suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d â—uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o â—ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o â—eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o highâ—â—â—_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n peâ—son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o moâ—â—â—_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o moâ—â—â—-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o eâ—â—â—ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a deâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o ouâ—_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o â—ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n thâ—_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseruâ—â—â—_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n whethâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o â—â—cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o â—hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n poâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punishâ—â—â—â—_n formâ—â—ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magiâ—â—â—â—â—_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o
etc._n etc._n therefore_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v it_o for_o although_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o imperative_fw-it power_n over_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o privative_a of_o any_o power_n in_o other_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o station_n and_o office_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o government_n we_o reply_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o these_o first_o some_o extrinsic_a and_o not_o in_o themselves_o simple_o necessare_fw-la although_o convenient_a as_o church_n of_o such_o and_o such_o form_n pulpit_n ornament_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a use_n civil_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v direct_o under_o his_o power_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v next_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n intrinsic_a to_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n and_o so_o connect_v therewith_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a command_n on_o which_o the_o morality_n of_o individual_a action_n as_o to_o their_o goodness_n and_o evil_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la do_v depend_v as_o such_o and_o such_o person_n doctrine_n time_n place_n help_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o moralist_n and_o divine_n make_v to_o specify_v all_o humane_a action_n as_o to_o their_o morality_n in_o individuo_fw-la of_o these_o we_o assert_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o as_o they_o respect_v worship_n and_o government_n and_o be_v connect_v with_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o have_v give_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o before_o as_o 1._o we_o see_v command_v give_v to_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n 1._o cor._n 14.2_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n it_o shall_v be_v likewise_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v impede_fw-la and_o obstruct_v all_o right_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o its_o exercise_n at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o whoever_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o his_o power_n without_o which_o the_o action_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n can_v be_v perform_v have_v the_o action_n in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v or_o not_o 3_o the_o consequence_n of_o grant_v this_o to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v mischievous_a for_o by_o this_o if_o he_o do_v not_o whole_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n yet_o he_o may_v restrict_n and_o limit_v it_o so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o dreadful_a unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o ministry_n or_o office_n he_o may_v bind_v they_o up_o from_o preach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n that_o at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o case_n god_n call_v they_o to_o preach_v as_o for_o the_o 3._o instance_n for_o indict_v of_o day_n for_o solemn_a fast_n and_o humiliation_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n we_o say_v that_o we_o reckon_v it_o among_o these_o common_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o every_o chirstian_a in_o his_o station_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o see_v they_o observe_v by_o other_o under_o they_o when_o the_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n call_v they_o to_o these_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n so_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n office_n power_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o same_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v and_o keep_v of_o such_o time_n and_o day_n as_o master_n in_o family_n pastor_n in_o congregation_n or_o in_o their_o association_n and_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n etc._n etc._n their_o indict_v of_o such_o day_n for_o divine_a exercise_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n power_n although_o it_o be_v such_o in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o come_v from_o they_o no_o more_o than_o other_o rebuke_v exhort_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o power_n although_o it_o be_v so_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o indict_v day_n of_o public_a fasting_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n &_o not_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n where_o have_v our_o antagonist_n learn_v this_o we_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n participat_v with_o other_o in_o this_o power_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o word_n empower_n other_o in_o their_o capacity_n as_o much_o as_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o more_o harmony_n in_o this_o public_a work_n and_o convenient_a follow_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n do_v previous_o consult_v and_o agree_v about_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o to_o affirm_v this_o to_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o obligation_n lay_v on_o other_o anent_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o encroachment_n on_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o other_o but_o a_o lose_n of_o these_o bond_n with_o which_o god_n have_v tie_v they_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o creature_n obj._n 4._o see_v minister_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o require_v of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v it_o not_o follow_v