all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
appear_v from_o the_o passage_n before_o cite_v if_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o gloss_n then_o sure_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v this_o whatsoever_o minister_n just_o or_o unjust_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o his_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o to_o intromet_v with_o his_o stipend_n we_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v appoint_v that_o because_o of_o his_o disobedience_n to_o our_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o abhor_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o reverend_a and_o grave_a assembly_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n upon_o sober_a and_o serious_a thought_n will_v abhor_v it_o also_o and_o will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o just_a sentence_n only_o and_o if_o so_o we_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v that_o who_o so_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v process_v with_o excommunication_n what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n because_o we_o have_v not_o the_o record_n of_o that_o assembly_n concerning_o that_o matter_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v positive_o to_o their_o determination_n what_o it_o be_v or_o to_o the_o reason_n thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o and_o clothe_v with_o many_o circumstance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v haply_o escape_v our_o memory_n but_o as_o we_o remember_v and_o can_v collect_v from_o the_o print_a index_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n not_o print_v the_o case_n be_v this_o mr._n james_n morison_n be_v sentence_v with_o suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministerial_a function_n for_o which_o the_o presbytery_n do_v pronounce_v against_o he_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n the_o process_n come_v before_o the_o assembly_n they_o do_v sustean_fw-fr his_o appeal_n and_o rebuke_v both_o he_o and_o the_o presbytery_n for_o their_o contentious_a and_o litigious_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o that_o business_n do_v without_o so_o far_o as_o we_o remember_v any_o ratification_n of_o the_o presbytery_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n or_o appoint_v of_o mr._n james_n morison_n to_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n for_o violate_v the_o just_a submission_n and_o subordination_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v do_v before_o his_o reposition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v repone_v again_o to_o his_o ministry_n if_o the_o case_n be_v this_o our_o brethren_n have_v no_o advantage_n but_o rather_o disadvantage_n in_o allege_v of_o it_o because_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a sentence_n against_o mr._n james_n morison_n for_o counteracting_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v again_o repone_v to_o his_o ministry_n when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v from_o the_o register_n to_o have_v be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v lay_v the_o weight_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o do_v deserve_v our_o brethren_n overshoot_v when_o they_o say_v that_o thus_o to_o submit_v have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n if_o they_o mean_v of_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n from_o popery_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a for_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n than_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o but_o to_o counteract_v the_o determination_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o synod_n and_o assembly_n not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o of_o discipline_n and_o government_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o and_o their_o court_n to_o preach_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o sentence_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o prelate_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a authority_n nor_o church-officer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o our_o brethren_n do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o as_o the_o prelate_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n do_v sometime_o in_o the_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o minister_n associate_n to_o themselves_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o bound_n where_o the_o suppose_a delinquent_n serve_v that_o be_v the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_o authority_n and_o that_o as_o they_o do_v plead_v for_o such_o a_o submission_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o these_o brethren_n do_v now_o plead_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o its_o be_v essential_a to_o government_n and_o preserve_n of_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o shun_v of_o confusion_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o that_o those_o who_o do_v refuse_v and_o decline_v that_o submission_n do_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o want_n of_o lawful_a authority_n but_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o no_o obedience_n nor_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o ecclesiastic_a law_n thatare_fw-la unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o treatise_n that_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n concerning_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o anno_fw-la 1638._o until_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v bring_v instance_n of_o unjust_a sentence_n pronounce_v in_o that_o time_n by_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o bring_v instance_n of_o not_o submit_v thereto_o or_o counteracting_n the_o same_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v just_a submission_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o trifle_v to_o make_v that_o submission_n a_o precedent_n to_o that_o unlimited_a submission_n which_o they_o do_v now_o plead-for_a their_o citation_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v do_v make_v against_o our_o brethren_n and_o not_o for_o they_o 1._o because_o the_o foregoing_a word_n of_o that_o act_n do_v clear_a that_o the_o assembly_n speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n commit_v and_o entrust_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o christ_n have_v commit_v no_o power_n to_o any_o assembly_n to_o tyrannize_v nor_o have_v he_o command_v any_o church-member_n or_o any_o inferior_a church-judicatory_a