nt with the Presbyterians,
only providing they evidence good affection to the civil government. And
now, since the late _incorporating union_ with England, we of this
nation have consented that Prelacy shall be established there to all
succeeding generations, (as was observed in the first article); and,
moreover, have given into the hands of the Prelatics in England, the
power of making laws which must become binding upon this land, they
being members of the British Parliament and council; which power has
been already improved, to establish a liberty and protection for the
whole rabble of the Episcopal Clergy in the free exercise of the Popish
ceremonies of the Church of England, without any provision against the
grossest heretical opinions that they please to broach, excepting only
the denying of the doctrine of the blessed Trinity. Where, then, are our
endeavours for the extirpation of the wicked hierarchy?--where is the
abhorrence and detestation of it, sworn and engaged to in these
Covenants?--Do not many who profess themselves to be Presbyterians show
themselves so indifferent in this point, that they can join with
either, as may suit their interest?--instance the Sacramental Testers.
Few mourn over and pray earnestly for the subversion of that hierarchy.
Few doctrinally discover the evils of such a government, and how
contrary it is to God's Word--or labour to bring their hearers into a
dislike and detestation of it, and the sad fruits which result from it.
Few study to convince others of the evil of such a principle, and
following such a course by the Apostle's rule, avoiding all unnecessary
company with them, that they may be ashamed; but, upon the contrary,
many Presbyterians too familiar and unnecessary converse with them,
encourage and harden them; and, particularly, ministers are to be blamed
herein, who preach one half of the Lord's day in the church, and allow
the curate the other half. Few impartially reprove and warn them of
their sin and danger; but, upon the other hand, many professed
Presbyterians, by their untender and unchristian walk and conversation,
or by their lukewarmness and indifferency in Christ's matters, now
called _moderation_, and by their walking contrary to covenant
engagements, do exceedingly harden them in their evil way, and
scandalize them at their duty. Instead of endeavours to extirpate
superstition and heresy, as we are bound by the same article of the
Solemn League, and by the "