neither_o it_o nor_o the_o practice_n occasion_v thereby_o can_v be_v any_o regulate_a precedent_n for_o we_o beside_o in_o all_o these_o contest_v about_o investitur_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o prince_n the_o mission_n of_o minister_n be_v never_o question_v but_o always_o acknowledge_v as_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o read_v church_n history_n 3._o the_o send_n of_o minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n purly_a and_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a and_o not_o civil_a and_o therefore_o incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n let_v any_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o cause_n mater_fw-la object_n and_o end_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o for_o the_o person_n send_v be_v minister_n the_o work_n they_o be_v send_v on_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n these_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v to_o such_o be_v to_o gather_v in_o and_o perfect_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v finis_fw-la operis_fw-la we_o know_v of_o nothing_o that_o can_v besaid_a against_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o ecclesiastic_a in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o all_o use_n in_o moral_n to_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o undueness_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o respect_n of_o such_o act_n in_o moral_n to_o their_o matter_n object_n and_o end_n that_o the_o bound_n be_v determine_v and_o set_v to_o they_o in_o their_o efficient_a cause_n for_o instance_n if_o the_o matter_n object_n &_o end_n of_o a_o act_n be_v proper_o civil_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v undue_a or_o incompetent_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o so_o of_o other_o act_n in_o their_o moral_a specifical_a distinction_n by_o which_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o be_v assign_v &_o make_v due_a to_o such_o and_o such_o efficient_n but_o next_o upon_o this_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v as_o lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o ordain_v and_o send_v person_n without_o ordination_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v every_o way_n absurd_a 4._o the_o send_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o oversee_v church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o potestative_a mission_n one_o part_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o never_o to_o the_o magistrate_n from_o no_o part_n of_o the_o word_n can_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o find_v it_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 16_o 19_o with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la but_o that_o this_o send_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o act_n of_o potestative_a mission_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v of_o any_o do_v we_o ask_v whether_o minister_n go_v to_o such_o congregation_n on_o a_o special_a delegation_n from_o christ_n more_o than_o to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v than_o it_o must_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o mist_n on_o in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o go_v not_o on_o this_o special_a delegation_n than_o they_o run_v unsent_a and_o be_v not_o the_o pastor_n of_o these_o flock_n more_o than_o of_o other_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o feed_v these_o more_o than_o any_o other_o congregation_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n there_o be_v always_o a_o special_a delegation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n by_o which_o he_o become_v the_o ambassador_n &_o messenger_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v and_o submit_v to_o as_o such_o 5._o this_o act_n of_o send_v minister_n to_o congregation_n suppon_n several_a thing_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o line_n and_o cognition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n gift_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o sutablness_n or_o unsurablness_n of_o minister_n gift_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n ability_n to_o judge_n and_o cognosce_fw-la in_o these_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o end_n of_o this_o work_n require_v with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o not_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o the_o work_n to_o which_o these_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a can_v belong_v to_o he_o for_o every_o work_n to_o which_o god_n call_v any_o have_v its_o proper_a furniture_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n without_o which_o none_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o call_v thereto_o 6._o some_o of_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o zealous_a promoter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n yield_v that_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o return_n to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v either_o heathenish_a or_o heretical_a as_o vedelius_fw-la yea_o all_o be_v constrain_v to_o grant_v it_o how_o rational_a this_o be_v and_o how_o consistent_a with_o their_o argument_n the_o force_n of_o which_o be_v thereby_o utter_o break_v let_v any_o judge_n we_o ask_v when_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o come_v from_o christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o magistrate_n for_o a_o derive_v power_n it_o must_v be_v it_o can_v be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o willing_o part_v with_o any_o of_o his_o power_n neither_o do_v religion_n robe_n the_o magistrate_n of_o his_o power_n nor_o depose_v he_o from_o his_o regality_n and_o the_o prerogative_n thereof_o as_o protestant_n maintain_v against_o the_o papist_n if_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o come_v from_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o way_n it_o be_v convey_v to_o she_o in_o this_o case_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a as_o we_o find_v no_o difference_n of_o case_n anent_o this_o matter_n give_v in_o the_o word_n so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o institution_n precept_n and_o example_n therein_o by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v to_o exercise_v this_o government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n to_o continue_v not_o only_o without_o any_o restriction_n to_o time_n &_o case_n but_o without_o any_o repail_n we_o hear_v nothing_o from_o our_o adversary_n to_o answer_v this_o but_o ineptia_o foolish_a roving_n the_o truth_n be_v their_o argument_n conclude_v with_o as_o great_a force_n against_o all_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n under_o persecute_v magistrate_n as_o christian_n for_o be_v there_o not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o erect_n of_o a_o empire_n in_o a_o empire_n which_o our_o enemy_n accoundt_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d anddo_fw-la not_o minister_n and_o christian_n owe_v as_o much_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o assertion_n 2._o that_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n and_o call_n of_o minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v in_o the_o congregation_n themselves_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v by_o divine_a right_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o take_v thus_o from_o they_o that_o this_o power_n of_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n either_o by_o divine_a humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n need_v not_o to_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o see_v scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n give_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o it_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v from_o our_o antagonist_n prelate_n and_o erastians_n from_o whence_o come_v this_o power_n or_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o have_v condescend_v on_o the_o orginal_a derivation_n of_o this_o power_n and_o make_v it_o out_o to_o be_v just_a than_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o which_o by_o none_o of_o these_o party_n have_v be_v yet_o do_v except_o by_o vedelius_fw-la but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o give_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o good_a claim_n thereto_o as_o he_o as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v his_o argument_n for_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n they_o have_v none_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o stick_v at_o the_o people_n right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n which_o be_v deny_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o we_o thus_o make_v it_o out_o as_o our_o divine_n have_v do_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
necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
