grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o it_o have_v quite_o take_v away_o from_o the_o pastor_n that_o rule_v that_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o the_o reduction_n of_o it_o to_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o synodical_a government_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o reverend_a antiquary_n our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n where_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v member_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v of_o right_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o such_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v be_v account_v a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n but_o you_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o other_o part_n of_o our_o paper_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n to_o which_o you_o say_v you_o can_v so_o full_o assent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o we_o can_v apprehend_v any_o such_o darkness_n in_o our_o paper_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o but_o yet_o because_o in_o you_o you_o question_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o we_o do_v and_o likewise_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o your_o mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n may_v perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o arise_v from_o your_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o rule_n we_o walk_v by_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o mistake_n that_o may_v arise_v ab_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la whether_o simple_a or_o affect_v that_o we_o determine_v not_o but_o leave_v you_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o come_v to_o make_v answer_n more_o particular_o to_o what_o follow_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o give_v you_o some_o further_a account_n of_o the_o power_n we_o be_v awarrant_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n for_o to_o exercise_v to_o what_o person_n within_o our_o bound_n it_o extend_v itself_o and_o what_o some_o of_o those_o rule_n be_v that_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o by_o civil_a authority_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n we_o be_v betrust_v with_o it_o be_v a_o general_a and_o common_a mistake_n among_o many_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n but_o for_o three_o year_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o expire_v and_o out_o of_o date_n but_o if_o you_o peruse_v all_o that_o pass_v in_o parliament_n touch_v it_o no_o such_o matter_n will_v appear_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_v and_o choose_v rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n bear_v date_n august_n 19_o 1645._o their_o ordinance_n together_o with_o rule_n and_o direction_n concern_v suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n date_v octob._n 20._o 1645._o the_o vote_n also_o of_o the_o say_a house_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n in_o the_o respective_a parish_n church_n and_o chapel_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n before_o mention_v and_o touch_v the_o power_n grant_v to_o the_o tryer_n of_o election_n of_o elder_n of_o the_o date_n of_o feb._n 20._o 1645._o and_o feb._n 26._o 1645._o their_o ordinance_n for_o keep_v scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o enable_v of_o congregation_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n and_o supply_v of_o defect_n in_o former_a ordinance_n and_o direction_n of_o parliament_n concern_v church_n government_n bear_v date_n march_v 14._o 1645._o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o they_o for_o remove_v some_o obstruction_n in_o church_n government_n date_v april_n 22_o 1647._o and_o their_o ordinance_n for_o the_o speedy_a divide_v and_o settle_v the_o several_a county_n of_o this_o kingdom_n into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o congregationall_a eldership_n date_v jan._n 29._o 1647._o we_o say_v all_o these_o be_v pass_v absolute_o without_o any_o proviso_n at_o all_o limit_v the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n that_o be_v express_v in_o any_o of_o they_o indeed_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o examine_v approve_v and_o ordain_v minister_n for_o several_a congregation_n date_v nou._n 10._o 1645._o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o twelve_o month_n and_o no_o long_o as_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o another_o ordinance_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o the_o classical_a presbyter_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n for_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_z bearing_z date_n august_n 28._o 1646._o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o which_o latter_a may_v give_v to_o some_o that_o take_v but_o the_o matter_n upon_o report_n a_o occasion_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v but_o for_o three_o year_n although_o that_o be_v but_o ill_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o several_a ordinance_n that_o have_v pass_v before_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o one_o but_o the_o ordinance_n especial_o from_o which_o chief_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o mistake_n arise_v about_o settle_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o be_v the_o ordinance_n that_o pass_v june_n 5._o 1646._o the_o title_n whereof_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o present_a settle_n without_o further_a delay_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o close_a whereof_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o unless_o both_o house_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v consult_v it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v but_o touch_v a_o committee_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o to_o adjudge_v and_o determine_v scandalous_a offence_n not_o former_o enumerate_v appoint_v by_o the_o ordinance_n in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n