Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n divine_a infallible_a 4,191 5 9.7956 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30478 A vindication of the authority, constitution, and laws of the church and state of Scotland in four conferences, wherein the answer to the dialogues betwixt the Conformist and Non-conformist is examined / by Gilbert Burnet ... Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1673 (1673) Wing B5938; ESTC R32528 166,631 359

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p._n 486._o basil._n in_o order_n to_o a_o clear_a progress_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v first_o discuss_v the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o a_o step_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v pretend_v to_o in_o matter_n sacred_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v every_o where_o promulgate_v the_o gospel_n and_o require_v such_o as_o receive_v it_o to_o meet_v often_o together_o for_o joint_a worship_n and_o the_o free_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n wherein_o they_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o apostle_n and_o after_o they_o all_o churchman_n be_v also_o endue_v with_o a_o double_a power_n the_o one_o be_v declarative_n for_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v directive_n which_o proper_o be_v no_o power_n and_o by_o this_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o command_v so_o s._n paul_n write_v sometime_o his_o own_o sense_n which_o he_o do_v by_o permission_n and_o not_o by_o commandment_n only_o he_o advise_v as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v faithful_a but_o because_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o thing_n they_o have_v hear_v be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o all_o church_n man_n be_v thus_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o solemn_a publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o with_o this_o odds_o from_o the_o apostle_n that_o whereas_o they_o be_v infallible_a their_o successor_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o the_o power_n of_o churchman_n consist_v formal_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v herald_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o their_o preach_v it_o a_o solemn_a offer_n of_o it_o be_v make_v to_o all_o their_o hearer_n which_o to_o despise_v be_v to_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v 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the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n have_v they_o be_v the_o plurality_n in_o the_o judicatories_n which_o be_v well_o enough_o foresee_v and_o guard_v against_o by_o your_o clergy_n who_o though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o for_o a_o while_n yet_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o part_v with_o their_o belove_a authority_n but_o for_o synod_n if_o the_o obligation_n to_o they_o be_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n than_o nothing_o under_o a_o ecumenical_a one_o will_v answer_v this_o which_o yet_o be_v simple_o unpracticable_a now_o as_o for_o your_o national_a synod_n it_o be_v visible_a they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a kingdom_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n be_v pretend_v from_o scripture_n tell_v the_o church_n the_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o sin_n or_o the_o like_a it_o follow_v that_o parochial_a congregation_n and_o the_o pastor_n in_o they_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o 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one_o in_o their_o name_n and_o that_o what_o shall_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o these_o delegate_n shall_v be_v a_o bind_a obligation_n on_o christian_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v you_o will_v think_v the_o independent_o carry_v the_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o these_o superior_a court_n have_v no_o authority_n till_o ratify_v by_o the_o inferior_a which_o will_v resolve_v the_o power_n into_o the_o inferior_a court_n by_o all_o which_o i_o think_v it_o be_v clear_v abundant_o that_o the_o association_n of_o church_n into_o synod_n can_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a warrant_n but_o i_o must_v call_v in_o some_o relief_n for_o i_o grow_v weary_a of_o speak_v too_o long_o eud._n i_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v the_o association_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o preserve_v
unity_n and_o peace_n but_o to_o assert_v a_o divine_a original_n for_o they_o methinks_v be_v a_o hard_a task_n and_o true_o to_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o major_a part_n which_o must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o presbytery_n be_v a_o thing_n full_a of_o tyranny_n over_o conscience_n than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v fear_v from_o episcopacy_n since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v evil_a which_o hold_v true_a of_o no_o sort_n of_o people_n more_o than_o of_o churchman_n what_o mischief_n may_v be_v expect_v if_o the_o plurality_n must_v decide_v all_o matter_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o i_o look_v on_o a_o potion_n of_o physic_n as_o the_o best_a cure_n for_o he_o who_o can_v think_v a_o national_a