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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n minister_n people_n preach_v 2,383 5 7.1947 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A46641 An apology for, or vindication of the oppressed persecuted ministers & professors of the Presbyterian Reformed Religion, in the Church of Scotland emitted in the defence of them, and the cause for which they suffer: & that for the information of ignorant, the satisfaction and establishment of the doubtful, the conviction (if possible) of the malicious, the warning of our rulers, the strengthening & comforting of the said sufferers under their present pressurs & trials. Being their testimony to the covenanted work of reformation in this church, and against the present prevailing corruptions and course of defection therefrom. Prestat sero, quàm nunquam sapere. Smith, Hugh.; Jamieson, Alexander. 1677 (1677) Wing J446; ESTC R31541 114,594 210

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duty_n do_v not_o enjoin_v a_o duty_n but_o a_o sin_n obj._n 2._o if_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o not_o only_o a_o right_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o dispense_v ordinance_n &_o make_v their_o act_n valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o relation_n &_o the_o mutual_a duty_n that_o the_o person_n under_o they_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n the_o people_n must_v likewise_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o ans_fw-fr albeit_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o prelate_n and_o curate_n to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o have_v give_v and_o do_v give_v to_o many_o too_o much_o ground_n by_o their_o open_a avow_a perjury_n enmity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n their_o renunce_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a supreme_a head_n by_o subject_v themselves_o to_o another_o foreign_a supreme_a in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o flagitious_a life_n yet_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o shall_v receive_v &_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o the_o lawful_o call_v &_o appropriate_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n which_o for_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n we_o deny_v and_o we_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o for_o although_o intruder_n upon_o the_o church_n be_v minister_n yet_o their_o intrusion_n put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o people_n reception_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o they_o as_o we_o have_v make_v out_o both_o in_o thesi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la wherefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o hear_v &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o prelatical_a minister_n in_o our_o case_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o we_o refuse_v it_o 2_o people_n obligation_n to_o submission_n to_o minister_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o clothe_v therewith_o there_o a●e_v beside_o this_o other_o thing_n that_o must_v concur_v to_o the_o cause_v of_o this_o obligation_n which_o if_o they_o be_v want_v will_v make_v it_o void_a or_o at_o least_o suspend_v it_o as_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v in_o person_n pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n the_o removal_n of_o just_a impediment_n the_o church_n call_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o be_v something_n either_o physical_a or_o moral_a that_o if_o they_o fall_v out_o will_v suspend_v this_o obligation_n in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la while_o it_o remain_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o inability_n of_o body_n just_a suspension_n for_o a_o time_n fundamental_a heresy_n intrusion_n etc._n etc._n now_o many_o of_o these_o be_v existent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o no_o divine_a obligation_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n anent_o the_o romish_a priest_n jesuit_n and_o other_o in_o order_n among_o they_o who_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v nor_o ordinance_n receive_v from_o they_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 23._o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o militat_fw-la against_o this_o till_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o they_o be_v intruder_n which_o yet_o none_o have_v do_v arg._n 8._o it_o be_v of_o no_o little_a weight_n to_o we_o when_o add_v to_o the_o former_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o violent_o thrust-in_a on_o congregation_n be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a creature_n we_o confess_v fit_v for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o prelate_n design_n against_o this_o church_n and_o we_o by_o who_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o hazard_n throw_v ignorance_n piophannes_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n abound_v in_o all_o corner_n of_o this_o land_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o prevent_v and_o cure_v of_o the_o same_o do_v rather_o further_o and_o advance_v these_o church-destroying_a evil_n as_o we_o do_v not_o make_v personal_a scandal_n of_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o withdraw_v from_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o a_o minister_n guilty_a thereof_o yet_o when_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o those_o who_o entry_n be_v corrupt_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v justify_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o under_o straight_a tie_n to_o be_v ware_n of_o and_o fly_v from_o such_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o little_a or_o no_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n from_o their_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o precept_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o avoid_v and_o shune_v of_o such_o philip._n 3._o with_o many_o other_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o ourselus_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o such_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v nothing_o to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o but_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n who_o we_o know_v be_v carry_v on_o corrupt_a design_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o purity_n &_o power_n what_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o charge_n in_o this_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o church_n good_a and_o bad_a who_o have_v be_v &_o be_v witness_n to_o their_o deportment_n arg._n 9_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o state_v case_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o withhold_v and_o yet_o withhold_v we_o from_o subject_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n which_o we_o wish_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o 1._o for_o make_v way_n to_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v shake_v and_o unhinged_a by_o the_o disannullig_a and_o rescind_v of_o such_o a_o series_n of_o parliament_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o most_o of_o which_o there_o be_v according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o law_n all_o that_o among_o we_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n by_o this_o deed_n not_o only_o the_o constitution_n of_o former_a parliament_n be_v strike_v at_o but_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a a_o preparative_n be_v make_v for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n by_o any_o that_o in_o after_o age_n have_v a_o mind_n for_o and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o although_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n at_o that_o time_n be_v as_o high_o prelatical_a and_o as_o much_o make_v for_o the_o king_n design_n as_o we_o yet_o they_o forbear_v such_o a_o deed_n anent_o the_o long-lived-parliament_n albeit_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v 2_o this_o change_n make_v in_o the_o church_n be_v accompany_v and_o yet_o be_v with_o such_o a_o speat_v of_o enimity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n in_o its_o necessare_fw-la exercise_n that_o the_o person_n that_o savour_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n sobriety_n and_o conscience_n come_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v discountenance_v even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a as_o person_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v in_o any_o place_n of_o office_n or_o power_n while_o these_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o dissolute_a life_n and_o give_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n be_v mu●h_o make_v of_o countenance_v and_o entrust_v as_o the_o only_a confident_n of_o the_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n find_v itself_o encourage_v and_o reins_n loose_v to_o it_o abound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o too_o much_o prolixity_n this_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o undeniable_a but_o lamentable_a instance_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n we_o forbear_v not_o love_a to_o stir_n in_o this_o filthy_a puddle_n 3_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o
