order fas the Schools - fpeak); 16 7 he Cafe of the t^ccommdation fpeak ) doth 5 and chat thereby true Presbyteries and Synods da only fubfiftf then, thefe meetings, which recognofce hisMajefly as Supreme for and in the exercife of the power which they ac- claime, can no more be truly fuch, then he who, by vertew of his Soveraign’s milfion, would pretend hinifelftobe a Minifter. But what need of more words; iftheprefent conform Minifters, and there meetings, have difclained ]efus Chrift for their immediat Head, in matrer ofGovernment, and owne no power thereof, but what acknowledgeth adependenceupon , andfubordinationto his Majefty as Supreme, wherewith neverthclefs he himfeif is not at all veiled 5 and ifon the other hand, we do difallow all Church- Government, and mediings and meetings thereof, which do not hold theircommilTion and warrant from Chrift alone, as the Head of the Body; what concurrence can we make, in on and the fame Aftembly ? Or by what falvo may my fitting and adling be juftified in a meeting, in the power whereof 1 hold it unlawful to partake ? For my part > fince, in the matter of Ecclefiafiick Go¬ vernment, they do not hold the true Head, but have betaken themfelves to another, to whom they do referr, & are accountable for all their power; if we, who in Confciencedobothdeteft this ufurpation, and difclaime all share in any power, fave what our Lord hath committed unto us, defire to be excufed from thefe Af- femblies ; 1 think, until they firft convince us of our miftake in thefe things, they cannot rationally blame us for Sep^ra^tion. And therefore, what ever may be the effcdl of an entrie,qualified either by declaration or proteftation, in order to theireein^ of the partie from an apparent conftrudlive accelfion , to certain acci- ^ dental corruptions that may be inameecing, to which heisother-^ s wife obliged tojoiile ; yetfurelam, in this cafe, where the very conftitution itfelfis fo unwarrantable and corrupt, that non (;an adVively partake therein, without fmj. this remediehere oftered is altogether infignificant. The nextthing.that here occurres,is, that although this referva- tionofopinion and declaration permitted , could be ayrf/z;^?, as to the eviiis of the conftitution; yet, without ddubt, there is a confide- 'Examined^ confideration to be had, in fuch coniun fahes jJjail he managed, inTreJhperies and Synods ^ hy the free vote of Prejhytersi or thezMajor part of them. This is indeed the main & prin¬ cipal condefcendence : andit is to this place, that, afw el for the fatisfadfion of fuch Brethren as poffibly will not fo eafily, at firfl:, admit of the foregoing reafon s, as for a full an fw ere to all thatcan befaid for this Accommodation, I have referved to difeourfe - uponitat more length, and on all fair and probable Suppofitions. ..^jnfupplcment therefore of this Article, and to take it in the mofl i/v - 'fadvantageous fenfe that the Propofers can defire, I adde, that con¬ fidently therewith , it feems the Bishop is to be reduced to a con- flalit Moderator: whence inprofecution of my declared purpofe, waving anj further exceptions againd the nullity of the prefent PresbyteriesYnd Synods, Iclearly date the Quedion thus. Whe¬ ther a conO.ant Moderator, orfixed for termeof life, in ;'f C hurch^*meatings, be a thingin it felf lawful > And how far it is " by us admilTibleJ And what complyance we may have lor it- C Anh i8 The Cafe of the (Accommodation And becaufethere are fome papers gone abroad from the Bishop o^Glafgoiv , as is fuppofed, upon thisfubje^^ i and that the current of the fpeeches at 'Taftlj} wereof the fame (train; 1 conceive, for rendering of the debate more certain , it will not be amiffe, that 1 bring them to a particular and exadf review. And in the beginning of thefe Papers, we find it alTerted, That Epl/copal (government , managed in conjun^ion with Trejbpters in Tref- hyteyies and Synods ^ U not contrary either to the rule of Scripture^ or the example of the primitive Qhurch ; but agreeable to both. That this pofition doth hold forth no more then the lawfulnefs of an Epifco- pmTrafes ^ that upon negative grounds, giving the afTerter the cafierpartof defence, is obvious to the firftobfervation. To have affirmed an obligation to this model, though the Author’s choife had not been convenient.7>^^ thing which hath been Jt is that which Jhall be, and an agreeablenefle to Scripture and antiquitie, is for the time a very colourable pretenfion, andallthat’the Author dare adventure to affirme; But that as much may be faid for a Pres¬ byterian paritie, exclufiveofthisprefidencie 5 1 thinkouradver- fari esthemfelves will not deny: And it is very evident, that it isthe thing they have no inclination to redargue. Which advan- tage, lyingequally and fairly on our fide , and being confirmed by polfefiion (Irengthned by an Oath, andtotheprefentcon- vidfionofall (moftlyarifingfrom the contraryefFe(AsofEpifco- pacie)fealed with the feal orgood Gofpelfruits, one oftho great evidences produced by Taul for his Apofielship; how much it doth impugne the late change, and juftifie the averfion andnon- compliance of allgood men therewith ; all rational men may dif» cerne. But, feeing our caufe is not as theirs, leaning only to ne¬ gative probalities , and the power wherewith it is fupported, to deal clearly in this matter, though we do not pretend to a ppfi- tive , exprelTe, and particular Scripture-precept, as well againfi: theprefidencie, as for the parity pleaded *, yet, that we have an equivalent divine warrant, more pregnant then what in other particulars is acknowledged for fuch , even by our Oppofifes; The following heads do plainly evince. \ ' ^ . -• lEscamtnei. 19 And/)^, Thatjefus Chrift.King in Zion,fitting and rulingnpon HisTlirone, to whom all Power is given, and who is the Head of the Body 5 when He afcended on high, fent forth His Apoftles to gather, feed, and rule His Church, promifing to be with them to the end of the World; and thereby hath appointed a Govern¬ ment inHishoufe, fuitablero thefe holy ends for which it is de- figned,is not more evidently founded upon theScripturC'grounds infinuat, then firme in its connexion and inference. 2. As theApoftles and their Succeflbrs were the only perpe¬ tual Pallors ordained by our Lord 5 (for as for the miffion of the Seventy^ whatever allufions after Ages, according to their then model, did draw from it, without all peradventure, accordingto is own tenour, it did expire before our Lords fuffering) fothey were by him conftitute in an exa6l paritie, as Brethren: and be- caufeof this equality, and the nature of their Miniflrie, ourLord forbids among them alldiflindionof authoritative Superioritie, the very name ofand abufed, and all ambition &affedlation of thefe or any other elating dignities and titles^ but they are only commanded to outftripe and exceed on another, in that diligence and humilitie recommended to them in that com¬ mon fervice , whereuntothey were deflined. 3. According to this command given, fo they converfed and behaved in the Church ofGod, without the lead vellige of impa¬ rity, either in power or prefidencie: Nay on the contrary, with a manifefl equality,except itbeinfome notes ofapparentprehemi- nenc^ in thefe, by men efleemed inferior, exprefly, as it feems rccorded,to counter-ballance the vanity of ambition of after Ages, wfio in favour of others, might imagine a Superiority. And Inch are the principal refort made to James, his moderating rather then 'T^ers in the meeting at refiftance to Peter, and the right hand, of fellowship given to him by James, Qephas and John, and the like. 4. The pallors appointed by the Appollles being their fuccef- fors,,both1ntheir ordinarie power and bleffing, whatever might be the inequalitie betwixt them and the Appodles, either from - C 2 die 2,0 The Cafe of the tAccotnmodathn ' the immediacy and extent of the Apoftlcs their miifion, their infallible affiftance and greatereminency of gifts, or by reafon , that the Apoflles were the Lords chofeii witnelTes, and authors ofconverfionto moftofthem whom they ordained 5 yet, as to the perpetual and ordinary power given to, and tranfmitted by them in the Church, it is evident from Scripture, that, in that, they neither claimed nor exercifed either fuperiority or prefiden- cie over other Miniflers. Henceit is, that as they call and ac¬ count them* their brethren, partners, fellow-labourers, and themfelvesfellow-eldersViththemj fowefinde, thatwhatinon place Trf«/afcribes to the laying on of his own hands, in another he attributes to the laying on ofthe hands of the Presbyterie: And the fameT4«/, whowasnota whit behind the very chiefeft Ap- poftles, receiving a folemnmiflion from a Presbyterie, notcon- fifting of Fellow-apoftles, but of other Prophets and Teachers. Gifts there fore were indeed diverfe and unequafand imploiments alfo were various inthe dayesofthe Apoftles, according to the then exigence of a growing fpreading Church: but that either among the Apoftles themfelves, or them and the Palfbrs by them ordained, or among the Pallors themfelves there was tlie lead imparity, inrefpea^f that ordinarie and Handing power continued in the Church, as the palTages mentioned do plainly confirme the negative j fo there can no indance be adduced /rom Scripture in the contrary. '^Qknov}TmothieiTitui,d>ii\itAngeh of theChurches,are much talked of, as thefird fuperior Bishops.* and to this it is as,.eafily reponed. 1. That there is nothing enjoyned or recommended in Paulrl^^ ^\{[\estoTimthie^ which is not proper for every Pador, unle-^ w hat is evidently referable to his office of an Kvangelid there ex- prelTed. 2. The command given to T/ius to ordain Elders , was by way ofexprelfe commiffion, and not in the lead excludve of the concurrence of otlier Elders where they might be found in the place. _ _ A. That 21 l^afnlned* 5 That It is in thefe veryEpiflles, more then any where els inScripture,tbat both the names of Bishops andElders are promif- cuouflyufed, and thething and office thereby fignified held forth to be the fame. And laftlyyXh'sX the known ufe & elegancie ofthe fingular num¬ ber for the plural,with the figurative fpeech and tenor of the feven Epiftles in the Revelation, do no more allow the Angels , repre- fentingthePaftors, then the Stars fignifying the fame thing, nay or the Candleflicks the Churches, to be taken for Tingle perfons. But for further clearing of all thefe and like obje(ftions, I referr the Reader to the many Authors, by whom thefe things are more fully handled. Thelegrounds then being all undoubtedl/ Scriptural, with what confidence can itbe demanded, where doth the Scripture hold out a paritie among Minifters? Or how can it be affirmed , that the ^pt/coput Pr^/es contended for, fpecially with his neceffary prefence in Ordination, as we will afterwards hear, is not con¬ trary , but agreeable to the word of God? By all which it appears, that as our Presbyterian paritie is plainly warranted , both by ge¬ neral Gofpel-ruies , and very exprefle inflances contained in Scripture! So theapparent lawfulnefs ofany other form of mans devifing, can be nojufiification thereof. But it is obj ei^ed , If thu ground be reje^ed^ how will we maintain, or where will we fade an exprejfe command or rulefor our own model ofKir^- fejpons y Prejbyteries, St ands Provincial and National^ with aCommif- fionofthe Kirk, in their fever al dependencies and fubordinations t and ijhe changing ofthe moderator in thefe meetings , excepting that only of the Kirj^feftonsf wherein the Minihier doth con(lantly moderat; for without exprefe Kule , a Bifhop or fixed P ref dent map very well confili with that fradne , which we contena for: cAnd it U really and aPlually fo at thiipre- fentin thii Qhurch't In anfwering this objedion, 1 mud begin with its latter parr, which isfo diredly contradided by theprefentconflituticn, both in its legal edablishment, and known exercife, as I have already proven ^ that I marvel how it could efcape any perfon of ordinary 21 The Cafe of the Accommodation 1 underflanding. As for the main thing obj edVed, having from the Scripture aflerted the warrant of our parity, its difficulty is eafily fatisfied: for feeing that by Divine inllitution the Church is ereft - ed into one Society, and officers in an equal parity for its ovcr- fight and Government thereto appointed j And feeing that in e- very concefTion, the things natural and proper to what is conced¬ ed mufl: be underflood to be therein imported 5 the libertie and power of common counfeU together with the fubordination of the parts to the whole, do thence neceffarily refult. The pre- miffes ofwhich argument, being fo confidently compofed ofScrip- ture and rcafon thereon dependent, I need not here enlarge in any explication. Sure 1 am, he who duely perpendeth thefe un¬ controvertible Scripture-truths; That the Church is gathered into one body 5 that the Apoflles together, thePaflors and El¬ ders together are incharged with its overfight and rule j that the Spirit of the Prophets is fubjedl unto the Prophets 5 and that where two or three are gathered together in the Lords Name, there he is in themidflof them; It is impoffible he should re¬ main doubtful of the Divine warrant and authority of our Meet¬ ings. Conforme to which truths and principles, we not only finde, in the Ads of the Apoflles, the Church governed by com¬ mon counfel , but the fame Meetings and Councels infpired and directed by that humilitie, love and harmonie,thatnomore^then a chair man for the time, & no fixed moderator can thereihb^dtf- cerned. If thefe grounds were not both folidly and evidently con- clufive of all neceffarie for meto prove, I might eafily, without % either worming or flraining (as our moderatifls phrafe it) adduce and make out from Scripture precedents more exadly correfpon^^i dent to our formes: But feeing the right and Priviledge of com^ mon Counfel for Government, in order both to the whole and certain of the parts, is by Scripture-pradice obvioufly held forth; its extenfion to all the parts,and their fubordination to the whole, doth fo naturally and neceffarily follow, that I judge it fuper- fluous to engadge my felf further into our adverfaries fcrupulous - quiblings. • Examined. 2^3 Now , as for the Cmmijjion of the Kirl^i 'whereof Scripture warrant is alfo required, feting vve do not hold it to be an ordi- narie Church-judicatorie ^ but do only regard it as a.deiegation from the preceedingNational-ailembly elicit by extraordinary exi¬ gences, and precifely accountable to the next efifaing,lts right is io certainly parallel to that of every Committee, appointed by any meeting for difpatch, that unlefle it were alledged, that this pow¬ er of commifllonating is by Scripture inhibite- itmuftofnecef* fity be underdood to be founded in the fame warrant u ith theAf- femblies, from which it doth flow & receive its confirmation. I contend not , but our obfervance in pradice might have had its own failings in this point : but feeing the excefie in this mat¬ ter, if any was> did probably flow from the miflake ofafuppo- fed expedienciej the evidence of its warrant and right ufe, by fuch and error in fadf, cannot at all be impugned. But the minifters their being conflantly moderators in Kirk-fef- fions, among the Elders joyned with them for Difcipline, is that wich our adverfaries do urge, asagreat advantage for proving the lawfulnefs of the fixed Moderator in Presbyteries and Synods, and our incohfequence in denying the fame. In the fond conceit ofwhich argument, it hath been , and is fo frequently by them inculcat, that here is a Presbyter, having a fixed prefidencie among presbyters , that I am fure it may juftly naufeat or move tolai^hterany indifferent obferver. To begin therefore with this childish cmphafis, taken from the terme Presbyter,and thecalling of the minifter and parochial- elders , both of them presbyters 5 fuch indeed they are : but feeing the fcripture dothwg;:rant the office ofour Ruling Elder, &alfo attributeth feveral other names to Minifters, agreeable to the main labour,and to thefe Parochial Elders,only that ofPrefby- ters or Eldersj and yet on the other hand,the claflical Afiemblies, principally confifling of Miniflers, are commonly called Presby¬ teries: Ifufe, fordiUind:ion, bathappropriat to thefe Parochi¬ al-elders the name of Elders, rather then that of Presbyters, what: folly is it to think , that acontrary ufurpation of names can be of < I The Cafe of the t^ccommodation -I any import 5 or wherefore do not our adverfaries, if they have fiich a complaifance for thefe conceits, tell us further what a Gran¬ ge thing itistofeeaPresbyterie fforfo aKirk^feffjon may well be termed) cor.fiftingonlyof one Minifterand all the reft Laiks, as theyfpeak,and withal refled:upon thefe more pungent retorfi- ons neater Home, viz. that in their way, a Bishop pretends to a- Superiorityorpr Jencie over many Bishops , and a finglePref* bytermuft have the preheminence over his Fellow-presbyters. But leaving thefe fopperies , and taking words according to the determination of cuftome infuch cafes, in anfwer to what is material in the objedion, 1 fay (i.) That where there are two Minifters in a parish , they moderat in the Seftlon by turnes. (2) Where the Sehion doth confift of one Minifter, both aprea- ing and a ruling Elder, and the other Elders of the Congrega- tion, who are but his helpers in difeipline, his different quality, with the double honour allowed to him by the Apoftle, doth a- bundantly determine themoderatorship in his favours, (j.) If aMinifler, who is the Paftor and teacher of the whole flock, do prefide amongft the Elders of a fecondarie order Joined to him for his alTiftancCi will it therefore follow, that one Minifter should fixedly prefide over many, in the fame order withhimfelf, and equally concerned in all thealTairesof the meeting? What Logick can knit togetherfuch inferences? • Having thus demonftratfrom Scripture- precepts and p'rktJkees, andfirmerationalconclufions thence dedudfed, the command of our parity, with the warrantablenefs of onr Courts and all their gradations , lam very confident, that we do thereby fully fatisffe all the obligation to bring a clear command for thefe Judicatories and their fubordinations , which our affirming them to be^f unqueftionable divine right, & inftitutions undoubtedly flowing from the Kingdom of Jefus Chriftin his Church, and the only lawful government thereof, do lay upon us. As for what the author alledgeth againft us,that we do afnrmethemto be the very Kingdorh of Chriit upon Earth, and theabfo'utely neceffary, aswel as only lawful government of the Chriftian Ghurch: what T Examined. • ever tumor may appear in fuch exprefllons , over and above - the account I have given of the matter , it is his own devlf* ^ ing , on purpofe contrived , that he may rcprefent us as high { talkers , above the alTerters of other forms } and yet we not < only know that the commenders of Epifcopacie , as the on- i ly true ancient Apoflolick government of the Church, do * fpeak at as higharate , to fay no more 5 b^ «• their ading in its behalfe doth indeed furpafs all other mei res, lam certain ^ will eafilybeby all acknowledged , who confider how Pres- j byterie is the only butt againfl which thcirmalice & perfecution ^ is levelled, andthat into this malice, all the zeal they ought to ^ have againfl poperie , profanity, atheifme and irreligion feems ^ t j be converted •, which flirting adlivity may alfo in this lame Au- J thor, who,beingin his Miniflrie rather a reclufe monaflick # 1 is foritsfake becomeaverybufie Prelate, mod obvioufly be in- • danced* Now, as by the grounds which 1 have adduced for our Presby- ‘ terian paritie, the contrary repugnancy to Scripture rules of a \ fixed prefidencie is fufficiently held out 5 fo I would gladly know, ' from what shadow of probabilitie the Scripture agreeablenefle i thereofisby our Author aderted. For my part , unlefTe it bein ! the indance of a Diotriphes , I know not w here the lead vedige of it is to be found. And therefore I fay in the next place, in oppQfition to thefecond point affirmed, viz' the non-contrari¬ ety and agreeablenede of this Epi/copuipruefes to the example ofthe primitive Church> thatthough, in the fecond and third Cen¬ turies of the Church, this Ty^y/^yJWcould be more evidently difco- vered; yet, feeing the better pattern ofthe more pure and an¬ cient times do holdout no fuch thing , but an equal paritie a- mpng the Elders or Overfetrs TBishopsJ ofthe Church o^ God, levelled byhumilitic, and ordered by love and concord; and that this Prefidencie did, in its tendencie and progreffe, become the rife not only of afpiring Prelacie , but of the monflrous Papacy, itisevidentthatitisameer humane invention, equally unwarrantable and dangerous. And here 1 might show how little - D light fht Cafeofthe^ccmmodathn light we have, evert in the acknowledgment of fome of our Ad- verfaries i fromHiflory , or any other pure and credible Kecord of the Churches conflitution in the^Centuries mentionediand that themoreiiearto thedayesofthe Apoflles, and more uncorrup¬ ted any fuch teftimony is found, as that of Qlemens and Ireneus (for as for Ignaiim Epiflles, even thefe of them that are of the beftrepute, lam fure no impartial Reader, who confiders ei¬ ther the worth oftheperfon, or the fimplicide of the times, or the Rile fuitable to bothjwill judge them to be from fuch an Au¬ thor ) the more they homologat with Scripture in the Syno- nomie of Bishop and Presbyter, and the famenefTc of the office thereby fignified: And I might a!fo make it appear, how that for all the alteration and advance made towards Prelacie in the fuc- ceeding Centuries^ yet the Fathers in thefe times, chiefly Jerom , did affirme the fame truth of the Apoftolick times, and the Age immediatly fueceeding: But as I am too well perfwaded, that pride was the firft and mofl fubtile and adlive corruption that did invade the Church; fo I can very eafily grant that a T^mocathedria was thereby very early either Occafioned, orufurped: and there¬ fore omitting to infill, how that partly by defigne of the ambiti¬ ous, partly bymiflake againfl the fadlious it feemeth to have been introduced, 1 shall rather endeavour, by a few obferves , fo to difeover the evill of its rife, and its worfe tendencies, that in this above all, all men may perceive the perincioufnell of hu¬ mane inventions , how fpecious foever, when fuperadded to Gofpel truth and fimpiicitie. And lirfl 1 fay , that the alledgeance made for this proHa/ia , as conducing much to order and the cure of divifions, in fofar as'l^t refpedls itsfixednefle.isa vaine & emptiepretenfe: for, feeing this fixednefle as fuch importeth no more then the fufpending of the more certain change of an annual or other termlyeledlion, unto that more uncertain one of term oflife, and that fometimes this latter may notwithflanding happen to be more frequent then the former,it is obvious to any mans calme and ferious reflec¬ tion , that it is meetly to the prefidencie, and not at all to this con- Examined, ^ 17 j rroverted qualidemitfelf confidered, that the advantages com- < mended can be afcribed: And therefore as it is certain, that, the I concerne of order being once duely provided for by afutable mo- , deration , the more obnoxious the perfon moderating is to the j fuffrage of theSociety, the lefTehazard ofan enfuing abufe or J ufurpation j So it is very evident, that thisfuperfluous fixednefs, : importing a certain degree of exemption, could only in the end j prove a foment of pride and gratification of ambition,as the event i itfclfto plainly verifies: of which ifany man do yet doubt, let him £ confider Papacy, that under thispretenfe , fortified byjk- ^ rom's tefiimony , Cun£ii (nempe Apoliolt) claves regni c<£torum acci^ \ piunty tameninterduodecemunus eligitur^ utcapite conjlitutofchifmatis i ,did not only arrogatto itfelfthePrimacie, butto i this day doth thereby vail its Tyrrannie. Igrant thatpowerisa 2 foveraign antidot againfi; contentions anddivifions: But if we , meafureit out by our own wisdom, with a regard only to this ^ exigence,neitherrefped:ingtheLords warrant, northefufficiencic j of gifts and countenance of his blefllng , it is verymanifeft that ! this rule may quickly lead us to furmount the Papacie and its im- j plicitefaithi and never fufferus toceafe, until,by anabfolutefub- ' jedfion, both Truth ScConfcience be fwallowed up of ignorance and llupidiry. Let us therefore above all things in the matters of God fiudy his own way: if we negled this fure and excellent ordinanceofafelf-denyed and lowly Gofpelminifirie, with thefe prefcriptions of truth, humilitie and love, given to us as the reme¬ dies againfi: all diforder,fchifme and herefie , andindulge to our Ctwndevices, wherewilwefubfifi? I neednotreprefenrthefub- tilty and prefumption of mens delufions, fpecially for promoting thatmyfierieof iniquitiethat worketh in Ecclefiafiick afpirings : If our blind probabilities were fufficient to authorize themeans of peace and ordenthere is no quefiion, carnal reafon would again infinuat, according to the pretenfions that raifed the Papa¬ cie , and the frequent fuggefiions of our times in bebalfe of the Magrfirat, that the proper andafiiired way toafirme efiablish- meht^ were torefoive either mans beleile,or his obedience into 20 The Cafe of the Accommodation the uncontrollable determinations either of the Pope, or of the Prince, But as the difpoficions of the Soveraign and only wife God are not to befathomed ,let be regular by our narrow and weak capacities ,• fo ought we alwayes to revere thefe peremtoric and feuere reftraints, wherewith he hath bounded the darrings of vain reafon, notfo much as to think in thefe things above what is written 5 fpecially in the cafe in hand, when not only manifeft difappointments, as to the ends pretended, but the worll: ofcon- fequences have by a very vifible progrelfe openly difcovered both the folly and prejudice of this prefidencie under queftion. For evincing whereof I obferve. 2. that as it is not unto this fix- ed prefidencie as fuch, but unto the more abounding grace of God, under thefe frequent and grievous perfecutions wherewith the Church was thenexercifed , that the Angular order, unity and charity of the primitive times is to be afcribed; So the gradual advance of t his together with the joint and perpetual de¬ clines of true knowledge & piety, & concurring increafe of pride, contention, irreligion & fuperftition , are very pregnant eviden¬ ces of its vanity. 1 need not note that the firfl times to wdiich this prefidencie can lay any claime were the purefljits firft fetting up,as mofl: acknowledge , was in the fecond Centurie , in a fimple Vrotocathedria to the to/djr Presbyter : Shortly thereafter it turned toTi'VroJlafiagisQnhy election i and then (lil afcending, evenun- der the difcountenance and perfecution of the Heathenish pow¬ ers and people , it did notwithftanding , what by wrefling the eledionin many places from the Presbyters , and what by ufur- ping the power of ordinantion andcenfures, advance to a very high degree of Prelacie: as is aboundantly confirmed by what may be gathered from the Records ofthefe times, and efpecially by good words to his Presbyters E///?. 6. Jprmordio ^.p/copatusmeii (latui nihil JtneconfilioveJlroprivatafententiagererc^: whereby as it were inoppofitiontothe then corrupt cullome of otherBishops,he plainly infinuateth his contrary refolution.Now what, under this progrefleoftheTrd?^^<2/riZ, dill pretending to be a remedy, was the growth of the evils both of contentions,' Ichif- B-xamined. 29 mes and herefies (fpecially in the intervals of the Churches fuffe- ^ rings, wherewith thefe feveral degrees were manifeftly attended, j needeth not to be enforced by many inftances. . as to fuperftition, contention and fchifme, who for a different ob- j fervation oi^Bafch (a weighty point forfooth) did excom- j municat the better halfe of the Chriftian world, may (land for a ; thoufand : and as for Herefies, their catalogues are almoft end- ^ leffe : But though its rife under fo great preffures , doth very \ convincingly argue the flrong and fubtile Spirit working in its ^ elevation 5 yet it was from the time oiCon^antin s Empire, and ^ the rifing ofthe Sun of profperitie upon the Church, thatitdid j yet more evidently begin to difcover itfelf in its proper collours : j And from this period indeed it was, that, more and more exalting ^ and explicating its powers, itceafed not, until through proud and j fervid contentions ofthe prelats amongft themfelves forprece-^ dehcie ( more dangerous by far then althe pettie conteftsthat i could arife among Presbyters) and thefe ftill varnished with he I pretexts of unity, peace, and apoftolick example, but really ani- I mat by pride and ambition, and accompanied with covetoufnefs, | luxurie, negled of truth, abounding of errors , fuperftition and ; irreligion, it at length arrived at the papacie j which , by its ty¬ rannous infallibility and implicit faith, didin the end indeed bring forth, in the dedroying of true knowledge and confdence, an apparentpeace and unity , mod like to that indifferenciein the matters of religion, and furrender and abje£lion ofconfcience , which the abettors ofourfupremacie do, under the fame plaufible names and pretenfes, fo much endeavourto introduce. 1 his being then the growth, progrefle and produd of this FroJIajIa 6c its lying pretenfe of remedying 6c preventing fchifm (in effect nothing els then thefutable revelation of that myderie which ai: hrfl: did more latently begin to work under its leffe difcernable appearances ) wdiat judgment is to be made of it, I leave to every mans ingenuity. If it be objedled, that although the cnfuing of Prelacie and Papacie, and ail their evils upon the ancient Epifcopacy may give a colour to liie premifed difcourfe 3 yet it is eafie in fuch matters D 3 to . 