act_n nor_o lead_v our_o antagonist_n do_v not_o their_o opinion_n about_o prelacy_n their_o profession_n of_o all_o readiness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o contrare_fw-la if_o on_o foot_n their_o frequent_a change_n into_o the_o interest_n and_o form_n of_o all_o precede_a time_n how_o contrare_fw-la soever_o to_o their_o once_o profess_a and_o swear_v principle_n while_o true_a presbyterian_o remain_v constant_a and_o immovable_a through_o the_o time_n that_o go_v over_o their_o head_n their_o covetous_a and_o licentious_a life_n discover_v their_o want_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o course_n they_o now_o so_o furious_o run_v let_v not_o your_o lo_n think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o maj._n interest_n as_o they_o pretend_v or_o any_o true_a conscientious_a regaird_v to_o these_o that_o move_v they_o to_o such_o obseqivous_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a law_n let_v the_o out_o ward_v interest_n of_o this_o world_n be_v separate_v from_o their_o way_n and_o it_o shall_v soon_o appear_v how_o void_a they_o be_v of_o true_a zeal_n for_o his_o maj._n and_o his_o law_n as_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n from_o their_o carriage_n &_o behaviour_n in_o past_a &_o present_a time_n as_o we_o have_v no_o external_a benefit_n to_o expect_v to_o engage_v we_o against_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a law_n about_o church_n government_n so_o we_o be_v to_o look_v from_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n conform_v thereto_o no_o less_o than_o the_o ruin_n of_o ourselves_o &_o family_n in_o this_o world_n if_o conscience_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n &_o this_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v not_o determine_v and_o move_v we_o of_o all_o man_n we_o be_v the_o most_o foolish_a and_o miserable_a but_o see_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n &_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n in_o act_v conform_a to_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o we_o have_v this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o as_o we_o be_v acquit_v &_o shall_v be_v justify_v before_o he_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v recompense_v and_o reward_v to_o the_o abundant_a compensation_n of_o all_o outward_a lose_v even_o for_o these_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v condemn_v of_o man_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v esteem_v our_o folly_n sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v our_o righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o glory_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o the_o external_a advantage_n of_o power_n riches_n and_o worldly_a policy_n but_o the_o contrare_fw-la to_o contend_v with_o and_o endure_v yet_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o hand_n do_v prosper_v and_o prevail_v to_o the_o gain_n of_o immortal_a soul_n the_o restrain_v of_o impiety_n and_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o work_n it_o will_v on_o many_o account_n be_v your_o lo._n wisdom_n not_o to_o stand_v in_o contradictory_n term_n thereto_o lest_o your_o lo._n be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o work_n and_o cause_n be_v of_o god_n partly_o for_o its_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o partly_o for_o its_o undeniable_a fruit_n and_o success_n in_o convert_v &_o save_v of_o soul_n from_o sin_n preserve_v and_o maintain_v of_o its_o self_n against_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o we_o take_v for_o a_o sign_n of_o its_o be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o their_o debate_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o its_o adversary_n which_o under_o great_a opposition_n grow_v and_o prevail_v exceed_o although_o strip_v of_o all_o the_o outward_a advantage_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n if_o this_o cause_n be_v of_o god_n and_o approven_v by_o he_o as_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o may_v to_o crush_v it_o man_n may_v afflict_v and_o put_v we_o to_o great_a suffering_n which_o to_o they_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o we_o of_o salvation_n but_o while_o this_o church_n continue_v protestant_n and_o have_v god_n abide_v in_o she_o their_o contradiction_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a as_o be_v hitherto_o manifest_a and_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o it_o resolve_v in_o their_o own_o ruin_n here_o &_o here_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n a_o popular_a argument_n they_o much_o use_v with_o the_o people_n not_o foundamental_a but_o indifferent_a we_o humble_o beg_v of_o your_o lo_n that_o for_o prevent_v of_o further_a confusion_n in_o this_o church_n &_o attain_v of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o same_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o this_o church_n that_o the_o chistian_a reform_a religion_n be_v total_o ruin_v among_o we_o for_o satisfy_v of_o a_o few_o or_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a &_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o and_o not_o thus_o enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v receive_v nor_o subject_n thereto_o and_o know_v that_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o this_o one_o question_n if_o diligent_o pursue_v will_v quick_o determine_v your_o lo_n to_o course_n quite_o opposite_a to_o these_o now_o prosecute_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n against_o we_o we_o entreat_v your_o lo_n not_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o these_o calumny_n and_o undue_a representation_n of_o the_o present_a case_n of_o affair_n in_o this_o church_n make_v by_o our_o enemy_n the_o prelate_n by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o instigat_fw-la to_o all_o this_o unjust_a and_o unseasonable_a violence_n that_o will_v produce_v bitter_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n to_o this_o &_o the_o succeed_a generation_n if_o not_o prevent_v in_o time_n most_o noble_a &_o honourable_a lord_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o too_o common_a prejudice_n entertain_v against_o presbyterian_a government_n &_o instill_v with_o so_o much_o artifice_n by_o our_o opposite_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o on_o which_o they_o have_v alas_o too_o much_o advantag_n through_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n &_o natural_a enmity_n at_o the_o wholesome_a severity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o all_o unregenerat_a person_n to_o wit_n the_o strictness_n &_o impartiality_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o its_o exercise_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n in_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_a for_o we_o know_v that_o while_o presbytery_n be_v up_o and_o in_o vigour_n among_o we_o the_o zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o minister_n in_o reprehend_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n impartial_o conform_v to_o the_o command_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n without_o exception_n of_o person_n be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v all_o this_o dislike_n of_o and_o rigour_n against_o presbytery_n and_o conciliat_fw-la that_o much_o respect_n to_o and_o love_n for_o prelacy_n as_o to_o eject_v the_o one_o &_o bring_v in_o the_o other_o we_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v on_o the_o debait_n whether_o this_o strictness_n against_o sin_n be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n when_o exercise_v conform_a to_o its_o principle_n or_o the_o contrare_fw-la the_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o prelacy_n that_o necessary_o result_v from_o its_o constituent_a &_o preserve_a cause_n which_o be_v no_o great_a labour_n to_o make_v out_o but_o leave_v this_o we_o humble_o entreat_v your_o lo._n to_o have_v that_o patience_n towards_o we_o as_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o say_v 1._o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o christian_n matter_n of_o sad_a regrait_n &_o lamentation_n that_o in_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v own_v zealous_a faithfulness_n against_o soul_n destroy_v sin_n shall_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v as_o a_o prejudice_n against_o minister_n &_o their_o government_n which_o shall_v commend_v &_o cry_v it_o up_o yea_o that_o do_v endear_v it_o to_o all_o conscientious_a christian_n that_o right_o understand_v their_o own_o profession_n must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o terrible_a length_n this_o generation_n be_v go_v in_o decline_v from_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n when_o that_o which_o be_v its_o excellency_n &_o glory_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n &_o good_a man_n be_v become_v the_o occasion_n &_o matter_n of_o its_o dislike_n &_o reproach_n can_v there_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o predomine_n &_o prevail_a
power_n of_o natures_n enmity_n in_o professor_n over_o the_o life_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o their_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lust_n &_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o thus_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n from_o the_o dominion_n &_o power_n of_o damn_v sin_n whither_o be_v we_o go_v and_o what_o may_v we_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o height_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o if_o professor_n put_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a &_o open_a profess_a contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n 2._o let_v not_o your_o lo._n think_v we_o say_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o justify_v any_o fail_n in_o this_o matter_n commit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o our_o profess_a principle_n and_o although_o we_o can_v condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v now_o disapprove_v by_o our_o antagonist_n yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v considerable_a escape_n in_o preach_v &_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n &_o passion_n in_o some_o and_o of_o worldly_a inclination_n &_o design_n in_o other_o of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o to_o raise_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o person_n of_o lead_a influence_n &_o power_n keep_v no_o measure_n but_o run_v to_o strange_a height_n of_o zeal_n against_o some_o sin_n while_o they_o connive_v at_o other_o but_o see_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o cryed-up_a cause_n of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v now_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o we_o how_o unjust_o be_v their_o wicked_a folly_n impute_v to_o our_o government_n and_o way_n but_o for_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v in_o against_o we_o and_o the_o hideous_a cry_n raise_v after_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a fail_n among_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o defect_n in_o that_o the_o most_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a faithful_a &_o impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n personal_a rebuke_n &_o censure_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o alas_o be_v too_o visible_a &_o observe_v by_o many_o for_o which_o now_o they_o bear_v their_o rebuke_n in_o that_o many_o of_o those_o be_v now_o become_v their_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o who_o they_o be_v sinful_o spare_v &_o indulgent_a moreover_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o excess_n unjustifiable_a yet_o if_o the_o constitution_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v