they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o he_o in_o so_o far_o in_o its_o exercise_n ans_fw-fr no_o way_n for_o 1._o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o other_o over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o do_v rule_v when_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v stumble_v and_o offensive_a to_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o general_n and_o particular_a precept_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v subordinat_a to_o such_o 2._o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o act_n in_o his_o government_n to_o minister_n and_o other_o when_o he_o prove_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o they_o be_v obliedge_v both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o promise_a subjection_n to_o the_o word_n its_o ordinance_n and_o christ_n servant_n dispense_n the_o same_o and_o likewise_o on_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n that_o bind_v all_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prevent_n but_o remove_v of_o offence_n when_o give_v to_o which_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o incident_a in_o his_o capacity_n as_o other_o as_o alas_o sad_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n obj._n 5._o but_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o act_n do_v he_o not_o act_v about_o those_o imperial_o and_o architectonice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v he_o not_o supreme_a to_o &_o above_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o subordinat_a to_o he_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o great_a seem_a strength_n but_o on_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o its_o weakness_n will_v soon_o appear_v we_o yield_v without_o any_o advantage_n to_o our_o enemy_n cause_n that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n do_v as_o such_o about_o church_n matter_n and_o officer_n he_o do_v it_o imperial_o and_o with_o dominion_n and_o as_o they_o use_v to_o speak_v architectonice_n but_o what_o then_o it_o prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v subordinat_a to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o these_o his_o act_n but_o not_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n nor_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v for_o 1._o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o by_o his_o irreligious_a and_o unjust_a carriage_n in_o his_o office_n or_o other_o way_n become_v notorious_o scandalous_a to_o the_o church_n be_v liable_a to_o ministerial_a admonition_n rebuke_n seclusion_n from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v thereby_o subordinat_a to_o church_n power_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o exerce_v it_o about_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o magistratical_a power_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o whatever_o resistance_n our_o opposite_n make_v to_o this_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o the_o person_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n yet_o they_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o minister_n or_o else_o yield_v this_o truth_n be_v it_o not_o clear_a in_o other_o power_n or_o relation_n as_o suppone_v one_o be_v both_o a_o magistrate_n and_o a_o son_n
but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o in_o this_o act_n not_o only_o preach_v and_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o in_o a_o family_n beside_o their_o own_o be_v judge_v to_o make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o a_o unlawful_a meeting_n but_o prayer_n also_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o fame_n force_n so_o that_o no_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o any_o other_o may_v pray_v together_o on_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n what_o so_o ever_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v repute_v keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o able_a to_o the_o penalty_n adjudge_v by_o this_o law_n to_o such_o be_v prelacy_n come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o opposition_n to_o godliness_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o be_v secure_v except_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a society_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o its_o exercise_n discourage_v to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o such_o incitment_n in_o these_o time_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n be_v prone_a enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v negligent_a and_o stack_n in_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o conventicle_n and_o by_o such_o penalty_n against_o they_o be_v we_o such_o odious_a abominable_a creature_n that_o none_o must_v join_v in_o christian_a communion_n with_o we_o in_o these_o mean_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o lay_v aside_o or_o if_o we_o once_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o and_o for_o god_n in_o any_o society_n we_o shall_v bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o so_o severe_a penalty_n which_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o law_n have_v be_v inflict_v on_o some_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o its_o hearer_n but_o moreover_o all_o such_o meeting_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o other_o â—orrid_a evil_n with_o which_o they_o be_v brand_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n a_o charge_n if_o true_a that_o make_v they_o meritoâ—us_o of_o far_o heavy_a punishment_n than_o some_o of_o these_o decree_v against_o they_o but_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o come_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o exercise_n consider_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o necessary_a command_v duty_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o and_o cement_v of_o union_n and_o obedience_n in_o church_n and_o state_n not_o from_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v our_o principle_n for_o worship_n doctrine_n &_o government_n be_v know_v be_v extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrare_fw-la tendency_n if_o any_o say_v we_o preach_v principle_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n they_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o out_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o as_o yet_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v condescend_v on_o and_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o act_n and_o not_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o true_o religious_a exercise_n do_v by_o person_n authorize_v and_o enable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o require_v of_o all_o engage_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o that_o piece_n of_o common_a justice_n