appetite_n of_o mislead_a prince_n mr._n knox_n his_o defence_n before_o the_o queen_n when_o rebuke_v for_o speak_v of_o her_o marriage_n in_o the_o pulpit_n be_v the_o evangel_n say_v he_o have_v two_o point_n repentance_n &_o faith_n in_o preach_v repentance_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v note_v that_o they_o way_n know_v wherein_o they_o offend_v and_o in_o his_o dispate_o with_o lithingtoun_n require_v where_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v so_o use_v king_n &_o ruler_n he_o give_v the_o example_n of_o elias_n reprove_a achab_n &_o jezebel_n that_o dog_n shall_v lick_v the_o blood_n of_o achab_n and_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o jezebel_n which_o be_v not_o whisper_v in_o their_o ear_n but_o so_o as_o the_o people_n understand_v well_o enough_o for_o so_o witness_v jehu_n after_o the_o accomplishment_n elizeiu_n reprove_v jehoram_n say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o jehoshaphat_n i_o will_v not_o have_v look_v 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as_o he_o be_v immutable_a in_o nature_n so_o will_v he_o not_o pardon_v they_o in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v punish_v in_o other_o &c._n &c._n which_o argument_n prevail_v with_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o glencarn_n in_o zeal_n to_o burst_v forth_o in_o these_o word_n albeit_o never_a man_n shall_v accompany_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pike_n upon_o my_o shoulder_n i_o have_v rather_o die_v with_o that_o company_n then_o live_v after_o they_o but_o now_o professor_n can_v only_o sit_v at_o home_n in_o their_o shop_n &_o ceil_v house_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v pursue_v &_o murder_v in_o the_o field_n but_o also_o can_v hire_v their_o murderer_n &_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n by_o pay_v they_o cesses_fw-la &_o locality_n and_o what_o they_o require_v for_o help_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o iniquity_n which_o famous_a mr_n knox_n disprove_v very_o much_o in_o his_o day_n argue_v that_o if_o people_n think_v they_o be_v innocent_a because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o actor_n of_o such_o iniquity_n they_o be_v utter_o deceive_v for_o god_n do_v not_o only_o punish_v the_o chief_a offender_n but_o the_o consenter_n to_o such_o iniquity_n and_o all_o be_v judge_v to_o consent_n who_o give_v not_o testimony_n against_o it_o as_o the_o ruler_n &_o bishop_n be_v criminal_a of_o all_o the_o innocent_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n truth_n so_o be_v all_o who_o assist_v &_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o blind_a rage_n and_o give_v no_o declaration_n that_o their_o tyranny_n displease_v they_o this_o doctrine_n be_v strange_a to_o the_o blind_a world_n but_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o all_o notable_a punishment_n from_o the_o begin_n when_o the_o old_a world_n be_v destroy_v by_o water_n sodom_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v be_v all_o alike_o wicked_a yet_o all_o perish_v why_o all_o keep_v silence_n or_o do_v not_o 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gospel_n &_o destruction_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n but_o through_o the_o ignorance_n &_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v who_o we_o shall_v hear_v by_o seek_v some_o satisfie_v evidence_n of_o their_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o christ_n the_o world_n have_v be_v leave_v louse_n in_o a_o licence_n to_o hear_v what_o they_o please_v and_o so_o have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n from_o monte_fw-fr bank_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a &_o wholesome_a potion_n of_o christ_n prescript_n from_o they_o that_o have_v power_n &_o skill_n to_o administer_v they_o hence_o the_o many_o sect_n &_o schism_n &_o error_n that_o have_v pester_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o this_o latitude_n &_o laxness_n of_o promiscous_a hear_n of_o all_o who_o they_o please_v who_o either_o the_o world_n authority_n impower_v or_o by_o other_o mean_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o place_n of_o preach_v without_o take_v any_o cognizance_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o character_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n or_o not_o if_o this_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o people_n have_v scruple_v &_o refuse_v to_o hear_v these_o who_o they_o may_v know_v shall_v not_o have_v preach_v neither_o the_o great_a antichrist_n nor_o the_o many_o lesser_a antichrist_n will_v have_v have_v such_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v this_o day_n it_o be_v then_o of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o have_v this_o question_v clear_v neither_o be_v it_o of_o small_a difficulty_n to_o solve_v the_o intricacy_n of_o it_o what_o character_n to_o fix_v for_o a_o discovery_n of_o christ_n true_a minister_n who_o we_o shall_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o love_n &_o esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o quality_n sake_n as_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v those_o character_n what_o judgement_n be_v incumbent_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o theiroun_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o their_o practice_n with_o out_o scandal_n on_o either_o hand_n or_o sin_n against_o their_o owned_a conscience_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n &_o extreme_n that_o inadvertency_n or_o precipitancy_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v rush_v upon_o so_o as_o to_o escape_v &_o sail_v by_o the_o scylla_n of_o sinful_a separation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o charybdis_n of_o sinful_a union_n &_o communion_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a especial_o how_o these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o break_a and_o disturb_v &_o divide_a case_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n also_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o question_v before_o this_o time_n and_o never_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n to_o cover_v sin_n &_o escape_v suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n so_o it_o have_v never_o be_v discuss_v by_o divine_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o case_n except_o what_o have_v be_v of_o late_a by_o some_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v suffer_v upon_o this_o head_n from_o who_o i_o shall_v gather_v the_o most_o of_o my_o argument_n in_o as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o i_o can_v without_o wrong_v they_o the_o reason_n i_o fancy_n that_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o help_n from_o the_o learned_a on_o this_o head_n be_v partly_o that_o they_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o their_o owned_a time_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n when_o corruption_n &_o disorder_n may_v be_v orderly_o rectify_v and_o people_n may_v have_v access_n to_o get_v their_o scruple_n remove_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n by_o church-order_n in_o which_o case_n the_o learned_a &_o judicious_a mr_n durham_n have_v write_v excellent_o in_o his_o book_n on_o scandal_n but_o therein_o neither_o he_o nor_o other_o do_v consult_v nor_o can_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o a_o case_n as_o we_o be_v and_o partly_o that_o foreign_a divine_n not_o have_v this_o for_o their_o exercise_n can_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o circumstantiate_a case_n and_o so_o be_v not_o fit_v nor_o competent_a arbiter_n to_o decide_v this_o contraversie_n hence_o many_o of_o they_o do_v wonder_n at_o our_o suffering_n upon_o this_o head_n every_o church_n be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o her_o owned_a testimony_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o learn_a of_o they_o as_o the_o great_a gisb._n voetius_fw-la in_o his_o polit_n eccles._n in_o several_a place_n come_v near_o to_o favour_v we_o where_o he_o allow_v people_n to_o leave_v some_o &_o hear_v such_o minister_n as_o they_o profit_v most_o by_o from_o these_o ground_n that_o people_n shall_v choose_v the_o best_a &_o most_o edify_a gift_n and_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la and_o grant_v that_o upon_o several_a occasion_n one_o may_v abstain_v from_o explicit_a communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n for_o these_o reason_n that_o such_o communion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a necessitate_v either_o medii_fw-la or_o precepti_fw-la where_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v more_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o christian_a duty_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v communion_n with_o more_o purity_n in_o other_o place_n polit._n ecces_n quest._n 17._o pag._n 68_o and_o he_o approve_v of_o people_n refuse_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o corrupt_a minister_n because_o they_o may_v wait_v until_o they_o have_v occasion_n of_o a_o minister_n for_o if_o the_o best_a gift_n be_v to_o be_v covet_v why_o shall_v not_o the_o best_a minister_n be_v prefer_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n show_v by_o their_o deed_n that_o they_o honour_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n &_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o 11._o eph._n 5._o 11._o they_o shall_v not_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o godly_a the_o authority_n of_o such_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v strengthen_v voet._n polit_n eccles._n pag._n 637._o to_o 640._o but_o though_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o necessary_a to_o say_v somewhat_o to_o clear_v it_o with_o dependence_n upon_o light_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o faithful_a man_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o up_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o blind_v or_o bribe_v with_o some_o prejudices_fw-la by_o which_o more_o light_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o point_n of_o withdraw_a from_o corrupt_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d ever_o be_v attain_v in_o former_a time_n which_o be_v all_o the_o good_a we_o have_v get_v of_o prelacy_n in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o may_v spare_v labour_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v make_v the_o argument_n vindicate_v this_o cause_n of_o suffer_v alittle_o more_o public_a and_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n espouse_v by_o the_o present_a &_o reproach_v party_n for_o their_o withdrawing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v stretch_v be_v no_o other_o than_o have_v be_v ow_v by_o our_o writer_n on_o this_o head_n to_o the_o intent_n it_o may_v appear_v there_o be_v no_o discrepancy_n but_o great_a likeness_n &_o harmony_n between_o the_o argument_n &_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a in_o the_o late_a informatorie_n vindication_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o touch_v this_o subject_n now_o that_o not_o only_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o suffering_n but_o many_o that_o suffer_v a_o while_n for_o it_o now_o have_v faint_v and_o condemn_v all_o their_o former_a contending_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n call_v in_o question_n all_o these_o reason_n that_o former_o satisfy_v satisfy_v they_o but_o to_o proceed_v with_o some_o distinctness_n in_o this_o thorny_a point_n some_o concessory_a assertion_n must_v first_o be_v premit_v and_o then_o our_o ground_n propound_v first_o i_o willing_o yield_v to_o &_o cordial_o close_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o assertion_n i._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n partaker_n of_o his_o one_o spirit_n
defection_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o take_v on_o with_o he_o let_v the_o indulge_v and_o addressing_z minister_n advert_v to_o this_o and_o consider_v whether_o or_o not_o the_o true_o tender_a have_v reason_n to_o discountenance_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o palpable_a defection_n but_o undeniable_o this_o refall_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o curate_n ordination_n before_o they_o be_v curate_n for_o they_o that_o change_v their_o hold_n of_o a_o right_n and_o take_v a_o new_a right_n which_o be_v null_a they_o forego_v &_o forfeit_v their_o old_a right_n &_o all_o right_n but_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n have_v change_v their_o hold_v of_o their_o right_n and_o take_v a_o new_a one_o which_o be_v null_a therefore_o they_o have_v forgo_v &_o forefeit_v their_o old_a one_o the_o minor_a i_o prove_v thus_o they_o who_o have_v aright_o from_o christ_n by_o conveyance_n of_o his_o officer_n and_o take_v a_o new_a grant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o not_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o conveyance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v none_o of_o his_o officer_n they_o change_v their_o hold_n and_o take_v a_o new_a one_o which_o be_v null_a but_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n who_o have_v a_o right_a by_o conveyance_n of_o his_o officer_n have_v take_v a_o new_a grant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o not_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o conveyance_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o officer_n ergo_fw-la the_o stress_n of_o all_o will_v lie_v in_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o that_o the_o prelate_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o conveyance_n of_o a_o power_n from_o he_o be_v not_o from_o christ._n which_o i_o prove_v 1._o because_o his_o office_n be_v cross_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o gospel_n church-government_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v a_o gospel_n church_n ruler_n christ_n discharge_v his_o officer_n to_o exercise_v dominion_n or_o lordship_n luk._n 22._o 25._o or_o authority_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v but_o that_o the_o chief_a shall_v be_v only_o a_o minister_n math._n 22._o 25_o 26._o the_o apostle_n paul_n disclaim_v dominion_n over_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 1._o ult_n peter_n exhort_v the_o elder_n not_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o authority_n of_o church_n officer_n then_o be_v not_o a_o despotic_a power_n but_o a_o ministerial_a stewardship_n but_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v both_o a_o lordly_a title_n &_o power_n have_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o diocese_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o power_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o can_v be_v discharge_v hence_o he_o that_o subject_n his_o his_o ministry_n to_o the_o domination_n of_o a_o strange_a lord_n invert_v the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n church-government_n can_v be_v ow_v in_o his_o ministry_n but_o all_o curate_n subject_n their_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la 2._o because_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n distinct_a from_o &_o superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n or_o pastor_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n all_o one_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v episcopi_fw-la or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 17._o 28._o a_o ordainded_a elder_n must_v be_v a_o blameless_a bishop_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n tit._n 1._o 5_o 7._o again_o it_o can_v be_v show_v where_o the_o scripture_n mention_n either_o name_n qualification_n work_n duty_n or_o ordination_n of_o a_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o which_o be_v not_o likewise_o appropriate_a to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n bishop_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o purpose_a recitall_n of_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o yet_o a_o deacon_n be_v describe_v the_o mean_a officer_n in_o his_o work_n &_o qualification_n hence_o then_o if_o this_o diocesan_n prelate_n be_v such_o a_o uncouth_a beast_n that_o neither_o in_o name_n nor_o nature_n be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o the_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o be_v null_a but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la 3._o because_o every_o officer_n in_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o flock_n except_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n who_o be_v further_o extend_v now_o cease_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n be_v overseer_n over_o the_o flock_n act._n 20._o the_o elder_n that_o peter_n write_v to_o be_v over_o the_o flock_n but_o this_o diocesan_n antiscriptural_a monster_n pretend_v to_o be_v over_o the_o shepherd_n and_o invent_v new_a degree_n &_o order_n of_o superiority_n &_o inferiority_n of_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n beside_o &_o against_o the_o scripture_n which_o make_v all_o apostle_n alike_o &_o all_o evangelist_n so_o all_o teacher_n though_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n &_o superiority_n in_o diverse_a kind_n yet_o not_o in_o the_o same_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondarly_a prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o but_o not_o among_o teacher_n some_o above_o other_o in_o a_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n hence_o a_o officer_n over_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v not_o a_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o consequent_o any_o power_n convey_v from_o his_o be_v null_a but_o a_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n over_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n ergo_fw-la 4._o because_o every_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v equal_o and_o in_o perfect_a parity_n equal_a power_n &_o authority_n allow_v they_o of_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o the_o key_n both_o of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n all_o roll_a elder_n may_v rule_v alike_o and_o deserve_v equal_a honour_n and_o all_o preach_a elder_n have_v the_o like_a authority_n and_o the_o like_a honour_n confer_v upon_o they_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o the_o scripture_n attribute_n both_o power_n of_o order_n &_o jurisdiction_n to_o all_o preach_a presbyter_n equal_o they_o must_v oversee_v the_o flock_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o they_o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o they_o must_v also_o feed_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o subjection_n &_o obedience_n be_v one_o to_o they_o