not_o for_o but_o against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o they_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o government_n otherwise_o all_o government_n must_v be_v condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o mal-administrations_a commit_v by_o governor_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v absurd_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o contrare_fw-la mind_v shall_v demonstrat_fw-la these_o to_o be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o our_o principle_n for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n they_o shall_v be_v consider_v &_o according_a to_o the_o conviction_n they_o give_v of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o will_v your_o lo._n be_v please_v to_o consider_v the_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a extreme_a our_o antagonist_n be_v run_v into_o who_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o scandal_n except_o a_o few_o and_o these_o in_o the_o meanner_n &_o low_a degree_n of_o person_n over_o look_v all_o in_o the_o more_o opulent_a and_o great_a which_o have_v encourage_v wickedness_n to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o to_o diffuse_v its_o self_n through_o all_o rank_n without_o control_n to_o the_o infect_v of_o this_o church_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o scandal_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v resolve_v either_o into_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o else_o in_o sad_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o this_o land_n and_o if_o it_o come_v this_o length_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v prevent_v by_o pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n on_o we_o where_o will_v be_v our_o advantage_n by_o prelacy_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v therefore_o not_o love_v to_o trouble_v your_o lo._n any_o further_a we_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n that_o your_o lo._n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v some_o due_a and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o low_a condition_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o his_o maj._n who_o we_o hope_v through_o your_o lo._n intercession_n will_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n find_v out_o some_o just_a expedient_a for_o relieve_v of_o this_o church_n of_o her_o oppress_a evil_n under_o which_o she_o groan_v and_o undo_v of_o these_o heavy_a burden_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o for_o which_o we_o be_v your_o lo._n humble_a petitioner_n and_o have_v be_v so_o alittle_o soon_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o law_n anent_o church_n matter_n that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o close_v all_o door_n of_o access_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o your_o lo._n for_o represent_v our_o just_a greivance_n this_o way_n if_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v this_o reasonable_a and_o just_a request_n as_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o another_o refuge_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o the_o just_a and_o almighty_a god_n where_o your_o lo._n and_o we_o will_v stand_v on_o euâ—n_a ground_n and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a as_o we_o suppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o persecution_n upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o party_n call_v presbyterian_a have_v suffer_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o lytth_v under_o throw_v the_o implacable_a and_o violent_a rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n have_v prevail_v to_o the_o enacâ—â—â—_n of_o such_o law_n that_o these_o who_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d ward_n god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o covenaâ—â—â—_n and_o oath_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o these_o church_n can_v comply_v with_o nor_o give_v obedience_n unto_o be_v not_o only_a exposeâ—_n to_o bitter_a and_o hard_a suffering_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 〈…〉_o load_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o reproach_n and_o represent_v as_o 〈…〉_o ous_a and_o disloyal_a to_o authority_n contrary_a to_o their_o 〈…〉_o ciple_n and_o act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o 〈…〉_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o fering_n nor_o yet_o to_o lay_v any_o odium_n on_o 〈…〉_o prejudice_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o worâ—â—â—_n know_v and_o we_o hope_v will_v make_v manifest_a in_o due_a 〈…〉_o â—o_o clear_a some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o vindicaâ—_n some_o of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o adversary_n who_o by_o lie_v and_o unjust_a representation_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o carriage_n do_v public_o and_o private_o defame_v and_o misrepresent_v to_o authority_n and_o other_o our_o behaviour_n under_o the_o present_a course_n of_o affair_n a_o artifice_n they_o have_v use_v of_o old_a and_o late_a for_o ingratiate_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o interest_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o sharpen_v of_o the_o â—dge_n of_o persecution_n against_o we_o in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n which_o through_o the_o hot_a contest_v and_o debate_v of_o their_o time_n actuate_v by_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o â—and_n and_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n we_o incline_v rather_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o present_a violence_n use_v against_o we_o as_o our_o too_o much_o silence_n hitherto_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v but_o find_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—nd_v the_o concern_v of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o
the_o roman_a church_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n their_o assert_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o papist_n and_o we_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n not_o to_o be_v fundamental_a nor_o on_o their_o part_n damnable_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o native_a tendency_n of_o prelacy_n and_o what_o it_o will_v if_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—nue_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o 11._o do_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o prelatist_n their_o practice_n the_o way_n take_v for_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v of_o prelacy_n among_o we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o their_o divine_n except_o scultetus_n who_o in_o their_o confession_n treatise_n &_o reformation_n conform_v thereto_o disclaim_v prelacy_n as_o no_o office_n of_o divine_a appointment_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o peruse_v they_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n emit_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prelacye_n last_o introduction_n that_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrare_fw-la but_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a of_o all_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o wonder_v exceed_o at_o the_o impudence_n &_o affrontedness_n of_o the_o author_n in_o allege_v of_o calvine_n beza_n bucer_n etc._n etc._n for_o prelacy_n who_o in_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n have_v argue_v and_o debate_v against_o it_o do_v not_o this_o author_n know_v that_o their_o writing_n be_v extant_a and_o other_o as_o much_o verse_v therein_o as_o himself_o but_o the_o unjust_a know_v no_o shame_n 12._o as_o prelacy_n or_o prelatical_a government_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o exercise_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o for_o want_v of_o its_o authority_n we_o reject_v so_o presbytery_n or_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v in_o all_o its_o part_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o right_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o our_o antagonist_n who_o first_o yield_v all_o our_o church_n officer_n except_o rule_v elder_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n doctor_n hammond_n only_o except_v grant_v that_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n and_o deacon_n to_o be_v institute_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o always_o use_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n they_o likewise_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o presbyter_n till_o of_o laâ—â—_n as_o also_o the_o meeting_n of_o pastor_n lesser_a and_o great_a for_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o power_n anent_o these_o assert_v by_o and_o former_o exerâ—â—â—â—â—_n among_o we_o we_o think_v strange_a of_o stillingfleet_n in_o deny_v of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n who_o yield_v all_o we_o seek_v for_o if_o all_o the_o former_a be_v of_o scriptural_a institution_n and_o practice_n must_v it_o not_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n even_o as_o to_o its_o form_n we_o can_v for_o bear_v to_o declare_v our_o resentment_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o high_a indignity_n do_v to_o our_o royal_a and_o great_a master_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a word_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o that_o 1._o the_o form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v mutable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o any_o form_n they_o please_v to_o assign_v to_o the_o same_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o form_n of_o any_o government_n be_v take_v from_o the_o officer_n thereof_o and_o not_o from_o the_o supreme_a head_n in_o who_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v lodge_v all_o that_o ever_o treat_v of_o government_n and_o speak_v to_o their_o different_a form_n do_v always_o find_v their_o form_n on_o the_o head_n and_o not_o on_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n jesus_n the_o supreme_a and_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v not_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n or_o presbyter_n find_v institute_v in_o the_o word_n with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o power_n that_o we_o afterward_o grant_v to_o they_o &c_n &c_n