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act_n law_n parliament_n prerogative_n 2,334 5 9.9399 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A46641 An apology for, or vindication of the oppressed persecuted ministers & professors of the Presbyterian Reformed Religion, in the Church of Scotland emitted in the defence of them, and the cause for which they suffer: & that for the information of ignorant, the satisfaction and establishment of the doubtful, the conviction (if possible) of the malicious, the warning of our rulers, the strengthening & comforting of the said sufferers under their present pressurs & trials. Being their testimony to the covenanted work of reformation in this church, and against the present prevailing corruptions and course of defection therefrom. Prestat sero, quàm nunquam sapere. Smith, Hugh.; Jamieson, Alexander. 1677 (1677) Wing J446; ESTC R31541 114,594 210

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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 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possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o i●_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
duty_n do_v not_o enjoin_v a_o duty_n but_o a_o sin_n obj._n 2._o if_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o not_o only_o a_o right_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o dispense_v ordinance_n &_o make_v their_o act_n valide_fw-la but_o it_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o relation_n &_o the_o mutual_a duty_n that_o the_o person_n under_o they_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n the_o people_n must_v likewise_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o ans_fw-fr albeit_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o prelate_n and_o curate_n to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o have_v give_v and_o do_v give_v to_o many_o too_o much_o ground_n by_o their_o open_a avow_a perjury_n enmity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n their_o renunce_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o immediate_a supreme_a head_n by_o subject_v themselves_o to_o another_o foreign_a supreme_a in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o flagitious_a life_n yet_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o shall_v receive_v &_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o the_o lawful_o call_v &_o appropriate_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n which_o for_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n we_o deny_v and_o we_o will_v glad_o see_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o for_o although_o intruder_n upon_o the_o church_n be_v minister_n yet_o their_o intrusion_n put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o people_n reception_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o they_o as_o we_o have_v make_v out_o both_o in_o thesi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la wherefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o hear_v &_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o prelatical_a minister_n in_o our_o case_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o we_o refuse_v it_o 2_o people_n obligation_n to_o submission_n to_o minister_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o clothe_v therewith_o there_o a●e_v beside_o this_o other_o thing_n that_o must_v concur_v to_o the_o cause_v of_o this_o obligation_n which_o if_o they_o be_v want_v will_v make_v it_o void_a or_o at_o least_o suspend_v it_o as_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v in_o person_n pretend_v to_o the_o ministry_n the_o removal_n of_o just_a impediment_n the_o church_n call_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o be_v something_n either_o physical_a or_o moral_a that_o if_o they_o fall_v out_o will_v suspend_v this_o obligation_n in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la while_o it_o remain_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o inability_n of_o body_n just_a suspension_n for_o a_o time_n fundamental_a heresy_n intrusion_n etc._n etc._n now_o many_o of_o these_o be_v existent_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o no_o divine_a obligation_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n anent_o the_o romish_a priest_n jesuit_n and_o other_o in_o order_n among_o they_o who_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v nor_o ordinance_n receive_v from_o they_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pharisy_n and_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 23._o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o militat_fw-la against_o this_o till_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o they_o be_v intruder_n which_o yet_o none_o have_v do_v arg._n 8._o it_o be_v of_o no_o little_a weight_n to_o we_o when_o add_v to_o the_o former_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o violent_o thrust-in_a on_o congregation_n be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a creature_n we_o confess_v fit_v for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o prelate_n design_n against_o this_o church_n and_o we_o by_o who_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o hazard_n throw_v ignorance_n piophannes_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n abound_v in_o all_o corner_n of_o this_o land_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o prevent_v and_o cure_v of_o the_o same_o do_v rather_o further_o and_o advance_v these_o church-destroying_a evil_n as_o we_o do_v not_o make_v personal_a scandal_n of_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o withdraw_v from_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o a_o minister_n guilty_a thereof_o yet_o when_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o those_o who_o entry_n be_v corrupt_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v justify_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o under_o straight_a tie_n to_o be_v ware_n of_o and_o fly_v from_o such_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o little_a or_o no_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n from_o their_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o precept_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o avoid_v and_o shune_v of_o such_o philip._n 3._o with_o many_o other_o shall_v we_o give_v up_o ourselus_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o such_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v nothing_o to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o but_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n who_o we_o know_v be_v carry_v on_o corrupt_a design_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o purity_n &_o power_n what_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o charge_n in_o this_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o church_n good_a and_o bad_a who_o have_v be_v &_o be_v witness_n to_o their_o deportment_n arg._n 9_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o state_v case_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o withhold_v and_o yet_o withhold_v we_o from_o subject_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n which_o we_o wish_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o 1._o for_o make_v way_n to_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v shake_v and_o unhinged_a by_o the_o disannullig_a and_o rescind_v of_o such_o a_o series_n of_o parliament_n for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o most_o of_o which_o there_o be_v according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o law_n all_o that_o among_o we_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n by_o this_o deed_n not_o only_o the_o constitution_n of_o former_a parliament_n be_v strike_v at_o but_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a a_o preparative_n be_v make_v for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n by_o any_o that_o in_o after_o age_n have_v a_o mind_n for_o and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o although_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n at_o that_o time_n be_v as_o high_o prelatical_a and_o as_o much_o make_v for_o the_o king_n design_n as_o we_o yet_o they_o forbear_v such_o a_o deed_n anent_o the_o long-lived-parliament_n albeit_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v 2_o this_o change_n make_v in_o the_o church_n be_v accompany_v and_o yet_o be_v with_o such_o a_o speat_v of_o enimity_n at_o and_o opposition_n to_o true_a godliness_n in_o its_o necessare_fw-la exercise_n that_o the_o person_n that_o savour_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n sobriety_n and_o conscience_n come_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o be_v discountenance_v even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a as_o person_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v in_o any_o place_n of_o office_n or_o power_n while_o these_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o dissolute_a life_n and_o give_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n be_v mu●h_o make_v of_o countenance_v and_o entrust_v as_o the_o only_a confident_n of_o the_o time_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n find_v itself_o encourage_v and_o reins_n loose_v to_o it_o abound_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o too_o much_o prolixity_n this_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o undeniable_a but_o lamentable_a instance_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n we_o forbear_v not_o love_a to_o stir_n in_o this_o filthy_a puddle_n 3_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o