all_o alike_o all_o that_o be_v over_o we_o and_o admonish_v we_o we_o must_v esteem_v high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o and_o obey_v &_o submit_v our_o self_n to_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n heb._n 13._o 17._o we_o find_v also_o excommunication_n belong_v to_o all_o alike_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o and_o ordination_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o the_o diocesan_n prelat_n take_v from_o presbyter_n to_o himself_o power_n of_o ordination_n assume_v only_o his_o curate_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o sole_a decisive_a power_n in_o church_n judicatories_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a voice_n like_o a_o diotrephes_n the_o first_o prelate_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n 3_o john_n 9_o the_o only_a precedent_n for_o prelacy_n in_o the_o scripture_n hence_o he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o be_v undivided_a &_o equal_a to_o all_o officer_n by_o christ_n appointment_n have_v none_o by_o christ_n allowance_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v a_o usurp_a diotrephes_n but_o the_o diocesan_n prelate_n will_v take_v all_o the_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o be_v undivided_a &_o equal_a to_o all_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v the_o prelate_n be_v no_o authorize_v church_n officer_n of_o christ_n no_o authority_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o so_o that_o such_o as_o betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o pretend_a power_n for_o warrant_v they_o in_o the_o function_n can_v warrantable_o claim_v no_o deference_n thereupon_o nor_o can_v be_v ow_v as_o minister_n whatever_o they_o be_v before_o for_o this_o be_v a_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o power_n &_o authority_n of_o prelate_n especial_o when_o the_o law_n command_v our_o hear_n as_o a_o submit_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o man_n come_v forth_o from_o the_o prelate_n have_v no_o other_o call_v or_o warrant_v but_o what_o the_o prelate_n give_v and_o so_o a_o receive_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o receive_n of_o the_o prelate_n as_o a_o refuse_v of_o they_o will_v be_v account_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o prelate_n &_o his_o power_n apol._n relat._n 15._o pag._n 272._o iii_o it_o be_v necessare_fw-la also_o that_o all_o with_o who_o we_o oune_v communion_n as_o minister_n shall_v be_v christ_n ambassador_n have_v then_o when_o we_o hear_v they_o and_o hold_v still_o their_o commission_n from_o christ_n as_o king_n and_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n convey_v not_o only_o from_o church_n officer_n in_o a_o way_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v as_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o
church_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o dependence_n upon_o &_o subordination_n to_o christ_n as_o king_n who_o ascend_v far_o above_o principality_n &_o power_n appoint_v &_o give_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o ministry_n eph._n 4._o 8._o 11._o and_o set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o give_v they_o commission_n to_o go_v &_o teach_v the_o nation_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o all_o power_n that_o be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n &_o earth_n math._n 28._o 18_o 19_o if_o then_o they_o take_v a_o new_a hold_v &_o close_a with_o a_o new_a conveyance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o from_o a_o new_a architectonick_a usurp_a power_n in_o the_o church_n encroach_a on_o christ_n royal_a prerogative_n we_o dare_v not_o homologat_v such_o a_o affront_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o give_v they_o the_o respect_n of_o his_o ambassador_n when_o they_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o subject_a even_o in_o ministerial_a function_n to_o another_o head_n then_o christ_n for_o than_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o man_n &_o by_o man_n and_o not_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a because_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n col._n 2._o 19_o hence_o those_o that_o receive_v &_o derive_v their_o church-power_n from_o and_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n then_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 &_o their_o curate_n do_v receive_v &_o derive_v their_o church_n power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o another_o head_n then_o christ_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v the_o second_o be_v prove_v thus_o those_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o derive_v their_o church-power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_a in_o its_o exercise_n to_o a_o power_n true_o architectonick_a &_o supreme_a in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o magistrate_n beside_o christ_n do_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o &_o be_v subordinate_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 prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n do_v derive_v etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v evident_a for_o whosoever_o have_v a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n in_o &_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 the_o minor_a be_v also_o clear_a from_o the_o forego_n historical_a deduction_n manifest_v the_o present_a prelacy_n to_o be_v gross_a erastianisme_n for_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v by_o law_n to_o be_v the_o croun_n right_a and_o a_o inherent_a perpetual_a prerogative_n and_o thereupon_o the_o bishop_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o it_o be_v express_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n in_o the_o church-office_n bearer_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o &_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o the_o supremacy_n and_o authorize_v by_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v declare_v accountable_a to_o the_o king_n for_o the_o administration_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o ecclesiastic_a supremacy_n he_o put_v excommunication_n &_o spiritual_a censure_n &_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n mere_o civil_a in_o the_o act_n for_o the_o high_a commission_n hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o church_n government_n he_o impart_v his_o authority_n to_o such_o as_o he_o please_v and_o the_o bishop_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o commissioner_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ecclesiastic_a power_n which_o be_v original_o in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o curate_n be_v only_o his_o under_o clerk_n all_o the_o stress_n will_v lie_v in_o prove_v that_o this_o monster_n of_o a_o supremacy_n from_o which_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v all_o their_o authority_n be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n on_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o usurp_v upon_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o only_o have_v all_o undoubted_a right_n to_o this_o architectonick_a &_o magisterial_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n his_o owned_a mediatory_a kingdom_n not_o only_o a_o essential_a right_n by_o his_o eternal_a godhead_n be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a isa._n 9_o 6._o mic._n 5._o 2._o in_o recognizance_n of_o which_o we_o oune_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n and_o one_o lord_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n &_o we_o by_o he_o 1._o cor._n 8._o 6._o but_o also_o a_o covenant-right_a by_o compact_a with_o the_o father_n to_o bear_v the_o glory_n &_o rule_n upon_o his_o throne_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n between_o they_o both_o zech._n 6._o 13._o a_o donative_n right_n by_o the_o father_n delegation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v all_o power_n give_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n math._n 28._o 18._o and_o all_o thing_n give_v unto_o his_o hand_n john_n 3._o 35._o and_o all_o judgement_n &_o authority_n to_o execute_v it_o even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n john_n 5._o 22_o 27._o and_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n eph._n 1._o 22._o a_o institute_n right_o by_o the_o father_n inaugaration_n who_o have_v set_v he_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n psal._n 2._o 6._o and_o appoint_v he_o governor_n that_o shall_v rule_v his_o people_n israel_n math._n 2._o 6._o a_o acquisite_a right_n by_o his_o owned_a purchase_n by_o which_o he_o have_v merit_v &_o obtain_v not_o only_o subject_n to_o govern_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n phil._n 2._o 9_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n as_o to_o be_v saviour_n of_o the_o body_n eph._n 5._o 23._o a_o bellical_a right_n by_o conquest_n make_v the_o people_n fall_v under_o he_o psal._n 45._o 4._o and_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psal._n 110._o 3._o and_o overcome_v those_o that_o make_v war_n with_o he_o rev._n 17._o 14._o a_o hereditary_a right_n by_o proximity_n of_o blood_n &_o primogeniture_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n psal._n 89._o 27._o and_o the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n col._n 1._o 18._o a_o elective_a right_n by_o his_o people_n choice_n &_o surrender_n have_v a_o croun_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crow_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o espousal_n cant_v 3._o ult_n by_o all_o which_o undoubted_a title_n it_o be_v his_o sole_a incommunicable_a prerogative_n without_o a_o copartner_n or_o competitor_n coordinate_a or_o subordinate_a to_o be_v judge_n &_o only_a lawgiver_n &_o king_n in_o spiritual_n isa._n 33._o 22._o to_o be_v that_o one_o lawgiver_n jam._n 4._o 12._o who_o only_o can_v give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o his_o officer_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n they_o have_v math._n 16._o 19_o to_o be_v that_o one_o master_n over_o all_o church_n officer_n who_o be_v but_o brethren_n math._n 23._o 8_o 10._o in_o who_o name_n only_o they_o must_v perform_v all_o church_n act_n and_o all_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o mortal_a math._n 28._o 18._o 19_o math._n 18._o 20._o from_o who_o only_o they_o receive_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 23._o to_o be_v the_o only_a instituter_n of_o his_o officer_n who_o have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 11._o who_o ambassador_n only_o they_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o from_o who_o they_o have_v authority_n for_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o in_o who_o name_n only_o they_o be_v to_o assemble_v and_o keep_v &_o fence_v their_o court_n both_o the_o least_o math._n 18._o 20._o and_o the_o great_a act._n 15._o but_o now_o all_o this_o be_v usurp_v by_o one_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o church_n member_n let_v be_v a_o church_n officer_n as_o such_o for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v neither_o as_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n otherwise_o all_o magistrate_n will_v be_v church_n member_n hence_o they_o that_o have_v all_o their_o power_n from_o a_o mere_a usurper_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o be_v neither_o member_n nor_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n have_v none_o
at_o all_o to_o be_v ow_v or_o receive_v as_o his_o lawful_a ambassador_n but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v all_o their_o power_n from_o a_o mere_a usurper_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n who_o be_v neither_o member_n nor_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la 2._o it_o confound_v the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n with_o &_o subject_n it_o to_o the_o kingly_a government_n of_o the_o world_n remove_v the_o scripture_n land_n mark_v &_o limit_n between_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o make_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o state_n to_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deny_v all_o church_n government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n distinct_a from_o &_o independent_a upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o clear_o derogat_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a kingdom_n which_o be_v altogether_o distinct_a from_o &_o not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o in_o the_o new._n for_o they_o have_v distinct_a fountain_n whence_o they_o flow_v civil_a government_n flow_v from_o god_n creator_n church_n government_n from_o christ_n the_o lord_n redeemer_n head_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n john_n 18._o 36._o though_o for_o this_o end_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o kingdom_n there_o vers_n 37._o they_o have_v distinct_a object_n civil_a government_n have_v a_o civil_a object_n the_o out_o ward_v man_n church_n government_n a_o spiritual_a object_n man_n consider_v as_o christian_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n 2_o chron._n 19_o ult_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v matter_n of_o church_n cognizance_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n math._n 18._o 15._o 20._o in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o the_o case_n of_o absolution_n the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o punishment_n be_v sufficient_a and_o what_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 7._o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o trial_n &_o ordination_n of_o minister_n etc._n etc._n none_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n they_o have_v distinct_a nature_n the_o civil_a be_v a_o magisterial_a the_o ecclesiastic_a be_v a_o minsterial_a government_n the_o one_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o other_o of_o the_o key_n the_o one_o put_v forth_o in_o political_a punishment_n the_o other_o in_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v coactive_a by_o death_n banishment_n confiscation_n etc._n etc._n ezra_n 7._o 26._o the_o church_n by_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n interdiction_n from_o sacred_a thing_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v describe_v rom._n 13._o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o sword_n by_o punishment_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n only_o in_o bind_v &_o loose_v math._n 16._o 19_o they_o have_v distinct_a end_n the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o common_a wealth_n the_o other_o the_o church_n edification_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o church_n another_o to_o wit_n to_o warn_v not_o to_o trespass_v against_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o forecited_a 2._o chron._n 19_o 10._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o end_n of_o magistratical_a power_n be_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n &_o a_o praise_n te_fw-la the_o good_a rom._n 13._o 3._o but_o the_o end_n of_o church_n power_n be_v edification_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 2._o cor._n 13._o 10._o they_o have_v distinct_a court_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a sanhedrin_n be_v know_v where_o there_o be_v distinct_a cause_n &_o person_n set_v over_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o respective_o 2._o chron._n 19_o ult_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v officer_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o with_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n at_o all_o and_o church-assembly_n distinct_a from_o parliament_n or_o senate_n yea_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n determine_v question_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n at_o all_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v ruler_n distinct_a from_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o who_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v accountable_a to_o christ_n only_o for_o to_o who_o else_o can_v they_o give_v account_n of_o soul_n heb._n 13._o 17._o we_o have_v ruler_n inferior_a to_o labourer_n in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v honour_v so_o much_o as_o they_o sure_a these_o can_v be_v civil_a ruler_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o we_o have_v ruler_n commend_v for_o try_v impostor_n which_o be_v not_o magistrate_n rev._n 2._o 2._o and_o other_o who_o be_v rebuke_v for_o suffer_a heretic_n ibid._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15_o 20._o which_o suppose_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o distinct_a from_o &_o not_o depend_v on_o the_o magistrate_n beside_o from_o this_o confusion_n of_o the_o two_o government_n together_o and_o make_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o church_n member_n shall_v be_v church_n officer_n even_o heathen_a magistrate_n yea_o woman_n shall_v be_v church_n officer_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v choose_v for_o magistrate_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n officer_n sic_fw-la apol._n relat._n sect._n 12._o pag._n 190._o rectius_fw-la instruen_n confut._n 1_o dial._n chap._n 6._o pag._n 50._o hence_o they_o that_o in_o derive_v their_o authority_n do_v confound_v the_o tuo_fw-la government_n civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a and_o take_v it_o all_o from_o a_o mere_a civil_a power_n can_v be_v ow_v as_o have_v any_o authority_n of_o christ_n institution_n but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n in_o derive_v their_o authority_n do_v confound_v the_o tuo_fw-la government_n civil_a &_o ecclesiastic_a and_o take_v it_o all_o from_o a_o mere_a civil_a power_n this_o same_o argument_n equal_o militate_v against_o hear_v the_o indulge_v minister_n who_o have_v take_v a_o licence_n &_o warrant_n from_o the_o usurper_n of_o this_o supremacy_n because_o it_o be_v high_o injurious_a to_o christ_n headship_n very_o contrary_a to_o to_o presbyterian_a principle_n clear_o homologatorie_n of_o the_o supremacy_n plain_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n very_o much_o establish_v erastianisme_n sad_o obstructive_a &_o destructive_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n wrong_v our_o cause_n &_o ground_n of_o suffer_v strengthen_v the_o prelate_n hand_n contradictory_n to_o our_o covenant_n prejudging_a the_o meeting_n of_o god_n people_n and_o heinous_o scandalous_a &_o offensive_a as_o be_v clear_a by_o &_o unanswerable_o poven_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n iv._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o any_o man_n who_o we_o may_v join_v with_o as_o a_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o a_o minister_n clothe_v with_o christ_n commission_n then_o when_o we_o join_v with_o he_o but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o right_a to_o administer_v there_o where_o we_o join_v with_o him._n else_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o thief_n &_o a_o robber_n who_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v not_o hear_v io._n 10._o 15_a now_o the_o prelate_n &_o curate_n though_o they_o shall_v he_o account_v &_o acknowledge_v minister_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o officiate_v where_o they_o have_v intrude_v themselves_o hence_o we_o have_v several_a argument_n as_o 1._o they_o who_o have_v no_o just_a authority_n nor_o right_a to_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a pastor_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o but_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n or_o right_o to_o officiate_v in_o this_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a pastor_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o withdraw_v from_o all_o the_o debate_n be_v about_o the_o minor_a which_o may_v thus_o be_v make_v good_a they_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o &_o do_v officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n have_v no_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o prelate_n
