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
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
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
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
scripture_n for_o a_o pairt_n of_o the_o church_n canon_n and_o rule_n seem_v to_o draw_v a_o bar_n on_o much_o of_o the_o romish_a trash_n which_o be_v condemn_v thereby_o but_o do_v not_o the_o prelate_n boldness_n in_o violenting_a and_o force_v of_o they_o in_o answer_v of_o our_o argument_n and_o maintain_v of_o their_o concept_n remove_v this_o bar_n and_o lay_v the_o door_n open_a for_o what_o they_o will_v for_o howbeit_o the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o creature_n image_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o charge_v these_o practice_n with_o idolatry_n yet_o thorndike_n and_o most_o of_o the_o now_o prelatical_a gang_n purge_v the_o popish_a mass_n the_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n image_n &_o saint_n from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n how_o impudent_o bold_a be_v the_o erastians_n in_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n use_v by_o their_o antagonist_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o socinian_o and_o the_o most_o note_a heretic_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v say_v with_o less_o show_n of_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o together_o in_o their_o comment_n what_o security_n can_v the_o church_n promise_v herself_o from_o these_o man_n principle_n and_o way_n who_o build_v their_o conclusion_n on_o such_o foundation_n which_o if_o once_o admit_v overturn_v all_o but_o alas_o when_o to_o enlarge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o to_o give_v support_n to_o their_o wild_a assertion_n about_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bold_o contradict_v and_o all_o religion_n ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o magistrate_n conscience_n and_o law_n as_o hobbs_n leviathan_n parker_n &_o other_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o against_o the_o foundation_n &_o superstructuâ—s_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v they_o not_o thus_o pull_v do_v to_o uphold_v the_o magistrate_n &_o to_o extend_v a_o immense_a power_n in_o he_o but_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o external_a shame_n confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v how_o much_o do_v we_o find_v that_o say_n of_o paul_n 2._o timoth_n 3.13_o verify_v in_o these_o man_n evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o our_o confidence_n be_v that_o their_o folly_n be_v make_v manefe_a to_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o for_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o oppose_v be_v god_n and_o that_o which_o he_o must_v own_v and_o plead_v see_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o supremacy_n be_v intrinched_a upon_o and_o strike_v at_o â—â—y_a his_o creature_n the_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o contrare_fw-la to_o their_o indebt_a and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o assault_v his_o throan_n and_o invade_v the_o regality_n of_o his_o high_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o he_o will_v uphold_v oh_o that_o all_o engage_v in_o this_o war_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anointed_n will_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o second_o psalm_n and_o yet_o hearken_v to_o what_o be_v there_o foretell_v anent_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o heavy_a to_o they_o that_o obstinate_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n let_v none_o that_o side_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o opponent_n for_o as_o we_o have_v the_o full_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o justify_v its_o righteousness_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n so_o we_o have_v the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a god_n to_o take_v our_o part_n who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n be_v engage_v to_o own_v they_o that_o own_o he_o in_o this_o cause_n in_o contend_v for_o these_o we_o contend_v not_o for_o honour_n dignity_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n but_o only_o for_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o they_o that_o he_o require_v of_o all_o in_o his_o word_n yea_o for_o the_o royal_a dignity_n &_o supereminent_a prerogative_n of_o his_o righteous_a and_o glorious_a crown_n which_o the_o father_n have_v place_v on_o his_o head_n give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o jesus_n all_o knee_n shall_v bow_v yea_o shall_v bow_v who_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a who_o own_o such_o a_o king_n and_o have_v he_o on_o their_o side_n who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n overcome_v &_o triumph_v over_o all_o his_o enemy_n &_o yet_o again_o will_v do_v so_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o weak_a contemn_v and_o persecute_v servant_n &_o people_n the_o lord_n build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o make_v she_o a_o peaceable_a habitation_n amen_n
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