real_o exclude_v magistrate_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n which_o in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o save_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v adduce_v as_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o nullify_v its_o just_a sentence_n pass_v etc._n etc._n sect_n vii_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supreamacy_n manifest_v but_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a to_o the_o conviction_n o●_n the_o unprejudged_a we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o ou●_n task_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o our_o ruler_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n particular_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 2._o act._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 3._o act._n 4._o act_n against_o conventicle_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 5._o act_n against_o keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o withdrawer_n etc._n etc._n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o act._n 17._o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessare_fw-la for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v alittle_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n repeat_v in_o several_a act_n where_o first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o term_n external_n be_v notour_o ambiguous_a shall_v have_v be_v explain_v &_o all_o not_o leave_v to_o guess_v at_o its_o meaning_n external_n be_v by_o some_o oppose_v to_o the_o internal_a invisible_a government_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o so_o by_o it_o they_o understand_v the_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o term_n external_n government_n in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n the_o follow_a argument_n undertake_v to_o make_v out_o but_o some_o other_o oppose_v the_o term_n external_n government_n to_o this_o intrinsic_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o describe_v and_o assert_v to_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o mastrat_n and_o by_o it_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o humane_a adjunct_n and_o accident_n that_o be_v civil_a in_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o divine_a institution_n some_o plead_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n in_o the_o act_n of_o parlt_n but_o how_o groundless_o let_v our_o subsequent_a reason_n determine_v second_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hard_o to_o sense_n this_o for_o order_v and_o dispose_v when_o do_v by_o person_n in_o authority_n be_v a_o part_n of_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o phrase_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o speech_n as_o if_o a_o government_n need_v a_o government_n to_o govern_v it_o what_o if_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v repute_v non_fw-la sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o government_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o it_o be_v without_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n under_o heathenish_a magistrate_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v take_v from_o she_o next_o we_o ask_v whether_o this_o order_n and_o dipose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a government_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v again_o nonsense_n at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o perfect_a tautology_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n how_o come_v it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a obj._n it_o be_v only_o objective_o so_o call_v ans_fw-fr then_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o civil_a the_o phrase_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a be_v catachrestical_a and_o abusive_a a_o very_a improper_a speech_n yea_o as_o improper_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v church_n power_n or_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n objective_o civil_a or_o civil_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o order_n or_o dispose_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a why_o be_v the_o church_n trouble_v with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v again_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o civil_a or_o church_n government_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o church_n have_v none_o under_o persecute_v magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n government_n than_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o formal_o such_o and_o not_o true_o civil_a although_o exercise_v about_o thing_n civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o any_o considerate_a and_o unbyaffed_a reader_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o these_o word_n or_o expression_n come_v from_o mind_n design_v the_o enhanse_a of_o the_o intrinsic_a vis●●le_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o labour_v to_o cover_v it_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a now_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n formal_o and_o intrinsical_o such_o be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n will_v be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o forecited_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o that_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o church_n assembly_n or_o judicatories_n be_v put_v in_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o therein_o this_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n &_o the_o church_n officer_n to_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n of_o he_o which_o make_v our_o king_n the_o proper_a head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o substitute_n he_o in_o christ_n room_n to_o she_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o subject_v to_o &_o dependent_a on_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n extend_v to_o and_o make_v to_o take_v in_o ordination_n act_n of_o discipline_n inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n yea_o to_o all_o cause_n and_o matter_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a to_o all_o about_o which_o church_n power_n be_v exerce_v he_o be_v make_v the_o supreme_a 3._o all_o church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n before_o the_o late_a introduction_n of_o prelacy_n without_o this_o derivation_n from_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v rescind_v and_o annul_v certain_o in_o these_o time_n the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v a_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o law_n then_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o this_o do_v not_o now_o content_a without_o this_o supremacy_n which_o import_v another_o power_n acclame_v by_o the_o magistrate_n now_o that_o be_v not_o then_o 4._o this_o supremacy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o change_n make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o overturning_a and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a government_n that_o then_o be_v and_o bring_v in_o another_o in_o its_o stead_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fair_a open_a door_n for_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v access_n to_o it_o 5._o prelacy_n by_o this_o act_n be_v restore_v not_o only_o to_o the_o former_a height_n it_o be_v at_o and_o have_v attain_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n before_o its_o last_o ejection_n out_o of_o this_o church_n
but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n which_o when_o consider_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n it_o then_o have_v be_v a_o humane_a office_n found_v on_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o now_o by_o this_o law_n on_o the_o magistrate_n which_o say_v that_o although_o the_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o the_o supremacy_n be_v the_o same_o 6._o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o person_n by_o who●n_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v under_o the_o king_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o supremacy_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n judicatory_n be_v make_v dependent_a upon_o he_o a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o nor_o practise_v in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o church_n till_o of_o late_a 7._o the_o right_a be_v and_o constitution_n of_o the_o national_a synod_n of_o this_o church_n be_v whole_o dependent_a upon_o and_o derive_v from_o this_o law_n so_o as_o it_o be_v no_o synod_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v not_o gather_v and_o constitute_v conform_a to_o it_o although_o a_o synod_n in_o this_o church_n shall_v have_v all_o that_o make_v synod_n lawful_a and_o their_o act_n obligatory_a in_o former_a time_n 8._o the_o particular_a constitution_n of_o this_o national_a synod_n as_o to_o its_o member_n which_o in_o this_o act_n be_v nominate_v and_o regulate_v thereby_o for_o all_o future_a time_n be_v determine_v for_o its_o '_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o put_v whole_o in_o the_o king_n hand_n and_o assert_v to_o be_v his_o right_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supremacy_n over_o this_o church_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o convocate_v 9_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v debate_v and_o conclude_v in_o this_o synod_n a_o thing_n always_o judge_v intrinsic_a to_o the_o church_n come_v only_o from_o the_o king_n &_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v from_o he_o by_o the_o arch-prelat_n of_o saint_n andrews_n and_o no_o other_o a_o fearful_a restrain_v of_o the_o divine_a liberty_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o may_v not_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n &_o manner_n although_o necessary_a for_o the_o time_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v command_v they_o by_o their_o master_n anent_o these_o 10._o the_o king_n be_v or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n be_v make_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o of_o bind_a force_n to_o this_o national_a synod_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n although_o constitute_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n if_o it_o want_v this_o 11._o no_o matter_n debate_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v obligatory_a on_o this_o church_n and_o its_o member_n if_o not_o approven_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n this_o suspend_v the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o synod_n on_o the_o king_n so_o that_o no_o canon_n act_n or_o constitution_n do_v bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o assent_v not_o as_o this_o secure_v the_o cou●t_n in_o their_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o sinful_a way_n so_o it_o shut_v the_o door_n on_o all_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n by_o the_o church_n when_o prince_n be_v vicious_a 12._o in_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n ecclesiastic_a the_o king_n &_o his_o successor_n be_v enable_v and_o impower_v to_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a which_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n within_o his_o verge_n and_o subject_n the_o same_o to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o government_n 13._o they_o be_v impower_v to_o enact_v and_o emit_v constitution_n act_n and_o order_n anent_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a as_o they_o please_v and_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o astrict_v to_o any_o rule_n but_o their_o pleasure_n o_o horrendum_fw-la 14._o all_o these_o act_n and_o order_n they_o may_v statute_n independent_a on_o the_o church_n parliament_n or_o any_o other_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n never_o grant_v to_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n before_o 15._o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n and_o due_o publish_v be_v declare_v and_o make_v to_o be_v of_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o her_o member_n no_o need_n of_o synod●_n here_o which_o by_o this_o be_v whole_o subvert_v 16._o all_o former_a law_n act_n and_o clause_n of_o they_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z inconsistent_a with_o this_o be_v make_v void_a cass_v annul_v which_o take_v away_o the_o protestant_a religion_n th●_n word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v