mention_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o march_n 14._o 1645._o and_o also_o show_v how_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o touch_v what_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o say_a committee_n and_o in_o what_o sort_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v that_o ordinance_n the_o ground_n whereof_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n hold_v their_o former_a resolution_n that_o all_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o further_a addition_n to_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n former_o enumerate_v for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o lest_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o enumeration_n and_o the_o not_o name_v of_o commissioner_n to_o judge_v of_o case_n not_o enumerate_v shall_v hinder_v the_o put_n in_o execution_n the_o presbyterian_a government_n already_o establish_v they_o have_v think_v fit_a etc._n etc._n and_o do_v therefore_o ordain_v a_o committee_n therein_o particular_o nominate_v in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o mistake_n about_o settle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o proviso_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v so_o clear_a to_o any_o common_a understanding_n that_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o make_v it_o do_v make_v it_o so_o full_o to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o lose_v labour_n to_o use_v any_o more_o word_n about_o it_o but_o we_o have_v particular_o mention_v all_o that_o ever_o pass_v the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v either_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o that_o hitherto_o concern_v church_n government_n until_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o to_o be_v print_v august_n 19_o of_o the_o say_a year_n 1648._o and_o this_o ordinance_n wherein_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v the_o parliament_n before_o in_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v but_o temporary_a by_o virtue_n of_o
tu_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la es_fw-la vide_fw-la nè_fw-la tu_fw-la ideo_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la nam_fw-la illa_fw-la erit_fw-la etsi_fw-la tu_fw-la non_fw-la sis_fw-la but_o if_o your_o charity_n reach_v further_o then_o to_o your_o own_o assembly_n than_o you_o make_v lawless_a person_n such_o as_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n saint_n and_o member_n at_o least_o of_o the_o invisible_a triumphant_a church_n though_o none_o of_o your_o present_a visible_a militant_a church_n and_o then_o your_o charity_n over_o reach_v again_o we_o be_v unsatisfy_v in_o the_o word_n public_a the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o do_v not_o private_a assembly_n please_v you_o we_o presume_v you_o be_v not_o against_o private_a meeting_n your_o own_o practice_n speak_v the_o contrary_a but_o you_o will_v bind_v all_o notwithstanding_o your_o private_a assembly_n to_o frequent_v your_o public_a also_o other_o way_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o though_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o your_o government_n leave_v you_o no_o room_n for_o tender_a conscience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v otherways_o provide_v and_o if_o you_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n will_v make_v law_n and_o edict_n and_o publish_v they_o open_o in_o the_o church_n for_o all_o to_o obey_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n in_o force_n whether_o you_o do_v it_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n which_o late_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o charitable_a and_o favourable_a construction_n yet_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o it_o be_v take_v we_o much_o question_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o look_v to_o it_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o run_v yourselves_o into_o a_o praemunire_n again_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o like_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o scandalous_a person_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v whether_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o 2_o order_n may_v not_o be_v take_v for_o scandalous_a and_o so_o comprehend_v in_o this_o 3d._o if_o so_o quare_fw-la oneramini_fw-la ritibus_fw-la why_o do_v you_o lengthen_v out_o your_o paper_n and_o burden_v we_o with_o tradition_n in_o multiply_v of_o order_n sine_fw-la necessitate_v ad_fw-la arthritim_a usque_fw-la after_z the_o 2_o and_z 3_o order_n against_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a come_v in_o a_o four_o touch_v the_o catechumenist_n in_o the_o first_o order_n mention_v viz._n that_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o catechize_v the_o several_a family_n shall_v exhort_v such_o person_n in_o they_o as_o he_o find_v be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o be_v blameless_a in_o life_n that_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o eldership_n the_o minister_n must_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o what_o if_o still_o they_o refuse_v their_o name_n shall_v be_v publish_v open_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o they_o warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v that_o be_v the_o 9_o order_n mark_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o knowledge_n must_v be_v warn_v before_o all_o to_o reform_v but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o reform_v but_o continue_v obstinate_a then_o no_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o four_o order_n there_o be_v their_o excommunicatio_fw-la minor_fw-la but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o a_o high_a censure_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v so_o say_v the_o 6_o and_o last_v order_n the_o great_a excommunication_n which_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o judge_v they_o no_o better_o than_o heathen_n and_o publican_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o