but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o in_o this_o act_n not_o only_o preach_v and_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o in_o a_o family_n beside_o their_o own_o be_v judge_v to_o make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o a_o unlawful_a meeting_n but_o prayer_n also_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o fame_n force_n so_o that_o no_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o any_o other_o may_v pray_v together_o on_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n what_o so_o ever_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v repute_v keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o able_a to_o the_o penalty_n adjudge_v by_o this_o law_n to_o such_o be_v prelacy_n come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o opposition_n to_o godliness_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o be_v secure_v except_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a society_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o its_o exercise_n discourage_v to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o such_o incitment_n in_o these_o time_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n be_v prone_a enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v negligent_a and_o stack_n in_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o conventicle_n and_o by_o such_o penalty_n against_o they_o be_v we_o such_o odious_a abominable_a creature_n that_o none_o must_v join_v in_o christian_a communion_n with_o we_o in_o these_o mean_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o lay_v aside_o or_o if_o we_o once_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o and_o for_o god_n in_o any_o society_n we_o shall_v bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o so_o severe_a penalty_n which_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o law_n have_v be_v inflict_v on_o some_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o its_o hearer_n but_o moreover_o all_o such_o meeting_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o other_o ●orrid_a evil_n with_o which_o they_o be_v brand_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n a_o charge_n if_o true_a that_o make_v they_o merito●us_o of_o far_o heavy_a punishment_n than_o some_o of_o these_o decree_v against_o they_o but_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o come_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o exercise_n consider_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o necessary_a command_v duty_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o and_o cement_v of_o union_n and_o obedience_n in_o church_n and_o state_n not_o from_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v our_o principle_n for_o worship_n doctrine_n &_o government_n be_v know_v be_v extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrare_fw-la tendency_n if_o any_o say_v we_o preach_v principle_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n they_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o out_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o as_o yet_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v condescend_v on_o and_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o act_n and_o not_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o true_o religious_a exercise_n do_v by_o person_n authorize_v and_o enable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o require_v of_o all_o engage_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o that_o piece_n of_o common_a justice_n they_o owe_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o they_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la we_o pray_v wherein_o our_o meeting_n be_v become_v the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n if_o they_o can_v when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v either_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o charge_n or_o else_o succumb_v to_o this_o act_n it_o be_v like_a some_o place_n this_o charge_n in_o our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n then_o it_o come_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n maker_n and_o not_o from_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o person_n that_o keep_v they_o for_o antecedent_n to_o this_o law_n they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n according_a to_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o have_v forbear_v it_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o seed_n of_o rebellion_n than_o thus_o to_o sow_v they_o but_o this_o law_n in_o its_o narrative_a suppon_n these_o meeting_n to_o be_v such_o antecedent_n to_o its_o enact_v but_o give_v no_o hint_n at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o heavy_a charge_n other_o again_o fix_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n on_o our_o meeting_n for_o our_o withdraw_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o allow_v public_a worship_n and_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o law_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o if_o the_o act_n have_v only_o circumstantiate_v and_o describe_v such_o meeting_n as_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o not_o take_v in_o all_o religious_a christian_a fellowship_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n something_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o justify_v of_o this_o act_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o church_n government_n now_o settle_v by_o law_n without_o a_o wound_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o to_o make_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n wherein_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v exercise_v without_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o prelate_n seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o condemn_v christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o heathenism_n heresy_n profainness_n and_o shisme_n have_v under_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o assembly_n have_v be_v account_v unlawful_a conventicle_n and_o load_v with_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n that_o be_v now_o charge_v on_o we_o there_fw-mi any_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o house_n and_o field_n who_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ordinare_fw-la allow_v place_n for_o meet_v in_o worship_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n although_o charge_v with_o these_o or_o do_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o evil_n although_o none_o will_v affirm_v this_o yet_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v it_o out_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o act_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o law_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o record_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o will_v speak_v if_o ever_o we_o return_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n but_o as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o authorize_v public_a worship_n with_o which_o some_o with_o great_a confidence_n brand_v we_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o separatist_n we_o forbear_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o penalty_n statute_n in_o this_o act_n against_o the_o contraveener_n of_o it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v far_o beyond_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o popish_a cruelty_n who_o punish_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o punishment_n equal_a to_o those_o inflict_v for_o treason_n in_o which_o this_o act_n be_v not_o short_a that_o adjudge_v the_o keeper_n of_o field_n conventicle_n to_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o add_v not_o alittle_o to_o our_o grief_n under_o our_o present_a suffering_n that_o although_o there_o be_v penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o heterodox_n person_n yet_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o yea_o in_o one_o act_n of_o parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 7._o they_o be_v exeme_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o severity_n decree_v against_o we_o which_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_n be_v find_v to_o be_v incompatible_a with_o and_o subversive_a of_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n that_o be_v due_a from_o subject_n to_o magistrate_n suppose_v by_o they_o heretical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o that_o for_o some_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v put_v to_o some_o execution_n but_o as_o to_o any_o execution_n now_o slacken_v and_o and_z lay_v by_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n be_v their_o principle_n and_o design_n change_v or_o their_o number_n any_o few_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o increase_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n but_o poor_a we_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o we_o
of_o our_o ministry_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o policy_n invent_v to_o cover_v the_o too_o visible_a encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v know_v afterward_o to_o stumble_v many_o that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v more_o smooth_v and_o go_v the_o better_o down_o while_o the_o design_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v our_o ministry_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o without_o noise_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ruin_v our_o cause_n for_o attain_v of_o which_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v a_o more_o successful_a like_o piece_n of_o policy_n than_o this_o of_o the_o indulgence_n resolve_a as_o bathe_v be_v say_v to_o unfold_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o keep_v nothing_o up_o anent_o what_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o and_o burden_n our_o conscience_n in_o the_o command_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o time_n we_o shall_v add_v other_o reason_n to_o these_o which_o with_o the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o and_o non-approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o pretend_a favour_n be_v provide_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o conventicle_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o partake_v of_o other_o ordinance_n from_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n make_v against_o the_o same_o have_v not_o suppress_v as_o this_o narrative_a speak_v to_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o indulgence_n so_o