will_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v true_o monarchical_a and_o not_o alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o any_o 2._o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n be_v deny_v and_o thereby_o the_o fundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v shake_v how_o inconsistent_a be_v this_o with_o their_o grant_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o obeâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n be_v first_o and_o primary_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v perfect_a in_o these_o also_o how_o our_o opposites_n will_v defend_v our_o argument_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o in_o this_o speak_v more_o consequential_o than_o the_o prelatist_n and_o maintain_v the_o former_a affertion_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o we_o for_o our_o argument_n plead_v as_o much_o and_o as_o strong_o for_o their_o perfection_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o desperate_a cause_n that_o need_v such_o a_o prop_n to_o support_v it_o 13._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o humble_o offer_v the_o follow_a particular_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o all_o nothing_o doubt_v that_o when_o they_o be_v due_o and_o serious_o weight_v it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o our_o exception_n against_o prelacy_n be_v not_o light_a and_o groundless_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n attainable_a by_o prelacy_n that_o may_v not_o be_v win_v at_o without_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a truth_n that_o every_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n have_v its_o proper_a good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o which_o as_o its_o end_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o reachable_a by_o other_o ordinance_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o on_o a_o particular_a condescension_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a in_o divine_a institution_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o redundant_fw-la and_o superfluous_a now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o prelacy_n let_v our_o antagonist_n give_v instance_n if_o they_o think_v that_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v the_o good_a that_o the_o church_n have_v by_o prelacy_n we_o offer_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o have_v be_v do_v before_o we_o without_o a_o reply_n yea_o and_o grant_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o but_o yield_v by_o all_o till_o of_o late_a for_o we_o have_v not_o only_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o presbyter_n exercise_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o reason_n that_o all_o give_v for_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n confer_v by_o ordination_n consist_v of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v integral_a constituent_a part_n person_n ordain_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o both_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n have_v these_o by_o presbyter_n as_o much_o to_o her_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n as_o by_o prelate_n but_o son_n e_o say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n without_o prelacy_n the_o contrare_fw-la be_v evident_a from_o the_o church_n experience_n in_o former_a &_o late_a time_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o rend_v and_o fill_v with_o contention_n and_o schism_n then_o under_o &_o by_o prelate_n of_o which_o there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n in_o history_n so_o there_o have_v be_v much_o flourish_a unity_n and_o peace_n under_o presbyter_n in_o church_n that_o want_v prelate_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n what_o unity_n &_o peace_n have_v the_o church_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n beyond_o other_o reform_a church_n yea_o be_v there_o not_o more_o of_o these_o among_o they_o than_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o what_o say_v unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o their_o cement_n and_o foundation_n which_o be_v seldom_o the_o attendant_n of_o prelacy_n but_o some_o place_n the_o good_a of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o oversight_n and_o inspection_n it_o take_v of_o minister_n
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 conâ—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 orâ—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 theâ—_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 circumstanâ—â—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 darkâ—ness_n the_o influence_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o tempâ—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 iâ—_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
we_o grant_v there_o be_v but_o who_o be_v the_o causer_n of_o it_o and_o guilty_a thereof_o before_o god_n they_o or_o we_o let_v our_o follow_a answer_n and_o reason_n determine_v to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v we_o premise_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sort_n of_o separation_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o evil_a some_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v duty_n and_o command_v as_o our_o protestant_a divine_n make_v good_a against_o the_o papist_n as_o joseph_n hall_n 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o write_v on_o that_o subject_n for_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o separat_fw-la from_o sin_n and_o professor_n join_v together_o in_o it_o with_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n come_v too_o often_o to_o be_v vitiate_a and_o pollute_v for_o this_o we_o have_v many_o precept_n and_o command_n in_o the_o word_n ephes_n 5_o 11._o with_o other_o scripture_n 2_o to_o make_v non-presence_n or_o absence_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n sinful_a separation_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o state_v habitual_a absence_n second_o such_o reason_n and_o ground_n for_o it_o as_o will_v not_o justify_v it_o for_o if_o the_o absence_n be_v not_o ordinare_fw-la it_o be_v not_o esteem_v separation_n although_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o albeit_o the_o absence_n be_v ordinare_fw-la and_o habitual_a yet_o if_o its_o cause_n whether_o moral_a or_o physical_a be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a it_o be_v not_o sinful_a separation_n for_o absence_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o worship_n or_o government_n be_v either_o sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o 3_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v justify_v and_o warrant_v a_o withdraw_a in_o ordinare_fw-la from_o such_o meeting_n must_v be_v 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n or_o right_n in_o those_o that_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n the_o pharisee_n question_v propose_v to_o christ_n matth._n 21_o 23._o do_v suppone_v a_o common_o grant_v and_o receive_v truth_n which_o christ_n do_v not_o deny_v but_o tacit_o yield_v that_o they_o who_o act_n public_o in_o the_o church_n must_v have_v a_o just_a authority_n &_o right_a so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v some_o rational_a convince_a evidence_n of_o this_o &_o if_o it_o be_v want_v it_o will_v warrant_v this_o withdraw_n much_o more_o if_o its_o want_n be_v positive_o clear_a 2._o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o knit_v to_o they_o in_o their_o use_n that_o they_o can_v be_v use_v without_o the_o use_n of_o these_o corruption_n will_v also_o allow_v a_o withdraw_n from_o such_o roeeting_n as_o all_o in_o these_o grant_n 3._o sinfol_fw-mi circumstance_n as_o such_o place_n time_n cause_n person_n etc._n etc._n that_o in_o their_o connexion_n with_o and_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o sinful_a and_o evil_a become_v so_o prohic_n &_o nunc_fw-la as_o fast_n thanksgiving_n etc._n etc._n when_o observe_v at_o such_o time_n and_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v evil_a 4._o unsound_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n teach_v in_o ordinare_fw-la in_o such_o meeting_n matth._n 24._o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o will_v justify_v a_o people_n withdraw_a from_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o that_o may_v just_o cause_v it_o but_o only_a such_o as_o be_v true_o heretical_a and_o subversive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n righteousness_n &_o peace_n when_o poison_n be_v administer_v in_o stead_n of_o wholesome_a food_n a_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v to_o their_o own_o safety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v by_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o their_o health_n 5_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o state_v case_n of_o some_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n that_o will_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o withdraw_a that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o at_o other_o time_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o defection_n under_o the_o contest_v betwixt_o the_o orthodox_n and_o unsound_a party_n usual_o some_o thing_n fall_v in_o that_o will_v call_v for_o a_o secession_n from_o church_n assembly_n which_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n particular_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arminian_o predomine_v in_o the_o church_n of_o holland_n and_o many_o other_o that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n 4_o although_o in_o some_o case_n a_o negative_a separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o right_a where_o a_o positive_a be_v not_o yet_o in_o some_o case_n a_o positive_a separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o duty_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v of_o case_n in_o this_o matter_n except_o where_o the_o ease_n have_v be_v or_o else_o be_v existent_a there_o be_v two_o case_n in_o which_o this_o be_v allow_v intrusion_n and_o a_o universal_a infection_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n to_o the_o pollute_v of_o all_o its_o ordinance_n we_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v no_o controversy_n anent_o the_o second_o see_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o their_o secession_n and_o