&_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v manifest_a for_o if_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n than_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n have_v no_o just_a authority_n or_o right_n so_o to_o do_v but_o this_o church_n have_v a_o just_a right_n &_o power_n of_o elect_v &_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o all_o true_a church_n have_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v above_o may_v be_v easy_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n the_o minor_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o curate_n have_v enter_v into_o &_o officiate_v fix_o in_o this_o church_n without_o her_o authority_n &_o consent_n be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n judicatory_a call_v or_o convocate_v for_o bring_v of_o prelate_n in_o to_o this_o church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a her_o judicatories_n be_v all_o cashier_a &_o discharge_v and_o all_o her_o officer_n turn_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o and_o all_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o the_o king_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o church_n a_o practice_n want_v a_o precedent_n in_o this_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v in_o all_o other_o church_n all_o that_o the_o curate_n can_v say_v be_v that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_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 all_o their_o right_n &_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o &_o derive_v from_o the_o supremacy_n whereby_o the_o diocesan_n erastian_n prelat_n be_v make_v the_o king_n delegate_n &_o substitute_n only_o impower_v thereto_o by_o his_o law._n this_o be_v mr_n smith_n 1_o sy_n &_o 6_o argum._n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o particular_a congregation_n acknowledge_v their_o owned_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o a_o few_o violent_a person_n arise_v and_o bring_v in_o a_o minister_n by_o plain_a force_n and_o cast_v out_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n be_v not_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n oblige_v to_o relinquish_v the_o intruder_n and_o not_o only_o discountenance_v he_o but_o endeavour_v his_o ejection_n this_o be_v our_o case_n napth_n pag._n 106._o 106._o 5._o prio_fw-la edit_fw-la 2._o if_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o these_o curate_n without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n than_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n but_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o consent_v to_o the_o great_a encroachment_n make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n therefore_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o without_o sin_n the_o minor_a be_v all_o the_o question_n but_o instance_n will_v make_v it_o out_o as_o first_o the_o rob_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o election_n of_o her_o pastor_n and_o substitute_v the_o bondage_n of_o patron_n presentation_n be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n but_o accept_v of_o curate_n as_o minister_n lawful_o call_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o want_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o have_v nothing_o for_o their_o warrant_n but_o a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n be_v a_o consent_v to_o that_o robbery_n and_o wicked_a substitution_n it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o say_v our_o forefather_n do_v submit_v to_o this_o and_o to_o a_o ministry_n who_o have_v no_o other_o call._n this_o be_v answer_v above_o in_o the_o narrative_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a consequence_n to_o say_v the_o posterity_n may_v return_v backward_o because_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o advance_v further_o forward_o second_o the_o thrust_v out_o of_o lawful_a minister_n without_o any_o cause_n but_o their_o adhere_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o thrust_v in_o other_o in_o their_o room_n who_o deny_v the_o same_o be_v a_o great_a encroachment_n on_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n be_v a_o consent_n to_o this_o violent_a extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o extrude_v &_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v they_o consent_v to_o the_o extrusion_n &_o intrusion_n and_o declare_v they_o confess_v the_o intrude_v his_o right_n be_v better_a than_o he_o who_o be_v extrude_v but_o they_o who_o embrace_v &_o encourage_v curate_n by_o countenance_v their_o pretend_a ministry_n do_v leave_v the_o extrude_v to_o wit_n their_o old_a minister_n and_o countenance_v the_o intrude_v ergo_fw-la to_o say_v that_o people_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v protest_v against_o these_o encroachment_n be_v frivolous_a for_o withdraw_v be_v the_o best_a protestation_n and_o if_o after_o their_o protestation_n they_o still_o countenance_v the_o encroachment_n they_o shall_v undo_v their_o owned_a protestation_n the_o same_o argument_n will_v militate_v against_o countenance_v the_o indulge_v or_o any_o that_o obtain_v authority_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n by_o a_o power_n encroach_a on_o the_o church_n liberty_n there_o be_v a_o objection_n to_o be_v remove_v here_o from_o math._n 23._o 2_o 3._o the_o scribe_n &_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v &_o do_v therefore_o they_o who_o without_o a_o title_n usurp_v the_o office_n may_v be_v hear_v ans._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v no_o way_n alike_o for_o then_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v confine_v in_o its_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n to_o that_o place_n where_o they_o intrude_v themselves_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o institute_v the_o new_a testament_n form_n of_o administration_n in_o its_o ordinance_n &_o officer_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v present_a may_v give_v a_o toleration_n durante_fw-la beneplacito_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o but_o 2._o our_o lord_n word_n bear_v no_o command_n for_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o not_o to_o reject_v sound_a doctrine_n because_o it_o come_v from_o they_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o bid_v they_o hear_v such_o as_o he_o call_v plant_n that_o his_o father_n have_v never_o plant_v who_o he_o bid_v let_v alone_o math._n 15._o 13_o 14._o and_o who_o be_v thief_n &_o robber_n who_o his_o sheep_n shall_v not_o hear_v v._o they_o must_v not_o only_o be_v minister_n &_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o then_o and_o there_o when_o &_o where_o we_o join_v with_o they_o but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v oune_v church_n communion_n with_o in_o the_o ordinance_n administrate_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o pervert_v &_o corrupt_v their_o ministry_n by_o preach_v &_o maintain_v error_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n our_o confession_n &_o principle_n of_o our_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o contradictory_n to_o our_o testimony_n found_v thereupon_o &_o agreeable_a thereunto_o maintain_v error_n condemn_v thereby_o or_o condemn_v truth_n maintain_v thereby_o we_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o if_o any_o seek_v to_o turn_v we_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n we_o most_o put_v away_o that_o evil_a &_o not_o consent_v nor_o hearken_v to_o they_o deut._n 13._o 5_o 8._o we_o must_v cease_v to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n prov._n 19_o 27._o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o these_o leader_n that_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o err_v lest_o we_o be_v destroy_v with_o they_o isa._n 9_o 16._o we_o must_v mark_v these_o who_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v learned_a &_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o we_o must_v withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3_o 5._o if_o there_o come_v any_o &_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n in_o that_o work_n of_o his_o preach_n or_o practise_v against_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o word_n 2_o john_n 10_o 11._o hence_o we_o most_o not_o hear_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n but_o the_o curate_n be_v false_a teacher_n who_o in_o preach_v &_o prayer_n bring_v forth_o false_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o hear_v they_o the_o minor_a be_v certain_a in_o that_o not_o only_o many_o of_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o point_n of_o popery_n &_o arminianism_n but_o all_o of_o they_o do_v teach_v false_a doctrine_n
but_o our_o minister_n that_o venture_v their_o life_n in_o preach_v in_o the_o field_n have_v have_v a_o certain_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n &_o be_v seal_v sensible_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o &_o confession_n of_o more_o that_o christ_n minister_n &_o witness_n employ_v about_o the_o great_a gospel_n message_n clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n &_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o command_n lie_v upon_o they_o must_v preach_v &_o the_o people_n must_v hear_v they_o not_o withstand_v of_o all_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n divine_n grant_v that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v no_o more_o suspend_v from_o the_o exercise_n than_o he_o can_v depose_v from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o see_v apollon_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la majest_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la part._n 1._o pag._n 334._o etc._n etc._n rutherf_n due_a right_n of_o presb._n pag._n 430._o etc._n etc._n for_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o man_n more_o than_o unto_o god_n the_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n may_v be_v appeal_v unto_o act._n 4._o 19_o they_o must_v not_o cease_v wherever_o they_o have_v a_o call_v &_o occasion_n to_o teach_v &_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 5._o ult_n necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o in_o all_o thing_n they_o must_v approve_v themselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n etc._n etc._n by_o honour_n &_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n &_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a &_o yet_o well_o know_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 8_o 9_o they_o must_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n &_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o dare_v any_o say_v then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n or_o tyrant_n law_n can_v exauctorate_v a_o minister_n or_o silence_v he_o by_o his_o owned_a proper_a elicit_a act_n as_o king_n or_o tyrant_n or_o formal_o &_o immediate_o will_v mischief_n frame_v into_o a_o law_n warrant_v such_o iniquity_n or_o a_o act_n of_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n rescind_v the_o mandate_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n or_o exempt_a people_n from_o obedience_n due_a thereunto_o or_o will_v the_o bishop_n canon_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n or_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o that_o stand_v condemn_v themselves_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n &_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o case_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v except_o odious_a &_o invidious_a calumny_n the_o ordinary_a lot_n of_o the_o most_o faithful_a against_o the_o present_a preacher_n in_o the_o field_n which_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v in_o their_o late_a informatory_n vindication_n and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v touch_v see_v therefore_o they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n as_o his_o servant_n they_o must_v resolve_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o he_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o lay_v up_o their_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n especial_o now_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a necessity_n when_o defection_n be_v yet_o grow_v cover_v countenance_v more_o &_o more_o division_n nothing_o abate_v but_o new_a oil_n cast_v daily_a into_o the_o flame_n of_o devour_a contention_n the_o people_n general_o drown_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o the_o time_n snare_n &_o sin_n and_o like_a to_o be_v over_o whelm_v in_o the_o inundation_n of_o black_a popery_n now_o come_v in_o at_o the_o open_a sluice_n of_o this_o wicked_a toleration_n with_o the_o congratulation_n of_o addressing_z minister_n when_o now_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a and_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o great_a then_o be_v the_o necessity_n and_o double_a must_v the_o woe_n be_v that_o abide_v such_o minister_n as_o be_v silent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o great_a &_o inexcusable_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o come_v out_o and_o countenance_v faithful_a minister_n the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n from_o who_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n mal._n 2._o 7._o especial_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o have_v palpable_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o necessary_a testimony_n of_o the_o day_n see_v then_o faithful_a minister_n must_v preach_v &_o people_n must_v hear_v where_o can_v they_o meet_v with_o conveniency_n &_o safety_n &_o freedom_n except_o either_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o this_o wicked_a toleration_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v or_o else_o go_v to_o the_o field_n 5._o it_o must_v be_v obtain_v also_o that_o the_o minister_n have_v a_o right_a to_o preach_v in_o this_o unfixed_a manner_n wherever_o they_o have_v a_o call_v their_o relation_n now_o in_o this_o disturb_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v more_o extensive_o than_o in_o its_o settle_a condition_n for_o understanding_n which_o we_o must_v distinguish_v a_o three_o or_o fourfold_a relation_n that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n stand_v into_o first_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o have_v his_o commission_n from_o christ_n as_o his_o master_n and_o this_o relation_n he_o have_v universal_o wherever_o he_o be_v second_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o a_o catholic_n minister_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o primary_n relation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o minister_n be_v set_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o three_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o in_o scotland_n a_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v out_o himself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o that_o church_n four_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereunto_o he_o have_v a_o fix_a relation_n in_o a_o constitute_v case_n of_o the_o church_n this_o last_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a relation_n but_o when_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o relation_n or_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v hold_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o call_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n stand_v &_o bind_v see_v m_o r_o durham_n degression_n on_o this_o particular_a on_o revel_n chap._n 2._o pag._n 89._o etc._n etc._n in_o quarto_fw-la for_o tho'_o he_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n officer_n have_v a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v nevertheless_o he_o may_v exerce_fw-la ministerial_a act_n authoritative_o upon_o occasion_n warrantable_o call_v for_o the_o same_o in_o other_o church_n as_o herald_n of_o one_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n wherever_o it_o be_v especial_o in_o a_o break_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o all_o the_o restriction_n his_o ministerial_a relation_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v only_o a_o tie_n &_o call_v to_o officiate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o so_o he_o have_v right_a to_o preach_v every_o where_o as_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o he_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n the_o master_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o master_n authority_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o servant_n ministerial_a authority_n can_v be_v deny_v at_o least_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n as_o well_o as_o a_o minister_n 2._o he_o have_v commission_n from_o christ_n principal_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o far_o as_o his_o ministry_n can_v reach_v according_a to_o the_o second_o relation_n 3._o his_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v principal_a that_o which_o be_v fix_v to_o a_o part_n be_v only_o subordinate_a because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a 4._o his_o commission_n be_v indefinite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o will_v sâ—it_v as_o well_o in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o another_o 5._o the_o same_o great_a end_n of_o the_o church_n great_a good_a &_o edification_n which_o warrant_n fix_v of_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o church_n peaceable_a state_n will_v warrant_n his_o officiate_a more_o large_o in_o her_o disturb_a state_n 6._o else_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n stand_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o a_o disturb_a &_o destroy_v church_n and_o all_o his_o