it_o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o its_o consequence_n if_o approven_v by_o we_o to_o which_o we_o there_fw-mi have_v no_o accession_n direct_o nor_o indirect_o for_o by_o our_o allowance_n and_o submission_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v active_a in_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o future_a but_o also_o shall_v consequential_o condemn_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o people_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v bless_v and_o make_v not_o a_o little_a successful_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o many_o soul_n 2._o many_o by_o this_o indulgence_n be_v assign_v and_o send_v to_o other_o congregation_n than_o these_o they_o have_v former_o serve_v their_o master_n in_o before_o this_o revolution_n in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o judge_v the_o former_a relation_n to_o particular_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o state_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o be_v yet_o in_o force_n and_o not_o dissolve_v by_o all_o the_o violence_n use_v against_o we_o so_o we_o think_v our_o approbation_n of_o this_o indulgence_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v the_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o violence_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o likewise_o will_v have_v make_v void_a the_o former_a and_o yet_o stand_v relation_n to_o these_o respective_a congregation_n in_o which_o we_o dare_v have_v no_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v former_o use_v in_o this_o church_n see_v it_o will_v no_o question_n both_o strengthen_v the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o unjust_a encroachment_n on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o practical_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o all_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o mater_fw-la 3._o by_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o indulgence_n appeal_n be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v from_o the_o indulge_v to_o the_o prelate_n court_n which_o do_v subject_a and_o direct_o subordinat_a they_o to_o these_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o covenant_v and_o well_o ground_v principle_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o look_v on_o this_o with_o other_o particular_n in_o that_o indulgence_n as_o a_o device_n frame_v of_o purpose_n for_o gain_v all_o these_o end_n and_o intent_n upon_o we_o which_o by_o violence_n have_v be_v former_o design_v against_o we_o for_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 4._o as_o some_o of_o the_o rule_n be_v impracticable_a so_o other_o of_o they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n if_o we_o understand_v our_o christian_a profession_n aright_o we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o imitat_fw-la christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o purpose_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o effect_n do_v we_o not_o find_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n as_o occasion_n offer_v never_o decline_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o these_o as_o the_o present_a exigence_n require_v although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o and_o access_n to_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v deny_v we_o as_o to_o the_o place_n allow_v for_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o these_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n say_v that_o as_o preach_v in_o house_n and_o field_n be_v in_o itself_o no●_n sin_n but_o lawful_a except_o we_o resolve_v to_o make_v christ_n ●_o transgressor_n so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o under_o the_o like_a c●lls_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v in_o this_o as_o christ_n do_v before_o we_o who_o can_v get_v this_o shune_v among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v by_o it_o we_o know_v the_o devide_v and_o break_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o which_o at_o first_o actuate_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n this_o device_n among_o we_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v to_o have_v reap_v thereby_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o have_v be_v or_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o our_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o charge_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o true_a distinction_n from_o and_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v afterward_o express_v what_o ever_o be_v our_o persuasion_n in_o this_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o public_a confess_v on_o of_o faith_n we_o yet_o throw_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v go_v over_o our_o head_n to_o cause_v we_o alter_v our_o apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o least_o some_o who_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v some_o their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n anent_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o to_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o the_o congregation_n at_o their_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o our_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o ward_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o evil_a intent_n of_o this_o indulgence_n but_o rather_o a_o endeavour_n to_o counteract_v and_o ineffectuat_fw-la they_o that_o our_o opposite_n may_v have_v no_o benefit_n therefrom_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v sect_n vi_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n government_n as_o distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a upon_o magistracy_n explain_v have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o dispatch_v the_o first_o three_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o shall_v now_o enter_v on_o the_o last_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v now_o by_o law_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o successor_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n let_v
suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d ●uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o ●ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o ●●●onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o ●eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o high●●●_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n pe●son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o mo●●●_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o mo●●●-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d ●●●ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o e●●●ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d ●●●mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a de●●●_n 〈…〉_o ou●_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o ●ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n th●_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseru●●●_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n wheth●●_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o ●●cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o ●hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n po●●●●_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punish●●●●_n form●●ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magi●●●●●_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o
the_o godly_a of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n be_v exceed_o more_a numerous_a than_o the_o other_o 2_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o be_v very_o small_a which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o person_n true_o godly_a and_o consistent_a with_o their_o growth_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o heal_a condescend_v temper_n may_v be_v heal_v and_o remove_v their_o difference_n lie_v main_o in_o the_o authoritative_a subordination_n of_o church_n judicatory_n use_v con●stitution_n of_o church_n as_o to_o the_o quality_n and_o engagement_n of_o their_o constituent_a member_n which_o when_o their_o one_o ness_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n about_o government_n and_o their_o concession_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o little_a they_o differ_v about_o be_v consider_v may_v be_v quick_o accommodate_v and_o take_v up_o but_o it_o be_v other_o way_n with_o prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o exercise_n with_o we_o which_o in_o its_o effect_n attendant_n and_o the_o basis_n it_o be_v settle_v upon_o be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o a_o corruption_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inlett_n to_o other_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n that_o it_o become_v true_o hateful_a to_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o their_o rule_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o prelatical_a gang_n true_o godly_a or_o pious_a we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v and_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o they_o but_o o_o how_o few_o and_o how_o much_o have_v these_o few_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o persecute_v by_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o evil_a or_o jealous_a eye_n so_o as_o they_o have_v be_v judge_v more_o we_o than_o they_o we_o have_v not_o forget_v the_o distinction_n that_o on_o this_o head_n be_v make_v in_o former_a time_n among_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o puritan_n and_o court_n bishop_n will_v not_o one_o of_o these_o two_o follow_v either_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o christian_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n must_v esteem_v to_o be_v such_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a delusion_n in_o their_o opinion_n about_o and_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n or●els_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o prelacy_n savour_v not_o of_o godliness_n