piety_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o brief_a all_o wilful_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o know_v and_o blameless_a of_o life_n if_o they_o present_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n these_o thing_n premise_v lie_v sad_o on_o our_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n as_o not_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o which_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o join_v with_o you_o till_o further_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v we_o and_o which_o the_o publisher_n of_o your_o paper_n promise_v shall_v be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o do_v desire_v we_o therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o signify_v these_o our_o scruple_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v wait_v earnest_o for_o a_o speedy_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o particular_n remain_v your_o brethren_n desirous_a of_o truth_n unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n isaac_n allen._n jo_n pollett_n tho_n prestwich_n leonard_n egerton_n ferdinando_n stanley_n etc._n etc._n at_o manchester_n feb._n 23._o 1657._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n unto_o a_o paper_n present_v unto_o they_o at_o their_o classical_a meeting_n jan._n 12._o 1657._o by_o certain_a gentleman_n subscribe_v by_o they_o and_o sundry_a other_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o association_n gentleman_n we_o have_v peruse_v your_o paper_n and_o do_v find_v in_o it_o sundry_a mistake_n and_o some_o manifest_a wrest_n of_o our_o plain_a meaning_n in_o that_o paper_n of_o we_o which_o be_v publish_v in_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o we_o be_v also_o sensible_a of_o the_o sharp_a reflection_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o government_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o mannagement_n and_o on_o ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o answer_v you_o in_o that_o kind_n and_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o animosity_n and_o put_v away_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n however_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o plainness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o your_o error_n and_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n and_o we_o do_v thus_o far_o acknowledge_v your_o fair_a deal_n for_o which_o we_o give_v you_o hearty_a thanks_o that_o you_o address_v yourselves_o unto_o we_o give_v we_o thereby_o the_o opportunity_n both_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o give_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n wherein_o you_o be_v mistake_v our_o leisure_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o impertinency_n but_o yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o conceive_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o civil_a authority_n which_o you_o in_o your_o paper_n mind_n we_o not_o to_o contemn_v and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v profess_o testify_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o as_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v we_o entreat_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n have_v resolve_v to_o establish_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n do_v august_n 19_o 1645._o publish_v their_o direction_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v of_o rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o these_o direction_n as_o may_v be_v see_v pag._n 8._o they_o do_v ordain_v that_o in_o the_o several_a county_n certain_a person_n minister_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n who_o shall_v consider_v how_o the_o several_a county_n respective_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o divide_v into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o what_o minister_n and_o other_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v of_o each_o classis_fw-la and_o that_o they_o shall_v according_o make_v such_o division_n and_o nomination_n of_o person_n for_o each_o classical_a presbytery_n which_o division_n and_o person_n so_o name_v for_o every_o division_n the_o appoint_v shall_v be_v certify_v up_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o they_o further_o appoint_v that_o the_o say_v several_a class_n respective_o be_v approve_v by_o parliament_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o constitute_v congregational_a eldership_n according_a to_o these_o direction_n the_o person_n by_o they_o appoint_v for_o this_o county_n meet_v and_o do_v consider_v how_o it_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o divide_v into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o what_o minister_n and_o other_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v of_o each_o classis_fw-la and_o also_o make_v such_o a_o division_n and_o nomination_n according_o and_o certify_v the_o same_o up_o to_o the_o parliament_n all_o which_o be_v do_v according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n it_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n oct._n 2._o 1646._o that_o they_o do_v approve_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o
