2._o be_v it_o not_o as_o great_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o judge_v that_o to_o have_v be_v the_o assembly_n move_v cause_n in_o appoint_v visitation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o given-out_a themselves_o but_o only_o of_o some_o few_o presbytery_n here_o and_o there_o especial_o in_o the_o remote_a corner_n as_o if_o they_o can_v appoint_v none_o but_o where_o their_o delegate_n must_v find_v guilt_n whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o may_v they_o not_o well_o enough_o appoint_v visitation_n to_o try_v and_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a corner_n and_o to_o censure_v where_o they_o find_v aught_o amiss_o without_o conclude_v that_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n be_v unhealthy_a to_o do_v their_o work_n we_o can_v instruct_v they_o appoint_v place_n to_o be_v visit_v where_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v judicatory_n be_v not_o able_a nor_o willing_a either_o to_o do_v that_o work_v themselves_o yea_o their_o mention_v the_o miscarriage_n only_o of_o some_o presbytery_n as_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v visit_v do_v clear_o assoil_v other_o place_n appoint_v also_o to_o be_v visit_v where_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v see_v from_o the_o commission_n themselves_o but_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a it_o seem_v these_o witness_n have_v a_o faculty_n of_o forget_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o their_o purpose_n for_o other_o who_o be_v at_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o at_o which_o time_n these_o visitation_n first_o begin_v those_o of_o the_o isle_n and_o highland_n only_o except_v and_o the_o assembly_n follow_v do_v very_o well_o remember_v that_o albeit_o the_o enormity_n of_o some_o few_o presbytery_n do_v call-for_a such_o visitation_n and_o albeit_o all_o these_o commission_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o the_o general_a and_o ordinary_a form_n give_v power_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v any_o fault_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o that_o in_o some_o of_o they_o in_o any_o presbytery_n within_o a_o province_n as_o well_o as_o another_o yet_o the_o assembly_n be_v move_v to_o appoint_v most_o of_o these_o visitation_n neither_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o general_a corruption_n or_o averseness_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o do_v that_o work_n nor_o yet_o main_o for_o cognosce_v upon_o other_o scandal_n but_o chief_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o such_o as_o have_v accession_n to_o the_o sinful_a course_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o time_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n wherein_o the_o judicatory_n be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n from_o person_n within_o the_o several_a bound_n who_o be_v either_o actual_o carrying-on_a or_o censure_v for_o these_o course_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o assembly_n do_v fall_v upon_o that_o way_n as_o the_o most_o effectual_a in_o that_o exigent_n for_o carrying-on_a the_o work_n notwithstanding_o these_o difficulty_n and_o do_v choose_v rather_o to_o take_v that_o matter_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o delegate_n than_o let_v presbytery_n wrestle_v therein_o with_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o several_a place_n which_o be_v well_o remember_v will_v commend_v much_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o not_o at_o all_o reflect_v upon_o the_o presbytery_n 3._o we_o have_v already_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n now_o than_o when_o many_o of_o these_o be_v in_o who_o be_v now_o purge_v out_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o malignant_a faction_n among_o we_o except_o they_o will_v call_v they_o so_o who_o do_v oppose_v their_o irregularity_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v first_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o faction_n stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n before_o they_o so_o often_o cast_v it_o upon_o we_o 4._o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o language_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o assembly_n who_o it_o may_v be_v be_v afterward_o for_o just_a cause_n put_v to_o the_o door_n nor_o yet_o to_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o assert_v of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o fasten_v this_o upon_o any_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n though_o they_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o not_o a_o few_o in_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o proof_n that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v that_o work_n do_v as_o they_o allege_v and_o withal_o the_o carping_n of_o some_o man_n at_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o their_o superior_a judicatory_n who_o have_v they_o be_v in_o these_o time_n may_v have_v learn_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o since_o they_o judge_v not_o their_o sentence_n just_a shall_v not_o stop_v our_o mouth_n from_o challenge_v the_o usurpation_n of_o other_o they_o tell_v we_o also_o pag._n 38_o 39_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o overture_n they_o do_v offer_v that_o the_o commission_n and_o visitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o may_v sit_v if_o not_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o that_o assembly_n yet_o by_o the_o mutual_a condescendencie_n and_o approbation_n of_o presbytery_n whereby_o also_o they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o compose_v difference_n ans_fw-fr but_o they_o have_v before_o that_o time_n approven_v their_o own_o protestation_n and_o condemn_v two_o general_a assembly_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n sit_v in_o that_o commission_n without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o copy_n of_o their_o commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a to_o continue_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o protest_v against_o any_o subsequent_a general_n assembly_n and_o to_o manage_v all_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o accord_v the_o overture_n of_o set_v up_o court_n who_o commission_n be_v long_o ago_o expire_v and_o some_o of_o which_o they_o have_v strive_v to_o keep_v up_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o assembly_n nor_o do_v we_o see_v that_o presbytery_n except_o convene_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o by_o give_v a_o new_a commission_n can_v authorise_v man_n to_o act_v in_o so_o universal_a and_o large_a a_o capacity_n where_o themselves_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n or_o authorise_v man_n in_o no_o other_o province_n to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o themselves_o second_o that_o our_o exception_n against_o this_o extrajudiciall_a committee_n be_v irrelevant_a to_o this_o purpose_n they_o speak_v several_a thing_n pag._n 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o