synod_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o glasgow_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n or_o that_o court_n to_o which_o he_o have_v commit_v his_o authority_n for_o he_o seem_v beyond_o the_o power_n or_o conviction_n of_o reason_n crit._n the_o scripture_n clear_o hold_v forth_o a_o authority_n among_o churchman_n but_o visible_o restrict_v to_o their_o commission_n which_o true_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o power_n reside_v among_o they_o for_o they_o only_o declare_v what_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wherein_o if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o they_o be_v only_a publisher_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o err_v from_o it_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v it_o be_v true_a the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v appropriate_v to_o they_o yet_o he_o that_o will_v argue_v this_o to_o have_v proceed_v more_o from_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n than_o from_o a_o express_a positive_a command_n needs_o much_o logic_n to_o make_v good_a his_o attempt_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordain_v 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but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o all_o her_o power_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o these_o who_o unite_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n must_v be_v warrant_v to_o associate_v in_o meeting_n to_o agree_v on_o general_n rule_n and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o preserve_a purity_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o all_o inferior_n ought_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n but_o as_o for_o that_o brave_a distinction_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n as_o mediator_n whereas_o the_o regal_a authority_n be_v from_o he_o as_o god_n well_o do_v it_o become_v its_o inventor_n and_o much_o good_a may_v it_o do_v they_o for_o i_o i_o think_v that_o christ_n assert_v that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o this_o world_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_n and_o as_o they_o who_o die_v before_o he_o be_v save_v by_o he_o who_o be_v slam_n ●●om_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v give_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v preserve_v from_o infallible_a ruin_n which_o otherwise_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o adam_n fall_n but_o leave_v any_o further_a enquiry_n after_o such_o a_o foolish_a nicety_n i_o go_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o i_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n or_o government_n be_v not_o of_o such_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o peace_n wherein_o formal_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o assimilation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n of_o which_o justice_n righteousness_n mercy_n and_o peace_n make_v a_o great_a part_n now_o what_o sacredness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o outward_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n that_o these_o must_v not_o be_v meddle_v with_o by_o his_o hand_n and_o what_o unhallowedness_n be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v within_o his_o jurisdiction_n my_o weakness_n can_v reach_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o the_o magistrate_n allow_v ten_o per_n cent_n of_o in●●rest_n it_o be_v just_a to_o exact_v it_o and_o when_o he_o bring_v i●_n down_o to_o six_o per_fw-la cent_n it_o be_v oppression_n to_o demand_v ten_o per_fw-la cent_n so_o that_o he_o can_v determine_v some_o matte●s_n to_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a by_o his_o law_n now_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v such_o a_o power_n about_o outward_a matter_n of_o worship_n or_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n judge_v you_o since_o the_o one_o both_o in_o itself_o and_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n be_v much_o more_o important_a than_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a thing_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v express_v that_o man_n be_v separate_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o without_o that_o separation_n he_o invade_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n that_o take_v that_o honour_n upon_o he_o without_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o give_v law_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n i_o see_v not_o why_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n civil_a it_o be_v true_a if_o he_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n by_o his_o command_n god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n but_o this_o hold_v in_o thing_n civil_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a for_o if_o he_o command_v murder_n or_o theft_n he_o be_v undoubted_o to_o be_v disobey_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o command_v amiss_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n all_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o every_o lawful_a command_n except_o therefore_o you_o prove_v that_o churchman_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o subject_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o other_o neither_o do_v