to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n 2._o because_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o to_o which_o that_o act_n do_v relate_v do_v confine_v the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n to_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v they_o to_o particular_a church_n or_o as_o common_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a eitherto_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n where_o they_o be_v lawful_o settle_v or_o may_v be_v have_v much_o less_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o refuse_v such_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o authority_n impose_v upon_o they_o act._n 15._o 2_o 6_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 28_o 29._o act._n 16._o 4._o prop._n 32._o it_o seem_v it_o come_v not_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o prepare_v these_o article_n and_o proposition_n though_o they_o do_v well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o tender_v they_o unto_o the_o assembly_n nor_o into_o the_o assembly_n mind_n who_o after_o hear_v of_o they_o public_o read_v do_v unanimous_o vote_n and_o agree_v to_o the_o eight_o general_a head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o assert_v that_o man_n shall_v submit_v to_o unlawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o
so_o in_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o run_v quite_o away_o from_o their_o old_a friend_n as_o man_n to_o be_v scar_v at_o like_o child_n real_o affright_v themselves_o with_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o devise_v to_o affright_v other_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o lie_v the_o stress_n and_o weight_n of_o all_o these_o harsh_a construction_n to_o wit_n their_o act_n and_o irregular_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o order_n and_o do_v clear_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o these_o they_o do_v reckon_v a_o great_a many_o in_o their_o representation_n publish_v at_o london_n which_o as_o to_o that_o head_n which_o yet_o take_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o book_n be_v so_o fraught_v with_o groundless_a alleagance_n and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o our_o brethren_n word_n of_o foul_a slander_n of_o 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belong_v unto_o they_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o unfree_a and_o corrupt_a assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n long_o ago_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o any_o of_o the_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v that_o testify_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o many_o of_o these_o that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o dissent_v from_o or_o to_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o we_o can_v but_o say_v whatever_o be_v our_o brother_n intention_n in_o study_v some_o way_n to_o wrap_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n and_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n which_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n for_o this_o they_o seem_v to_o hint_n though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o speak_v in_o that_o word_n of_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o they_o set_v in_o the_o frontispiece_n and_o carry_v along_o in_o their_o paper_n as_o if_o the_o government_n can_v not_o be_v own_v nor_o subsist_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n discover_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o say_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v herein_o to_o please_v themselves_o and_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a yet_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v not_o so_o judge_v and_o the_o other_o by_o do_v so_o make_v more_o adversary_n to_o the_o â—…overnment_n than_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n â—…he_fw-mi second_v particular_a which_o they_o allege_v be_v their_o plant_n of_o congregation_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o counteracting_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o judicatory_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v please_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v therewith_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v a_o fault_n great_a enough_o but_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o for_o no_o better_a end_n but_o for_o serve_v of_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a and_o hateful_a sin_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o cause_n there_o be_v â—…or_a this_o great_a charge_n the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v by_o those_o resolution_n of_o they_o take_v in_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n many_o of_o that_o number_n receive_v either_o no_o advertisement_n or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o time_n to_o keep_v the_o meeting_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o give_v their_o judgement_n
and_o advice_n unto_o the_o state_n concerning_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o malignant-party_n who_o be_v before_o that_o time_n exclude_v from_o all_o public_a trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicatory_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o from_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n in_o order_n to_o civil_a trust_n and_o the_o matter_n be_v general_o much_o stumble_v at_o by_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n they_o do_v a_o little_a thereafâ—…er_n whether_o for_o the_o allay_n of_o that_o offence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d consideration_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o suddâ—…nly_o and_o contrary_a to_o act_n make_v by_o themselves_o receive_v they_o to_o a_o shadow_n of_o public_a repentance_n or_o to_o a_o mock-repentance_n we_o may_v just_o and_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n call_v it_o so_o because_o god_n be_v thereby_o mock_v and_o sin_n and_o wrath_n increase_v and_o though_o these_o brethren_n may_v deny_v it_o and_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v it_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n be_v witness_n and_o do_v bear_v record_n of_o it_o yea_o that_o party_n themselves_o be_v witness_n and_o do_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sport_n to_o this_o day_n by_o this_o semblance_n of_o repentance_n they_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o all_o church-privilege_n and_o put_v in_o equal_a foot_n for_o call_v of_o minister_n and_o rule_v in_o congregation_n