whereof_o we_o give_v this_o brief_a account_n 1._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o desire_v none_o to_o be_v in_o these_o visitation_n but_o member_n of_o the_o respective_a synod_n answ_n but_o then_o sure_a the_o committee_n in_o whole_a be_v of_o equal_a number_n will_v be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o some_o synod_n where_o few_o or_o none_o of_o their_o judgement_n be_v 2._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o power_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v give_v they_o but_o what_o be_v ecclesiastical_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o proceed_v by_o any_o rule_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n where_o we_o must_v at_o all_o occasion_n lay_v by_o other_o assembly_n because_o they_o be_v please_v to_o controvert_v and_o question_v they_o answ_n but_o they_o shall_v first_o have_v clear_v to_o we_o that_o such_o a_o court_n so_o choose_v be_v a_o court_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o to_o be_v equal_o divide_v of_o different_a judgement_n and_o these_o choose_v not_o by_o the_o synod_n but_o the_o respective_a party_n be_v scripturall_a qualification_n of_o a_o church-judicatory_a 3._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o desire_v not_o their_o power_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o any_o fountain_n but_o from_o the_o synod_n itself_o answ_n but_o yet_o they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o synod_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o that_o power_n and_o the_o synod_n may_v just_o question_v if_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o give_v their_o power_n to_o person_n who_o they_o have_v not_o the_o credit_n to_o choice_n who_o election_n qualification_n that_o they_o be_v of_o both_o judgement_n in_o equal_a number_n work_v and_o way_n of_o their_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n be_v all_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o hand_n 4._o they_o tell_v we_o the_o nomination_n be_v make_v by_o no_o forinsick_a person_n party_n or_o power_n but_o by_o intrinsic_a member_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o answ_n but_o they_o well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o church-government_n where_o nomination_n go_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o judicatories_n 5._o they_o tell_v we_o we_o wrong_v
be_v they_o so_o the_o judge_n pronounce_v a_o sentence_n count_v it_o just_a it_o may_v be_v so_o do_v all_o other_o but_o the_o party_n he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o judge_n verdict_n can_v he_o then_o find_v any_o arbitrator_n to_o who_o he_o be_v rather_o bind_v to_o submit_v than_o to_o his_o judge_n or_o must_v all_o return_n to_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o only_o as_o to_o what_o he_o will_v approve_v or_o do_v but_o what_o he_o will_v suffer_v and_o yet_o be_v it_o ever_o almost_o find_v but_o that_o party_n sentence_v be_v grieve_v and_o dissatisfy_v therewith_o and_o may_v not_o these_o heretic_n who_o be_v censure_v act._n 15._o have_v urge_v the_o same_o plea_n and_o do_v not_o the_o arminian_o at_o dort_n and_o do_v not_o heretic_n at_o all_o occasion_n condemn_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o judge_n and_o yet_o their_o judge_n do_v not_o yield_v the_o question_n to_o they_o if_o a_o comparison_n be_v institute_v betwixt_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o party_n the_o judge_n may_v safe_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o the_o party_n as_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o counselor_n wherein_o be_v safety_n as_o be_v less_o blind_v with_o passion_n and_o personal_a concernment_n in_o the_o cause_n than_o the_o party_n be_v and_o have_v a_o more_o express_a promise_n though_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o infallibility_n for_o direction_n and_o assistance_n in_o judgement_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o thus_o beza_n epist_n 59_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n court_n against_o some_o disturber_n will_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o they_o consist_v not_o of_o sinless_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o many_o shall_v be_v wise_a than_o one_o if_o we_o speak_v to_o their_o procedure_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o offer_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n these_o witness_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o praecognitum_n in_o all_o sentence_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o judge_n and_o obey_v by_o party_n that_o they_o be_v just_a sentence_n pag._n 52_o 53._o that_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a only_o to_o lawful_a admonition_n that_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n pag._n 51._o that_o intrant_n be_v engage_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o admonition_n and_o censure_n only_o when_o they_o slide_v and_o offend_v pag._n 60._o and_o the_o judge_n say_v their_o sentence_n be_v just_a for_o lawful_a cause_n and_o upon_o real_a slide_n though_o they_o can_v persuade_v the_o party_n that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o they_o allege_v that_o even_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o transportation_n the_o judicatory_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o deal_v meek_o in_o sentence_n pag._n 51_o 52._o the_o judge_n decline_v not_o so_o to_o do_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v solid_a reason_n for_o their_o deed_n though_o they_o can_v persuade_v the_o party_n to_o see_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v what_o the_o party_n can_v offer_v against_o the_o sentence_n though_o they_o can_v convince_v he_o that_o his_o reason_n have_v no_o force_n they_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o his_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n make_v he_o a_o judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n though_o yet_o but_o a_o subordinate_a judge_n as_o to_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v pag._n 97._o but_o can_v allow_v it_o shall_v hinder_v and_o bind_v they_o up_o from_o censure_v what_o be_v wrong_a or_o warrant_v he_o not_o to_o submit_v in_o the_o point_n of_o suffering_n when_o we_o inquire_v what_o remedy_n be_v there_o to_o avoid_v a_o schism_n and_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n if_o they_o submit_v not_o they_o tell_v we_o pag._n 49._o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n that_o be_v a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o censure_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o very_a constant_a practice_n of_o the_o judicatories_n though_o party_n will_v not_o see_v that_o they_o judge_v just_o and_o what_o shall_v the_o judge_n do_v if_o after_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v pronounce_v the_o party_n still_o refuse_v to_o submit_v they_o offer_v we_o no_o remedy_n in_o that_o case_n for_o preserve_v of_o order_n and_o avoid_v of_o schism_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n