this_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o way_n prejudge_v the_o power_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n for_o a_o father_n have_v power_n over_o his_o child_n and_o that_o by_o a_o divine_a precept_n though_o the_o supreme_a authority_n have_v power_n over_o he_o and_o they_o both_o so_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o for_o their_o declarative_a power_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o subject_n to_o he_o only_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n may_v be_v suspend_v for_o since_o the_o magistrate_n can_v banish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v well_o silence_v they_o yet_o i_o acknowledge_v if_o he_o do_v this_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o drive_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o his_o dominion_n they_o ought_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n notwithstanding_o such_o prohibition_n for_o god_n must_v be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o rather_o than_o give_v over_o the_o feed_n their_o flock_n lay_v themselves_o open_a to_o martyrdom_n but_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v for_o warrant_v turbulent_a person_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o magistrate_n continue_v all_o encouragement_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n choose_v rather_o than_o concur_v in_o it_o though_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v that_o unlawful_a to_o gather_v separate_v congregation_n whereby_o the_o flock_n be_v scatter_v phil._n nay_o since_o you_o be_v on_o that_o subject_a let_v i_o free_o lie_v open_v the_o mischief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o require_v our_o solemn_a assemble_v together_o which_o must_v ever_o bind_v all_o christian_n till_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o render_v our_o meeting_n in_o they_o unlawful_a which_o few_o pretend_v in_o our_o case_n next_o the_o magistrate_n command_v these_o public_a assembly_n be_v certain_o a_o clear_a and_o superadded_a obligation_n which_o must_v bind_v all_o under_o sin_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o our_o meeting_n for_o worship_n unlawful_a and_o as_o these_o separate_a conventicle_n be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n evil_a so_o their_o effect_n be_v yet_o worse_o and_o such_o as_o indeed_o all_o the_o ignorance_n and_o profanity_n in_o the_o land_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o for_o as_o they_o dissolve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o must_v needs_o draw_v mischief_n after_o it_o so_o the_o vulgar_a be_v teach_v to_o despise_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o thus_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o yoke_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o these_o separate_a meeting_n be_v but_o precarious_a as_o they_o break_v away_o from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o their_o own_o order_n and_o thus_o betwixt_o hand_n the_o vulgar_a lose_v all_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n next_o in_o these_o separate_a meeting_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o a_o long_a preachment_n so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n not_o be_v look_v after_o and_o they_o teach_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o settle_a discipline_n and_o to_o disdain_v to_o be_v catechise_v by_o their_o pastor_n ignorance_n and_o profanity_n must_v be_v the_o sure_a effect_n of_o these_o divide_a meeting_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o disuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o guilt_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n for_o the_o vulgar_a be_v teach_v to_o loath_a the_o sacrament_n from_o their_o minister_n hand_n as_o much_o as_o the_o mass_n and_o preach_v be_v all_o they_o get_v in_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o what_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a cherish_n of_o devotion_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o chief_a preserver_n of_o peace_n among_o c●●●ti●ns_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o practice_n with_o our_o new_a model_v christian_n these_o be_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o separate_a practice_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o play_v the_o uncharitable_a divine_a to_o guess_v at_o the_o secret_a mischief_n such_o course_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o basil._n true_o what_o you_o have_v lay_v out_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a isotimus_n himself_o must_v with_o much_o sorrow_n acknowledge_v what_o wicked_a art_n these_o be_v that_o some_o use_n to_o dislocate_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n