church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o offender_n 3._o for_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n admonition_n private_a and_o public_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18._o but_o if_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v not_o reform_v the_o church_n lawful_a pastor_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v such_o thus_o far_o we_o accord_v in_o judgement_n touch_v the_o way_n of_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reform_v wicked_a person_n and_o schismatical_a which_o course_n be_v so_o full_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettle_a in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o submit_v either_o it_o or_o they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n to_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n council_n of_o the_o eastern_a or_o western_a church_n much_o less_o to_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n wherein_o we_o not_o little_o differ_v from_o you_o other_o part_n of_o your_o paper_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n to_o which_o we_o can_v so_o full_o assent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o you_o for_o 1._o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n if_o not_o in_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o association_n there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n you_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o though_o your_o grief_n may_v be_v general_a as_o we_o for_o all_o offender_n yet_o your_o censure_n extend_v only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o your_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o and_o will_v not_o be_v admonish_v if_o so_o than_o we_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o you_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o your_o presbyterian_a discipline_n for_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v without_o 2._o but_o whereas_o your_o complaint_n and_o offence_n take_v be_v that_o many_o there_o be_v of_o all_o sort_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o live_v like_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n if_o by_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n you_o mean_v your_o own_o as_o may_v strong_o be_v conjecture_v you_o do_v then_o be_v we_o also_o comprehend_v therein_o and_o must_v fall_v within_o your_o censure_n and_o not_o only_o we_o but_o all_o papist_n anabaptist_n and_o all_o other_o of_o what_o profession_n and_o religion_n soever_o who_o live_v within_o the_o parish_n must_v be_v take_v for_o member_n of_o some_o one_o congregation_n within_o your_o association_n and_o so_o drive_v into_o the_o common_a fold_n of_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o your_o government_n and_o this_o as_o we_o suppose_v be_v the_o chief_n design_n of_o you_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o you_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o your_o government_n which_o you_o garnish_v over_o with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n presbytery_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n drive_v at_o here_o and_o however_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o you_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o you_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o but_o beware_v we_o must_v for_o latet_fw-la anguis_fw-la in_o herbâ_fw-la object_n but_o you_o say_v for_o want_v of_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n ignorance_n atheism_n and_o licentiousness_n grow_v upon_o we_o and_o man_n live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n because_o not_o subject_a to_o your_o present_a government_n sol._n we_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v ready_o join_v with_o you_o in_o humble_a address_n to_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o great_a council_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o church_n government_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o there_o may_v be_v such_o who_o as_o you_o say_v live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n yet_o be_v they_o subject_a to_o law_n and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o punishment_n for_o though_o your_o ecclesiastical_a sword_n can_v take_v hold_n on_o they_o the_o civil_a sword_n do_v reach_v they_o your_o class_n may_v do_v well_o then_o not_o to_o contemn_v as_o in_o charity_n we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o warning_n all_o and_o every_o member_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o complain_v to_o the_o eldership_n of_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v excommunicate_v they_o that_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o complain_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o sword_n of_o justice_n be_v sharp_a and_o long_o and_o likely_a to_o work_v a_o great_a reformation_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o a_o corporal_a and_o pecuniary_a mulct_n than_o any_o sword_n of_o excommunication_n or_o other_o church_n censure_v your_o eldership_n can_v any_o way_n pretend_v unto_o there_o be_v other_o part_n of_o your_o paper_n do_v remain_v likewise_o dark_a which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o for_o whereas_o you_o say_v there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o quaeres_fw-la thereupon_o be_v 1._o why_o government_n in_o singulari_fw-la be_v there_o no_o ecclesiastical_a government_n but_o you_o may_v not_o another_o church_n have_v its_o government_n different_a from_o you_o yet_o not_o different_a from_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n calvin_n say_v yea_o scimus_fw-la enim_fw-la unicuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o according_o there_o be_v other_o church_n in_o england_n different_a in_o government_n from_o you_o and_o as_o good_a as_o you_o but_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v the_o government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o christ_n own_o government_n more_o immediate_o and_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o you_o so_o much_o defend_v then_o why_o the_o present_a be_v there_o no_o present_a government_n in_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o saint_n but_o where_o your_o discipline_n be_v erect_v be_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o present_a without_o government_n or_o where_o have_v you_o be_v this_o 1500._o year_n pass_v till_o this_o present_a have_v antichristianism_n so_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n own_o government_n can_v never_o get_v foot_v till_o this_o present_a but_o now_o subjection_n be_v require_v thereto_o of_o all_o yet_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n will_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n our_o next_o quaere_fw-la be_v what_o must_v all_o those_o that_o observe_v not_o your_o rank_n and_o order_n subject_n not_o themselves_o to_o your_o present_a government_n be_v take_v for_o lawless_a person_n out_o of_o their_o rank_n and_o order_n yea_o for_o so_o this_o close_a connexion_n of_o you_o seem_v to_o import_v viz._n many_o who_o do_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v etc._n etc._n in_o your_o paper_n you_o further_o proceed_v and_o make_v it_o a_o order_n that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o far_o you_o extend_v this_o saintship_n this_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o saint_n if_o to_o your_o own_o church_n only_o and_o such_o as_o subject_v themselves_o to_o your_o government_n then_o s._n augustine_n answer_n against_o the_o donatist_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o among_o themselves_o may_v also_o be_v you_o o_o impudentem_fw-la vocem_fw-la say_v he_o illa_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la