the_o case_n come_v to_o this_o not_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n but_o whether_o let_v all_o the_o judicatories_n even_o from_o a_o eldership_n to_o a_o oecumenick_n council_n proceed_v never_o so_o just_o and_o conscientious_o yet_o the_o party_n censure_v be_v still_o supreme_a judge_n on_o earth_n of_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o his_o own_o act_n and_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o whatsoever_o of_o their_o sentence_n so_o that_o till_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o must_v suffer_v nothing_o but_o counteract_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sound_a principle_n all_o sober_a christian_n will_v judge_v and_o when_o they_o cry-out_a so_o much_o that_o we_o do_v not_o purge_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o by_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v purge_v any_o at_o all_o or_o if_o other_o be_v not_o free_a to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o we_o shall_v shutup_a this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n with_o some_o account_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o in_o this_o very_a matter_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n then_o at_o london_n sir_n archibald_n johnston_n of_o wariston_n and_o mr._n rutherfurd_n be_v of_o that_o number_n in_o their_o reformation_n of_o church-government_n in_o scotland_n clear_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o prejudices_fw-la pag._n 17._o do_v assert_v that_o to_o limit_v the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o censure_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o the_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a principle_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o manner_n to_o the_o common_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o both_o to_o the_o party_n know_a light_n be_v the_o dangerous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o arminian_o and_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n to_o this_o we_o add_v a_o further_a consideration_n of_o that_o objection_n mention_v before_o how_o judicatories_n can_v without_o wrong_v christian_a liberty_n inflict_v censure_n or_o put_v man_n to_o suffer_v who_o profess_v that_o after_o examination_n of_o the_o decree_n or_o constitution_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o same_o to_o this_o beside_o what_o be_v before_o mark_v further_o answer_n be_v give_v by_o mr._n gillespie_n in_o his_o assertion_n part_n 2._o chap._n 4._o pag._n 152_o 153._o 1._o that_o our_o divine_n by_o these_o tenet_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n do_v not_o mean_v to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o oppugn_v the_o popish_a error_n concern_v the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n by_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o naked_a authority_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n and_o that_o christian_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o seek_v any_o further_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o not_o only_o offer_v reason_n of_o law_n to_o be_v active_o obey_v of_o which_o he_o here_o speak_v but_o even_o of_o sentence_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o though_o the_o contemner_n and_o disobeyer_n will_v not_o see_v they_o 2._o a_o synod_n must_v ever_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o real_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a way_n refuse_v obedience_n understand_v active_a obedience_n to_o which_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o their_o ordinance_n still_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o better_a information_n and_o those_o who_o contemptuous_o or_o factious_o disobey_v the_o same_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o error_n and_o to_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n how_o applicable_a this_o distinction_n be_v to_o the_o carriage_n of_o these_o witness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n we_o leave_v even_o to_o themselves_o to_o judge_v the_o same_o mr._n gillespie_n in_o his_o miscellanie_n question_n chap._n 16._o pag._n 207._o say_v it_o be_v no_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n to_o punish_v a_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n such_o as_o the_o refuse_v and_o oppose_v of_o the_o
economical_a mr._n gee_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 36_o 37._o urge_v that_o indeed_o lawful_a power_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v it_o lawful_o but_o yet_o assert_v it_o as_o yield_v by_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a power_n but_o a_o power_n that_o be_v unlawful_a only_o as_o to_o exercise_v may_v be_v for_o its_o habit_n and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o text_n rom._n 13._o and_o its_o irregular_a act_n only_o discard_v from_o it_o 4._o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n submission_n or_o passive_a obedience_n be_v require_v and_o commend_v in_o some_o case_n and_o that_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o suffering_n of_o guilty_a person_n matth._n 5.10_o 11._o 1_o pet._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v to_o suffer_v without_o resist_v as_o have_v be_v the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o saint_n and_o assert_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v write_v upon_o subjection_n as_o contradistinct_a to_o obedience_n 5._o that_o as_o schism_n be_v a_o evil_n disapproven_v and_o never_o warrant_v of_o god_n so_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o cause_v disorder_n upon_o a_o cause_n destitute_a of_o truth_n but_o also_o upon_o a_o cause_n not_o weighty_a and_o relevant_a though_o true_a in_o itself_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o who_o be_v anything_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n or_o latter_a divine_n upon_o the_o nature_n and_o evil_n of_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o it_o whoso_o please_v to_o peruse_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o worcester-shire_n pag._n 119._o will_v find_v much_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o few_o word_n and_o among_o other_o these_o passage_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v conscionable_o observe_v man_n will_v take_v church-division_n for_o a_o great_a sin_n than_o adultery_n or_o theft_n mutiny_n and_o division_n do_v more_o infallible_o destroy_v a_o army_n than_o almost_o any_o other_o fault_n or_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o all_o general_n punish_v mutineer_n with_o death_n as_o well_o as_o flat_a traitor_n and_o a_o little_a after_o common_o they_o that_o divide_v for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o any_o inferior_a truth_n or_o practice_n do_v but_o destroy_v that_o truth_n and_o piety_n that_o be_v there_o before_o we_o may_v upon_o these_o ground_n multiply_v argument_n as_o they_o have_v take_v pleasure_n it_o seem_v that_o way_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o