provide_v and_o secure_v by_o former_a act_n of_o parliament_n a_o wide_a door_n for_o popery_n 17._o in_o the_o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n as_o they_o call_v they_o the_o ordination_n of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o have_v not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n which_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a &_o valid_a for_o its_o substance_n by_o all_o till_o this_o late_a gang_n of_o prelate_n arise_v in_o which_o they_o be_v degenerate_a from_o their_o predecessor_n be_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n make_v void_a and_o all_o ministerial_a act_n and_o church_n benefit_n depend_v thereon_o declare_v to_o be_v nul_fw-fr a_o act_n that_o unchristian_n and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v their_o church_n no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o nullity_n which_o their_o practice_n at_o this_o time_n in_o england_n do_v confirm_v while_o romish_a priest_n turn_v protestant_n be_v without_o ordination_n make_v capable_a and_o advance_v to_o church_n place_n and_o preferment_n of_o which_o the_o protestant_a minister_n of_o other_o church_n conform_v to_o prelacy_n be_v dent_v till_o they_o be_v reordain_v other_o medium_n contain_v in_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o fix_v of_o the_o precede_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v have_v hint_v at_o some_o of_o they_o above_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o uninteress_v &_o unprejudge_v who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n and_o earthly_a interest_n have_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n but_o keep_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n answer_v some_o objection_n in_o which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n first_o the_o high_a fly_v erastians_n of_o our_o time_n who_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o magistrate_n who_o design_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v to_o take_v all_o government_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o the_o king_n &_o his_o council_n to_o be_v only_o exercise_v by_o they_o which_o throw_v the_o dislike_n of_o prelacy_n be_v not_o sufficient_o lament_v lay_v to_o heart_n nor_o resist_v by_o many_o as_o its_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v who_o upon_o what_o principle_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v think_v that_o the_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o assert_v by_o law_n be_v not_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a but_o only_o objective_o so_o which_o be_v strange_a some_o of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o as_o we_o go_v along_o the_o former_a head_n we_o know_v of_o no_o other_o beside_o these_o of_o any_o considerable_a strength_n but_o one_o obj._n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o table_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o table_n of_o righteousness_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o about_o the_o same_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o achilles_n of_o the_o erastians_n and_o semi_a erastians_n of_o videlius_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v return_v these_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o show_v it_o can_v bear_v their_o conclusion_n 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n can_v claim_v by_o this_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o he_o be_v by_o his_o magistratical_a office_n constitute_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la a_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o rom._n 13_o 1_o 2._o if_o he_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o it_o come_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o his_o office_n or_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o from_o his_o blindness_n and_o unbeleef_n
suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d ●uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o ●ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o ●●●onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o ●eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o high●●●_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n pe●son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o mo●●●_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o mo●●●-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d ●●●ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o e●●●ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d ●●●mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a de●●●_n 〈…〉_o ou●_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o ●ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n th●_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseru●●●_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n wheth●●_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o ●●cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o ●hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n po●●●●_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punish●●●●_n form●●ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magi●●●●●_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o
but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o in_o this_o act_n not_o only_o preach_v and_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o in_o a_o family_n beside_o their_o own_o be_v judge_v to_o make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o a_o unlawful_a meeting_n but_o prayer_n also_o a_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o the_o fame_n force_n so_o that_o no_o nonconform_a minister_n or_o any_o other_o may_v pray_v together_o on_o any_o occasion_n or_o for_o any_o cause_n what_o so_o ever_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v repute_v keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o able_a to_o the_o penalty_n adjudge_v by_o this_o law_n to_o such_o be_v prelacy_n come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o opposition_n to_o godliness_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o be_v secure_v except_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christian_a society_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o its_o exercise_n discourage_v to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o such_o incitment_n in_o these_o time_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n be_v prone_a enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v negligent_a and_o stack_n in_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o conventicle_n and_o by_o such_o penalty_n against_o they_o be_v we_o such_o odious_a abominable_a creature_n that_o none_o must_v join_v in_o christian_a communion_n with_o we_o in_o these_o mean_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o must_v be_v forbear_v and_o lay_v aside_o or_o if_o we_o once_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o and_o for_o god_n in_o any_o society_n we_o shall_v bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o so_o severe_a penalty_n which_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o law_n have_v be_v inflict_v on_o some_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o its_o hearer_n but_o moreover_o all_o such_o meeting_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o sedition_n and_o other_o ●orrid_a evil_n with_o which_o they_o be_v brand_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n a_o charge_n if_o true_a that_o make_v they_o merito●us_o of_o far_o heavy_a punishment_n than_o some_o of_o these_o decree_v against_o they_o but_o from_o whence_o can_v this_o come_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o exercise_n consider_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o necessary_a command_v duty_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o know_v to_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o and_o cement_v of_o union_n and_o obedience_n in_o church_n and_o state_n not_o from_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v our_o principle_n for_o worship_n doctrine_n &_o government_n be_v know_v be_v extant_a in_o our_o public_a confession_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrare_fw-la tendency_n if_o any_o say_v we_o preach_v principle_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n they_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o out_o of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o as_o yet_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v condescend_v on_o and_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o act_n and_o not_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o true_o religious_a exercise_n do_v by_o person_n authorize_v and_o enable_v thereto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o require_v of_o all_o engage_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o that_o piece_n of_o common_a justice_n they_o owe_v to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o they_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la we_o pray_v wherein_o our_o meeting_n be_v become_v the_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n if_o they_o can_v when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v either_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o charge_n or_o else_o succumb_v to_o this_o act_n it_o be_v like_a some_o place_n this_o charge_n in_o our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n then_o it_o come_v from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n maker_n and_o not_o from_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o person_n that_o keep_v they_o for_o antecedent_n to_o this_o law_n they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n according_a to_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o have_v forbear_v it_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v the_o seed_n of_o rebellion_n than_o thus_o to_o sow_v they_o but_o this_o law_n in_o its_o narrative_a suppon_n these_o meeting_n to_o be_v such_o antecedent_n to_o its_o enact_v but_o give_v no_o hint_n at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o heavy_a charge_n other_o again_o fix_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n on_o our_o meeting_n for_o our_o withdraw_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o allow_v public_a worship_n and_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o law_n to_o dispense_v the_o same_o if_o the_o act_n have_v only_o circumstantiate_v and_o describe_v such_o meeting_n as_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o not_o take_v in_o all_o religious_a christian_a fellowship_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n something_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o justify_v of_o this_o act_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o church_n government_n now_o settle_v by_o law_n without_o a_o wound_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o to_o make_v all_o meeting_n of_o christian_n wherein_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v exercise_v