this_o time_n and_o to_o such_o person_n we_o think_v herein_o we_o owe_v the_o provincial_n assembly_n unto_o who_o authority_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a so_o much_o respect_n and_o duty_n as_o to_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v propound_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o class_n within_o this_o province_n unto_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o take_v their_o concurrent_a approval_n along_o with_o we_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o practice_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weight_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o however_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o resolve_v our_o belief_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n believe_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o determine_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o authoritative_o to_o censure_v doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o we_o think_v how_o confident_a soever_o you_o may_v be_v of_o the_o soundness_n and_o orthodoxness_n of_o what_o in_o your_o paper_n you_o propound_v in_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o you_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o inquestionable_a ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o that_o you_o be_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o waver_v or_o unsettledness_n if_o you_o have_v submit_v the_o same_o to_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o much_o less_o if_o you_o can_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o general_n council_n but_o whereas_o mention_v our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n you_o call_v it_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o term_n it_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o provincial_a synod_n be_v a_o new_a term_n than_o this_o be_v but_o only_o a_o logomachia_n and_o not_o much_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o although_o we_o frequent_o call_v it_o a_o provincial_a synod_n as_o well_o as_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n because_o provincial_n synod_n or_o assembly_n have_v be_v hold_v but_o late_o at_o preston_n we_o see_v not_o if_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v warrantable_a and_o have_v be_v of_o ancient_a use_n in_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o disuse_a they_o begin_v of_o late_a to_o be_v hold_v at_o preston_n that_o can_v just_o incur_v your_o censure_n but_o if_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o assembly_n be_v that_o you_o question_n then_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o what_o dr_n bernard_n in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o above_o quote_v show_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o dr_n usher_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o know_v he_o or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o work_n to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a antiquary_n however_o we_o allege_v he_o not_o that_o you_o shall_v build_v your_o faith_n upon_o his_o testimony_n and_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v provincial_a assembly_n in_o your_o thought_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o novelty_n in_o that_o book_n you_o have_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o proposal_n touch_v the_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o it_o thus_o begin_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o presbyter_n be_v charge_v to_o administer_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v herein_o the_o exhortation_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act_n 20.28_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n a_o little_a after_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o ignatius_n by_o presbytery_n mention_v by_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o do_v understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o then_o have_v a_o hand_n not_o only_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o further_a proof_n tertullian_n be_v allege_v in_o his_o general_n apology_n for_o christian_n where_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o church_n be_v use_v exhortation_n chastisement_n and_o divine_a censure_n for_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a advice_n as_o among_o those_o who_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a foreshow_v of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o offend_v that_o he_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o all_o holy_a fellowship_n the_o precedent_n that_o bear_v rule_v therein_o be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n who_o have_v obtain_v this_o honour_n not_o by_o reward_n but_o by_o good_a report_n there_o also_o be_v further_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n use_v the_o receive_a form_n of_o gather_v together_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o cyprian_a sufficient_o declare_v of_o what_o person_n that_o consist_v when_o he_o wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n which_o there_o do_v preside_v or_o rule_n with_o he_o and_o further_o that_o in_o the_o 4_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n