they_o owe_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o they_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la we_o pray_v wherein_o our_o meeting_n be_v become_v the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n if_o they_o can_v when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v either_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o charge_n or_o else_o succumb_v to_o this_o act_n it_o be_v like_a some_o place_n this_o charge_n in_o our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n then_o it_o come_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n maker_n and_o not_o from_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o person_n that_o keep_v they_o for_o antecedent_n to_o this_o law_n they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n according_a to_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o have_v forbear_v it_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o seed_n of_o rebellion_n than_o thus_o to_o sow_v they_o but_o this_o law_n in_o its_o narrative_a suppon_n these_o meeting_n to_o be_v such_o antecedent_n to_o its_o enact_v but_o give_v no_o hint_n at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o heavy_a charge_n other_o again_o fix_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n on_o our_o meeting_n for_o our_o withdraw_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o allow_v public_a worship_n and_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o law_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o if_o the_o act_n have_v only_o circumstantiate_v and_o describe_v such_o meeting_n as_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o not_o take_v in_o all_o religious_a christian_a fellowship_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n something_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o justify_v of_o this_o act_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o church_n government_n now_o settle_v by_o law_n without_o a_o wound_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o to_o make_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n wherein_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v exercise_v without_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o prelate_n seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o condemn_v christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o heathenism_n heresy_n profainness_n and_o shisme_n have_v under_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o assembly_n have_v be_v account_v unlawful_a conventicle_n and_o load_v with_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n that_o be_v now_o charge_v on_o we_o there_fw-mi any_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o house_n and_o field_n who_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ordinare_fw-la allow_v place_n for_o meet_v in_o worship_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n although_o charge_v with_o these_o or_o do_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o evil_n although_o none_o will_v affirm_v this_o yet_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v it_o out_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o act_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o law_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o record_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o will_v speak_v if_o ever_o we_o return_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n but_o as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o authorize_v public_a worship_n with_o which_o some_o with_o great_a confidence_n brand_v we_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o separatist_n we_o forbear_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o penalty_n statute_n in_o this_o act_n against_o the_o contraveener_n of_o it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v far_o beyond_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o popish_a cruelty_n who_o punish_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o punishment_n equal_a to_o those_o inflict_v for_o treason_n in_o which_o this_o act_n be_v not_o short_a that_o adjudge_v the_o keeper_n of_o field_n conventicle_n to_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o add_v not_o alittle_o to_o our_o grief_n under_o our_o present_a suffering_n that_o although_o there_o be_v penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o heterodox_n person_n yet_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o yea_o in_o one_o act_n of_o parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 7._o they_o be_v exeme_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o severity_n decree_v against_o we_o which_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_n be_v find_v to_o be_v incompatible_a with_o and_o subversive_a of_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n that_o be_v due_a from_o subject_n to_o magistrate_n suppose_v by_o they_o heretical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o that_o for_o some_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v put_v to_o some_o execution_n but_o as_o to_o any_o execution_n now_o slacken_v and_o and_z lay_v by_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n be_v their_o principle_n and_o design_n change_v or_o their_o number_n any_o few_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o increase_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n but_o poor_a we_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o we_o
and_o all_o way_n take_v to_o crush_v we_o and_o our_o cause_n who_o own_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o these_o that_o be_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o assert_v by_o all_o protestant_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v corroborative_n of_o government_n and_o such_o as_o make_v way_n for_o all_o just_a obedience_n from_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a and_o sure_a execution_n of_o this_o law_n there_o be_v another_o enact_v parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 2._o entitle_v a_o act_n against_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o come_v at_o full_a information_n against_o conventicle_n and_o conventicle_n keeper_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o act_n but_o so_o conceive_v and_o frame_v as_o it_o answer_v to_o that_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la use_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o inquisition_n condemn_v by_o all_o protestant_a divine_n for_o its_o opposition_n to_o justice_n mercy_n and_o equity_n for_o first_o no_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v exeme_v the_o father_n against_o the_o son_n the_o husband_n against_o the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n be_v the_o relation_n never_o so_o near_o no_o exception_n of_o they_o be_v make_v in_o this_o act_n which_o