without_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o prelate_n seminary_n of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o condemn_v christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n who_o in_o opposition_n to_o heathenism_n heresy_n profainness_n and_o shisme_n have_v under_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o assembly_n have_v be_v account_v unlawful_a conventicle_n and_o load_v with_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n that_o be_v now_o charge_v on_o we_o there_fw-mi any_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o house_n and_o field_n who_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o ordinare_fw-la allow_v place_n for_o meet_v in_o worship_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o rebellion_n although_o charge_v with_o these_o or_o do_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o evil_n although_o none_o will_v affirm_v this_o yet_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v it_o out_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o act_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o law_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o record_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o will_v speak_v if_o ever_o we_o return_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n but_o as_o to_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o authorize_v public_a worship_n with_o which_o some_o with_o great_a confidence_n brand_v we_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o separatist_n we_o forbear_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o penalty_n statute_n in_o this_o act_n against_o the_o contraveener_n of_o it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o be_v far_o beyond_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o popish_a cruelty_n who_o punish_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o punishment_n equal_a to_o those_o inflict_v for_o treason_n in_o which_o this_o act_n be_v not_o short_a that_o adjudge_v the_o keeper_n of_o field_n conventicle_n to_o death_n and_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o add_v not_o alittle_o to_o our_o grief_n under_o our_o present_a suffering_n that_o although_o there_o be_v penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o heterodox_n person_n yet_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o yea_o in_o one_o act_n of_o parl._n caroli_n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 7._o they_o be_v exeme_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o severity_n decree_v against_o we_o which_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o when_o they_o and_o our_o principle_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v compare_v they_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o protestant_n be_v find_v to_o be_v incompatible_a with_o and_o subversive_a of_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n that_o be_v due_a from_o subject_n to_o magistrate_n suppose_v by_o they_o heretical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n make_v against_o they_o that_o for_o some_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v put_v to_o some_o execution_n but_o as_o to_o any_o execution_n now_o slacken_v and_o and_z lay_v by_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n be_v their_o principle_n and_o design_n change_v or_o their_o number_n any_o few_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o increase_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n but_o poor_a we_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n enact_v against_o we_o
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 i●_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 th●●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 th●_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 ●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 a●_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
it_o be_v one_o with_o the_o same_o why_o may_v not_o presbyter_n consecrat_v and_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v as_o we_o undertake_v to_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o for_o go_v to_o england_n for_o it_o see_v it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n if_o consecration_n differ_v from_o ordination_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a custom_n and_o invention_n for_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n that_o only_o speak_v of_o ordination_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o all_o pastor_n enter_v into_o the_o pastoral_a office_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v as_o a_o church_n ministerial_a and_o politic_a constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o officer_n of_o divine_a appointment_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o officer_n necessare_fw-la by_o divine_a institution_n to_o her_o edification_n but_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o furnish_v herself_o with_o such_o without_o a_o necessity_n of_o seek_v to_o other_o church_n for_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v her_o representative_n their_o consent_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v although_o we_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o prolate_v as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o declare_v by_o law_n as_o we_o have_v but_o their_o violent_a intrusion_n in_o this_o church_n it_o put_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n on_o our_o subjection_n to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o yea_o can_v own_v they_o as_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o this_o church_n obj._n 3_o the_o magistrate_n consent_v to_o and_o procure_v their_o consecration_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o church_n as_o erastus_n do_v insolent_o assert_v without_o all_o probation_n yea_o a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o or_o have_v the_o power_n of_o mission_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o quiet_o submit_v but_o when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o all_o church_n power_n ●et_o be_v to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o subject_v as_o such_o to_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o power_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o put_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n when_o negligent_a in_o furnish_v of_o she_o with_o officer_n to_o their_o duty_n anent_o it_o but_o not_o to_o thrust_v in_o officer_n upon_o she_o of_o himself_o without_o her_o consent_n obj._n 4._o but_o the_o curate_n have_v enter_v by_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o we_o deny_v the_o contrare_fw-la be_v clear_a from_o constant_a practice_n for_o the_o curate_n come_v in_o upon_o congregation_n only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o patron_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v any_o power_n from_o she_o for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o all_o their_o right_n and_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o bishop_n act_v as_o the_o king_n delegat_v and_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law_n so_o that_o the_o curate_n have_v and_o derive_v all_o their_o power_n from_o the_o prelate_n can_v have_v the_o same_o from_o the_o church_n none_o give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o but._n 2._o the_o prelate_n not_o be_v the_o lawful_a govern_v church_n any_o that_o enter_v congregation_n by_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o congregation_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n or_o holland_n without_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v by_o the_o church_n here_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o the_o govern_v church_n of_o this_o church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v to_o we_o clear_a for_o as_o the_o prelate_n have_v enter_v without_o the_o church_n so_o the_o lawful_a ministerial_a roll_a church_n although_o scatter_v and_o persecute_v be_v yet_o existent_a and_o in_o be_v who_o by_o the_o unjust_a and_o violent_a intrusion_n of_o other_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o rule_a this_o church_n but_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o obligation_n do_v continue_v to_o be_v her_o lawful_a pastor_n for_o violence_n persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o case_n that_o can_v just_o do_v it_o other_o way_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o undo_v and_o destroy_v the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n both_o formal_o and_o effective_o which_o be_v aboard_o we_o ask_v at_o any_o who_o think_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n do_v in_o our_o case_n annul_v the_o pastoral_a relation_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o church_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n violent_a eject_v of_o minister_n and_o put_v of_o mahum●tan_n or_o popish_a priest_n in_o their_o room_n will_v discharge_v minister_n and_o congregation_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o one_o another_o if_o they_o think_v not_o then_o how_o can_v these_o untie_v their_o obligation_n in_o our_o case_n we_o ask_v a_o reason_n if_o they_o judge_v persecution_n and_o intrusion_n by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o ●his_fw-la case_n to_o have_v this_o effect_n than_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v destroy_v divine_a command_n flow_v there_o from_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a relation_n &_o obligation_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o magistrate_n edict_n threaten_n &_o much_o actual_a violence_n perform_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n arg._n 2._o all_o power_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n fountain_v in_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n subordinate_v to_o he_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n carol._n 2._o 1._o sesse_n 2._o act._n 1._o which_o derivation_n and_o subordination_n they_o own_o and_o homologat_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o what_o the_o law_n do_v require_v in_o order_n to_o it_o therefore_o such_o we_o can_v we_o may_v no●_n own_v receive_v and_o subject_n to_o as_o our_o minister_n under_o see_v they_o acknowledge_v &_o subject_v themselves_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n which_o by_o law_n be_v set_v in_o and_o over_o this_o church_n that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a and_o clear_a we_o shall_v put_v it_o into_o form_n thus_o those_o that_o receive_v and_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v and_o subject_v to_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n but_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n do_v receive_v and_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_fw-la in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o subject_v to_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n we_o suppose_v the_o first_o proposition_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v all_o the_o debate_n will_v be_v in_o the_o second_o which_o we_o prove_v thus_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_fw-la in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o and_o be_v subornat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n jesus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n do_v derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n therefore_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinat_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n than_o christ_n the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o whoever_o have_v a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o same_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o church_n power_n it_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o be_v supreme_a &_o have_v a_o architectonick_a power_n