30 TheCafeofthe^^ccemmodation to flram obfervations; and thefe confequenccs maybe only it$ accidental and not its proper cffe^s. *Tis anfwered, not to infift upon the natural and gradual connexion of die things reprefented, more eafie to be difcerned by impartial reflection, then perfwad- ed by fuperfluous arguing, it is veryobfervable, Firfty that the great, if not the foie reafon, that from the beginning hath been or can be alledged for the fixed prefidencie, viz. the careof divifi- ons , and prevention offchifme > was that which in the righteous judgment of God, according to the deceivablenefle of unrigh- teoufnefSjWas 11^11 made ufe of for carrying on the Myfterie of ini- quitie, until that at length it appeared in its own colours, and dif- covered its efFeCts, infinitly more pernicious then the evils which it pretended to obviat. 2, That in matters Religious, the want of Divine inftitution, and confequently of ourLordspro- mife and bleffing, together with the adtual following of bad fruits & efleCfs, area fufficientdemonftration, that the thing queftion- ed is thereof properly productive. 1 need not obferve, that it is upon this ground that the Popes Primacie and Headship is ve¬ ry juftly charged with all Romes Superftitions and abomina¬ tions: If of old , Ifentthem not , therefore they Jhall not profitthh 'Teople , was by the Spirit of the Lord made afure and firme con- clufion j shall not then the vifible accomplishment^ I appointed it not, andithath not profited, but been attended with many grie¬ vous mifehiefs, prove an evidence equally convincing ? But it is faid, admitting that this was indeed the courfe of its ex¬ altation in thefe times yet the propofal of it being now rnade with a manifeftly contrary defigne, and in effeCl to low and reduce Prelacies the preceeding reprefentationis of no moment, 'fis anfwered, I grant that this reduction is indeed given out to be the defign of the alteration offered: But feeing it is in the Suprema- cie,more then in the Papacie in itfelf confidered,that the ffrength and complement of allcorruption in Ecclefiaflick Government, and the very end and defign of Prelacieitfelf doth lye; and that the prefent offer of this Prefidencie, is only a Politique draught, tending by the engadgingoftuefe who juftly reclaim tpfit .&aCl 'Examined* ^ j in its Courts, to the more compendious and fure eftahlishment of ^ the fame Supremacie,and rendering of its influences more efJedlu- | al ; it is evident that its projecf may pofllbly appear a more co¬ vert j but is in truth ra her a more dangerous part of the fame \ myfterie. If then this fixed ^rafes , at firfl fee up in the Church, be \ a thing unwarrantable and anti -fcriptural^ that the Epifiopui ^ T*r^fes offered to usmufibe much morefuch, cannot be contro- ] verted 5 in as much as there are feveral material differences be- ^ twixt the one and the other all aggravating againfi the prefent pro- • pofal, as this short comparifon of the two doth abundantly hold a out. The EpifcopmEr<£fes in ancient times was at leafl: in the be- j ginning chofen by the Presbyterie over which heprefided, and. confequently was by them cenfurable j as alfo he did only pre- I fide over one, and that oftentimes a very fmall Qajfts^ the taking • of the election from the Presbyters, the exempting the then Epif. ■ copui 'Trafeskom their control! , and the fuperindu&ion of Metro- ' politansand Arch-bishops being allpofierior inventions, where- | as the 'Trafes popofed to us is to be nominat and appointed by his j Majefty ,* and for any thing we know by him only depofable or { removable ; Asalfo theleaftofthemistobeovermany Presby- . teries or Clafles, whereof any one is by far too large for a confeien- tiousGofpel overflight, and two of them over feveral Synods,not to mention their extrinfickand abfurdfecularities,clearlyincom- patiblebothwirfi the nature and work oftheir office. Whichdif- ierences to be both certain and material, it were eafie for me to make out : Butfinceour rejecting of this doth proceed ■ upon far more folid and comprchenfive grounds, I shall not urge them: Only, that I may a little recreat my Reader, the returne made at *Tafel)- by a worthie Doctor, to that difparitie of the pre¬ fent his being nominat by the King, is very obfervable j and after he had meenly declared the manners of old ele^lions, and how the People fometimeafwel as the Presbyters had an in- terefl therein, and having made his anfwer, that the Church did' then appoint and choofe this Pr^^/, for want ofaChridian Magi- ftrat, with no better confequence then if one should alkdge,. Sz The Cafe of the i^ccommodation I thatfor the fame reafon the Church did then, and the Migiftrat might now, ordainMinifters, he proceeded to prove the law- fulnefleofhisMajefties appointment and nomination,partly from * the prerogative of univerfal Patron , competent to him jure coro- 1?^^, and by oiPayliament , and partly becaufe that an inferi¬ or Patron by prefenting a Minifter to the Kirk of his prefentation, : doth thereby make WimdiProeHos over the parochial blders. Was notthisgraveand judicious realoning? But feeing the right of pa¬ tronage is in it felf a civil right ^though indeed a fad incumbe- rance to the Church) only refpe£ling the benefice, by vertue ; whereof thePatron conferrethnoEcclefiafl:ickpower,or any thing ! pertaining to the office, but> in that regard, referres the per- fonprefentedintirely to the tryal of the Church , which alone admitts him to the fundlion. and conveys to him any Ecclefiaf- , tick power thereto competent, I only wishriie Oo(ftor that reflec¬ tion and fobrietie as may hereafter prevent fuc h flegmatick mifia- kes. The next argumentagainfi this fixed prefidencie, and why we can not confent untoit.l take from theOath ofGod that is upon usj not that I account thefeCovenants to be the main,if not the only, ground of Scrupling, as the Bishop alledgeth to be by many of us pretended: No, 1 am more perfwaded, that there is nothing fworne to > or renounced by us, in thefe ingagements , which is not antecedently either duety or fin, then to be in love with their Arguments, who, from the determination that may arife from an oath in things within our power, dothenceconcludea- gainfi: Epifcopacie as in it felf a thing indifferent, andbyouroath only abjured. But fcing Covenant-breakers do now turne Cove- ’ nant-interprcters , and it is the authors own undertaking to ; proi’e that a fixed prefidencieisnotcontrary to this our oath , and : feing that the fame oath doth indeed fuperadde a fpecial obliga¬ tion , as we shall afterwards hear, 1 shall firft shew, that this . I Spfcopusprefs is by us abjured, and then review the authors obfer- vations in the contrary. And 2 LStothcfrf^itisn 6 t^wmthtSoler}^nLea^ueandCovet^ant - that • ■ - ^ Examined* S j < that we do only or yet principally conclude in this matter / no he ^ whoremembereth what 1 faid in the beginning concerning our j Reformation in the year. 163 8 ♦ and our renewing of the Natio¬ nal Covenant , with the explication theretofubjoined, where- j by, having found Presbyterian government with an equal paritie, « to be the government appointed by the Lord in hisHoufe; and that the fame v/as formerly eltablished by Oath in this Land , and ^ having then reftored it, we bind our felves conflantly to defend ^ and adhere to the true Religion, as then reformed from the nova- j tions and corruptions that had been introduced ; whereof the ^ f overnment of the Church by Bishops, and their conflant Mo- j eratorship were reputed to be a part 5 and to laboui; by all law- . ful means to recover the purity and liberty ofthe Gdfpel as it was ^ profefled before the forfaid novations: he, 1 fay , who remem- j bereth thefe things, will eafily grant, that it is upon this Oath , ; that our chief obligation depends , anditistoitthatweareto re- [ ferre our ingagementsby the League and Covenant, whereby | we are bound to preferve the reformed Religion in the Church of j Scotland, in Do(Ctrine , Difeipline, Worship and Government: j fo that the fecond Article of the League, binding to the extirpa- ; tion of Popery, Prelacie,&c. And whatfoever shall be found contrary to found Dodlrineandthe power of godlinefle, (what¬ ever refpc6t it may have to EnglandIreland for the future yet) to Scotland9 itmufl: more forcibly inferre an abjuration of all thefe things already found to bcfuch 5 wdiereupon it moft evident- iyfolloweth, that Presbyterian government with its exadf pari- ■ tie, being then the thing fworn by us to be preferved5 and E- pifcopacie in all its degrees abjured, as novations contrary to Truth and GodlinelTe: this fixed Prefidencie offered, and our confenting thereto, isdire6:ly contrary to thefe Oaths andln- oagements. Butnow, let us confider what the Papers fay unto this point. And^>y?we are told. That notveithflandingthe many irregulariUes and \ violentrpayesofprejjingandprofecutingofit, jet to them who remain un~ 1 der thecon/ciejice of its obligation , and in that , feem invinciblj perfwaded $ ' ‘ ' . E it , V 13 4 of the Accommodation j it is vivy pertinent , ift^ue to declare the confiftemie of the prefint govern • j menteveriwiththat obligation^ ’Tis anfwered, thefe infinuations of I irregularity and violence being only general, without fo much as ^ acondefcendencie, letbeany verification, 1 might very juflly negledtthemj but, beingmade byaperfo.'i, who, after being eyewitnestotbe courfes which he reproacheth , did both rake the Covenant himfelf, and adminiflrat it to otl ers i and now not- Withflandingthat all the cavillations and objections of ad verfaries have been anfwered without reply ^ hath under his hand renounc¬ ed it, lean not pafle them without iom.e admiration of luch in- confcionable infolence , ofwh ch i do hereby defyethe /Author to acquit himfelf by any rational and probable inflance . we have indeed hecird the proud calumnies of prevailing Adverfaries but feingtltefeare certain truthsi.lhatthis Landbeing in the beginning lawfully ingaged in the National Covenant, did upon the occalicn of the enluing and growing defections and no\ ati • ons, very juftly both renew and explaine tl eir ingagements, and allbcenfure fuch, w ho , by reluiing their afler.t, did evi¬ dently declare their apoflafie. 2. Thatnotonly thecommunion ofSaints, butthe very force of that obligement of conftant de¬ fence and adherence, contained in the National conftiain us to make the League and Covenant , as the vifibly necef ary mean for that end, and without which conjunction the prelatick par- tie in Englandi which had twice from thence perhdiouOy atrac quedus, prevailing there, had in all probabilitie overwhelmed us, that the refufal of this fecond Covenant, by any who had ta¬ ken thefirfl, could not but be condrued a breach thereof; and expofe them to condigne punishment, 1 hat the countenance and confirmation of Authority being demanded, and unjudly re- ftifed, to I hat, for prefervation and maintenance, whereof Go¬ vernment it felf was fet up, can not in realon make the deed fo done, for vant thereof unlawful. And 4. 1 hat the fufTerings of recufants in cur lorm.cr times were,either for the merit or num** her of the delinquents, veryfmall and inconfiderable , and have been by the renverfings and perlecutions of ihefe late times fo Examined, 3 $ < many degrees exceeded > that itisashameforany perfonof inge- ^ nuity, by accufing the paft and owning the prefent, toshewfuch ] partialide. Thefe 1 fay , being certain truths and fo fully held out ^ by feveral writings on our fide, it is impoflible bur, the fame being \ duely perpended, allthe vapour of this fmoak muft inftantlye- » vanish.. , But in the next place comes the Authors kindnefle and charitic ^ to relieve fuch y who labour under an apprehended inconfiflencie c ofthefe their Oaths with this fixed Prefidencie 5 & in profecution \ hereof, he fayeth, T hai if men would have the patience to inquire, this our s Epifeopacie void he found not to he the fame with that abjured-, for, that is the i government of Biflops ahfolutly by themfel ves and their Delegates^ QhanceU { loursy Archdeacons, ci c. As it is exprefedin the Article, ir was onpurp&ft ^ exprejfed to difference that frame from other forms of Epifeopacie^ ^particu^ i larffrom that which is exercifed by Biflopsjoyntlywith ‘Tresbyters in Vref i byteries andSj nods, which is now ufed in this Church. And here I might i again take notice ofthe grofTnefs of this mifiake, fuppofing our i prefent Church-government, becaufe forfodth it is not exercifed ! by Chancellours, Archdeacons and the reft exprefted in the fe- j cond Article of the Covenant 5 therefore not to be that which ; w as abjured, but a diftind form managedby Bishops joyntly with Presbyters : whereas it is evident as the Sun-light, that our 'Earliament^ddiVsox. only in preparation to the late change make void the obligation of our andallthe Ads and Autho¬ rity offormerTtfr// ^ ^ fuch ^ 30 The Cafe of the ^Accommodation fuch as it is reprefented, or at lead by the propofal of Accommoda¬ tion : As the miftake or rather wilfull error of this paiTage, doth borrow its colour and pretext from the fecond Article of the Covenant,obligingus to the extirpation of Poperie and Prelacie, that is to fay, &c. according to the defcription there fet do wn5 fo, the thing obvious to be obferved for clearing thereof is that in order to our cafe in Scotland it is not the obligation of this fecond Article to extirpate^ , that we are principally and in the firll: place to regard; but it is thepofitive ingagementof thefirfl, binding, as to Scotland , to preferve , and , as to England-^ndi Ireland^ to re¬ forme , that is in a manner the key of the whole, in as much as by the Church ofand to endeavour the ferlement of the Q\\uxc\\oiEnglandi the fecond Article is manifeflly fubjoined by way of execution, viz. that for attainingthe ends of thefirfl we should endeavour the extirpation of all things therein, either ge¬ nerally or fpecially enumerar, which two Articles, the one to preferve the then conflitution of our Church , with fo great con- tendings lately reformed from this corruption, amongfl others, ofthe Bishops their conflantModeratiship, and the other, toex- tirpatc every thing found to be contrary to found dodlrine, and the Power of GodlinefTe, as Epifcopacy in all its degrees had been by our Church declared to be, doth certainly make up an obliga^ tion mofl direiJlly oppofite to, and inconfiflent v/ith this Prefi- dencie re-obtruded. Thirdly^ if thirluk- warm Conciliators were as mindful to pay their vows to the mofl High, asthey are bold to devour that which is holy , and after^vows to make inquiry, in place of this impertinent wrefllng andmifapplication of thefe obligements in the LeagueQovenant , which do more properly concerne the at-that-time-unfetled Eflate oiEngland and Ireland, then the efla- Wished condition ofthe Church oiScotland as we shall immediat- I ly hear, they would rather confider their own and our obligations ; by the National fovenanr^^ and how in that day ofour diflrefre,and ! wrefllings from under the yoke ot Prelacie, we fwore unto the ij Lord to defend that Reformation whereunto we attained; and con- Examined. j Gonftantly to reje£t and labour againd all thefe Novations and cor- ^ ruptions, from which we were then delivered: Under which ^ Head ofNovations and Corruptions, 1 am alTured that every con- - fiderat perfon willfoeafily perceive this Prehdencie and Modera- ^ torship o^ Bishops to have been abjured, that he will almoft as ^ much wonder at the heedlelTe expofitions of our Adverfaries, put 'j upon thefe Covenants, as pity the fin of their perjurious declar- j ingagainftthem. It istherefore certain ^ that as, fincethelle- ^ formation, we had not in Scotland (pedes of Prelacie particu- ^ larly defcribed in the fecond Article of the Solemn League^ , but ^ the fame was therein infert, mainly in order to our neighbour j Churches^ fo the Epifcopal Government, at this day reftored in ^ Scotland, is the fame, and worfe then what we had before, and the ; Prefidencie now propofed was one of thefe very corruptions a- , gainft which we are bound forever to preferve this Church at that ] time therefra reformed. J But the Author fay es, That theTreshperiansin England do gene- [ f ally take notice of this didindion viz. T hat hy the Covenant the Trelacy jj only therein deferihed y and not mo derat Eyifcoyacie y that is, a form of ^ Synodical Government conjunH with afixeUTrefidencie is abjured. And | for proving this aflertion , he cites the two Papers of propo- falls to his Majedy by the Presbyterian Brethen, ^.ydnno 1661. fMafter Baxter in his treatife of Church-government, and Theoyhilus Thimorcusy in his vindication of the Covenant not to be againd all manner of Epifcopacy , but that Prelacie only therein fpecified. It is anfwered; to meafure our main obiiga- * tion by ihe Covenant > in order to the Church of Scotland by that part of it which was principally intended for the Churches of England and Ireland^ is fo grolfe and dull an inadvertencie , that', 1 am fure, nothing, lefle then a-judicial deliifion could havemadeaman of the Authors knowledge and fobriety to lapfe ' into-it. Nay, feingrhat he himfelf doth note , that when that Covenant was framed, there was no Epifcopacie at allin being in ' Scotlandhutm Enolandoniy. Isit notawonder, tharthence con-r eluding that the extirpation of that frame only could then be ■ E 3 meanci ^8 TheCafe of the ^Accommodation meant & intended, his logick should fo pitifully fail him as not to adde, and from that Church alone where it was feated, which would have fo clearly reftridted the fubjedt of that Article, that I am certain * at on glance, he had difcovered all his applications of it unto its primarieGbje(ft to be impertinent. But where there hath appeared no confcience in keeping} why do we ex- pedt much fenfe in interpreting > And we all know , what kinde of perfon it is of whom Solomon faith, that hu eyes are in the ends of the earth. To bring him back therefore to the purpofe, it is the obliga¬ tion oftheChurch oiScotland ScMemhers thereof in order to its felf, anent which we do now inquire, & for clearing thereof it is grant¬ ed, that by the Solemn League the Church of Scotland being then ellablishedjtheprefervation of that eftablishment, with the duty of extirpation in fo far as is neceflary thereunto, is only covenant¬ ed, which, though it do fufficiently exclude this fixed Prefidencie, as contrary to that efi:ablishment,and alfo unto found dodfrine & the power of godlinefle; yet it isby the NationalCovenant & its fub- 3 oined explication whereby not only the Epifcopal Government w hich then was amongft us,& is now rellored & advanced, but the Bishops their confiant Moderatorship, as a novation and corrup¬ tion in this Church, is plainly abjured. By all which it is evident, that as the League 2.ndCovenant,heingrQkzrQd to the National , by w hich the efiablishment in the former fworne to be preferved wasfirfifetled, doth manifefily exclude this Epifcopus Prafes i fo the obligement inxXie League to extirpatthePrelacie therein defcri- bed, only applicable to the Churches where it then was, ismofl improperly made ufe offer explaining our ingagement in order to our felves in the cafe controverted, Now as to the citations of [the Englijh Authots adduced , it is certain as to the prefent queftion we are not therein much concer¬ ned} theyfpeakof the obligation of the Covenant in order to England-, and how that Article oFextirpation for that Ghurch p/m** cipally provided is to be underfiood, the thing that pertaineth to usisto confider, how far, eitherby the] 1 ^ 4 ^^/^and or any other ingagement Jying upon us, vve are bound againfi: ail cor- Examined. J corruptions to the prefervation ofthc fetlement we then enjoyed, o which are lubjedsquite diftin^l j and thereby this heap of cirati- ^ onsgaiheredby the Author is by one blah dilTipated. But leh it i may appear hard ihatvve should be bound to fuch aprecife form i in Scotland , and England\n that fame Covenant left to fuch a lati- * tude, it is anfwered, not to refleih upon what might have been the j fecret deftgns of fome unfound men in this matter which we i neither were bound nor could dihindtly know, this one thing is i evident, thatforusin Scotlandt who could not expedf that En- e gland, groaning to be delivered from Prelacie, should inhanrly S uponourgrant ofahihanceembrace Presbytery in all its forms, t of which they had not lull and exah: knowledge and no experi- i cnee, and withall jfeingwe did hold Presbyterian government to* ♦ be according to the word of God , and knew the common ehima- I tionthen madein £nglando^t\\QQ\'.mc\\itso^Scotland, Geneva, x\\q ; Nethedands, and f y^?«f^asthebeh reformed; the obligation provi- i ded in the to endeavour Englands reformation accordin we did very rationally relye. Neither is thefitme in the lead: impugned by that which isal- Icdged out of the Authors cited j viz. That many grav^ men of the Ajjembly of Divines defired that the Prelacie might he explained, hecaufe it wa4 not all Spifcopacy they rvere againE; and therefore the parti-- cular dejaiption TPaifuhjoir^ed'. eu al/ofomemembeis of 'Tarliament fern- pling the meaning of Trelacy , it wo/i rejolved with the confent of the Bn - thren in .‘^cotland, that the Oath war only intended againii Trelacy , as theninheing in Kngland > And cJTLr (foleman adminiflrating it unto, the houfe of Lords ui^ fo explaine if* : Becaufe as it was indeed very confiftent, that in fo far as Snglana had then attained, we j! shouid t aveclofed with them in a particular Oath for extirpating ! the evil difeovered: And yet for a further advance reft upon the | more general obligements, fofurely and fafely cautioneti . until ! God§houldgiveturther light; fo ihe common acknowledgment ■ 40 The Cafe of the t^ccommodaUon of both parties ♦ that the then Prelacie was only exprefly abjured, and not all Epifcopacie, feeihg no fpecicsof Epifcopacie was on the other band either by them referved, or by us confented to , doth nothing contradid why both therejeding of all Epifcopa¬ cie, &fetting up of Presbytery might not ftill be covenanted unto under the generalprovifions ^ And therefore, feeing it is very agreeable both to Truth and Righteoufnefle, that a Church con¬ vinced of evils, but not fo enlightned as to the remedies 5 may covenante againfl: the evils in particular, and alfo to endeavour a full reformation according to the word of God j and, byvertue ofthis general obligement, become bound to make a more exadt ' fearch, anent the lawfulnefle or unlawfulneffe of things, anent which in the time of the covenanting theyi were more hefi- rant, and after difeoverie to rejedt even that which formerly they thought more probable . It is very evident that all the doubt¬ ing in England moderat Epifcopacy, at the time of thefe ingagements , do nothing impede, why both they and we, in our refpedtive ftations , are not hill obliged to reform that Church from all Epifcopacie, and to extirpate it as contrary to the Dodtrine, which is according to godlinelTe. So that Englands la¬ titude , as to this point, is rather apparent then real, and our obligations in order to both Kindomes arein efFedt<7^Vif?/Wthe fame. 1 grant the Authors cited do underhand the thing other- wife: but not to tell yow that the propofals mentioned were neither made nor approven by all, nor belike by the foundeft Presbyterians m England^ that A/r is not fingular in this only iubjedt, and that who hath done very well in his mainfubjedt, might have donebetterinthis particular; one thing 1 am confident to affirme, that the ground which all of them lay down, viz. that all manner of Epifcopacy was not by the Cove¬ nant particularly abjured, is mofl: fallacious, inafmuchas, ifitmay be demonflrat from the word ofGodand experience, ^htit all manner of Epifcopacy is repugnant thereto and to tliepbwer of godlineffe, f as 1 am fure it may, and it hath been by me eOayed) its non-abjuration infpecialdoth nothing milicac againfl tl]e im» portof the other general Article. ' As “ . --- --- -------. l.xmined, 41 As for the other grounds contained in the Author’s citations, vizxhe agreeablenefl'e of this prefidencie to the fcripture & primi¬ tive times, and the cuflome of our Kirk-feflTions j they arealrcady anfwered: & what Baxter addeth anent the Superintendents & Vifitors, which we had in Scotlandm the beginingof the reforma¬ tion, itisaseafily removedby the then infancy of our Church, and extreme penurieof Paftors, as his other argument from the temporary moderators 1 chofenby Synods for the occafion and to them accountable, is concludent as to the fixed prefidents now under quefliion. To thefe Authorities the Author fubjoines that» Though we have the names of Chapter and CommiOarie, that none of thefe under that name exerce any part of the difcipUne ^ nor is-thU done hy any other having delegation from the Bifb ops with a total exclufion of th€ eommunitie ofTreshyters, which U a great part of the difference hetwixt that modelofTrelacieto beextirpat and this with us. Who would not pity fuch folly? who knows not that £;7^/W/Prelacie was ever dif* ierent from any Epifcopacie that we had in this Church fince the Reformation, although by the way 1 mufl reminde my Read¬ er how much by the late reflitution it is advanced ) but if by the particular obligation to extirpate , contained in thefecond Article of the League^ we be only bound to extirpat Bnglands Prelacies doth it therefore follow , that notwitftandingof the obligement topreferve Presbyteriethenfetled and in general to extirpate every thing contrary to found Dodfrine and the Power ofCodlinefTe, and efpecially by vercue of the abjuration, made by us of our former Epifcopacy in the National Covenant , that yet vve are not bound to dilTent from & oppofe the late refticution,where¬ by Prcsb) terian Govern.being overturned, the famcjyeaa worfe bond ofEpifcopacie then what we abjured,isreftored.Really thefe inftnuations are fo raw, that I am ashamed to medle with them ^ & yet^he /Authors fancie ( which all that know him , know to be in him a very over rulingfacuity)beingoncelefed with this miflake anent the'Article for extirpation, he goes on and tells us that he mil not deny , that the generahtle of the people , y.eA even of M imile s m F Scotland-s i \ 41 The Cafe of the ^Accommodation Scotland, might have underjloodthat lA nicle oa againfi aU 'Epi/copacy, But if he will credit truth, he may be bci ter informed, vi:^. that though the generalitie might very well, b, tiie w.iolecomplexed tenor of that An icle, underhand all hpilcopacie to be Iworne a- gaind, )et it is mod: certain, that they dill urderdood their principal binding ingagenient agaii.d ittofiowfromiheirabjura- tion in ti e year 163b. Ai dtheiroa'h , in loth Nationaly and 1 eague^Lud Covenantyxo prtferve and adhere to Pre:>b) terian paritie then edabished: andtheretore the new difeovery here Preten¬ ded, as if» he Covenant did admit ni our Church am oderatEpif- copacie, notwithdandingourobligement to extirpate prelacy, with all the ridiculous tatle enfuing , concerning the genuine confidcncie of the words ofthe Article for extirpation, with fuch aqualihedanddidindfivefenfe, and alfo the meaning of many of the compofers and impofers, for a moderate Epifcopacy diffe¬ rent from that Prelacie, is but the continuance of the fame de- ludon. But now I hope to awaken this Dreamer , who addes, That un- le/fevpe makyit appeare ^ that the Eptjcopacie now in quefUon with m in^ Scotland u either contrary to the word ^ ortolhe mitigated fenfe of their own Oath , it would feem morefuitable to Chrijlian cha>itie to yeeld to it , 04 toilet able at k aft y t hen to tominue fo inflexibly fafl to their fit ft mif takes ^ (f’c. And with this I licartily clofe: and therefore feing fnot to repeate in this place wlati have already proved, that the Epilcopacy now among us is not fo much as Chrids, or true Ecclefiadick-government, bur meerly his Majedies ufurpa- tion ovtnhehouleofGod, which all men ought to abhorre) I fay , ti.at feing 1 have in Ibnie meafure proven , that the E- pifcopacy in debate is contrary to the word, and ('Whatever may be the impertinent mitigation offered of the Article to extirpatno wa);es proper to our purpofe) thatyetitis diametrally oppofit to the National Covenanty and our abjuration thereiiV coj^tained , and rhe drd Article ofthe as above declared ;. ]i hope our Adverfarieswillceafetoaccufeus ofwant of charity '& ofinflexi- bilitie, but rather yeeld themfelves to the convi^^ion of the truth, - 1 Examined. 4 J j fpecially tothe obligation of our 'National Covenant^ which our o Author hath liitherro very fatally and foolishly forgotten: and ^ thus 1 fuppofe the Bishop, receiving better information of our J grounds, vvillatlead: ceafe from his prefumpruous confidence, < untiil lie find outfor us a more colourable folution. S As to what is added in the Papers of the averfion of feme in j as being againfl all E pifcopacy, it y is evidently a drain of the former ravery . and therefore , mis-re- % garding both the obje(d:ion and folution , I come to the next paf- e fage , wherein the Author , calling off all fear of God, reve- S fence to the mod learned and pious Afiemblies that ever fat in r Britain , refpedldue ro as wife and honourable Parliaments as ever , thefe Nations beheld , the good opinion and charity he ought , to have for men and C hridians truly fuch, and regard to his own i credit, being once far engaged in thefe way es, proceeds with- . out the lead verification to give a charadVer of the its i courfes, made up of fuch reproaches of fimpliciry or cheatry a- I gaindallingagedin it, perplexity and vexation of all that faith- | fully adhere to it, and infolent mocking at the overthrow of Gods work and defolation of His Sandtuary , that malice iifelf i could have uttered nothing more falfe and virulent. T/^e truth ii (faith he) that befides many other evilt , the iniquity and unhap^ pinejje of fuch Oaths and Covenants lyes much in this , that being com-* fnonly formed by perfons j that even amongH themfelves are not fudj of one minde^ but have their different opinions and interejls toferve^ (and itwoA fo even in tlii) they are commonly patched up off) many feveral Ar. tides and Qlaufes , and thefe of fo verfatile and ambiguous termes, that they prove moH wretched fnares andthickets of briars and thorns to theQon^ feiences of thefe that are ingaUged in them , and matter of endl ffe content tions about their truefnje, e c. Effecially in fame fuch alterations^ 04 alvs>ayesmay\ and of ten do ^ even within a jew years, follow afterthevi_ ^ for the rnodels, and produff ions of fuch devices are t oi ufually long- lived Thus he, Andforjudifying thecenlure which ferioudy I have without prejudice premifed 5 \firff inquire , why is there here fuch an infmuation prefaced of many other evils, whereof ^ F i there'. 