mind_n from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n great_a caution_n must_v be_v have_v by_o all_o subject_n on_o what_o ground_n they_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n that_o so_o they_o be_v not_o find_v follow_v their_o own_o design_n and_o interest_n under_o a_o colour_n of_o adhere_v firm_o to_o their_o conscience_n they_o must_v deliver_v themselves_o from_o all_o prepossession_n and_o narrow_o examine_v all_o thing_n ere_o they_o adventure_v on_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o now_o consider_v if_o a_o unjust_a motive_n or_o narrative_a in_o a_o law_n deliver_v tender_a conscience_n from_o a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o basil._n if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v couple_n his_o motive_n and_o narrative_a with_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o one_o without_o a_o seem_a consent_n to_o the_o other_o then_o certain_o we_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v for_o action_n be_v often_o sign_n of_o the_o thought_n a_o action_n how_o indifferent_a soever_o if_o declare_v a_o sign_n of_o concur_v in_o a_o sinful_a design_n make_v we_o guilty_a in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o express_v our_o concurrence_n by_o a_o sign_n enjoin_v for_o that_o end_n but_o if_o the_o motive_n or_o narrative_a be_v simple_o a_o account_n of_o the_o magistrate_n own_o thought_n without_o express_v that_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o a_o concurrence_n in_o such_o intention_n than_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v a_o lawful_a command_n though_o enact_v upon_o a_o bad_a design_n for_o we_o must_v obey_v these_o in_o authority_n ever_o till_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o god._n if_o then_o their_o law_n contradict_v not_o god_n precept_n neither_o in_o their_o natural_a nor_o intend_a signification_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v whatever_o the_o ground_n be_v for_o enact_v they_o which_o be_v only_o the_o magistrate_n deed_n for_o which_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god._n poly._n this_o call_v i_o to_o mind_n of_o two_o story_n not_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o be_v of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o to_o entangle_v the_o christian_n that_o never_o scruple_v the_o bow_n to_o the_o emperor_n statue_n as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a cause_v to_o set_v up_o he_o with_o the_o image_n of_o some_o of_o the_o god_n about_o it_o that_o such_o as_o bow_v to_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o likewise_o bow_v to_o the_o image_n which_o abuse_v some_o of_o the_o simple_a but_o the_o more_o discern_v refuse_v to_o bow_v at_o all_o to_o those_o statue_n because_o he_o intend_v to_o expound_v that_o innocent_a bow_v to_o his_o statue_n as_o a_o adoration_n of_o the_o god_n about_o it_o a_o christian_a likewise_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n bow_v before_o he_o but_o when_o he_o understand_v that_o to_o be_v exact_v as_o a_o divine_a honour_n to_o the_o king_n he_o refuse_v it_o eud._n this_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o all_o action_n be_v as_o they_o be_v understand_v and_o according_o to_o be_v perform_v or_o surcease_v from_o but_o it_o seem_v more_o difficult_a to_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n a_o magistrate_n enact_v wicked_a law_n be_v not_o both_o his_o subject_n bind_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o watchman_n of_o soul_n likewise_o to_o witness_v against_o it_o and_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v open_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o law_n or_o practice_n and_o proceed_v against_o he_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n since_o as_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o respect_n of_o person_n which_o s._n james_n condemn_v in_o all_o church_n judicatories_n basil._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n if_o then_o the_o magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n all_o be_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o watchman_n ought_v to_o warn_v their_o flock_n against_o such_o hazard_n and_o such_o as_o can_v have_v admittance_n to_o their_o prince_n or_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o their_o conscience_n aught_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sincere_a freedom_n as_o well_o as_o humble_a duty_n represent_v the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o law_n but_o for_o any_o synodical_a convention_n or_o any_o declaration_n against_o they_o no_o warrant_n for_o that_o do_v appear_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v simple_o discharge_v all_o synod_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v meet_v without_o sin_n but_o for_o parochial_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n such_o assembling_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v enjoin_v both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o particular_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n no_o consideration_n can_v free_a christian_n from_o their_o obligation_n thus_o to_o assemble_v for_o worship_n if_o then_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v discharge_v these_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o such_o as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o read_v of_o scripture_n preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o but_o for_o the_o consultative_a or_o directive_n government_n of_o the_o church_n till_o a_o divine_a command_n be_v produce_v for_o synod_n or_o discipline_n it_o can_v lawful_o be_v go_v about_o without_o or_o against_o his_o authority_n crit._n for_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o a_o unjust_a command_n of_o surcease_n visible_a worship_n the_o instance_n of_o daniel_n be_v