title_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n will_v be_v content_a to_o have_v their_o predecessor_n deed_n and_o grant_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v null_a and_o void_a and_o far_o less_o can_v this_o pretence_n conclude_v any_o thing_n to_o find_v the_o other_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n relate_v to_o their_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n iii_o next_o it_o be_v but_o too_o evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v this_o care_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n from_o dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o patron_n be_v business_n or_o concernment_n all_o the_o care_n he_o take_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v mere_o that_o no_o body_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o dilapidate_v or_o misapply_v the_o church_n rent_n and_o live_n but_o himself_o and_o certain_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o patronage_n may_v most_o just_o and_o deserve_o be_v term_v a_o jus_fw-la onerosum_fw-la a_o very_a grievous_a and_o burdensome_a power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a office_n appoint_v for_o prevent_v the_o dilapidation_n and_o mismanagement_n or_o misapply_v of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n and_o for_o punish_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o will_v feel_v the_o weight_n of_o justice_n more_o deserve_o upon_o that_o account_n than_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o patron_n themselves_o who_o as_o they_o be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la guilty_a with_o many_o other_o sacrilegious_a impropriator_n of_o the_o dilapidating_a and_o misapplication_n of_o the_o church_n live_n &_o patrimony_n without_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o material_a right_n so_o they_o do_v pretend_v as_o we_o may_v have_v far_a occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o jure_fw-la they_o may_v lawful_o retain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o benefice_n they_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o intrant_fw-la to_o allow_v and_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vacancy_n the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o benefice_n must_v return_v to_o their_o own_o private_a use_n iu._n but_o three_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o right_n and_o patrimony_n and_o in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n also_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a and_o desirable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n not_o only_o on_o every_o christian_a in_o power_n in_o their_o several_a station_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o by_o his_o office_n be_v the_o church_n nurse_n father_n and_o not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n but_o their_o honour_n and_o profit_n also_o and_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o bring_v all_o their_o honour_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n for_o who_o good_a our_o bless_a lord_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o angel_n as_o minister_a spirit_n but_o any_o power_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v in_o these_o matter_n be_v only_o a_o power_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la and_o no_o power_n in_o sacris_fw-la with_o reference_n to_o a_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o full_a and_o better_a right_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n therein_o than_o all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v give_v they_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v only_o cumulative_a whereby_o he_o may_v confirm_v and_o maintain_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n but_o no_o way_n privative_a of_o they_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o interpose_v his_o interest_n and_o authority_n for_o her_o defence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o her_o right_n but_o can_v neither_o deprive_v she_o of_o they_o not_o confer_v or_o confirm_v the_o same_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o other_o that_o usurp_v or_o invad_v they_o to_o her_o prejudice_n v._n four_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o divine_n that_o the_o church_n herself_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o symoniacal_a or_o sacrilegious_a dilapidation_n and_o misapplication_n of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o this_o they_o gather_v by_o due_a analogy_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n inflict_v 8._o act_n 5_o act_v 8._o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n for_o their_o sacrilegious_a concealment_n of_o what_o they_o have_v consecrate_v to_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o church_n and_o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o simon_n magus_n from_o who_o the_o crime_n of_o simony_n derive_v its_o name_n vi_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v complete_o perfect_a in_o every_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v noways_o deficient_a in_o settle_v institution_n proper_o ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o oversight_n of_o these_o matter_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a time_n we_o find_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o deacon_n who_o be_v ordinar_a and_o stand_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v countable_a to_o she_o for_o their_o administration_n and_o censurable_a by_o she_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o maleverse_v these_o office-bearer_n have_v true_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n in_o sacris_fw-la or_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n to_o meddle_v with_o a_o thing_n consecrate_a and_o devote_v to_o god_n for_o pious_a use_n and_o as_o this_o office_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o found_v upon_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n