many_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o very_a few_o but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n and_o passive_a obedience_n due_a by_o christian_n in_o any_o case_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judicatory_a and_o commend_v of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v presuppose_v and_o can_v without_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v deny_v then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v due_a to_o unjust_a sentence_n for_o unto_o just_a sentence_n require_v a_o duty_n under_o pain_n of_o censure_n active_a obedience_n and_o not_o passive_a be_v due_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o sentence_n inflict_v censure_n it_o be_v true_a submission_n to_o such_o just_a sentence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o passive_a obedience_n require_v and_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o saint_n in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o that_o suffering_n which_o be_v contra-distinct_a to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n or_o for_o just_a cause_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o pet._n 2.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 4.14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o so_o that_o unless_o they_o will_v banish_v a_o command_n to_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o clean_o suffer_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n they_o can_v avoid_v this_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o authority_n and_o submission_n be_v correlative_a pag._n 45._o and_o that_o in_o just_a sentence_n beside_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v a_o formal_a obligation_n by_o its_o come_n from_o such_o a_o authority_n pag._n 46._o so_o in_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n albeit_o judge_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o do_v that_o act_n and_o it_o be_v null_a before_o he_o nor_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v the_o stand_a authority_n of_o a_o church_n somewhat_o be_v due_a to_o they_o relative_a to_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o be_v submission_n if_o they_o can_v make_v they_o simpliciter_fw-la no_o judges_n because_o they_o err_v in_o a_o particular_a fact_n they_o will_v say_v somewhat_o but_o see_v they_o be_v still_o lawful_a judge_n even_o when_o they_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n though_o they_o fail_v in_o it_o it_o must_v be_v hold_v as_o of_o general_a verity_n that_o while_o person_n continue_v invest_v with_o lawful_a authority_n obedience_n or_o if_o obedience_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v give_v submission_n be_v due_a to_o their_o act_n by_o private_a person_n for_o if_o submission_n and_o passive_a obedience_n or_o clean_o suffer_v be_v due_a in_o any_o case_n and_o that_o not_o to_o just_o but_o to_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o if_o the_o submission_n be_v due_a not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o warrant_v give_v by_o god_n to_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n for_o there_o be_v none_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n due_a to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o a_o judge_n or_o court_n as_o they_o continue_v still_o god_n ordinance_n though_o they_o err_v in_o that_o particular_a this_o consequence_n be_v not_o only_o own_v and_o urge_v by_o mr._n durham_n on_o the_o revelation_n pag._n 100_o that_o submit_v unto_o church-power_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o concern_v duty_n and_o that_o without_o this_o submission_n there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n nor_o exercise_n of_o power_n but_o their_o own_o very_a concession_n former_o mention_v pag._n 45_o 46._o do_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n for_o if_o authority_n and_o submission_n be_v correlative_a and_o the_o one_o can_v subsist_v without_o the_o other_o more_o than_o one_o relative_a can_v actual_o subsist_v without_o its_o correlative_a then_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o slander_n to_o say_v that_o submission_n be_v essential_a to_o presbyterial_a government_n see_v logician_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o they_o grant_v it_o that_o take_v away_o a_o relative_a and_o the_o correlative_a cease_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o also_o either_o must_v the_o authority_n of_o judicatories_n when_o they_o pronounce_v some_o unjust_a sentence_n be_v total_o annul_v or_o submission_n must_v be_v pay_v as_o due_a to_o that_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v say_v this_o may_v 3._o be_v further_o confirm_v à _fw-la pari_fw-la magistrate_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o their_o commission_n judge_v unjust_o nor_o pronounce_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n more_o than_o church-judicatories_a and_o yet_o albeit_o magistrate_n do_v decree_v a_o unrighteous_a sentence_n they_o may_v not_o be_v resist_v but_o must_v be_v submit_v unto_o by_o private_a person_n unless_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o come_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o that_o particular_a act_n now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o magistrate_n err_v in_o a_o particular_a fact_n and_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v unless_o man_n will_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o rebellion_n to_o every_o private_a person_n and_o condemn_v saint_n in_o former_a age_n in_o their_o suffering_n under_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n even_o of_o wicked_a magistrate_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v either_o to_o the_o stand_a authority_n of_o church-judicatories_a see_v the_o case_n be_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o both_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o subjection_n be_v due_a only_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o here_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o passage_n of_o mr._n burrough_n in_o his_o lecture_n on_o hosea_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 10._o pag._n 111._o cite_v by_o mr._n gee_o treatise_n of_o the_o magist_n pag._n 257_o 258._o where_o have_v deny_v that_o submission_n active_a or_o passive_a be_v due_a to_o the_o command_v of_o man_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o law_n and_o they_o be_v a_o power_n he_o subjoin_v when_o thing_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o law_n understand_v a_o lawful_a authority_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o agreement_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v as_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v and_o then_o suppose_v this_o authority_n