signal_n who_o not_o only_o continue_v his_o adoration_n to_o god_n for_o all_o darius_n his_o law_n but_o do_v it_o open_o and_o avowed_o that_o so_o he_o may_v own_v his_o subjection_n to_o god._n but_o for_o reprove_v king_n we_o see_v what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o since_o god_n send_v prophet_n with_o express_a commission_n for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o samuel_n notwithstanding_o this_o severe_a message_n to_o saul_n yet_o honour_v he_o before_o his_o people_n it_o be_v true_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n in_o christian_a judicatory_n but_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o how_o it_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o king_n who_o be_v supreme_a to_o be_v a_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v comprehend_v since_o than_o honour_n and_o obedience_n be_v by_o divine_a precept_n due_a to_o magistrate_n nothing_o that_o invade_v that_o honour_n or_o detract_v from_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v lawful_o attempt_v against_o they_o such_o as_o be_v any_o church-censure_n or_o excommunication_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v how_o that_o practice_n of_o ambrose_n upon_o theodosius_n or_o other_o late_a instance_n of_o some_o bishop_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o render_v fear_n to_o who_o fear_n and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a phil._n i_o be_o sure_a their_o practice_n be_v far_o less_o justifiable_a who_o be_v always_o preach_v about_o the_o law_n and_o time_n to_o the_o people_n with_o virulent_a reflection_n on_o king_n parliament_n and_o council_n much_o more_o such_o as_o not_o content_a with_o fly_a discourse_n do_v by_o their_o write_n which_o they_o hope_v shall_v be_v long_o live_v study_v the_o vilify_a the_o person_n and_o affront_a the_o authority_n of_o these_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o how_o much_o of_o this_o stuff_n the_o press_n have_v vent_v these_o thirty_o year_n by_o past_a such_o as_o know_v the_o late_a time_n or_o see_v their_o write_n can_v best_o judge_v eud._n now_o our_o discourse_n have_v dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o general_n be_v to_o descend_v to_o particular_n that_o we_o may_v examine_v whether_o upon_o the_o ground_n hitherto_o lay_v down_o 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isotimus_n his_o too_o positive_a assert_v of_o parity_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o except_o he_o find_v a_o precept_n for_o it_o his_o negative_a authority_n will_v never_o conclude_v it_o and_o can_v only_o prove_v a_o parity_n lawful_a and_o that_o imparity_n be_v not_o necessary_a i_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o without_o scripture_n warrant_v no_o new_a office_n may_v be_v institute_v but_o without_o that_o in_o order_n to_o peace_n unity_n decency_n and_o edification_n several_a rank_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o same_o office_n may_v well_o have_v be_v introduce_v whereby_o some_o be_v to_o be_v empower_v either_o by_o the_o church_n choice_n or_o the_o king_n authority_n as_o overseer_n or_o inspector_n of_o the_o rest_n who_o may_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o function_n which_o be_v not_o immediate_o command_v by_o god._n and_o you_o can_v never_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a that_o any_o shall_v oversee_v 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venerable_a and_o approve_a of_o the_o clergy_n over_o other_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o a_o eminent_a rank_n of_o the_o same_o office_n isot._n you_o study_v to_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o as_o harmless_a a_o posture_n as_o can_v be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n be_v apparent_a by_o the_o sole_a claim_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o by_o their_o consecration_n to_o it_o which_o show_v they_o account_v it_o a_o second_o order_n beside_o that_o they_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n carry_v as_o these_o who_o conceit_n themselves_o in_o a_o region_n above_o the_o presbyter_n phil._n i_o be_o not_o to_o vindicate_v neither_o all_o the_o practice_n nor_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o some_o who_o have_v assert_v this_o order_n no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v do_v the_o
easy_o off_o i_o have_v subjoin_v to_o it_o a_o account_n of_o the_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n government_n as_o i_o find_v they_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o i_o add_v no_o more_o for_o preface_n to_o that_o work_n since_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o conference_n enough_o be_v say_v for_o introduction_n to_o it_o i_o have_v divide_v my_o work_n in_o four_o part_n and_o conference_n the_o first_o examine_v the_o opinion_n of_o resist_v lawful_a magistrate_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o defend_v religion_n the_o second_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o they_o together_o with_o the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a the_o three_o examine_v the_o spirit_n that_o act_v during_o the_o late_a time_n and_o war_n and_o continue_v yet_o to_o divide_v we_o by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o the_o