use_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o all_o other_o crime_n except_o that_o of_o treason_n next_o by_o this_o act_n the_o deponent_a whoever_o he_o be_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v all_o interrogation_n and_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o although_o he_o have_v have_v no_o previous_a consideration_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o other_o crime_n use_v former_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o so_o the_o deponent_a may_v answer_v from_o mature_a and_o sure_a knowledge_n which_o here_o be_v not_o grant_v what_o aâ—_n foundation_n be_v hereby_o lay_v for_o the_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n shall_v we_o be_v that_o unmerciful_a and_o unjust_a to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o our_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n as_o to_o reveal_v that_o of_o they_o which_o if_o keep_v secret_a bring_v no_o prejudice_n to_o church_n or_o state_n and_o if_o reveal_v will_v ruin_v they_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o for_o a_o matter_n that_o antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n be_v no_o transgression_n before_o god_n but_o the_o do_v of_o a_o necessare_fw-la duty_n a_o invention_n we_o must_v say_v frame_v against_o the_o good_a and_o dousciencious_a who_o can_v escape_v by_o this_o law_n and_o for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o the_o persecute_v of_o such_o who_o throw_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o say_v and_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v be_v these_o the_o fruit_n of_o prelacy_n that_o most_o endear_a it_o to_o we_o whither_o be_v we_o go_v shall_v we_o thus_o fight_v against_o heaven_n to_o reach_v a_o poor_a handful_n of_o person_n that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o sigh_v to_o he_o for_o these_o evil_n that_o no_o doubt_n be_v procure_v and_o bring_v dismal_a and_o sad_a day_n on_o this_o land_n we_o forebear_v to_o anatomiz_v these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o to_o give_v judgement_n to_o every_o clause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o same_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o all_o concern_v to_o who_o the_o effect_n thereof_o may_v afterward_o speak_v more_o than_o we_o love_v to_o utter_v at_o this_o time_n only_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o offer_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o not_o a_o few_o that_o these_o and_o other_o act_n do_v pave_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o cruel_a persecution_n if_o a_o further_a declension_n in_o religion_n shall_v happen_v to_o follow_v which_o we_o beg_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n to_o this_o nation_n will_v prevent_v ruler_n be_v subject_a to_o â—erre_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o all_o age_n leave_v beyond_o debat_fw-la and_o if_o other_o shall_v arise_v after_o we_o that_o incline_v to_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v there_o not_o law_n make_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o we_o that_o will_v facilitat_fw-la their_o work_n and_o make_v it_o most_o easy_a what_o have_v they_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rescind_v some_o very_o few_o in_o regaird_a of_o these_o that_o once_o be_v and_o to_o execute_v those_o they_o find_v in_o force_n and_o on_o record_n for_o the_o persecute_v of_o all_o opponent_n to_o the_o height_n of_o cruelty_n next_o there_o need_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o this_o change_n and_o introduction_n of_o another_o religion_n a_o act_n from_o the_o king_n record_v in_o the_o council_n book_n and_o sufficient_o publish_v which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o obligation_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v enable_v by_o law_n to_o do_v all_o a_o act_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o nation_n when_o consider_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n from_o what_o be_v say_v anent_o these_o act_n any_o may_v gather_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o refuse_v the_o bond_n late_o frame_v by_o the_o council_n that_o take_v we_o engage_v against_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o be_v enforce_v by_o violence_n on_o we_o not_o pretend_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v always_o understand_v bond_n to_o be_v voluntare_fw-la and_o first_o to_o proceed_v from_o person_n find_v guilty_a and_o sentence_v by_o the_o judge_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v often_o suspend_v or_o remit_v upon_o the_o guilty_n offer_v and_o voluntare_fw-la engagement_n for_o better_a behaviour_n in_o time_n come_v and_o never_o require_v of_o nor_o impose_v on_o person_n not_o prove_v nor_o find_v guilty_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o this_o violent_a imposition_n of_o bond_n be_v thus_o allow_v and_o practise_v what_o ground_n will_v there_o be_v thereby_o lay_v down_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o who_o can_v promise_v to_o himself_o security_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o other_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o covetous_a design_n may_v on_o any_o pretence_n give_v information_n against_o other_o although_o never_o so_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a sect_n iii_o the_o minister_n preach_v and_o people_n hear_v vindicate_v and_o four_o objection_n answer_v have_v thus_o far_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o touch_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o grievous_a to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o for_o what_o we_o have_v suffer_v as_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o engine_n frame_v and_o set_v on_o foot_n for_o perpetuate_n we_o and_o the_o church_n oppression_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n at_o and_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eject_v minister_n the_o new_a cause_n of_o these_o heavy_a act_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o we_o for_o the_o same_o in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o in_o all_o singlness_n of_o heart_n bring_v forth_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n bind_v our_o conscience_n to_o these_o practice_n and_o then_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o build_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o all_o christian_n especial_o protestant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o only_a king_n and_o law_n giver_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o and_o adhere_v to_o and_o from_o which_o they_o can_v recede_v without_o contradict_v of_o the_o say_a profession_n and_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o only_a statute_n and_o law_n book_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n if_o on_o bring_v our_o case_n to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o our_o condemn_a practice_n in_o these_o stand_v justify_v we_o hope_v with_o much_o assurance_n we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o have_v any_o feeling_n and_o sense_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o censure_n and_o talk_n of_o other_o against_o we_o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v we_o for_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o to_o themselves_o shall_v not_o much_o move_v we_o therefore_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o appointment_n from_o christ_n jesus_n as_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n