44 1 ‘he Cafe of the ^Accommodation there is not one enumerat ? Mud: we believe the to cb worfe then can be expreffed, becaufe the Accufer can prove noth¬ ing ? And why is this accufarion pretended to be in general of all fuch Covenants, when yet it is exprelTely intended againfl: the League and Covenant't Is it becaufe the Author would have us to reckon it amongfl; the word of combinations? Or becaufe he hath the fame regard and faith for all Covenants, orat lead that by filch a general he may the better cover the pointednede of his calumnieonly levelled at this. But taking all to be fpokenof our Covenant, itisfaid, that it framed hy "Lerfons among^ themfelves not fully of one minde , hutferv* ing their different opinions anUinterefls. But, i. Whatever might have been the unfincerityand byalfeofa few Perfons, as there is nothi ing perfed; yet that tlie bodies of both the Parliaments, Adem-* blies, and People of thefe Nations, were adted inthematterof this League with fuch unanimity, draightneifc and zeal for Reli¬ gion and Liberty, as can not readily be indanced in any Age or Nation, and could only be the effedt of a Divine prefence and af- fidance, is unto this day nolefl'e the comfort of its faithful Adhe¬ rers, then theconfufionofallits Adverfaries. 2. As the matter itfeif was thus carried, fo 1 can appeal to the remembrances of thoufands, that the taking & renewing of our Covenants, both in this & our neighbour Land was attended with more dncere mour¬ nings, ferious repentances, and folid converfions, then almod hath been in any difpenfation of theGofpel fmce thedayes of theA- podles. 3. Admitting that the Perfons and motives influencing this Covenant had been fuch as is reprefented, yet, 1 am perfwad- edthar, fuch is the truth, righteoufnede, plainnede, andcou^ fidencie of all its Articles, that conddering their brevity, the mighty parties ingaging, and how circumdantiat, with their u- niverfal and mod important concerne, that which is offered to make its reproach , is the modvifible Argument of ihe Lordso- ver-ruling Providence, andevidence ofthe Covenants glory. But it is further alledged, That itu patched up of fo many feveral , LArUcksandclaufes i and thefemof jo verfatile and amhiguotti termesf ..____ i£X 45 ^ j ihut it proves a moH reretded/harc_j. Certainly« in fait» yea in ^ charitable, dealing, if the Author had intended either the infer- ^ mation ot the ignorant, or the conviction of the obftinac, or had j but tendered his o\v n repute, fo broad and foul a challenge should* ^ at lea’-t have been qualified by acondefcendeuce. It were eafiefor ^ me to appofeone general to another 5 nordo 1 fearany lolTe from ' the inequalitie ofour credit. But I am fo perfwaded, both from ^ Confcience, Keafon, and the common lenle of all impartial men ^ J ofthefaishoodofthiscalumnie , that I am angrie that, by this ^ difappoincment, he should robe me and our caufe of fo probable ^ an advantage. 1 shall not refume the quiblings of the Oxfoard Doc- ^ tors and others: Ifreely refer my Reader both to their writings ^ and the anfwers they havereceived, yea to the Covenant it felf ^ forthebeftfolution. if I may here guefle at the Authors meaning * by fuch circumftances as occurre, the verfatile amhiguitie , he would objeddcjismofiiy in the certainty of the obligation of Re- j formation in order to ( For as to the variety and gene- j ralitie ofthe many Articles and claufes that he mentions, within J a little, wc shall finde him more particular) and as to this uncer- ^ tainty , ! have fo fully evinced the lawfulnefic of tne League in . the matter of the extirpation Covenanted, wherein both parties did clearly agree, and the warrantablenefie of t' e general claufe ofReformation being referred to fueh a certain Rule as the Word of God, and conformable example, that 1 am confident (what¬ ever might be mens fraud or tailing in the profecution yet) the Covenant in this part cannot be accufed either of uncertainty or • ambiguity, without wounding.thorow itsfide^ theScriptures of Truth with the fame Darts, 1 n the next plai e he tells us , That hy reafon of this vanety hhuity r-de Covenant becomes a mofl wretched fmre , a-thicket of briars and thorns to Confciences , and a matter of enulejje contention^ , Good Sir, why fo fevere > Sure, whatever ground of com¬ plaint others may have in this regard , yow, who have found a way through thefe briars and thorns; and are come out of this thicket wi'thyour coat rougher then atyourentrie ^ have nonea£ f Ik ^6 T’he Cafe of the ^Mcommodaiion all: And , no doubt, had all ingaged in this Covenant been of a Confcience lucli as yours, it had been eafie for them, by its ferpen- tinefubtikie, and irreligious indifTerencie, to have extricat them- felyes from greater difficulties. But the truth is, the Author hath vt/ickedly broken the , and to difguife it, he would have the World believe, that all who remain faithful arc caught in the briars, and detained againO; t! eir wills. 1 shall not ask what chefe fnares, thickets and contentions are, whereof he accufeth this ingagement: Itis below hisdignitie tobefoput to it. We know that many,part openly part more covertly,have dealt very treach- eroufly in this matteri & if thereafter, to palliat their perjury, they have moved debates anent it, is the Covenant therewith to be char¬ ged? One thing only I mull fay, that as many of thefe difputs have taken the r various pretenfions not from the Covenant it felf, but from the word of God to which it referres , andwhichl wish the Author do not account liable to the fame exceptions; fo, ofalltheobjedfionsmoved by (uch, who, in thefucceeding alterations of Providence , have thereby endeavoured to excufe their unkedfaflnefle, the Author, of all the greatefl changeling, hath here given the poorefl; and meanek account, fcarce fufficient to give a colour to his reproach : and this leads me to notice the great pretenfe ofthis complaint, viz , that in the revolutions we have feen the Covenant hath proven fo uneafie. l shall not fay that, in this , the very Scriptures of T ruth may alfo be conkrued an hundered fold more uneafie : But olthis 1 am mok afllired , that he, who, for himfelf and others , pieadsfor a compliant li!^erty forallthefefo contrary changes that are gone over us , mnk not only Oackthebondsoftiie Covenant and the Command of God; butofali honeky and ingenuity among men: It remains there¬ fore , that he that would befa chiul, aswelas he that would live godly, mukrefolve to fuker prefecution ; the contradidtion of finners, and thecroffe ofC!>rik have alwayesbeen the great-of¬ fence of a foolish world : but wlo, through uprightneke and pa¬ tience for this trouble, do attain unto the promifed peace shall never be moved. ^xawhed, 47 j As for the Authors ol ferve, tliac the models & produ£Vions ofc fuch devices are not uiually long-lived ; we judge not by fuchap- t pearances: our eflablishment is«that God liveth and reigneth, & ^ our Lord is rifen again & alive for evermore This was the pri- ( mitiveconfolation: and who knovveth but he may alfo make this » triumphing , as he hath made many the like , to be but fora , moment. . y .Butnow, whenmy Author hath rim his firO: carreer againlt ^ the League Covenant , poor man, what is all this to Scotlands e principal obligation againfi; all manner of Epifcopacie, viz.xhc s honAoix-hQ National Covenant) entered into with fo great unani- i mity, explained in fuch evident and certain termes, confirmed j both by treaties and pacifications , and at laft by the full autho- , rity both of King, Parliament and General AlTembly ? Certainly j thisisthat which never entered into his thought, his indigna- • tionagainll the doth fotranfport him, that there is nothing i elfe which he feemeth to regard: and therefore he goes on, and I infinuats an excufe for fome who he fayes, inpeldance to the ! pwerthat prejjed it, and in conformity to the general opinion of thif Chmchy j did take the Covenant in the mofl moderai and leafl fchifmatid^ fenfs \ ; fure,thisisfo fuitedtothe Authors mifiakes , thatit mull only behisownapologiej his head flill runs upon the Article for ex¬ tirpation. And no doubt his fenfe thereof, afwelfor Popery as Prelacie, is as moderate and little fchifmatick as may be5 for all know him to be large as catholick (in the common exception) as Chriftian. But as for the obligement to preferve the Reformed ‘ Religion of the Churchof Scotland , which this debate mainly refoeds, I believe he is the firfl ihat ever thought it capable oftwo fenfes, let be to make choife ofthe more moderat. But next, he fayes ^ he cannot clear them of a pyeat finy that not onfy framed fuch an ingine , hut violently impofed itupon all ranks" of men , nop MiniHers and other puhlick pet fens only ) but the vchole hodp andcomrnu- nitie ofthe people , the reby ingaginp fuch droves 0; poor iyiocant perfons to- they kfiow not ivhat y and^ tofpeakfreel}' tofuch a hoUge podge of vanom concernments , religious andcix ill y as Qhurch'uijdplineanU dovernmentt [ 4 ^ 7 he Cafeofihe^ceomfno^aihn the privileges of'Tarliament , the liberties of the SubjeBf and condigne pu^ ? nijhment of Malign ants 5 things hard enough for the wifefl and learnedefl to draw the juft lines of\ and therefore certain ^}), at far from the reach ofpoor conntrey peoples underHanding 9 as from the true inter eft of their fouls , and yetto tye them y hy a religious andfacred Oath y either to know dll thefe^ or - to contend for them blindfold without knowing them y Can there be inflanced a greater opprejf on and tyrannic over confciences then thu> Thus he. A weighty accufation indeed if well founded. But though the fimple reflection who the framers of the C that ^ he himfelfbewrayesascrafTeignorance, in rhispafl'age, as is to / be found in any among the droves he mentions, and (according to the fame proportion) an impofing upon the beliefe of others ^ fuperlatively prefumptuous: And for proving oft his, 1 only ask, , him, isnotevery foul bound by the Law of God to maintain his King, his Countrey, and his Neighbours rights, prerogatives, ^ and privileges f Who can deny it? But is he therefore bound to ^ know them all, or to contend for them ? Who feeth not the ri- j diculous vanity, if not biafphemy, of fuch an emptie < To be clear therefore and diftindf in this matter i to the convi6fion , oftheveryftideftOpponent, Ifay. ^ 1 . That an oath, binding fimply to particulars of meer fadf, ^ doth no doubt require, to the effed it maybe fworne in Truth, = Kighteoufneffe, and Judgement, that the taker both know the I things fworne to , and be perfwaded that they are true and righ- | teous: thushewhoingageth by oathtocertainfpecifickprivile- { ges agreed unto, is, no doubt, in confcience firft obliged to j know both their nature and qualitie, elfe can not fatifde the fore- | mentioned command. i X. On the other hand, if an oath do bind not to matters of meer fadf, but to a certain duty, either generally or fpedal- ly [exprelTed, and in fuch a manner as clearly intimateth the antecedent rule , whereby it is determined , then this Oath being thus fafely cautioned , and in effedonlyan acceifory in- gagement , exciting and intending former obligations , but no wayes extending them beyond their limits , tnevery no¬ tion of the duty in general is fu heient , without any further knowledge, to fir the perlon to bind his foul by luch an Oath : for example, he who knoweth no more then the general no¬ tion of righteoufneOe mav no doubt lawfully La earc to per¬ form all righteoufnefle , altijough for the time he do not fo much as know its common afiradt precepts , let be tiie par¬ ticular concret deeds that may thereon depend: And the rea- fonis, becaufe, ineffedt, fuch an oath doth , in t.xfirfi place, G bind . ' —— [; 50 The Cafe of the Accommodation bind to endeavour more diftind and full know Jedge, and fo can not rationally be thought to fuppofe it. 3.Thatifioaths a{]ertorie,vvhichareofamixed nature, ascon- , defcending indeed on certain particulars, but yet only binding torheir oblervance, under the notion, and in the fuppofition , that they are righteous, although becaufe ofthe condefccndence it doth no doubt prerequire knov ledge 5 yet righteoufnefle being its determining and regulating obje^, it alloweth upon a better difcoverie , not only a redtihcation of the fame particulars I without perjury, butalfoanextenfionoftheOathtofuch things, which, being for the time unknown, do afterward fall within I its rule and line: thus, if, upon a particular occafion , Hwear to my neighbour to maintain his rights , as it doth indeed bind, s in the firfl place, to the definite defence of thefe which occafion- : ed the Oath, yetfoastoadmitofanaltcrationinany thing that I shallbe afterward found not to be righteous, and confequently I noright^ fbnodoubt, astoal his fupervenient rights, though j afterward only coming to my knowledge, the fame Oath doth I veryjuftly extend its obligation. - 4. As the foregoing rules doabundantly explain the matter of this Oath, with what meafure of knowledge it both fuppofeth and importeth j fo the limitation and reflridfion , to the ingagers place and calling,doth make it infuchfbrtacceflory to the former duties incumbent to him, that, in effedt both as to the know- ; ledge and performance whereto it binds, it rather intends then ampliats their predetermined obligation. 1 might have added , inthis place, thatevery affirmative Oath, whether particular or general, doth undoubtedly, in the firfl place and mofl obvioufly, ? hividnegativh^ thatis, that the perfon fwearing shall do nothing ; contrary to , nor obflrudthat whereuntoheispofitively bound. ;j Eutthis is a thing in it felffb evident, that though it may be of [• ulein the explication in hand i yeti conceive it lufficient to have obfervedits omifijon. •/ Andfurder, both forilluflration and application, 1 shall ad- f duce no other examples then the things otjeded. And firf, paf- Examined* S fing the mention hete made ofthingsreligtous and civill, which, no doubt, maybe very confiftencly both commanded and J ged unto together, the fw earing of the people to Church - dilci- 1 pline and government is inftanced. But ifChrift hath in his Church c appointed both, and if all Chriftians be bound to maintain them, n asthey are thereto called , I am very certain , that to oblige them > in their place and calling theret® by oath cannot be difproven But f itmaybefaid, thatby the the people became obliged to c a particular fpecies of government, of which, in probability, 2 they could not know all the parts, let be to know their warrant • S 'Tisanfwered, thecorruptionsofEpifcopaciehaving hadfuchan c univerfally grievous influence upon all ranks, and thefe, with > the oppofitetrue form of Presby tery, having been fo expreQy » and plainly laid open and abjured , intheyear. 1637. 1638. And - 16^9. as the people ought in duty to have had a competent know- , ledge in thefe matters 3 fo it is very aflured , that their knowledge i therein was abundantly clear and diftindf, as the very confidera- ^ ble remains of it to this day do evince. v The fecond inftance is made ofthe privileget of'Tarliament, li- j heYtiesofthefubjeay andcondigtifutiilhment of Malignants. Butfeirig I the Kings authority,to the defence whereof the Covenant doth alfo bind , doth undoubtedly include all the righteous prerogatives of the Crown, which ar as far, if not more, removed from the knowledge of the common people , then the other heads menti¬ oned, wherefore were they omitted in the condefccndence ? Is it not becaufe the duty ofallegeance binding unto the fame things, and whereuntocertainly all may lawfully fwear is, in effect, li¬ able to the fame exception > 2. Although this Oath, in order to privileges and liberties, be not meerly indetinit, binding to righteous privileges and liberties in general, to which no doubt every on ma , lawfully fwear i but alfo affertory offuch privile¬ ges and liberties, aswere at that time by the arbitrarie courle of adverfariesmoreefpecially drawn in queftion; yet were thefe privileges then not only upon the fame occafion generally Lown, as concerning, ineffea:, the very being of Parliamenis, G 2. _aiia_ The Cafe of the Accommodation andjuflfrecdom’ofmen} but in fucb manner ingaged unto, under the notion of righteom , & what the limitation of tiie ingagers place anJ callin'^ y that it is mofl: manifed, that this Article of the Covenant hath both righteoufneire, for its formall & regulating objedf, and alfo that it neither fuppofeth nor obligetii any man to more know- ledge,theneitheru'^/44f?^?he had before, or is obliged to have by t e antecedent duty of his particular vocation : So that the import of this partof the Covenant being plainly the fame, with that either of ourallegeancetothehing or of every citizen to the corporation whereof he is a member, thatwcall maintain and preferve the prerogatives & rights, which in our dation we know or ought toKnow to befuch, andtoberighteoufly luch, theabfurdity here endeavoured to be fadned upon the Covenant, as tying either to know fimply, or to contend blindfold, is bur an empty pitiful vani¬ ty. X.oX.'cxzioix.hQ condign puntfment of M alignantSi\t[sAhom\- dandy explicable by the fame rule: for the men fo termed, having, by their mifchief, made themfelves bur too well known, and we being tyed to the difcoverie, only as righteous, & in our place & calling, it is as little poffible to taxe this or any other the like ob- ligement in the Ct>t^/?w 4 «rofexcel]e tor its generality, as an Oath to performe all righteoiifneffe, wherein,no doubt,all thefe things are included, & v\hich, without quedion, all men may lawfully make, albeit they are neither bound to know nor perform any other deeds, then fuch as their place and calling do require of them. Which grounds adduced,with what might be further her alledg- . ed from the mutual Covenants both of men & nations , wherein they lawfully ingage botii offenfively & defenfively to maintain o- thers rights, without fo much as the necedity of a particular in- , quirie thereinto for the time, do, without all peradventure, mod , convincingly redargue thefe weak quiblings both of grofle igno- : ranee and calumnie. What shall we then lay to ti e folly and bit- i ternedeof thefe reproaches, whereby this Author, upon no bet- i terreafon then what doth equally militat againd all our general obligations either to God or man, ispleafed toafperfethe Cove^ , nanty as an hedge podge of variom concernments religious and civil\ What? Can 'Examined, 5 3 > Can nottHefet^inglye eafily enougli together in an Oath. which c yet are all comprehended in the Law of God ? Are the Churches f true Government, the righteous privileges of Parliaments and liberties of the bubject, and the duty ofendeavouring in ourplace ( and calling that evilldo^TS may be punished, and the rebels pur- ; ged our ot the Land (upon whom, by the law of God, the hand ofall the people is commanded to be; the great concernes both ^ ofReligion andi< ighteoufnelTe, things either impertinent to any, ( or in themfelves incompatible ? Orisitbecaufethatour Author i hath, by confounding and trampling upon ail ihefe things, and ; betra) ing at this time the Churches government unto the fupre- i macie, as, formerly under the Ufurpers, he little regarded ei- , ther the Subjedfs liberty, or his Prince his Authority, and is , known to have alwayes his pretended charity as contradfed to- ; wards zealous godly proteflants, as dilated unto irreligious pa- piftsand prelatifts, polluted his own confcience, and rendered i it unclean, that therefore even this facred Oath is become un- ! clean and naufeatingunto him 5 what can he reply to thefe things? Or can he aflfigne us a better reafon for his alTertion. | He fayes , It is hard enough for the voifefi and learnedeft to draas \ the juft lines of thefe things , and to give plain definitions of theni^. But will it therefore follow, that none but fuch have any eoncern- nientin, or obligation to them : No, this wereineffedf aninfe- rencenolelfe , nay moreabfurd, then to alledge that none are bound, prmayfwear to maintain his Majeflies authority, but fuch as can draw the juft lines of all his prerogatives 5 or rather that none are obliged to defend his perfon , but fuch as can draw his pidlureto the life. It is therefore certain, that, as all men have undoubtedly an intereft more or lefte remote in thefe matters, fo they either really have, or ought to have, a knowledge pro¬ portionable to their ingagement thereto , to^^hich an Oath for confirmation is moft properly acceflbry. The Author add's that lhe(e things are Oi far from the reach of poor Countiy Peoples underfianair.gi fomthe ttue interefl of their fouls^ Ando how defuable isit, that this, the one thing neceftary, were , G 3 indeed 54 Accommodation indeed the fpeciall and main care of all menj bur to offer to coiiffne poor Peoples knowledge and obligations to their fouls interefl: alone, with an aime fo palpable to have all other things aband¬ oned to luff: and tyranny, according to the great defign of thefe adverfaries, againff: which this Covenant was ingaged in, favours more of hypocrifie then true fpirituality: And therefore I fay. 3. that the true Difcipline and Government of Gods Houfe are in themfelves, and have been experimented to be, offuch important influence, as to the promoving the great work and ends of the Gofpel, the great concern ofGods glory, and wherein no doubt the interefl: of all fouls is involved, that whatever may be in this pretenfe of abffradfion and felf- confinement; yet he muff: needs be of a very - temper that carcth for none of thefe things. 2. Although privileges and liberties, and the punishment of Ma- lignants have nofuchdiredt tendencie; yet 1 am not only aflured that, in the then juncture ofaffaires, theirdefence was of nota¬ ble fubfervience to the prefervation and reformation of Religion principally covenanted 5 but that of themfelves, and as to the main of their import, they are fo much within the reach of the fenfe, let be the knowledge, ofthemeaneffofmen , tbattotake them offfrom their concernment therein, and ingagement there¬ to, by the infinuation of their fouls true interefl:, will be judged by all ingenuous perfons a very cunning and deceitful imperti- nencie. Now from the premifes that we have heard,the Author concludes in thefe terms, that tetj/ them f viz. thecommonpeople') hy a teligiom /acred Oathyeither to hnowad thefe ^ or to contend for them hlindfoldwithout knowing them y an there he infanced a greater oppre/fon (jr tyranny over Con^ fciencethenthii? &c. But feeing it is moff certain, that the Oath doth neither tye to know all thefe, nor yet to contend for them blindfold 5 but, being entered into from the univerfal feeling of all ranks of the invafions made and threatned both againff: Religion andLibertie, did, according to the nature of allfuchaffertory and acceflbry Covenants, only bind every on in his place and call¬ ing , and futably to that meafure of knowledge, which he either - had-,. Examined, y 5 had, or ought W) have , of fucbgeneral and important concerns toftand to their detenceagainft the common enemie 5 the igno¬ rance and infolence of this inference doth in deep aftonjsbment only prompt me to fay* the Lord rebu e the O Adverfarie , The Lord , who hath chofen this poor Church, rebuke thee; Is not thefmall remnant of the faithful as a brand pluckt out of thehre? But behold how he wipes his mouth ; (laves he) they who now govern in this Church cannot he chargedwiih any thing near or like unto it-'. No? All pious, holy, tender fouls. But feing I have re¬ moved the calumny , the fubje(f^ of the comparifon 1 will not recriminat -, yet we muft hear a little of the mens praife , vi:^, 'J'hat whateverthey requite of Intrants y they neither require fuhfcriptions nor Oaths of cMinide>s already enteredy far lejje of the whole T'eoplc^,, But I. Seing there can be no lolid diftinguishing reafon given- for this pradtice , we mud conclude Policy to be the only motive of this pretended moderation. 2. The Oath, with the \6\^. prefcribedto be taken of Intrants , isfo plain¬ ly and truely chargeable with alaxe dubious and infnaring gene-- rality, that, I am certain, all the light and knowledge , to be found in the moftofthefe who conform to it, will not preventthe Authors being confounded with his own argument. I shall not tell you that therein they fweare to theSapremacy, an infinite myderieofiniquitie 5 But the point wherein this Oath is really '^peccant, in,all the foul reproaches, wherewith the Covenant is falfly loaded, is, that thereby they are bound to defend all Jurif- didtions. Privileges, Preheminencies, and Authorities grant¬ ed and belonging to his Highnefle, or united to his Royal Crown: Whereby it is clear that they are not only obi ged po/iiivl to what- foever Priviledgesand Prerogatives granted and belonging to the King.withoutthedeftindtionofrighteousor unrighteous; butalfo without any reftridVion to their place & callings. Now (not to re - tortthe Authoursimpertinencies,asif this Oath did tyeall in¬ trants either to know all thefe things, or to contend for them, blindfold without knowing them) whether this be lawful < 5 c righ¬ teous,. 56 The Cafe of the t^ccommodaiion teous, & whether the common People be more knowing in their owii Liberties and their reprefentatives Privileges, orcohform- ing MiniftersinbisMajeflies fublime prerogatives and extenfive Jurifdidtions, Heave it to every impartial difcerner. But 3. What Grange hodge podge indeed do we find in this ingagement! all things fpiritual, ecciefiafticki and temporal confounded intheSu- premacie, is not enough 5 but the poor Intrant mufl: further abjure all forreign Powers andlurifdidtions, fwear to defend all his Ma- jefties Authorities and Privileges , acknowledge upon Oath, that he holds the Church and his pofleflion of it (if of the King's prefentation ) under (jod^ of his cMajeHie y doing homage unto the King (and not unto God) for the fame (if at the prefenta¬ tion of another ) under (joU^ hy the King, of the Tatron thereof: And laftly fwear obedience to his Ordinarie in all lawful things, even hisMajellie^ authority, though juft now fo fully recognof- ced, not excepted, Is not this an odde medly to be hudled up in afacredoathr Whereof whether every Article therein be more impertinent for an Intrant NJinifler of the Gofpel, or in it felf more obfcure and indifiindf , really I can not define > Butthe Author goes on and tells us that It were ingenuoufy done to take fome notice of any point of moderation , or any thing elfe commen~ dable even incur enemies , andnottota^e any partieinthe World for the ahfoluie Standard and unfailing rule of truth and righleoufnejfe in all things, And fo it were indeed ; but I freely appeal toall inge¬ nuous men , if ever they heard ingenuitie exhorted to, by two fuch disingenuous infinuations. As firfti to recommend the moderation ofapartie, w ho, after that they themfelves hadper- jurioufly broken Covenant both to God and their Brethren , did in fuch manner infligat the Powers to rigours , exclufions, ' and perfecutions , againfi; ad who in confcience did only refufe to ; owne and countenance their wicked Apoftafy, as had almoll: ruined a great part of the ’vingdomand did at length wearie the J very Adtors. And next to give out as if we were fo implicitly wedded to our partie, whereof the leaf! Argument or vefiige i hath not been made appeare, no nor is lo much as alledged, but N _ _,_ - - _ Examined, 5 / ' but as al men dofufRciently know tbefereflraintsof vvantofpow- ^ cr in the Clergie, and ofbetter confideradons in our Rulers, that i have produced the apparent quiet, which is here pretended for moderation j fo, we hope that, by a full manifeRation of the \ truth and righteoufnefle of our way, we have infuch fort com- . mended our felves to every mans confcience in the fig t ofGod, as there to leave this accufer of the brethren convided and con- ^ founded both for his open perj ury and crafty calumny. 5 But the Author, as it feems, fearing fuch a reply, provided a , retreat, concluding. But oh\ ivhovpould not long foy the fljadows ^ of the evening , and to he at reH from all thefe poor, childijh jriftingcon^ ^ teHs i 1 shall not fay, that fince he walks fo much in darknefie 9 itislittlewonder that helongeforshaddes; But of this 1 am very ‘ certain , that if he had laboured as ferioufly upon his Mafters ’ tnffion, ’to reconcile fouls unto God , as hefeemeth to havetra- ' vt lied upon his Majefties commiffion, to patchupafinfulo^fc^w- | modation , his hope of reft had been both more fweet and more , afluredi and, in place of the shadows ofihe evening, hemight j have promifedto himfelfe thehghtinaccellible , for hiseverlaft- | ingrefreshment Butfeingthefeverypoor, childish triflinecon-| tefts, whereby he would cuningly decry all thejuft oppolitions of the faithful to his evil courfe, are in eftedl his own devices a- gainft the Kingdome of our Lord Jefus, the day wherein every man shall receive his ov n reward, accordingto hisown labour, shall make his work manifeft, when the fire shall try it: And 1 heartily wish that the burning tiiereofmay be all hislofte. After the body of one of tt^efe Letters , we have aPoftfcrrpt that is to fay (for all the longings for reft we juft now heard of) anotl er u hife: As we know who once charadcred the Lords Ser¬ vants, V hen with much travel labouring in his work 5 and herein the Author, complementing withan Apology other C hutches (joining/?