but_o in_o its_o native_a tendency_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o it_o which_o say_v it_o can_v be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o trial_n and_o correction_n 5._o as_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a qualification_n the_o prelate_n require_v in_o their_o intrant_n into_o the_o ministry_n and_o in_o the_o people_n they_o admit_v to_o ordinance_n be_v submission_n to_o and_o own_v of_o the●_n conform_v to_o the_o present_a law_n how_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o be_v overlook_v and_o dispense_v with_o in_o they_o so_o their_o bitter_a opposition_n to_o and_o uncessant_a persecution_n of_o pious_a able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n that_o comply_v not_o with_o prelacy_n declare_v to_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o true_a knowledge_n and_o godliness_n they_o seek_v but_o the_o extend_v and_o establish_v of_o their_o tyrannous_a dominion_n over_o all_o by_o minister_n and_o professor_n submit_v thereto_o without_o gainsay_v of_o their_o imposition_n and_o command_n how_o contrare_fw-la in_o this_o be_v their_o way_n to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o the_o word_n for_o call_v &_o ordain_v of_o minister_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1_o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 1_o 15._o who_o rejoice_v verse_n 18._o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v although_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o opposition_n to_o he_o can_v that_o course_n be_v of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v support_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o across_o the_o direction_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n anent_o minister_n and_o disappoint_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n believe_v this_o who_o will_v we_o can_v sect_n ii_o what_o move_a minister_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n &_o some_o remark_n upon_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n and_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n it_o have_v be_v often_o object_v to_o we_o both_o by_o friend_n and_o enemy_n why_o do_v minister_n and_o congregatition_n obey_v so_o quick_o that_o act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n in_o leave_v and_o desert_v of_o one_o another_o see_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o divine_a mutual_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o cleave_v together_o in_o perform_v and_o do_v of_o all_o mutual_a duty_n which_o by_o divine_a precept_n and_o engagement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v ans_fw-fr as_o we_o will_v not_o altogether_o justify_v our_o carriage_n in_o that_o and_o several_a other_o particular_n in_o our_o way_n through_o these_o sad_a time_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v with_o and_o humble_a our_o soul_n for_o all_o our_o imperfection_n and_o fail_n that_o shall_v be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o any_o so_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o circumstan●●at_a case_n that_o may_v plead_v for_o we_o and_o alleviat_v the_o offence_n take_v at_o our_o too_o general_a practice_n in_o that_o matter_n as._n 1._o the_o suddenness_n of_o that_o act_n which_o allow_v very_o little_a or_o no_o time_n for_o deliberation_n and_o come_v to_o any_o solid_a resolution_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o un_fw-fr usual_a practice_n anent_o which_o we_o have_v so_o few_o precedent_n in_o former_a time_n all_o know_v how_o puzzle_v surprisal_n use_v to_o be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o present_a divine_a hand_n to_o guide_v and_o support_v under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n with_o which_o surprisal_n be_v ordinary_o attend_v all_o be_v in_o hazard_n through_o the_o bias_n of_o corruption_n to_o miscarry_v and_o in_o their_o resolution_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n minister_n and_o professor_n be_v man_n of_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o passion_n with_o other_o and_o whatever_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o for_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o lead_n of_o other_o in_o the_o same_o yet_o throw_v dark●ness_n the_o influence_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o temp●tations_n concur_v therewith_o to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o then_z other_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o slip_v in_o which_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n they_o shall_v be_v pity_v and_o pray_v for_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o determine_v our_o resolution_n to_o this_o that_o our_o party_n in_o our_o nighbour_a church_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n upon_o the_o emission_n of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n disenable_v all_o minister_n that_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n have_v quit_v their_o charge_n and_o remove_v themselves_o to_o other_o part_n not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o themselves_o their_o people_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o then_o stand_v to_o justle_v with_o authority_n in_o continue_v their_o ministry_n with_o and_o among_o the_o people_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o new_a law_n make_v against_o they_o while_o we_o consider_v this_o lead_a example_n with_o the_o reason_n move_a they_o to_o it_o we_o think_v ourselves_o as_o much_o press_v therewith_o as_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o have_v follow_v the_o contrare_fw-la course_n our_o loyalty_n have_v be_v sad_o reproach_v and_o their_o practice_n make_v use_v of_o to_o aggravat_fw-la our_o disloyal_a disposition_n with_o which_o we_o have_v be_v often_o brand_v although_o faisly_a to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o contempt_n which_o have_v we_o grant_v too_o much_o weight_n with_o we_o 3._o the_o main_a design_n we_o have_v under_o consideration_n at_o that_o time_n that_o do_v most_o exercise_v our_o thought_n and_o take_v they_o up_o be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o grand_a corruption_n prelacy_n that_o do_v then_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n many_o question_n in_o order_n to_o i●_n be_v debate_v among_o we_o for_o our_o mutual_a strengthen_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o common_a adversary_n which_o we_o in_o rational_a before_o sight_n do_v apprehend_v will_v come_v upon_o we_o never_o dream_v of_o this_o course_n that_o be_v follow_v with_o we_o which_o with_o one_o stroke_n cut_v the_o gordian_a knot_n of_o many_o difficulty_n with_o which_o we_o have_v often_o grapple_v in_o our_o exercise_n and_o debar_v in_o this_o unexpected_a course_n of_o providence_n clear_v our_o way_n under_o many_o
in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n while_o we_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o we_o the_o mean_a that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n and_o use_v to_o bless_v with_o power_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n will_v not_o our_o neglect_n in_o slight_v of_o this_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n and_o accessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o reflect_v and_o think_v on_o this_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o the_o suffering_n that_o threaten_v we_o from_o ●●●m_n stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o but_o labour_n as_o we_o can_v in_o our_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n we_o see_v come_v on_o immortal_a soul_n come_v of_o we_o what_o will_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o he_o have_v command_v we_o in_o h●s_n word_n be_v antecedent_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o tie_n on_o we_o for_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o man_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n as_o we_o expect_v will_v not_o be_v deem_v by_o any_o that_o entertain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n head_n much_o less_o by_o they_o that_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n than_o our_o practice_n can_v be_v condemn_v but_o must_v be_v justify_v which_o be_v but_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o this_o truth_n so_o universal_o receive_v and_o close_v with_o by_o all_o man_n except_o those_o who_o have_v debauch_v their_o conscience_n throw_v the_o predominant_a love_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o sinful_a command_n of_o other_o for_o be_v not_o minister_n command_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v it_o to_o assemble_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o that_o end_n how_o many_o be_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n about_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a through_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v astonish_v to_o we_o to_o think_v that_o man_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n dare_v issue_n out_o command_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o christian_n to_o obey_v he_o before_o all_o other_o we_o grant_v when_o there_o be_v another_o duty_n on_o foot_n and_o call_v to_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la the_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o ought_v to_o super_fw-la cede_fw-la the_o practice_n of_o that_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o duty_n necessare_fw-la and_o call_v to_o for_o the_o time_n to_o which_o in_o the_o circumstantiat_fw-la case_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n and_o call_v antecedent_n to_o the_o magistrate_n command●_n bu●_n 〈◊〉_d lie_v on_o and_o fix_v a_o state_v cessation_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o command_v duty_n on_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o matter_n forbid_v by_o man_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o frame_v and_o