with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o when_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n come_v have_v first_o do_v what_o they_o can_v for_o incapacitate_v all_o brethren_n of_o differ_a judgement_n from_o these_o resolution_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n as_o guilty_a person_n and_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v elect_v commissioner_n where_o they_o can_v have_v power_n they_o do_v not_o only_o ratify_v these_o resolution_n with_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o commissioner_n who_o be_v author_n thereof_o relate_v thereunto_o but_o do_v also_o make_v act_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v censure_n against_o all_o person_n in_o this_o church_n whether_o minister_n or_o professor_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n concerning_o those_o resolution_n and_o bar_v all_o such_o expectant_n from_o entrance_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o those_o constitution_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n of_o the_o next_o yeat_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v provide_v and_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v froâ—…_n hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o in_o preach_v write_v or_o otherwise_o upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v forbear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n forementioned_a of_o every_o roll_a elder_n that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk-session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v by_o these_o proceed_n and_o practice_n the_o most_o unjust_a and_o irregular_a that_o we_o have_v know_v in_o this_o church_n since_o we_o do_v begin_v to_o look_v at_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n and_o distraction_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o congregation_n and_o presbytery_n have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o act_n already_o mention_v they_o do_v make_v a_o bar_n thereof_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o the_o call_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o can_v bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n to_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v labour_n everywhere_o almost_o to_o thrust-in_v other_o according_a to_o their_o own_o heart_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v or_o if_o any_o such_o happen_v to_o be_v call_v a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o admission_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n or_o if_o admit_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o presbytery_n then_o refuse_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v minister_n by_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o intrude_n of_o other_o upon_o their_o charge_n allow_v and_o confirm_v if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o strait_n whereby_o they_o that_o love_v the_o gospel_n be_v bar_v from_o the_o precious_a sood_n of_o thâ—…ir_a soul_n and_o have_v man_n thrust_v upon_o they_o who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n nor_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o but_o do_v make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v glad_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a what_o wonder_n be_v it_o though_o the_o gain_v or_o preserve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a and_o for_o avoid_v of_o a_o great_a evil_n shall_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o case_n persuade_v unto_o a_o sinless_a preterition_n of_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o course_n of_o formality_n and_o order_n though_o yet_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v be_v tender_a even_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v conscience_n as_o to_o do_v nothing_o evil_a and_o sinful_a in_o itself_o so_o to_o do_v nothing_o from_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n to_o the_o least_o point_n of_o order_n yea_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n warrant_v and_o allow_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o compare_v we_o may_v true_o 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their_o own_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n have_v they_o not_o in_o synod_n violent_o take_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o reference_n nor_o appeal_v nor_o maladministration_n have_v they_o not_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v minister_n for_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o sit_v and_o vote_n among_o they_o though_o call_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o due_o try_v and_o admit_v by_o the_o presbytery_n have_v not_o some_o of_o their_o synod_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v tedious_a to_o collect_v and_o enumerate_v they_o that_o teach_v other_o will_v teach_v they_o own_o self_n and_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o brethren_n to_o abhor_v idol_n they_o will_v not_o commit_v sacrilege_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n upon_o the_o matter_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v iâ—…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v iâ—…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n puâ—…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v heâ—…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamenâ—…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o iâ—…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thiâ—…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciuâ—…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposinâ—…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o haâ—…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commissionâ—…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desiâ—…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v