so_o it_o be_v ordinary_o exerce_v by_o man_n of_o credit_n and_o interest_n 28._o acts._n 6_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 28._o and_o such_o as_o be_v eminent_a for_o piety_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o a_o maintenance_n to_o such_o officer_n stand_v deprive_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o patrociny_n and_o protection_n vii_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n import_v the_o stand_n over_o against_o a_o man_n for_o help_v in_o the_o lift_n of_o a_o burden_n that_o be_v too_o weighty_a for_o he_o alone_o and_o be_v a_o term_n that_o very_o proper_o and_o more_o full_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o office_n than_o any_o word_n in_o our_o language_n can_v for_o without_o such_o help_n so_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o word_n who_o may_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n of_o collect_v and_o dispense_n what_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o pious_a use_n the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v not_o but_o meet_v with_o many_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n for_o when_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n like_o the_o neglect_a levit_n 13._o nehem._n 13._o must_v flee_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o secular_a affair_n and_o law_n suit_n for_o recovery_n of_o their_o live_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v wait_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v of_o itself_o without_o the_o unnecessar_n addition_n of_o other_o civil_a affair_n of_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n and_o require_v so_o much_o assiduity_n and_o application_n that_o it_o make_v even_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a minister_n that_o ever_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 16._o be_v so_o inveigle_v in_o civil_a business_n and_o debate_n but_o they_o must_v turn_v cold_a and_o faint_a in_o that_o edge_n and_o zeal_n that_o render_v they_o useful_a and_o profitable_a labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n vine-yard_n viii_o and_o though_o this_o office_n of_o deacon_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v among_o the_o low_a yet_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v of_o no_o mean_a account_n man_n of_o the_o best_a note_n and_o consideration_n for_o piety_n and_o wealth_n be_v ordinary_o entrust_v with_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o forecited_n place_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n the_o church_n have_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o diaconis_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la elegendis_fw-la curandum_fw-la ut_fw-la caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la lautioris_fw-la
the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n assert_v and_o vindicated_n against_o the_o pretend_a right_a and_o usurpation_n of_o patronage_n luke_n 22.25_o 26._o and_o they_o that_o exercise_v authority_n upon_o they_o be_v call_v benefactor_n but_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o edinburgh_n print_v by_o a_o society_n of_o stationer_n m.dc.lxxxix_o to_o the_o right_a reverend_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n the_o follow_a defence_n of_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o pretend_a right_o and_o usurpation_n of_o patronage_n be_v most_o humble_o dedicate_v by_o robert_n park_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o follow_a sheet_n be_v write_v many_o year_n ago_o main_o for_o the_o satisfy_a some_o scruple_n of_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o the_o author_n but_o the_o press_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v so_o well_o guard_v from_o the_o least_o breathe_v against_o the_o grievance_n this_o poor_a church_n and_o nation_n groan_v under_o that_o the_o publication_n be_v but_o little_a thought_n of_o it_o have_v now_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o some_o worthy_a instrument_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o break_a church_n and_o people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v a_o redress_n of_o their_o manifold_a oppression_n it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o offer_v these_o paper_n to_o the_o public_a view_n and_o consideration_n i_o stand_v in_o too_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o author_n to_o be_v think_v impartial_a in_o his_o commendation_n and_o though_o i_o can_v wish_v this_o discourse_n have_v get_v his_o own_o last_o hand_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o run_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o other_o posthumou_n work_n yet_o i_o hope_v the_o main_a subject_n will_v be_v find_v satisfy_o handle_v there_o be_v beside_o some_o other_o purpose_n incident_o touch_v and_o many_o fountain_n for_o solution_n of_o several_a important_a debate_n of_o the_o time_n solid_o and_o succinct_o open_v which_o if_o well_o consider_v may_v be_v serviceable_a for_o advance_v a_o reformation_n of_o many_o more_o abuse_n than_o the_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n intend_v i_o shall_v offer_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o style_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v find_v distinct_a plain_a and_o easy_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a i_o know_v nothing_o a_o style_n serve_v for_o but_o to_o express_v man_n conception_n distinct_o and_o without_o harshuess_n and_o if_o that_o may_v be_v attain_v without_o force_a and_o strain_a rhetorication_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n produce_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o a_o darken_v of_o knowledge_n with_o word_n i_o can_v see_v how_o a_o neglect_n of_o such_o useless_a trifle_n can_v be_v blame_v the_o native_a beauty_n of_o truth_n stand_v no_o way_n in_o need_n of_o these_o artificial_a disguise_n that_o be_v use_v to_o set_v off_o adulterate_a