be_v abuse_v and_o there_o be_v a_o ill_a law_n make_v then_o i_o confess_v if_o the_o law_n be_v of_o force_n we_o must_v either_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o the_o country_n or_o else_o submit_v or_o suffer_v when_o then_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o power_n to_o be_v a_o law_n it_o be_v authority_n though_o abuse_v and_o we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o either_o active_o or_o passive_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n submit_v to_o the_o force_n not_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o these_o case_n ans_fw-fr not_o to_o insist_v that_o they_o know_v the_o church_n also_o use_v all_o the_o force_n they_o have_v and_o so_o the_o case_n be_v alike_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o to_o submit_v only_o to_o the_o force_n of_o a_o magistrate_n pronounce_v and_o execute_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n be_v only_o that_o submission_n out_o of_o prudence_n and_o for_o prevent_v other_o disturbance_n which_o mr._n burrough_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n grant_v may_v be_v yield_v to_o unlawful_a power_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o submission_n out_o of_o conscience_n which_o he_o hold_v to_o be_v due_a to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o their_o law_n even_o when_o authority_n be_v abuse_v in_o make_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o scripture_n rule_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o which_o mr._n gee_n pag._n 112._o expound_v a_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n be_v contra-distinct_a from_o terror_n and_o compulsory_a punishment_n and_o it_o be_v know_v sufferer_n use_v not_o to_o wait_v for_o force_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v but_o do_v it_o in_o submission_n to_o authority_n condemn_a person_n wait_v not_o till_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n but_o go_v on_o their_o own_o foot_n and_o banish_v person_n will_v depart_v upon_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o magistrate_n yea_o where_o man_n unjust_o sentence_v have_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o resist_v force_n as_o christian_n be_v in_o the_o army_n of_o pagan_a emperor_n yet_o they_o have_v submit_v to_o authority_n and_o suffer_v 4._o that_o which_o take_v away_o all_o use_n of_o appeal_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o case_n of_o maladministration_n can_v be_v of_o god_n for_o one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v another_o of_o no_o effect_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o non-submission_n and_o counter-acting_a do_v make_v void_a all_o use_n of_o appeal_n for_o as_o have_v be_v clear_v before_o the_o appeal_n from_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n suppose_v submission_n to_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o let_v it_o be_v hold_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n be_v null_a and_o not_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o let_v a_o church_n own_o that_o principle_n and_o there_o need_v no_o appeal_n 5._o that_o also_o which_o involve_v a_o man_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v be_v of_o god_n but_o a_o man_n not_o submit_v to_o some_o unjust_a sentence_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n because_o though_o he_o have_v right_a on_o his_o side_n yet_o his_o personal_a suffering_n be_v not_o tanti_fw-la as_o to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o confusion_n and_o open_a contempt_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n attend_v upon_o his_o non-submission_n and_o albeit_o his_o judge_n must_v answer_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o unjust_a sentence_n yet_o he_o must_v answer_v for_o his_o schism_n if_o he_o suffer_v not_o patient_o 6._o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o it_o shall_v rub_v a_o imputation_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v put_v this_o trust_n in_o fallible_a man_n hand_n who_o may_v and_o do_v err_v if_o submission_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a medium_n to_o be_v acquiesce_v in_o betwixt_o the_o rock_n of_o sinful_a obedience_n and_o schismatical_a contra-acting_a in_o a_o church_n or_o rebellion_n in_o a_o state_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o we_o not_o be_v entrust_v to_o man_n who_o can_v err_v without_o this_o medium_n man_n can_v hardly_o walk_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n towards_o they_o but_o either_o they_o must_v split_v on_o one_o hand_n or_o other_o whereas_o now_o by_o yield_a suffering_n to_o be_v command_v of_o god_n and_o a_o duty_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o such_o case_n we_o wipe_v off_o all_o imputation_n cast_v on_o he_o and_o may_v walk_v in_o peace_n of_o mind_n though_o with_o some_o personal_a prejudice_n vii_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o muster_v up_o against_o this_o submission_n if_o we_o hold_v they_o at_o their_o word_n pag._n 115_o 116._o that_o in_o some_o case_n they_o will_v not_o much_o contend_v about_o it_o of_o which_o we_o have_v also_o speak_v before_o we_o may_v leave_v it_o at_o their_o own_o door_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o to_o clear_v how_o in_o any_o case_n they_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o what_o they_o plead_v so_o much_o against_o as_o sinful_a for_o sin_n in_o any_o case_n and_o in_o any_o matter_n be_v sinful_a and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o and_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o in_o the_o case_n they_o mention_v in_o the_o forecited_n passage_n they_o may_v submit_v to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n they_o will_v save_v we_o a_o labour_n in_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o answer_v their_o argument_n against_o the_o submission_n we_o plead_v for_o but_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n as_o we_o have_v already_o in_o this_o debate_n meet_v with_o many_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o particular_a branch_n of_o they_o and_o either_o answer_v they_o or_o lay_v they_o aside_o as_o impertinent_a to_o our_o question_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v so_o we_o do_v offer_v a_o brief_a return_n to_o what_o be_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v further_o material_a in_o their_o reason_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o their_o scope_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o discourse_n and_o argument_n be_v to_o evince_v that_o because_o judge_n have_v no_o commission_n or_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o pronounce_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o unless_o man_n will_v take_v their_o will_n and_o arbitrament_n for_o a_o law_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a fallacy_n and_o confound_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o different_a namely_o of_o the_o rule_n whereby_o judge_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o their_o administration_n and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v to_o walk_v under_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n towards_o they_o whereof_o humane_a judge_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v the_o interveen_a instrument_n we_o yield_v that_o judicatories_n be_v limit_v by_o