and_o the_o person_n qualify_v for_o and_o call_v thereto_o in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thereby_o constitute_v his_o ambassador_n and_o messenger_n and_o in_o special_a delegation_n send_v from_o he_o as_o such_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o obedience_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o institution_n and_o their_o special_a delegation_n or_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n office_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o till_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o covey_v and_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o no_o christian_a that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o its_o light_n and_o direction_n will_v get_v refuse_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o minister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a capacity_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o man_n in_o their_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o as_o his_o ambassador_n have_v and_o derive_a all_o their_o power_n from_o he_o be_v oblige_v on_o high_a pain_n be_v reason_n of_o their_o special_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o their_o commission_n from_o he_o which_o contain_v all_o their_o instruction_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o can_v be_v supersede_v therein_o by_o any_o far_o less_o by_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v christ_n authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o above_o all_o other_o authority_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o have_v their_o power_n and_o mission_n from_o man_n well_o may_v they_o submit_v to_o these_o in_o take_v it_o from_o they_o but_o it_o not_o be_v so_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n but_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o they_o believe_v we_o in_o this_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o difficulty_n we_o be_v sure_a minister_n be_v christ_n messenger_n send_v by_o he_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n from_o which_o obligation_n none_o can_v loose_v they_o but_o christ_n jesus_n their_o only_a master_n and_o head_n in_o this_o work_n 2._o it_o do_v also_o native_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a truth_n that_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n supereminent_a supreme_a and_o absolute_a authority_n and_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o its_o exercise_n in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o he_o send_v and_o that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n &_o office_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n and_n not_o they_o they_o act_v according_o to_o the_o instruction_n contain_v iâ—_n their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v christ_n servant_n serve_v he_o by_o special_a delegation_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v commissionated_a and_o instruct_v by_o he_o they_o bear_v his_o name_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o his_o people_n as_o his_o ambassador_n be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o all_o finner_n for_o attain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—â—r_v conversion_n edification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v first_o renunce_n christ_n authority_n and_o dominon_n over_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v refuse_v and_o reject_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v thus_o send_v by_o he_o to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v thâ—_n not_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o he_o a_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_o &_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o for_o it_o draw_v exceed_o deep_a upon_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n high_a and_o low_a so_o that_o they_o not_o depend_v on_o any_o other_o inferior_a authority_n and_o power_n except_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v send_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v annul_v by_o man_n let_v we_o say_v it_o in_o this_o we_o contend_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o for_o the_o fountain_n and_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o but_o for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o constitute_v &_o send_v ambassador_n in_o his_o own_o name_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n this_o be_v one_o which_o be_v the_o native_a consequent_a of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v we_o allow_v this_o in_o point_n of_o right_a to_o earthly_a sovereign_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n second_o moreover_o minister_n in_o this_o relation_n they_o stand_v under_o to_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o gospel_n &_o its_o ordinance_n commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o sinner_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o talon_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n and_o which_o while_o they_o have_v it_o they_o be_v command_v in_o all_o high_a pain_n to_o use_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o in_o his_o word_n now_o let_v all_o judge_n what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v cast_v into_o in_o these_o time_n if_o they_o forbear_v on_o the_o inhibition_n of_o man_n to_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n to_o sinner_n thus_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o master_n betray_v their_o trust_n and_o incur_v his_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o wrath_n if_o they_o answer_v their_o trust_n and_o aim_v at_o faithfulness_n therein_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n thereof_o to_o gain_v sinner_n they_o provock_n man_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n but_o they_o know_v the_o love_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n choose_v and_o purpose_v in_o their_o master_n strength_n to_o venture_v on_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n see_v they_o can_v in_o this_o juncture_n