civil_a sentence_n and_o the_o church_n may_v not_o want_v pastor_n ans_fw-fr although_o we_o yield_v the_o antecedent_n yet_o we_o deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o 1._o because_o the_o parallel_n betwixt_o abiathers_n case_n and_o we_o rune_v wide_o because_o 1._o abiathers_n sentence_n be_v just_a his_o crime_n deserve_v it_o and_o much_o more_o but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o as_o the_o precede_a and_o subsequent_a reason_n make_v out_o 2._o abiathers_n sentence_n be_v personal_a and_o terminate_v on_o himself_o only_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o priest_n we_o be_v against_o all_o that_o do_v not_o conform_v 3._o he_o be_v found_v on_o a_o civil_a crime_n against_o the_o state_n and_o person_n of_o the_o king_n to_o wit_n treason_n our_o allege_a crime_n be_v ecclesiastic_a for_o not_o comply_v with_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o and_o all_o stand_v engage_v by_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o oath_n which_o tie_v we_o in_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o withstand_v the_o contrare_fw-la corruption_n now_o bring_v in_o upon_o we_o 4._o abiathers_n punishment_n to_o which_o he_o be_v formal_o sentence_v be_v pure_o civil_a confinement_n to_o such_o a_o place_n we_o although_o it_o be_v partly_o civil_a yet_o be_v most_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n we_o be_v not_o only_a robe_a of_o our_o livelihood_n and_o contine_v but_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o state_v by_o sentence_n in_o a_o habitual_a cessation_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v true_o dep●●vation_n 5._o abiathers_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o ●●o_o sacred_a in_o a_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o for_o withstand_v of_o it_o out_v be_v pass_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o for_o resist_v of_o the_o same_o and_o out_o of_o design_n on_o our_o ruler_n part_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o intend_a defection_n 2._o the_o iniquous_a command_n sentence_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n where_o invincible_a force_n be_v not_o do_v not_o untie_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v under_o for_o serve_v of_o he_o and_o other_o in_o our_o day_n arg._n 6._o if_o congregation_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n of_o elect_v and_o call_v of_o their_o minister_n then_o those_o that_o come_v in_o upon_o they_o without_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v their_o pastor_n nor_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o as_o such_o by_o congregation_n but_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o the_o curate_n have_v enter_v on_o congregation_n without_o this_o election_n and_o call_v of_o the_o people_n their_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n all_o the_o debat_fw-la will_v be_v about_o the_o antecedent_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n which_o to_o we_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v prove_v against_o the_o papist_n all_o that_o bellarmin_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v these_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o very_a answer_n of_o our_o adversary_n but_o how_o or_o from_o what_o this_o be_v make_v good_a be_v not_o yet_o show_v we_o antiquity_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o prelacy_n from_o it_o can_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v it_o here_o it_o the_o prelacy_n controvert_v among_o we_o have_v but_o half_a of_o the_o evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o people_n right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n have_v it_o have_v go_v far_o to_o have_v determine_v the_o question_n in_o its_o behalf_n with_o some_o that_o yet_o stand_v aloof_o from_o it_o this_o show_v it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n or_o inevidence_n of_o argument_n that_o resolve_v many_o anent_o the_o debat_n of_o those_o time_n but_o 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the_o church_n in_o particular_a the_o case_n be_v whole_o alter_v from_o that_o of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n in_o the_o former_a prelate_n time_n fo●_n as_o prelacy_n be_v then_o subtle_o bring_v in_o upon_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o all_o at_o once_o so_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v se●led_v by_o law_n and_o never_o legal_o or_o actual_o disenable_v to_o meet_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o in_o their_o fix_a and_o ordinare_fw-la judicatory_n but_o continue_v as_o former_o in_o presbyterated_a meeting_n have_v the_o prelate_n thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o history_n even_o of_o spotiswood_n but_o in_o our_o case_n prelacy_n be_v at_o the_o first_o raise_v by_o law_n to_o its_o great_a height_n presbytery_n discharge_v cashier_v and_o eject_v out_o of_o this_o church_n all_o law_n for_o it_o either_o in_o late_a or_o former_a time_n be_v disanule_v and_o abrogate_a the_o 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and_o build_v up_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o that_o by_o person_n who_o for_o their_o generality_n have_v be_v so_o active_a for_o and_o so_o deep_o engage_v in_o former_a proceed_n be_v strange_a to_o think_v on_o especial_o consider_v the_o verbal_a security_n and_o engagment_n make_v unto_o we_o immediate_o before_o this_o change_n we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n to_o give_v the_o concurrence_n and_o compliance_n require_v in_o join_v with_o and_o receive_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creator_n be_v beyond_o all_o question_n a_o approve_v of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v contrare_fw-la to_o our_o fix_a judgement_n &_o these_o obligation_n we_o with_o th●●est_n of_o this_o church_n come_v under_o let_v any_o man_n of_o conscience_n put_v himself_o in_o our_o case_n &_o suppone_v our_o judgement_n &_o principle_n to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d he_o judge_n if_o he_o will_v not_o find_v himself_o necessitate_v to_o carry_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v do_v obj._n some_o assert_v that_o they_o never_o have_v take_v on_o the_o personal_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o they_o for_o which_o they_o offer_v irrefragable_a argument_n but_o yet_o see_v it_o fit_a to_o hold_v they_o in_o ans_fw-fr however_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o first_o all_o minister_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o presbytery_n be_v take_v engage_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o then_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n that_o prelacy_n be_v a_o bring_n in_o into_o this_o church_n minister_n in_o many_o presbytery_n &_o synod_n declare_v their_o resolution_n for_o adhere_v to_o presbytery_n that_o then_o be_v in_o be_v &_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n precede_v that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v like_a as_o their_o after_o carriage_n do_v make_v out_o that_o these_o be_v knot_n they_o can_v easy_o loose_v see_v they_o be_v able_a to_o master_n &_o overcome_v far_o great_a next_o that_o church_n goyenant_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a command_n &_o institution_n do_v antecedent_o bind_v do_v oblige_v all_o in_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o that_o with_o this_o adventitious_a and_o supervenient_a obligation_n of_o a_o covenant_n beside_o the_o former_a he_o have_v a_o stout_a conscience_n that_o will_v get_v this_o deny_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o manifest_a from_o deut._n 29_o 10._o etc._n etc._n they_o must_v be_v argument_n of_o iron_n &_o steell_a that_o will_v break_v this_o scripture_n in_o piece_n these_o who_o assert_v the_o contrary_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o try_v their_o strength_n on_o what_o the_o answerer_n of_o mr._n gilbert_n burnet_n first_o dialogue_n have_v on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v a_o reply_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a policy_n to_o make_v up_o the_o weakness_n of_o argument_n with_o big_a swell_a word_n we_o may_v here_o consider_v a_o little_a if_o our_o purpose_a brevity_n can_v permit_v it_o what_o one_o in_o a_o certain_a manuscript_n have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v in_o several_a proposition_n but_o his_o mistake_n of_o the_o question_n in_o the_o second_o proposition_n make_v we_o easy_a work_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o in_o which_o we_o close_o with_o our_o predecessor_n so_o that_o all_o his_o citation_n of_o we_o be_v to_o no_o effect_n for_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow_n worshipper_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o withdraw_v from_o public_a ordinance_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n beside_o will_v it_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o and_o hear_v the_o curate_n in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o must_v hau●_n other_o argument_n