thereunto_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 1655._o as_o conducible_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o solid_a union_n and_o well-grounded_a peace_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o very_o unequal_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o profess_v and_o print_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v very_o equal_a term_n of_o peace_n so_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o this_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v already_o offer_v that_o tâ—…ough_o they_o hold_v fast_o their_o own_o judgement_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o first_o difference_n but_o these_o profession_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v in_o sundry_a particular_n impose_v upon_o their_o judgement_n as_o first_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n they_o do_v require_v that_o these_o brethren_n do_v declare_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n and_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n thereunto_o relate_v shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o any_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o or_o hold_v up_o debate_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n so_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o sixteen_o of_o november_n 1655._o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o in_o another_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o november_n at_o that_o conference_n they_o expound_v thus_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_n to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o anul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n which_o if_o the_o protest_a brethren_n shall_v consent_v unto_o will_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o to_o condemn_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o infer_v their_o pass_n from_o and_o renounce_v of_o these_o protestation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o do_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o make_v they_o yea_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o consent_n make_v way_n to_o establish_v for_o the_o future_a the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n because_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o the_o legal_a bar_n that_o be_v stand_v against_o that_o constitution_n and_o authority_n second_o what_o great_a impose_v can_v there_o be_v upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o what_o more_o unequal_a condition_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v propound_v unto_o they_o then_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n especial_o when_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n be_v not_o only_o the_o plurality_n in_o most_o of_o the_o judicatory_n but_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o such_o for_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give-up_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n three_o how_o unequal_a a_o proposal_n be_v it_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n shall_v be_v refer_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n when_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n of_o who_o that_o assembly_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v make_v up_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n be_v already_o declare_v have_v engage_v themselves_o many_o way_n for_o these_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n these_o few_o particular_n may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o a_o equal_a and_o even_a â—…oot_n in_o their_o proposal_n we_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o term_n of_o peace_n as_o be_v equal_o free_a of_o impose_v upon_o either_o party_n or_o do_v equal_o yeâ—…ld_v as_o much_o as_o they_o require_v which_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o commendable_a and_o approve_a way_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n we_o judge_v it_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o smell_v rank_o of_o a_o carnal_a poltick_a spirit_n to_o half_a and_o divide_v the_o thiug_n of_o god_n for_o make_v peace_n among_o man_n but_o to_o discover_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o their_o own_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o while_o they_o will_v make_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o offer_v equal_a condition_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n yet_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o unequal_a and_o that_o they_o will_v high_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o overture_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v insufficient_a and_o unequal_a only_o though_o upon_o these_o two_o branch_n there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o deny_v they_o entertainment_n yet_o be_v they_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o involve_v injustice_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v show_v in_o sundry_a particular_n but_o this_o answer_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v we_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o that_o one_o in_o which_o these_o brethren_n assert_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o consist_v and_o for_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o man_n that_o have_v recede_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n and_o have_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n turn_v adversary_n to_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n to_o wit_n that_o arbitary_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v require_v by_o these_o brethren_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o have_v show_v how_o far_o submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v condescend_v and_o yâ—…lded_v unto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o also_o how_o far_o it_o be_v urge_v and_o require_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o resolution_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n they_o do_v bring_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o that_o particular_a to_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v these_o reason_n that_o seem_v to_o plead_v the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o that_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convenient_o satisfy_v therein_o they_o may_v be_v recede_v from_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o they_o may_v cease_v to_o urge_v that_o matter_n any_o further_o or_o at_o least_o that_o indifferent_a person_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v but_o upon_o weighty_a reason_n before_o we_o propound_v our_o argument_n we_o shall_v premise_v some_o common_a and_o know_a truth_n concerning_o church_n judicatory_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o 1._o that_o to_o express_v it_o in_o calvin_n word_n in_o the_o eight_o chap._n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n whatsoever_o reverence_n or_o dignity_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v whether_o to_o the_o priest_n oâ—…_n prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n all_o of_o it_o be_v give_v not_o proper_o to_o man_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o ministry_n wherewhtih_o they_o be_v clothe_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o expedite_o to_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n whereof_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o exod._n 3._o 4._o exod._n 14._o 31._o deut._n 17._o â—…_z mal._n 2._o 46._o deut._n 17._o 10._o ezek._n 3._o 17._o ier._n 23._o 28._o ier._n 1._o 6._o matth._n 28._o 19_o act_n 15._o 10_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o as_o their_o authority_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o whole_o derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o thy_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o mal._n 2._o 6_o 7._o matth._n 28._o 19_o 3._o that_o church-power_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a and_o magisterialpower_v but_o a_o lowly_a and_o ministerial-power_n not_o