both_o please_v their_o master_n &_o they_o resolve_a to_o prefer_v the_o necessity_n of_o suffering_n to_o that_o of_o sin_n the_o much_o commend_v and_o cryed-up_a choice_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o like_a â—ase_n propose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o word_n for_o their_o imitation_n three_o beside_o this_o trust_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o the_o heavy_a trust_n of_o immortal_a soul_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o for_o who_o blood_n they_o must_v answer_v when_o they_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o their_o stewardship_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o trust_n aâ—_n his_o foot_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o do_v any_o think_v the_o threat_n and_o inhibition_n of_o man_n will_v discharge_v they_o of_o this_o trust_n at_o their_o master_n hand_n if_o they_o think_v so_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o produce_v something_o from_o he_o that_o will_v signify_v so_o much_o to_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v judge_v themselves_o exeem_v from_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o soul_n who_o blood_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o master_n if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o part_n in_o what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o save_a of_o such_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o nothing_o yet_o from_o our_o ruler_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o peremptory_a law_n and_o act_n command_v they_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o under_o great_a penalty_n if_o we_o be_v assure_v upon_o clear_a rational_a ground_n that_o their_o voice_n and_o command_n be_v the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n relieve_v we_o of_o this_o press_a burden_n of_o immortal_a soul_n once_o lay_v on_o we_o how_o quick_o and_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o obey_v their_o present_a law_n but_o nothing_o can_v we_o learn_v from_o they_o or_o any_o other_o to_o ascertane_v we_o of_o this_o let_v any_o that_o have_v any_o true_a feel_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o soul_n judge_n what_o a_o cruelty_n it_o must_v be_v in_o we_o to_o behold_v soul_n perish_v throw_v ignorance_n wickedness_n hypocrisy_n &_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n
disobedience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o power_n can_v just_o crave_v obedience_n when_o it_o act_v either_o beyond_o or_o against_o its_o true_a adequat_fw-la formal_a object_n but_o of_o this_o above_o 3._o when_o magistrate_n command_n be_v opposite_a to_o god_n which_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v be_v no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o in_o our_o case_n we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o although_o the_o thing_n command_v to_o wit_n appearance_n be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n that_o it_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o mercy_n and_o justice_n yea_o and_o thing_n command_v and_o allow_v we_o of_o god_n which_o will_v exeem_v our_o non-appearance_n from_o disobedience_n &_o consequent_o from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n know_v and_o be_v moral_o certain_a that_o the_o unjust_a violence_n design_v against_o we_o will_v have_v inevitable_o follow_v on_o our_o appearance_n we_o choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o flight_n christ_n allow_v to_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o moral_n or_o practical_a divinty_n accord_v to_o by_o all_o divine_n that_o of_o two_o penal_a evil_n when_o the_o election_n of_o they_o be_v in_o our_o arbitrament_n the_o lesser_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o great_a and_o to_o any_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n we_o then_o have_v before_o we_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o flight_n be_v much_o preferable_a to_o the_o severity_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v on_o appearance_n of_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a carriage_n of_o our_o ruler_n who_o although_o slow_a and_o negligent_a enough_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n against_o papist_n quaker_n and_o other_o heterodox_n opinious_a and_o wicked_a practice_n yet_o punctual_a and_o strict_a in_o put_v the_o law_n to_o more_o than_o its_o full_a execution_n against_o we_o to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v instigate_v by_o our_o enemy_n the_o prelate_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o keenness_n that_o if_o the_o matter_n contamed_a in_o our_o summons_n can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v we_o be_v put_v to_o answer_v such_o interrogatory_n and_o require_v to_o give_v and_o subscribe_v such_o oath_n engagement_n and_o bond_n to_o which_o they_o know_v we_o can_v without_o destroy_v of_o our_o principle_n yield_v for_o refuse_v of_o which_o many_o of_o our_o party_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n fine_v banish_a etc._n etc._n three_o it_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n on_o we_o in_o determine_v our_o non-appearance_n that_o the_o usual_a legal_a form_n of_o procedure_n in_o judgement_n allow_v to_o and_o use_v with_o other_o be_v not_o observe_v towards_o we_o from_o which_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v justice_n but_o all_o severity_n on_o our_o appearance_n we_o have_v no_o accuser_n often_o no_o lybel_n condescend_v on_o or_o contain_v our_o crime_n with_o the_o circumstance_n no_o witness_n produce_v but_o a_o oath_n administer_v to_o the_o empanel_v for_o expiscate_v of_o accusation_n against_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o in_o crime_n make_v by_o law_n capital_a and_o the_o oath_n of_o these_o who_o the_o law_n call_v socij_fw-la criminis_fw-la sustain_v for_o valid_a probation_n way_n of_o procedure_n condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nation_n except_o where_o the_o papist_n cruelty_n take_v place_n and_o if_o all_o these_o sail_n the_o subscribe_v of_o engagment_n and_o bond_n be_v propose_v &_o require_v as_o be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refusal_n of_o which_o a_o prison_n be_v the_o best_a we_o meet_v with_o let_v any_o man_n of_o ordinare_fw-la reason_n and_o justice_n judge_v whether_o appearance_n before_o ruler_n who_o by_o follow_v of_o such_o method_n and_o way_n in_o judgement_n declare_v themselves_o resolve_v to_o have_v at_o the_o person_n arraign_v whether_o â—ure_n or_o not_o we_o say_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o appearance_n before_o such_o when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o choice_n to_o appear_v or_o not_o be_v rational_a and_o safe_a except_o