their_o commission_n that_o they_o may_v do_v no_o unjust_a act_n and_o if_o they_o do_v they_o must_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o we_o yield_v also_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o commission_n do_v regulate_v also_o those_o who_o be_v under_o they_o as_o to_o their_o approve_v or_o give_v active_a obedience_n to_o their_o injunction_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o suffering_n and_o be_v passive_a after_o we_o have_v exoner_v ourselves_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o their_o will_n as_o our_o rule_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o submission_n but_o to_o a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n enjoin_v submission_n in_o such_o case_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o confusion_n this_o may_v easy_o take_v off_o the_o most_o of_o their_o reason_n they_o urge_v act_n of_o assembly_n pag._n 51._o that_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v censure_v for_o lawful_a and_o just_a cause_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o judicatories_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n arg._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o when_o they_o do_v otherwise_o that_o they_o act_n that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n nor_o power_n pag._n 96._o all_o which_o we_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n as_o it_o be_v also_o alike_o true_a of_o civil_a power_n that_o none_o of_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o judge_v unjust_o and_o that_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o command_v they_o to_o judge_v just_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o case_n of_o unrighteous_a judgement_n we_o neither_o approve_v nor_o give_v active_a obedience_n yea_o we_o be_v free_a for_o the_o liberation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n to_o contradict_v even_o a_o oecumenick_n council_n angel_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n if_o they_o determine_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v it_o arg._n 8._o yea_o and_o to_o do_v more_o also_o if_o they_o bring_v in_o another_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n there_o cite_v speak_v gal._n 1.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o so_o
prelate_n tenet_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o passive_a submission_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n betwixt_o we_o and_o for_o which_o we_o hope_v to_o give_v relevant_a ground_n these_o principle_n be_v all_o grant_v ii_o as_o to_o the_o person_n or_o judicatories_n to_o who_o this_o submission_n be_v due_a we_o do_v not_o urge_v subordination_n or_o submission_n to_o any_o judge_n incompetent_a or_o which_o be_v not_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o to_o any_o ecclesiastcal_a officer_n or_o judicatory_a that_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n nor_o to_o any_o corrupt_a society_n call_v themselves_o a_o church_n or_o judicatory_a of_o christ_n while_o they_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o plead_v for_o subordination_n and_o submission_n in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o to_o christ_n own_o court_n and_o officer_n in_o she_o such_o as_o we_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n now_o constitute_v to_o be_v for_o further_o clear_v their_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v branch-out_a this_o assertion_n in_o these_o 1._o we_o plead_v not_o for_o submission_n to_o a_o incompetent_a judicatorie_a or_o a_o judicatory_a not_o ecclesiastical_a upon_o this_o account_n among_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v after_o mention_v as_o they_o may_v have_v spare_v amos_n his_o not_o submit_v to_o amaziah_n pag._n 100_o who_o be_v not_o his_o judge_n and_o the_o apostle_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n pag._n 101._o which_o be_v no_o judge-competent_a to_o any_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v other_o court_v appoint_v for_o the_o government_n thereof_o as_o they_o conveen_v a_o synod_n for_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o censure_v of_o offender_n act._n 15._o so_o all_o their_o instance_n of_o non-submission_n of_o church-officer_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o office_n to_o civil_a authority_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v agree_v that_o erastianism_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o condemn_v in_o this_o church_n though_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o witness_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o seem_v to_o magnify_v osianders_n observation_n though_o none_o of_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n nor_o yet_o the_o most_o moderate_a of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o flee_v to_o the_o magistrate_n pag._n 58_o 59_o and_o yet_o pag._n 100_o they_o put_v civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o one_o class_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n we_o be_v sure_a whatever_o have_v be_v their_o practice_n of_o application_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o persecution_n but_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v power_n to_o persecute_v and_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v erastians_n we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o the_o more_o wrong_n the_o worse_o and_o omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la parit_fw-la errorem_fw-la as_o we_o have_v too_o much_o proof_n of_o their_o many_o new_a principle_n though_o indeed_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v for_o their_o own_o end_n they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v alike_o respective_a both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o that_o the_o overturning_a of_o either_o or_o both_o be_v alike_o to_o they_o before_o they_o reach_v not_o their_o end_n 2._o we_o plead_v not_o for_o submission_n to_o officer_n and_o judicatory_n not_o of_o christ_n own_o institution_n such_o as_o not_o only_o pope_n but_o prelate_n who_o draw_v all_o thing_n in_o subjection_n to_o their_o cathedral_n church_n as_o be_v clear_v by_o divine_n destinguish_v betwixt_o presbyterial_a and_o episcopal_a government_n and_o synod_n and_o be_v no_o lawful_a church-officer_n so_o that_o here_o their_o argument_n conclude_v not_o take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o minister_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o prelate_n in_o this_o church_n pag._n 55._o for_o 1_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n inflict_v we_o do_v find_v the_o contrary_a suppose_a in_o the_o write_n of_o these_o time_n both_o of_o one_o side_n and_o other_o that_o upon_o these_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o place_n as_o be_v insinuate_v in_o a_o treatise_n publish_v anno_fw-la 1620._o by_o a_o opposer_n of_o conformity_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o a_o dialogue_n betwixt_o cosmophilus_n and_o theophilus_n as_o also_o in_o mr._n struthers_n letter_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o