^»w^withf«^/^«f^asismoftluppofible) ulurem I pilco- pal-government is oihcrwifeexercifed . wishes tlut the Argument ad homintm ( as he calK it; hy him ufeU, may he lrou»ht to the knowUdQe Oj Juch ^ knew leajloj it , and meJ it moji. And one part ^ H 01 >8 The Cafe of the KAceommodatioa his wish, Tam fure,l have ferved by a very candid reprefenta* ;ion ; if the event mifgive he mud blame himfelf, his defign is to mens extreme fervor by the confideration that thU very form ^ which tomu hateful, ii to Engltfh 'Tresbyterians de/ireable;and that upon inquiry 9 \hi Reform id Qhurches abroad will be foundto be much of the fame opinion. But feeing 1 have already demonftrat our prefent form , as eda- blishedand exercifed,to be not only meer Prelacy, but the very abfurd ufurpation of the Supremacy • and have alfo at large ex¬ cepted againd the fixed Prefidency of late propofed , and shewed both what the founded Presbyterians in England do think, and all of them ought to think anent it *, Why doth our Author, by fuch weak repetitions, pretend, o{ extreme fervor ^ to condemn anwhich alas is in alltoremiffe ? Onething, 1 shall only adde, that whatever may be the thoughts oi Pref- byteriansin£»g/W, yet, fure lam that, their ingagements in order to Scotland the fame with ours *, and whacthefedo im¬ port is already fufficiently declared. As for the Reformed Churches, 1 neither decline nor ufe their teflimonies: We are fixed on furer foundations,* yetof this I ammod perfvvaded , that as abdra6:ed general quedions, are but lame andblinddifcuf- fions of cafes of this nature*, fo^ whereever our cafe shall be fully and clearly reprefented, we shall report the adent of all the lovers ^ of our Lordjefui Ch*ifl in incot ruptnefs. Butwe are told,that perhaps it were not only lawfuUbut expedient that thefe , who now govern in thu Church , jhould in fame inflances ufe a Utile mote auikoritie then they do ^ provided they applied their power to advance I Tohat u good, and not at all again/i the truth t but alwayes for iti t^nd that all things being fo far out of courfe , the prefent condition of if our Qhnrch (By reafonof the irreligion and prolanitie that are ; goneforth frem its Prophets unto rhe whole L and) n:oth require an •: extraordinary remedy. 1 vish rhe Author were as fenfible of the ; caufe, ashefeemsrobeoftbefymptomesotti.emalady^ hut to r think that the prefent Church-governours, in the con vision of all fober obfervers , the main , if not rhe only, Authors c f this i niifchiel,should beintrudedwiththecure3whatmore hopelefle, or . ^ 'Examined- $9 or wbat more ridiculous > 1 grant the cautions fubjoined. vii^, th^it they applied their powey t alipaj/esfor » andnot again/i the truth ^ if made efTedual, v./ould indeed fecure the event; But feing they only promilebyfuppofing it, and confequently are equally doubtful with it, and really luch as may recommend the moB unwarranta¬ ble and improper mean that can be devifed, it is evident that this empty probability concludeth nothing : Let the Tope ^ or fome thing worfe, be fet up, in the fuppofition that he do not apply his power toobBru6t> but to advance what is good, and notagainft, but for the truth, no queftion there would thence arife a confequential expedience and advantage: But thence to argue for the lawful lefleof fuch an appointment, were plainly to ranverfe all reafon and righteoufnefs. As it is therefore from our Lords own warrant and bleflTing, that we are principally to attend the fuccefle of his ordinances 5 fo, where thefe cannot be made appear, as in the cafe of our prefent Church government, and on the other hand, the enfuing of Athcifm and profanity can¬ not be denied, theconclufion, ti.at they are to be imputed to the nature of the prefent eftablishment, is beyond contrad idion. But our Author fayes» That thefe bad fruits ar rather to be imputed to the Jchijme made by withdrawing from the Government', hor there u not a greater enemie in the World to the Power of Religion, then the wranglings and bitter contentions that are raifed about the external forms of if ’, ’T is anfwered, divifions being in themfelves ab*. ayes mutual, yea and feparaiion, in fome cafes, commanded and necelfary, to con¬ clude againft the thing in common , that which is only peculiar to a particular fpecier, were groflely to confound the commanded out coming of the People of God from Babylon^ with the moff fin- ful departing of the word of Hereticks: It is not therefore repara¬ tion or withdrawing, intheabflract, butinitscomplexecaufes, conditions & tendency, that we are to regard: he who, in the fear of God, outofadefiretokeephimfelfpure, and fora teftimony a- gainft evil - doers, w/ithdraweth from fuch as walk diforderl >, & from men of corrupt minds deflitute of the truth , fuppcfing that sain is godlinclle, dotLnoiefle obey the will of God, then i e r ^ ° _ H_X who > JO The Cafe of the ^Accommodation 3 who through proud and bitter contention flowing from fome car- ; nal principle and defign, breaking theunity of the Spirit and bond g of peace doth wickedly contemn ourLord’s new commandment of i love. Now, whether the prefent Prelacs & their Dependents,who, 1, for perfidious breach of Covenant with God & man, invading and I ufurpingover Gods Houfe, and ejecting & perfecuting their faith- I ful lirethren , are judly difowned and difcountenanced of all good ; men, or fuch, who, having no encouragement from either tnecall , , promife.or prefence of God, do, in a tender fear not to partake of ; other mens (ins, abftainfrom the AflTemblies of thefe evildoers , , be from the former grounds more ro be blamed for the prefent withdrawing, lecall men judge. But as it isnotpoffenfion, attained by falshood and violence, that mak es a right, and the injurious ex- peller, and not the expelled, is, certainly, the finful and fcifmatick divider^ fo, that the (Irange perfidy, pride, cruelty, avarice & pro¬ fanity of the Prelats, and their abettors and dependers, profeffing to be the guidsof, yea and having their livelihood and wealth by Religion, and yet for the moft part not ftudyingfo much as to vail their lewdnefi'e with a mask ofhvpocrify, have rendred Religion it felf contemptible, except with a few , who (land at a difiance with this horrible thing, is undeniable in its own evidence. Asfortheenmity of contentions anent external forms torhe Power of Keligion, if there be really a worth and fingular benefite in fuch forms 8c ordinances that our Lordhathappoinred forfub- fervient means to the great end of the Gofpel, and as vifible & cer¬ tain a prejudice and evil influence in mens corrupt novations, all- coniendings about thefe matters cannot beimplicity cenfuredas bitter wranglings and enmity to the Power of Religion, without the jufi accufation ofalukewarm indifferency in the highconcerns of the Gofpel: He who judgeth not tlie purity and liberty of Gof¬ pel ordinances worthy to be contended for, will hardly perfwade a rational man that ever he will firive for the Faith of the Gofpel. But X. We heartily renounce and difown all wranglings and bitter contention, it is by the blood of the Lamb, andbv the word of iiis patience, ( 3 t of our tefiimony, that we hopetooverc^ me 5 ifthele be accounted contentious, it is but a fmall share of the Lords luf- ------—-------- 'Examined. , ferings, compared to thefe reproaches of rebellion and fedirion, ^ wherewithhe, and his followers have been fland< red. Itisracher ( my regrete, thatjnatimeoffuchbackfliding, we have not moe faying* from the fame realbn, with premia^ fVo U uMmenof ftrife ^ ^ and men of contention to thewhole Earth But the peevish Policy of fuch, . who after that, by perjury, contention and violence, they have impofed and prelTed their own forms and inventions, and, by ^ the fame pradices, feated themfelves in the pofleffion of what { they defigned, do in effedt retain the fame peremptory rtgor, j and do only decry contention, that they may mock men from , any juft oppofition to their courfes, doth not merite any further , notice: Hewho calmely, and impartially confiders this whole matter wileafily perceive, that itis neither contention, fepara-‘ tion,nordivirion,things in themfelves reciprocal,ofa middlefigni- = fication, thatarefirhply to be condemned: ,Butitis from pride, ^ perverfnefle, and other evil mixtures and defignes, that both their ‘ evil and fcandal do proceed : And on which fide thefe are to be j found, a fmall reflexion may fatisfy every inquirer. But now, after all the vehemence we have heard, the Au¬ thor, on purpofe to amufe where he cannot prevail , V-^ihaivon- derino to fee wife and good men make fo great reckoning of certain me^ taph}fcal exceptions againH fome little modes and formalities of dife^ rence in the Government, and fetfo little value upon fo great a thing is the peace of the fhnrch. ’ I is anf^^ ered , The redargution , im¬ plied in the bofome of this exclamation, doth fo palpably oc- curre, that 1 cannotdiffembl-theApoOles obfervation thereby foobvioufly fuggefted, vi:^ That evil men andfeducets voaxe veorfe andworfey deceiving and being deceived-, for w hile in their deceivings they tell us, that not only our reafonings are bare metaphyfical exceptions , but that even the thirgs contended for are meet words and formalities ^ how do they themfelves appear to be de¬ ceived , w ho prefle iheie \ ery v ord< & forn alities, more then the weightier! affa^es ini< ehgioihi fleeing without controverA ,ihat if theartrument eree.juaih ballanced, it wou dbeginatheme , & bvfurceaiTingLhe purfuii offuch v ain trifles, thereby mofteftedu- I 5 2 The Cafe of the Accommodation ally frudrat the contrary defences: But the truth is » whatever the appearances are, neitherare we, nor the Author, miftaken I upon the matter; A conftant fixed Trafes on his part, were cer- I tainly as little worth all the ftirand vexation made about him, as ' the Bishops their infignificant Dignities and Ceremonies were a 1 caufe inferior to the late wars , which they did moftly occafion; ^ And it were a folly infufPerable for wife men , fo defirous ofeafe, to fetfo little value upon fo great a thing, as is the peace of both Church and Stare, diflurbed by theprefent Epifcopacy and this Prefidencie offered: But feeing it is evident, that the thing de- figned by this propofal, is a compliance with the prefent eflablish- ment, not only to the relaxing ofconfcience and the bonds of former ingagements, but to the fupprelTion and extirpation of the true Government ofGods Houfe, the acknowledging of, and fubmictinguntothe Suprerilacv , more abfurdly contrary to the Power and Liberty of the Gofpel, then its inftrument Prelacy, Which we have exprefly and particularly abjured, can the Author reafonably find fault, if he rencounter in us an oppofition com- menfurat both to the value of the prize, and the meafure of his own inftance? If men , for poor perishing interefts , do en¬ deavour at fo high a rate to introduce their modes and inven¬ tions, for no other end imaginable, thenthatby thecontrivance and influence thereof, they may have the Gofpel Minifiry and Kingdom of our Lord flillin fubjeftion untotheir lufis andplea- fnres. Should nottl^eloversof Gods Gloryandoftheirownfal- vation, the proper and great ends of all L hrifis infiitutions, more vigouroufiy refifiall ihefe t heir intended corruptions ? 1 may not here (land to difeufle the fpecious and flattering pretenfions held out by our Adverfaries, as if meer fubtilties were bv us oppofed to the folid good of the Churches peace: Certainly he, who remembereth how, in the ancient rimes of the Church, Satan was very cunnii g to fpt the myfiery of iniquity on foot, from the fmallefi; and leaf! fufpicious beginnings, & yet thence, by more lubtilc and metaph\fical methods then thefe ' which our Author undervalued, to carry it on to the very reve¬ lation Examined, > ; latlon of the Man of fin, and withal confidereth in our own late £ experience the meen entrie, as Kirk - commifiioners and confianc ' Moderators, with the fuddain elevation and corruption of King . J to try ifthefeenticings may I be more fuccesful, and by a flrangely comj. rehenfive fpirituali- 1 ty both of truth and error, tellingus, that when one faith he is | for Bishops, another 1 am for Presbytery, that we are carnal j as | if the Apoftles cenfure ofadivifive refpe(fl of perfons were equaU ly againfl the difcrimi nation of things which the Lord himfclf hath - certainlydiflinguished: Butas, in the competition of peace, the * heathens faying, yi*ge»sr» oOTe, might have admonished the Author,and feing that that peace is only preci- ousjwhich is founded in, & defigned for truths lo when it is meer- : ly pretended for procuring afinful compliance with an evilcourfe, it is but an empty delufion. We know whofe pradliceit wasto heal the hurt of the Lords People (lightly, facing peace, peace, when there was no peace: To pretend for, nay to piirfueferi- oufly after peace, without regard to iruth, Righteoufneflc, and Reconciliation with God . is only a precipitant error, and lymg viiion: ButnewhofiandsintheCounfelofthe I ord.and caufeth his People to hear His Words, ^HioLildiurne t em from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings: And when the loud and I a)Jh neifes 64 The Ca/e of the Accommodation itotfes of our delates fall he turned into the fveeeterfound of united mourning and lamenting after the Lord , then, and not before, may w e looke that the L ord will return and caufe his face to shine onus, and reftore unto us his favour, the fountain and blelTing ofall other bleffings ; This is the only way, to shew ourfelves real fupplicants for peace j & indeed to remove all the obflrud:ions that may difappoint its firm enjoyment : Nay , this is the mean whereby the fincerefeekersofthe Lord, do ,evenin the midftof tribulation, attain to that fuperexcelling Peace of God, which Purely ehablisheth , and that joy, which no man takes from them. But t!ie Author (fill longing for and hadening to outward peace, not that which the Lord left and gave to his followers, ex- horteth unto a temper deceptive of it , and that is, great meeknejje and ; and , no doubt, in their right application, thefearemofi: beautiful graces; but as they feem here to be propofed, for the pre- pofterous courtingofthis w orlds peace , 1 feare that they are not only unfeafonabl y recommended ,in exclufion of the love of 7 ruth and zeal of God, incompatible with the Authors evil courfes , but, with an extenfion of charity to rcjoyce in iniquity , and meeknefle towards wickednefle beyond their known and jufl: me'afures. It is true u hatfoever party or opinion roe follow in this mattery the laugedj'^hichwe rnufi be known to be followers offe/usChtiUtis this^that welove on another ; Yet i mufl: take the liberty to fay, fir/f that in this point to confound perlbns and things, on purpofe to transfer that loveand cl'aritie wc owe the former tothelatter, though never fo deteflable, is but a filly Ibphifme. He w 1 o rightly efti- mateth Chriltian love will readily acknov* ledge , that of¬ tentimes the wounds ofa friend may befaithful, when hiskifles would prove deceitful Next , that though the Author would al- leviat our prefent differences, as amount ng to no more then opi - nions and humours? etl do really conceivefomeofthem to be o thatimporc. as rojuJgea perverfe and fta^ed enemy jafTerting t >e ^«;?/^w4r/^cothe mamfeftdenyalof C hrifib-Kinedom and ' o- Vernmenc in iiis i^ome, not to merite the privelege of one of his Examined, I Difciplesj nay,thatinordfr tofuch, *T>avi(f/pro^ctCion ^ *~Donot' 1 hate them^ 0 Lord^ that hate thee f And, am not 1 gtievedy 0 Lordy ' vpith them that rifeup againft thee^) 1 hate them vpithperfeSt hatred y 1 count them mine enemies yvca^ rather become our duty. And thence ? it is, that although this Lave ejlove he inaeed of Divine rights & there- {ovt would not he htoken hy hitter pajfion andrevilings & rooted hatreds y for things in difpute heiveixt m\ Yet, fure 1 am, it doth as certainly admit of the foregoing exceptions, as toe things queftioned are to us without doubt, and only drawn indebaieb) theperverfe difputings of corrupt men : Not that I think that, even in matters nioll certain, bitter paflion , reviiings , and rooted hatreds or malice are allowable; nay, this is rather my Authors fuppoiition, and hisinfinuation , as if we were indeed guilty of thefe things, is aboundantly obvious. But as 1 am truly perfwaded, that all thefe are in every cafe unworthy either of truth or a ChriBian temper- fo 1 am alTured, an impartial difeerner will find nolefle of vain contempt&faucy undervaluiug couched in the Author’s affeded fmoothnefs, then there doth appear of palfion in the moll impo¬ tent railings and therefore, if for the rod of pride found in his mouth, 1 havefometimeufedarodforhisbackj 1 hope both its juBice and expedience will cleare me of any injury. But he goeth on, BoveeveryareweQhrifians> Thendouhtlefe the things wherein we agree, are ineomparahly greater then thefe wherein we difagree y and therefor Cy in all reafony Jhould he more powerful to unite us then the other to divide m, Thus 1 have heard that the Bishop of giafgow y in anfwer to a perfon expreffing his fears of the return of Popery, told him , wh^*: then ? We shall Bill be Chrifliansj rt notable ufe ofChriBian charity upon the pretext andpoBeffion ofthename, togive way and countenance to corruptions mani- i feBly tending to the fubverfion of the thing. But as a real agree- ment in the greater things of ChdBianity would certainly prove | an infallible mean ofreconciliation to mod ©four differences, and ^ where it cannot reach the full cure, should neverthelefie dill treat and handle with alliendernefle; fo it is without controverA t! ar, on the other hand, even the fame reality, letbe itsfimuJai pro- ’ 1 feffon. ^ 66 The Cafe of the ty 4 ceoffifn/t^a‘hn fellion, isfofar fromperfwading to iforbearance or compliance in cafe of fin, ingred ent in incident coutefts, thacit both ad- t mitteth dillent , and frequently requirecha contrary teftimo- iry and necelTarv vvichdravving as more futeable thereto. But whereforesliould 1 urgefuchdeceitiul generalsf mull we, ofne- celTity, fume with all Cl)rifl;ians, or elfe dividefrom them- orif we unite withti»em, muh we therefore finne and comply w ith all their errors and defections ? And now, fora juft retortion the Author, Ihope, by his quellion , doth imply that we are alfo Chriftians: Nay, ’tis like, he denieth not but fome of us arc ChriftsMiniftersj why then are we fo hardly dealt with ? Why . ejected, banished, imprifoned, and confined for difagreeing in ' things far inferior totl.efe, wherein we agree 3 yea in his own acceptation, but modes and formalities? How will he excufe thisinconfequence and inequality ? Ordoth bethink, thatthe . vain pretenfe of Authority abufed againftus, doth preponderat to this his great confideration, or thatit willbean Apology for his fo active concurrence. But, after the manner of tl>c conference at “TaJIy , he is not for debate, when it cometh to a reply 5 and therefore here re- (Iraineth himfelf with this advice, that i/ we love either our own or the Churches Teace, we jhouldrnoil carefully avoidtwo things y thehejiow^ ingof too great zeal upon [mail things , and toomuch con/dence of opinion upon douht/uU things. But if his own praCtice may have any more credit then his words, it iseafy, according to his acceptation of Peace, both to redargue this his advice ofialsbood , and alfo to exhibite a more true account of his method : For, as in the fmalland doubifulthings by him acknowledged, forfuch, itis mod certain, that, on his fide, he hath of late shown agreatec zeal and confidence, then ever be did heretofore in all tbefe drange revelutions, aixl important cccafions of tedimony, both againd errorand profanity , that have liapened in the fpace ol his Minidry^ and yet nomandoubietbbiit that he is for his own and the Churches peace 3 fo it is evident that his want otzeal !or God, i together with his compliance with the upptrrr.od power for :he time, havebcen his only advantages. But why trifle 1 with lucb • - J Examined* 67' aperfon? Tfvve love either our own or the Churches true peace, - let us, firft love our Lord JefusChrift; for He is our peace 5 His, Righteousnefle,Miniflry and Ordinances;for thefc are the means of it: accounting nothing fmall or doubtful which he hath appoin- ted in order thereunto, and wherein the greatendsot the glory of God, and falvarion of fouls, are vifibly conctrned. Whe¬ ther the things in controverfy be fuch or not, 1 need not again af¬ firm ItUindeedamadihingtoiuJhonhardandboldiyin the da>k^* and fuch a pertinent reflexion, in the clofeof the example, which the Author hath given us of it, attended with fo little application, is an evidence beyond all other confirmation. But he thatfollovv- eth the Lord shall not walk in darknefie. And now the Author, for a conclufion of this Paper, tells us, K^nd we all know what kind of perfon it 0, of whom Solomon fayeth, that heragethand uconfident^ And really if 1 had but the halfe of the Authors confidence, I think I could point out the very man. 'Tis true a weak monafiick fpirit long habituat to an afieded abfiradion & fioicifme, may render a man lefie capable of fironger paffions, and confequently, for a time , exempt him from thefe ruder eruptions of rage 5 butwhetljer heragebr laugh there is no refl: and if appearances hold according to the influences, which his lafl; promotion feems to have had upon his dormant corruption, ’tis like , we may very shortly have a prelatick experiment of both. 11 is enough for us, that the Lord is our light and our ftrength, and none that love his righteous caufe shall ever be afi’amed. Now followes the fecond Paper, or Letter, almofiofthefame drain , and therefore 1 shall content my felf to review it more fuc- cindly. i^fter the Author hath excufed his not adducing ofapo- fitivedivine warrantfor hismoderat Epifcopacy, by demanding of us the like for our Church-afiemblies and their fubordinations, ' which 1 havealready fully anfwered , he bringeth us in, objec¬ ting, thatwe are notagainfi a fixed Prefident or Bishop, or w hat- ' ever elfe he be called , ourquefiion is about their power. And tothisheanfwereth, mitQ'dXwgTh^ queflionmay he fo (iatea; for he tmileth thaith: Btjhops jhall not be Jouna defroui^ to ujufp any undue 68 The Cafe of the Accommodation j; fower i hut ready rather to abate of that power which u reafonaUe , and con* ^form even to primitive Eplfiopacy , then that a Cch/fne JhouU therefore be '. continuedin thii Church. It is anfwered, the Aaclior ismiftaken, in the very entry, inas-muchaswe doiioconlyquefiion the po¬ wer, but are dire(fi:ly againfl: the preheminenceofa fixed Praferx forfeingthe thing is in it felt un^varrantable, and hath proven in the Church♦ ameer fomentation of pride, and, initsten¬ dency , been induwiiveoftlie higheflufurpacions , as I have she¬ wed , and ist lerefore by us exprefly abjured , how can we in confcience again admit of it ? i. fNot to examine fubtilly and ftridly the import of the word power) feing its fixednelTe and its concomitant dignity , titat in agreat part doth advance this mode- : ratorship, which otherwifewould be only an office, untoafupc- i rority, and thereto adde an influence of power, israthcrabeg- gingof the queftton i and therefore though in Civiis this fixed- ' neffe , with its many other prerogatives and powers , be, byrea- fonofthc fubjecft matter and expediencv of humane affaires, very lawful and allowable i yerin Ecclefiaflicks, the very famerea- fon of tne different nature of thethings , with the conflitution of a Gofpel-Miniflry , and the contradiflindfion which our Lord himfelfhath founded betwixt it and the manner of civil'govern- ' ments , doclearlv render this fixed prefidencyan undue grava^ meny impinging upon the brotherly parity, and juft liberty of hisMinifters. And certainly, if the neceflaryprivileges of the naked office,r;/3. that of propofing,dire(ft:ing the confultarion.ftacing the queftion, asking ofopinions and votes, and the calling vote, in cafe ofequality, be offuch nomenr in the conducftrof affaires, that . all the libertv of the Affemjlv, and unfixednefs and accountablie- neffe of the Chairman, are fcarcefutficient to fecure them from ; abufe i to enforce t:>em by a fixation, contraryto rhe Lords ap¬ pointment of a minifterial parity, is not more unwarrantable then •inconvenient But ] As rhefe reafonsdomilitatagainfi thecon- , troverred Prefidencv in its g’-eatcft fimplicity i fo the Prefidency ^ now offered unto us, for all the abate nents pretended , being j ftill chat of a Bishopabfolutelvat thisMajefties nomination, not ^ accountable to thefe over whom heprefides^ sifted with great 'Examhei. tempofaIities.,and,laftly, wholly dependent upon the beck of the Supremacy,without all queftion, a ihing moH: anti - fcripturaf,' unreafonable,^ difconform to all pure antkjuity. Now, that thus It is,borh as to thereality ol the thing ofrered .& thecenfurel fiavei paflfed upon it,I here openly challenge the Author and all his par¬ takers, ifthey dare adventure to contradidirme : What other con- flrudlioii can therefore be made of the alledgedcondefcendences then that in fucha mixture they are only empty foolish preten- fions ? And what other judgment can be given upon the Authors offer to abate of his reafonable power, warranted by primitive ex-i ample,then that the obligation ofreafonand pure antiquity are no lell'e fal fe then the offer made is fimulat and elufory. But feing the Aiitnor , for all the warrants pretended, doth at] lead acknowledge himfelf not to be thereby adridted, but that he can come &go in thir matters at his pleafure 5 if he do indeedfia- cerely hatefchifme, as he profeffeth, let him alfo confefTe the vio¬ lence done bohh to our confciencesand perfons infuchfree& ar-^ bitrary things, nay, in his Dialedt, trifles, and repent of his lateia- confiderat acccfllon. Pafllng therefore his deluded'beliefe of the Bishops their not being defirous to ufurpanv undue power, but rather to abaiecoit- trarv to their continual pradtice,& the Churches experience, now forthefpace of 1 200years & upwards-, and evidently repugnant to the manifed convidfion of all the circumdances of our cafe, 1 go on to his next fuppofition , That though Bi/ljopj Jo (Iteich their power fome xohat hepond their line^ jei\ let all the hVodU judge, whether cMinifers are for that ingageU to leave their flations , and withdraw from thefe meetings fordifciphne whhh themfelves approve. And to this the anfwer is obvious, chat neither the flnful thruf- tingin ofBis» ops,nor yet their exceffive dretchings are the prin¬ cipal caufes of our leaving and wiihdrawing: When in former times K intro need Prelars into this Church , and tlvey from time to time extended their ufurpations, many of the Lords faithful fervantsin rheiedayes did neither defert nor withdraw; but continuing with much dedfadnels , did condantly refid aiid «edify a^aindail the corruptions, clreix invading rh© trueChurcii- JO 'The Cafe of the t^ecmmedation government, whereofdi£y #ere pofTefled. feuC, as the Author >: doth herefallaciouflyjo) n oiir leaving of our ftations f Which is falfe, we having been thence violently expelled^ Andourwith- drawing from their meetings , groundlefly alledged to be by us approven^ fwhich weholdtobeaneceflaryduty) So, whoever confidereth the manner of the late overturning by fummary e- jedtingof many ofus, diflfolving all our Church Aflemblies , ef- tablishinga new government, notin, butover, the Church by the King and his prelats, wherein we never bad any place, will eafily be convinced, that we are not more calumnioufly accufed by thefe, v/ho would have their own crime to be our fin of leaving ourftations, thenclearlyjuflifiablefor withdrawing from thele theirCourts, whicUare wholly dependent on the Supremacy, and very corrupt AlTemblies, which we never approved j but have expreflly abjured, it is not therefore (as B. appre¬ hends it) only by reafon of the Bishops undue afluming of the Prefidency in thefe meetings; nor yet becaufe we are by them reflrainedin, and debarred from, the exercife of our power in , ordination and excommunication (although thefe be very mate¬ rial grievances) thatwedoabftainfrom their Courts: N05 but the plain truth is, that, over and above the foregoing caufe, we hold thevery conftltutionto be fo much altered from that of a true Eccleafiaftich judicatory, called in our Lords Name, and adling by his authority, unto meetings appointed meerly by the King, and recognofcing his Supremacy, thatwejudge our not conveening therein ought not to be fo much as termed a privative withdrawing; but that it is in efled anegativcdifowningofthem as ofAflemblies, wherein we ne\er had either part or place: which being a ground by himfelfacknowledged , as 1 have above I, obferved , the Do<^or’sargument, that the MiniflvyUacowflexe foveer , and thata^Jome of U!> have accepted a liberty to preachy adminijler . the Sacraments y and exercife difcApline congreoationuily vciihcut liberty tomeet inTreshyteries andordain ; fo they may come to'l refbytetiesy not" Tpith(tanding they fhould be excluaed fom the full exercife of all their pon'er j is, by reafon of thenon-exiflenccoi thedubjed, true Pres- k^ lExawffieJ. Sytertes. mreWycur cfTtT:ef.Jes. tTiatitarfoIabourcofamani- fellmconfequence . in altr.uch asaMinifier’sdoing , in rhe firfl; ' cafe, all that he is permitted, and only forbearing’where a t/V ‘ wa/V doth impede. is nojulVground to infettc tiiattherefore, in the lecond cafe, be may come to a meeting, atid there by fur- ce.ifing the excrcifeofhisftmdfion.andmakinghimfelfacpher forftrengthning & encreafingoftheBishonsufurpation.ineffeal tacitely lurrender the power that he is bound to maintain: which tacite furrender I do really judge to be more ftrongly implied, ai d ofamorefmillruousconfequence .then can be purged by anaked proteflation, efpet ially the fame being preconrrived& capitular- ’ Wherebv vvithoutdoubt, thefignificancy ofthisremedy, moftly ' commended by the neceffity.and as it were the furprifal ofthe ' exigentnoc admitting ofany other, is greatly diminished & im¬ paired Notwithftanding ofallwhich,chisman,whofemanneris to mulriplv alTertions without reafon. tellsi.s,in this place that he hath (Ireached hisfubtilt)) on the tenter.hooks , he can not deviCe^ why we may not joyn in thefe meetings under the abovementioned veflraint' and againe concludes, that tf after all that he hath paid, r,e do (lill rumple either we mufl be darkened , or he mu[l have on Is eyes to fee clear b u here there is nought. \ But it were endleflero rake notice of all his tarle, and therefore Ireturnetomy Author, v ho proceeds m hisdutrge againftma- the pubda tvorfhtp and whole communion of of ihe i hurch , hecauje ojfome degree ofwrofg done them , as they think in that point of po ver k is anlwered , although to render a lolid reafon ofmenspraaices , fpecially when the lame are onlv neaa- tive foroearances, whercunto even the forbearers fcrupling alid doubtingdotn inamanner and'orrhe time oblige , he lu r mv ^ undertaking, yet, that the accufation here impl edis very iin'u t hot') in the extent and caule ofthe reparation objected,is ro! a-d macrer t.