ware_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n who_o have_v render_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o discourse_n ridiculous_a by_o affect_v new_a strain_n of_o eloquence_n as_o they_o take_v it_o the_o think_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o good_a old_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o safe_a expression_n have_v make_v people_n forget_v and_o mistake_v many_o ancient_a and_o solid_a truth_n it_o be_v pitiful_o mean_a and_o unbecoming_a to_o see_v the_o clergy_n as_o they_o must_v be_v term_v turn_v the_o pulpit_n to_o a_o theatre_n and_o to_o hear_v divine_n trick_v up_o and_o illustrate_v their_o discourse_n with_o the_o simile_n and_o expression_n of_o a_o comedy_n or_o romance_n go_v down_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o uncircumcised_a for_o sharpen_v of_o their_o tool_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o smith_n in_o israel_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v but_o very_o little_o treat_v of_o by_o any_o especial_o in_o this_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o publication_n may_v perhaps_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o seasonable_a if_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v serviceable_a for_o free_v the_o church_n of_o any_o part_n of_o her_o bondage_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o design_n both_o of_o its_o write_n and_o publication_n will_v be_v full_o attain_v i_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v few_o find_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n as_o to_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o diego_n lainez_n one_o of_o the_o father_n at_o treat_n who_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o offer_v to_o reduce_v election_n to_o the_o ancient_a course_n and_o that_o the_o antiquity_n of_o that_o method_n be_v a_o bad_a argument_n for_o revive_v of_o it_o but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v because_o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n for_o if_o the_o church_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o enough_o pretend_v have_v not_o find_v it_o inconvenient_a she_o will_v not_o have_v quite_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o wish_v that_o people_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n may_v serious_o consider_v what_o the_o present_a conduct_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o call_v they_o to_o and_o that_o they_o may_v act_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o matter_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o settle_n of_o affair_n upon_o the_o solid_a and_o last_a foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n lest_o they_o verify_v the_o proverb_n sero_fw-la sapiunt_fw-la phryges_n which_o i_o need_v not_o translate_v and_o repent_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o a_o golden_a opportunity_n so_o wonderful_o and_o unexpected_o bring_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o give_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n cause_n to_o say_v why_o be_v there_o a_o price_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o edinburgh_n febr._n 1639._o the_o content_n sect._n i._o of_o the_o original_a of_o patronage_n pag._n 1_o sect._n ii_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n 17._o sect._n iii_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o reformer_n etc._n etc._n concern_v patronage_n 26._o sect._n iu._n the_o ground_n and_o argument_n for_o patronage_n from_o a_o reservation_n by_o the_o first_o founder_n examine_v 31._o sect._n v._o a_o far_a examination_n of_o this_o reservation_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o pious_a and_o charitable_a deed_n 38._o sect._n vi_o the_o reservation_n pretend_v can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o jus_fw-la utile_fw-la of_o patronage_n 53._o sect._n vii_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o discouragement_n in_o gratify_v of_o the_o church_n something_o obiter_fw-la of_o the_o dilapidation_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n 50._o sect._n viii_o the_o ground_n of_o patronage_n from_o a_o grant_n or_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n examine_v 63._o sect._n ix_o afarth_a examination_n of_o this_o pretend_a concession_n 69_o sect._n x._o another_o ground_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o patronage_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o jus_fw-la onerosum_fw-la examine_v 73._o sect._n xi_o patronage_n be_v no_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o a_o mannife_a usurpation_n 81._o sect._n xii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o election_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n 97._o sect._n xiii_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n be_v against_o the_o freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o common_a society_n 113._o sect._n fourteen_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v &_o scandalous_o offensive_a without_o any_o necessity_n or_o use_n 120._o sect._n xv._o patronage_n be_v a_o symbolise_n with_o idolater_n and_o against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n 142._o sect._n xvi_o a_o pretence_n that_o the_o patron_n meddle_v with_o nothing_o of_o election_n or_o what_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a 146._o sect._n xvii_o another_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n may_v reject_v the_o person_n present_v in_o case_n of_o insufficiency_n 157._o sect._n xviii_o another_o pretence_n from_o the_o distinction_n of_o laic_a and_o ecclesiastic_a patronage_n 162._o sect._n xix_o apretence_n from_o the_o fail_n and_o mistake_v of_o church_n judicatories_n etc._n etc._n 167._o errata_fw-la page_n 17_o line_n 14_o for_o the_o vandal_n read_v and_o since_o the_o vandal_n p._n 28._o l._n 21_o for_o prelacy_n it_o be_v r._n prelacy_n i_o say_v it_o be_v p._n 80._o l._n 14._o for_o all_o civil_a read_v all_o other_o civil_a p._n 82._o l._n 22._o for_o as_o a_o most_o 1._o be_v a_o most_o p._n 115._o l._n 26._o for_o there_o 1._o other_o p._n 160._o l._n 11._o for_o much_o r._n as_o much_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o right_n &_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o election_n and_o maintenance_n of_o