the_o chief_a of_o our_o fundamental_a land-rights_a and_o the_o cardinal_n condition_n of_o the_o establish_a policy_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v only_o oune_v man_n for_o magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o this_o testimony_n by_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o owned_a life_n can_v be_v give_v expedient_o any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o field_n it_o be_v also_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o freedom_n &_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel-ministrie_n and_o for_o their_o hold_v their_o unremoveable_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v infringe_v by_o these_o tyrannical_a act_n and_o maintain_v by_o these_o exercise_n which_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o be_v contend_v for_o above_z &_o beyond_o all_o other_o that_o can_v be_v contend_v for_o or_o defend_v especial_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o those_o that_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o take_v it_o away_o there_o will_v no_o man_n quite_o any_o of_o his_o good_n upon_o a_o sentence_n come_v from_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n and_o shall_v minister_n or_o people_n be_v hector_v or_o fool_v from_o such_o a_o privilege_n by_o they_o that_o have_v no_o such_o power_n 6._o the_o keep_n of_o field-meeting_n now_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o our_o covenant_n the_o oun_a whereof_o be_v declare_v criminal_a by_o that_o same_o law_n that_o discharge_v these_o meeting_n in_o which_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o preserve_v the_o reformation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n &_o government_n and_o to_o defend_v all_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o to_o oppose_v all_o their_o opposite_n and_o endeavour_v their_o exstirpation_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n we_o be_v swear_v because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o maintain_v &_o defend_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n &_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v &_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o since_o then_o the_o oun_a of_o these_o meeting_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v both_o discharge_v together_o and_o the_o oun_a of_o the_o covenant_n do_v oblige_v to_o a_o public_a opposition_n against_o the_o discharger_n and_o a_o avow_a maintinance_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n whereof_o this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a &_o chief_a liberty_n now_o leave_v to_o be_v maintain_v to_o keep_v meeting_n where_o we_o may_v testify_v against_o they_o without_o dependence_n on_o their_o toleration_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o these_o meeting_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v which_o only_o can_v be_v in_o the_o field_n with_o conveniency_n 7._o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o will_v be_v a_o harden_v &_o encourage_v of_o these_o enemy_n in_o their_o wicked_a design_n of_o banish_v all_o these_o meeting_n out_o of_o the_o land_n which_o manifest_o will_v be_v defeat_n by_o a_o resolute_a refusal_n of_o all_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o discharge_n of_o they_o and_o they_o that_o do_v submit_v and_o give_v they_o over_o do_v evident_o contribute_v to_o the_o effectuate_a that_o wicked_a design_n which_o be_v certain_a do_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o terminate_v upon_o a_o simple_a suppression_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o further_a be_v intend_v to_o exstirpate_v all_o meeting_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o which_o there_o be_v any_o testimony_n against_o they_o to_o comply_v therefore_o with_o such_o a_o forbearance_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n will_v lay_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o these_o their_o design_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v their_o contrivance_n so_o universal_o comply_v with_o wherein_o they_o may_v boast_v that_o at_o length_n they_o have_v prevail_v to_o put_v quite_o away_o that_o eyesore_n of_o they_o field-meeting_n 8._o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o be_v a_o stumble_n to_o the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n who_o may_v think_v that_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o work_n be_v but_o of_o man_n and_o so_o have_v come_v to_o naught_o and_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o faint_a &_o succumb_a at_o last_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o testimony_n as_o be_v quite_o overcome_v and_o that_o indeed_o all_o have_v embrace_v &_o accept_v this_o present_a toleration_n and_o be_v all_o alike_o sleep_v under_o the_o shade_n and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o bramble_n 9_o final_o to_o give_v over_o these_o field-meeting_n now_o will_v be_v very_o scandalous_a to_o the_o posterity_n and_o to_o stranger_n who_o shall_v read_v the_o history_n of_o our_o church_n to_o find_v that_o as_o prelacy_n come_v in_o without_o a_o joint_a witness_n and_o the_o monstrous_a blasphemous_a &_o sacrilegious_a supremacy_n be_v erect_v without_o a_o testimony_n in_o its_o season_n so_o black_a popery_n itself_o and_o tyranny_n be_v introduce_v by_o a_o toleration_n which_o lay_v they_o all_o by_o from_o a_o testimony_n against_o these_o who_o former_o have_v valiant_o resolute_o &_o faithful_o contend_v against_o all_o lesser_a corruption_n but_o at_o last_o when_o that_o come_v and_o strict_a prohibition_n of_o all_o public_a meeting_n but_o under_o the_o covert_a thereof_o be_v emit_v than_o all_o be_v persuade_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o course_n how_o astonish_a will_v it_o be_v to_o read_v that_o all_o these_o contending_n seal_v with_o so_o much_o precious_a blood_n shall_v come_v to_o such_o a_o pitiful_a period_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o second_o positive_a ground_n of_o suffer_v head_n v._o the_o principle_n of_o &_o testimony_n for_o defensive_a arm_n vindicated_n this_o truth_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n that_o can_v hardly_o be_v illustrate_v by_o demonstration_n not_o for_o the_o darkness_n thereof_o but_o for_o its_o self_n evidence_v clearness_n be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o further_a elucidation_n than_o what_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o rational_a understanding_n by_o its_o simple_a proposition_n as_o first_o principle_n can_v hardly_o be_v prove_v because_o they_o need_v no_o probation_n and_o can_v be_v make_v clear_a than_o they_o be_v and_o such_o as_o can_v consent_v to_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o conceive_v any_o probation_n of_o they_o so_o this_o truth_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o be_v congenite_fw-la with_o and_o irradicate_v in_o every_o nature_n that_o have_v a_o self_n which_o it_o can_v preserve_v can_v scarce_o be_v more_o illustrate_v that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o than_o that_o it_o can_v do_v so_o and_o therefore_o to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o true_a respect_n to_o their_o owned_a as_o well_o as_o a_o due_a concern_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a to_o make_v a_o doubt_n or_o debate_v of_o this_o be_v it_o not_o that_o a_o generation_n 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be_v anticipate_v when_o i_o reflect_v on_o the_o help_n i_o have_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o hand_n i_o be_o rather_o afraid_a the_o truth_n here_o deliver_v be_v comtemn_v as_o obsolete_a and_o antiquate_a than_o cast_v at_o for_o new_a speculation_n however_o i_o be_o content_a yea_o it_o be_v my_o ambition_n that_o nothing_o here_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o i_o but_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v this_o be_v a_o old_a plea_n and_o that_o the_o party_n here_o plead_v for_o who_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o many_o singularity_n be_v a_o people_n who_o ask_v the_o old_a path_n and_o the_o good_a way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v therein_o and_o though_o their_o path_n be_v not_o now_o much_o pave_v by_o the_o frequency_n of_o passenger_n and_o multitude_n of_o professor_n walk_v therein_o and_o albeit_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v some_o way_n singular_a that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v never_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n patience_n state_v 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design_n then_o of_o this_o work_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n even_o no_o less_o than_o to_o essay_n the_o discuss_v the_o difficulty_n of_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o open_a enemy_n about_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o testimony_n the_o vindicate_a of_o all_o the_o head_n of_o suffering_n sustain_v thereupon_o these_o 27_o year_n past_a the_o propose_v of_o the_o right_a state_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o former_a period_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o propagation_n &_o prosecution_n of_o the_o witnessing_n wrestle_n and_o suffering_n for_o it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v not_o only_o how_o great_a the_o suffering_n have_v be_v since_o this_o fatal_a catastrophe_n and_o overturning_a of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o unhappy_a restauration_n of_o tyranny_n and_o prelacy_n but_o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v be_v state_v be_v not_o nicety_n and_o novelty_n as_o they_o be_v reproach_v and_o repute_v by_o many_o but_o worthy_a and_o weighty_a truth_n of_o great_a value_n and_o validity_n and_o of_o near_a affinity_n unto_o &_o conformity_n with_o the_o continue_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o testimony_n in_o all_o former_a period_n so_o that_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n must_v be_v contain_v a_o compendious_a history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n her_o testimony_n in_o all_o age_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o it_o yea_o in_o effect_v a_o short_a epitome_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o famous_a forecited_a author_n as_o far_o as_o we_o need_v to_o consult_v they_o concern_v the_o controversy_n of_o the_o present_a time_n with_o adversary_n which_o be_v much_o and_o perhaps_o too_o much_o to_o be_v undertake_v in_o so_o small_a a_o volume_n but_o consider_v that_o many_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o cause_n yea_o the_o most_o part_n who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o it_o be_v such_o who_o have_v neither_o access_n nor_o time_n nor_o capacity_n to_o revolve_v the_o voluminous_a labour_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n for_o light_n in_o this_o case_n i_o have_v do_v my_o best_a to_o bring_v they_o into_o one_o body_n of_o a_o portable_a bulk_n with_o as_o great_a brevity_n as_o can_v consist_v well_o with_o any_o measure_n of_o perspicuity_n not_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o i_o think_v may_v some_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v some_o part_n of_o the_o present_a testimony_n every_o undertake_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o several_a disadvantage_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a this_o have_v many_o discourage_a and_o difficult_a one_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o such_o representation_n to_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o a_o seditious_a libel_n and_o so_o may_v be_v send_v to_o the_o flame_n to_o be_v confute_v and_o to_o inflame_v the_o fury_n of_o these_o firebrand_n already_o hell-hot_a into_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o rage_n against_o the_o author_n that_o ever_o cruelty_n itself_o at_o its_o full_a freedom_n do_v exert_v against_o truth_n and_o reason_n arraign_v and_o cast_v for_o sedition_n and_o treason_n the_o only_a sanctuary_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v in_o prospect_n of_o this_o to_o have_v the_o great_a care_n that_o nothing_o be_v speak_v but_o what_o the_o speaker_n may_v dare_v to_o affirm_v in_o the_o face_n of_o cruelty_n itself_o a_o second_o common_a disadvantage_n be_v obvious_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o fancy_n have_v great_a force_n than_o faith_n and_o nothing_o be_v please_v but_o what_o be_v parasitical_a or_o attemper_v to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o great_a not_o of_o the_o best_a and_o naked_a truth_n without_o the_o fairding_n of_o flattery_n or_o painting_n of_o that_o pâkiness_n which_o be_v common_o applaud_v as_o
the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o all_o his_o instruction_n set_v down_o &_o limit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v extend_v abridge_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o mortal_a wight_n king_n or_o emperor_n and_o see_v he_o be_v send_v to_o all_o sort_n his_o commission_n &_o discharge_v of_o it_o shall_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v lawfu_o judge_v by_o they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v they_o be_v sheep_n &_o not_o pastor_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n and_o â—â—t_n to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o in_o a_o judicial_a way_n the_o interlocutor_fw-la be_v pass_v against_o he_o for_o this_o the_o brethren_n think_v it_o duty_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o preacher_n shall_v be_v direct_v against_o the_o say_a interlocutor_fw-la as_o against_o a_o strong_a &_o mighty_a hold_v set_v up_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o force_n &_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o themselves_o and_o be_v charge_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o toun_n they_o leave_v a_o faithful_a declaration_n at_o large_a show_v how_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v invade_v &_o rob_v but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o wrestle_n for_o the_o royalty_n of_o their_o princely_a master_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o kingdom_n against_o that_o tyrant_n insolence_n after_o he_o obtain_v he_o croun_n of_o england_n for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o church_n to_o indict_v her_o owned_a assembly_n and_o when_o the_o faithful_a thought_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o counteract_v his_o encroachment_n and_o therefore_o convene_v in_o a_o assembly_n at_o aberdeen_n anno_fw-la 1605._o they_o be_v force_v to_o dissolve_v and_o thereafter_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o minister_n there_o assemble_v be_v transport_v prisoner_n to_o black-ness_a whence_o be_v cite_v before_o the_o council_n they_o decline_v their_o judicatory_a and_o one_o of_o their_o brethren_n mr_n robert_n youngson_n who_o have_v former_o succumb_v be_v move_v in_o conscience_n return_v and_o when_o the_o rest_n be_v stand_v before_o the_o council_n desire_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n and_o therefore_o howbeit_o not_o summon_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v by_o the_o live_a god_n and_o compel_v to_o compear_v that_o day_n to_o justify_v that_o assembly_n to_o the_o great_a astonishment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o brethren_n he_o subscribe_v the_o declinature_n with_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v arraign_v and_o condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o treason_n and_o banish_v before_o the_o execution_n of_o which_o sentence_n mr_n welsh_n write_v to_o the_o lady_n fleming_n to_o this_o effect_n what_o be_o i_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o have_v call_v i_o and_o then_o constitute_v i_o a_o minister_n of_o glad_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n these_o fifteen_o year_n already_o and_o now_o last_o of_o all_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n &_o kingdom_n to_o witness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n not_o only_o to_o convocate_v hold_v &_o keep_v her_o meeting_n convention_n &_o assembly_n but_o also_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o her_o affair_n in_o all_o her_o meeting_n &_o convention_n among_o his_o member_n and_o subject_n these_o two_o point_n 1_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n 2_o that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n except_o christ_n be_v the_o special_a cause_n of_o our_o imprisonment_n be_v now_o convict_v as_o traitor_n for_o maintain_v thereof_o we_o have_v now_o be_v wait_v with_o joyfulness_n to_o give_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n in_o confirmation_n thereof_o if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n after_o this_o the_o king_n resolve_v by_o parliament_n to_o advance_v the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n again_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n without_o caution_n as_o before_o and_o further_o to_o establish_v not_o only_o that_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n but_o a_o erastian_n supremacy_n the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o protest_v and_o according_o they_o offer_v a_o faithful_a protestation_n to_o the_o parliament_n julij_fw-la 1606._o obte_v that_o they_o will_v reserve_v into_o the_o lord_n own_o hand_n that_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v communicate_v neither_o with_o man_n nor_o angel_n to_o wit_n to_o prescribe_v from_o his_o holy_a mountain_n a_o lively_a pattern_n according_a to_o which_o his_o owned_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v form_v remember_v alwise_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a &_o undoubted_a authority_n in_o this_o world_n except_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v as_o proper_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o owned_a will_n as_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o save_v his_o church_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o owned_a suffering_n all_o other_o authority_n be_v so_o entrench_v within_o the_o march_n of_o divine_a command_n that_o the_o least_o overpass_a of_o the_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o bring_v man_n under_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o temporal_a &_o eternal_a