^ make our /’ And , firll , «t is cer^ak that t’^e allegeance, that many of tufe- para e from the public^ worfh^p and whole communion oft he Chu> A, hath nobeturground, thentnatlomeofus, becaufeofajuftdecefta- - tionij I' 72 * cafe efiht t^cccmmodathn, ! tion of the perjury, intrufion, profanity^ andinfufficiency-oftho I Curats, do withdraw from their Mmiftrie, fpecially , our true !' Minifters ftill remaining, though removed to corners, and our at¬ tendance on the Curats their Miniflrie being exprefly required a dae acknowledgement of ^ and compliance with , hit di^jcMies go- vernment Zccleafiick (O flrange!) and now, wl ether this reafon will infer the concluflon made againfl:,us, or on the con¬ trary, doth not rather warrant the abflinence, reproached as finfulfeparation ,to be duty, let the impartial judge. 1 shall not tell you, that the alTuming ofthe name of the Church, andaccu- fing difcountenancers of Separation , have been the common ar¬ tifices. by which everv prevailing fecft or party have endeavour¬ ed to render their oppofites odious : But of this 1 am very affured, that untill the i\uthordo prove, that the pofleflion of Gods houfe, which the Curats have taken to themfelves , and the concur¬ rence of Authority , wherewith they are fupported, doth make them andjheir meetings, the only Church, his objedion of fe- paration is lame and inconcludent. And therefore, feeing that the broken Miniftry ,fcattered Flocks, and fecret meetings of the Lords faithful people in this Land , are fl ill his true C hurch , both fuffering and witneflfing againft the defe^ion and intrufion of tranfgreffors^ and feing that the forbearance, excepted againfl, isonly the efledtofa jufland hefitant averfaticn againfl: the pre¬ tended Miniflery, without either difproving the fubflance of the Worship, or rejeflingand dividing from others that find a grea¬ ter liberty, his charge of feparation is', in this its extent, pal¬ pably iniquous. As for the caufe afllgned for cur alledged withdrawing, not from their Ecclefiaftick Courts (for this point is already dif- cuffed) but from the publick Worship & Church - communion. viz. That it uhecaufe of feme degree of wrong done w , oa we thinks in ■ the point of power Both the known truth ofthe matter, and what I 1 have already faid , do plainly difprove it: The perjury ,intru- , fion , profanity and infutficiency mentioned, cannot be in this ‘ manner palliate. And I heartly wish, that the Author, who labours L_ _ , ■ Examined. 'labours fo much by his extenuation to cloak the Apoflafy, where¬ by he and others have rebelled againft God, broken the Covenant and changed the Ordinances, would yet feriouslyconfider, that* God will not thus be mocked. 1 grant there may be cafes, Where^ in we ma) fufficiently acquit ourfe Ives by a free declaring of our opinion ^" and a modef deftring and waiting for aredrejfey and fo continuing in thl performance of our own duty^ though others do, or feem to tranforeffe theirs. But as it were ridiculous, to make this a for all cafes, and* in elTed, it dotli only hold, where our filence at another’s^ranf- greffion by breaking that command , Thou /halt in any wife rebuke thy brother and notfufferfn upon him^, may ftrengthen thefinners ' hand, andfcandalize others i So, I have already proven, the in-: finuation here made of our deferting of our duty, to befuch an ■ abfurd calumny, and the compliance required of us fuch a ma- nifea partaking in other mens fins ^ that I wonder at the Au¬ thor’s disingenuity and weaknefie, inattacquingus by fuch ge- What can be then faid to what he fubjoines, vi2. Otherwife if ive think our felves obliged for every thing that is , or thatwe judge faulty in other perfons, or the frame of things in the Church, to relinquijh either our communion with, orourfation in it, rohat will there be but endlefjh /warms of feparation anddivifion in any Qhurch under the fun^. Surely this, as to us, muft be a very pertinent and convincing reflexion- lemg in the undervaluing fenfe of any Papift , it would as ea- fily redargue all the Protefiant Churches of their feparation from But if in certain clear exigences, either of teftifyinga- gainlt, or not partaking of, other mens fins, there maybeane- cefiity of a proportional withdrawing, are therefore allmeafures broken, and mufi we be held for relinquishers on every occafion ? Or becaufe we are violently exprcffed, muft we therefore be rel pute y ihuldeferrers? Who would not pitv fuch difioInfpfolK.i . 74 ^(cmmodatlon know the latitude of his comprehenfion, and then fairly fubfumc againft us, and if I do not unanfvverably prove either his ex- ceile in the former, or calumny in the latter then let him glory over us. In the next place, he again eflTayes to remove the great flick , as hetermesit, ihe Covenanty and here waving, forfootli , its irre¬ gularities , whereof, notwithftanding their infinuat veight, number and influence, uponfuch wife and good men ashimfelf, he neither doth adduce, nor can he make out one. And fuppof- ing the Oath flill to be binding, and that the prefent fc.pifcopacy in the Church is the fame that was abjured, he tells us, that the ^^riicle again ft it doth only oblige every man , in his calling and flatioTLj , ii to extirpate it’^ but not to extirpate themjelves out of their calling andflation^ if fUch an Epifcopacy fljall be introduced and continued again fi their tviU , * Tis anfwered, notrorepcte what I have fo often declared , a- nentthe prefent conflitution, quite differentin its eftablishment, and many degrees worfethen theformer, and our obligation by the Covenant 2Lg2iinf}: it » the whole of this objedfion is very readi¬ ly granted : But feing it is notour, that the far greater part oFus were at once, by Proclamation call out both of our places, pul¬ pits, and parishes , and that our former Church - aflemhlies, being all at once in the fame manner fupprelTed, vveneverhad a- ny ftation in thefe prefent meetings pretending to the fuccelTion, this pitiful quibling, as if we had extirpate our felves, when we was in effedt expulfed, is bur a poor and weak mint at wit, altogether infufficient to colour its obvious impertinency. to what doth here enfue for proving , that the prelent Epifc opal- government is not the fame with that which by the Co'^^ftant wc abjured, and concerning the acceptation that it would find in England y I am fure I have confidered it at that length , and dif- cuSed it upon fuch evident and certain grounds, as neither the Authors rea/on nor his prejudice y his impartiality nor partiality y w ith f 2\\thepatiencehewUhecXus y and impatience which hehimfelf of- ^ I tensheweth, will be able fatisfyingly to remove Whether then the things mentioned in this place by the Author Examlnei* 75 * truthfy as he alledgeth > ^tgrojfi. errors and as 1 havee- vinced , and his difcerning in them, though the befl he hath, found, or on the contrary a palpable delufion ^ 1 willingly leave it to the Readers ingenuity. He faith, if they he truths , he is fnre, they are pertinent truths , to*, warJs the healing of our fad divifions. Eut when he shall make as much ferious fearch after the caufe, as he feemeth to be feafible of the effeifs, then i am fure he shall acknowledge them to be not only untruths, but moft impertinent. However, if any t$/l to he contentionsi hewifleth he could fay of this Qhurch^ we have no fuch cu» ftom^> And this wish I confefle, is very confequent to both the Authors opinion and defjgn : For, as we have heard him un^ dervalue the Ordinance and Oath of God, though moftconvinc- ingly fealed amongftus by the Lords Power and prefence, unto modes and trifles , to the effe^Vhe may gain to a compliance, where he can not prevail by his fimulat condefcendenciesj fo, at prefent, fuppofing them to be as little material, as the length or shortnefle ofthe excrementitioushair, he endeavours toenervatallthejuft. oppofition of the faithful with the reproach of ftrange contention ^ . But feing the things that we contend fordo really merite thatim- ’ movable ftedfaftnelTe and conftant perfeverance, fo much com¬ mended by our Lords command, and the example of all his fol¬ lowers, we hope the cuftome of perfidious time-ferving, which the Prelatshavefo much pradtifed in this diftradVed Church, shall never be able tocounterballance it: And therefore asthefe men have by their vain, carnal and violent contentions, at befl for their formalities, but, in efiedt, for fulfilling their finful lulls and affedlions, nor only dis-edified, butdellroyed and fubverr- ed the Church of God in this Land , and difobeyed and difgraced the Prince of Peace, whom they pretend to follow 5 foletus, as the fearers of the God of truth, and true lovers of our Lord Jefus, who is the Truth and alfo our Peace, confidering his example, fo much the more endure contradiSlion ^ (hume and re^ pfoach^ fght the good fight, keep the faith, and holu fafl our integri¬ ty, that we may attain unto that Crown of uglteoufnefie , which the K X Lord Ithe Cafe of the LAccommodaiion Lord the righteouijttdge fall give at that day unto all that love ha af^ fearing* And now remaineth the Authors <>«^jr(7r^/,which,heisfureis un¬ deniable, and he thinks very confiderable, and it is, that he that can*- fiotjoynwith the frefent frame of thU Church {^ndifyopp pleafe to bring the matter nearer , with the termes of theprefent Accommodation) could not have lived in the Qommunion of the Qhriflian Church in the time of- the firjl mo ftfamom general AJfemhly of it , the Conncil of Nice 5 yea , toga no higher y thoughfafely I might , ffayeshe) he muH eu certainly have feparatedfrornthe whole cathoUck Church in the-dayes of the holy Bifhopand AlartyrCpprian , upon this very fcruple of the Government s Novatus did upon another occafion. Whencethe Author doth draw his aflu- rance*, and whereon it is that he would have us to bellow our con- fideradon^ 1 wish he had been more explicite: That in the rimes to which he referres there was an Epifcopacy well advanced in the Church , and confequently a corruption contradled in its govern¬ ment, and yet by all quietly comported with, 1 do not deny; andtothis, if it should be replied, that there is a budge difpariry betwixt a corruption contradfed in lawful government, flill hol¬ ding the head and fubflance, by our Lords authority given to His ChurclT, the worfl that can be fuppofed of thefe primitive times, and a Government fundamentally corrupt, deriving all its power from him to whom it doth not belong , and founded im an Antichriflian Supremacy , the certain charader of the prelent conflitution; I am confident, the Author would not be able to make any fatisfying return : But, the true account of the matter is, that in thefe ancient times, this having crept in, and from fmallbeginings , and under very fpeciouspretenfes, grown upinfenfibly in the Church, and the myftery therein fecretly working not having openly difclofed it felf, it is little wonder that, though by the more difeerning the evill might be feared, yet never the lefle , no remedy offering, it was notdiredlly op- pofed; whereas, in our dayes, this latent corruption , with its mofl pernicious tendency and bitier fruits* beingfully difeovered, and thereupon by us folemnlj ejedled and abjuredand now only . .’ce-oh- Examined* ' 77 re-obtruded , under the guilding of fome apparent condefcen- dencie.s, the better to fupprefTe the true Government of Gods houfe, which we are bound to preferve, and for eftablishing the Supremacy, the very confummation of this iniquity. Cer¬ tainly thele things do import a mofl manifeft difTcrence. 1 shall not here hand to cleare, how that an Oath, though'taken up- ‘ on a* matter antecedently binding , doth nevertlielefTe in fuch ^ manner fuperinduce a iurther obligation, as doth not only ’ more flridlly bind to vigilance and circumfpedfion , but alfo’' to a meafure of zeal agaiiift defedtion, bey ond the oppofu ' tion to that lame material tranfgreilion formerly required: nor ' need I to putany inminde, how that thefacrihcingto the Lord in the hign places , permitted without reproof to Samuel, ‘‘Da-* ^ -i/zV, and Solomon, before the building of the Temple, didafter-- ■ ward make an exception from the integrity of fucceeding Prin- ' ces. Certainly, to judge rhat the continuance of aneviil, and ^ a relapfe into it are of the fame nature , and that at this time^“ we may have the fame compliance with this epifcopal Prefideu" ' cy, which once it found in the Church , under quire dil^- * rent circumltances , were grofsly to confound times, defpife * warnings, trample upon deliverances, and violate the Oath of ’ God , nay further to contradict even the principles of thefe ‘ times mentioned, and that to that hight, that! amalTured , were ’ thefame ancient Chriflians, boalted of, on liie, to fee the fad ’ effedfs that have enfued upon their well-meaning pradlices , and the patrociny which is^ thence taken, for the backfliding and '' overturning of our dayes, their godly lorrow would work in them' i ^carefulne([e ^ z cleaying of themfelves ^ an indignations, a'fear ^ a hement de(ire ^ a zeal ^ yea, an J a revenge dhosQ all the deteflation' ' that our Author and his followers do commonly calumniat as fury amongftus. And i« place of his particular above cited- Conllitui^ &c oppofed-to the then afpiring Prelacy , would be¬ come a Presbyterian of the flriciefl: form ; and therefore, though Ido not owne thefe accufations of fchifm & total breach of eom- miinion with the Churchy wherein’the-Authour is pie-afed-c©^ 7-8 The Cafe of the t^ceontmdathit (late and phrafe the difference of ptefent pradticer, fifOibthstt,o£ the ancient Church *, But on the contrary > 1 have oftenand plain¬ ly declared, that the fin attending the compliance urged is the plain caufe and meafure of our withdrawing: Yet that our abdain^ ing from the prefent Church - meetings , fo widely differing from thefe of the ancient Church, and invironed with circumftances no lefTe variant, doth not give ground to fo much as that feeming oppofitionin pradlice, which the Author objects 5 But on the contrary, isthe very fame, which all the faithful therein would havechofen, upon the like exigence, I am confident, all true and ferious obfervers will very readily acknowledge 5 and confe- quently thatthis the Authors andlafl word^ notwithdanding i' ofthe enforcing epithets of undeniable and very confiderable, wherewith hefecondsit, is nevertheleffenothing fingular from f all the reft premiled. Having thus largely digreffed in the review of thefe Papers, and therein difculledmoftofthe arguments ufed for this Lydccom- , modation \ it remains that 1 follow forth the fecond Article .where I left: And though, for the better reaching of the outmoft of our JVdverfaries pretenfions,! havefuppofed Prelacy to be thereby re¬ duced to a fimple Prefidency , and, inthisfenfe, argued againft: if, yetfinceitis certain , that the nomination and election of the who when prefent is to prefide, and when ab- fent, doth, atbeft, only permit a precarious fuftection, is not to be committed to the Presbyteries fuftfage, but abfolutely refer- vedto his Majefty, and, next, that the general of, all Church- ; affaires y and what may be meant by management ^ whether the ; decifion only, when propofed to the Aftembly, or both the pro- pofing and deciding, do feem to require a further explication. I ; thinkthe Article is further liable to thefe exceptions. 1 shall not hererepeat, whatl havefaid againft the unwarrantablenefte and finevitable prejudice of the abridgement of rl e Churches juft li- 1 berty, inthechoifeof its Moderators , in itsfeveral Afl’emblies, land his Majeftiesuiurpation in this point .: the thing which ! at iprefent note as djfedtive, and which was aifo much defiiderat, is a clear 'Examined* a clear explanation , Whether the power and liberty of propo^ iing be aswel offered in this Article to the free vote of the meet¬ ings , as the power of deciding feems thereby to be conceded} or whether , according tothelchcme of our National Synod, asj now fetled by Authority of Parliament,the power of propofing is notftill tobe the privilege of the conffantmoderator^or rather his Majefties prerogative to be exercifed by the meer intervention of the fixedT*^4/^/aj hisinftrument. I shall not criticize,nor ask how^ thepropofal came to be fet down in x\\t{tx.Qxm^,That aUchurch-af^ faires Jhallhe managed mTyeshjiteries & Synods hy their free vote,rather then thm^that they /hall he managedb^ ’Tresbyteries ^ Synods •h' their free t;<7/^.Onely this I may afErmc,that the fecond member ofmydoubtl is no lefle probable, &conronant to the tenor and prefcript of the ASl mentioned, then evidently elufory of ail the ocher liberties propofed. But wherefore do I hefitat inthefe fmaller matters > The thing here principally to be obferved is,that as,by the prefent eftablishmenc, annexing Church power and jurifdi in effe<^, diftroy their true being and efiencc; and on the other hand, to imagine that by this Accommodation. , there is any derogation of the Supremacy intended fo much as to be connived at, were foolish and prefumtuous. Itis clear that the [,, Supremacy , and the liberty here pretended cannot rationally becompofed; if therefore the Accommodators woulddeal up¬ rightly in this affair, let them fivU shew us where thefe Presbyte- ^riesand Synods are, to which they would have us to come, and next caufe ns to underftand the trudi and reality of thejufl liberty they feem to offer, and thenboaft of their condefcendencies. . But while they fuppofe things for uncontroverted grounds > ' which are warrantably and plainly by us denied, and then would ingage us by a form of fpecious conceflions , wanting al real , foundation, they only discover their own palpable weaknelle , or moreunpardonnabledifingenuity. The third Article bears, IfanydiffeYencefaUoutinthediocefian . Synods heivcixt any of the memhevs thereof it flail he lawful to appeal to j a Trovincial or their Qommitty, That this Provincial is foun- j ded upon, and overfwayed by the Supremacy j and thereby ma- nifeftly difprovable, as neither a true Ecclefiaftick-Court, nor en- joying any competent meafure of power ^liberty, is abundantly • i confirmed by the arguments above adduced againfl the preceed- j. ing articles. The fingularites that here occurreare , that the £ oonftitution of a Provincial Affembly, being a Court not in ufe ^. 'amongftus, should have been exprefly declared. 2. Thatifwe , maygueffe atthis by redudfion, and according to the pre- fent eflablishment , itmuft confifl: of members vi^^ the 'Biflops ^ andVeans oi conjlant Moderators , bothmoreunwar- raiuable as to their office, and corrupt in their pradfices then the j ordinary conflituents of inferior meetings, j.That this provincial I is to have a Committie which being yet very unlawfully efta- j blished tor a perpetual Court , can only conduce to the greater I flrengtl ening of the A rchbi;,hop’s prirr.acy , and the overlway of . the fubjedled AHemblies : But feing the Bishop, in hislaflcon-^ ! fercnce, hath paBed from this Arucie, 1 shall not purfue iit any further,, r <•> Examined, ^ further; only the gradation here traced of Presbyteries, Synods,^ and Provincial Aflemblies moveth me to enquire , wherefore no mention of National Aflemblies, a Court not only the Su¬ preme in thatfcale, but fodiftindly defined by a particular viz.y^if?4. j 663. in its Members, methods of procedor, and ex¬ tent of power, thatl cannot judge its omilTion accidental and undefigned; nay in efi'edt it is areferve which doth fo unquefti- . onablv fecurethe whole interefts and defigns of Prelacy, and fo evidently redargue all the propofals made o^ a trepanning mocke- - ry 5 that as I ferioufly marvel, how the Accomniodators, know¬ ing of this ultimate refort, fo firongly complicated of all the ftrength ofthe Supremacy and Prelacy, did not extend their other concelfions to all things elfe that could be demurred i fo I am no lefietofeek, wherefore the Brethren, who treated, did except fo little againft it. I need not here exhibiteany long defcription of this Court, which I havefeveral times above mentioned : The is full and plain to rhemeancfl capacity: The King, in the very entry, afiumes to himfelfnot the indidlion only (Which was all that, afterlongcontendings, the more confiflent ufur- pation of former times did by the 1612. afcribe unto him) but the conftitution of this National Synod , whereby having , named and appointed the members and the Archbishop of S. Andrews for Prefident, with an expreflc limitation of the time and place of their meeting to his Majeflies order, and of the matters to be treated and determined, concerning Dodfrine, Worship, Difeiplineand Government, to his Roval pleafure, tobefignified in write to the Prefident above named. 1 he King, j with the advice ofthe Eflates, confirmeth the fame, as the law-^ ful conftitution of our Church-aflTemblies, provided that the King' orhisCommiflioner bealwayes prefent, and that no ASiox Ordtr\ beownedasfuch, butthat which shall be agreed upon by the Pre¬ fident and major part ofthe members, and not contrary to the Kings prerogative, orlaw of the Kingdom. Andlafily, that no Adt, matter or caufebe debated , confulted , and concluded, but what shall be alio wed and confirmed by hisMajefty or hisCom- JL miflfioher f jS The Cafe of ihe K^ccmmdathn miflioner for the time. Now, I fay, this AdtandConflitution flill (landing & remaining, let any ingenuous perfon declare fing- jg ly , what he thinketh all the propofalsfo long tinckled upon can fignify, or what liberty have the diffenting Presbyterian bre- thren, which may not hereby be retrained and rendered ineffec- tual? And what abatement is there condefeended unto of the ex- j,- orbitant powers of Prelacy, whichis not here either formally or ^•virtually repaired? And, in a word, what good can we exped: by any Accommodation, which may not by this frame be cer- tainly fruflratana made void. 1 have not, in this place, noted g the flrange andpalpableufurpationsoftheSupremacieagainflthe ^Lord, and over his Church , which this deviceand prqjed con- taine^j becaufe, as, inall the parts and pafTagesof our prefent eftablishment, the veftiges of that wickedneflTe are very confpicu- ^'ous*, fo, it is in this Ad thatthey are vifible in their higheft ex¬ altation. ^ From all which it may very cafily be gathered that the Bishop’s policy, in his filence on this point, was no IclTenecefTaryforche 1 carryingon of his intention, then the refervation of the thing, the coUuvieso^ all corruption of Church-government, deriving . its influence and perverfionsunto all inferior and fubor^linat Af- ^^'jfemblies^ doth render allthe other overtures of agreement elu- c< a.' fory and infignificant. I The fourth Article is, that Intrants beingtavpfuUy prefentedhj the Watron anddut)/ tryedhy the Presbytery , therejhall be a day agreed upon by ^ the BiJJjop and Tresbytery, for their meeting together for their folemn or- ^ dinathn and admiffxon , at which there Jhall he one appointed to preach, and that it Jhall be at theparifh Qhurch where he is to be admitted^ ex- ^ (ept inthecafeof impojjibility y or extreme inconveniencys andijany dif¬ ference fall in touching that affairy it Jhal be referable to the proisincidl . iynodn or the Committee^ as any other matter. This isthe Article , 1 but there is nothing found, the very entrie offends 5 nor that I ^ j udge that for the fingle caul'e of Patronages being reflored, and preientations made requifite for intituling to a btipend or bene- 1 fice, Intrants ('all other things being plain) should (land off and may Ex4»liiud> j") B may not lawfnUy»entcr that way; No, though patronages be in¬ deed in themfelves a heavy grievance, and in their exefcile , tor, the nioft part, partial andfinful, and upon thefe grounds, by an expteffe yJSin the year 1649. abolished; yet to Intrants other- wile innocent they ate certainly only thegreateu injutie. Bat the thing 1 except, is, i. That according to this propolal it feems , Miniftets formerly lawfully called and ordained,and now wrong¬ fully owed, shall have noregrefl'e to the exercife of theitMim- ftry faveby this method, whichcertainlyiri hefecircumltan- cescannotbutrcnderthepreflurefatmoreuneafy. z. What shall become of Patronages pertaining to Bishops, and of other Chur¬ ches which are of their patrimony > Certainly this is a point not ' fofarwithoutour line, but at leall in a conjundlion wiihthe ma¬ ny other things thatjuftly grieve us it may make a pattofourte- Butl proceed to take notice of the manner of Ordination here difcribed, and pafllng the trial previouQy appointed, Itispropof, ed that there Jiallieadajr agreed upoahj the Bijhop andPteshfietji for their meetitto tooether , for the ftlemn ordination of Intrants : By which it is evident, that it is not the vote ofthe plurality , that , in this matter, can make a determination; no, the Bishop and Presbytery mu!l both agree to this appointment,thewholePtesby- tery cannot overrule him in it. And here I cannot but obferve the cunning flienefs of this draught. TheBishopin all his difcour- • fes and treaties hath ftill, in this point of Ordination , kept ' himfelfin the clouds; Toaflume to himfelfthe foie power of Ordination or a negative voice and part in it is motethen all his mufty alledgeances , from obfcure antiquity, anddecliningpu- | rity , fot,hisfixedptefidency,willamountunto;andtodefcend to pofteriot Ages ofthe Church, would beofaconfequence no leiredangetous,as to the many corruptions that then were crept in, then the afcending to the prior times offcripture light would - prove contrary to this prelatick arrogance. On the other hand, ^1,.-: feing both the humor and defign of tpifcopacy ingage him to be *''' • nrindipal in the aftion of Ordination, therein to be lubjeQ to the ^ _ ^ . The Cafe ef the K^ccemmodation determination ofthefuffirage of the Presbytery, is nothing agree¬ able , and can not be digefted. And what variety in his difcour- festliis hairing ambiguity hath produced, I leave it to fuch as have had the opportunity to obferve : But now that we have him in write, it is worth our pains toconfider the contrivance, i We have heard, in the fecond Article , that he is willing that Chnrch-matters be managedin Presbyteries and Synods by the vote of the plurality, a fair infinuationthat^e matter of Ordination shall be in the fame manner tranfadted : Andinthis Article he leaves the trial to the Presbytery , confents that, it pofliblc , theOrdina* tion be at the parish Church , where one shall be appointed to preach, and , laftly, is content differences falling in be refer¬ red to the Superior Courts; all fair generals. But wherefore no mention who shall be the adtual ordainers, whether the Bif- hop and whole Presbytery, or the Bishop alone in behalfe and as Mederator ofthe Presbytery,or the Bishop alone as indeed fome- thing greater (whether asin a fuperiororder , or only in a higher degree is but a School nicety ) then either a Presbyter,or the Pres¬ bytery , & to whofe office this part doth properly belong ? And, astothefe things , thoughwebe left in the dark, yet many pal¬ pable indications lead us to feel this lafl: to be the thing deffigned, againfl which, if I might now Band to debate, I could show this not only to be contrary to Evangelick parity and fimplicity and ApoftolickpratBice, anddeflituteeven ofthefe pretendedtefli- mon ies of the next Ages for a fixed/)y<7y?4/4 , but that it hath been one of the main impoBures ofthe prelatick Spirit, BrB injurioufly toufurpe, and then myBerioufly to involve the matter of Ordi¬ nation , thacthe Bishops might have the dignity to be its proper difpenfators andthemyBery of iniquity be the more thereby ad¬ vanced. , ' But the point here moB remakable is, that apprehending his condefcendencies might render him, as being obnoxious to the plurality of voices, ofleffe power and influence in this affair, Be¬ hold how craftily he goeth about to falve his negativey which be may not, forfearofadifeovery , plainly owne, and that is, by iiiakino. miking’the appointment of the day^for ordaining to depend on his and the Presbyteries joynt' agreement, wherein it he pleafe tobeadilTenter , it is certain that his not alfenting to thiscircum- fiance will be of noleireconfequenceforhispurpofe , then ithe hadrefervcd unto himfelf an inhibiting vBtOy upon the fubfiance ofthewholebufinefTe. , ^ i . , j Now, that this power, in what fort foever by lum couched and covered, is not to be alio wed , his wantofanyfufficient war¬ rant for it doth aboundantly evince. Andfurther what the Scrip. ture and Apoftolick rule in this affair is, thefe few confiderations may in this place fatiftie. 1. That the power ofOrdinantion is certainly annexed to , & dependent upon , thepafloral charge*, for, feing that the cure committed to the Apofiles, and by themto fucceeding Paftors, could not be perpetuat without a fucceflion , the evident reafon ofthe thing it felf, with the import of that command, The things that thou haH heard of me , the fame commit thou to faithful men , whofljall he able to teach others alfo , do plainly perfwade the aOertion. 