may_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o bishop_n sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o this_o be_v find_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o egbert_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o york_n in_o the_o saxon_a time_n and_o afterward_o into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o it_o be_v here_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o our_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v be_v much_o disuse_v yet_o that_o it_o do_v profess_v that_o every_o pastor_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o name_n of_o rector_n be_v at_o first_o give_v unto_o he_o and_o administer_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispense_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o the_o unite_a suffrage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v ancient_a and_o which_o be_v there_o in_o express_a term_n assert_v as_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o many_o more_o testimony_n but_o that_o we_o conceive_v these_o already_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o aforementioned_a author_n as_o also_o evidence_v what_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v in_o this_o point_n may_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o sway_v with_o you_o if_o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o dissent_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o than_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v ourselves_o produce_v but_o in_o this_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v proposal_n of_o assembly_n of_o pastor_n within_o certain_a limit_a bound_n which_o save_v that_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o somewhat_o large_a than_o we_o which_o be_v but_o a_o circumstantial_a difference_n do_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n mention_v in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o church_n government_n as_o also_o the_o time_n propound_v there_o for_o their_o meeting_n the_o power_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o and_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a with_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n if_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o with_o we_o and_o all_o these_o be_v propound_v as_o the_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1641._o after_o the_o trouble_n that_o have_v rise_v in_o scotland_n about_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o ceremony_n and_o before_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o land_n have_v so_o much_o as_o fall_v under_o debate_n in_o the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o hear_v of_o as_o a_o expedient_a to_o prevent_v the_o trouble_n that_o do_v after_o arise_v in_o this_o land_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n be_v for_o the_o moderate_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v
authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n for_o these_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n this_o classis_fw-la take_v into_o consideration_n together_o with_o the_o power_n they_o be_v betrust_v with_o by_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o dispence_a the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n several_a debate_n touch_v such_o person_n as_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a who_o offer_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n not_o to_o the_o eldership_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n to_o it_o and_o they_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o several_a classical_a presbytery_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o whether_o some_o further_a course_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o other_o then_o yet_o have_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o their_o neglect_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attain_v those_o end_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o thought_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o assembly_n this_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o whole_a conclude_v to_o represent_v their_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o paper_n that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o before_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o which_o they_o judge_v be_v sufficient_o awarrant_v in_o regard_n of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o the_o rule_v express_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v what_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v awarrant_v to_o practice_n by_o the_o several_a ordinance_n above_o mention_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v further_a to_o declare_v that_o however_o we_o be_v no_o lawyer_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n to_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n to_o judge_v of_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v yet_o if_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n about_o church_n government_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v unto_o by_o his_o highness_n in_o the_o 16._o section_n thereof_o where_o we_o find_v these_o word_n and_o that_o nothing_o contain_v in_o this_o petition_n and_o advice_n nor_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o shall_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o repeal_n or_o make_v void_a of_o any_o act_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a hereunto_o or_o to_o the_o matter_n herein_o contain_v but_o that_o the_o say_v act_n and_o ordinance_n not_o contrary_a hereunto_o shall_v continue_v and_o remain_v in_o force_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o if_o this_o present_a petition_n and_o advice_n have_v not_o at_o all_o be_v have_v or_o make_v or_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o give_v whence_o we_o gather_v that_o if_o in_o the_o several_a ordinance_n for_o church_n government_n there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v they_o be_v not_o thereby_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o