the_o church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o all_o the_o public_a resolution_n party_n as_o its_o father_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a who_o it_o be_v or_o who_o do_v own_o it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o church-authority_n but_o from_o some_o person_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a capacity_n whether_o these_o be_v entrust_v by_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n for_o that_o effect_n themselves_o best_o know_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o tell_v what_o we_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v profess_v themselves_o stranger_n to_o the_o contrivement_n of_o it_o and_o disâ—…atis_o digest_o therewith_o some_o upon_o one_o account_n and_o some_o uâ—…on_n another_o and_o that_o a_o good_a while_n after_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o go_v abroad_o in_o print_n as_o the_o declaration_n of_o all_o that_o party_n many_o of_o they_o in_o seuâ—…rall_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v inquire_v what_o be_v it_o and_o what_o say_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v a_fw-la juncto_fw-la of_o some_o few_o who_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o eâ—…inburgh_n do_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o of_o their_o party_n do_v it_o while_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o many_o of_o that_o party_n be_v witness_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o priviâ—…_n to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v dissâ—…tisfied_v with_o it_o a_o thing_n hardly_o tolerable_a in_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o pretend_v to_o speak_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o concernment_n and_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o because_o though_o after_o the_o publâ—…shing_n of_o that_o declaration_n it_o be_v conâ—…idently_o give_v out_o by_o some_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n brethren_n and_o general_o expect_v by_o these_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o tender_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n as_o contain_v fit_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n yet_o can_v we_o hear_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n have_v own_v it_o or_o approve_v thereof_o yea_o sundry_a synod_n be_v by_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n put_v to_o it_o to_o declare_v themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o do_v refuse_v some_o of_o they_o to_o declare_v themselves_o therein_o till_o the_o other_o brethren_n shall_v first_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v therewith_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o to_o seek_v a_o shadow_n of_o some_o tolerable_a diversion_n thereby_o to_o wave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o other_o of_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v the_o desire_n in_o consideration_n how_o then_o can_v the_o protest_a brethren_n own_o it_o as_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o other_o party_n or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fetch_v its_o descent_n but_o from_o a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o name_n also_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o and_o be_v not_o only_o not_o own_v by_o their_o judicatory_n but_o by_o some_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o speak_v against_o by_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o party_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o protest_a party_n as_o to_o their_o sorbear_v any_o common_a answer_n to_o that_o unsavoury_a paper_n yet_o see_v not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o other_o side_n do_v please_v themselves_o in_o the_o crimination_n contain_v therein_o as_o unanswerable_a and_o in_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n which_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o as_o very_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a whereby_o they_o heighten_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o groundless_a prejudice_n against_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o stumble_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a we_o trust_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v service_n not_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o unpleasant_a to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n nor_o unprofitable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o resolution-way_n nor_o unedifying_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n not_o trace_v it_o word_n by_o word_n or_o line_n by_o line_n but_o first_o by_o clear_v innocent_a man_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n of_o these_o groundless_a prejudice_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v deep_o root_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o be_v therein_o blaze_v abroad_o to_o the_o world_n against_o their_o brethren_n 2._o by_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n so_o will_v these_o miserable_a mistake_n be_v remove_v they_o may_v see_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o attain_v some_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o allay_v their_o passion_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o persecution_n and_o to_o redintigrate_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o proffer_v unto_o they_o such_o term_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o do_v beseem_v the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o do_v indeed_o deny_v themselves_o and_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o send_v they_o or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o harken_v yet_o we_o may_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n bear_v record_n unto_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o