2. As we find in Scripture the Apoftles and others upon occa- fion by themfelves alone ordaining, fo whereever a concurrence did offer, wemayobferve the AO: to be alwayes joyntly done andadminiftrats ib we findthetwelvejoyntly ordaining and lay¬ ing their hands upon the feven Deacons, without any preroga¬ tive acclaimed by who yet, if falshoods may be compared, hath more apparent grounds in Scripture for his Primacy, then can be she wed for the Prefidency of any Bishop. Next we have the fraternity of Prophets and Teachers at Mtioch fending forth and impofmg hands upou Barnahoi and Saul , by a like equall con¬ junction. It is faid ofT4«/and Barnahoi that they (in a plural union^ Did ordain fc lders in every C hurch And 4. it is manifeft that T^aul , by reafon of his concur¬ rence with other Presbyters in the Ordination of Timothie , doth attribut the fame ad indifferently to his own hands and, to the hands ofthe Presbytery. V\ hich Scripture-grounds 86 7he Cafe ef the f^eeemmodkthn being joyned to the want of any probable reafon for this (ingula« rity, and the manifeftly woful and fad confequences of this E- pifcopal imparity with the prefent unqueftionable deHgn of bear- I ingdown the juft liberty and authority of the Lord's Minifters, in a convenient Subferviency to mens lufts and wickednefle, by ! the ftifFand inflexible retaining of this privilege, do, 1 am confi- i dent, make out the eccentrick preheminence acclaimed to be j| notonly initlelfunlawfull, but by ourlblemn Oaths to maintain Presbytery , and extirpat every thing that shall be found to be ;| contrary to found Dodtrine and the power of godlinefte perpetu¬ ally allured. Seing therefore that this Article doth certainly im- ^ ply this corruption, as I have above declared, that it can have f no better acceptance from us, then the preceeding, needeth no further reafoning. As for the other trifling circumftances, whereby the principalthing in it 9 is endeavoured to be palliat, j they do not merite any morefpeciall inquiry. The fift Article is, It a not to be doubted but the Lord Commfffioner wtU make good what he offeredanent the efiahlijhrnent ofT'resbjteries and Synods } and we truH his Grace will procurefuch fecurity to the Brethren for declaring their judgment t that they may do it without any hazard in counter'^ veening any law , and that the Bifhop fhaU humbly and earnejlly recommend thUto his gracc_^* This Article made up of uncertain afturances, ridiculous trufts, and the Bishop’s conformable undertaking, is , already by me fufficiently examined , in the very entry of this difcourfe; and there told, that what the Commiffioner did un- ! dertake anent the eftablishment of Presbyteries, I did nor exadt- ^ ly know5 but if it was that which is reported, viz, that they should be fet up as preceeding the 1638. 1 thought it could con¬ tribute nothing to the removal of our juft exceptions. I shall not here offend the Reader by a vainrepetition^biu feing the grounds formerly laid down are very material, and yet by the moft part little adverted to , it will not be amifTe that, after the full and plain account 1 have given of thefe matters , I again run ovi^r them j and. ^ i/I hat according to the principles of trutb,Presbyteries are not * - X. Cafe efthe i/iteemmeJatlea efciffionofthej^affotR Nay, ; w'hois man in that cafe of whom we should be afraid f But and if ' the Lord require it not, this is certainly a foolish antidote to a. I vain forcitude; ' Andthus we arc arrived at theTixthtSc lad Article , That no In^ irant fiali ifO ingageci to any canonical oath , or fkbfcription untothe Bif^ hop; andthaihii opinion anent that government fh all not prejudge him in ihii , hut it /hall hefree/of him to declare A nd t h i s is t r u 1 y t h e o n ly fa i r i condefcendence that of them all hath any thingofajudeafc j Buc , feing it is very inadequat to the main difficulty , and for an ap- | parent liberty ofopinion doth certainly tend, according to the. | late morality of thefe times, to involve us in many fmful and in** | I confident pradfices, I shall not lurther urge it. ' And now having finished the examination of thefe fix Ar¬ ticles, &therein ,, amongd many ocher empty pretenfions, ancJ - ■ inextricable ambiguities, rencountered a mod cunning & vipe¬ rous inve^dive againdthe League and Covenant , confiding of the likenumber, asifitwereameer politickcomplication af doubts’ and fnares, for the more clear redargucion of the Authors pre- fumption and malice , 1 cannot but defire my Reader, imparci- I ^ ally to confider both, and what, and with what fuccelTe boht of ’ '■ ■ ushaveobjetded, and, I am confid'entr, that-though an al moff i ivL- - infinit e^ The cafe of the i^ccommo^atM, infinite over proportion of matter for importance,as wel as varietyi the greateft diverfity of humors, interefts, opinions, nay and almoft of Nations, that ever concurred in one treaty, with the no lefle difproporcion of parts and abilities in us, the two Antago- nifts, do every way increafe and accumular the difadvantages on my part 5 yetitwill appeare, that fuch is the power and vertue of a righteous caufe that where inthe attacquing the Covenant the Authour hath carried back nothing but his own shame and our fcorne, thetruth, not I, hath, on thcotl erfide, diiVi pared and routed his Articles with an entire vidory, which if he or any man account vain, or a prepoflerous triumph, itis, only truths confidence, and 1 do hereby confirm it with a no lelTe refolute defiance. Hitherto I have examined this overture of ^ecommodation^ , according to its terms contained in the above-written Articles, As for the exceptions that may be made againfi itfromits contri¬ vance, tendency, and circumflances, theinconvenienciesthat wouldenfue upon it, and other moreremotearguments , they are fo eafily deduceablefrom the preceeding grounds, that it were fuperfluous to profecute them by any more diflin^ft propofal. That we may therefore, once for all, review and fumme up the manifold and manifeft evils of this device, not more conceited andboaftedofby its contrivers, the Servants of men, thende- fervedly rejedfed by all the true Minifters of our Lord Jefus Chrift; Notwithfianding of all the fpecious pretexts and fair fmoothings that have been adhibite fortriming u\)t\\isLy^ccommo~ to an alluring and taking condefcendence 5 yet, I amper- fwaded,that who everfericufly ponders what hath been faid upon it, will be quickly convinced that the difficulties following do flill remain as invincible impediments to all confeientious men. Pirji, That a conjundlion with and in the prefent Church meet¬ ings , is a certain acknowledgment of, and participation with the prefent Ecclefiaftick -government, which in efiedt is not truly fuch, but ameer politick confticution wholly dependent upon, aad Examined* and refolving in the Supremacy, wherein no faithful Minifter can i take part, I Secenuly^ That this conjundliondothevidently infer a confent and fubmiirion to this Supremacy , as arrant an ufurpation upon ; theKingdom ofjefus Chrifl in and over his Church , as ever did , daretheK.ingofNings, and LordofLords in anyage* Thirdly ^ That though this confent could not be objeded, yet fuch is the prefentelevation of this all-fwaying Prerogative^ not I intended to be deprefled that all ocher conce/Tions, though in themfelves fatisfying, would thereby bedeprived of any confiftent alTurance; and rendered wholly elufory. And really, when I reflect upon thefe particulars, I cannot forbear to ask, withwhat ' confcience can Minifters rather parta) and in things more weighty , do ■ ratherprepare and ripen to the Bishop’s decifion, whoalfoor- daines and cenfures with very little ceremony, by this Ireatie ‘ and its Articles, over and above the vvretched^/z^^? of a padion- ^ cd andcontrariant proteftation, this tolerance is to be changed into a more aflured liberty 5 as to the Bishop, but every whit as dependent upon the King as Supreme 5 AndthcaCls of ordina¬ tion and excommunication are tobe pafTed and performed, more publickly and with greater folemnity. Which obfervation, Imufl: confefle, is to me fo obvious, that it hath been alwayes attend* ed withnoleireperfwarion , thacif the Bishop did not judge our ^ confciences as peevish and fickle, as he afleemeth the matters in difference frivolous and empty trifles , he would not have this rilced his own reputation, in all chebufinefsaiidffir he* hath made about fuch a nothing of condefcendence. Of which 1 am the more confirmed , that though the papers which 1 have difcufled were by the Bishop acknowledged to have been written fome years ago, and do all along conclude a conformity to the prelenceffablistw ment; yet the Bishop very juBly,though imprudently, fuppofing the cafe to be ftill the fame, hath made much ufe of them of late without the lead alteration to ingage us unto the terms of his'new; agreement. Seventhly , This ^Accommodation utterly difowns & cuts off the Ruling Elder,an officer not only clearly warranted from Scripture and the nature of the Churches conditution , and Angularly commended by his ufefuliiefs 5 but in fome refped countenanced even by the mixtures we fee in his* Maders eccleliadick com* miffion. Eightly^ The Terms offered being propofed with this expreffe condition, {Epifcopacy l>eingalvpaye.s ptefevved) and in effe^dfo fully retaining the fubdance of all the corruptions and grievances of that model and frame, by us very folemnly and often abjured both i by the National and the League :xnd Covenant , to dole and ji comply therewith were, at lead, to deferc the Lords caufe, by ^ ‘ __ M j - _ cadi^ . - j Cafe of the ^Accommodation carting away the word ofhis patience in this hour of temptation # 1 and togiveour felves to that detertable indifferency and neutra¬ lity y which we have by Oath fo enixly renounced. ‘ Ninthly, The embracing of this pretended coalition, but real iuppreffion of PresbyterianGovernment, would not only be a to¬ tal furrender of that interert unto the will of itsadvcrfaries, but ingage us into fnares conierts , offences i and temptations, that may be betterforefeen then they can be numbred.let be pre¬ vented. 'Ihe Authors propone peace , as the fcope of their overture , and yet they know , nay do exprerty provide a liberty for the differences and proteftations , that mufl neceffarily enfue: Whataflrange method have we here of compofing ftrife, nei¬ ther by removing the grounds , nor feparating the parties i but plainly, byjo) ning them in their declared opporttion and fworne contrary endeavours , of theonetomantain , and the other to extirpvit, to exafperate the feuds ? And is not this one reflection: fufficientto redargue the infincerity of this whole project, and to informe all men, that it is notunion, but the very extinction of Presbytery that is thereby defigned ? I shall not here note, that the Brethren , being once brought into thefe meetings, where there will be infallibly, no lefsdif- cord then inequality , it is not to be doubted , but the hatred , envie and j^aloufles of the flrongeragainfl the weakerwould in this juncture, fo fertile of occafions, foon procure the latter to be depofed and ejected. And that bv a power, which they could not fo VI ell difowne. But this , 1 am fure, would in that event fall out fo acceptablie to the patient, that 1 shall not, at prefentl^ reckon it as an inconvenience. Theevillsmore to be confidered I are , that as no confcientious man can rationally hold out the fmallert benefiteorufeofedification,that can arifetothe Church ofChrirtby thisfoheterogenious , diftracted, and unequal affo- eiation} fo, what can be thence expected, except either the temp- . ration of continual heats jforrowes and offences, or rather , ac- k cording to the prefent too vilible decay, the cooling of zeal, the ^ declining to luke warraaefs, the eiifiiaring of confciences, con- ni vinff-^ Examined, \ \ VrvinS at corrupt Adis andpradlices, the partaking of other mens i fms,and theevill example ,{lumbling and grief, ihac uill there. ! on redound to all the fearers ot God and lovers of bis righteous caufe ido not here make mention of theolfence of the people^ asfome do, whoufe it as an argument , yea their mam one , that this Accommodation being dilpleafingby provoking them to withdraw fromfuch asclofe with it would defeat its own defign. No, if the thing be righteous and otherwife expedient, to in- dulgeto humors is indeed a vain popularitie: Andl am heartily forry, that good men, info good a caufe, should have bewrayed fo great weaknefs, as by infmuating a falfe charge of humor a- fraind the people, to havenot onl) difcoveredtheirown pufilla- nimitie, but furnished the adverlarie with fo faire and plaufible an advantage. But leaving them, inthis point, to. G.B’^ cor- redlion, and hi m alfo to his vai n iilufion, as if herein he had over¬ come a great part of our drength, TheofFence, thatlfear, & prognodick from a compliance with this Accommodation, is quite of another nature, vi:{. that now , in this bakQiding time, fach a bad and influencing example may beofdangerousconfe- quencc to remove them from their dedfadnefs. And how tender of the foul concernment of the Brethren, and fearful of that wo, which even he who is the bleffing of ail Nations hath denounced affaindchem, by whom offences come , every flncereChridian ought in this point, to be, 1 hope ail intereded will ferioufly condder. But now it is full time to conclude. And therefore I fay, that feeing the termes of this Accommodation are ambiguous, ded^c- tive and fmful, its defigne and tendency mod pernicious to the true Government of Gods Houfe, and the Kingdom of ]elus Chrid, and its whole fabrick and frame, to the convidion of all difcerning men , only forged out by neceffity and Policy, andfmoothed by delufion and hypocrify, on purpofe to catch afmall remnant of the Lords faithful Miniders, witnefies againd: thepreientback’lidings &ihereby,ifpoJible.forevertofuppreife theredoringol the workofGod in thcLand,ljud^c it ougutrobe rejected 1 I reje^ed as a vainenfnaring invention: So that,although the Iiatcfs'- Crs should be thereby wrathfully irritat , Sethis cockatrice egg should break out into a viper 5 yet beti er it be crushed for our rcfTe- ring,then finflilly eaten toourdeath &de(lru(!^ion.Tbereproches eiungovernable anaunpeacabletn'iXY indeed bebitter unto ingenuous fpirits, let be fincere lovers of the Prince of peace, and theperfc- ‘. cution ofmen may poffibly proceed to affliAand vexe : Butfeing that, through Sathan and the world their known enmity againft theLordand allhis followers, thcfe things are, in place of the opprobry, become rather the badge of truth , Only let our con- verfationbeasbecpmeth theGofpel and let us Band fall in one spirit with one minde driving togetherfor the pure ordinances of \ the fum of what 1 faid was this. . . , I. That Epifcopal-Government, managed inconjundion with Presbyters in Presbyteries and Synods, is not contrary either to t e rule of Scripture, or the example ofthe primitive Church, but molt agreeabk to both.^^ Covenant. which is pretended by fo many as the maine, if not the only reafon of their fcrupling. And for Lit fakes it is neceflary toadde this. For notw.thftand.ng the many irre- ouTariiiesbothin the nfattet and forme of ihatCovenant , and the illegal and fiolent wayes of ptefling and profecu.ing of it, yet to them who remain un- dertheConfeienceof its full force and obligation, and in that feera invin¬ cibly petfwaded, it is certainly moll pertinent, i( it be true, todeclare the confiltence of the prefent Government even with that obligation. And as both thele affettions. I believe upon the exadeft (if .mp^njaUnd impaf- fionatl inouitie, will be found to be in themfelves true; fo they are own- cd by the generality of the Presbyterians in SvgUndi as themfelves have publnhed their opinion in print under-this 1 i.le, Tm P,fm of ftopojaU Imm- llio pttfented to hU Majtfio 1/ ik Rermiid Mtmairs of the Ptesbpimn ’ tJuL London Amo i66i. BeCdes other paffages m thele Papers to the fame puruole Page ii.andir. atethefe words, And At thefe me our general end, and n^oiives, fo we are induced to inf,a upon the form of a Sjtnodieal Government, conjunamitbapxed Prefidencjror Epifeopxf . for tbefereafons. „ I. We havetealon tobelievethat noother termeswiU be fo generally ^,fi?It°bVing agreeable to the Scripture & primitive Government, is like. ..lieft’tobetheway of a more univerfal concord, T ,, Earth arrive to fuch a blefling; However it will be molt acceptable to God, and well informed Confcier.ces. jr r • rlTnr „5. Itwillptomote thepraaiceofD.rcplme&Godlmers wuhoirtdifor- », der, and promote order without hindering D^cipline and Godlinels. 98 The firjl Letter, ,,4. And it'is not to befilenced (tboughinfomcrefpcd weareloath to j,mcntonit} that it willfave the Nation from the violation of their folemn „ vow and Covenant, without wronging the Church at al I, or breaking any ,, other Oath, &c. And a little after they add, thatthe Prelaciedifclairnedin „ that Covenanty was the ingrolling of the foie Power of Ordination and Jurif. ,, didion, & exercifing of the whole Difciplineabfolutly by Bishops them- 5,felvesand there Delegates, Chancellors, Surrogates, and Officials, See, „ Excluding wholly the Paftors of Particular Churches from all share in it. And there is one of prime note amongft them, who, in alarge Treatife of Church - Government, doth clearly evince, that this was the n)inde both of the parliament of England y and of the Affemblie of Divines at VVe^iminfleryOiS they themfelves did exprefly declare it , in the admitting of ihe Covenanty 5,That they underftand it not to be againft all Epifcopacy,but only againft the 5, particular frame, as it is worded in the Article it felfe : For our principal ,, model in England , and the way of managing of it, whatfoever is amiffe ,, (and it can be no wrong to make that fuppofition concerning any Church ,, on Earth) or whatfoever they apprehend to beamiire,though itmay be Lip- 3, on miftake, the Brethren that are disfatisfied , had poffiblely better acquit. „ ted their dutie by free admonitions and fignificaiions of theirownfenle in ,, all things, then by leaving of their ftation, which is the one thing that hath „made the breach (I fear) very hard to cure, and in humane appearance 5, near to incureable: But there is much charity due to them, as following the „ didat of their own Confeience; And they owe, and, 1 hope, pay the fame „ back again to thefe that do the fame in another way; & whatfoever may be ,, the readieft & happieft way ofreunitingthofethat are mutually fo minded, ,, the Lord reveal it to them in due time. This one word I shall add , That this difference should arife to fo greatli hight, mayfeem fomewhat flrange to any man that calmely confiders, that there is in this Church no change at all , neither in the Doctrine nor worship, no nor in thefubfiance of the Difeipline it felfe : But when it fails on matters eafily inflamable, how little afpark, how great a fire will it kindle ? Bccaufe every on hath not the Book I have tranferibed here Mr ownwords. Baxt, ofChurch-Governmenr. 3.P. C. i.P.27^. AnEpifeopaej defireahk for the Reformation and Peace of the Churches, Jfixt Frefident durante vita y P. 297. P .330. But fome mil fa,y , vve are in- gaged againft all Prelacie hy Covenant , and therefore cannotyeeld to fo much as you do without perjurie. Anf That this is utterly untrue y 1 thus demonflrate, 1. When that Covenant was prefented to the Afemhlie with the hare name of Pre¬ lacy joyned to Poperky many grave and revet endDivines deftred that the word Prclacic wigk be explaimdy becaufe it was mt all Epifcopacie they were againjl, a nd thereupon , ih The . firSi Letter• 99 the foUotPingconcAtenAtmintheTarenthefiswas^ivenhjfmj/of explkation in thefe words. That is Church-Government by Arch-Bishops, Bishops, there Chancellors 4«iiCommifltries, Deans Chapters, Arch-Deans, and all the ether Ecclefiaflical Officers defending on that Hj/er archie. By which it appears, that it was only the English Hierarchie , or frame that was covenanted againji , and that which was then exijlent, that was taken down. 2. vvhen the Houfe of Lords tookjhe Covenant y Mr Thomas Coleman, that gave it them y didfo explain it , andprsfejfethat itwas not their intent to Covenattt against all Epifeopaej y and upon this explication it was taken', and certainly the Par- Uamentwas moPi capable of giving the due fenfeof it > becaufe it was they that did impofe it. . . . j . Andit could not be all Epifeopacy that was excluded, becaufe, aParochtal E» pifeopaev was at the fame time afed and approved commonly here in England. 4. And in Scotland they had ufed the help of vifiters for the Reformation of their Churches, committing the care of a Countrey, or Circuit to fame one man, which was j oshighafortofEpifcopacy, atleaUas any I ampleading for. Befides that they had Moderators in all their Synods, which were temporarie Bishops. y. Alfothechief Divines ofthe late Ajfemblie at Wcdminllev, that recommended ;i: that Covenant to the Nations, have profejfed there own judgements for fuch a moderat Epifeopacyas I am here defending, and therefore never intended the exclufionof this by Covenant. After headds, As we have Prelacie tobewarof, fovve havethe contrarieex- tream to avoid > and the Churches peace (if it may be) to procure j And as we muffi not take down the Minifry , leaf it prepare men for Epifcopacie fo neither muPl we be Againf any profitable exercife of the Minifrie, or defireableorder among^themforfear of introducing Prelacy. ThusiztBaxter's own words. There is another that hath write a Treatife on purpofe , & that zealous & ftrifl enough , touching the obligation of thz League Covenant under the name of Theophilus Timorcus. And yet therein it is exprellyaflertcd, thatfoott^- ever, at frfl, it might appear, that the Parliament bad renounced all Epifcopacy 9 yet upon exa£ler inquirie, is was evident to the Author, that, that very fcruple was madeby fome members in Parliament, and refolved (with the confentof their Bre¬ thren in Scotland ) that the Covenant was only intended againf Prelacie , as then it fvas in being in England, leaving a latitude for Epifcopacy, &c. It would be noted, that when that was framed, there was no Epifcopacie at all in being in Scotland, but in England only; fo that the extir¬ pation of that frame only could then be meant and intended. Eikewifeit would be confidered, that though there is in at prefent the name or Dean], and Chapter, and Commijfaries , yet that none of thofe at all do excrcc any part of the Difeipline under that name, neither any other as Chancellor i -T - I I I— — Q l>i lOO The fir ft Letter* or Surrogat &c. by delegation from Bishops, with a total exclufionof the community of Presbyters from all power and share in it^ which is the great point of difference betwixt that model and this with us, and importsfo niuchas tothe main of Difciplinc. I do not deny, that the generalirieof the People, yea even of Minifters in Scotland i when they took the Covenant ' mightlikewifeunderftand that Article, asagainft all Epifcopacy w’hatfoever, even the mofl: moderat, efpecially if it should berel'tored under the expreffe name of Bishops and Archbishops , never confidering how different the nature, and model, and way oi exercifing it may be, though'under the famenames , and that the due regulating of the thing is much moretobe regarded, then cither the retaining or altering of the name. But though they did not then confider any fuch thing, yet certainly it concernes them now toconfiderit, when itisreprefented tothem, that not only the words of the Oath it felfe do very genuinly conflft with fuch a qualified & diflindfive fenfe, but that the very Compofers orimpofers of it, or a confiderable part of them, did fo underftand and intend it. And unlefs they make it appear, that the Epifcopacy now in queftion with us iniS’ro//4«d is either contrarie to the word , or to that mitigated fenfe of their own Oath, it would feem more fuitabletoChriftian charitie & moderation , rather to yeeld to it as tolerable ? atleaft, then to continue fo inflexibly faft to their firttmiflakes and exceflive 2eal, as for love of it to divide from their Church, and break the bond cf w peace. It may likevvife be granted, that fome learned men in who refufed to take the Covenant ^^id pofliblie except againftthat Article of it, as flgnifying the total renounciation and abolition of all Epifeopaciej And feeing that was the real event and confequentof it, aud they having many other ftrong and v vdghtie reafons for refufing it , it is no wonder that they were little curious to enquire vvhatpaff amongflthe contrivers of it, and what diflindion or different fenfes either the vvords of that rticle might admit, or thofe contrivers might intend by them. And the truth is, that befides many otherevils, theiniquitie and unhappinefs of fuch and Covcwuwts lies much in this, that, being commonly framed by perfons that, even a- mongfl themfelves, are not fully of one minde, but have there different opi¬ nions and interefls to ferve ( and it was fo even in this) they are commonly patched up of fo many fcveral Articles Sr claufes, SC thofe too of foverfatile & ambiguous termes,that they prove moft wretched fnares,thickets of briars ; & thornes.to the Confciencesof thofe that areingaged in them, & matterof I cndlefs contentions & difputs amongfl them about the true fenfe and intend- \ j ment, & the tye & obligementsof thofe doubtful claufes, efpecially in fome (|ij fuch alterations ^revolution? of affaires as alyvayes may, &ofcen.do, evem 161 Thg fir ft Letter. within few Years follow after them j for the models and procIil( 5 Hons of I fuch devices are not ufuaily long Liv’d. And vvhatfoever may be their excufein whole oi in part, who,in yeeldance to the power that prell dit, and the eeneral opinion of this Church at thar time, did take that Covenant m the molf moderate & Icaft IchifiTaticai fenfe that the ternies can admit • yet I know not what can be faidto clear them of a very great fin,that not tra¬ ined fuch an engine, but violently impofed it upon all rankes ot men, not Mi- nifters& other publick perfons only,but the whole bodie & community of the People, thereby ingagingfuch droves of poor ignorant perfons, to they know not what, &. to fpeak freely, to fuch a hedge ^dge of various con¬ cernments, Religious and Civil, as Church-Difcipline and Government, the Priviledges of Parliament and Liberties of Subjeifls , & condigne punish¬ ment of Malignants, things hard enough for the wifeft and learnedeftto drawthe juft lines of, and to give plain definitions and decifionsofthem , Sc therefore certainly as far off from the reach of poor countrey Peoples under., ftanding, as trom the true interefl of their fouls*, & yet to tye them by gious and facred Oath either to know all thefe,or to contend for them blind¬ fold without knowing them, can there be inftanced a greater opprefTion and | tyrannic over Confciences then this? Certainly they that now governein this Church cannot be charged with any thing nearer like unto it *, for whatfo- everthey require of intrants to the Miniftrie, they require neither fubfcripti- ons nor Oaths of Minifters alreadie entered , and far lefs of the whole bodie of the People ; and it were ingenuoufly done to take fome notice of any point of moderation, or whatfoever els is really commendable even in thofe we ac¬ count our greateft enemies, & not to take any part in the World for the ab- folute Standard and unfailing rule of truth and righteoufnefs in all things. But oh who would not long for the shadowes of the evening, and to be afi: from all thefe poor childish triffling contefts. p o s T - s e R' 1 p t: TTTHatfoever was the occafion of copying out the paffages cited in thisPaper^ W of adding thefe few thoughts that then occurred touching that uibject, 1 would have neither of them underftode as intended any way to r€ fled upon or iudee other Churches where this Government is otherwife exerciied j but what is here faid is only AYgumentum ad hominemy Particularly adapted Perfons, and notions, and fcruples we have to do withal in this Church. An ' though this is de figned to come to very few hands,yet I wish that what is here i reorefented were by fome better way brought to the notice of fuch as know i 1 Jft of it and need it moil that- if it be poiBble, their extream ; j oz tetter, ] feme what allayed by this confideration, that this very form pf Government, 1 which is fo hateful to them, is by the PresbyteriansoftheNeighbourKing- dome accounted a thing, not only tolerable, butdefireable; And I might add, that, upon due enquiry, the reformed Churches abroad will be found in a great part much of the fame opinion 5 Yea, I am not affray ed to fay yet further, that‘I think there is good reafon to believe, that it were not only Lawful! for thefe that now governc in this Church but, if prejudice hindered , | not, might prove expedient and ufeful for the good of the Church it felf, that they did ufe in fome inftances a little more authoritie nor they do, and yet might frill be very faroft'from proud and tyrannical domination, never i applying their power to obftrud what is good, but to advance it , and not at all againft the truth, but alwayes for it, and while they do fo , theAthe- ifme and profannefs'^ that abounds cannot reafonablie be imputed to the na¬ ture of the Government, as too commonly it is by fome, but rather to the fchifme that is made by withdrawing and dividing from it ; For there is not a greaterenemiein the World to the power of Religion then the wranglings 4nd bitter contentions that are caufed about the external formes of it. 0:^7? as Nuz.ian’^cfi pathetically begins one of his orations for peace. I confefs 1 have fometime wondered to fee fome wife and good men , after all that can befaid to them, make fo great reckoning of cer¬ tain Metaphyfical exceptions againft fome little words & formalities of diffe-' rence in the Government, and let fo little a value upon fo great a thing as is the peace of the Church. Oh when shall the loud and harsh noifes of our debates be turned to the fweeter found of united prayers for this bleffed peace, that we might cry with one heart and voice to the God of peace, who alone can give it, Pacemtepofdmm omnes: andifweberealfupplicantsforit, vve would bewarof being the difappointers of our own defires, and ofob- flrudingtheblefling wepray for, and therefore would mainly ftudy a tem¬ per receptive of it, and that is great meeknefs and charitie, and certainly whatfoever partie or opinion we follow in this matter , the badge by which we muft be known to be followers ofjefus