four_o examine_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o 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far_o as_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o parliament_n have_v oblige_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o son_n the_o earl_n of_o carrict_a afterward_o robert_n the_o three_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o king_n for_o fulfil_v of_o the_o premise_n so_o far_o as_o touch_v he_o give_v and_o make_v his_o oath_n the_o holy_a evangil_n be_v touch_v by_o he_o and_o then_o the_o state_n of_o parliament_n do_v also_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o earl_n of_o carrict_a make_v then_o lieutenant_n under_o the_o king_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o mutual_a oath_n be_v then_o give_v be_v well_o know_v since_o the_o king_n succession_n be_v so_o doubtful_a but_o after_o that_o no_o oath_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v give_v and_o though_o king_n james_n the_o second_o his_o coronation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o record_n of_o parliament_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o a_o oath_n give_v by_o any_o in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o 11._o parl._n of_o that_o king_n 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i_o must_v mind_v you_o of_o from_o that_o act_n which_o be_v that_o none_o of_o the_o liege_n must_v presume_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_v three_o estate_n or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o can_v you_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o our_o law_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o these_o estate_n for_o the_o small_a baron_n which_o some_o call_v the_o three_o estate_n come_v not_o in_o till_o three_o year_n after_o jac._n 6._o parl._n 11._o cap._n 113._o and_o now_o from_o all_o these_o premise_n i_o think_v we_o
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to_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o swear_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n these_o be_v the_o tender_a conscience_n that_o can_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o law_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o will_v have_v all_o swear_v to_o their_o form_n many_o of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v be_v indifferent_a which_o be_v a_o make_v they_o necessary_a at_o another_o rate_n than_o be_v do_v by_o a_o law_n which_o the_o legislator_n can_v repeal_v when_o he_o will_v and_o never_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n more_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o form_n than_o they_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v which_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v surprise_v you_o when_o some_o designer_n for_o popularity_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o that_o kirk_n do_v begin_v to_o disuse_n the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o worship_n and_o the_o sing_v the_o conclusion_n or_o doxology_n after_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o minister_n kneel_v for_o private_a devotion_n when_o he_o enter_v the_o pulpit_n the_o general_n assembly_n take_v this_o in_o very_o ill_a part_n and_o in_o a_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o presbytery_n complain_v sad_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o innovation_n be_v beginning_n to_o get_v into_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o throw_v these_o laudable_a practice_n out_o of_o it_o mention_v the_o three_o i_o name_v which_o be_v command_v to_o be_v still_o practise_v and_o such_o as_o refuse_v obedience_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v confer_v with_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v of_o they_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v untractable_a the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n this_o letter_n i_o can_v produce_v authentical_o attest_v but_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o some_o who_o be_v then_o zealous_a to_o condemn_v these_o innovation_n shall_v now_o be_v carry_v with_o the_o herd_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o i_o be_o become_v hoarse_a with_o speak_v so_o long_o and_o so_o i_o must_v break_v off_o have_v as_o i_o suppose_v give_v many_o great_a precedent_n from_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o rite_n in_o divine_a matter_n without_o a_o express_a warrant_n and_o for_o pass_a law_n upon_o these_o and_o have_v clear_v the_o one_o of_o superstition_n and_o the_o other_o of_o tyranny_n eud._n true_o all_o of_o you_o have_v do_v your_o part_n so_o well_o that_o even_o isotimus_n himself_o seem_v half_o convince_v it_o be_v then_o full_o clear_a that_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v obtrude_v on_o our_o belief_n without_o clear_a revelation_n so_o no_o sacred_a duty_n can_v be_v bind_v on_o o●r_a obedience_n without_o a_o divine_a warrant_n but_o in_o ritual_n especial_o in_o determine_v what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o variety_n of_o way_n to_o one_o particular_a form_n there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o power_n on_o earth_n which_o provide_v it_o balance_v all_o thing_n right_a and_o consider_v well_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o