judgement_n if_o you_o shall_v authorise_v bishop_n you_o shall_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n which_o experience_n have_v find_v to_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n which_o mount_v up_o on_o the_o step_n of_o bishop_n preeminence_n until_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n come_v forth_o as_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o man_n wisdom_n who_o god_n shall_v consume_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o owned_a mouth_n let_v the_o sword_n of_o god_n pierce_v that_o belly_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o a_o monster_n and_o let_v the_o staff_n of_o god_n crush_v that_o egg_n which_o have_v hatch_v such_o a_o cockatrice_n and_o let_v not_o only_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n be_v throw_v down_o from_o the_o high_a bench_n of_o his_o usurp_a authority_n but_o also_o let_v all_o the_o step_n whereby_o he_o mount_v up_o to_o that_o unlawful_a preeminence_n be_v cut_v down_o &_o utter_o abolish_v in_o this_o land_n and_o beware_v to_o strive_v against_o god_n with_o a_o open_a display_a banner_n by_o build_v up_o again_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o cast_v down_o but_o also_o have_v lay_v they_o under_o a_o horrible_a interdiction_n &_o execration_n so_o that_o the_o build_n of_o they_o again_o must_v needs_o stand_v to_o great_a charge_n to_o the_o builder_n than_o the_o re-edify_n of_o jericho_n to_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahab_n 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except_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v against_o tyranny_n because_o that_o tyrant_n be_v not_o such_o a_o usurper_n nor_o such_o a_o violater_n of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o these_o that_o we_o have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o all_o but_o as_o to_o the_o manage_n the_o testimony_n they_o far_o out_o strip_v their_o successor_n in_o this_o generation_n in_o conduct_n &_o courage_n prudence_n &_o zeal_n as_o be_v above_o hintend_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v some_o more_o when_o several_a plot_n of_o papist_n lord_n have_v be_v discover_v conspire_v with_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o they_o be_v by_o the_o king_n indulgence_n favour_v and_o some_o be_v also_o persuade_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o famous_a mr_n davidson_n oppose_v with_o great_a resolution_n declare_v before_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n that_o it_o favour_v much_o of_o defection_n in_o these_o day_n that_o such_o notorious_a rebel_n 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upon_o it_o so_o that_o in_o seek_v both_o you_o shall_v lose_v both_o to_o the_o like_a effect_n mr_n robert_n bruce_n in_o a_o sermon_n upon_o psal_n 51._o give_v faithful_a warning_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v not_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v party_n in_o this_o cause_n no_o the_o quarrel_n be_v betwixt_o a_o great_a prince_n and_o they_o what_o be_v we_o but_o silly_a man_n yet_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o set_v we_o in_o this_o office_n that_o we_o shall_v oppone_v to_o the_o manifest_a usurpation_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v there_o a_o more_o forcible_a mean_v to_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n than_o to_o let_v barrabas_n that_o nobilitate_fw-la malefactor_n pass_v free_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o war_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n it_o put_v on_o the_o copestone_n that_o so_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a as_o their_o call_v &_o this_o cause_n crave_v fie_o upon_o false_a brethren_n to_o see_v they_o dumb_a so_o faint_v heart_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o chock_n not_o only_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v the_o thing_n they_o think_v which_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o a_o pastor_n but_o speak_v direct_o against_o their_o former_a doctrine_n they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v put_v at_o but_o incontinent_a they_o will_v turn_v and_o make_v their_o gift_n weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v none_o so_o malicious_a as_o a_o apostate_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o slide_v back_o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o faithful_a witness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o preach_v as_o the_o king_n will_v have_v he_o against_o his_o owned_a conscience_n to_o justify_v &_o proclaim_v the_o king_n innocency_n in_o a_o forge_a conspiracy_n against_o he_o be_v put_v from_o his_o church_n in_o edinburgh_n and_o be_v request_v in_o a_o insinuate_a manner_n to_o desist_v from_o preach_v but_o for_o nine_o or_o ten_o day_n he_o condescend_v at_o first_o think_v the_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o that_o night_n his_o body_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o fever_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o he_o promise_v he_o shall_v never_o obey_v their_o commandment_n any_o more_o these_o be_v faithful_a man_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o challenge_v themselves_o in_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o their_o short_a come_n &_o defection_n at_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n march_n 30._o 1596._o the_o great_a solemnity_n ever_o have_v be_v see_v in_o scotland_n before_o that_o time_n so_o that_o the_o place_n may_v worthy_o have_v be_v call_v bochim_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v such_o a_o day_n when_o even_o the_o most_o faithful_a among_o we_o shall_v mourn_v over_o our_o far_a more_o aggravate_v defection_n but_o if_o they_o mourn_v then_o for_o these_o first_o degree_n of_o declension_n we_o may_v say_v quam_fw-la gravius_fw-la ingemiscerent_fw-la illi_fw-la fortes_fw-la viri_fw-la qui_fw-la propter_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n libertatem_fw-la olim_fw-la in_o acie_n decertarunt_fw-la si_fw-la nostram_fw-la hanc_fw-la ignaviam_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la gravius_fw-la dicam_fw-la conspicerent_fw-la i_o know_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o that_o some_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o worthy_n allege_v they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o hear_v &_o join_v with_o prelatical_a man_n dispense_n the_o ordinance_n but_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v easy_o refell_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o period_n wherein_o they_o be_v but_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o may_v bear_v with_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v after_o we_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o they_o they_o be_v then_o advance_v and_o still_o gain_v ground_n we_o be_v now_o decline_v and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v more_o rich_a to_o lose_v what_o we_o have_v gain_v they_o have_v then_o of_o a_o long_a time_n enjoy_v their_o judicatories_n unto_o which_o they_o may_v recur_v for_o a_o orderly_a redress_n of_o such_o grievance_n that_o offend_v they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o in_o hope_n of_o recover_v they_o and_o so_o suspend_v their_o total_a secession_n from_o that_o corrupt_a church_n until_o they_o shall_v recover_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n still_o hold_v their_o right_a and_o maintain_v their_o cause_n against_o these_o invader_n but_o we_o be_v at_o thevery_n first_o begin_n of_o this_o unhappy_a revolution_n total_o deprive_v of_o our_o judicatories_n and_o denude_v of_o all_o expectation_n of_o they_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o of_o all_o place_n but_o what_o they_o be_v master_n of_o to_o contend_v with_o they_o
witness_n do_v gradual_o ascend_v to_o the_o pitch_n it_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o i._o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n have_v once_o get_v foot_v again_o with_o the_o favour_n and_o the_o fawn_n of_o the_o foolish_a nation_n go_v on_o fervent_o to_o further_a and_o promote_v their_o wicked_a design_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n at_o first_o do_v encourage_v themelve_n to_o begin_v bold_o wherefore_o hear_v of_o some_o minister_n peaceable_o assemble_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o monitory_a letter_n to_o the_o king_n mind_v he_o of_o his_o covenant_n engagment_n &_o promise_n which_o be_v though_o weak_a yet_o the_o first_o witness_n &_o warning_n against_o that_o heaven-daring_a wickedness_n then_o begin_v they_o cruel_o incarcerate_v they_o have_v hereby_o much_o daunt_v the_o ministry_n from_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o like_a unusual_a &_o outrageous_a usage_n the_o parliament_n conveen_v januar._n 1._o 1661._o without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o protestation_n for_o religion_n &_o liberty_n give_v in_o to_o they_o and_o there_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o frame_v &_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n exauctorate_n christ_n and_o invest_v his_o usurp_a enemy_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o his_o robe_a prerogative_n acknowledge_v the_o king_n only_o supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n &_o in_o all_o cause_n and_o that_o his_o power_n &_o jurisdiction_n must_v not_o be_v decline_v whereby_o under_o all_o person_n &_o all_o causeâ—_n all_o church_n officer_n in_o their_o most_o proper_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n &_o concern_v of_o christ_n be_v comprehend_v and_o if_o the_o king_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n he_o must_v not_o be_v decline_v as_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n which_o do_v at_o once_o enervate_a all_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o four_o period_n above_o declare_v and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o all_o this_o babel_n they_o have_v 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refuse_v that_o oath_n arbitrar_o impose_v be_v banish_v or_o confine_v when_o they_o have_v gain_v this_o bulwark_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n then_o they_o wax_v more_o insolent_a and_o set_v up_o their_o ensign_n for_o sign_n and_o break_v down_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o reformation_n with_o axe_n &_o hammer_n in_o this_o parliament_n 1661._o they_o pass_v a_o act_n rescissory_a whereby_o they_o annul_v &_o declare_v void_a the_o national_a covenant_n the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n presbytrial_a government_n and_o all_o law_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n since_o the_o year_n 1633._o o_o horrid_a wickedness_n both_o in_o its_o nature_n so_o attrocious_a to_o condemn_v &_o rescind_v what_o god_n do_v so_o signal_o seal_v as_o his_o owned_a work_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o which_o he_o will_v rescind_v the_o rescinder_n and_o overturn_v these_o overturner_n of_o his_o work_n and_o make_v the_o curse_n of_o that_o break_a 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alarm_v the_o whole_a nation_n quasi_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la to_o rise_v for_o religion_n &_o liberty_n to_o resist_v such_o wickedness_n do_v wink_v at_o it_o o_o how_o righteous_a be_v the_o lord_n now_o in_o turn_v our_o harp_n into_o mourning_n though_o alas_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o this_o day_n to_o see_v the_o shine_a righteousness_n of_o this_o retribution_n and_o though_o we_o be_v scourge_v with_o scorpion_n &_o bray_v in_o a_o mortar_n our_o madness_n our_o folly_n in_o these_o irreligious_a frolic_n be_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v let_v be_v lament_v yet_o albeit_o neither_o in_o this_o day_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o break_v but_o cass_v &_o declare_v of_o no_o obligation_n nor_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v burn_v for_o which_o turk_n &_o pagan_n will_v have_v be_v ashamed_a &_o afraid_a at_o such_o a_o terrible_a sight_n and_o for_o which_o the_o lord_n anger_n be_v burn_v against_o these_o bold_a burner_n and_o against_o they_o who_o suffer_v it_o and_o do_v not_o witness_v against_o it_o be_v there_o any_o public_a testimony_n by_o protestation_n or_o remonstrance_n or_o a_o public_a witness_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v some_o then_o and_o some_o who_o come_v out_o afterward_o with_o the_o trumpet_n at_o their_o mouth_n who_o heart_n then_o sorrow_v at_o the_o sight_n and_o some_o suffer_v for_o the_o sense_n they_o show_v of_o that_o anniversary_n abomination_n for_o not_o keep_v which_o they_o lose_v both_o church_n &_o liberty_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o presbytry_n &_o synod_n be_v about_o that_o time_n discharge_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o new_a power_n confer_v on_o the_o four_o prelate_n who_o be_v at_o court_n reordain_v &_o consecrate_a thereby_o renounce_v their_o former_a title_n to_o the_o ministry_n but_o this_o can_v not_o give_v a_o discharge_n from_o a_o necessary_a testimony_n then_o call_v for_o from_o faithful_a watchman_n 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capable_a of_o exerce_v any_o power_n or_o place_n in_o church_n or_o state._n but_o find_v this_o not_o yet_o sufficient_a security_n for_o this_o unsettled_a settlement_n because_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o people_n stand_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o only_o according_a to_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v the_o fundamental_a condition_n whereupon_o their_o allegiance_n be_v found_v as_o among_o all_o people_n the_o article_n mutual_o consent_v betwixt_o they_o and_o these_o who_o they_o set_v over_o they_o be_v the_o constituent_a fundamental_n of_o government_n and_o well_o know_v that_o he_o &_o his_o associate_n by_o violate_v these_o condition_n have_v loose_v the_o people_n from_o all_o subjection_n to_o he_o or_o any_o derive_v power_n from_o he_o whereby_o the_o people_n may_v just_o plead_v that_o since_o he_o have_v keep_v no_o condition_n they_o be_v not_o now_o oblige_v to_o he_o he_o therefore_o contrive_v a_o new_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o 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break_v &_o bury_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o who_o have_v swear_v it_o may_v have_v another_o right_a and_o another_o allegiance_n than_o that_o of_o the_o covenant_n have_v then_o remit_v to_o we_o all_o allegiance_n found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n however_o have_v now_o prepare_v &_o furnish_v himself_o with_o tool_n so_o qualify_v for_o his_o purpose_n in_o church_n &_o state_n he_o prosecute_v his_o persecution_n with_o such_o fervour_n &_o fury_n rage_n &_o revenge_n imposition_n &_o oppression_n and_o with_o arm_a form_v force_v against_o the_o faithful_a follow_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o contempt_n even_o of_o his_o abuse_a authority_n that_o at_o length_n in_o the_o year_n 1666_o a_o small_a party_n be_v compel_v to_o go_v to_o defensive_a arm_n which_o whatever_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o court_n as_o it_o be_v know_v how_o desirous_a they_o have_v be_v of_o a_o insurrection_n when_o they_o think_v themselves_o 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certain_o avenge_v this_o affront_n upon_o the_o whole_a country_n without_o distinction_n of_o free_a &_o unfree_a they_o gather_v about_o 54_o horseman_n march_v to_o drumfreis_n take_v sir_n james_n turner_n prisoner_n and_o disarm_v the_o soldier_n without_o any_o more_o violence_n be_v thus_o by_o providence_n engage_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o retreat_n and_o get_v some_o concurrence_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n they_o come_v to_o lanerk_n where_o they_o renew_v the_o covenant_n and_o thence_o to_o pentland_n hill_n where_o by_o the_o holy_a disposal_n of_o god_n they_o be_v rout_v many_o kill_v and_o 130_o take_v prisoner_n who_o be_v treat_v so_o treacherous_o &_o truculent_o as_o turk_n will_v have_v blush_v to_o have_v see_v the_o like_a hence_o now_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o may_v see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o leave_v that_o enemy_n to_o he_o who_o we_o embrace_v to_o make_v such_o avow_a discovery_n of_o himself_o without_o a_o blush_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o scourge_v we_o with_o scorpion_n that_o we_o nourish_v and_o put_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o also_o how_o just_o at_o that_o time_n he_o leave_v we_o into_o such_o a_o damp_n that_o like_a ass_n we_o couch_v under_o all_o burden_n and_o few_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a draw_v on_o they_o meroz'_v curse_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o butcher_a brethren_n after_o we_o have_v sit_v &_o see_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n civil_a &_o sacred_a to_o be_v destroy_v in_o our_o sight_n without_o resentment_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n who_o call_v out_o these_o worthy_a patriot_n who_o fall_v at_o pentland_n to_o such_o a_o appearance_n for_o his_o interest_n do_v take_v a_o testimony_n of_o their_o hand_n with_o acceptance_n by_o suffering_n and_o singular_o countenance_v they_o in_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v success_n nor_o his_o presence_n to_o the_o enterprise_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o sort_n of_o infatuation_n without_o counsel_n &_o conduct_n to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o devourer_n that_o by_o a_o sad_a inadvertency_n they_o take_v in_o the_o tyrant_n interest_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n which_o shall_v have_v warn_v his_o people_n for_o the_o future_a to_o have_v state_v the_o quarrel_n otherwise_o ii_o by_o this_o time_n and_o much_o more_o after_o the_o king_n give_v as_o many_o proof_n &_o demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v true_a to_o antichrist_n in_o mind_v all_o the_o promise_n &_o treaty_n with_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o his_o be_v false_a to_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o covenant_n engagment_n with_o his_o people_n for_o in_o this_o same_o year_n 1666._o he_o with_o his_o dear_a &_o royal_a brother_n the_o duke_n of_o york_n contrive_v countenance_v &_o abet_v the_o burn_a of_o london_n evident_a by_o their_o employ_v their_o guard_n to_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o save_v their_o owned_a and_o to_o dismiss_v the_o incendiary_n the_o papist_n that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o fact_n the_o committee_n appoint_v to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o that_o business_n trace_v it_o for_n far_o that_o they_o dare_v go_v no_o further_o unless_o they_o will_v arraign_v the_o duke_n &_o charge_v the_o king_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o it_o be_v enact_v as_o criminal_a for_o any_o to_o say_v the_o king_n be_v a_o papist_n but_o have_v gain_v so_o much_o of_o his_o design_n in_o scotland_n where_o he_o have_v establish_v prelacy_n advance_a tyranny_n to_o the_o height_n of_o absoluteness_n and_o his_o supremacy_n almost_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o additional_a supply_n yea_o above_o the_o pope_n owned_a claim_n and_o have_v now_o bring_v his_o only_a opposite_n the_o few_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o low_a pass_n he_o go_v on_o by_o craft_n as_o well_o as_o cruelty_n to_o advance_v his_o owned_a in_o promote_a