airth_n in_o the_o year_n 1630._o print_v 1635._o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o preach_v after_o their_o sentence_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o after-strictnesse_n of_o prelate_n in_o their_o canon_n publish_v anno_fw-la 1636._o of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v by_o these_o witness_n pag._n 111._o yet_o at_o their_o first_o deal_n with_o honest_a man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v remember_v who_o suffer_v by_o they_o they_o do_v not_o depose_v they_o simpliciter_fw-la from_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o dispose_v or_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o serve_v and_o from_o the_o benefice_n and_o this_o they_o all_o submit_v unto_o have_v by_o their_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n bear_v testimony_n against_o they_o as_o incompetent_a judge_n though_o they_o preach_v elsewhere_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a to_o we_o in_o that_o never_o any_o of_o these_o sufferer_n be_v pursue_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v remember_v with_o any_o censure_n by_o they_o for_o their_o preach_n after_o the_o sentence_n and_o in_o that_o when_o some_o of_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o return_v to_o their_o charge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o readmission_n of_o they_o thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v necessary_a if_o they_o have_v be_v simpliciter_fw-la depose_v but_o a_o simple_a return_v to_o their_o work_n 2._o but_o suppose_v they_o do_v not_o submit_v and_o let_v it_o be_v yield_v also_o that_o their_o non-submission_n be_v nothing_o the_o weak_a that_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v sentence_v be_v unjust_a as_o they_o urge_v pag._n 55_o 56._o and_o particular_o that_o they_o be_v sentence_v for_o not_o conform_v to_o popish_a innovation_n introduce_v in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o acknowledge_v prelatical_a authority_n which_o be_v far_o from_o our_o case_n as_o we_o shall_v after_o hear_v yet_o they_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o non-submission_n upon_o their_o judge_n be_v no_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o rule_v his_o house_n which_o some_z if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o witness_v by_o their_o declinature_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v sentence_v for_o they_o can_v bring_v no_o instance_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o sentence_v by_o presbytery_n only_o and_o they_o not_o submit_v and_o however_o they_o allege_v pag._n 55._o that_o the_o prelate_n do_v sometime_o associate_v to_o themselves_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o bound_n where_o the_o suppose_a delinquent_n serve_v that_o be_v the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n yet_o we_o can_v learn_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o do_v associate_v these_o unto_o they_o in_o censure_v such_o as_o do_v not_o submit_v whatever_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o censure_v some_o other_o for_o gross_a scandal_n but_o do_v proceed_v in_o these_o in_o their_o high_a commission_n court_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v these_o witness_n believe_v they_o do_v associate_v or_o call_v these_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v act_v authoritative_o with_o they_o as_o a_o presbytery_n but_o they_o do_v all_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n 3._o withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v that_o however_o some_o minister_n do_v not_o give_v submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o prelate_n in_o this_o church_n where_o prelacy_n be_v but_o in_o introduce_v and_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v to_o the_o divest_v of_o presbytery_n of_o their_o power_n yet_o the_o practice_n of_o nonconformist_n in_o england_n where_o that_o have_v be_v the_o only_a government_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o reformation_n be_v different_a where_o they_o not_o only_o submit_v to_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o prelate_n yea_o of_o their_o commissary_n and_o official_o but_o be_v quarrel_v therefore_o by_o the_o brownist_n they_o write_v a_o treatise_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o themselves_o since_o publish_v by_o mr._n rathband_n anno_fw-la 1644._o under_o the_o tittle_n of_o a_o most_o grave_a and_o modest_a confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n wherein_o they_o assert_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o episcopal_a government_n the_o only_a church-government_n establish_v by_o authority_n though_o
disallow_v by_o they_o they_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n rather_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o unjust_a sentence_n than_o to_o rend_v the_o church_n as_o may_v be_v see_v throughout_o the_o whole_a treatise_n and_o especial_o pag._n 39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o some_o passage_n whereof_o we_o will_v have_v occasion_n to_o cite_v afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o may_v give_v a_o sad_a check_n to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o these_o witness_n towards_o christ_n own_o court_n and_o officer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v a_o testimony_n of_o beza_n no_o novice_n in_o the_o point_n of_o church-government_n in_o his_o epistle_n direct_v to_o some_o english_v who_o write_v to_o he_o for_o resolution_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o church-government_n epist_n 12._o pag._n 105._o where_o hope_v some_o other_o course_n will_v be_v take_v with_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o england_n by_o the_o queen_n and_o other_o than_o that_o either_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a against_o their_o conscience_n or_o be_v force_v to_o quit_v their_o ministry_n he_o add_v tertium_fw-la enim_fw-la illud_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o as_o to_o that_o three_o course_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v propound_v to_o he_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v exerce_fw-la their_o ministry_n against_o the_o queen_n and_o bishop_n will_v we_o abhor_v it_o yet_o more_o and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v though_o we_o hold_v our_o peace_n who_o so_o will_v read_v these_o epistle_n may_v find_v very_o much_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o order_n for_o preservation_n of_o doctrine_n particular_o epist_n 14._o and_o 24._o and_o 59_o and_o diverse_a other_o wherein_o he_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o consult_v in_o it_o and_o vindicate_v the_o government_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o tyranny_n then_o also_o cast_v upon_o it_o 3._o while_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o submission_n to_o a_o corrupt_a society_n call_v themselves_o a_o church_n or_o judicatory_a of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o to_o