Chrifl is this, that we love one an¬ other , and that law unqueftionably is of divine right, and therefore would not be broken by bitter pafJion and revilings, and rooted hatreds one againft another for things about which the right is indifpute betwixt us; and how¬ ever that be, are we Chriftians ? Then doubtlefs the things wherein we a- gree areincomparablely greater then thefe wherein we difagree,and therefore in all reafon should he more powerful to unite us, then the other to divide us. ^ But to reftrain myfelfe, and flop here, if we love both our own and the* ^ Churches peace, there be two things I conceive we should mofr carefully avoide, the ^bellowing of too great zeal upon fmall things, and too much ____ ,.jConfi- The fecond Letier. ' 103 fidencc of opinion upon doubtful things: It is a mad thing to rush on hard and boldly in the darke, and we ail know \\ hat kind of perfon it is of whom Solomon fayes, That he rages and U confident. The fecond Letter. S I R j The queftion betwixt us , is not concerning Bishops governing ab- folutely by themfelves and their delegates, but concerning Bishops governing in conjundion with Presbytersin Presbyteries and Synods of which vveaffirme. That it is neither contrary to the Scriptures, nor the example of the pri¬ mitive Church, but muft agreeable to both : If any think othervvayes , let them produce their evidences of Scripture and antiquity. If they fay, it is not enough to make fuch a forme lawful, that it is not contrary to Scrip¬ ture , but there ought to bean expreffe command or rule in Scripture to vvarrand it, they will furebe fo juft, as to be fubjed to thefameLavv themfelves. Let them then produce fuch an exprefs command or rule for their own model of Kirk-feffions , Presbyteries, Syno'ds Provincial & i National, and a commiftion of the Kirk in their feveral dependences and fubordinations for the ordinary and conftant government and exercile of dif- cipline in the Church, and the necellary changing ofthe moderators in thefe meetings, excepting only that of the Kirk-feflion , wherein the Minifter is conftanly to moderat • for without fuch an exprefs rule as this, a Bis hop or fixed Prefident may very vvelconfift with that whole fram they contend for; And it is really andadually foat this prefent in this Church, and they ftandfo much the rather obliged to bring a clear command for thefe Judi¬ catories , and their fubordinations , becaufe they affirme them to be of unqueftionable divine right, and the very Kingdome of Chrift upon earth , and the only lawful and abfolutely neceffary Government ofthe Chriftian Churchjvvhereas the aflertersofother forms do not ufually fpeakfo big. If they shall fay, they are not againft a fixed Prefident or Bishop, or call him : what you will (for to conteft about names ,efpecially in fo grave a matter, is- trivial and childish) butthat thequeftion is abouttheir power , thenvve ' beg that it may be fo* Let that be all the queftion betwixt us, and then vve hope the controverfie will be quickly ended; for we truft we shall be found not at all defireous touiurpe or effe he mulHs certainly^ JRi have feparated from the whole Catholick Church in cbedayes of the holy Bishop and - Martyr Cyprian upon this very Icruple of theGovermuent, as Novam did upon another ^ occafion. An % APPENDIX In Anfmr to a Narrative of the Ijfue of the Trgaty ancnt r^ccowmodatiotL^, S ince the finishing of thefe sheets, 1 have feen a narrative of thelaft paflage and ifliie of this Treatie for Accommodation, which again in- gageth me to take my pen. And in this Difcourfe, the Author ( and ’tis like one of the two, whonii I have already rencountered) pre- mifing the Articles that we have heard, exhibiteth the words, and manner of theBrethrens refufal to clofe therewith, and then refumeth the AccommodatoTS their Argoments,concluding with a short additional rtflec- dion, upon both our Comwwrr. And as for the firft part, touching the Brethrens refufal and their declining to give in their reafons,.or to debate the matter without an exprefs command, I do neithercontradid nor apologize. Only of this 1 am alTured , that what¬ ever influence, the manifold tranfgreffions and mightie fins of the prefenc times , the intradablenefs of adverlaries, or the hopelefs fell - conceit of the party with whom they dealt, might have had upon their prudence to keep fi- lence j yet neither can a caufc, fo righteous and evident, be therethrow juftly prejudged, nor will thedutyof ateftimony, for God and his Truth info cleare on exigent, he thereby fatisfied. The Arguments by the Author refumed, are little or nothing different from thefe, that 1 have already difcuffed , and when I come to re - examine them, I shall take them rather as they shall fall in then as they lye. Butfeeing that both the ftrain of this Paper, and certain other grounds of conjedure, do probably infinuat, that the Accommodators, ratherthen to fail of a defigne fo advantageous, may pofliblyabatetheir termes, to thempft taking condefcendcnce , and make all the firefs of the controverfie, to fall upon the lawfulnefs or unlawfulnefs of a fixed Prf life. It is anfwcred , itis not the fimple omiflion , oradjedion ofacertain fpace, that isto be regarded in this matter, a pcrfon may be commiflicnat, not only indefinitlie, but alfo with the expreflion of a prefixed time , and yet in both cafes rneerlie tluring pleafure, juft as in a precarious conceffion, which though it may be qualified with the convention ofacertain terme, yet Lawyers fay, itis of no ^ Q i ^ _ * * [108 t^ppenih'* j force to reflrain the granters revocation •, but the true point of the differenccj doth plainly hand in this, that the office of prefidency once being declared to befixed, andfo made a right of its own nature , not othfrwife terminable, then with the Vrafes his life, as his continuance therein, is from the nature of his right, and cannot be underftoodto flow meerly from the eledors their freepleafure , like tothe cafeofa truft committed by Ample mandat j fo he is no more obnoxious to their revocation , then any other perfon , ha¬ ving a grant from a community of an ordinary fuperior office during his life, can be turned out of it, at the granters arbitrement • whereas, on the other hand, there being no fuch conftant office eltablished , the perfon called (im¬ ply to officiat , whether indefinitly or for a fet time', attaineth tonoright, but the fame remaineth entirely with the n eetingeledling , and he is abfo- lutly fubjeded to their determination. By which alfo it further appears, and may conduce for the better uptaking of this diftin( 5 tion, that as in this fecond cafe, the right abides with the presbyterie, and the naked exercife of mo¬ deration, is intrufted to the perfon thereto appointed ; fointhe former, the erediing of this prefidency , unto an ordinary fixed office, is without cjuef- tiona manifeft derogation from, and abridgment of-*-the Presbyteries an¬ tecedent priviledge, fo that in fumme, it may be certainly and evidently concluded, that as the ereding of a fuperior office, by a perpetual conflitu- tion , and thereby retrinching the conftituents their original power, and making to the perfon therewith invefled , a proper right,. notwithflanding thattheadual nomination and election ofptrfons to that office , n.ayfti!! remain with them , doth clearly and exceedingly diff. r, from a commifTicii given by way of mandat (though for the exercife of the lame employ¬ ment,) whether indefinitly, or for a certain fpace , neither diminishing the mandators their inherent power, nor granting to the per(on commiffionat, any certain right; fo the offices of the conltant FroeJloSi and the Presbyte¬ rian Moderator, are by the fame methods and rules, as remotely difting- uished. Jf it be further obje< 5 i:ed , That I feeme to forget, that even the fixed Pf^e- fes, is not accountable , but may be removed upon his delinquency , and that advitam -i which doth much impare the difference here affigned, I shall not, in anfwering, divert my Reader to the doubt, whether this rr£fes may be removed from his prefidency upon peculiar and kffer faults,not inferring a remove from his miniflry , or whether,, according to the perpetual cuftome in this cafe, thefe deprivations are not to be divided, which certainly con- tributeth much to the Fr^fes his eflabiishment. But feeing the common & no- tore diflindion of an appointment advitam or culpam, or only , durante hempUcito , doth fuffidently infinuat the folution, it is obvious, that thoug^h an. K^^pendlxl 109 ah ordinary office given ad vltam t may according to the evident rules of j right and reafon (which do in no cafe permit the fame to beabfolute, or j exempt it from all controO be takan away, upon a jult ground of forfeiture, j duely tryed and proven 5 yet the difparity of a commiffion, given n)eerly adbeneflacttum ■, and revocable at pleafure, without fo tnuchasthe neceffity ofalledging a reafon, is abundantly manifeft , and plainly eihblisheth the ; dilHn«ffcion now in agitation J and in a word , to be removeable from a trull 4d libitum i and depofible from a right only, pro culpa, are fofenfibly diffe¬ rent, that the objedion doth not deferve any further anfwer. Only, that the influence thereof upon pradice, or upon the right or wrong manage¬ ment of affaires, may be the better apprehended , it wouldbeconfidercd , thatalmoft in every truft and employment, let be inthis which we treat of, there are , below that excefs of malverfation , which can be charged and proven to be a'fault to conclude a^ removel , a great many inferior degrees of mal - adminiftration , which though by reafon of their equality , they do .j not amount toa juft caufeofrejedion, yet may neverthelefs be of fingular j prejudice , and juft as a freeeledion doth deliberat upon proper and impro¬ per , fo may thefe fmallertranfgreflions, very rationally require a charge, ; without meriting depofition. Whence it eahly follows, that befide the dimi¬ nution of the Presby teries power and priviledge, this fixed Vroejlos , doth ‘ alfo impofe upon them, an inconvenient reftridion cf their juftliberty of change, which in many cafes may prove fingularly prejudicial. 4. lobferve , Thatasthe fixed Prafes isconftitute , not by an arbitrary , mandat, but by a proper right, refulting from the eredion of the office ,in the ‘ mannerthat 1 have deferibed ; fothe officeitfelf, confiftingina priority of ; diredion and condud , it certainly thereunto aJdeth a peculiardignity. I fay the office confiftingin a priority of diredion j for that there are fubfer- vient offices , fuch as thatof a C/ nor any other of his holy mjun^ions of moderation , humility and meek- siefs-j for that mould dejiroy all Church - government, and all Superiority of Pastors, over other Elders and Deacons^ and over their People j ifallimparitie of Rule in Eccle- fiaflick^Perfons, were inconfiftent with thefegreat Laws of our holy profefton , the Apoflles themfelves, would have been the fr^l most fignal tranfgre^ors. It is anfwer* ed j Iffrora the Text, It shall not be fo with you y I were contending for an ab- folute paritie , in allrefpeds , among all Church - officers and Members , in as much as thereby all their dilfindion > widi the 'whole overfight of Paf- torSj.,should be taken away, without doubt the objedion would be iinanfwe- rably ccncludent j jbiit feeing the divifions of Church-officers inexcraordi- narie and ordiharte, and of the ordinarie, inPaftors, Eldersand Deacons, with the imparity thence refultrng, is not fo much as by us queftioned ,the laxenefs of.fuch arguing doth meriteamorefeverecenfure , then atprefent I am inclined to ufe. It is therefore to be confidered, that as thefeveral powers , offices and gifts , by our Lord inflitute in, and given unto his Church , with their beautiful order and fubordination, are by us very chear- fully acknowledged, andnoconflrudiveimparitie, thattnay be thence-in- inferred, in the leafl: doubted •, fo neither is the fame a proper imparity , a thing only incident to Officers of the fame kind ; Nor (ifitvvere} is itthe imparitie at prefent under debate, which being an imparitie of place , or other the likepriviledge , attribute to one, exclufive of others of the fan^e order, istheonly fubjedofthecontroverfie: Which {landing thus in plain termes, whether ornot our Lord , by appointing his Apollles , and their fucceflors the Miniflers of theGofpel, in the fame eqiialicie of power, as Brethren , and quelling all there competitions about the majority and prefe- 'lence, by reducing them to the lowe degree of Servants, without any di. Binftion, except what may arife from a greater meafure of humility and di¬ ligence, hath thereby difeharged all imparitieof power and prefidencie a- 'n:iong them : I am confident, that not only the iimple propofal doth con¬ clude the affirmative, butrerider the abfurditie here objccled againll it widely impertinent. I fay then , fora diflinfl: anfwer. i. That the paritie by us pleaded , is not indeed to be concluded from any of our Lords holy injun( 5 lions of Modera¬ tion , humilitie and meeknefs^ to infinuat the tontrarie tobc ouraffertion , is not only a plain calumnie, feeing all men know, that the higheft as well j ' as the lovveft of men , conftitute in lawful degrees, are liable to thefe fa«-fjw cred inftrudions , bur alfo a defingenuous artifice , to make it bethought, ihatwe take the command j it shall not be fo amongyou, for a meer precept of , , tha ‘ ,<^ppendix» 117 tliatkind, and thereby furrender one of our main arguments ; inasmuch, as it is rather from the intimation it contains of the i\poflies their future con¬ dition, then from any precept ofhumilitie that may be thence inferred , that itftrongly concludeth my pofition. Although the command , It ihall not he fo amongjoa , doth not prohibit 1_*_.1 I___I __1 _ /T? - 2 . the different orders and degrees of Church-officers , whether extraordinarie orordinarie of our Lords appointment, which both manifett reafon , andtlie genuineimport of the antithefis do plainly evince; yet that all that fuperior eminencie andcoadtive authoritie, whereby the Princes , and great ones of the earth , are properlie from others diftinguished , is here removed from Church adminiitrations, and Lordlie Prelacie , with all its priviledges and dignities, thereby difeharged , is obvious to the meaoeft capacity. As thefe words , It shall not be fo among)>ou do in the firft place clear the nature and manner ecclefiafitck, in oppofition to fecular tu\c ; So it is from the enfuring ampliation , but tpbofoever will be great among jou , /cf him be jour Minifler 8e.c, that confiflentlie with the former declaration , the pauitie by us pleaded , ofoficers in the fame order, & all imparitie what- foever among Church-officers, refulting meerly from a greater eminencie ofplace and dignity , is utterly excluded. Ifay, refulting meerly from a greater eminencie &c. For that Apoflles & Evangelifls , inrefpedl of their extraordinarie qualities and employments, and PallorsanefrulingElders, in refped of their different charges, are Hated in akind of imparitie , is not at all controverted; but the queflion being plainly concerning the lawfulnefs of an imparitie not from any fpecial power , trufl or gift given by our Lord , but from an higher place and dignitie, having no other foundation , then a greater meafure , and larger intcrefl in the Government conferred by man , upon the perfon therewith veiled , I affirme , that not only among officers of the fame kind and order, but among all Church-oificcrs whatfoever, this is animparitie of rule , in ecclefiallick perfons , as litle countenanced b^ the fiiperiorifie of Pa/lors over other Elders and deacons , and the whole flock, or by the Apoflles their pradice, as our Lords difcoinfe and com¬ mand to the twelve, upon the fute of the brothers , doth certainly condemne' that whereurto they pretended. As for our Authors anticipation, viz., that to ftj the Apoflles were extraordi* narie perfons^ would upon the [uppofuion of their imparitj in the point of rule , fay no¬ thing , but pihat thejwere extraordinarie tranfgrejfors , it is like many other his millakes > wherein tb'’glances ofan inconfiderat phanfic , do very vifiliec preoccupy his ju lgmcnt ; for feeing the imparitie which our Lord doth ^condemne and we do difovvn , is animparitie confil'fing in the inequalitieof place and dignity, in one and the fame order , and not that imparitie, which. - o ^ - - p avifethi I - - — i > 11 I ii — - f'' 11 s K^ppend/x* ariieth from an extraordinaric office, power or gift of our Lords ordaining, ' it is evident that the imparitie of the ApofUes, extraordinarie officers. com¬ pared with ordinarie Pres by ters, doth not in the leaftcontradid; and that the ‘Author, by imagining the anfwer , of their being extraordinarie perfons, to import no more then that they were extraordinarie tranfgrefl'ors, doth only shew his extraordinarie inadvertence. And really when I confider, that notwithftanding the different orders of offices, which Chrift hath ordained in the Church , he hath ncverthelefs molt exprefly flated his Apoftles , and in their perfons all fuccced.ing Palters, in an exad equalitie , and clearly difeharged all pretenlions , to any fort of majoritie , or preference among them, andthateven our adverfariesthemfelves, do not maintaiu their Ep/yi copus Pr or confecrating jet more flrange to he Bishops , tothaiprefi- 120 f^ppendixl dency with the impofuion of hands ; as if a grave and folemn admiffm\ to a high and holy employment , were apt to unhallow itandbeingw appearance Jo proper an injlrument, of making it the better y should yet effectually make itthevvorfe. How the Author comes to terme it ftrange, yeanmeftiange , that we should be offended with a pradice, wich yet, tor all his tuprital, by reafon of our of¬ fence , he himfelfdarnotdiltindly avow, might be to us really fo, wereic not that our experience of his methods, doth abundantly fatisfle us , that all thearts of infinuaticn are familiar untohim. The thing he here points at $ is without doubt to juftifre the peculiar ordination of his Bishop, or Epifeopus Vrafes, knowing , that a diftind ordination,doth certainly require and inferrej things altogether incononfitlent with his difcriptionol his Epifeopus Vrafesy he therefore endeavours to fmoothit over , as if all confiderable in the cafe, vvere only a more folemn way ofblefTing , or confecrating of Bishops to their Prefidencie. But not to ftand with him upon the matter of words, the thingsthat we are indeed offended at, are. i. That wherein his Epifcopal confecration , both the words , manner and whole forme of a fpecial or¬ dination are moft exadlie ufed , yet he would have us to believe, that all tranfadedby this performance,is only a morefolemn benedidion j if any man inquire the Difference ; that more folemne lawful adion, if capable of a folem benedidion , is known and obvious; whereas , although Ordination be accompanied with benedidion , yet both the notation of the word, and reafon it felfdo plainly intimat, that it is not formally a benedidion , but that its principal ad, as it is performed by men, is a Minifterial conferring inthename, perfon and Authority of Jefus Chrift, of a fpecial Charch- officc, and confequently, that it fuppofeth afwel the office it felf, as the man¬ ner of its conveyance, to depend upon our Lords inffitution , and warrant: Whereby it is evident,'that either this place of prefidencie, being only a humane contrivance , upon the pretence of order of a fuperior eminencie , for the better condud ofcommon adminifiration , cannot at all bear or ad¬ mit of it , or that under the propofal of this prefidencie , it is in effed, not only a higher degree, but a higher order of Church - officers, that is intended to be introduced; Which how pernicious it hath proven , and may yet again prove po the Ghurch of Chrift, both the proud ufurpations of Prelacie , & the bights of Papacie, dofufficiently tefiifie. But the fecond thing that offends us is ,that admitting the thing were really performed by way of a folemn bleffing , in the manner reprelented ; yet feeing this '^irefidency,being repugnant to our Lords commandjs not an holy,, but an unhallowed employment , any form oT benedidion, that can be thereto ufed, is not only dcriitute of any promife, but a profanation of the holinefsofGod , which he jealoufly loveth. We do not therefore condemn t^ppendiii, _ _ f- 121 this confemtion, as if vve judged, that a grave and folcmh admi/Tion , to a high and holy eroploymeat, wereapttounhallowit; no, thisalledgeance doth too groflie and caloutnniouflie beg the queftion. But feeing it is cer¬ tain , that the Author will as foon prove gain to be godlinefs, as he will ra¬ tionally p?rfwade that this high employment is holy, it is evident, that his grave andfolemn adiniflion, is as little apt to hallow it, or to be a pro¬ per inftrument of making it better, as the confecration of the high places was ^ of old , when they were commanded to be deltroyed , in it fell allowable, or unto the Lord acceptable. Thenextthingwe meet with is, T/Mf at power of Bishop t heyond other Presbyters , ts certainly, not to be [0 ply meafured by any ether rule > as by the receaved pra^ice of the ynmttive Church , and canons of the mo^l ancient Councels. Very right *, why should not their origen and warrant, and the mcafurc and rule of their power go together? But feeing we havefound this primitive praSice, to be diflonant from , and contrarie to the truth and fnnplicitie of the Gofpel, the firlf and chiet rule , the Author muff pardon us , in this mat¬ ter, todifown both his rule and meafures, and to hold us to this only uner¬ ring canon^yet feeing he hath been pleafedin his deep ingenuity to acquaint us with that, wherein we account our felves but little concerned , it will not be amifs, that for our warning we takeparticular notice ofthedifeoverie : Ho adds then,T/M/ by the forememioned pra^ice and canons^ it will undoubtedly be found that they had not only fame juch particular power (as what, Iknow not) hut exortem &eminentempotejtatem,asHterom fpeaks: A man might hitherto have thought, that if not all, yet the main thing acclaimed by the Author to his E/’i/ro/'r/s Prafes , was a power ofconftant Moderation in Church meetings; But here, left (as I apprehend) he should fruflrathis folemn confecration, or rather the fpecial ordination , which he hath juft now aflerted, he deals a great deal more plainly» and tels us, not only in general of fuch a meafure of power, as may be gathered from primitive pradlice, and ancient canons , which certainlie may be as large, as the molt favourable conjecture, from any pro¬ bable pretence of either ofthefe within the firft three or four centuries ot the declination of the primeve puritie , pleafeth to form it; butthat by th^fe fame rules, be fide a certain particular power, which he doth not fpecifie, they should have poteftatem exortem & eminentem , and this no doubt, in a con¬ gruous enough conftruCiion of the frequent hyperbolies ufed by the fathers on thisfubjeft, may arife as highas cither ambition or intereft shall pleafe to toferueit. ^ This being then the ambiguous and laxe comprehenfion of ‘ the Author’s meafures , what hath been the finceritie of this Treatie , or •r-v' vvhat might have been theiffue of an affentingclofetoit, Ifuppofeitmay be obvious to eveiie mans leafoii. For my own part, as 1 look upon this fu- 112 K^fpendix. perior Epifcopacie, from the very fit ft degree of its afcending, to have been in allthe fteps ofits progrefs , the continual decline of pure chriftianitie, and advance of the Antich(ifti3n papacie *, and asl am convinced from clear Scripture light, and undeniable experience , that all the pretences made for it , and its power and priviledges, either Irom the prattices, graces, ver- tues or fuftcrings of thofe Centuries , wherein it had its firlt rife and grouth, are only the involutions of that ftrange mifterie, whereby it moll fecretly and lubtillie proceeded to its moft prodigious mai ifeftation, in the revela¬ tion of the Manoflin; fo I am perfwaded in the fame evidence , that the accommodating of faithful men with it, under whatfomever pretext whithin this land > shall quicklie, either prove the readvancing ofits pride , domi¬ nation and vvickednefs, orels the greater eftablishment of the lupremacie, to the as infallible prejudice and ruine of the power and puritie oHleligion, the Devils grand defigne in all thefe unwarranted contrivances. But the Author addes for a [aIvo to thefe juft feares, thatthe foregoing paf- fage may fuggeft j that if the Sphtt of our meek and lowl^ mafter , did morepojfefs the minds bothof Bishops and Presbyters, there would cert atnlj be little or no difput e ^ butthefweet contejiofflriving who should j^eeld mofi, and give mofi honor the one to theother. Thus we find him alwayes a high pretender to Golpel rules, when they feem to make/or his advantage : if heonceattain to the policffion of what either hisphanfieor intereil do recommend to him , then , according totheftrain ofthe former letters, how full is he of the high elogies of peace, & of earneft longings after it-; how hateful & odious is contention & hatred, nay, it is the main antichriflian charaderjand in the fame manner now that he is for Epifcopacie & its eminencie , how fweetly would he feem to commend the fpiritofour meek & lowly Mafter. But feeing it is without all controverfy, that ifthisfpirit were indeed prevalent, not only our diTputsSc contefts about thir matters would ceafe, but the very fubjedoThem, being at beft a vain in¬ vention pretending to order, would be totally removed, my hearty wish and defire is, thatthe Author would rather endeavour to vvitnefs his finceritic, by a through and abfolute conformitie, then by fuch partial applications. The 9 and laft confideration , which the Author offers, is anent the great and known moderation of all the late Reformers, the prefent reformed Churches, and of the presbyierian brethienin concerning the epifeo- pacy now in queftion. Biithaving before anfwered this abundantly, lam not fo much fwayed with fuch alledgeances as here to make repetitions. Only he fay cs, It U wonderful , that we should affect fo exorbitant an bight of '^eal , and ' fervor in this point , fofar beyond what can be found in anp of thefe we have named , or any other fociety or party of men in the whole Chrifitan world , either of our own or for- : wwh/we;.’I is anfwered , the zealot God isfo rare a thing, intlusevilland hipoGii- i^ppendix* 123 tical generation, and it and the wuil.is wonder do fo often trifi:, that I am only forty, that we have not provocked the Author and all men to mere of ' it^ andthatouf reproch for Chrilt, and confequently the matter of our re¬ joicing , should amount to no more in midft of fuch backflidings and per- verfnefs, then tothe jult and (lender charge cf a fingular affeded fervor. But yet the author faith, that this is an excefsnot to be found in the whole Chrifiian vvorldbefide. And if he cannot condefcend on any inltance, clothed with our circumltances, and exadly parallel to our cafe, is it not as manifeft, that the generality of this boalt, is a meer empty inconcludent flourish. Ifhe love to plead with fuch arguments, let him pioducemeany one of all the(e Chur¬ ches, Societies or Parties which hemufters up, that after having experi¬ mented the evill and bitter fruits ofepifcopacy, and fearched after its origen . and warrant, unto a clear con vidion of its want of divine inftitution , and full difeovery of the delufion of its rife, and the wickednefs of its tendencie, did in a manner unanimouflly , both by law, canon and oath abrogat and reforme from it: and when by the politick influence of Court deflgnes and State projeds, and the pradices ofthe Devil and his inftruments, the fame cpifcopacy was reflored feven times worfe then of before , and fo with a moft plenary confirmation ofall thefe grievances, formerly objeded againft it, did in the moll: pure and confpicuous zeal of God , that ever aded in any Na¬ tion , rejed this corrupt plant, and bind themfelves to maintain the true Ordinance of God, introduced in its place, and extirpat every thing thereto oppofit , by a moft folemn Covenant ; and in confequence thereof, enjoy the Gofpel in very obfervable power and plenty, untill that by as grc.fs perjury and violence , as ever the Sun beheld , this Covenant is again condemned , the Lords work and Ordinance fub- fubverted , and this old Epifcopacy, not only with a fevenfold , but with a feventie and fevenfold encreafe ofall its corruptions and wickednelfes re-ef- Bablished ; and laftly the Supremacie , the complement of all Ecclefiaftical ufurpations, with an explication broader then all the pretenfions of the Pa¬ pacy , is fuperadded. P'or the better fecuring of all which abominations, af¬ ter full proof made of all that abufed authority and power could do againft a faithful non-conforming remnant, policy at lengthdoth inftrud to propofe an Accommodation , upon termes, feemingly indeed condefeending , but really corroborative of the prefent eflablishment, and moft vifibly fupprellive of any reliqiies of diffent.or oppofition, which poflibly might revive againft it. . Now let the Author, I fay, produce us an inllance of any Church or Society , thus circumftantiat,& if not only,the faithful remnant therein, butthegenera- liry of all the ferrous fearers of God, and true levers ofeur Lord Jefus, shall . not give their fuffrageon our fide, nay the cafe being thus propofed , as in Q 1 truth f j 24 K^^pendix, truth it (lands, if eventhefe, to whom he appeals 5 do not clearly declare for us, then let us bearethe fcorn of lingularuie, and what wor(c he shall pleafe to call upon us forever. But left the Author imagine, that what I have here reprefented, with an efpecial regard tothe (Irengthening oftlie Lords People in this Land, to whom none of thefe things are hidden or unknown, doth rather proceed from an apprehenfion of a crofs verdict upon the fimple cjueftion of the fixed Prefidencie, from the Perfons and Churches to whom he referres, I grant, that aniongft the Reformers, and in thofe Churches mentioned , thei'e may be found