departur_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o that_o very_a head_n who_o not_o only_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o idolatrous_a church_n but_o erect_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a church_n with_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v serious_o and_o impartial_o weight_v there_o will_v be_v find_v as_o little_a ground_n of_o controversy_n about_o the_o first_o anent_o which_o we_o take_v these_o two_o to_o be_v evident_a truth_n 1._o that_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o subject_n to_o but_o to_o withdraw_v from_o these_o intrude_v upon_o they_o partly_o because_o the_o just_a right_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wrong_v and_o take_v from_o she_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o maintain_v and_o not_o to_o quite_o &_o partly_o because_o she_o be_v enslave_v thereby_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o lust_n &_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o a_o preparative_n lay_v down_o to_o othâ—rs_n for_o do_v of_o the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v 2._o that_o this_o intrusion_n be_v either_o on_o church_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v settle_v in_o christ_n way_n with_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n or_o else_o on_o these_o that_o want_n &_o be_v vacant_a for_o the_o time_n if_o it_o be_v on_o church_n that_o be_v under_o the_o settle_a inspection_n of_o faithful_a minister_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o these_o and_o not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o intruder_n from_o who_o to_o withdraw_v can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n the_o intruder_n and_o these_o that_o fall_v off_o to_o they_o be_v the_o separatist_n if_o the_o church_n or_o church_n be_v without_o faithful_a minister_n they_o also_o be_v obleidge_v to_o refuse_v the_o intrude_a minister_n and_o if_o this_o unjust_a and_o violent_a intrusion_n on_o they_o continue_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o provide_v themselves_o of_o minister_n that_o under_o their_o oversight_n they_o may_v have_v and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o which_o by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o eternal_a life_n they_o be_v strait_o bind_v for_o as_o unjust_a intrusion_n bring_v nothing_o with_o it_o to_o make_v a_o people_n yield_v to_o the_o intruder_n so_o it_o unty_n no_o obligation_n former_o on_o they_o for_o endeavour_v of_o their_o setlment_n with_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n if_o we_o think_v these_o in_o thesi_fw-la be_v question_v by_o any_o we_o can_v with_o great_a ease_n make_v they_o out_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o but_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v we_o surcease_v any_o further_a probation_n therefore5_n we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o hear_v of_o and_o submit_v to_o minister_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o general_a and_o do_v of_o these_o to_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o submit_v to_o minister_n in_o their_o ministry_n for_o this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o whether_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o submit_v to_o these_o that_o be_v our_o minister_n &_o set_v over_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o this_o change_n in_o the_o church_n or_o these_o send_v from_o and_o thrust_v in_o upon_o we_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o prelate_n it_o be_v no_o little_a wrong_n do_v we_o by_o our_o enemy_n
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 crown_n as_o one_o royal_a prerogative_n thereof_o which_o not_o only_o suppon_n the_o government_n to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o that_o dominion_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o regality_n 3_o the_o give_v of_o church_n power_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v suppon_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o law_n and_o act_n without_o which_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a objec_fw-la although_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o head_n to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o such_o cause_n and_o over_o such_o person_n in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la no_o question_n he_o be_v the_o head_n political_a to_o the_o church_n for_o governor_n &_o head_n be_v equipollent_a term_n whosoever_o be_v supreme_a governor_n to_o any_o society_n in_o 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 take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o no_o such_o explication_n allow_v here_o arg._n 3._o if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v â—â—â—o_o sinful_a separation_n on_o their_o part_n not_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a and_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o there_o be_v divine_a obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v under_o divine_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n lean_v upon_o these_o two_o and_o be_v infallible_o make_v out_o by_o they_o first_o that_o thâ—â—e_n be_v a_o divine_a relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o do_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o such_o contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n none_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a instution_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n will_v be_v able_a to_o refuse_v these_o we_o conceive_v none_o even_o of_o our_o antagonist_n will_v deny_v the_o minor_a if_o they_o do_v will_v it_o 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 iâ—_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
the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o always_o esteem_v they_o pure_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o consequence_n be_v so_o necessare_fw-la that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o prelatical_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n admit_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o officiat_fw-la among_o they_o without_o reordination_n by_o which_o they_o fix_v a_o desperate_a schism_n between_o they_o and_o these_o church_n while_o they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n which_o speak_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o their_o principle_n if_o they_o think_v prelacy_n not_o essential_a to_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v grant_v than_o our_o church_n constitution_n as_o to_o all_o essential_o be_v right_a our_o pastor_n bind_v to_o feed_v and_o people_n to_o submit_v hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o obj._n although_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v usful_a and_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o as_o have_v be_v say_v above_o we_o know_v of_o no_o good_a to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v necessate_fw-it that_o be_v not_o easy_o attainable_a without_o it_o yea_o and_o be_v not_o win_v at_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n 2_o then_o the_o former_a obligation_n on_o our_o pastor_n and_o this_o church_n must_v continue_v for_o if_o prelacy_n be_v not_o essential_a nor_o necessare_fw-la to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n the_o obligation_n which_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v dependent_a on_o it_o can_v be_v discontinue_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o we_o it_o shall_v rather_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o obligation_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o then_o dissolve_v it_o it_o be_v no_o question_n the_o foresight_n of_o this_o and_o other_o consequence_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o force_v the_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelate_n to_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a and_o essential_a necessity_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scriptâ—â—â—_n and_o antiquity_n obj_fw-la 2._o but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o for_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v but_o a_o repossess_v she_o of_o it_o that_o have_v be_v eject_v an._n 1638_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o ejection_n of_o prelacy_n anno_fw-la 16â—8_n be_v but_o the_o puâ—geing_n of_o presbytery_n from_o prelacy_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o after_o prelacy_n have_v be_v cast_v off_o by_o this_o church_n in_o her_o first_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n the_o book_n of_o discipline_n first_o and_o second_o act_n of_o parlt_n particular_o that_o of_o the_o year_n 1592._o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n that_o with_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n prelacy_n be_v also_o remove_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o her_o government_n so_o that_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n from_o popery_n presbytery_n have_v the_o first_o possession_n it_o be_v true_a the_o bishop_n that_o then_o be_v do_v continue_v in_o their_o bishopric_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n in_o parlt_n but_o without_o all_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o have_v former_o exercise_v in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n predom_v in_o this_o church_n and_o when_o their_o bishopric_n come_v to_o vaâ—k_v thorough_o death_n their_o place_n be_v not_o fill_v wâ—â—h_n other_o as_o former_o have_v be_v do_v till_o morion_n regency_n who_o for_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o revenue_n which_o he_o labour_v to_o enhance_v for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o can_v not_o legal_o come_v at_o without_o some_o shadow_n of_o they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o of_o which_o he_o repent_v at_o his_o death_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o duglass_n which_o occasion_v a_o hot_a contest_v betwixt_o he_o &_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o her_o assembly_n who_o stoot_o oppose_a prelacy_n and_o never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o by_o law_n and_o practise_v it_o be_v whole_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n anno_fw-la 1592._o but_o king_n james_n afterward_o