none_o wonder_v we_o take_v this_o ticklish_a subject_n into_o consideration_n and_o there_fw-mi adventure_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n for_o we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o on_o the_o exact_a enquiry_n and_o search_n that_o we_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o find_v it_o as_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o true_a covenant_v principle_n as_o prelacy_n and_o in_o its_o effect_n we_o fear_v shall_v prove_v as_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o work_v of_o reformation_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v on_o the_o field_n against_o it_o time_n past_a and_o present_a speak_v much_o to_o this_o but_o the_o future_a will_v say_v more_o the_o storm_n that_o this_o supremacy_n threaten_v to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n to_o pray_v inflant_o day_n and_o night_n that_o it_o may_v be_v gracious_o avert_v the_o truth_n be_v as_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o itself_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o one_o but_o a_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v join_v in_o church_n assembly_n especial_o for_o government_n which_o thereby_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v make_v nullity_n that_o our_o procedure_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o we_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v &_o speak_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o show_v what_o it_o true_o be_v 2_o we_o shall_v prove_v its_o distinction_n from_o &_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n and3_n show_v how_o far_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n lodge_v in_o and_o exercise_v by_o our_o ruler_n contrare_fw-la to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n till_o these_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v premise_v these_o preliminary_a consideration_n or_o proposition_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o 1._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o road_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o intend_a brevity_n to_o insist_v on_o the_o term_n government_n &_o church_n &_o what_o be_v usual_o signify_v by_o they_o these_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o critic_n and_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o government_n be_v a_o term_n import_v power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o right_a to_o rule_v other_o and_o a_o obligation_n on_o these_o invest_v therewith_o to_o use_v the_o same_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n so_o that_o government_n make_v its_o act_n due_a &_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o these_o act_n mean_n &_o way_n by_o which_o government_n be_v enable_v to_o reach_v its_o end_n 2._o propos_fw-fr all_o create_v power_n &_o authority_n be_v original_a in_o god_n as_o the_o &_o first_o chief_n cause_n thereof_o &_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a supreme_a monarch_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o the_o power_n that_o can_v prove_v its_o descent_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o all_o just_a power_n be_v direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n of_o all_o 3._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n but_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n her_o government_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o &_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o government_n so_o that_o the_o all_o of_o this_o government_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n supernatural_o reveal_v 4._o propos_fw-fr that_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o god_n and_o thereby_o her_o government_n fountain_v in_o he_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a 5._o propos_fw-fr beside_o the_o invisible_a and_o internal_a government_n that_o christ_n jesus_n exercise_v by_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n guide_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o true_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o he_o and_o visible_o exercise_v in_o she_o in_o his_o name_n as_o her_o supreme_a 6._o propos_fw-fr the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o be_v not_o proper_o and_o in_o linea_fw-la directa_fw-la subordinat_fw-la to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o 1._o it_o have_v its_o derivation_n from_o another_o fountain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o church_n supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n all_o power_n in_o she_o must_v come_v from_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n can_v take_v away_o nor_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o government_n and_o power_n subordinat_a to_o he_o yea_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n in_o these_o entrust_v with_o it_o see_v they_o be_v under_o obligation_n for_o it_o antecedent_n &_o superior_a to_o these_o of_o the_o magistrate_n 7._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n government_n according_a to_o which_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v not_o only_o in_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a 8._o propos_fw-fr although_o power_n specifical_o distinct_a be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o person_n invest_v with_o these_o power_n so_o as_o the_o person_n be_v in_o different_a respect_n superior_a and_o inferior_a to_o one_o another_o as_o jesse_n be_v to_o david_n suppose_v he_o to_o live_v in_o his_o son_n david_n reign_n which_o subordination_n of_o person_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o power_n nor_o the_o mutual_a subjection_n the_o person_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o hence_o we_o assert_v that_o as_o magistracy_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o ministry_n nor_o loose_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o from_o the_o subjection_n they_o owe_v as_o christian_n to_o minister_n in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o ministry_n destroy_v magistracy_n nor_o untie_v minister_n as_o subject_n from_o that_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o magistrate_n from_o their_o subject_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o as_o much_o as_o any_o 9_o propos_fw-fr as_o in_o all_o government_n there_o be_v something_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a although_o visible_a wherein_o its_o nature_n and_o specific_a essence_n do_v consist_v and_o something_n accidental_a and_o separable_a from_o it_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o its_o esse_fw-la but_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n something_n essential_a &_o intrinsic_a of_o which_o afterward_o and_o something_n accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a without_o which_o it_o can_v subsist_v even_o in_o its_o exercise_n 10._o propos_fw-fr these_o thing_n in_o and_o about_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a as_o the_o word_n ministry_n sacrament_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n other_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o spiritual_a &_o partly_o civil_a as_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o mod_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o although_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o common_a to_o other_o action_n yet_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a divine_a appointment_n impower_v the_o church_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v these_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connection_n with_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a be_v true_o ecclesiastic_a and_o become_v a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o proper_a power_n of_o church_n government_n call_v by_o all_o divine_v diatactick_a some_o be_v proper_o &_o pure_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o immediate_a end_n as_o church_n stipend_n manse_v glyb_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o they_o be_v by_o general_a precept_n secure_v to_o the_o church_n and_o belong_v to_o she_o yet_o they_o be_v formal_o civil_a and_o come_v direct_o under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o other_o civil_a right_n and_o propriety_n do_v about_o which_o
he_o do_v execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n &_o peace_n 11._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v to_o be_v advert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a subordination_n of_o power_n in_o government_n one_o in_o line_n a_o direct_a a_o and_o another_o in_o line_n a_o obliqu_n a_o in_o the_o first_o subordination_n the_o power_n subordinate_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o supreme_a and_o may_v be_v impede_v suspend_v or_o reguate_v in_o its_o exercise_n yea_o total_o dissolve_v by_o it_o and_o when_o exercise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o whole_o dependent_a in_o its_o regulation_n on_o it_o so_o that_o both_o the_o power_n as_o such_o the_o person_n entrust_v therewith_o and_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o subordination_n the_o subordinated_a power_n or_o rather_o the_o person_n in_o its_o exercise_n be_v only_o the_o object_n of_o some_o act_n of_o another_o power_n but_o the_o power_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o it_o nor_o jure_v impedible_a or_o regulable_a by_o it_o it_o be_v in_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o subordination_n that_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n be_v subordinate_v to_o one_o another_o without_o all_o subordination_n of_o the_o power_n in_o their_o exercise_n for_o as_o magistrate_n may_v yea_o shall_v command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o function_n so_o minister_n ought_v in_o christ_n name_n to_o command_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o authoritative_o when_o find_v act_v contrare_fw-la thereto_o 12._o propos_fw-fr these_o subject_v to_o create_a power_n whether_o magistratical_a or_o ministerial_a be_v under_o the_o supreme_a absolure_n and_o universal_a sovereignty_n of_o god_n have_v a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o cognosce_v on_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o to_o their_o justice_n or_o injustice_n or_o their_o consistency_n with_o or_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o give_v or_o not_o give_v obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n the_o way_n be_v thus_o pave_v our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o show_v what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o conclusion_n conclus_fw-la 1._o the_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n large_o consider_v be_v either_o supreme_a or_o subordinat_a to_o the_o supreme_a belong_v the_o legistative_a power_n as_o the_o make_n and_o enact_v of_o law_n institute_v of_o ordinance_n appoint_v and_o impower_v of_o officer_n and_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n this_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v only_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o visible_a in_o his_o word_n ordinance_n officer_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o this_o none_o share_v with_o he_o either_o magistrate_n o●_n minister_n conclus_fw-la 2_o the_o subordinat_a power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o call_v thereto_o which_o power_n be_v only_o and_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o name_n over_o all_o in_o the_o church_n which_o distinction_n of_o church_n government_n make_v not_o different_a government_n in_o the_o head_n and_o member_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n true_o monarchical_a not_o aristocratical_a nor_o democratical_a concl._n 3_o this_o derive_v and_o subordinat_a power_n in_o church_n officer_n when_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o matter_n in_o and_o about_o which_o it_o be_v exerce_v be_v diverse_a schoolman_n and_o divine_n distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n but_o for_o explication_n