and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o any_o be_v such_o now_o to_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n have_v their_o power_n from_o and_o in_o its_o exercise_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a architectonick_a power_n be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la clear_a from_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n former_o mention_v and_o other_o act_n to_o be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o same_o of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v at_o more_o large_a under_o the_o last_o head_n but_o for_o the_o time_n we_o propose_v these_o three_o from_o these_o act_n for_o make_v out_o of_o this_o argument_n 1._o they_o be_v express_o make_v to_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o in_o their_o church_n judicatory_n and_o administration_n 2_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o dispose_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n as_o one_o royal_a prerogative_n thereof_o which_o not_o only_o suppon_n the_o government_n to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o that_o dominion_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o regality_n 3_o the_o give_v of_o church_n power_n to_o church_n officer_n be_v suppon_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o law_n and_o act_n without_o which_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a objec_fw-la although_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o head_n to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o such_o cause_n and_o over_o such_o person_n in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la no_o question_n he_o be_v the_o head_n political_a to_o the_o church_n for_o governor_n &_o head_n be_v equipollent_a term_n whosoever_o be_v supreme_a governor_n to_o any_o society_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a head_n to_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o this_o subordination_n or_o supremacy_n be_v direct_v or_o in_o n1_fw-la directa_fw-la be_v we_o judge_v clear_a from_o the_o fore_n mention_v act_n see_v they_o not_o only_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n but_o moreover_o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o the_o national_a synod_n he_o be_v make_v the_o all_o of_o the_o same_o and_o without_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o like_a of_o these_o the_o sun_n never_o shine_v on_o except_o these_o make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o 8._o of_o england_n which_o be_v scrupule_v at_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n at_o home_o &_o abroad_o they_o be_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n force_v to_o alleviat_v the_o mater_fw-la by_o remove_a the_o title_n head_n and_o some_o mitigate_a explication_n allow_v and_o order_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o subject_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o no_o such_o explication_n allow_v here_o arg._n 3._o if_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n thus_o thrust_v in_o upon_o they_o be_v constitut_v and_o settle_v in_o christ_n way_n as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v â—â—â—o_o sinful_a separation_n on_o their_o part_n not_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o we_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v evident_a and_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o there_o be_v divine_a obligation_n on_o minister_n and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v under_o divine_a obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o sinful_a separation_n for_o church_n not_o to_o receive_v nor_o submit_v to_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n lean_v upon_o these_o two_o and_o be_v infallible_o make_v out_o by_o they_o first_o that_o thâ—â—e_n be_v a_o divine_a relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a command_n to_o do_v the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o such_o contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n none_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a instution_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n will_v be_v able_a to_o refuse_v these_o we_o conceive_v none_o even_o of_o our_o antagonist_n will_v deny_v the_o minor_a if_o they_o do_v will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n which_o be_v false_a as_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o ever_o our_o opposite_n give_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la but_o we_o know_v the_o great_a debate_n will_v be_v about_o the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o wit_n that_o minister_n and_o church_n require_v by_o law_n to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o the._n prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n be_v settle_v in_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n in_o the_o just_a possession_n &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n this_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v beyond_o all_o denial_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o scotland_n before_o and_o at_o the_o prelate_n late_a entry_n among_o we_o in_o the_o year_n 1662._o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o furnish_v with_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o ordinance_n the_o debate_n than_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o jus_o of_o that_o constitution_n that_o be_v existent_a and_o in_o be_v at_o the_o prelate_n introduction_n against_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v object_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o obj._n 1_o prelacy_n be_v want_v in_o that_o constitution_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v have_v ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o must_v first_o be_v make_v out_o that_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o in_o use_n and_o exercise_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n or_o a_o office_n institute_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v yet_o see_v never_o will_v let_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o great_a debait_n consider_v the_o reason_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v give_v in_o against_o iâ—_n and_o answer_v they_o yea_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o we_o ask_v at_o the_o patron_n of_o prelacy_n whether_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a political_a church_n if_o they_o judge_v it_o essential_a do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o that_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o be_v nullity_n yea_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n call_v the_o albigenses_n which_o by_o all_o historian_n have_v their_o original_n deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o such_o see_v 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n of_o all_o they_o never_o have_v prelacy_n from_o their_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o
none_o wonder_v we_o take_v this_o ticklish_a subject_n into_o consideration_n and_o there_fw-mi adventure_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n for_o we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o on_o the_o exact_a enquiry_n and_o search_n that_o we_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o find_v it_o as_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o our_o true_a covenant_v principle_n as_o prelacy_n and_o in_o its_o effect_n we_o fear_v shall_v prove_v as_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o work_v of_o reformation_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v on_o the_o field_n against_o it_o time_n past_a and_o present_a speak_v much_o to_o this_o but_o the_o future_a will_v say_v more_o the_o storm_n that_o this_o supremacy_n threaten_v to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n to_o pray_v inflant_o day_n and_o night_n that_o it_o may_v be_v gracious_o avert_v the_o truth_n be_v as_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a corruption_n in_o itself_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o one_o but_o a_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v join_v in_o church_n assembly_n especial_o for_o government_n which_o thereby_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v make_v nullity_n that_o our_o procedure_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o we_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v &_o speak_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o show_v what_o it_o true_o be_v 2_o we_o shall_v prove_v its_o distinction_n from_o &_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n and3_n show_v how_o far_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o law_n lodge_v in_o and_o exercise_v by_o our_o ruler_n contrare_fw-la to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n till_o these_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v premise_v these_o preliminary_a consideration_n or_o proposition_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o 1._o propos_fw-fr it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o road_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o intend_a brevity_n to_o insist_v on_o the_o term_n government_n &_o church_n &_o what_o be_v usual_o signify_v by_o they_o these_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o critic_n and_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o government_n be_v a_o term_n import_v power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o right_a to_o rule_v other_o and_o a_o obligation_n on_o these_o invest_v therewith_o to_o use_v the_o same_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n so_o that_o government_n make_v its_o act_n due_a &_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o these_o act_n mean_n &_o way_n by_o which_o government_n be_v enable_v to_o reach_v its_o end_n 2._o propos_fw-fr all_o create_v power_n &_o authority_n be_v original_a in_o god_n as_o the_o &_o first_o chief_n cause_n thereof_o &_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a supreme_a monarch_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o the_o power_n that_o can_v prove_v its_o descent_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o all_o just_a power_n be_v direct_o subordinat_a to_o he_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n of_o all_o 3._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n but_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n her_o government_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o &_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o government_n so_o that_o the_o all_o of_o this_o government_n be_v by_o positive_a institution_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n supernatural_o reveal_v 4._o propos_fw-fr that_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o god_n and_o thereby_o her_o government_n fountain_v in_o he_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o and_o subordinat_fw-la to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a 5._o propos_fw-fr beside_o the_o invisible_a and_o internal_a government_n that_o christ_n jesus_n exercise_v by_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n guide_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o obedience_n he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o true_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o he_o and_o visible_o exercise_v in_o she_o in_o his_o name_n as_o her_o supreme_a 6._o propos_fw-fr the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o be_v not_o