fall_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o worldly_a design_n and_o interest_n for_o facilitate_v the_o much_o court_v and_o desire_a succession_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n to_o which_o prelacy_n be_v then_o judge_v necessare_fw-la labour_v by_o sinister_a and_o subtle_a way_n the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o then_o be_v most_o averse_a therefrom_o that_o he_o give_v not_o over_o his_o design_n in_o this_o till_o he_o have_v settle_v it_o by_o law_n anno_fw-la 1612._o and_o bring_v it_o in_o upon_o presbytery_n but_o prelacy_n not_o be_v content_a with_o this_o establishment_n and_o exaltation_n it_o attain_v to_o in_o the_o foresay_a year_n never_o cease_v work_v by_o its_o imposition_n till_o it_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o usurpation_n on_o church_n &_o state_n that_o procure_v its_o ruin_n anno_fw-la 1638._o all_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o the_o precede_a record_n particular_o spotswood_n history_n that_o he_o must_v be_v either_o a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o or_o else_o impudent_o malicious_a that_o deny_v it_o do_v man_n think_v we_o be_v such_o ignorant_o of_o and_o stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o lie_n of_o some_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contradict_v all_o this_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o seasonable_a case_n and_o other_o who_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o evidence_n will_v maintain_v the_o possession_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n 2._o suppone_v prelacy_n possession_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v notourly_a sal_n till_o its_o last_o ejection_n anno_fw-la 1638._o as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n yet_o till_o its_o divine_a right_n be_v prove_v it_o can_v claim_v no_o jus_o or_o right_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o concern_v can_v be_v antiquate_v and_o proscribe_v by_o length_n of_o time_n otherwise_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a heresy_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n shall_v have_v night_n as_o good_a claim_n for_o their_o be_v in_o this_o church_n as_o prelacy_n and_o it_o be_v liâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d if_o ever_o popery_n aim_v at_o its_o restauration_n and_o come_v any_o length_n towards_o it_o in_o this_o church_n it_o will_v build_v itself_o on_o this_o foundation_n among_o other_o as_o prelacy_n do_v this_o day_n in_o the_o law_n establish_v it_o obj._n but_o the_o magistrate_n bring_v in_o prelacy_n and_o command_v all_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o prelacy_n be_v as_o some_o say_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a all_o shall_v obey_v ans_fw-fr leave_v the_o debat_fw-la about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v alittle_o we_o say_v 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v about_o the_o church_n and_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o it_o be_v astrict_v and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o erastianisme_n do_v yield_v as_o vedelius_fw-la yea_o erastus_n himself_o and_o all_o of_o that_o sect_n hence_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o or_o without_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o command_n as_o all_o protestant_n grant_v therefore_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o prelacy_n be_v allow_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o word_n our_o nonobedience_n or_o non_fw-la submission_n to_o it_o although_o command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n can_v be_v just_o condemn_v it_o be_v true_a stillingfleet_n be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v indifferent_a but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o with_o so_o little_a success_n as_o we_o remain_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o presbytery_n than_o the_o strong_a pleader_n for_o prelacy_n have_v yet_o show_v for_o it_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n with_o the_o subject_n be_v under_o the_o divine_a obligation_n of_o covenant_n and_o oath_n against_o prelacy_n have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v its_o reception_n neither_o â—â—n_fw-la the_o subject_n give_v the_o obedience_n require_v without_o horrid_a sin_n against_o god_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v and_o command_v contrare_fw-la to_o such_o divine_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n and_o a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n
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 aâ—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 muâ—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
church_n but_o as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o entitle_v other_o to_o this_o privilege_n as_o much_o as_o he_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n as_o such_o for_o whoever_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o any_o society_n be_v a_o member_n yea_o the_o noble_a member_n of_o it_o obj._n but_o as_o a_o christian_n magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o what_o then_o will_v this_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n so_o might_n christian_n husband_n parent_n etc._n etc._n argue_v as_o just_o for_o this_o claim_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o be_v only_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o not_o as_o a_o magistrate_n magistracy_n give_v he_o no_o more_o privilege_n than_o any_o other_o power_n civil_a or_o natural_a when_o the_o person_n tuine_v christian_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o membership_n go_v on_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n and_o contain_v no_o speciality_n to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o another_o if_o any_o think_v magistracy_n do_v they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o none_o have_v yet_o offer_v to_o do_v 2._o if_o man_n understand_v well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o will_v quick_o see_v its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o say_a profession_n do_v not_o person_n turn_v christian_n profese_n subjection_n to_o christ_n his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o church_n power_n 2._o he_o may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o all_o yield_v that_o these_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o power_n to_o other_o may_v exercise_v it_o themselves_o it_o be_v in_o they_o and_o other_o act_v as_o their_o delegate_n in_o its_o exercise_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o exercise_v church_n power_n be_v clear_a for_o church_n power_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n from_o christ_n they_o that_o exercise_v it_o must_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o none_o have_v prodduce_v for_o the_o magistrate_n erastus_n assert_v it_o but_o without_o all_o proof_n of_o which_o it_o be_v so_o destitute_a that_o the_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n have_v leave_v he_o in_o this_o assertion_n arg._n 2._o all_o church_n power_n be_v lodge_v in_o and_o immediate_o descend_v from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o a_o power_n to_o be_v immediate_o subordinat_a to_o two_o supreme_a power_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o respect_n especial_o where_o the_o one_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o other_o the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a for_o christ_n be_v only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n all_o power_n in_o she_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o exerce_v in_o his_o name_n astrict_v to_o and_o regulate_v by_o his_o word_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o all_o note_n of_o power_n immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o obj._n but_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o christ_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n be_v under_o he_o the_o near_a and_o immediate_a fountain_n of_o church_n power_n for_o subordinata_fw-la non_fw-la pugnant_fw-la ans_fw-fr long_o have_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n conrend_v for_o this_o and_o on_o ground_n more_o plausible_a than_o these_o on_o which_o the_o magistrate_n go_v but_o protestant_a divine_n answer_n to_o the_o papist_n on_o this_o head_n furnish_v we_o with_o irrefragable_a answer_n to_o the_o magistrate_n claim_n which_o we_o desire_v our_o adversary_n will_v consider_v &_o answer_v at_o their_o own_o leisure_n we_o find_v not_o the_o magistrate_n enrol_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n far_o less_o substitute_n for_o christ_n vicegerent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture_n for_o this_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v of_o none_o as_o yet_o allege_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o what_o will_v plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n as_o for_o the_o christian_a and_o if_o they_o do_v what_o traitor_n be_v the_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n for_o their_o head_n in_o the_o church_n but_o resist_v and_o disobey_v their_o law_n and_o edict_n against_o they_o for_o cry_v up_o of_o another_o kâ—ng_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n arg._n 3._o all_o church_n power_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o himself_o without_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o or_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o nor_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n mould_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o furnish_v she_o with_o a_o government_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o consulring_n or_o advise_v with_o the_o magistrate_n or_o suspend_v of_o she_o upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n all_o this_o time_n resist_v &_o let_v himself_o for_o crush_a of_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o erect_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o kingdom_n make_v use_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n to_o establish_v and_o propagat_v it_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n all_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o refuse_v it_o what_o be_v there_o then_o to_o hinder_v the_o