sake_n and_o avoid_v of_o all_o ambiguity_n we_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o variety_n of_o its_o object_n or_o matter_n and_o its_o divers_a act_n about_o the_o same_o as_o 1._o to_o it_o belong_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n pray_v to_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n in_o these_o they_o act_n as_o the_o authorize_v servant_n of_o christ_n in_o perform_v and_o direct_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o convocate_a of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o divine_a and_o holy_a exercise_n on_o which_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o divine_a precept_n to_o attend_v as_o the_o institute_n mean_v of_o worship_n conversion_n and_o edification_n 3._o the_o receive_n order_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o maintain_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o do_v of_o other_o pious_a work_n 4._o try_v receive_v and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n confirm_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o by_o baptism_n 5._o administer_a the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o worthy_a and_o obedient_a conform_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n 6._o eject_v and_o exclude_v the_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a after_o due_a trial_n and_o conviction_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o comunion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o these_o 7._o try_v call_v and_o ordane_v of_o person_n fit_v for_o and_o willing_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 8._o depose_v and_o exau●orating_n of_o minister_n from_o the_o ministry_n who_o by_o heresy_n or_o scandal_n declare_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o 9_o try_v and_o censure_v of_o scandal_n in_o person_n find_v guilty_a of_o they_o after_o due_a conviction_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o church_n pure_a 10._o associate_a into_o state_v &_o fix_a meeting_n for_o carry_v on_o and_o do_v of_o the_o former_a and_o subsequent_a work_n whether_o more_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o their_o due_a and_o allow_a subordination_n 11._o try_v and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n whether_o sound_n or_o heretical_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o censure_v of_o person_n find_v unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n 12._o dispose_v &_o order_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n 13._o resolve_v of_o doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n incident_a to_o the_o church_n on_o any_o occasion_n or_o emergent_a 14._o indict_v of_o day_n of_o public_a solemn_a fast_n and_o humiliation_n or_o of_o thanksgiving_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n call_v to_o the_o same_o etc._n etc._n conclus_fw-la 4._o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o exercise_v by_o they_o be_v pure_o ministerial_a without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o and_o only_o executive_a in_o apply_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v find_v conform_a or_o disconform_v to_o the_o same_o concl._n 5._o this_o subordinat_a power_n in_o church_n officer_n be_v only_o declarative_a and_o nuncupative_a and_o not_o proper_o decisive_a they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v true_a or_o false_a doctrine_n sin_n or_o duty_n and_o what_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o person_n heretical_a or_o scandalous_a but_o only_o to_o declare_v and_o apply_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v determine_v anent_o these_o in_o his_o word_n this_o power_n suppon_n its_o object_n and_o do_v not_o make_v it_o conel_n 6._o it_o be_v whole_o limit_v regulate_v by_o and_o restrict_v to_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o its_o basis_n and_o rule_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v go_v and_o if_o it_o do_v its_o act_n be_v nullity_n and_o not_o obligatory_a on_o any_o concl._n 7._o it_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a in_o its_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_n and_o not_o at_o all_o civil_a it_o essential_o respect_v the_o inner_a man_n and_o whole_o labour_v in_o the_o way_n appoint_v the_o save_v edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o it_o concl._n 8._o this_o power_n be_v not_o proper_o coercive_a coactive_a and_o compulsive_a but_o only_o exclusive_a that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o obey_v by_o they_o about_o who_o it_o be_v exerce_v it_o do_v debar_v they_o from_o and_o deny_v they_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o and_o promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a concl._n 9_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v true_o christ_n and_o when_o act_v in_o his_o name_n conform_v to_o his_o law_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o which_o
which_o indispose_v he_o to_o answer_v his_o trust_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o office_n to_o which_o upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o either_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v of_o her_o government_n independant_o on_o heathenish_a magistrate_n usurp_v on_o his_o office_n &_o power_n which_o the_o adversary_n dare_v not_o say_v or_o else_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v no_o more_o power_n in_o &_o over_o rhe_n church_n than_o the_o other_o have_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v her_o power_n under_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o he_o more_o than_o on_o the_o other_o 2_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o table_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o table_n of_o religion_n will_v it_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v meddle_v with_o the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o assume_v its_o exercise_n or_o that_o the_o same_o do_v depend_v on_o they_o no_o way_n and_o yet_o the_o consequence_n be_v as_o good_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o by_o the_o same_o medium_n we_o shall_v prove_v minister_n have_v as_o good_a right_n and_o power_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o our_o adversary_n sense_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v they_o will_v reject_v the_o consequence_n with_o disdain_n as_o to_o minister_n and_o ask_v for_o our_o proof_n for_o which_o we_o grant_v they_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o give_v we_o yet_o any_o colourable_a proof_n but_o dictator-like_a assert_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n in_o his_o capacity_n be_v a_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n but_o in_o do_v of_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o station_n the_o nature_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o power_n grant_v he_o and_o be_v not_o to_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o other_o nor_o the_o work_n proper_a thereto_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o multitude_n of_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o if_o minister_n notwithstanding_o their_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n may_v not_o invade_v the_o magistrate_n office_n and_o power_n so_o neither_o may_v magistrate_n invade_v the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n 3_o the_o act_n and_o way_n of_o the_o magistrate_n keep_v of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v answer_v and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n extent_n and_o limit_n of_o his_o office_n &_o power_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o walk_v as_o all_o other_o be_v to_o do_v in_o they_o as_o minister_n be_v to_o keep_v both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o preach_v the_o word_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n so_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o likewise_o by_o command_v all_o to_o their_o several_a duty_n protect_v they_o therein_o by_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v give_v he_o for_o that_o end_n execute_v of_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o evil_a doer_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a etc._n etc._n but_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o these_o who_o christ_n have_v call_v to_o and_o entrust_v with_o it_o it_o be_v object_v by_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intrinsic_a visible_a and_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v only_o the_o external_a government_n that_o be_v express_o so_o call_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v material_o answer_v above_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v distinct_a there_o be_v two_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o outward_a and_o external_a adjunct_n or_o accident_n as_o the_o biotica_n or_o mundana_fw-la stipend_n manse_n glyb_n outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o proper_a and_o true_a object_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o it_o although_o visible_a as_o the_o word_n ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessary_a circumstance_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o of_o these_o but_o the_o second_o that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n with_o other_o act_n do_v true_o mean_v as_o be_v undoubted_o make_v out_o by_o the_o former_a argument_n as_o particular_o the_o first_o three_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n judicatory_n the_o matter_n handle_v in_o and_o by_o they_o proper_a thereto_o that_o constitute_v the_o king_n supreme_a these_o be_v essential_a and_o intrinsic_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n he_o that_o be_v make_v supreme_a to_o these_o be_v make_v supreme_a to_o the_o church_n and_o all_o that_o appertain_v to_o she_o obj._n 2._o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v so_o say_v in_o that_o act_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o mater_fw-la and_o frame_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o government_n in_o whole_a that_o be_v true_o mean_v and_o intend_v as_o be_v former_o prove_v but_o 2._o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n proper_a and_o specific_a to_o any_o government_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n belong_v the_o order_n of_o it_o belong_v likewise_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o civil_a government_n belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o shall_v prove_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o church_n government_n do_v belong_v to_o church_n officer_n ●no_o government_n can_v be_v perfect_a without_o it_o or_o able_a to_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o intrinsic_a to_o it_o obj._n 3_o but_o there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o church_n power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v as_o convocate_a of_o synod_n determine_v of_o circumstance_n indict_v of_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n