state_n a_o war_n with_o god_n and_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o be_v not_o minister_n and_o professor_n then_o in_o a_o puss_n straight_o who_o must_v either_o disobey_v god_n or_o man_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v we_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v and_o hear_v to_o the_o offend_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o cause_v of_o so_o much_o trouble_n to_o the_o country_n our_o answer_n be_v god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v they_o that_o sus●ean_v the_o relevancy_n of_o this_o reason_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o consequence_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v we_o something_o that_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o case_n sure_a we_o be_v they_o be_v command_v but_o nothing_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o answer_v our_o argument_n and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n but_o the_o cry_n of_o hazard_n from_o some_o and_o sharp_a severity_n from_o other_o five_o we_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v jure_v magistra●ico_n exautorat_fw-la the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o take_v their_o power_n and_o office_n from_o they_o so_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o untie_v the_o obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o professor_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o politic_n hold_v by_o all_o that_o no_o inferior_a power_n can_v disannul_v a_o power_n or_o hinder_v its_o exercise_n that_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o and_o dependent_a on_o a_o power_n superior_a except_o they_o show_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o same_o but_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o we_o know_v all_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n supreme_a authority_n and_o dominion_n be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o authority_n and_o ●owers_n see_v they_o derive_v the_o same_o from_o and_o hold_v they_o of_o he_o who_o be_v true_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o see_v the_o ministerial_a power_n as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d ●●ing_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o ●●om_n god_n throw_v his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n in_o his_o word_n no_o other_o power_n can_v exautorat_a these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o but_o they_o must_v show_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v let_v it_o be_v show_v and_o this_o will_v end_v the_o debait_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o cheirful_a subjection_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o the_o matter_n controvert_v we_o meet_v with_o confident_a assertion_n but_o no_o proof_n without_o which_o we_o can_v look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o god_n give_v anent_o it_o in_o the_o word_n we_o know_v the_o ministry_n be_v institute_v without_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o will_n and_o command_v and_o god_n be_v obey_v while_o the_o magistrate_n do_v countermand_v &_o oppose_v himself_o thereto_o to_o his_o outmost_a which_o say_v that_o minister_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o then_o dream_v of_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n to_o dissolve_v power_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o to_o supercede_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v to_o make_v he_o equal_a with_o if_o not_o to_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o only_a absolute_a and_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v not_o this_o to_o substitute_v the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o pope_n that_o anti-christ_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o this_o now_o under_o debat_fw-la exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o be_v worship_v as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.4_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o usurp_a power_n now_o give_v to_o and_o assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o &_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o that_o which_o will_v if_o thing_n continue_v in_o this_o present_a course_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n that_o luther_n do_v prophecy_n in_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o civil_a pope_n in_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v extend_v his_o power_n over_o the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pope_n have_v do_v so_o we_o fear_v that_o the_o trouble_n trial_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v near_o to_o that_o hieght_n they_o be_v at_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n this_o strange_a enhance_a of_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a speak_v some_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o that_o will_v make_v the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n to_o tremble_v for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o be_v mock_v nor_o suffer_v his_o glory_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o six_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o sinful_a and_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v of_o themselves_o follow_v upon_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la now_o controvert_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o
cavalier_n party_n then_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a find_v they_o more_o true_o averse_a from_o and_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o design_n and_o way_n than_o the_o other_o but_o some_o allege_v that_o we_o do_v raise_v &_o put_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v o_o how_o weak_a be_v this_o argue_n if_o it_o hold_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n will_v not_o escape_v the_o censure_n and_o imputation_n of_o thi●_n man_n all_o the_o wickedness_n and_o mischief_n do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v by_o this_o medium_n come_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o it_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o that_o power_n strength_n and_o capacity_n that_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v wicked_o shall_v those_o that_o do_v good_a to_o other_o in_o educate_v supply_v &_o afford_v they_o all_o necessary_n abuse_v by_o they_o to_o sin_n and_o riotous_a live_n be_v judge_v the_o author_n of_o their_o wickedness_n o_o folly_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n can_v suffer_v it_o we_o will_v make_v it_o out_o from_o undeniable_a instance_n that_o the_o government_n have_v not_o such_o sure_a &_o steadfast_a friend_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o be_v true_o such_o and_o act_v according_a to_o their_o profess_a principle_n who_o stand_v to_o it_o when_o other_o who_o be_v now_o the_o only_a favourite_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o in_o go_v all_o the_o length_n of_o compliance_n with_o the_o usurper_n that_o be_v require_v while_o the_o generality_n of_o true_a presbyterian_o refuse_v for_o which_o they_o be_v discountenance_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v if_o person_n that_o speak_v thus_o at_o random_n against_o we_o can_v by_o clear_a medium_n knit_v the_o practice_n they_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o profess_a design_n ●nd_v principle_n how_o will_v they_o triumph_v but_o none_o 〈◊〉_d these_o have_v we_o yet_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o know_v the_o late_a war_n be_v father_v on_o our_o party_n as_o the_o first_o causer_n and_o beginner_n of_o it_o but_o groundless_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o as_o any_o who_o be_v true_o unbiased_a come_v to_o the_o through_o knowledge_n of_o these_o they_o will_v find_v our_o adversary_n in_o the_o blame_n and_o not_o our_o party_n who_o for_o religion_n liberty_n and_o self_n preservation_n for_o all_o be_v at_o the_o stake_n be_v then_o force_v to_o arm_n throw_v the_o insatiable_a pride_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o then_o prelate_n but_o too_o much_o of_o this_o only_o we_o must_v say_v if_o thing_n now_o hold_v on_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n in_o which_o they_o have_v run_v these_o few_o year_n past_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o will_v justify_v and_o allow_v what_o once_o they_o condemn_v exception_n 3._o it_o be_v with_o no_o little_a confidence_n assert_v by_o some_o that_o although_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o minister_n may_v not_o convocat_n the_o subject_n preach_v and_o dispense_v ordinance_n without_o liberty_n from_o he_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o our_o adversary_n have_v learn_v this_o distinction_n su●e_n not_o from_o the_o word_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footing_n for_o it_o there_o if_o it_o be_v let_v it_o be_v produce_v we_o know_v its_o original_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n from_o who_o arsenal_n the_o all_o of_o the_o hierarchy_n have_v be_v bring_v and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o for_o gain_n and_o fix_v of_o a_o universal_a absolute_a dependence_n of_o all_o upon_o h●m_n invent_v this_o distinction_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a world_n before_o he_o arise_v but_o 2._o we_o assert_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v as_o much_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o power_n itself_o first_o because_o we_o find_v this_o power_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o afterward_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n anent_o the_o same_o this_o none_o will_v get_v refuse_v we_o desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o now_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v not_o then_o christianity_n add_v no_o new_a power_n or_o right_v