fortunae_fw-la homines_fw-la qui_fw-la infimum_fw-la hoc_fw-la officium_fw-la ornent_fw-la eligantur_fw-la our_o own_o church_n also_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n loc_n dicks_n in_o loc_n treat_v at_o large_a of_o this_o office_n and_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n good_n thereto_o entrust_v ix_o from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o erect_v a_o particular_a office_n for_o that_o end_n distinct_a as_o the_o canonist_n will_v have_v it_o from_o all_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a office_n of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n with_o which_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v abundant_o provide_v as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o need_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n her_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o direct_a species_n of_o superstition_n to_o devise_v new_a and_o onerous_a institution_n supra_fw-la quod_fw-la statutum_fw-la est_fw-la and_o far_o less_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o invest_v any_o office_n bearer_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o such_o a_o additional_a privilege_n as_o be_v claim_v by_o the_o patron_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o negative_a interest_n in_o the_o election_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n sect_n xi_o patronage_n be_v no_o institution_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o a_o manifest_a usurpation_n i._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o groundlel_v this_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v which_o may_v be_v enough_o without_o any_o far_a to_o justify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n anno._n 1649_o in_o the_o abolish_n of_o this_o privilege_n but_o that_o the_o injustice_n as_o well_o as_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o right_n may_v yet_o more_o appear_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o the_o method_n propose_v offer_v some_o clear_a and_o convince_a reason_n against_o it_o wherein_o i_o shall_v shun_v the_o repetition_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o plainness_n i_o have_v hitherto_o observe_v ii_o the_o assertion_n we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v clear_o this_o that_o the_o patron_n be_v pretend_v privilege_n of_o a_o negative_a interest_n &c_n &c_n about_o and_o concern_v the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n claim_v by_o the_o patron_n of_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n be_v a_o sinful_a and_o unjust_a usurpation_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n destructive_a to_o the_o true_a liberty_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o scandalous_o offensive_a to_o all_o rank_n of_o christian_n therein_o as_o i_o think_v may_v be_v clear_a from_o these_o ground_n iii_o first_o this_o pretend_a privilege_n be_v no_o ordinance_n nor_o institution_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n either_o by_o promise_n precept_n or_o example_n for_o invest_v any_o single_a person_n with_o such_o a_o privilege_n as_o the_o look_v out_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o principal_a office_n bearer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n it_o be_v confess_o of_o a_o far_o late_a date_n and_o all_o that_o be_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o surreptitious_a edict_n canon_n and_o corrupt_a custom_n which_o as_o doctor_n forbes_n of_o corss_n term_n it_o non_fw-la leges_fw-la sunt_fw-la sed_fw-la labes_fw-la and_o therefore_o for_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o give_v or_o assume_v such_o a_o privilege_n simon_n in_o epist_n ante_fw-la tract_n de_fw-fr simon_n where_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o church_n only_a king_n &_o lawgiver_n have_v not_o give_v it_o as_o a_o most_o sinful_a usurpation_n over_o his_o crown_n and_o dignity_n and_o a_o bold_a invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o his_o dear_o purchase_a spouse_n iv_o in_o all_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o officebearer_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v 4._o rom_n 12._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o eph_n 4._o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o a_o patronage_n record_v and_o if_o those_o priest_n who_o marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o barzillai_n and_o be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n 61._o ezra_n 2_o 61._o be_v just_o count_v as_o pollute_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n though_o lawful_a in_o itself_o because_o they_o can_v not_o instruct_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o record_n of_o genealogy_n and_o their_o removal_n ratify_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o tirshatha_n or_o governor_n and_o they_o discharge_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n till_o a_o priest_n with_o urim_n and_o thummim_n shall_v stand_v up_o and_o clear_o declare_v god_n mind_n in_o the_o case_n and_o so_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o these_o record_n then_o sure_o and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o reason_n ought_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o remove_v such_o a_o unwarrantable_a institution_n as_o this_o of_o patronage_n till_o its_o right_a to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clear_o instruct_v from_o the_o divine_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v never_o be_v do_v v._o this_o be_v a_o ground_n that_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o none_o who_o own_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n