rite_n for_o attain_v the_o design_a end_n do_v not_o invade_v god_n dominion_n by_o make_v law_n about_o they_o nor_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warrant_v our_o disobedience_n to_o they_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v vest_v with_o this_o power_n and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o how_o much_o to_o the_o church_n basil._n i_o now_o engage_v in_o a_o theme_n which_o may_v perhaps_o lay_v i_o open_a to_o censure_v as_o if_o i_o be_v court_v the_o civil_a power_n by_o the_o assert_v of_o their_o right_n but_o i_o be_o too_o well_o know_v to_o you_o to_o dread_v your_o jealous_o much_o in_o this_o and_o i_o be_o too_o little_o know_v to_o myself_o if_o flattery_n be_v my_o foible_a i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o great_a frankness_n and_o ingenuity_n lay_v open_a my_o sense_n of_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o reason_n that_o prevail_v with_o i_o in_o it_o but_o i_o desire_v first_o to_o hear_v isotimus_n his_o opinion_n about_o it_o isot._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o king_n have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n sacred_a but_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v in_o a_o due_a line_n of_o subordination_n first_o to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o next_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n as_o his_o ambassador_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o who_o must_v give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o labour_n therefore_o they_o must_v have_v their_o rule_n only_o from_o he_o who_o empower_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a they_o must_v also_o have_v a_o power_n among_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o christian_a society_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o must_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o difficulty_n emerge_n meet_v together_o and_o consult_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whoso_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n when_o she_o err_v not_o from_o her_o rule_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v no_o better_a than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o since_o the_o church_n be_v call_v one_o body_n they_o ought_v to_o associate_v together_o in_o meeting_n see_v also_o they_o have_v their_o power_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n whereas_o the_o civil_a power_n hold_v of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v god_n they_o have_v a_o different_a tenor_n distinct_a end_n and_o various_a rule_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v among_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o christian_n be_v very_o ill_o provide_v for_o by_o christ_n if_o they_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o secular_a and_o carnal_a man_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o 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other_o instance_n when_o ezra_n come_v from_o artaxerxes_n he_o bring_v a_o commission_n from_o he_o ezra_n ch_n 7._o ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o impower_v he_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o god_n that_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n to_o set_v up_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n who_o may_v judge_n they_o that_o know_v the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o know_v they_o not_o and_o a_o severe_a certificate_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a and_o one_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o their_o punishment_n which_o be_v by_o the_o translator_n render_v banishment_n be_v in_o the_o chaldaic_a root_a out_o be_v by_o some_o judge_v to_o be_v excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o afterward_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 8._o the_o censure_n he_o threaten_v on_o these_o who_o come_v not_o upon_o his_o proclamation_n be_v forfeiture_n of_o good_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o congregation_n here_o than_o it_o seem_v a_o heathen_a king_n give_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v but_o be_v in_o that_o what_o will_v ezra_n upon_o his_o return_n act_v in_o a_o high_a character_n he_o make_v the_o priest_n levite_n and_o all_o israel_n to_o swear_v to_o put_v away_o their_o strange_a wife_n he_o convene_v all_o the_o people_n under_o the_o certificate_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o congregation_n and_o enjoin_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o amendment_n and_o we_o find_v both_o he_o and_o nehemiah_n act_v in_o a_o high_a character_n about_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o can_v only_o flow_v from_o the_o king_n commission_n for_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v prophet_n nor_o be_v ezra_n the_o high_a priest_n but_o his_o brother_n and_o so_o no_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a priest_n mordecai_n likewise_o institute_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n for_o which_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v he_o but_o the_o king_n authority_n commit_v to_o he_o who_o give_v he_o his_o ring_n for_o seal_v such_o order_n since_o he_o be_v neither_o 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