christ_n own_o court_n and_o officer_n such_o as_o we_o hold_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o elder_n assemble_v in_o a_o session_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o national_a assembly_n to_o be_v they_o may_v well_o have_v spare_v all_o their_o parallel_n with_o the_o popish_a church_n former_o mention_v which_o we_o account_v babylon_n and_o not_o zion_n and_o that_o example_n of_o athanasius_n pag._n 57_o 58._o 106._o who_o though_o he_o quarrel_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n yet_o he_o see_v well_o enough_o they_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o arian_n not_o worship_v nor_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v account_v one_o of_o his_o court_n but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o only_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v how_o much_o stress_n protestant_n divine_v lay_v in_o this_o question_n upon_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v true_a church_n to_o which_o submission_n be_v require_v beza_n write_v to_o a_o church-disturber_n epist_n 5._o reject_v all_o his_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n or_o love_n in_o that_o matter_n affirm_v that_o have_v acquaint_v his_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o delate_a the_o matter_n with_o which_o he_o be_v dissatisfy_v to_o the_o synod_n he_o have_v sufficient_o exoner_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o otherwise_o say_v he_o what_o can_v be_v establish_v in_o a_o church_n i_o speak_v of_o true_a church_n such_o as_o we_o affirm_v all_o our_o church_n through_o grace_n to_o be_v though_o never_o so_o right_o or_o holy_o but_o the_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o love_n may_v overturn_v it_o and_o close_v that_o discourse_n with_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n against_o contentious_a man_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o when_o the_o remonstrant_n at_o dort_n give_v in_o their_o declinator_n against_o that_o synod_n as_o a_o court_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o submit_v unto_o how_o sharp_o do_v the_o divine_n tax_v they_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o their_o decline_a to_o submit_v to_o a_o judicatory_a consist_v of_o officer_n of_o true_a reform_a church_n lawful_o call_v and_o authorize_v to_o be_v a_o court_n of_o christ_n the_o synod_n of_o south-holland_n meet_v at_o delft_n have_v tell_v they_o before_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o their_o judgement_n record_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n pag._n 88_o 89._o edit_fw-la in_o folio_n do_v more_o full_o clear_a the_o divine_n of_o hassia_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o declinator_n do_v open_o proclaim_v that_o they_o hold_v not_o themselves_o member_n of_o these_o church_n but_o have_v go_v out_o and_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o they_o the_o divine_n of_o geneva_n have_v answer_v their_o exception_n that_o protestant_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o popish_a council_n they_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o order_n and_o submission_n to_o judicatories_n in_o true_a church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18.17_o and_o close_o all_o with_o this_o that_o the_o remonstrant_n adhere_v to_o their_o declinator_n do_v thereby_o declare_v that_o they_o renounce_v union_n with_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherland_n in_o which_o case_n they_o conceive_v it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o consider_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o the_o divine_n of_o breme_n look_v upon_o their_o practice_n as_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o confusion_n as_o overturning_a all_o church-judgment_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o christ_n himself_o do_v remit_v we_o and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o perpetual_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o contentious_a man_n 4._o while_o we_o assert_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o require_v submission_n in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n and_o to_o his_o own_o lawful_a court_n and_o officer_n in_o she_o in_o which_o case_n we_o think_v submission_n be_v due_a by_o all_o who_o account_v they_o such_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o these_o witness_n have_v draw_v this_o question_n to_o a_o further_a extent_n than_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o at_o first_o when_o four_o of_o their_o number_n refuse_v submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n the_o reason_n give_v out_o be_v because_o they_o have_v protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o no_o lawful_a court_n nor_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o inflict_v censure_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o submit_v but_o now_o they_o make_v it_o the_o question_n not_o only_o whether_o they_o may_v refuse_v submission_n to_o a_o assembly_n which_o be_v protest_v against_o and_o which_o consist_v of_o elect_a member_n out_o of_o other_o judicatories_n may_v be_v corrupt_v by_o prelimitation_n upon_o election_n or_o otherwise_o and_o so_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n but_o whether_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a court_n of_o a_o church_n how_o lawful_a soever_o in_o their_o constitution_n as_o consist_v of_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o bound_n if_o so_o be_v their_o sentence_n be_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n which_o reach_v yet_o a_o sad_a blow_n to_o a_o church-government_n while_o they_o stand_v court_v clothe_v with_o christ_n authority_n even_o themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o yet_o submission_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n worth_a our_o inquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o acknowledge_v the_o judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a court_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o so_o corrupt_v as_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o their_o join_n with_o we_o in_o the_o judicatories_n without_o any_o protestation_n against_o their_o constitution_n as_o corrupt_v and_o their_o other_o carriage_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o judicatories_n which_o they_o mention_v pag._n 13._o give_v we_o some_o ground_n not_o to_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o they_o but_o now_o this_o pamphlet_n afford_v we_o other_o thought_n for_o all_o along_o they_o not_o only_o decline_v to_o join_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n as_o a_o lawful_a judicatory_a where_o we_o be_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o constituent_a member_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o stand_a officer_n of_o this_o church_n so_o pag._n 84_o 93._o and_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v put_v as_o a_o stop_n to_o all_o overture_n of_o union_n so_o long_o as_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o