antichrist_n interest_n and_o therefore_o have_v get_v the_o supremacy_n devolve_v upon_o he_o by_o law_n for_o which_o also_o he_o have_v the_o pope_n dispensation_n to_o take_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n under_o promise_n to_o restore_v &_o surrender_v it_o to_o he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v attain_v his_o end_n by_o it_o as_o the_o other_o brother_n succeed_v have_v now_o do_v he_o will_v now_o exert_v that_o usurp_a power_n and_o work_v by_o infnare_a policy_n to_o effectuate_v the_o end_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v by_o other_o mean_n therefore_o see_v he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o suppress_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o house_n &_o field_n but_o that_o the_o more_o he_o labour_v by_o violent_a course_n the_o great_a &_o more_o frequent_a they_o grow_v he_o fall_v upon_o a_o more_o crafty_a device_n not_o only_o to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o suppress_v the_o meeting_n but_o to_o break_v the_o faithful_a and_o to_o divide_v between_o the_o madcap_n &_o the_o moderate_a fanatic_n as_o they_o phrased_a it_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o destroy_v both_o to_o confirm_v the_o usurpation_n and_o to_o settle_v people_n in_o a_o sinful_a silence_n &_o stupid_a submission_n to_o all_o the_o encroachment_n make_v on_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o more_o effectual_o to_o overturn_v what_o remain_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god._n and_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o fortify_v the_o supremacy_n than_o minister_n their_o homologate_a &_o acknowledge_v it_o therefore_o he_o offer_v the_o first_o indulgence_n anno_fw-la 1669._o signify_v in_o a_o letter_n date_v that_o year_n june_n 7._o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n be_v to_o appoint_v so_o many_o of_o the_o out_v minister_n as_o have_v live_v peaceable_o &_o orderly_o to_o return_v to_o preach_v &_o exercise_v other_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o paroch_n church_n where_o they_o former_o serve_v provide_v they_o be_v vacant_a and_o to_o allow_v patron_n to_o present_a to_o other_o vacant_a church_n such_o other_o of_o they_o as_o the_o council_n shall_v approve_v that_o all_o who_o be_v so_o indulge_v be_v enjoin_v to_o keep_v presbytry_n and_o the_o refuser_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o paroch_n and_o that_o they_o be_v enjoin_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n paroch_n unto_o their_o communion_n nor_o baptise_v their_o child_n nor_o marry_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o paroch_n and_o if_o they_o countenance_v the_o people_n desert_v their_o owned_a paroch_n they_o be_v to_o be_v silence_v for_o short_a or_o long_a time_n or_o altogether_o turn_v out_o as_o the_o council_n shall_v see_v cause_n and_o upon_o complaint_n make_v &_o verify_v of_o any_o seditious_a discourse_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o pulpit_n utter_v by_o any_o of_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v turn_v out_o and_o further_o punish_v according_a to_o law_n and_o see_v by_o these_o order_n all_o pretence_n for_o conventickles_n be_v take_v away_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v hereafter_o to_o preach_v without_o authority_n or_o keep_v conventickle_n his_o pleasure_n be_v to_o proceed_v with_o all_o severity_n against_o they_o as_o seditious_a person_n &_o contemner_n of_o authority_n to_o salve_v this_o in_o point_n of_o law_n because_o it_o be_v against_o former_a law_n of_o their_o ow_v and_o to_o make_v the_o king_n letter_n the_o supreme_a law_n afterward_o and_o a_o valid_a ground_n in_o law_n where_o upon_o the_o council_n may_v proceed_v &_o enact_v and_o execute_v what_o the_o king_n please_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a he_o therefore_o cause_v frame_v a_o formal_a statutory_a act_n of_o supremacy_n of_o this_o tenor._n that_o his_o maj._n have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n &_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a within_o his_o dominion_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o order_n &_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o he_o &_o his_o successor_n as_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o the_o croun_n and_o that_o he_o may_v settle_v enact_v &_o emitt_v such_o constitution_n act_n &_o order_n concern_v the_o administrate_v thereof_o and_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o same_o and_o concern_v all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n &_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v &_o determine_v therein_o as_o he_o in_o his_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v think_v fit_a which_o act_n order_n &_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v &_o obey_v by_o all_o his_o maj._n subject_n any_o law_n act_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o where_o upon_o according_o the_o council_n in_o their_o act_n juliâ—_n 27._o 1669._o do_v nominate_v several_a minister_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o exercise_v the_o other_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n there_o specify_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o patron_n the_o same_o day_n also_o they_o conclude_v &_o enact_v the_o forementioned_a restriction_n conform_v to_o the_o king_n letter_n above_o rehearse_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v intimate_fw-la to_o every_o person_n who_o be_v by_o authority_n foresay_a allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n these_o indulge_v minister_n have_v that_o indulgence_n give_v only_o upon_o these_o term_n that_o they_o shall_v accept_v these_o injunction_n and_o have_v receive_v it_o upon_o these_o term_n also_o as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o bargain_n &_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o indulgence_n be_v grant_v &_o accept_v as_o many_o follow_a proclamation_n do_v express_o declare_v do_v appoint_v mr_n hutcheson_n one_o of_o the_o number_n to_o declare_v so_o much_o in_o acknowledge_v his_o maj._n favour_n &_o clemency_n in_o grant_v that_o liberty_n after_o so_o long_a a_o restraint_n and_o however_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o jesus_n christ_n with_o full_a prescription_n from_o he_o for_o regulate_v they_o therein_o yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o refresh_v on_o earth_n to_o they_o than_o to_o have_v free_a liberty_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o so_o they_o purpose_v to_o be_v have_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o that_o wisdom_n that_o become_v faithful_a minister_n and_o to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o lawful_a authority_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o know_a judgement_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o well_o become_v loyal_a subject_n and_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v his_o maj._n in_o his_o person_n &_o government_n and_o the_o council_n in_o the_o public_a administration_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o his_o maj._n mind_n in_o his_o letter_n wherein_o his_o singular_a moderation_n eminent_o appear_v afterward_o they_o issue_v out_o proclamation_n reinforcing_a the_o punctual_a observation_n of_o the_o forementioned_a injunction_n and_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o indulge_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o cruel_a act_n &_o edict_n be_v make_v against_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o house_n &_o the_o field_n after_o all_o these_o midianitish_a wile_n to_o suppress_v they_o such_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o meeting_n and_o so_o powerful_a be_v his_o countenance_n &_o concurrence_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o who_o lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o hold_v up_o the_o standart_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v multiply_v daily_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o the_o few_o hand_n that_o wrestle_v in_o that_o work_n through_o all_o humane_a discouragement_n therefore_o king_n &_o council_n be_v put_v to_o a_o new_a shift_n which_o they_o suppose_v will_v prove_v more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o non-conformed_n minister_n not_o yet_o indulge_v who_o either_o do_v or_o may_v hereafter_o hold_v conventickle_n therefore_o to_o remee_v or_o prevent_v this_o in_o time_n come_v they_o appoint_v &_o ordain_v they_o to_o such_o place_n where_o indulge_v minister_n be_v settle_v there_o to_o be_v confine_v with_o allowance_n to_o preach_v as_o the_o indulge_v shall_v employ_v they_o think_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o incapacitate_v many_o to_o hold_v meeting_n there_o or_o elswere_v and_o to_o these_o also_o they_o give_v injunction_n &_o restriction_n to_o regulate_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o the_o out_v minister_n may_v be_v bring_v under_o restraint_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v under_o bond_n by_o another_o act_n of_o council_n they_o command_v that_o all_o other_o minister_n not_o dispose_v of_o as_o be_v say_v be_v either_o to_o repair_v to_o the_o paroch_n church_n where_o
suppose_v also_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v from_o who_o guiltiness_n the_o land_n can_v be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o execute_v god_n righteous_a judgement_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v now_o be_v believe_v after_o they_o have_v violate_v all_o that_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v devise_v to_o bind_v they_o upon_o these_o account_n they_o reject_v that_o king_n and_o those_o associate_n with_o he_o in_o the_o government_n and_o declare_v they_o henceforth_o no_o lawful_a ruler_n as_o they_o have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v no_o lawful_a subject_n they_o have_v destroy_v the_o establish_a religion_n overturn_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n take_v away_o christ_n church-government_n and_o change_v the_o civil_a into_o tyranny_n where_o none_o be_v associate_v in_o partake_v of_o the_o government_n but_o only_o these_o who_o will_v be_v find_v by_o justice_n guilty_a of_o criminal_n and_o declare_v they_o shall_v god_n give_v power_n set_v up_o government_n &_o governor_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o qualification_n require_v exod._a 18._o vers_fw-la 20._o and_o shall_v not_o commit_v the_o government_n to_o any_o single_a person_n or_o lineal_a succession_n be_v not_o tie_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o one_o single_a family_n and_o that_o kind_a be_v liable_a to_o most_o inconvenience_n &_o apt_a to_o degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o moreover_o that_o these_o man_n set_v over_o they_o shall_v be_v engage_v to_o govern_v principal_o by_o that_o civil_a &_o judicial_a law_n not_o that_o which_o be_v any_o way_n typical_a give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o best_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v be_v give_v by_o god_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o life_n &_o death_n and_o other_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o christian_a liberty_n exempt_n divorce_n &_o polygamy_n 6._o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o minister_n not_o only_o be_v defective_a in_o preach_v against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o ruler_n for_o overthrow_v religion_n but_o hinder_v other_o also_o who_o be_v willing_a and_o censure_v some_o that_o do_v it_o and_o have_v vote_v for_o acceptation_n of_o that_o liberty_n found_v upon_o &_o give_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blaspemous_o arrogate_v &_o usurp_v power_n and_o appear_v before_o their_o court_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v enact_v &_o authorize_v their_o minister_n whereby_o they_o have_v become_v the_o minister_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o they_o as_o they_o will_v and_o have_v preach_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pay_v that_o tribute_n declare_v to_o be_v impose_v for_o the_o bear_n down_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o advise_v poor_a prisoner_n to_o subscribe_v that_o bond_n which_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o subscribe_v they_o shall_v close_v that_o door_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n for_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o whore_n and_o stop_v all_o regress_n of_o man_n when_o once_o bring_v under_o tyranny_n to_o recover_v their_o liberty_n again_o they_o declare_v they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v hear_v they_o &c._n &c._n nor_o any_o who_o encourage_v &_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o trafficque_v for_o union_n with_o they_o 7._o that_o they_o be_v for_o a_o stand_a gospel_n ministry_n right_o choose_v &_o right_o ordain_v &_o that_o none_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n unless_o call_v &_o ordain_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o separation_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o they_o refel_v both_o the_o malice_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o calumny_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o separation_n it_o must_v be_v where_o the_o change_n be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o be_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n nor_o set_v up_o a_o new_a ministry_n but_o cleave_v to_o the_o same_o minister_n &_o ordinance_n that_o former_o they_o follow_v when_o other_o have_v flee_v to_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a authority_n which_o be_v like_o the_o old_a piece_n in_o the_o new_a garment_n 8._o that_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o in_o their_o civil_a natural_a &_o divine_a right_n &_o liberty_n and_o if_o any_o assault_n they_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o declare_v a_o war_n and_o take_v all_o advantage_n that_o one_o enemy_n do_v of_o another_o but_o trouble_n and_o injure_v none_o but_o those_o that_o injure_v they_o this_o be_v the_o compend_n of_o that_o paper_n which_o the_o enemy_n seize_v and_o publish_v while_o it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o rude_a draught_n and_o not_o polish_v digest_v nor_o consult_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o community_n yet_o whether_o or_o not_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n so_o to_o blaze_v their_o owned_a baseness_n in_o that_o paper_n true_o represent_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o proclaim_v their_o owned_a tyranny_n and_o the_o innocency_n &_o honesty_n of_o that_o people_n who_o thereby_o they_o be_v seek_v to_o make_v odious_a but_o in_o effect_n invite_v all_o lover_n of_o religion_n &_o liberty_n to_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o their_o difficulty_n &_o distress_n there_o discover_v however_o that_o poor_a party_n continue_v together_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o countenance_n of_o their_o covenant_v brethren_n who_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o leave_v both_o they_o to_o be_v murder_v and_o their_o testimony_n to_o be_v trample_v upon_o until_o the_o 22._o of_o julij_fw-la 1680._o upon_o the_o which_o day_n they_o be_v attack_v at_o airsmoss_n by_o a_o strong_a party_n of_o about_o 120_o horse_n well_o arm_v while_o they_o be_v but_o 23_o horse_n and_o 40_o foot_n at_o most_o and_o so_o fight_v valiant_o be_v at_o length_n rout_v not_o without_o their_o adversary_n testimony_n of_o their_o be_v resolute_a man_n several_a of_o zions_n precious_a mourner_n and_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n be_v kill_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr_n richard_n cameron_n seal_v &_o fulfil_v his_o testimony_n with_o his_o blood_n and_o with_o other_o the_o valiant_a and_o much_o honour_a gentleman_n david_n hackstoun_n of_o rathillet_n be_v after_o many_o receive_a wound_n apprehend_v bring_v in_o to_o edinburgh_n and_o there_o resolute_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n and_o disow_v the_o authority_n of_o king_n &_o council_n and_o all_o their_o tyrannical_a judicatory_n be_v cruel_o murder_v but_o countenance_v eminent_o of_o the_o lord_n now_o remain_v mr_n donald_n cargil_n deprive_v of_o his_o faithful_a colleague_n destitute_a of_o his_o brethren_n concurrence_n but_o not_o of_o the_o lord_n counsel_n &_o conduct_n by_o which_o he_o be_v prompt_v &_o help_v to_o prosecute_v the_o testimony_n against_o the_o universal_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n &_o nation_n tyranny_n of_o enemy_n backslide_v of_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o his_o master_n on_o all_o hand_n and_o consider_v in_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o holy_a jealousy_n provoke_v and_o threaten_a wrath_n against_o the_o land_n for_o the_o sin_n especial_o of_o ruler_n who_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o heaven-daring_a insolence_n in_o all_o wickedness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v still_o grow_v &_o go_v on_o without_o control_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o testimony_n give_v against_o they_o by_o public_a preach_n protestation_n and_o declaration_n remonstrate_v their_o tyranny_n and_o disow_a their_o authority_n yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n &_o scandal_n to_o make_v the_o lord_n fierce_a anger_n break_v forth_o into_o a_o flame_n but_o be_v ow_v also_o by_o professor_n not_o only_o as_o magistrate_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a &_o protestant_a church_n and_o that_o however_o both_o the_o defensive_a arm_n of_o man_n have_v be_v use_v against_o they_o and_o the_o christian_a arm_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministerial_a weapon_n of_o preach_v yet_o that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n have_v not_o be_v authoritative_o exert_v against_o they_o therefore_o that_o no_o weapon_n which_o christ_n allow_v his_o servant_n under_o his_o standart_n to_o manage_v against_o his_o enemy_n may_v be_v want_v tho'_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o strengthen_v the_o solemnity_n &_o formality_n of_o the_o action_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o defect_n in_o this_o break_a case_n of_o the_o church_n can_v disable_v his_o authority_n nor_o deâ—ur_n the_o duty_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n and_o according_o in_o september_n