proper_o and_o in_o linea_fw-la directa_fw-la subordinat_fw-la to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o 1._o it_o have_v its_o derivation_n from_o another_o fountain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o church_n supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n all_o power_n in_o she_o must_v come_v from_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o 2_o the_o magistrate_n can_v take_v away_o nor_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o government_n and_o power_n subordinat_a to_o he_o yea_o he_o can_v impede_fw-la its_o exercise_n in_o these_o entrust_v with_o it_o see_v they_o be_v under_o obligation_n for_o it_o antecedent_n &_o superior_a to_o these_o of_o the_o magistrate_n 7._o propos_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o king_n of_o his_o church_n must_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n government_n according_a to_o which_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v not_o only_o in_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a 8._o propos_fw-fr although_o power_n specifical_o distinct_a be_v not_o subordinat_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n of_o person_n invest_v with_o these_o power_n so_o as_o the_o person_n be_v in_o different_a respect_n superior_a and_o inferior_a to_o one_o another_o as_o jesse_n be_v to_o david_n suppose_v he_o to_o live_v in_o his_o son_n david_n reign_n which_o subordination_n of_o person_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o power_n nor_o the_o mutual_a subjection_n the_o person_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o hence_o we_o assert_v that_o as_o magistracy_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o ministry_n nor_o loose_v the_o person_n clothe_v therewith_o from_o the_o subjection_n they_o owe_v as_o christian_n to_o minister_n in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o ministry_n destroy_v magistracy_n nor_o untie_v minister_n as_o subject_n from_o that_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o magistrate_n from_o their_o subject_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o as_o much_o as_o any_o 9_o propos_fw-fr as_o in_o all_o government_n there_o be_v something_n that_o be_v intrinsic_a although_o visible_a wherein_o its_o nature_n and_o specific_a essence_n do_v consist_v and_o something_n accidental_a and_o separable_a from_o it_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o its_o esse_fw-la but_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n something_n essential_a &_o intrinsic_a of_o which_o afterward_o and_o something_n accidental_a and_o extrinsic_a without_o which_o it_o can_v subsist_v even_o in_o its_o exercise_n 10._o propos_fw-fr these_o thing_n in_o and_o about_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a as_o the_o word_n ministry_n sacrament_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n other_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n partly_o spiritual_a &_o partly_o civil_a as_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o mod_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o although_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o common_a to_o other_o action_n yet_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a divine_a appointment_n impower_v the_o church_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v these_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connection_n with_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a be_v true_o ecclesiastic_a and_o become_v a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o proper_a power_n of_o church_n government_n call_v by_o all_o divine_v diatactick_a some_o be_v proper_o &_o pure_o civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o immediate_a end_n as_o church_n stipend_n manse_v glyb_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o they_o be_v by_o general_a precept_n secure_v to_o the_o church_n and_o belong_v to_o she_o yet_o they_o be_v formal_o civil_a and_o come_v direct_o under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o other_o civil_a right_n and_o propriety_n do_v about_o which_o
necessare_fw-la &_o righteous_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o their_o obligation_n can_v be_v admit_v &_o receive_v which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o from_o it_o our_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v just_a be_v we_o not_o assure_v that_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n engage_v against_o by_o such_o divine_a tie_n and_o relapse_v into_o contrare_fw-la to_o these_o engagement_n do_v provoke_v our_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o the_o inflict_v of_o all_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o the_o word_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o such_o sacred_a bond_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v what_o can_v we_o then_o expect_v to_o ourselves_o &_o posterity_n if_o reformation_n &_o repentance_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n according_a to_o every_o one_o accession_n to_o these_o evil_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n on_o this_o decline_a church_n next_o we_o pray_v your_o lo._n to_o consider_v that_o we_o build_v our_o conclusion_n on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o other_o lay_v down_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o debate_n against_o popery_n which_o for_o its_o want_n of_o and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v condemn_v for_o a_o antichristian_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n but_o these_o what_o they_o condemn_v we_o must_v renunce_v &_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n want_v their_o authority_n and_o approbation_n we_o can_v yea_o dar_fw-ge not_o