and_o square_n by_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a counsellor_n and_o the_o father_n wisdom_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o father_n house_n to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o 2._o heb_fw-mi 3_o 2._o for_o as_o the_o arrogate_a of_o such_o a_o privilege_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o derogatory_n to_o and_o a_o high_a and_o injurious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o infinite_a love_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o direct_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v his_o church_n with_o a_o complete_a method_n for_o furnish_v and_o election_n of_o her_o own_o office-bearer_n without_o call_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o superstitious_a device_n of_o man_n invention_n to_o her_o assistance_n so_o such_o as_o dare_v offer_v to_o rectify_v his_o institution_n as_o defective_a or_o to_o call_v in_o question_n our_o lord_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o may_v go_v a_o great_a length_n to_o question_v his_o ability_n to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a there_o be_v a_o near_o and_o firm_a connexion_n betwixt_o these_o than_o every_o one_o think_v we_o see_v it_o clear_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n for_o as_o there_o be_v never_o a_o society_n in_o the_o world_n that_o invent_v more_o superstitious_a office_n such_o as_o cardinal_n arch-bishop_n bishop_n dean_n arch-deans_n chancellor_n official_o commissar_n etc._n etc._n with_o so_o much_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n so_o no_o society_n on_o earth_n have_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o our_o bless_a lord_n office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o complete_a satisfaction_n pay_v by_o he_o to_o divine_a justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n and_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o both_o this_o device_n of_o patronage_n and_o that_o anti-evangelical_a opinion_n of_o merit_n owe_v their_o original_a to_o the_o same_o corrupt_a fountain_n so_o the_o church_n sad_a experience_n can_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v still_o be_v find_v to_o be_v mutual_a abettor_n &_o support_v of_o each_o other_o as_o we_o hint_v before_o and_o may_v have_v far_a occasion_n to_o observe_v hereafter_o vi_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o year_n 1649_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o say_v cap_n parl_n 1649_o cap_n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o patronage_n be_v a_o evil_a and_o bondage_n under_o which_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o this_o land_n have_v long_o groan_v &_o that_o it_o be_v a_o popish_a custom_n bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n &_o superstition_n and_o the_o canonist_n themselves_o such_o as_o lambertinus_n panormitan_n pistorius_n etc._n etc._n do_v express_o acknowledge_v that_o patronage_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o servitude_n upon_o the_o church_n jus_fw-la vocationis_fw-la say_v amesius_n now_o potest_fw-la proprie_fw-la esse_fw-la vel_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la dioecesanorum_fw-la vel_fw-la patronorum_fw-la vel_fw-la magistratuum_fw-la qua_fw-la sunt_fw-la tale_n 24._o ameâ—_n â—e_v case_z conâ—cien_fw-fr cap_fw-es 25._o parl._n 24._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la qui_fw-la
it_o may_v also_o be_v remember_v from_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n how_o that_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n and_o other_o who_o reside_v ordinary_o at_o court_n or_o go_v abroad_o upon_o foreign_a employment_n and_o have_v the_o patronage_n of_o many_o kirk_n and_o benefice_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v wont_v upon_o the_o solistation_n of_o friend_n and_o servant_n and_o many_o time_n from_o motive_n and_o to_o end_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o send_v presentation_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o as_o they_o never_o see_v in_o the_o face_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o hear_v of_o either_o before_o or_o after_o that_o time_n without_o make_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o previous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o qualification_n and_o condition_n of_o either_o preacher_n or_o people_n they_o be_v as_o unfit_a and_o incapable_a to_o discern_v in_o either_o as_o they_o be_v unable_a and_o inconcerned_a to_o improve_v any_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n by_o look_v out_o and_o present_v a_o pastor_n that_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o vbi_fw-la ille_fw-la canon_n say_v athanasius_n ut_fw-la a_fw-la palatio_fw-la mittatur_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la futurus_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la agentes_fw-la in_o epist_n ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la solit._n agentes_fw-la neither_o need_v we_o forget_v how_o many_o that_o enter_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o method_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n sect_n fourteen_o the_o power_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v and_o seandalous_o offensive_a without_o any_o necessity_n or_o use_n i._o the_o next_o ground_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o against_o the_o pretend_a right_n of_o patronage_n be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o clear_o destructive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a freedom_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a invention_n and_o have_v be_v the_o fountain_n and_o occasion_n of_o many_o gross_a abuse_n and_o most_o scandalous_o offensive_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerat_a and_o allow_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n or_o state._n ii_o as_o for_o its_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n