to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o only_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v he_o to_o use_v his_o power_n aright_o but_o give_v none_o that_o he_o have_v not_o before_o for_o if_o a_o heathenish_a magistrate_n shall_v exercise_v all_o that_o power_n about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n that_o be_v by_o scripture_n allow_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o shall_v not_o exceed_v nor_o go_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o magistratical_a power_n as_o we_o find_v several_a heathenish_a magistrate_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o cyrus_n darius_n artaxerxes_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v to_o we_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n power_n be_v not_o intensive_a &_o habitualiter_fw-la as_o great_a as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n 2._o all_o moral_a power_n do_v necessary_o include_v and_o have_v flow_v from_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o its_o exercise_n if_o moral_a and_o physical_a impediment_n hinder_v not_o it_o not_o only_o give_v right_a to_o such_o and_o such_o act_n and_o make_v they_o valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o to_o such_o act_n so_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o in_o their_o season_n be_v their_o sin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o power_n tie_v the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o to_o intend_v and_o seek_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o such_o and_o such_o way_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o ●he_n power_n as_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o ●●●ar_o we_o forbear_v three_o how_o come_v this_o distinction_n to_o be_v give_v and_o make_v use_n of_o anent_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o not_o anent_o other_o about_o which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n also_o may_v not_o father_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v the_o duty_n proper_a to_o their_o relation_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o magistrate_n if_o they_o may_v give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v the_o duty_n proper_a and_o specific_a to_o their_o function_n without_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v as_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o be_v as_o little_a dependent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yea_o and_o less_o than_o they_o never_o one_o have_v undertake_v this_o task_n but_o they_o who_o make_v the_o magistrate_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a see_v the_o magistrate_n do_v find_v other_o power_n exist_v and_o in_o be_v before_o he_o be_v four_o as_o the_o power_n of_o minister_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o they_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n for_o its_o exercise_n by_o divine_a command_n which_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o imp_a as_o have_v be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v command_v to_o exercise_v it_o who_o in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o his_o licence_n if_o they_o be_v let_v we_o see_v it_o no_o doubt_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o ere_o this_o time_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v exception_n 4._o there_o be_v one_o exeption_n use_v against_o we_o among_o other_o and_o urge_v with_o no_o little_a vehemency_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n to_o wit_n our_o non-appearance_n before_o the_o council_n on_o summons_n give_v out_o against_o some_o of_o our_o number_n at_o several_a occasion_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v and_o strong_o aggravate_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n of_o our_o contempt_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v clothe_v for_o which_o up_o ward_v of_o 80._o of_o gentleman_n lady_n minister_n and_o yeoman_n be_v intercommune_v and_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n due_a to_o such_o inhibit_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n to_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o ans_fw-fr not_o like_v to_o dip_v into_o and_o discuss_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o sentence_n of_o intercommune_v pass_v with_o such_o solemnity_n against_o we_o nor_o yet_o to_o canvasse_v the_o legality_n or_o illegalitie_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o better_o verse_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o
it_o be_v one_o with_o the_o same_o why_o may_v not_o presbyter_n consecrat_v and_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v as_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o for_o go_v to_o england_n for_o it_o see_v it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n if_o consecration_n differ_v from_o ordination_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a custom_n and_o invention_n for_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n that_o only_o speak_v of_o ordination_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o all_o pastor_n enter_v into_o the_o pastoral_a office_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v as_o a_o church_n ministerial_a and_o politic_a constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o officer_n of_o divine_a appointment_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o officer_n necessare_fw-la by_o divine_a institution_n to_o her_o edification_n but_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o furnish_v herself_o with_o such_o without_o a_o necessity_n of_o seek_v to_o other_o church_n for_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v her_o representative_n their_o consent_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v although_o we_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o prolate_v as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o declare_v by_o law_n as_o we_o have_v but_o their_o violent_a intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n it_o put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o our_o subjection_n to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o yea_o can_v own_v they_o as_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n obj._n 3_o the_o magistrate_n consent_v to_o and_o procure_v their_o consecration_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o church_n as_o erastus_n do_v insolent_o assert_v without_o all_o probation_n yea_o a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o or_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o quiet_o submit_v but_o when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o all_o church_n power_n ●et_o be_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o subject_v as_o such_o to_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o power_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o put_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n when_o negligent_a in_o furnish_v of_o she_o with_o officer_n to_o their_o duty_n anent_o it_o but_o not_o to_o thrust_v in_o officer_n upon_o she_o of_o himself_o without_o her_o consent_n obj._n 4._o but_o the_o curate_n have_v enter_v by_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o we_o deny_v the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o constant_a practice_n for_o the_o curate_n come_v in_o upon_o congregation_n only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o patron_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o power_n from_o she_o for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o all_o their_o right_n and_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o bishop_n act_v as_o the_o king_n delegat_v and_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law_n so_o that_o the_o curate_n have_v and_o derive_v all_o their_o power_n from_o the_o prelate_n can_v have_v the_o same_o from_o the_o church_n none_o give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o but._n 2._o the_o prelate_n not_o be_v the_o lawful_a govern_v church_n any_o that_o enter_v congregation_n by_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o congregation_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n or_o holland_n without_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n here_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o the_o govern_v church_n of_o this_o church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v to_o we_o clear_a for_o as_o the_o prelate_n have_v enter_v without_o the_o church_n so_o the_o lawful_a ministerial_a roll_a church_n although_o scatter_v and_o persecute_v be_v yet_o existent_a and_o in_o be_v who_o by_o the_o unjust_a and_o violent_a intrusion_n of_o other_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o rule_a this_o church_n but_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o obligation_n do_v continue_v to_o be_v her_o lawful_a pastor_n for_o violence_n persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o case_n that_o can_v just_o do_v it_o other_o way_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o undo_v and_o destroy_v the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n both_o formal_o and_o effective_o which_o be_v aboard_o we_o ask_v at_o any_o who_o think_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v in_o our_o case_n annul_v the_o pastoral_a relation_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o church_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n violent_a eject_v of_o minister_n and_o put_v of_o mahum●tan_n or_o popish_a priest_n in_o their_o room_n will_v discharge_v minister_n and_o congregation_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o one_o another_o if_o they_o think_v not_o then_o how_o can_v these_o untie_v their_o obligation_n in_o our_o case_n we_o ask_v a_o reason_n if_o they_o judge_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o ●his_fw-la case_n to_o have_v this_o effect_n than_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v destroy_v divine_a command_n