let_v unbyasâ—…ed_v person_n know_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v not_o man_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o character_n who_o that_o paper_n point_v forth_o beside_o the_o inducement_n already_o mention_v there_o be_v one_o particular_a that_o have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n prevail_v on_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o paper_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o late_a representation_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v to_o plead_v for_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v require_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o but_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a esâ—…ence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o which_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n they_o have_v labour_v we_o fear_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-government_n that_o be_v too_o nigh_o of_o kin_n to_o that_o which_o be_v popish_a prelatical_a and_o tyrannical_a there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a assertion_n concerning_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n fall_v upon_o and_o publish_v in_o these_o time_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n by_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v sad_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a intention_n under_o the_o oâ—…fer_n when_o the_o strong_a party_n do_v so_o much_o press_v the_o absolute_a submission_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o all_o their_o sentence_n whatsoever_o whether_o jusâ—…_n or_o unjust_a but_o also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o man_n of_o a_o prelatical_a spirit_n will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o press_v it_o on_o as_o subservient_n to_o the_o reintroduce_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a and_o independent_a judgement_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o render_v presbyterial_a government_n hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o bring_v it_o in_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o whether_o some_o of_o the_o resolution_n party_n who_o do_v retain_v their_o old_a love_n to_o the_o prelatical_a way_n or_o other_o of_o they_o who_o if_o good_a testimonâ—…_n maâ—…_n be_v credit_v do_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o difference_n profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n and_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v for_o their_o own_o end_n have_v hand_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v but_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o work_n the_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n which_o that_o paper_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v these_o brother_n spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o against_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestaâ—…ion_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o
these_o committee_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o these_o delegate_n neither_o will_v our_o brother_n negative_a voice_n prove_v it_o because_o as_o these_o delegate_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o case_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o committee_n the_o synod_n be_v free_a notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n to_o ratify_v albeit_o the_o delegate_n shall_v not_o consent_v but_o advise_v otherwise_o so_o it_o be_v a_o new_a device_n to_o say_v that_o a_o negative_a voice_n infer_v a_o superior_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n for_o at_o most_o it_o make_v but_o a_o coordinate_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o that_o a_o committee_n of_o delegate_n nominate_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o synod_n shall_v in_o this_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o power_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n we_o do_v not_o see_v 4._o this_o overture_n be_v not_o propound_v as_o a_o perpetual_a stand_a way_n always_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n be_v please_v to_o insinuate_v much_o less_o be_v it_o propound_v hereby_o to_o lay_v a_o way_n for_o perpetuate_n of_o difference_n and_o contention_n a_o prejudice_n also_o they_o be_v please_v to_o load_v it_o with_o but_o as_o it_o express_o bear_v to_o continue_v only_o till_o the_o present_a difference_n be_v heal_v or_o till_o the_o lord_n in_o providence_n minister_v some_o better_a way_n for_o settle_v peace_n among_o we_o will_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o present_a sickly_a decline_a and_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v of_o no_o remedy_n for_o purge_v thereof_o and_o compose_v difference_n that_o be_v in_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o ordinary_a procedure_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n we_o know_v that_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o healthy_a and_o sufficient_o able_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o purge_v herself_o but_o why_o then_o we_o pray_v our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v unanimous_o judge_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o sufficient_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o do_v upon_o conviction_n hereof_o appoint_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n for_o do_v of_o it_o if_o our_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_a in_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o may_v so_o do_v they_o can_v easy_o answer_v themselves_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o move_a cause_n or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o show_v their_o supremacy_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o question_v nor_o controvert_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n but_o as_o our_o brethren_n well_o know_v because_o they_o do_v conceive_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o healthy_a as_o to_o do_v these_o duty_n of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o then_o when_o neutral_a and_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o board_n how_o much_o less_o now_o when_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o be_v get_v above_o the_o hatch_n and_o sundry_a 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v set_v to_o stir_v the_o rudder_n or_o if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v now_o sufficient_o able_a and_o willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o do_v thâ—…_z work_v we_o pray_v they_o then_o to_o tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n do_v have_v not_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o lanâ—…_n ben_z cry_v upon_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n by-gone_a that_o they_o will_v arise_v and_o be_v do_v that_o good_a anâ—…_n necessary_a work_n and_o yet_o what_o have_v all_o their_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v be_v they_o not_o hear_v with_o deaf_a ear_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v propound_v such_o overture_n as_o be_v embrace_v may_v probable_o in_o some_o measure_n satisfiâ—…_n somewhat_o of_o the_o lawful_a and_o just_a desire_n of_o thâ—…_z godly_a in_o that_o soul-concern_a matter_n in_o propound_v whereof_o their_o design_n be_v none_o of_o those_o sinistrous_a thing_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o by_o some_o mean_a or_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a the_o house_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o their_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v not_o domination_n nor_o the_o set_n up_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o tread_n down_o of_o the_o other_o that_o they_o be_v seek_v they_o be_v content_a not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o in_o their_o judgement_n because_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n have_v since_o interveen_v be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o do_v propound_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n that_o for_o make_v of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v effectual_a and_o in_o order_n to_o other_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v nominate_v upon_o the_o commission_n and_o visitation_n by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o may_v sit_v if_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o that_o assembly_n yet_o by_o the_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n of_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n these_o person_n may_v have_v power_n to_o compose_v the_o particular_a difference_n that_o be_v now_o or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o congregation_n this_o be_v not_o to_o assume_v the_o particular_a nomination_n of_o any_o person_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o state_n business_n upon_o difference_n of_o judgement_n or_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o party_n or_o a_o faction_n or_o to_o desire_v a_o equality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o both_o judgement_n or_o to_o do_v any_o injury_n unto_o or_o make_v any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o due_a right_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n wrong_v they_o by_o appoint_v those_o commission_n and_o visitation_n yet_o be_v this_o also_o refuse_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o brethren_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o will_v please_v unless_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v as_o ass_n to_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n by_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o now_o constitute_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v by_o their_o own_o verdict_n a_o few_o number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o present_a and_o future_a act_n how_o negligent_a or_o corrupt_a soever_o which_o themselves_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o next_o thing_n whereupon_o they_o impeach_v they_o as_o projector_n against_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o refuse_n to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n they_o do_v say_v they_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o church-judicatory_n to_o which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v for_o our_o part_n and_o without_o which_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o so_o many_o consultative_a meeting_n a_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v first_o short_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n and_o offer_v and_o answer_n thereanent_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n shall_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o due_a subordination_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o approbation_n thereâ—…_n and_o that_o they_o do_v continue_v constant_a in_o their_o former_a solemn_a public_a profession_n and_o engagement_n they_o do_v propound_v unto_o their_o brethren_n that_o in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n there_o may_v be_v mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n give_v for_o adherence_n unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n
because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o give_v it_o infer_v their_o infallibility_n and_o expose_v our_o government_n to_o the_o calumny_n of_o sectary_n who_o say_v we_o make_v synod_n as_o infallible_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 10._o this_o argue_v the_o scripture_n of_o imperfection_n and_o set_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a tradition_n because_o every_o warrantable_a subordination_n and_o submission_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n must_v be_v give_v of_o christ_n but_o nowhere_o be_v it_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v power_n give_v of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o enact_v such_o point_n and_o doctrine_n and_o inflict_v such_o censure_n as_o no_o man_n may_v or_o ought_v lawful_o to_o counteract_v or_o contradict_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n 11._o this_o submission_n do_v infer_v that_o if_o a_o general_n assembly_n lawful_o convene_v shall_v enact_v the_o mass_n and_o all_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n we_o may_v not_o preach_v nor_o write_v the_o contrary_a for_o that_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o contradict_v but_o this_o be_v absurd_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n 12._o sentence_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n that_o be_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o null_a because_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v regulate_v according_a thereto_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o corinth_n 13._o 8_o 10._o and_o what_o be_v null_a in_o it_o â—…elf_a can_v bind_v unto_o submission_n and_o subjection_n therefore_o when_o kirk-judicatory_n act_v not_o in_o subordination_n to_o jesus_n christ_n from_o and_o under_o who_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n they_o may_v lawful_o be_v contradict_v and_o counteract_v 13_o this_o submission_n be_v prelatical_a and_o introduce_v a_o lordly_a