ans_fw-fr asdruball_n we_o deny_v all_o formal_a church_n power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o act_n formal_o procede_v therefrom_o so_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v act_n first_o some_o common_a as_o prayer_n rebuke_v instruct_v of_o other_o and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o when_o they_o come_v from_o a_o church_n officer_n be_v authoritative_a and_o act_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v yet_o performable_a by_o other_o in_o their_o station_n and_o so_o to_o speak_v be_v charitative_a 2._o some_o be_v proper_a and_o only_o belong_v to_o church_n officer_n as_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o chierful_o grant_v wish_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v many_o such_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v instruct_v &_o pray_v etc._n etc._n as_o all_o other_o in_o their_o station_n and_o office_n shall_v do_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o may_v exercise_v formal_a act_n of_o church_n power_n more_o than_o other_o or_o that_o the_o church_n power_n be_v dependent_a on_o he_o the_o consequence_n be_v wide_a but_o to_o the_o particular_a instance_n as_o that_o of_o convocate_a of_o synod_n or_o any_o church_n judicatory_a we_o say_v it_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o his_o power_n as_o a_o magistrate_n who_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o command_v all_o within_o his_o dominion_n to_o their_o several_a duty_n and_o minister_n among_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o he_o so_o the_o magistrate_n convocate_a of_o minister_n be_v but_o a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n he_o owe_v to_o all_o 2._o this_o act_n or_o deed_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o privative_a of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v &_o ought_v come_v together_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v on_o the_o by_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a consequence_n the_o magistrate_n may_v gather_v synod_n therefore_o minister_n may_v not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v like_a to_o this_o other_o may_v rebuke_v admonish_v
out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v the_o executer_n of_o her_o own_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n who_o only_o put_v to_o execution_n his_o own_o law_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enact_v on_o her_o behalf_n 2._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o cognosce_fw-la on_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n and_o if_o he_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v just_a he_o have_v a_o definitive_a judgement_n anent_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n make_v about_o they_o for_o the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n on_o all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o obey_v and_o further_a of_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a that_o be_v none_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o advance_v the_o church_n sentence_n except_o their_o matter_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v before_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o this_o but_o here_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n be_v proper_o civil_a and_o not_o ecclesiastical_a to_o wit_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o own_o law_n or_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o if_o ambition_n and_o worldly_a interest_n have_v not_o determine_v many_o to_o the_o contrare_fw-la there_o will_v be_v little_a controversy_n about_o they_o obj_fw-la 8._o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o its_o exercise_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n be_v independent_a on_o the_o church_n what_o he_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o church_n concern_v determination_n and_o sentence_n he_o may_v do_v it_o antecedent_n to_o these_o without_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n to_o be_v universal_o true_a for_o some_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sentence_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n do_v necessary_o suppone_v the_o church_n sentence_n and_o act_n for_o their_o object_n as_o these_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n act_n of_o regulation_n etc._n etc._n must_v necessary_o pass_v before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v for_o instance_n before_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v justice_n to_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o maintenance_n he_o must_v first_o be_v ordain_v &_o by_o it_o have_v right_a thereto_o on_o the_o church_n act_n of_o ordination_n which_o must_v first_o be_v know_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o give_v as_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o sentence_n for_o the_o minister_n legal_a right_n to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v the_o provide_v and_o allow_v maintenance_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o we_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n and_o thing_n a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o church_n matter_n and_o meeting_n which_o he_o may_v exercise_v antecedent_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n he_o may_v yea_o no_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o command_v minister_n when_o negligent_a to_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n without_o a_o church_n sentence_n yea_o contrare_fw-la to_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o case_n be_v not_o necessary_o subsequent_a to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n be_v most_o absurd_a &_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o right_a reason_n see_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o necessary_o suppone_v not_o only_o the_o be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n without_o which_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v how_o shall_v he_o punish_v contumacious_a heretical_a and_o excommunicate_a person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v weak_a for_o all_o create_a power_n suppones_fw-la its_o object_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n must_v be_v subsequent_a and_o posteriour_a to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o independency_n of_o any_o power_n on_o another_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o marital_a power_n and_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n about_o it_o presuppon_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n &_o its_o act_n before_o it_o can_v put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n anent_o it_o in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n under_o that_o relation_n the_o design_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v obvious_a which_o be_v to_o evert_v all_o church_n government_n the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o before_o it_o have_v its_o full_a intend_a force_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o church_n power_n and_o its_o act_n be_v competent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v depose_v receive_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v all_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n which_o not_o erastian_n have_v yet_o do_v for_o if_o these_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o the_o former_a conclusion_n will_v hold_v conclus_fw-la have_v thus_o with_o all_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n &_o soberness_n discover_v our_o heart_n anent_o the_o foregoe_v particular_n we_o expect_v that_o much_o charity_n and_o justice_n from_o all_o even_o our_o antagonist_n that_o before_o they_o give_v out_o their_o censor_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o scripture_n and_o true_a reason_n impartial_o ponderat_fw-la the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o fight_v against_o we_o they_o happy_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n for_o see_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v be_v of_o common_a obligation_n on_o all_o christian_n and_o on_o which_o our_o christian_a profession_n lean_v none_o can_v refuse_v our_o conclusion_n but_o they_o must_v either_o contradict_v and_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a profession_n or_o else_o show_v their_o inconsequence_n and_o inconsistancy_n with_o these_o we_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o nor_o much_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n nor_o wrangle_v as_o many_o in_o their_o debait_n do_v about_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n of_o these_o nor_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o argument_n from_o antiquity_n on_o citation_n from_o particular_a father_n and_o historian_n but_o on_o the_o series_n and_o thread_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n to_o which_o we_o appeal_v anent_o the_o matter_n debate_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n as_o any_o that_o deal_v candid_o and_o impartial_o will_n on_o trial_n find_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o antithesis_n resolve_v in_o these_o three_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o manifest_a and_o violent_a pervert_n and_o wrest_v of_o they_o the_o profess_a and_o open_a contradict_v of_o their_o authority_n by_o hobbs_n leviathan_n and_o other_o more_o gross_a if_o grosser_n can_v be_v do_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o contrare_fw-la opinion_n be_v and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o same_o if_o thing_n continue_v for_o sometime_o in_o their_o present_a channel_n all_o protestant_n before_o these_o debat_n enter_v on_o the_o field_n esteem_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n and_o build_v thereon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n which_o the_o patroness_n of_o prelacy_n do_v now_o strict_a at_o and_o labour_n to_o shake_v in_o deny_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n or_o practice_n whereby_o they_o break_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o protestant_n use_v against_o the_o papist_n for_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v prelacy_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o this_o assertion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a assertor_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o full_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n the_o prelacy_n controvert_v have_v so_o little_a evidence_n from_o they_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o this_o sufficient_a regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v refuse_v what_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o humane_a invention_n and_o what_o may_v not_o man_n bring_v in_o at_o it_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o pollute_v of_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v we_o grant_v the_o admit_v of_o the_o