flow_v there_o from_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a relation_n &_o obligation_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a 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and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o any_o be_v such_o now_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v their_o power_n from_o and_o in_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n former_o mention_v and_o other_o act_n to_o be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o same_o of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v at_o more_o large_a under_o the_o last_o head_n but_o for_o the_o time_n we_o propose_v these_o three_o from_o these_o act_n for_o make_v out_o of_o this_o argument_n 1._o they_o be_v express_o make_v to_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o in_o their_o church_n judicatory_n and_o administration_n 2_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o dispose_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o 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this_o sense_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a head_n to_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o this_o subordination_n or_o supremacy_n be_v direct_v or_o in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la be_v we_o judge_v clear_a from_o the_o fore_n mention_v act_n see_v they_o not_o only_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n but_o moreover_o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o the_o national_a synod_n he_o be_v make_v the_o all_o of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o like_a of_o these_o the_o sun_n never_o shine_v on_o except_o these_o make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n which_o be_v scrupule_v at_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o they_o be_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n force_v to_o alleviat_v the_o mater_fw-la by_o remove_a the_o title_n head_n and_o some_o mitigate_a explication_n allow_v and_o order_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o subject_n at_o the_o 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not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n which_o be_v false_a as_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o ever_o our_o opposite_n give_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la but_o we_o know_v the_o great_a debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o wit_n that_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the._n prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v settle_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n this_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n late_a entry_n among_o we_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o furnish_v with_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o i●_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeab●●_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o pr●●mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
he_o do_v execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n &_o peace_n 11._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v advert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a subordination_n of_o power_n in_o government_n one_o in_o line_n a_o direct_a a_o and_o another_o in_o line_n a_o obliqu_n a_o in_o the_o first_o subordination_n the_o power_n subordinate_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o supreme_a and_o may_v be_v impede_v suspend_v or_o reguate_v in_o its_o exercise_n yea_o total_o dissolve_v by_o it_o and_o when_o exercise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o whole_o dependent_a in_o its_o regulation_n on_o it_o so_o that_o both_o the_o power_n as_o such_o the_o person_n entrust_v therewith_o and_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o subordination_n the_o subordinated_a power_n or_o rather_o the_o person_n in_o its_o exercise_n be_v only_o the_o object_n of_o some_o act_n of_o another_o power_n but_o the_o power_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o it_o nor_o jure_v impedible_a or_o regulable_a by_o it_o it_o be_v in_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o subordination_n that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n be_v subordinate_v to_o one_o another_o without_o all_o subordination_n of_o the_o power_n in_o their_o exercise_n for_o as_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o shall_v command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o function_n so_o minister_n ought_v in_o christ_n name_n to_o command_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o authoritative_o when_o find_v act_v contrare_fw-la thereto_o 12._o propos_fw-fr these_o subject_v to_o create_a power_n whether_o magistratical_a or_o ministerial_a be_v under_o the_o supreme_a absolure_n and_o universal_a sovereignty_n of_o god_n have_v a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o cognosce_v on_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o to_o their_o justice_n or_o injustice_n or_o their_o consistency_n with_o or_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o give_v or_o not_o give_v obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o pave_v our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o show_v what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o conclusion_n conclus_fw-la 1._o the_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n large_o consider_v be_v either_o supreme_a or_o subordinat_a to_o the_o supreme_a belong_v the_o legistative_a power_n as_o the_o make_n and_o enact_v of_o law_n institute_v of_o ordinance_n appoint_v and_o impower_v of_o officer_n and_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n this_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v only_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o visible_a in_o his_o word_n ordinance_n officer_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o this_o none_o share_v with_o he_o either_o magistrate_n o●_n minister_n conclus_fw-la 2_o the_o subordinat_a power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o call_v thereto_o which_o power_n be_v only_o and_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o name_n over_o all_o in_o the_o church_n which_o distinction_n of_o church_n government_n make_v not_o different_a government_n in_o the_o head_n and_o member_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n true_o monarchical_a not_o aristocratical_a nor_o democratical_a concl._n 3_o this_o derive_v and_o subordinat_a power_n in_o church_n officer_n when_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o matter_n in_o and_o about_o which_o it_o be_v exerce_v be_v diverse_a schoolman_n and_o divine_n distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n but_o for_o explication_n sake_n and_o avoid_v of_o all_o ambiguity_n we_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o variety_n of_o its_o object_n or_o matter_n and_o its_o divers_a act_n about_o the_o same_o as_o 1._o to_o it_o belong_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n pray_v to_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n in_o these_o they_o act_n as_o the_o authorize_v servant_n of_o christ_n in_o perform_v and_o direct_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o convocate_a of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o divine_a and_o holy_a exercise_n on_o which_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o divine_a precept_n to_o attend_v as_o the_o institute_n mean_v of_o worship_n conversion_n and_o edification_n 3._o the_o receive_n order_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o maintain_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o do_v of_o other_o pious_a work_n 4._o try_v receive_v and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n confirm_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o by_o baptism_n 5._o administer_a the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o worthy_a and_o obedient_a conform_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n 6._o eject_v and_o exclude_v the_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a after_o due_a trial_n and_o conviction_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o comunion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o 7._o try_v call_v and_o ordane_v of_o person_n fit_v for_o and_o willing_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 8._o depose_v and_o exau●orating_n of_o minister_n from_o the_o ministry_n who_o by_o heresy_n or_o scandal_n declare_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o 9_o try_v and_o censure_v of_o scandal_n in_o person_n find_v guilty_a of_o they_o after_o due_a conviction_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o church_n pure_a 10._o associate_a into_o state_v &_o fix_a meeting_n for_o carry_v on_o and_o do_v of_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a work_n whether_o more_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o their_o due_a and_o allow_a subordination_n 11._o try_v and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n whether_o sound_n or_o heretical_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o censure_v of_o person_n find_v unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n 12._o dispose_v &_o order_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n 13._o resolve_v of_o doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n incident_a to_o the_o church_n on_o any_o occasion_n or_o emergent_a 14._o indict_v of_o day_n of_o public_a solemn_a fast_n and_o humiliation_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n call_v to_o the_o same_o etc._n etc._n conclus_fw-la 4._o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o exercise_v by_o they_o be_v pure_o ministerial_a without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o and_o only_o executive_a in_o apply_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v find_v conform_a or_o disconform_v to_o the_o same_o concl._n 5._o this_o subordinat_a power_n in_o church_n