former_a prelacy_n answer_v above_o peri._n 4._o pag._n 54._o 3._o in_o a_o constitute_v and_o settle_a case_n of_o the_o church_n enjoy_v her_o privilege_n &_o judicatory_n corruption_n may_v be_v â—oreborn_a and_o the_o offend_v be_v not_o to_o withdraw_v before_o recourse_n to_o the_o judicatories_n for_o a_o orderly_a redress_n but_o in_o a_o break_a &_o disturb_a state_n when_o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o these_o court_n of_o christ_n then_o people_n tho'_o they_o must_v not_o usurp_v a_o power_n of_o judicial_a censure_v these_o corruption_n yet_o they_o may_v claim_v &_o exercise_v a_o discretive_a power_n over_o their_o owned_a practice_n and_o by_o their_o withdraw_n from_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o signify_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o moral_a equity_n of_o these_o censure_n that_o have_v be_v legal_o enact_v against_o these_o &_o the_o equivalent_a corruption_n and_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v legal_o inflict_v as_o we_o do_v upon_o this_o ground_n withdraw_v from_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n and_o likewise_o from_o some_o of_o our_o covenant_v brethren_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v chargeable_a with_o such_o corruption_n &_o defection_n from_o our_o reformation_n as_o we_o can_v but_o show_v our_o dislike_n of_o this_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la justify_v confut._n 3_o dial._n chap._n 1._o pag._n 8._o where_o he_o be_v show_v what_o separation_n be_v not_o sinful_a and_o give_v this_o for_o one_o if_o we_o separate_v in_o that_o which_o a_o national_a church_n have_v command_v we_o as_o her_o member_n to_o disoune_n by_o her_o stand_a act_n &_o authority_n while_o those_o from_o who_o we_o separate_v oune_v that_o corruption_n which_o hold_v true_a of_o the_o curate_n &_o indulge_v and_o addresser_n and_o all_o that_o we_o withdraw_v from_o however_o it_o be_v certain_o those_o be_v to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o with_o who_o we_o can_v communicate_v without_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n establish_v they_o and_o take_v on_o that_o test_n &_o badge_n of_o our_o incorporation_n with_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o their_o sin_n &_o in_o hazard_n of_o their_o judgement_n iv._o tho'_o in_o some_o case_n as_o we_o be_v warrant_v so_o be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v yet_o neither_o do_v we_o allow_v it_o upon_o slight_a or_o slender_a ground_n nor_o can_v any_o tender_a soul_n be_v force_v to_o discountenance_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o prelatic_a curate_n without_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n even_o when_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v solid_a &_o valid_a and_o the_o necessity_n unavoidable_a therefore_o we_o reject_v these_o as_o insufficient_a ground_n beside_o what_o be_v give_v already_o 1._o we_o can_v withdraw_v from_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n natural_a spiritual_a or_o moral_a 2._o neither_o for_o personal_a fault_n &_o escape_n we_o expect_v a_o faithful_a but_o not_o a_o sinless_a ministry_n 3._o nor_o for_o every_o defect_n in_o faithfulness_n through_o ignorance_n want_v of_o courage_n misinformation_n or_o be_v bias_v with_o affection_n for_o particular_a person_n we_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o fault_n in_o member_n or_o defect_n in_o minister_n do_v pollute_v the_o oordinance_n and_o so_o necessitate_v a_o separation_n but_o aggree_v with_o what_o mr_n durham_n say_v on_o revel_n chap._n 2._o lect._n 6._o pag._n 147._o in_o 4_o to_o sincerity_n discover_v will_v cover_v many_o fault_n 4._o nor_o for_o every_o discovery_n of_o hypocrisy_n tho'_o we_o may_v have_v groâ—nd_n to_o suspect_v a_o man_n principle_n &_o motive_n be_v not_o right_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v follow_v duty_n unblamable_o and_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v therein_o i_o may_v rejoice_v philip._n 1._o 18._o 5._o nor_o yet_o for_o real_a scandal_n not_o attend_v with_o obstinacy_n if_o minister_n will_v take_v reproof_n &_o admonition_n and_o at_o least_o by_o doctrinal_a confess_v and_o practical_a for_o sake_z they_o satisfy_v the_o offend_v 6._o yea_o tho'_o his_o scandal_n be_v so_o gross_a that_o we_o must_v discountenance_v he_o when_o he_o persisâ—s_v in_o they_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o a_o disow_a of_o his_o ministry_n `or_n a_o reject_v his_o commission_n but_o a_o discountenance_v for_o his_o disorder_n until_o they_o be_v remove_v but_o the_o apologet._n relaâ—_n sect._n 14._o pag._n 290_o 291._o say_v 1_o there_o may_v be_v ministerial_a corruption_n that_o cut_v the_o very_a throat_n of_o the_o office_n and_o make_v one_o no_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v past_a question_n such_o may_v be_v shun_v without_o all_o hazard_n of_o separation_n 2_o when_o personal_a fault_n be_v very_o gross_a &_o palpable_a open_a &_o avow_v such_o may_v be_v shune_v without_o any_o hazard_n of_o separation_n because_o the_o man_n be_v a_o officer_n coram_fw-la deo_fw-la be_v much_o to_o be_v question_v and_o there_o be_v great_a probability_n that_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la he_o have_v forefault_v the_o same_o tho'_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o he_o may_v be_v maintain_v 3_o separation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d thing_n and_o not_o hear_v such_o or_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a ground_n of_o exception_n against_o a_o particular_a person_n why_o people_n may_v refuse_v to_o countenance_v he_o without_o any_o hazard_n of_o separation_n or_o join_v with_o separatist_n in_o their_o principle_n separation_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v another_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n may_v join_v with_o ordinance_n in_o another_o congregation_n and_o so_o testify_v that_o he_o have_v no_o prejudice_n at_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o against_o such_o a_o man_n in_o particular_a whence_o it_o be_v a_o ignorant_a as_o well_o as_o malicious_a calumny_n to_o say_v that_o our_o withdraw_n from_o the_o curate_n and_o also_o from_o some_o minister_n who_o otherwise_o we_o respect_v &_o reverence_n as_o godly_a minister_n for_o their_o offensive_a defection_n be_v a_o disow_a all_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n whereas_o we_o do_v profess_v indeed_o a_o disow_a of_o the_o curate_n ministry_n but_o for_o our_o reverend_a presbyterian_a minister_n tho'_o we_o do_v discountenance_v many_o of_o they_o with_o sad_a heart_n for_o their_o not_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n patience_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o tentation_n nor_o adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o disow_a of_o their_o ministry_n but_o a_o refuse_v to_o countenance_v they_o in_o their_o present_a administration_n in_o this_o disturb_a state_n till_o these_o offence_n be_v remove_v v._o as_o to_o disoune_v the_o ministry_n be_v hateful_a sectarianisme_n so_o to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n be_v a_o unnatural_a schism_n which_o be_v horrid_a sin_n but_o because_o among_o all_o the_o various_a suffering_n wherewith_o the_o poor_a toss_v &_o rack_a remnant_n now_o persecute_v have_v be_v exercise_v this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o light_a that_o they_o have_v be_v on_o all_o hand_n stigmatise_v as_o schismatic_n &_o separatist_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v maintain_v a_o resolve_v withdraw_v from_o the_o curate_n but_o also_o have_v discountenance_v many_o presbyterian_a minister_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v offend_v for_o their_o decline_a course_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o time_n corruption_n and_o forsake_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v distinguish_v some_o case_n of_o separation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o our_o approven_v author_n which_o will_v justify_v all_o their_o withdrawing_n 1._o mr_n durham_n distinguish_v these_o three_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o unity_n &_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n consist_v not_o always_o in_o diversity_n of_o doctrine_n but_o in_o divide_a practice_n according_a to_o that_o of_o augustine_n schismaticos_fw-la facit_fw-la not_o diversa_fw-la fides_fw-la sed_fw-la disrupta_fw-la communionis_fw-la societas_fw-la then_o separation_n either_o in_o whole_a from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n or_o in_o part_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o corrupt_a church_n which_o be_v lawful_a if_o it_o exceed_v not_o its_o ground_n then_o last_o secession_n a_o local_a remove_n to_o a_o better_a church_n the_o first_o of_o these_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o persecute_a wanderer_n for_o they_o separate_v from_o no_o true_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n but_o these_o from_o who_o they_o separate_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o schismatic_n 2._o the_o second_o of_o these_o to_o wit_n separation_n
be_v either_o positive_a &_o active_a or_o negative_a &_o passive_a the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o party_n not_o only_o leave_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v former_o join_v but_o also_o gather_v up_o new_a distinct_a church_n different_a from_o the_o former_a under_o another_o government_n &_o ministry_n &_o ordinance_n disow_v those_o they_o leave_v the_o latter_a be_v when_o the_o faithful_a remnant_n of_o a_o decline_a church_n stand_v still_o &_o refuse_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o backslide_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n after_o they_o have_v become_v obstinate_a in_o their_o defection_n hold_v closs_o by_o &_o adhere_v unto_o the_o reformation_n attain_v this_o famous_a mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o his_o due_a right_n of_o presbytry_n pag._n 253._o 254._o show_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o call_v it_o a_o non-union_n as_o that_o in_o augustine_n time_n when_o the_o faithful_a do_v separate_v from_o the_o donatist_n which_o be_v lawful_a &_o laudable_a 3._o mr_n rutherfoord_n there_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o worst_a &_o most_o part_n and_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o best_a &_o least_o part_n and_o these_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o worst_a &_o great_a part_n do_v notwithstanding_o retain_v a_o part_n of_o and_o a_o part_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o least_o &_o best_a part_n thereof_o as_o the_o godly_a in_o england_n who_o refuse_v the_o popish_a ceremony_n &_o antichristian_a bishop_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o now_o people_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o corrupt_a they_o can_v be_v count_v separatist_n because_o they_o hold_v still_o communion_n with_o the_o better_a tho'_o lesser_a part_n moreover_o he_o say_v pag._n 254._o 255._o that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o non-union_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n last_o he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n pag._n 258._o when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v defection_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o lesser_a part_n remain_v sound_a the_o greast_n part_n be_v the_o church_n of_o separatist_n tho'_o the_o manye_v &_o great_a part_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o right_a discipline_n the_o best_a tho'_o few_o be_v the_o church_n for_o truth_n be_v like_a life_n that_o retire_v from_o the_o manye_v member_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o remain_v in_o its_o fountain_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o major_a part_n which_o have_v make_v defection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v account_v separatist_n and_o not_o such_o who_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n tho'_o they_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o the_o corrupt_a majoritie_n thus_o the_o apol._n relat._n rehearse_v his_o word_n sect._n 14._o pag._n 292._o 293._o 4._o there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n where_o the_o ordinance_n &_o ministry_n be_v not_o cast_v at_o as_o the_o apol_n rel._n say_v ibid._n 291._o so_o then_o so_o long_o as_o people_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v many_o mile_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nor_o cast_v at_o the_o church_n as_o no_o church_n tho'_o they_o sad_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v provoke_v by_o this_o dreadful_a defection_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o these_o man_n &_o their_o favourer_n to_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n nor_o at_o the_o ministry_n for_o they_o love_v those_o that_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n dear_o and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o hear_v they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a 5._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o write_v against_o separatist_n that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v lawful_a when_o the_o case_n so_o fall_v out_o that_o union_n can_v be_v keep_v up_o with_o she_o without_o sin_n voet._n polit._n eccles._n pag._n 68_o quest_n 17._o 6._o the_o grave_a author_n of_o rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la confut._n 3_o dial._n chap._n pag._n 7._o etc._n etc._n allow_v every_o separation_n be_v not_o schism_n even_o from_o the_o church_n which_o have_v essential_o yea_o and_o more_o than_o essential_o if_o it_o be_v from_o those_o tho'_o never_o so_o many_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o from_o whatever_o piece_n of_o duty_n &_o integrity_n be_v attain_v for_o this_o be_v still_o to_o be_v hold_v fast_o according_a to_o many_o scripture_n command_v so_o elias_n when_o god_n covenant_n be_v forsake_v be_v as_o another_o athanasius_n i_o and_o i_o only_o be_o leave_v in_o point_n of_o tenacious_a integrity_n 7._o next_o he_o say_v if_o we_o separate_v in_o that_o which_o a_o national_a church_n have_v command_v we_o as_o her_o member_n to_o disoune_n by_o her_o stand_a act_n &_o authority_n while_o those_o from_o who_o we_o separate_v oune_v that_o corruption_n 8._o likewise_o he_o there_o assert_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a forbearance_n of_o union_n &_o compliance_n with_o notorious_a backslider_n in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o sinful_a or_o inductive_a to_o it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o separation_n strict_o take_v the_o command_v of_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o hate_v the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n do_v clear_o include_v this_o 9_o he_o add_v many_o thing_n will_v warrant_v separation_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a minister_n or_o congregation_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n national_a nor_o infer_v it_o by_o mr_n durham_n acknowledgement_n on_o scandal_n pag._n 129._o for_o if_o scandal_n become_v excessive_a he_o allow_v to_o depart_v to_o another_o congregation_n 10._o last_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o command_v withdraw_v from_o person_n &_o society_n even_o in_o worship_n the_o precept_n rom._n 16._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o prov._n 19_o 27._o act._n 2._o 40._o will_v clear_o import_v this_o by_o consequence_n sure_o the_o minister_n &_o professor_n adhere_v to_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o scotland_n tho'_o the_o lesseâ—_n number_n these_o soldier_n who_o keep_v the_o general_n order_n be_v the_o true_a army_n not_o the_o deserter_n of_o the_o same_o but_o second_o it_o be_v in_o part_n clear_v by_o these_o assertion_n what_o be_v our_o mind_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v lay_v coun_n from_o scripture_n oracle_n all_o the_o cause_n &_o case_n justify_v &_o warrand_a withdraw_v from_o any_o minister_n with_o application_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o curate_n and_o accommodation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o all_o that_o the_o wanderer_n withdraw_v from_o with_o argument_n endeavour_v to_o evince_v the_o validity_n of_o they_o and_o evidence_v they_o be_v not_o new_a notion_n but_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o approven_v author_n have_v improve_v in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v omit_v the_o ordinary_a criticism_n in_o state_v the_o question_n in_o distinguish_v betwixt_o hear_v &_o join_v in_o worship_n and_o oun_v they_o as_o our_o minister_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o only_a essay_n to_o prove_v this_o thesis_n we_o can_v without_o sin_v oune_v church_n communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o the_o prelate_n or_o their_o curate_n as_o our_o minister_n but_o must_v withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o any_o other_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a corruption_n which_o we_o can_v make_v out_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o resume_v what_o confirmation_n this_o thesis_n be_v strenthen_v with_o from_o the_o testimony_n or_o church_n constitution_n of_o former_a period_n which_o be_v premit_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n nor_o make_v any_o repartition_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n represent_v above_o which_o contribute_v to_o clear_v it_o but_o short_o come_v to_o the_o argument_n i._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ambassador_n clothe_v with_o his_o commission_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o thief_n robber_n usurper_n and_o stranger_n who_o christ_n sheep_n will_v not_o nay_o must_v not_o hear_v john_n 10._o 1_o 5._o and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v or_o be_v hear_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o 15._o for_o such_o who_o we_o know_v may_v not_o lawful_o preach_v we_o can_v lawful_o hear_v these_o from_o who_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n we_o must_v account_v minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o such_o as_o we_o doubt_v to_o acknowledge_v minister_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o his_o