act_n or_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n repeal_v but_o left_a to_o remain_v in_o force_n at_o least_o there_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o force_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o by_o this_o humble_a advice_n repeal_v and_o make_v void_a for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n about_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o 11_o section_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o some_o that_o differ_v in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n hold_v forth_o to_o who_o some_o indulgence_n be_v grant_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o own_n of_o what_o the_o late_a parliament_n hold_v forth_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o they_o pass_v as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n in_o regard_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o which_o apprehension_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v because_o here_o in_o this_o section_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o parliament_n there_o have_v nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n pass_v the_o late_a parliament_n that_o establish_v the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n however_o there_o have_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n whence_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o clear_a that_o they_o own_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v at_o westminster_n decemb._n 16._o 1653._o pag._n 43._o sect._n 37._o where_o also_o they_o express_v a_o worship_n and_o discipline_n public_o hold_v forth_o which_o must_v needs_o refer_v to_o the_o directory_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n by_o we_o recite_v there_o be_v no_o other_o worship_n or_o discipline_n that_o then_o have_v or_o now_o have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v be_v large_a in_o what_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v in_o the_o general_a before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o now_o follow_v in_o your_o paper_n but_o our_o pain_n be_v great_a to_o make_v this_o full_a representation_n unto_o you_o than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o to_o read_v it_o we_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o excuse_v we_o consider_v it_o tend_v as_o well_o to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n as_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o be_v also_o desirous_a not_o to_o be_v mistake_v any_o more_o as_o also_o because_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o our_o brief_a and_o more_o particular_a answer_n unto_o what_o follow_v and_o to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o now_o come_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o dissent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o 1_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o be_v that_o by_o the_o many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n and_o mention_v in_o our_o paper_n in_o your_o sense_n thereof_o we_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o thereby_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o our_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o you_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o we_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a discipline_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v constant_o profess_v against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o the_o several_a assembly_n of_o congregation_n within_o this_o land_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o several_a member_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n jew_n by_o nature_n gal._n 2._o that_o this_o their_o membership_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o do_v solemn_o admit_v they_o as_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o into_o the_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v also_o constant_o maintain_v against_o the_o afore_o mention_v person_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o church_n be_v true_a minister_n notwithstanding_o that_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n who_o also_o themselves_o be_v true_a minister_n in_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o divine_a right_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a
judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n against_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n on_o the_o other_o dispense_v by_o these_o minister_n be_v and_o be_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o hereupon_o our_o work_n be_v not_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v appoint_v to_o constitute_v church_n but_o to_o reform_v they_o only_o and_o that_o therefore_o none_o within_o our_o bound_n except_o they_o shall_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o their_o baptism_n can_v be_v deem_v by_o we_o to_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o so_o therefore_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a government_n neither_o be_v it_o their_o not_o associate_a with_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o government_n that_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o censure_n by_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o offender_n as_o by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v just_o censurable_a it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n arbitrary_a for_o private_a person_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o under_o that_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o be_v settle_v by_o authority_n and_o as_o you_o know_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v of_o under_o the_o former_a government_n 2_o and_o therefore_o whether_o you_o and_o all_o other_o within_o our_o bound_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o our_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n above_o mention_v appoint_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o therein_o ordain_v as_o have_v be_v recite_v before_o