consequence_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o this_o deed_n of_o christ_n if_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o matter_n can_v show_v we_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o government_n institute_v by_o christ_n nor_o exercise_v any_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o oppose_v himself_o to_o she_o or_o that_o christ_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o her_o government_n when_o he_o shall_v become_v christian_a they_o will_v soon_o end_v this_o strife_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n arg._n 4._o as_o this_o government_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v exerce_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o church_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a be_v time_n and_o from_o thence_o down_o ward_o till_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n brack_n up_o in_o germany_n till_o which_o time_n it_o be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o until_o erastus_n the_o physician_n arise_v who_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o subject_v the_o church_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o her_o concern_v as_o such_o but_o deny_v all_o government_n to_o she_o by_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n contrare_fw-la to_o full_a and_o clear_a scripture_n which_o he_o most_o insolent_o and_o wicked_o endeavour_v to_o wrest_v &_o pervert_v so_o than_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o scripture_n time_n and_o downward_o till_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n exercise_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n both_o heathenish_a and_o christian_n than_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o here_o our_o antagonist_n be_v put_v to_o strange_a shift_n the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o must_v grant_v and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v this_o for_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n scripture_n and_o antiquity_n have_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n debate_n in_o polemical_a divinity_n have_v run_v on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o whoever_o make_v out_o their_o assertion_n from_o these_o have_v be_v esteem_v to_o carry_v the_o cause_n all_o that_o our_o adversary_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o the_o government_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o by_o divine_a institution_n and_o precept_n but_o by_o confederation_n of_o church_n and_o officer_n to_o this_o we_o reply_v 1._o if_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n revel_v 2_o and_o 3._o chapter_n with_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n use_v by_o our_o divine_n in_o this_o matter_n prove_v not_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v no_o sense_n we_o beg_v of_o our_o adversary_n they_o will_v for_o save_v we_o a_o labour_n answer_v mr._n gillespy_v argument_n from_o scripture_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o aaron_n rod_n blossom_a 2_o beside_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v out_o what_o they_o assert_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v
exercise_v her_o government_n in_o these_o time_n by_o confederation_n and_o mutual_a consent_n and_o not_o by_o institution_n and_o command_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o this_o so_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o presume_v they_o continue_v in_o the_o constitution_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n they_o give_v they_o to_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o church_n history_n their_o practice_n conform_v when_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n cease_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n turn_v christian_n we_o find_v she_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o former_a government_n but_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o corruption_n which_o grow_v to_o a_o sad_a height_n afterward_o throw_v the_o excessive_a munificence_n &_o bounty_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n and_o exercise_v the_o sameâ—_n as_o former_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o history_n that_o speak_v of_o these_o time_n here_o our_o adversary_n speak_v of_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n do_v exerce_fw-la in_o the_o church_n as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n labour_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lore_o rend_v at_o sometime_o through_o lad_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o say_v of_o constantine_n repeat_v by_o they_o ad_fw-la nauseam_fw-la vos_fw-la estis_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ad_fw-la intra_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la extra_fw-la but_o how_o be_v our_o antagonist_n conclusion_n make_v out_o by_o all_o these_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o magistrate_n do_v convocat_n synod_n its_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o &_o subordinat_a to_o he_o no_o way_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o convocat_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n anent_o matter_n relate_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o duty_n whether_o about_o church_n or_o state_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o convocat_n she_o own_o assembly_n either_o for_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o we_o find_v she_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o his_o consent_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n she_o retain_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o assemble_v into_o several_a synod_n without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o general_a synod_n assemble_v after_o this_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n claim_v this_o power_n and_o usurp_v therein_o on_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exceed_v its_o bound_n make_v this_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n necessare_fw-la for_o without_o the_o magistrate_n it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v but_o 2._o convocate_a of_o other_o be_v not_o always_o in_o its_o self_n and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o judicatories_n convocate_v as_o in_o limit_a monarchy_n and_o not_o absolute_a where_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o king_n and_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n although_o the_o king_n have_v the_o power_n of_o conveâ—ning_v the_o state_n yet_o they_o share_v wiâ—h_v he_o in_o the_o leg_n stative_a and_o executive_a power_n while_o in_o be_v therefore_o the_o illation_n be_v bad_a and_o not_o concludent_fw-la 4_o what_o imaginable_a advantage-can_a accrue_v to_o our_o adversary_n assertion_n by_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n former_o cite_v we_o grantâ—_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o overseer_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o thâ—_n government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o they_o must_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o never_o government_n be_v ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v for_o although_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o its_o institution_n and_o exercise_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o intrinsinck_v to_o and_o within_o she_o as_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v as_o much_o derive_v from_o and_o subject_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o her_o government_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o visible_a in_o its_o dispensation_n as_o the_o other_o arg._n 5._o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o yea_o can_v jure_fw-la impede_fw-la and_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n government_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o nor_o subject_v to_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v what_o ever_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o subordinate_v direct_o to_o he_o he_o may_v suspend_v hinder_v its_o exercise_n yea_o he_o may_v total_o remove_v and_o annihilat_fw-la it_o this_o be_v yield_v by_o all_o and_o take_v for_o a_o sure_a maxim_n in_o politic_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o and_o call_v to_o its_o exercise_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o command_n for_o it_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hinder_v nor_o by_o any_o deed_n or_o command_n of_o he_o make_v void_a these_o that_o deny_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n we_o refer_v to_o the_o forecited_a book_n where_o it_o be_v strong_o plead_v &_o make_v out_o from_o clear_a and_o express_v scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o as_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n so_o he_o may_v not_o nullify_v its_o sentence_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o all_o power_n derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o himself_o arg._n 6._o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n bind_v to_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o act_n &_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o be_v as_o much_o obleidge_v to_o yield_v thereto_o as_o any_o other_o therefore_o church_n power_n be_v not_o direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a for_o all_o be_v command_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o watch_v overseeing_a and_o rule_a of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o to_o which_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n we_o find_v magistrate_n in_o the_o word_n submit_v as_o uzzia_n who_o be_v by_o the_o priest_n confor_a i_o to_o the_o law_n separate_v and_o seclude_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o yea_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v on_o zedekiah_n 2._o chron._n 36.12_o that_o he_o humble_v not_o himself_o before_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o obj._n but_o this_o subjection_n in_o magistrate_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v proper_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o they_o ans_fw-fr we_o confess_v the_o subjection_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o such_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n do_v represent_v yet_o the_o subjection_n be_v to_o they_o too_o who_o all_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o receive_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o holy_a thing_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n magistrate_n and_o other_o as_o their_z constitut_o ruler_n overseer_n governor_n and_o watch_v man_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v when_o act_v in_o their_o office_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o obedience_n be_v not_o catachrestical_a or_o abusive_a as_o videlius_n speak_v in_o the_o magistrate_n but_o proper_a and_o real_o a_o debt_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n holy_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o obligation_n of_o other_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 2._o if_o the_o fiery_a and_o zealous_a promotter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v consider_v the_o true_a and_o real_a prejudice_n they_o do_v to_o magistrate_n by_o exeem_v they_o from_o that_o subjection_n that_o they_o with_o all_o other_o owe_v to_o church_n officer_n they_o will_v if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o advantage_n remain_v with_o man_n hold_v their_o hand_n and_o shall_v have_v little_a thanks_o from_o magistrate_n for_o their_o preposterous_a zeal_n who_o by_o their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v