and_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o subjection_n and_o submission_n that_o be_v require_v by_o prelate_n of_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n bishop_n spotswood_n in_o his_o sâ—…rmon_n at_o perth_n assembly_n tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o the_o sentence_n of_o superior_n as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o constitution_n though_o haply_o otherwise_o establish_v than_o it_o can_v set_v forward_a godliness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o right_a nor_o well_o appoint_v yet_o ought_v to_o diâ—…ect_v we_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o our_o conscience_n for_o obey_v narrat_fw-la of_o the_o proceed_n of_o perth_n assembly_n by_o doctor_n lindsay_n page_n 29._o and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n except_o this_o be_v say_v he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n and_o all_o must_v be_v fill_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o without_o this_o submission_n unity_n and_o and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n doctor_n lindsay_n also_o himself_o afterwards_o bishop_n of_o edinb_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n prefix_v to_o his_o book_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o perth_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o law_n his_o judgement_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o law_n the_o law_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church_n by_o the_o prelate_n they_o make_v the_o entrant_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v peaceable_a minister_n in_o thiâ—…_n church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n that_o therein_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o by_o all_o mean_n that_o they_o can_v use_v they_o shall_v procure_v other_o to_o the_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o same_o which_o thing_n say_v the_o intrant_fw-la in_o that_o oath_n if_o we_o shall_v contraveen_v as_o god_n forbid_v we_o be_v content_a upon_o trial_n and_o cognition_n take_v by_o our_o ordinary_a without_o all_o reclamation_n or_o gainsay_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o our_o ministry_n and_o be_v repute_v infamous_a and_o perjure_a person_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n ratify_v and_o publish_v by_o authority_n 1636._o a_o canon_n appoint_v that_o if_o any_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n lawful_o suspend_v or_o depose_v that_o be_v in_o their_o sense_n suspend_v or_o depose_v by_o his_o ordinary_a for_o transgress_v any_o of_o these_o prelatical_a cannon_n shall_v presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suspension_n or_o after_o he_o be_v degrade_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o â—…y-power_n as_o incorrigible_a just_o so_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o engage_v and_o promise_v absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a and_o because_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o charge_v they_o with_o breach_n of_o their_o engagement_n at_o their_o entrance_n to_o â—…he_v ministry_n and_o as_o subverter_n of_o the_o very_a be_v â—…f_o the_o government_n and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v if_o â—…hey_n have_v the_o civil-power_n to_o concur_v be_v but_o too_o apparent_a from_o these_o hard_a representation_n they_o give_v of_o they_o to_o the_o civil-power_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o and_o â—…rewd_a hint_n and_o insinuation_n which_o they_o make_v â—…ereupon_o 14._o this_o submission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o catholic_n truth_n much_o less_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o tenet_n pure_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o plâ—…ades_v for_o a_o government_n that_o be_v not_o presbyterian_a but_o popish_a and_o anâ—…ichristian_a who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o favourite_n and_o emissary_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a plead_v for_o this_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o pope_n wherein_o they_o be_v oppose_v by_o protestant_a divine_n debeâ—…_n excommunicatus_fw-la and_o si_fw-la innocens_fw-la say_v a_o popish_a author_n aliorum_fw-la consortia_fw-la fugere_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la sacris_fw-la abstinere_fw-la igitur_fw-la unproprte_fw-la christi_fw-la instrumentum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la papa_fw-la cum_fw-la aliquae_fw-la illius_fw-la actiones_fw-la a_fw-la christo_fw-la non_fw-la impellantur_fw-la nec_fw-la acceptantur_fw-la andr._n dâ—…valius_n in_o 22._o part_n quest_n 8._o he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a say_v hâ—…_n albeit_o innocent_a yet_o aught_o to_o shâ—…n_n the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o holy_a thing_n therefore_o the_o pope_n be_v say_v he_o improper_o call_v christ_n instrument_n because_o some_o of_o his_o aâ—…tions_n be_v neither_o impel_v by_o he_o nor_o accept_v of_o he_o so_o our_o bâ—…ethren_n will_v have_v a_o man_n that_o be_v suspend_v froâ—…â—…he_a sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v though_o unjust_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacraâ—…ent_n and_o from_o preach_v and_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o other_o and_o from_o holy_a thing_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o the_o dispense_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o it_o bâ—…_n not_o indeed_o to_o play_v the_o pope_n and_o to_o set_v up_o minister_n and_o servant_n above_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a man_n to_o judge_v 15._o this_o unlimited_a submission_n leave_v the_o church_n destitute_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a remedy_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o general_a defection_n and_o do_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n for_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n degenerate_a into_o tyranny_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o purge_v and_o preserve_v of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o mean_a of_o pollute_v and_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o persecute_v and_o bear_v down_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a whether_o minister_n or_o professor_n what_o be_v tyranny_n but_o when_o these_o that_o be_v in_o power_n will_v have_v inferior_n without_o gainsay_v or_o counâ—…eracting_n to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o command_v though_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sic_fw-la volo_fw-la sic_fw-la jubeo_fw-la