in_o the_o first_o page_n thereof_o and_o to_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o all_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a parish_n that_o be_v no_o other_o now_o they_o former_o even_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o sectary_n be_v under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v only_o if_o so_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o then_o you_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o presbytery_n not_o so_o much_o by_o we_o as_o by_o the_o parliament_n appoint_v this_o government_n and_o then_o we_o think_v you_o who_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o contemn_v civil_a power_n may_v well_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n ordain_v it_o but_o especial_o consider_v the_o word_n presbytery_n be_v a_o know_a scripture_n expression_n 1_o tim._n 4._o and_o interpret_v by_o sundry_a of_o the_o father_n as_o we_o do_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o have_v use_v a_o more_o civil_a expression_n then_o to_o have_v call_v it_o a_o common_a fold_n into_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v your_o complaint_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v drive_v although_o presbytery_n lay_v restraint_n on_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o contemn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o true_o and_o indeed_o the_o lawless_a person_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o whereas_o as_o you_o suppose_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o transaction_n of_o we_o to_o subject_v all_o to_o our_o government_n we_o do_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o our_o course_n of_o life_n past_a and_o hope_v it_o will_v witness_v with_o we_o to_o all_o that_o will_v judge_v impartial_o what_o our_o design_n have_v be_v in_o our_o other_o transaction_n and_o as_o touch_v our_o design_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v aught_o but_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o reformation_n of_o the_o scandalous_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o man_n intention_n by_o what_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n we_o know_v very_o well_o we_o be_v charge_v by_o some_o that_o we_o affect_v dominion_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n and_o to_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o what_o rank_n soever_o to_o stoop_v to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v open_o profess_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n be_v not_o despotical_a but_o ministerial_a that_o it_o be_v no_o dominion_n but_o a_o ministry_n only_o and_o that_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o be_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v under_o and_o that_o in_o their_o government_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n but_o with_o their_o soul_n only_o although_o here_o we_o desire_v to_o inquire_v of_o you_o whether_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v you_o to_o be_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o be_v for_o a_o government_n and_o that_o yet_o subjection_n to_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o late_a government_n of_o the_o prelacy_n be_v not_o blame_v by_o you_o because_o it_o require_v subjection_n to_o it_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o censure_v we_o but_o further_a whereas_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o garnish_v our_o government_n with_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n we_o wish_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n that_o you_o frame_v out_o of_o our_o paper_n yourselves_o do_o say_v you_o there_o tell_v we_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o expression_n you_o here_o use_v be_v as_o high_a touch_v that_o government_n you_o will_v have_v establish_v as_o any_o have_v be_v that_o ever_o we_o have_v use_v of_o we_o for_o your_o prayer_n be_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o government_n then_o that_o you_o be_v for_o must_v be_v with_o you_o christ_n government_n throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o why_o do_v you_o then_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n concern_v our_o government_n till_o you_o have_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o when_o yet_o you_o take_v to_o yourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o use_v the_o like_a language_n concern_v the_o government_n you_o pray_v may_v be_v establish_v but_o whereas_o you_o say_v presbytery_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n drive_v at_o here_o and_o that_o however_o she_o come_v usher_v in_o with_o godly_a pretence_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o that_o these_o be_v but_o so_o many_o waste_a paper_n wherein_o presbytery_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o your_o conscience_n you_o will_v serious_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o both_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n in_o pass_v such_o hard_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o also_o usurp_v that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o in_o make_v yourselves_o judge_n of_o what_o fall_v not_o under_o your_o cognizance_n the_o thing_n you_o mention_v belong_v only_o to_o be_v try_v by_o your_o and_o our_o master_n to_o who_o we_o must_v all_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o presbytery_n which_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o any_o paint_n or_o cover_v to_o make_v it_o look_v more_o handsome_o and_o pass_v more_o current_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o you_o the_o anguis_fw-la in_o herba_fw-la whereof_o you_o have_v need_v to_o beware_v it_o have_v never_o give_v that_o offence_n to_o any_o as_o to_o merit_v such_o language_n but_o now_o you_o frame_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o our_o paper_n and_o return_v your_o answer_n profess_v that_o you_o pray_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o church_n government_n throughout_o his_o highness_n dominion_n