admit_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o precede_a age_n show_v what_o mischief_n the_o open_n of_o this_o door_n have_v bring_v in_o upon_o she_o to_o the_o almost_o uter_fw-la ruin_n of_o all_o her_o concern_v the_o present_a growth_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o quick_a advance_v it_o make_v among_o all_o degree_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o and_o our_o nighbour_a church_n say_v to_o all_o &_o we_o suppose_v to_o your_o lo._n that_o the_o fasety_n &_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n do_v in_o all_o prudence_n require_v that_o its_o real_a and_o sincere_a friend_n shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o not_o thus_o persecute_v with_o violence_n which_o no_o doubt_n tend_v so_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n &_o cause_n that_o in_o one_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n parliament_n it_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v the_o rigid_a press_v of_o conformity_n but_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v all_o nonconformist_n who_o in_o those_o time_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o stout_a antagonist_n to_o popery_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v employ_v entrust_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o â—ope_n have_v his_o instrument_n and_o emissary_n among_o we_o for_o work_v out_o of_o his_o design_n on_o these_o church_n which_o all_o his_o former_a engine_n have_v not_o hitherto_o effect_v and_o find_v through_o our_o confusion_n and_o distemper_n the_o occasion_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n have_v no_o question_n a_o secret_a active_a hand_n in_o influence_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o violence_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o many_o way_n afflict_v and_o ruin_a church_n do_v not_o prevent_v will_v facilitat_fw-la his_o long_v for_o &_o much_o endeavour_v design_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o these_o land_n and_o however_o we_o be_v represent_v to_o your_o lo._n as_o unfriend_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n as_o if_o they_o must_v ruin_v if_o we_o stand_v yet_o the_o experience_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n beside_o our_o public_a confession_n do_v sufficient_o witness_v how_o malicious_a our_o adversary_n be_v in_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n we_o be_v no_o innovator_n nor_o pleader_n for_o innovation_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o do_v hold_v adhere_v to_o and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sum_v up_o and_o brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n large_a &_o short_a catachisme_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o popish_a arminian_n socinian_n and_o sectarian_n error_n and_o innovation_n we_o hold_v for_o our_o main_a &_o root_a principle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a perfect_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o manner_n not_o need_v any_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v antiquity_n its_o due_a respect_n use_v &_o reverence_n and_o although_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o christian_a of_o what_o rank_n &_o degree_n soever_o aught_o to_o study_v &_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o great_a use_n of_o a_o gospel_n stand_v ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessare_fw-la to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n but_o only_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o right_o take_v up_o what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n yet_o we_o constant_o affirm_v good_a work_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n to_o be_v necessare_fw-la both_o necessitate_v precepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la our_o minister_n press_v on_o themselves_o &_o hearer_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o solid_a fundation_n of_o good_a work_n &_o the_o severe_a strict_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a out_o side_n formal_a but_o of_o a_o spiritual_a real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n we_o extol_v all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o reject_v all_o humane_a invention_n especial_o religious_a and_o significant_a not_o institute_v ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v no_o little_a weight_n with_o your_o lo._n that_o by_o use_v of_o such_o violence_n the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a universal_o religious_a and_o industrious_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o useful_a and_o steadfast_a to_o his_o maj_n true_a interest_n and_o honour_n be_v expose_v to_o daily_a vexation_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o prejudice_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n we_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o choice_n and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o government_n now_o introduce_v into_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n enact_v against_o non-conformists'_a and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o church_n and_o state_n we_o leave_v to_o your_o lo._n most_o serious_a consideration_n we_o know_v the_o certain_a issue_n of_o all_o matter_n be_v know_v to_o god_n only_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o measure_n in_o conjecture_v at_o future_a event_n from_o the_o work_n of_o present_a cause_n there_o be_v all_o rational_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v dismal_a and_o heavy_a time_n come_v on_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o take_v and_o fallow_v of_o right_a way_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n your_o lo._n may_v prevent_v and_o if_o not_o do_v will_n no_o doubt_n afford_v matter_n of_o bitter_a sorrow_n &_o repentance_n to_o your_o lo_n or_o child_n afterward_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o your_o lo._n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o upon_o you_o to_o foresee_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v hasten_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o time_n to_o hide_v yourselves_o this_o church_n &_o kingdom_n from_o they_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a to_o all_o that_o conscience_n do_v not_o