officer_n be_v only_o declarative_a and_o nuncupative_a and_o not_o proper_o decisive_a they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v true_a or_o false_a doctrine_n sin_n or_o duty_n and_o what_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o person_n heretical_a or_o scandalous_a but_o only_o to_o declare_v and_o apply_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v determine_v anent_o these_o in_o his_o word_n this_o power_n suppon_n its_o object_n and_o do_v not_o make_v it_o conel_n 6._o it_o be_v whole_o limit_v regulate_v by_o and_o restrict_v to_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o its_o basis_n and_o rule_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v go_v and_o if_o it_o do_v its_o act_n be_v nullity_n and_o not_o obligatory_a on_o any_o concl._n 7._o it_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a in_o its_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_n and_o not_o at_o all_o civil_a it_o essential_o respect_v the_o inner_a man_n and_o whole_o labour_v in_o the_o way_n appoint_v the_o save_v edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o it_o concl._n 8._o this_o power_n be_v not_o proper_o coercive_a coactive_a and_o compulsive_a but_o only_o exclusive_a that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o obey_v by_o they_o about_o who_o it_o be_v exerce_v it_o do_v debar_v they_o from_o and_o deny_v they_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o and_o promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a concl._n 9_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v true_o christ_n and_o when_o act_v in_o his_o name_n conform_v to_o his_o law_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o which_o
which_o indispose_v he_o to_o answer_v his_o trust_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o office_n to_o which_o upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o either_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v of_o her_o government_n independant_o on_o heathenish_a magistrate_n usurp_v on_o his_o office_n &_o power_n which_o the_o adversary_n dare_v not_o say_v or_o else_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v no_o more_o power_n in_o &_o over_o rhe_n church_n than_o the_o other_o have_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v her_o power_n under_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o he_o more_o than_o on_o the_o other_o 2_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o table_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o table_n of_o religion_n will_v it_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v meddle_v with_o the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o assume_v its_o exercise_n or_o that_o the_o same_o do_v depend_v on_o they_o no_o way_n and_o yet_o the_o consequence_n be_v as_o good_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o by_o the_o same_o medium_n we_o shall_v prove_v minister_n have_v as_o good_a right_n and_o power_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o our_o adversary_n sense_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v they_o will_v reject_v the_o consequence_n with_o disdain_n as_o to_o minister_n and_o ask_v for_o our_o proof_n for_o which_o we_o grant_v they_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o give_v we_o yet_o any_o colourable_a proof_n but_o dictator-like_a assert_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n in_o his_o capacity_n be_v a_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n but_o in_o do_v of_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o station_n the_o nature_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o power_n grant_v he_o and_o be_v not_o to_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o other_o nor_o the_o work_n proper_a thereto_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o multitude_n of_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o if_o minister_n notwithstanding_o their_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n may_v not_o invade_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o power_n so_o neither_o may_v magistrate_n invade_v the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n 3_o the_o act_n and_o way_n of_o the_o magistrate_n keep_v of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v answer_v and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n extent_n and_o limit_n of_o his_o office_n &_o power_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o walk_v as_o all_o other_o be_v to_o do_v in_o they_o as_o minister_n be_v to_o keep_v both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o preach_v the_o word_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n so_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o likewise_o by_o command_v all_o to_o their_o several_a duty_n protect_v they_o therein_o by_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v give_v he_o for_o that_o end_n execute_v of_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o evil_a doer_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a etc._n etc._n but_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o these_o who_o christ_n have_v call_v to_o and_o entrust_v with_o it_o it_o be_v object_v by_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intrinsic_a visible_a and_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v only_o the_o external_a government_n that_o be_v express_o so_o call_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v material_o answer_v above_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v distinct_a there_o be_v two_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o outward_a and_o external_a adjunct_n or_o accident_n as_o the_o biotica_n or_o mundana_fw-la stipend_n manse_n glyb_n outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o proper_a and_o true_a object_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o it_o although_o visible_a as_o the_o word_n ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessary_a circumstance_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o of_o these_o but_o the_o second_o that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n with_o other_o act_n do_v true_o mean_v as_o be_v undoubted_o make_v out_o by_o the_o former_a argument_n as_o particular_o the_o first_o three_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n judicatory_n the_o matter_n handle_v in_o and_o by_o they_o proper_a thereto_o that_o constitute_v the_o king_n supreme_a these_o be_v essential_a and_o intrinsic_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n he_o that_o be_v make_v supreme_a to_o these_o be_v make_v supreme_a to_o the_o church_n and_o all_o that_o appertain_v to_o she_o obj._n 2._o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v so_o say_v in_o that_o act_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o mater_fw-la and_o frame_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o government_n in_o whole_a that_o be_v true_o mean_v and_o intend_v as_o be_v former_o prove_v but_o 2._o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n proper_a and_o specific_a to_o any_o government_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n belong_v the_o order_n of_o it_o belong_v likewise_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o civil_a government_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o shall_v prove_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o church_n government_n do_v belong_v to_o church_n officer_n ●no_o government_n can_v be_v perfect_a without_o it_o or_o able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o intrinsic_a to_o it_o obj._n 3_o but_o there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o church_n power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n determine_v of_o circumstance_n indict_v of_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n ans_fw-fr asdruball_n we_o deny_v all_o formal_a church_n power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o act_n formal_o procede_v therefrom_o so_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v act_n first_o some_o common_a as_o prayer_n rebuke_v instruct_v of_o other_o and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o when_o they_o come_v from_o a_o church_n officer_n be_v authoritative_a and_o act_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v yet_o performable_a by_o other_o in_o their_o station_n and_o so_o to_o speak_v be_v charitative_a 2._o some_o be_v proper_a and_o only_o belong_v to_o church_n officer_n as_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o chierful_o grant_v wish_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v many_o such_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v instruct_v &_o pray_v etc._n etc._n as_o all_o other_o in_o their_o station_n and_o office_n shall_v do_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o may_v exercise_v formal_a act_n of_o church_n power_n more_o than_o other_o or_o that_o the_o church_n power_n be_v dependent_a on_o he_o the_o consequence_n be_v wide_a but_o to_o the_o particular_a instance_n as_o that_o of_o convocate_a of_o synod_n or_o any_o church_n judicatory_a we_o say_v it_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o power_n as_o a_o magistrate_n who_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o command_v all_o within_o his_o dominion_n to_o their_o several_a duty_n and_o minister_n among_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o he_o so_o the_o magistrate_n convocate_a of_o minister_n be_v but_o a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n he_o owe_v to_o all_o 2._o this_o act_n or_o deed_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v &_o ought_v come_v together_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v on_o the_o by_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a consequence_n the_o magistrate_n may_v gather_v synod_n therefore_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v like_a to_o this_o other_o may_v rebuke_v admonish_v
out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o