good men, who , not being led by t he concernment of their owm condition untoamorenear and Arid examination of the thing, and rather comparing its appearing moderation with the exorbitancies of Prelacy, then reducing matters to their firft inflitution, have written of it more indulgently and refpeftfully : But as it hath not been the experimented and trying cale of any Chriftian Church , as it hath been of ours , and as the Authors that feeme to favour if, do all of them agree, that it is not of divine inflitution, but do unanimoufly recomend it upon that account *, folam confident, that if theexamples ofthc fameReformcrs and Churches, in occurrences of lefs importance, may found a probable conjedure, it may very lairly thence be concluded, that if they had been, or were now hated in the fame circum- (lances with us, they would as far exceed us in this faint and languishing zeal, whereof we are accufed, as bytheAuthor weare nowconfltued toexceed them. With what truth, reafon or civility then the Author is pleafed, ac¬ cording to the dull affedations o^his oraculous wit, totell the World , that there is no reafon can be given of this our zeal, unlefs that word of the Ro¬ man Philofopher, Superflitio eH error infanuij n is no hard matter to judge : But if he account it fupcrhition for us, after our moll convincing experi¬ ences ofthe wofulevillsofhis epifcopacie, and no inferior perfwalion, that the way of Presby terie is of divine appointment,in this matter to adhere con- flantlyto Scripture rules, and Covenant ingagements, we freely confefs with the ApollIe/’ asitis there fpeclfied,, doth not at all concern the Epifcopacy in queltion, 1 belceve I have as fufficientlj cleared, both the Authors impertioency in this reftridion, and alfo the unqueftionable concern of both our from other heads, in the e- pifcopacy controverted* But here heinfinuats, that of late lie is informed* That wemw^te to the other Article of the Covenant, ingaging us to mamain the Difcipline and Government of the Church 0/Scotland, asittvasthen in being, and hereupon he wishes, that we would impartially cenfider, wether thepefent Epifcopacy be inconjiftent with that Difctpline & Government, or if it will not rather be found to be cor¬ roborative andperfe^iveofit, as apt to keep it in more union, &fo to make itftronger , and more laEimg then it formerly proved, or likely would be, tfit were again reftored. It is anfwered. It is not here objected, that by fwearing to maintain the then cftablished DifcipHne and Government, we did not virtually renounce, and abjure the prefent controverted Epifcopacie; no, both the Reformation that had then fo recently prececded, and the Reformation that hath fince fodi- redly overturned it, do make this point too evident to be denied by the Author, or any pretending to common fenfe. But the fummeof what is herepropofcdis, thatwe were not well advifed in that our Oath , as having thereby excluded a fpecial mean for the prefervation of that which we raoUly intended. In return whereunto, I need not fay, that every inconfidera- tion is not an juft exception to make void an Oath; the Authors own incon- fideration inthis very allegeance is too manifeft, to reduce us to that ftrait. He faith in eftedt, That the prefent Epifopacy is not inconfipnt with Presbyterian Go- vernment. And is it not a‘lamentable thing, that thir Churches and Na¬ tions should have been fo long in fo fatal a diftradion, mecrly for want of fuch a happie difeoverie; nay that the very vexed Bishops j should not for their own peace, have been fo wife, as ftill to bear with and maintain a thing nothing repugnant to their pretenfions r* Buttobealittlemoreferious, I fay true Presbyterian - government doth not admit, amongft the Lords Mi- nifters, of any ftated imparity, either in power, prerogative or prefidency, one, or all of which is the very form of the controverted Epifcopacie^ there. fore*they are (what all men hitherto conftantly deemed them to be) utterly inconfiftent. But the Author fayes, That Epifcopacy by prefervirtg uniow, ie'- perUSTtve of Presbperie, And I grant that any lawful mean preferving Union , is indeed perfective of this, as ofall other Government: But feeing that E- oifcopacieis not only notatalla meanfubfervientto Presbyterie or its Union, whatever it may betoGovernment, oritsUnion in general, but is alfo in ? itfelf unwarrantable and unlawful, andineffedastoUnion, neverfbund to be otherwife more conducible then Presbyterie, but either by the deftroy- ms. or tyrannous fuppreffing of truth and the love thereof, by which the right . - ■ ■" " ' Q. ~ rider. 3 26 appendix* fide of all contentions are maintained , I can fcarce refrain from ccnfuring the Authors fore going obferve, as pitirully groundlefs. It is true, our Piesbyterie did not retain union as it was defired ; but what then f If our corruptions and fins do cither frufirat the efficacy , or avert the bleffingof the beft of mcanes, is therefore the mean it felf to be condemned ? Or if where the Lord hath left no choife, a mean shall be devifed by man more promifing in appearance, as to that wherein the mean ordained hath not, through our fault, been To fuccesful , and withall , if this invention shall be inlallibly attended with far more pernicious confequences , ought we either in con- fcience , or prudence, to shufle out theformer, to make place for the later? Certainlie as thefe things do exadly quadrat to the cafe of our accidental dif¬ ferences hereobjeded, fo the changing of the Lords ordinance for a humane device, upon luch a pretence , is liker to]eroboamf policie, who for the eftablishment and quiet of his Kingdome , fet up his Calves in liewofthe Lords Sanduarie, then that paritie and ftraightnefs ofheavenlie wifdome which the Lord requires. I might here aide, that the want of the Lords bleffing, and the parties their greater power, and, for the moft part, info- lent pride , being duely coufidered , the Ohgarcbtk model of the Author’s Epifcopoacie , feemes to be far more obnoxious to the objeded divifions, then the lowly and equall Presbyterie, that our Lord hath inflitute : And that defa^O) there h nothing in that ftate whereunto we can referre their pre¬ vention, except unto the over-awe either oi the papal I'irannie, or of a moreabfurd bupremacie , which we fee every v\ here to be the ultimat pro- grefs of thefe vain delufions: But having formerly met with aJmofi the fame alledgeancee, I proceed. TheAurhour ads, And again they would confider^ thatifthefuhjiance he falvedin thepre[cm model y their obligation is abundantly preferred. * 1 is Anf, Seeing the thing to be principally attended,both in the interpretation and obfervation of an (Jarh , is that which"was chiefly intended in the Iraming and taking of it, and which is indeed the fubftance of the Oath , although of its fubjedt ah- flrad'tly confidered it may be only a circumffance , thediflindion as here applied appeares to be more captious then pertinent. Now that the thing chieflie intended in that article, to preferve the Difeipline and Goveinmenc of the Church of Scotland y as then in being , was topieferve Presbyterie from the rei.ivafion of all thefe corruptious , from which it had been before folatelie vindicatand reformed; and that of thefe con uptious, the contro¬ verted prefidencie or conffant Moderatorsliip was one, and that the verv fifff, isfo certain and notour, that I cannot but marvel at the Authorsfb ? peiverfedifputings in the contrarie. Buthefayes, if no chip nor c'lrcum^lance of the then Vresbyterian government might be altered even to the better , then u the next_^ i^ppendix- 127 next part of the Article anent uniformity , according to the word of God , and the ampleof the bejl reformed Churches ^ illuforie ^ and a perfect cheat t in as much as though the fame rule should in order to uniformity call for an alteration , yet there could be no receedwgfrom the then frame of the Church of Scotland. Thus the Author according to his accuftoiiied deceit, when he would per- fwade to an alteration, norvvithftanding that he and his aflbciars, do mani- feltly intend and profecut it with all the might andcraft that they can adhi¬ bit, yet for to delude us to a compliance , iticketh not, by infinuating the things in controverfie to be but chips andcircumlhnces, flatly to contra- di(5t and condemne the violence of their own prattices. But, feeing that I havealreadic proven fromcleare Scripture & undeniable reafon , that this conftant prefidency, in fteed of being a efoip or ctrcumfiance , is in cifecl re¬ pugnant to that paritie which our Lorth hath commanded , and wherein true Presbyterieis eflentially bunded , and therefore was by usejeded , and the difcipline and Government, fworn to beprefervedin the Covenant, efla- blished in its place, ’tis evident that all here excepted by the Author is but a meer cavillation. In anfwer whereunto, it may well be affirmed, that itfaires vvith the Covenant as with the Truth it felf; no fuch redargution of all calumnies objeded as by its own evidence. The article queffioned , binds inthefirft place to the prefervation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scot¬ land, hiDo^rine, VVorfhipi Difetphne and Government againjl the common enemy\ wherein, it is certain, that as the truth in all the beads difeovered by divine light, and after much wrafllingrecovered from mens corruptions , was diredly and plainly ingagedunto ; fo fuch extrinfeck and leffer circumftan- ces , as are in their ow n nature variable., and only determinable by a pru¬ dence regular by the General Scripture-rules oforderandediHcation , and were not at that time either queffioned or reformed, are not in this obli-. ton of our Oath oihervvife comprehended, or thereby rendred unalterable. In the next place , the Article oblidges to the endeavour of reformation in the Kingdomes of England and Ireland in the fame points, according to the word of God, and the example of the bejt reformed Churclres : Which qualification adjeded , although through the deceitfulnefs of men, it hath given the principal occafion both to perverfi.ons and calumnies , yet I am affured , that as in it felfit is moff found and rational • fo it may teflifie on our part a moff fair and ingenuous candor ; in afmuch , as although the Englishes did firft feek to us, and willingly & freely ingaged with us, to the maintainance of the reformation whereunto wehad then attained • yet in the confidence of the truth wherein it was bottomed , and that it might appeare to the world, howlittle we w-ere either addided to any thing as our own , orincli- ned to abufe and impofe upon their diff refs , we agreed to Covenant to the I2S c/ippendix* endeavours of their reformation , not precifely according to our example,’ though we vere fully perfvvaded of its divine warrant > but according to the unerring rule ofthe.word of God; (to which.we were alwayes, and are ftill ready to fubmit all ouringagments andperfwafions) and the example ofthe beft reformed Churches, the beft arbiter of all exterior indifferences. Now after this caufe, follows the obligation to Uniformity in thefe termes. And shall endeavour to bring the Churches of,-God in the three Kingdomes, to the nearefi conjun£iwn and uniformity, &c. Which being the part of our Oath , whereon our Author dotli at prefent trifle, 1 .‘hall not trouble my Reader to re< 5 tifie his mifreprefentation, as if it were the common work of uniformity, and not Englands particular Reformation, that were referred to the Word of God: But feeing by the obvious tenor of the whole Article, the prefervation of the reformed Religion in Scotland, and the Reformation of England und Ireland, according to the Word of God , are premifed asmidfes conducing, and ten¬ dencies certainly concentring in this con jun( 5 fion wished for, I am confi¬ dent , every ingenuous man mufl acknowledge both the conllftency of our Oath, and the vanitie of our adverfaries fophiftrie. And therefore it is anfwered. 1. That fuppofe, the intended uniformity and conjundion did require an alteration; yet feeing the difeonformity of either part, makerh placefor it, & evenperfedion itfelf & imperfedion, by reafon of their difeonformity,are capable of fuch adefigne,the neceffity of an alteration to be made on both parts cannot be thence inferred. So that the Author’s conclufion, from theunal- terablenefs of Scotlands frame, that the Article of uniformity is tlluforie , and inpUinterms a forfeit cheat , is pitifully claudicant, and'unworthy of both hisjudgn.entaiidgravity. , 2. Although that the things Covenanted toh^pxtiervcd 'inScotland^ as being very acuratly tried and convincingly found to be agreable to the word ofGod, are in efted both from their warrant, and our Oath unalterable; yet, feeing that by reafon of our fublunary ft ate , there are feveral exter¬ nal circumltances attending the worship , afwellas the difcipline and Go¬ vernment of the Church , neither pohtively determined by the word ot God , nor comprehended in this our Oath for prefervation ; thatin thefe, there is a latitude on all parts left to the improvement of providence , and gratification of charitie , for the more cafieand happie obtaining of the uniformitie Covenanted , is in itfelf evident , and the very fubjed and in¬ tendment of this laft claufe , as to any thing which may be thereby impor¬ ted over & above what the preceeding parts of the article do contain. But,' The palpabh fallacie ofthe Author’s objedion , is, that hefalfely fuppofeth, not only that the word of God may in order to uniformitie call ' • ‘'ijv i^ppendix. 129 for an alteration in Scotlands frame covenanted to be prelervedbut t/iat even the fwearers of this oath did thereto referre, as not being fully afcertained and ultimatly determined as tothecongruitie of that very eftablishment which in the fame article theyfweareto mantain : whereas > itismanifeft from the tenor of the article and all other circumftances , thatasw’ein Scotland vrcrQ aflfuredly perfwaded , that the things whereunto we had attained , and which we fueare to preferve > were according to the word of God, and England alCo by concurring with us in the fame ingagement did thereunto af- fentj foit was in the fame common perfwafion , that weengadged to en¬ deavour Englands reformation according to the fame rule, and did, in the holding and not altering ofthefe obligations with a ju(t accommoda¬ tion of undetermined circumllances, jointly v-ow and hope for the above mentioned uniformitie. 4, As the certain conformitie of then reformation to the word of God, doth diredly contradid the Authors fuppofition, and the altera- blenefsof the then conftitution of Government info-far as we are fworn to preferve it, is veryconfiftent with the vowed uniformitie whereby the Au¬ thors argument is utterly ruined j fo we do conftantly acknowledge the fame word of God to bethefupremeand unerring rule, whereunto we heartily fubmit; and therefore , if the Author can shew that this rule , either upon the account of uniformity or any other, doth require an alteration of that Go¬ vernment whereunto we are bound , it is in vain to redargue us from preten¬ ded inconfiftencies in the words and contexture of our Oath, feeing this is a dired and plain method by which vve are moft willing to be tryed. The Author addes, that if no imfc or hair of the Scottish modcll can be alteredy though both Scripture, the example of the befi reformed Churches , and the vended uniformity should required, then ought it in (lead of according to the word of Godj &c. to be rather according to the pvefeut forme of the Church o/Scotland. But i .Waving the fraud and fcorn ofthe Author’sand vvhereofit is certain, that his fixed Prefidency, unlefs fo far as it is an excrementitious fuperfluity, can be called none , why doth the Author cavil ? If the Scripture and the example of the befi: Reformed Churches, do require an alteration of our mo- dell, let him shew it, and there is an end. 2. I have already given a cleare account, wherefore the ingagment in the Covenant to Reformation inEw^frfwd did referre to the word of God Arc-rather then to any particular example, 3. if upon the matter, Englandscovenanted Reformation in Difci- pline& Government according to the Word ofGod,&c. doineffed refolve in an exad conformity to our then confiitution , doth it therefore follow that this part of our Oath is either a cheat or anabufs? God forbid, the R Rule appendix* Ruleistoofacred togive ground to fuch a confequence; And certainly the Author’s lecond thoughts will corred his rashnefs. Bur the Author fubjoines, that how this underftanding of the Rule of EngUnds Reformation according to the Word of God , as certainly introdudive of the then Scottish model, would have pajimtb our English Brethren , and parti-' cularljwtth thefe prefentatthe framing of that Covenant, may eafily be imagined. It is anfwered i. The queltion here mainly agitat, is, neither how the Englishes underftood the ingagment of the Covesant in order to their own Reformation, nor yet what may be its real import, but plainly what we ttand bound to by vertue of that article, obliging us to prefervethe Re¬ formed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Dodrine, Worship , Difci- pline and Government; and'that thereby we are obliged to difownandre- jed the Authors Epifcopacy and fixed Prefidency, from which our Govern¬ ment was at that time ex prefly reformed , is that which lam peifwaded he himfelf dare not ferioufly deny. z. Whatever meaning intereft, paflion ©r prejudice may poffibly devife, yet that the words , according to the Word of Godt &c. are in themfelves moft plain, fafe and found cannot be contro¬ verted. But 5. That under this very form of words both England did give, and Scotland did obtain a fufficientafiurancefor the fetting up of Presbyterian Government in England as it was at tlut time edahlishedm Scotland y is no hard matter to explain • in as much, as not only the Word of God , the de¬ clared Rule, doth thereto ftridlie and antecedentlie tye, as hath been made out; but whoever herewith confidercd the knowledge the had of our then conftitution , the affedlionat fympathie they had tefiified , both in our labour and vidforic whereby it was attained, their frequent audfigni- ficant infinuations in publidl, in privat, in print and in fpeeches to this pur- pofe, their exprefs ingaging to the prefcrvation of our frame, their bro- therlie covenanting and concurring with us for the caufe of God , and many other circumllances, will without hefitation conclude, that we had as pregnant grounds of perfwafion of there being like minded with us in this matter, as could be demanded or expetled by ingenuous men, from agnation at that timefo unfetledanddifcompofed. And therefore , feeing there was nothing for feveral years preceeding , more clearlie and difUndlie held forth by us, then that vve judged the formol Government then in being among us, to be the only Church Government agreeable to the vvord of God, I think we may well take the Author’s fuggeflion, as if the Englishes would ne¬ ver have paffed this fenfe and meaning of the words , according to the word of Godt to be only a cunning hint , to collour a confidence which canuot be avowed. It is true, that in procefs of time > the love of truth anda^lof t^ppendtx. ^51 J God d^id much abate, & error abound in that Nation;, whence to many who defired ^ ^^^khcence, thejuftfeveritieofPresbyteriebecame uneafieand odious. but*as that doth nothing convel the former arguments by me adduc¬ ed, fo It IS no refs true, that the founder and better part of not car¬ ried away by the prefent defedion, do ftillown Presbyterian Government as his^Ch^rch^^ * Government that our Lord has appointed ii* But our Author tells us, utsnot unknown hov'p careful one of the English Cornmtgtonersvvas to have thatclaufeinferted, accordtngto the word of God ^aL hovvfecmeheih<,ugkhimfdfMc,mu^h^^ tim e^rejfm from tL iJo’Jc of ScotwhPresb;terte upon them notwithftandmg that former Article premifedin favoun of it. Well, admit this to be a truth, what then ? Jfone of them was a decea- /er,&deceaved&yet manifeftlv taken in hi'coiTrn • .. yer, & dcceaved & yet manifeftly taken in his own craftineis, what istither thewotk ot the Covenant the wotfe Mf confident etrorsottteachetLrbe fufficienttoconfutethetruth the Author needed not have called this witnefs to h,s air,fiance; but lee.ng u .s moll cettain that whoever that petfon was . and w-hateyet might have been his peculiar opinion, and cominunication cr corre pondence with the author in it, neither wasthere any I'uch thing openly declared or treated, nothathit the leafi foundationin the words under de¬ bate; but on the contrary is by them as manifeftly conlured, as the Author now.s,towhatheformerly prcfefled moll repugnant itherhing isfcarcewor' weVfroi^r^^'^’^'”" ’ conclnhon, that the Author dra- Thm, faith he, mororho Comrivm of that Connam bufted in patthino it up , to ou mt onoanothor bpmordt anMaufit. hovy tneonhoum aid dJordantfoJr, to falve their different intereUs and opinions , and to make it flrong in odium tertii, Ijovv vnake foover ,t might prove to dtfeerning mm, by dtfagreeing and jarring with it ^nd thusoutTut^f ’ ”r ‘onfufediangtige 0/ it, Ltteds . AndthusourAuthorhavingabandonedallConldenceot the Oath ofGod; doth alfo call off all shame , and in his envy ftandeth not open! v to conwa- diaandblafpheme. Jf hehadprcmiledanythingtogivefomuch as a col- e° cufe of fi!ch°conXr ’ "nful'on objeSed; foniewhat'in ,fons their diftetent apprehenConsof the fouLeft and plain^ft form of words'" contratieto the undeniable evidenceofthe truth it felt, and fZ whTch in’ .convenience the inoft pure light of divine revelation 1 lath not bTenexempt- A.hermef:Xa“ h ^gainft the holy CoveZt ^thetermes we haye heard. canonly betheeffeaof a inofi wicked indig- nations 132 t^ppendix. ration and apoftatick malice. Lord boiv dome thine eareand heave^ open Lori thine eyes , and fee > and hear the words of this man , who hathfet himfeif to repro^n thy truth and work » which thou haU mamfejUy owned ; and fare I befeech thee thy' Veople out of the hands of thefe evtU men, tbat all the Churches may know , that ,hou art the holy Lord God of truth , who fearcheth the retnes and heart . And .herefore in return to this contempt and Icorn , 1 shall only here briefly adde :owhatI have in the former Difcourfe obferved to this piirpofe. i. That U the forged ambiguities and inconliftencies, that either the deceit of Hy¬ pocrites, or perverfnefs ofopenadverlaries, have hitherto laboured to fix upon the words and frame of this Oath, are not only the fate of truth, but according to its proper vertue, by the ferious confideration thereof in its ownlight, moft readily and fatislyingly falved. 2. As the Covenant was attended by a mofl: fignal power, and prefence from on high; fo its fincere profecution , was conflantly bleffed with a very beautiful concord j and whoever divided from its genuine meaning and purpofe, did quickly alfo abandon the reverence and regard thereof, which he once profefled. 3. That not only the forfakersofthe Covenant do relinquish it without repentance, -and for the mofl part, by the irritation of their own guilt and shame, are ex- afperate to irrational railing and rage : but if the revilings and perfecutions of the ungodly World , be the badge of truth, the Covenant hath from tire beginning been thereby very notably confirmed *, and all its true followers may herein rejoice and be exceeding glade, as being by the Lord pronounced blefled. 4. That as the beautie and glorie of the work of God , were very vifibly promoted both by the Covenant and its contrivers, and confufion formerly, and calamity and wafting confumption now, the certain and ma- nifefletteds of mens lyverving and backfliding from it; and as in that fu¬ rious ftorme that broke off and deflroyed the branches, the root of the Kingdome was by this bond made fure , until the time of our reftitiition wherein it made the firft and mofl: airly appearance; fo the remembrance of thefe things, may yet be ground of hope, that the Lord will arife aud have mercy upon Zion, and in place of the Babel-confufions wherewith thefe Matters of confufion and rebuilders of Babilon do upbraid us, caufe his work appearc unto his Servants and his glory unto their Children. In the laft place , the Author faith, Heheareththat fome take the Romish Hie- ranhicin the National Covenant , for the fame with our prefem Epifcopacjt ; andthat by vertue of the Glofof Glafgow whichyet , he faith , doth grofly corrupt the Text: Tor the Ktmmh Hierarchie is the Koiinsh Hierarchic i and no other; not path any:.^ man , or affemhly of men , even fuch as have mofl of the fpiritin them , power to bind[ a fenje upon the words, fo different from i and oppofte to tlmr clear and genuine fig* nificath^ appendix* 133 !fm I cannot here in the dole infift on all the Imp6ftinencies hud’" m nithefe few lines, though by the Romish hierarchie abjured in the Nai 1 jil Covenant, tncre is no doubt meaned, not only Koines proper hterarchi** * * ulurping and pietending to a domination over us ; butalfo, allluchlikeryir- rupcionin Ecdeliaftick government, whether in its rife, growth or con- fummation, under which it is manifcft, that the controverted Epifcopacy as being the firft workings of that myfi:ery>muft neceifarily be comprehendeds^ Y et it was not by this claufe alone of this Covenantjthat this Epifcopacy was conceived to be abjured amongft us • in as much, as the argument that may begathei'cid from itforthis abjuration , is both cumulative and concludent . above exception, vi&. that albeit, that it doth principally relate to head^ j ofdodrinc, and the maintainance of the truth therein contrary to the erroru | otpoperis , yet it doth alfo extend itfelfagainft all manner ofSuperftition & corruption: and therefore doth not only reject the Popes worldly monarchy and wicked Hierarchie, whereby, without cjueflion, all the degrees, oc- cafiorjs&tendencies, either ofworldly domination , or undue Elation of Chrifts Miniliers over his flock, or among themfelves are difclaime p\it thereby we do exprefsly joine our felves to the Church ot Scotland as th ^n re¬ formed in doSrine, faith, religion anddifcipline, promifingandfwearing by thegreat name of the Lord our God , that we shall continue in the obedi¬ ence olthedodrine and Difciplineof this Kirk •. and shall defend thefame ac- cording to our vocation and'power all the dayes oi our lives. Under vvhich heads, efpecially that ofDifcipIine, according to toe ufual phrafe of thefe times, as it is without controverfy, that the Government then in being was contained; foifvveconfider, that the taking and fubfcribing of this Cove¬ nant in the year 1581, and 1590. wasdefignedly enjoined by the general Af- fembly for the confirmation of Presbiterian Government then completly per- feded, and unanimoufly agreed to in the year 1581. and univerfally fetled and eflablished in the year 1590 : it is notpoffible, that in this matter any shadow ol fcruple should remain. I might here adde for a further evidence , that when within a few years thereafter , King and his Court-fadion took upon them to innovat- that forme, by the introdudion of K/rk-commiffioners, and conftant Mo¬ derators or fixed prefidents *, the faithful who oppofed thefe courfes did, as itappeares by their writings and publick proteflaiions yet extant, very t *e- ]y teftify againft them , as perjurious defedions and breaches of the oath of which is an undeniable proof of the fenfe wherein it was taken. But ' the plain and obvious account of this oath, which 1 have already exhibit, is ''fcorethenfufficient, to vindicatthe confonancy andfoundnels ofthat inter- R 3 pretation <^ppendhc* ^ ^ ‘ ni«.:r ade by the forementioned Afleinbly j againft the author’s identic^ ratiiiijV' >ous reafoning , to wit> that therefore the Romish hierarchy in tb h.. yft ^ t 'Am ' . U.,^refe‘' sepifco^ac^, becaufe hrfooth y the Romish hierarch v ''.’^itshhm rchy, Ar-no lei's ignorant and lafcivient confidence, whereby hegocthaDo , no niy jinpudently to decry a mofi certain and cleare ex¬ plication as profs and rnmupA i but impertinently to defie or mock the Spirit oftheLord ind a’ d cfc'Vj^'lofiduded. I might in this place moreoverfub- joine, thatai. ai .ing, for the Author’s more ful redargution, that the Af- ■ ;mbly had bpfed in their expofition; yet feeing it was materially agreeable to truth, & we are thereunto bound by our (acred oath, not fo much alfertorie of juftnefs of the s xpbnation, as pofitive, renouncing the thing therein con- fainedithis error in the manne*-, could not by any rule diflolve the force of our oath, butthe ccrta’nry and lawfulnefs of our abjuration by this oath, both r I'Prelacy * Lpifcopacy, ana all their afpyring degrees, hath been already foil'”'’'ly and t-videntl) declared^ that any addition were altogether f’lV-''" Vdcir V, uat the Aut^'-'or tells us in t'^e Irfl place, that the Presbyterian brethren ’.Hjoiih'^'' times did not thinks tbemfelves by that Covenant oblidged to Separate from the SynodsI’Aerefn Bishops prefided.as their r radices do evidenced am perfvvaded 1 have foabur ! ii.d the difference or their cafe from ours, and thereby re- '..n<.He<'th;’’r and our prad.Les in a moft agreeable confiftency, that the erv fimplc noticiogcft'r'orefledionmayalmoft be accounted an excefs. I ui^ nt here adde that if i-resbyterian government were offered to be truly re- ojiTvi upon its own p»oper foundation, and nothing impofed befidethis nivtanr Prt fident, both eligible & depofible by the Courts, wherein he mo- .'^rnfs; the pradice of withdrawing would be liable to more probable ex- vcptio s but feeing the very lovveft condefcendence that probably can be •'onjeotured, is immenfly diffant from this hypothefis ^ and the exigence of I vC -pmony flowing from our prefent unrepented backflidings, with the f ai n/CiC probable enfuing of evill then good , upon a conjunction with the perfons, and in the other circumftances obvious in our prefent condition, :Of.‘ according to thefe grounds and rules declared in my firft Difeourfe , flill •prtfv ade to a humble , tender, prudent and vvitneffing feparation, Ido iiwy It a period to thtfe debates. 1