where_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a intend_v by_o their_o appearance_n to_o prevent_v great_a severity_n four_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o come_v under_o consideration_n with_o we_o against_o this_o appearance_n be_v the_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la late_o frame_v into_o a_o law_n and_o now_o press_v on_o we_o which_o for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o take_v for_o beside_o the_o severe_a punishment_n as_o imprisonment_n arbitrary_a fine_n exile_n to_o foreign_a plantation_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o for_o refuse_v of_o this_o oath_n if_o we_o take_v it_o we_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o all_o natural_a equity_n mercy_n and_o justice_n make_v the_o accuser_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o provision_n make_v in_o the_o act_n establish_v and_o impose_v of_o this_o oath_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o any_o shall_v not_o militat_fw-la in_o judgement_n against_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o suâ—h_v &_o such_o penalty_n therein_o specify_v and_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o lybel_n use_v to_o be_v diawne_v from_o it_o and_o if_o they_o deny_v their_o deposition_n a_o oath_n be_v adduce_v for_o probation_n against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a by_o we_o how_o such_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v sustain_v 〈◊〉_d valide_fw-la probation_n against_o other_o and_o not_o against_o the_o deponent_a see_v a_o person_n be_v own_o confession_n of_o his_o crime_n be_v judge_v sufficient_a against_o he_o much_o more_o shall_v this_o oath_n which_o necessary_o suppon_n and_o infer_v confession_n even_o judicial_a but_o five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o evil_a consequence_n that_o by_o our_o appearance_n we_o be_v certane_v will_v have_v redound_v to_o many_o make_v we_o forbear_v it_o for_o if_o we_o have_v appear_v we_o be_v sure_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n or_o exile_n from_o our_o native_a country_n have_v ensue_v thereon_o whereby_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o a_o capacity_n for_o labour_v the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n and_o to_o which_o we_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n be_v so_o strait_o tie_v and_o bind_v the_o people_n shall_v have_v be_v rob_v of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n anâ—_n he_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n pure_o dispense_v by_o they_o the_o rod_n of_o persecution_n now_o on_o the_o back_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v more_o sharpen_v against_o the_o remnant_n of_o our_o party_n the_o people_n expose_v to_o more_o shakeing_n and_o winnow_v temptation_n to_o the_o endanger_n of_o their_o steadfastness_n our_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n more_o embolden_v to_o vent_v &_o spew_v out_o their_o venomous_a doctrine_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_a defection_n to_o a_o great_a height_n all_o which_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a yea_o to_o we_o moral_o certane_v we_o dare_v not_o do_v that_o which_o will_v have_v open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o these_o evil_n these_o argument_n do_v suppone_v and_o lean_a on_o the_o unjust_a oppression_n intend_v and_o prosecute_v against_o we_o which_o be_v make_v out_o both_o as_o to_o matter_n &_o design_n in_o the_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a discourse_n six_o it_o be_v never_o a_o piece_n of_o disloyalty_n and_o disobedience_n to_o magistracy_n even_o for_o person_n confess_o guilty_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o law_n to_o run_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n if_o they_o can_v effect_v it_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o prison_n when_o cite_v thereto_o must_v be_v as_o free_v of_o disloyalty_n especial_o when_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o any_o be_v in_o hazard_n thereof_o be_v righteousness_n as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n sect_n iv_o our_o practice_n clear_v from_o separation_n where_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v unlawful_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o curate_n exception_n 5._o the_o eject_v minister_n preach_v &_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o people_n run_v to_o and_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o allow_v public_a ordinance_n be_v separation_n which_o be_v against_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o forego_v time_n ans_fw-fr because_o this_o in_o act_n of_o parliament_n public_a sermon_n and_o in_o pamphlet_n be_v with_o great_a confidence_n assert_v we_o shall_v take_v it_o a_o little_a into_o consideration_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n or_o our_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o they_o be_v the_o separatist_n a_o sinful_a separation_n
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
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
be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o reciprocal_a subordination_n and_o superiority_n of_o person_n with_o a_o coordination_n of_o power_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o we_o plead_v no_o more_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o we_o grant_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o other_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n they_o act_n as_o mere_a servant_n without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o he_o with_o dominion_n and_o magistratical_a authority_n over_o the_o person_n of_o minister_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o power_n be_v coordinat_fw-la and_o in_o their_o exercise_n not_o direct_o subject_a to_o one_o another_o 2._o these_o power_n their_o exercise_n and_o respective_a object_n become_v reciprocal_o the_o object_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o object_n be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n be_v likewise_o a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o minister_n exercise_v their_o power_n under_o different_a formality_n and_o specification_n there_o arise_v or_o result_v not_o only_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o a_o mutual_a subserviency_n to_o one_o another_o in_o advancing_z of_o their_o respective_a end_n but_o likewise_o a_o indirect_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o any_o dependence_n of_o these_o power_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o this_o subordination_n be_v only_o of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o power_n which_o by_o be_v the_o mutual_a object_n of_o one_o another_o power_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o