the_o remnant_n that_o he_o may_v get_v a_o lodging_n among_o the_o afflict_a &_o poor_a people_n that_o trust_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v &_o lie_v down_o &_o none_o make_v they_o afraid_a zeph._n 3._o 12_o 13._o that_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n that_o wait_v on_o he_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n zech._n 11._o 11._o they_o will_v lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o public_a spirit_a lover_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o our_o day_n to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n and_o follow_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o up_o through_o the_o land_n as_o the_o standart_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o opposition_n from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n when_o now_o zion_n have_v be_v labour_v to_o bring_v forth_o as_o a_o woman_n in_o travel_n and_o make_v to_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o field_n mic._n 4._o 10._o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o day_n and_o all_o its_o follower_n must_v have_v such_o a_o public_a spirit_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o meeting_n to_o promote_v it_o must_v be_v as_o public_a as_o be_v possible_a 4._o the_o interest_n &_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o have_v it_o in_o freedom_n purty_a power_n &_o plenty_n be_v the_o public_a concern_v of_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n preferable_a to_o all_o other_o interest_n and_o therefore_o more_o public_o peremptorly_a and_o zealous_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o than_o any_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o land_n 1_o sam._n 4._o 21._o without_o which_o ichabod_n may_v be_v the_o name_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o land_n though_o never_o so_o pleasant_a will_v be_v but_o a_o dry_a &_o parch_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n glory_n &_o power_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n psal._n 63._o 1._o where_o as_o its_o name_n be_v hephzibah_n &_o beulah_n isai._n 62._o 4._o and_o jehovah-shammah_a ezek._n 48._o ult_n where_o god_n be_v enjoy_v in_o his_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o the_o want_n &_o reproach_n of_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o sad_a mourning_n to_o the_o lord_n people_n zeph._n 3._o 18._o therefore_o while_o the_o ark_n abode_n in_o kerjath-jearim_a the_o time_n be_v think_v very_o long_o and_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n lament_v after_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 7._o 2._o then_o they_o hear_v of_o it_o at_o ephratah_n and_o find_v it_o in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o wood_n psal._n 132._o 6._o but_o it_o have_v be_v long_o than_o twenty_o year_n in_o our_o field_n of_o the_o wood_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v lament_v after_o it_o with_o great_a concernedness_n especial_o remember_v how_o we_o be_v privilege_v with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o public_o embrace_v &_o countenance_v by_o authority_n and_o insure_v to_o we_o by_o law_n statute_n declaration_n proclamation_n oath_n vow_n &_o covenant-engagments_a whereby_o the_o land_n be_v dedicate_v &_o devote_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o conquest_n it_o be_v and_o now_o be_v not_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n oblige_v to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o recall_v of_o this_o dedication_n and_o the_o give_v up_o of_o the_o land_n as_o a_o offering_n unto_o satan_n &_o antichrist_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v but_o by_o a_o public_a contend_v for_o this_o privilege_n and_o a_o resolve_v they_o shall_v soon_o bereave_v we_o of_o our_o heart_n blood_n than_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o freedom_n &_o purity_n but_o this_o we_o can_v contend_v for_o public_o if_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o public_a 5._o the_o nature_n &_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n be_v such_o that_o it_o oblige_v they_o that_o exercise_v it_o to_o endeavour_v all_o publickness_n without_o which_o they_o can_v discharge_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o instruction_n their_o very_a name_n &_o title_n do_v insinuate_v so_o much_o they_o be_v witness_n for_o christ_n and_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v public_a though_o their_o lot_n oftentimes_o be_v to_o witness_n in_o sackcloth_n they_o be_v herald_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v proclaim_v their_o master_n will_v though_o their_o lot_n be_v often_o to_o be_v a_o voice_n cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v in_o his_o field_n preach_n they_o be_v ambassador_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v maintain_v their_o master_n majesty_n in_o the_o public_a port_n of_o his_o ambassador_n and_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o about_o their_o sovereign_n business_n they_o be_v watchman_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v keep_v &_o maintain_v their_o post_n their_o master_n have_v place_v they_o at_o nay_o they_o be_v light_n &_o candle_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v hide_v math._n 5._o 14_o 15._o the_o command_n &_o instruction_n give_v they_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o they_o must_v cry_v aloud_o and_o not_o spare_v and_o leave_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n and_o show_v the_o lord_n people_n their_o transgression_n &_o sin_n isai._n 58._o 1._o they_o be_v watchman_n upon_o jerusalem_n wall_n which_o must_v not_o hold_v their_o peace_n day_n nor_o night_n nor_o keep_v silence_n nor_o give_v the_o lord_n rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n isai._n 62._o 6_o 7._o they_o be_v watchman_n that_o must_v command_v all_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n jer._n 6._o 17._o they_o must_v be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n jer._n 9_o 3._o they_o must_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n even_o to_o a_o rebellious_a nation_n whether_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v and_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o ezek._n 2._o 5_o 6._o they_o must_v cause_v the_o people_n to_o know_v their_o abomination_n ezek._n 16._o 2._o and_o the_o abomination_n of_o their_o father_n ezek._n 20._o 4._o and_o what_o their_o master_n tell_v they_o in_o darkness_n that_o they_o must_v speak_v in_o the_o light_n and_o what_o they_o hear_v in_o the_o ear_n that_o they_o must_v preach_v upon_o the_o house_n top_n math_n 10._o 27._o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o a_o clandestine_v way_n and_o therefore_o now_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o necessity_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o their_o pastoral_a function_n for_o the_o suppreff_v of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o time_n not_o withstand_v of_o any_o prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o in_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n though_o it_o be_v most_o impious_o &_o tyrannical_o interdict_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v unrepealed_a and_o therefore_o all_o who_o have_v a_o trumpet_n &_o a_o mouth_n shall_v set_v the_o trumpet_n to_o their_o mouth_n and_o sound_v a_o certain_a sound_n not_o in_o secret_a for_o that_o will_v not_o alarm_n the_o people_n but_o in_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n they_o can_v have_v access_n to_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o come_v &_o hear_v &_o obey_v their_o warning_n &_o witnessing_n command_v who_o will_v the_o contrary_n it_o be_v for_o mock_v despise_v his_o word_n &_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n until_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n 2_o chron._n 36_o 16._o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o meeting_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n must_v be_v as_o public_a as_o can_v be_v and_o if_o so_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o house_n safety_n will_v not_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o street_n or_o mercat_n place_n neither_o safety_n nor_o prudence_n will_v admit_v therefore_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o field_n with_o it_o cost_v what_o it_o will._n 4._o see_v then_o there_o must_v be_v meettng_n &_o public_a meeting_n and_o see_v we_o can_v and_o dare_v not_o in_o conscience_n countenance_n the_o curate_n meeting_n we_o must_v hear_v oune_n embrace_v &_o follow_v such_o faithful_a minister_n as_o be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n commission_n righteousness_n &_o salvation_n and_o do_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n patience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o particular_a this_o i_o think_v will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o oune_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o none_o can_v deny_v or_o instruct_v the_o contrary_a
all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n and_o all_o authority_n even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n a_o institute_n right_a by_o the_o father_n inauguration_n which_o have_v set_v he_o as_o king_n in_o zion_n a_o acquisite_a right_n by_o his_o owned_a purchase_n by_o which_o he_o have_v merit_v &_o obtain_v not_o only_a subject_n to_o govern_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n a_o bellical_a right_n by_o conquest_n make_v the_o people_n fall_v under_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o overcome_v those_o that_o make_v war_n with_o he_o a_o hereditary_a right_n by_o proximity_n of_o blood_n &_o primogeniture_n be_v the_o first_o bear_v high_o than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n a_o elective_a right_n by_o his_o people_n choice_n &_o surrender_n a_o croun_n wherewith_o his_o mother_n crow_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o espousal_n in_o a_o humble_a recognizance_n of_o all_o which_o right_n we_o oune_v &_o avouch_v that_o he_o have_v that_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o sole_a sovereignty_n over_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o invisible_a without_o a_o copartner_n or_o competitor_n either_o coordinate_a or_o subordinate_a in_o prescribe_v law_n by_o no_o humane_a authority_n to_o be_v reverse_v in_o appoint_v ordinance_n immutable_a without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n institute_v a_o government_n which_o no_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v without_o blasphemy_n arrogate_v a_o power_n either_o to_o invert_v or_o evert_v change_n or_o overturn_v and_o constitute_v officer_n which_o must_v depend_v only_o on_o his_o authority_n and_o his_o alone_a and_o must_v be_v clothe_v only_o with_o his_o commission_n and_o his_o alone_a guide_v by_o his_o instruction_n &_o his_o alone_a act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n &_o prescribe_v platform_n and_o his_o alone_a without_o any_o dependence_n on_o subordination_n to_o licence_n warrant_v or_o indulgence_n from_o any_o mortal_a and_o therefore_o we_o disoune_v &_o detest_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n and_o will_v discountenance_v prelacy_n supremacy_n popery_n and_o all_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o his_o institution_n who_o be_v sole_a &_o supreme_a lawgiver_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o will_v submit_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o nothing_o that_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o signify_v our_o respect_n unto_o they_o hence_o we_o will_v take_v none_o of_o their_o oath_n subscribe_v none_o of_o their_o bond_n yield_v to_o none_o of_o their_o imposition_n pay_v none_o of_o their_o exaction_n neither_o will_v we_o hear_v or_o receive_v ordinance_n from_o any_o minister_n but_o the_o faithful_a authorize_v ambassador_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n whatever_o either_o rage_n or_o reproach_n we_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o assert_v &_o affirm_v also_o that_o our_o exalt_v prince_n be_v king_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o who_o king_n reign_n &_o prince_n decree_n justice_n as_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o rule_v over_o we_o with_o just_a boundary_n that_o they_o may_v not_o exceed_v and_o true_a character_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o &_o pay_v they_o deference_n and_o therefore_o who_o soever_o shall_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o and_o extend_v their_o power_n beyond_o &_o above_o his_o prescript_n be_v neither_o call_v to_o nor_o qualify_v for_o nor_o improve_n the_o office_n for_o the_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o usurp_a tyrant_n &_o not_o magistrate_n nor_o minister_n of_o justice_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v the_o sword_n by_o his_o preceptive_a will_n only_o as_o lion_n bear_n wolf_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o rod_n by_o his_o providential_a will_n in_o that_o case_n we_o may_v be_v passive_o subject_a when_o we_o can_v do_v better_a but_o will_v never_o oune_v conscientious_a allegiance_n to_o they_o nor_o oune_v they_o as_o our_o lawful_a magistrar_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o their_o idol_n they_o have_v set_v up_o nor_o prostitute_v either_o conscience_n or_o liberty_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o will_v endeavour_v under_o our_o master_n banner_n &_o conduct_v to_o preserve_v whatever_o he_o have_v entrust_v to_o we_o religion_n life_n liberty_n estate_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o possess_v as_o they_o unjust_o possess_v what_o their_o god_n give_v they_o and_o will_v maintain_v a_o war_n of_o constant_a opposition_n to_o they_o against_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v a_o war_n for_o ever_o without_o parley_n treaty_n of_o peace_n capitulation_n composition_n truce_n or_o any_o transaction_n we_o will_v neither_o meddle_v nor_o make_v with_o they_o less_o or_o more_o nor_o seek_v their_o favour_n nor_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v on_o any_o term_n that_o may_v imply_v any_o obligation_n to_o surcease_v from_o our_o duty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o irreconcilable_a opposition_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n now_o i_o shall_v come_v more_o distinct_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o offer_v a_o short_a vindication_n of_o the_o head_n &_o ground_n of_o our_o great_a suffering_n divide_v they_o into_o their_o principal_a part_n which_o i_o reduce_v to_o two_o viz_o negative_n &_o positives_n the_o negative_a ground_n i_o reckon_v three_o principal_o 1._o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n 2._o for_o refuse_v to_o oune_v a_o tyrannical_a magistracy_n 3._o for_o refuse_v to_o swear_v &_o subscribe_v their_o unlawful_a impose_v oath_n chief_o that_o of_o abjuration_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o suffer_v unto_o death_n the_o positive_a ground_n be_v also_o three_o 1._o for_o frequent_v field-meeting_n to_o receive_v gospel-ordinancs_a from_o faithful_a minister_n 2._o for_o maintain_v the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o defensive_a resistance_n of_o superior_a power_n 3._o for_o maintain_v the_o privilege_n &_o duty_n of_o offensive_a revenge_n in_o execute_v justice_n upon_o murder_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a necessity_n in_o prosecute_a which_o i_o shall_v intertexe_v some_o subordinate_a question_n relate_v to_o their_o respective_a head_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discuss_v they_o brief_o head_n i._o where_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o for_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o corrupt_a ministry_n be_v vindicated_n and_o the_o question_n of_o hear_v curate_n be_v clear_v this_o question_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v nice_a and_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o person_n of_o gallio_n or_o laodiceds_n temper_n indifferent_a &_o lukwarm_a disposition_n consult_v their_o owned_a more_z they_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v it_o pass_v without_o any_o enquiry_n with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o all_o who_o be_v true_o tender_a in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n free_a of_o the_o time_n contagion_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a impression_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o be_v jealous_a especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o true_a zeal_n of_o god_n eat_v they_o up_o in_o a_o just_a indignation_n at_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o he_o in_o usurp_v the_o office_n &_o corrupt_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o all_o who_o true_o love_v the_o gospel_n and_o put_v a_o due_a value_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n the_o corruption_n whereof_o this_o question_n touch_v it_o will_v be_v account_v of_o great_a importance_n there_o be_v three_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n concern_v which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v we_o very_o weighty_a caution_n viz_o what_o we_o shall_v hear_v mark._n 4._o 24._o how_o we_o shall_v hear_v luk._n 8._o 18._o and_o who_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o last_o of_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o state_v as_o the_o other_o two_o yet_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v find_v it_o as_o clear_o determine_v and_o as_o many_o caution_n to_o guard_v from_o err_v in_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o that_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n in_o it_o be_v very_o weighty_a and_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o there_o have_v be_v more_o advertency_n in_o this_o point_n there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o inconsideration_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o hear_v nor_o will_v that_o itch_a humour_n &_o luxuriancy_n of_o lust_n in_o heap_v up_o teacher_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n have_v be_v so_o much_o encourage_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o the_o church_n disgrace_n of_o the_o