suffer_v no_o small_a prejudice_n through_o our_o silence_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d on_o a_o resolution_n to_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n of_o our_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o be_v this_o day_n 〈◊〉_d â—uch_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ordinary_a road_n to_o give_v a_o due_a and_o just_a information_n 〈…〉_o â—ase_v to_o our_o superioure_n by_o supplication_n petition_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—onstrances_n allow_v by_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 〈…〉_o â—eason_n of_o the_o influence_n &_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n 〈…〉_o but_o expect_v that_o much_o justice_n from_o all_o as_o to_o excuse_v 〈…〉_o do_v of_o this_o in_o this_o way_n which_o the_o vindication_n 〈…〉_o ourselus_o for_o its_o sake_n in_o the_o present_a juncture_n 〈…〉_o necessary_a for_o find_v in_o the_o present_a 〈…〉_o that_o we_o can_v without_o betray_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n for_o which_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n we_o be_v call_v to_o contend_v on_o all_o highâ—â—â—_n pain_n keep_v any_o long_a silence_n but_o that_o we_o 〈◊〉_d give_v warning_n to_o all_o of_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o threaten_v religion_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o clear_v truth_n and_o practice_n 〈◊〉_d much_o now_o condemn_v to_o endeavour_v the_o prevention_n and_o recovery_n of_o all_o from_o the_o snare_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o engage_v into_o wherefore_o in_o all_o christian_a sobriety_n and_o humility_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o all_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o anent_o the_o cruel_a and_o iniquous_a procedure_n use_v against_o we_o 2_o our_o practice_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o minister_n and_o people_n yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n 3_o our_o not_o approve_v nor_o allow_v of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n although_o as_o to_o the_o preach_a part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o in_o so_o far_o practise_v 4_o and_o last_o anent_o the_o supremacy_n ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o his_o majesty_n peâ—son_n and_o sense_v by_o law_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n with_o raisin_n why_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v give_v to_o prelacy_n we_o love_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o first_o and_o if_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d connect_v with_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o moâ—â—â—_n concearne_v the_o cause_n and_o touch_v upon_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a interest_n of_o we_o we_o will_v incline_v rather_o 〈…〉_o it_o in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n than_o thus_o to_o talk_v the_o 〈…〉_o of_o past_a and_o present_a action_n the_o mention_v of_o 〈…〉_o can_v but_o reflect_v on_o some_o who_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o than_o they_o will_v ready_o admit_v themselves_o to_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v what_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v necessary_a for_o vindicate_v of_o our_o righteous_a cause_n strike_v at_o and_o wound_v through_o our_o side_n we_o shall_v only_o touch_v a_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o we_o fear_v if_o historian_n prove_v impartial_a will_v speak_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o these_o time_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n as_o first_o that_o almost_o unparalleled_a act_n of_o the_o council_n at_o glasgow_n octob._n 1662._o whereby_o at_o one_o stroke_n a_o number_n of_o minister_n above_o 300_o without_o all_o legal_a precedour_n be_v violent_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o lively_a hood_n and_o inhibit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o a_o great_a number_n of_o congregation_n lay_v desolate_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o council_n at_o their_o make_n and_o publish_v of_o this_o act_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v may_v have_v be_v thrust_v out_o and_o eject_v thereby_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n lay_v waste_v and_o dispossess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o ordinance_n in_o which_o condition_n she_o may_v have_v continue_v long_o enough_o to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prejudice_n and_o loss_n which_o the_o moâ—â—â—-cryed-up_a good_a of_o prelacy_n can_v never_o have_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ed_v sit_v in_o this_o or_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v it_o not_o eâ—â—â—ent_a from_o the_o astonishment_n that_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o act_n have_v on_o our_o ruler_n in_o 〈…〉_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o subject_v to_o prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—mission_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v without_o mature_a deâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o ouâ—_n