its_o exercise_n but_o only_o the_o person_n for_o any_o thing_n or_o power_n become_v the_o object_n of_o another_o do_v not_o subordinat_a it_o to_o that_o power_n the_o word_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n either_o of_o the_o ministerial_a or_o the_o magistratical_a power_n subordinate_v or_o subject_a thereto_o so_o that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n its_o exercise_n and_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o converse_v be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_v to_o it_o this_o break_v the_o force_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n which_o lie_v main_o in_o this_o obj._n 6._o it_o be_v only_o this_o sort_n of_o supremacy_n and_o subordination_n that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n do_v mean_a ans_fw-fr it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o act_n for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n assembly_n their_o proper_a matter_n their_o constitution_n the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o their_o conclusion_n that_o be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o all_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o obj._n 7._o all_o divine_v even_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n grant_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a none_o of_o they_o scruple_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o that_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr all_o divine_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o many_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o yield_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v among_o we_o neither_o can_v it_o see_v it_o quyt_v overthrow_n all_o church_n government_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o know_a principle_n both_o of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n and_o if_o the_o prelate_n themselves_o dare_v speak_v their_o mind_n conform_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o thorndike_n more_o free_a and_o engenuous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o party_n do_v declaim_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o the_o great_a cry_a sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o a_o excess_n will_v assert_v all_o and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n on_o who_o now_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o who_o creature_n they_o only_o areâ—_n which_o have_v in_o our_o time_n reconcile_v the_o prelatical_a and_o erastian_n principle_n at_o least_o in_o appearance_n that_o be_v most_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z distant_a from_o one_o another_o yea_o more_o than_o they_o and_o we_o and_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o explication_n allow_v &_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o magistrate_n that_o give_v it_o a_o sound_a sense_n which_o be_v stumble_v and_o scruple_v at_o both_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n time_n till_o its_o sense_n be_v explicat_fw-la and_o allow_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n by_o queen_n elizabeth_n for_o administrate_v the_o say_a oath_n &_o bishop_n usher_v explanation_n of_o it_o approven_v by_o king_n james_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v &_o take_v to_o this_o day_n among_o they_o but_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n aright_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o generality_n &_o ambiguity_n with_o which_o some_o divine_n perplex_v &_o intricat_v it_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v proper_a supremacy_n one_o civil_a and_o another_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n power_n meeting_n and_o matter_n 2_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o cause_n of_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a some_o that_o be_v only_o extrinsical_o such_o but_o in_o their_o nature_n immediate_a end_n and_o use_n civil_a that_o for_o their_o more_o remote_a end_n and_o respect_n to_o thing_n true_o and_o proper_o sacred_a be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a as_o law_n make_v for_o the_o church_n &_o she_o concern_v outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n external_a reward_n and_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n again_o some_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a be_v intrinsical_o and_o formal_o such_o as_o who_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o ministry_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v depose_v from_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v rebuke_v admonish_v and_o excommunicate_v or_o receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n &_o c._n 3_o the_o term_n cause_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o physical_a but_o moral_a and_o juridical_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o question_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o those_o who_o be_v impower_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n to_o this_o work_n 4_o cause_n or_o question_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o power_n &_o its_o exercise_n be_v either_o proper_a and_o immediate_a or_o else_o improper_a and_o remote_a hence_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o cause_n proper_o civil_a relate_v to_o cause_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o these_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o admit_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n &_o declare_v ourselves_o willing_a to_o take_v it_o which_o be_v refuse_v we_o 2_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o cause_n and_o over_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a this_o we_o assert_v belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v above_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n anent_o it_o that_o be_v now_o establish_a law_n be_v persuade_v for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n grant_v by_o law_n and_o understand_v in_o this_o oath_n but3_n that_o cause_n and_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n but_o only_o improper_a and_o remote_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o christ_n law_n give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n about_o these_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n part_v to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o who_o not_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o of_o other_o cause_n and_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n obj._n then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o protect_v countenance_v and_o further_a of_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n by_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v a_o blind_a executer_n of_o they_o ans_fw-fr this_o must_v be_v say_v