i_o can_v understand_v neither_o have_v i_o ever_o hear_v any_o thing_n pretend_v in_o its_o defence_n from_o this_o head._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o end_n or_o use_v of_o it_o can_v be_v think_v on_o but_o what_o may_v very_o well_o and_o far_o better_a be_v attain_v by_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a method_n of_o election_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o and_o much_o better_o provide_v for_o in_o that_o method_n by_o she_o infinite_o wise_a and_o love_a king_n and_o head_n so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o right_n to_o give_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o lawful_a title_n to_o his_o maintenance_n and_o live_v but_o his_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o function_n the_o workman_n say_v our_o lord_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o patron_n will_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v state_n a_o minister_n in_o a_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o so_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n and_o true_o he_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o claim_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o right_n to_o his_o maintenance_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n by_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n and_o remove_v of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o useless_a institution_n as_o put_v a_o obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o call_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o ministerial_a charge_n as_o be_v the_o most_o special_a ordinary_a mean_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n eternal_a happiness_n iii_o and_o the_o church_n have_v in_o her_o pure_a time_n enjoy_v she_o lawful_o call_v pastor_n ere_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o patronage_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o she_o have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v she_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v wonderful_a quorsum_fw-la or_o for_o what_o end_n such_o a_o invention_n shall_v now_o be_v maintain_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n who_o virtute_fw-la officij_fw-la be_v bind_v to_o plead_v for_o and_o defend_v she_o in_o her_o right_n and_o liberty_n see_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o call_v of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o to_o their_o true_a right_n and_o maintenance_n be_v far_o better_a provide_v for_o by_o method_n of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o right_a of_o patronage_n be_v as_o little_a and_o less_o useful_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a far_a more_o prejudicial_a in_o this_o case_n than_o in_o the_o call_n and_o maintenance_n of_o man_n of_o other_o profession_n such_o as_o lawyer_n physician_n and_o common_a mechanic_n only_a man_n have_v still_o a_o great_a itch_n to_o be_v meddle_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v subject_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o humane_a regulation_n nitimur_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v once_o good_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o have_v abolish_v this_o corrupt_a custom_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v that_o same_o sense_n of_o justice_n since_o with_o a_o suitable_a acquiescence_n to_o their_o so_o just_a and_o rational_a determination_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o prejudice_n or_o loss_n of_o patrimony_n sustain_v it_o be_v on_o the_o church_n part_n and_o not_o on_o the_o patron_n be_v as_o the_o act_n 1649._o will_v easy_o clear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v it_o iv_o in_o this_o manner_n do_v all_o protestant_n divine_n and_o our_o own_o writer_n in_o particular_a argue_v against_o the_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o english_a church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v ourselves_o calm_o and_o without_o heat_n and_o prejudice_n to_o consider_v the_o matter_n it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o surpryse_v to_o see_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v yet_o hazard_v her_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o scandalize_a and_o offend_v or_o the_o mar_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o force_v and_o violent_o impose_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o communion_n under_o the_o pain_n both_o of_o church_n censure_n and_o legal_a punishment_n the_o practice_n of_o what_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v at_o best_a but_o indifferent_a and_o no_o way_n necessary_a either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n or_o moral_a use_n and_o which_o their_o brethren_n upon_o solid_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n believe_v to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o sinful_a especial_o since_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o institution_n in_o which_o they_o both_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o do_v likewise_o abundant_o satisfy_v all_o the_o necessary_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o be_v nothing_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o superstitious_a and_o unnecessary_a addition_n but_o a_o pityful_a and_o empty_a shadow_n of_o worldly_a decency_n and_o fashionablness_n so_o much_o decry_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o you_o conform_v to_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o which_o in_o no_o equity_n can_v ever_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o church_n unity_n or_o offend_v the_o mean_a of_o christ_n follower_n these_o practice_n must_v certain_o render_v such_o man_n just_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o that_o woe_n denounce_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a 18.7_o see_v matth._n 18.7_o in_o bring_v division_n and_o offence_n into_o the_o church_n v._n but_o to_o