but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n which_o when_o consider_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n it_o then_o have_v be_v a_o humane_a office_n found_v on_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o now_o by_o this_o law_n on_o the_o magistrate_n which_o say_v that_o although_o the_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o the_o supremacy_n be_v the_o same_o 6._o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o person_n by_o whoâ—n_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v under_o the_o king_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o supremacy_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n judicatory_n be_v make_v dependent_a upon_o he_o a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o nor_o practise_v in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o church_n till_o of_o late_a 7._o the_o right_a be_v and_o constitution_n of_o the_o national_a synod_n of_o this_o church_n be_v whole_o dependent_a upon_o and_o derive_v from_o this_o law_n so_o as_o it_o be_v no_o synod_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v not_o gather_v and_o constitute_v conform_a to_o it_o although_o a_o synod_n in_o this_o church_n shall_v have_v all_o that_o make_v synod_n lawful_a and_o their_o act_n obligatory_a in_o former_a time_n 8._o the_o particular_a constitution_n of_o this_o national_a synod_n as_o to_o its_o member_n which_o in_o this_o act_n be_v nominate_v and_o regulate_v thereby_o for_o all_o future_a time_n be_v determine_v for_o its_o '_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o put_v whole_o in_o the_o king_n hand_n and_o assert_v to_o be_v his_o right_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supremacy_n over_o this_o church_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o convocate_v 9_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v debate_v and_o conclude_v in_o this_o synod_n a_o thing_n always_o judge_v intrinsic_a to_o the_o church_n come_v only_o from_o the_o king_n &_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v from_o he_o by_o the_o arch-prelat_n of_o saint_n andrews_n and_o no_o other_o a_o fearful_a restrain_v of_o the_o divine_a liberty_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o may_v not_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n &_o manner_n although_o necessary_a for_o the_o time_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v command_v they_o by_o their_o master_n anent_o these_o 10._o the_o king_n be_v or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n be_v make_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o of_o bind_a force_n to_o this_o national_a synod_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n although_o constitute_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n if_o it_o want_v this_o 11._o no_o matter_n debate_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v obligatory_a on_o this_o church_n and_o its_o member_n if_o not_o approven_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n this_o suspend_v the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o synod_n on_o the_o king_n so_o that_o no_o canon_n act_n or_o constitution_n do_v bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o assent_v not_o as_o this_o secure_v the_o couâ—t_n in_o their_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o sinful_a way_n so_o it_o shut_v the_o door_n on_o all_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n by_o the_o church_n when_o prince_n be_v vicious_a 12._o in_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n ecclesiastic_a the_o king_n &_o his_o successor_n be_v enable_v and_o impower_v to_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a which_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n within_o his_o verge_n and_o subject_n the_o same_o to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o government_n 13._o they_o be_v impower_v to_o enact_v and_o emit_v constitution_n act_n and_o order_n anent_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a as_o they_o please_v and_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o astrict_v to_o any_o rule_n but_o their_o pleasure_n o_o horrendum_fw-la 14._o all_o these_o act_n and_o order_n they_o may_v statute_n independent_a on_o the_o church_n parliament_n or_o any_o other_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n never_o grant_v to_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n before_o 15._o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n and_o due_o publish_v be_v declare_v and_o make_v to_o be_v of_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o her_o member_n no_o need_n of_o synodâ—_n here_o which_o by_o this_o be_v whole_o subvert_v 16._o all_o former_a law_n act_n and_o clause_n of_o they_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z inconsistent_a with_o this_o be_v make_v void_a cass_v annul_v which_o take_v away_o the_o protestant_a religion_n thâ—_n word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v provide_v and_o secure_v by_o former_a act_n of_o parliament_n a_o wide_a door_n for_o popery_n 17._o in_o the_o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n as_o they_o call_v they_o the_o ordination_n of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o have_v not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n which_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a &_o valid_a for_o its_o substance_n by_o all_o till_o this_o late_a gang_n of_o prelate_n arise_v in_o which_o they_o be_v degenerate_a from_o their_o predecessor_n be_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n make_v void_a and_o all_o ministerial_a act_n and_o church_n benefit_n depend_v thereon_o declare_v to_o be_v nul_fw-fr a_o act_n that_o unchristian_n and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v their_o church_n no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o nullity_n which_o their_o practice_n at_o this_o time_n in_o england_n do_v confirm_v while_o romish_a priest_n turn_v protestant_n be_v without_o ordination_n make_v capable_a and_o advance_v to_o church_n place_n and_o preferment_n of_o which_o the_o protestant_a minister_n of_o other_o church_n conform_v to_o prelacy_n be_v dent_v till_o they_o be_v reordain_v other_o medium_n contain_v in_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o fix_v of_o the_o precede_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v have_v hint_v at_o some_o of_o they_o above_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o uninteress_v &_o unprejudge_v who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n and_o earthly_a interest_n have_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n but_o keep_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n answer_v some_o objection_n in_o which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n first_o the_o high_a fly_v erastians_n of_o our_o time_n who_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o magistrate_n who_o design_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v to_o take_v all_o government_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o the_o king_n &_o his_o council_n to_o be_v only_o exercise_v by_o they_o which_o throw_v the_o dislike_n of_o prelacy_n be_v not_o sufficient_o lament_v lay_v to_o heart_n nor_o resist_v by_o many_o as_o its_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v who_o upon_o what_o principle_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v think_v that_o the_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o assert_v by_o law_n be_v not_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a but_o only_o objective_o so_o which_o be_v strange_a some_o of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o as_o we_o go_v along_o the_o former_a head_n we_o know_v of_o no_o other_o beside_o these_o of_o any_o considerable_a strength_n but_o one_o obj._n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o table_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o table_n of_o righteousness_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o about_o the_o same_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o achilles_n of_o the_o erastians_n and_o semi_a erastians_n of_o videlius_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v return_v these_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o show_v it_o can_v bear_v their_o conclusion_n 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n can_v claim_v by_o this_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o he_o be_v by_o his_o magistratical_a office_n constitute_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la a_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o rom._n 13_o 1_o 2._o if_o he_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o it_o come_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o his_o office_n or_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o from_o his_o blindness_n and_o unbeleef_n
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 â—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