and_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o impatient_a zeal_n 〈…〉_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o the_o precipitation_n 〈…〉_o which_o since_o have_v be_v lament_v &_o not_o 〈…〉_o by_o many_o of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v never_o 〈…〉_o on_o â—ight_a method_n &_o way_n of_o cure_v the_o distemper_n &_o confusion_n cause_v by_o this_o act_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o 〈◊〉_d we_o remember_v of_o none_o like_o to_o this_o but_o that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n in_o the_o time_n oe_v charl._n the_o v._o a_o precedent_n we_o think_v that_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v imitate_v by_o any_o christian_a protestant_n state_n consider_v its_o wicked_a design_n &_o bad_a success_n to_o its_o contriver_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n eject_v by_o it_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o young_a man_n educate_v and_o indoctrinat_a in_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n neither_o can_v it_o in_o rational_a judgement_n be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a revolution_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n person_n of_o any_o conscience_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v move_v to_o change_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o without_o the_o least_o offer_n of_o any_o convince_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o this_o case_n to_o inflict_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n on_o minister_n and_o congregation_n without_o any_o endeavour_n previous_o use_v for_o their_o information_n look_v to_o be_v a_o stretch_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o charity_n and_o justice_n which_o according_a to_o all_o law_n divine_a ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a allow_v time_n and_o patience_n in_o deal_v with_o person_n err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o error_n before_o the_o pass_a &_o inflict_v of_o a_o sentence_n a_o piece_n of_o justice_n observe_v in_o the-darke_a time_n of_o popery_n and_o hot_a persecution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n 2._o beside_o in_o all_o execution_n of_o law_n on_o person_n find_v transgress_v the_o same_o there_o use_v to_o precede_v the_o sentence_n and_o infliction_n of_o the_o penalty_n 〈◊〉_d judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o transgression_n thâ—_n natural_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o subject_n obseruâ—â—â—_n all_o well_o govern_v state_n in_o the_o world_n whethâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o or_o heathenish_a for_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n to_o the_o subject_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o law_n to_o person_n suppose_a guilty_a of_o its_o violation_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n not_o only_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o penalty_n but_o declare_v the_o guilt_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o such_o punishment_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o witness_n but_o in_o our_o case_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v observe_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_v allow_v we_o moreover_o in_o this_o act_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v under_o high_a pain_n discharge_v and_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o from_o the_o state_n and_o this_o antecedent_n to_o any_o church_n sentence_n or_o ecclesiastical_a conviction_n of_o guilt_n deserve_v so_o heavy_a a_o punishment_n a_o encroachment_n on_o church_n power_n without_o a_o precedent_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o other_o â—â—cept_v that_o of_o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n condemn_v on_o â—hat_n very_a head_n both_o by_o popish_a and_o protestant_n writter_n 〈◊〉_d a_o reach_v beyond_o the_o limit_n set_v to_o the_o magistrate_n poâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o punishâ—â—â—â—_n formâ—â—ly_o ecclesiastic_a inflict_v by_o the_o magiâ—â—â—â—â—_n without_o own_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o
difficulty_n we_o then_o think_v it_o our_o happiness_n in_o be_v rid_v of_o and_o deliver_v from_o many_o a_o snare_n which_o no_o doubt_n make_v we_o give_v place_n more_o easy_o to_o the_o penal_a part_n of_o that_o act_n 4._o we_o be_v at_o that_o time_n unacquainted_a with_o suffer_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o prevail_a corruption_n in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o rational_a charity_n that_o we_o can_v come_v so_o sudden_o to_o that_o hight_v of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n as_o to_o venture_v on_o the_o ut_fw-la most_o of_o hazard_n that_o then_o do_v threaten_v the_o contraveener_n of_o that_o act_n and_o the_o law_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n phil._n 1_o v._n last_o be_v import_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n as_o far_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n in_o our_o sinful_a imperfect_a state_n as_o that_o of_o faith_n as_o all_o find_v when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v their_o case_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o onlooker_n to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o in_o persecute_v time_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o suffer_v it_o require_v the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o be_v not_o quick_o wine_n at_o by_o they_o who_o christ_n call_v to_o take_v up_o and_o bear_v his_o cross_n we_o grant_v this_o give_v no_o discharge_n of_o guilt_n in_o not_o do_v and_o suffer_v as_o god_n call_v yet_o it_o cry_v for_o compassion_n and_o forbearance_n from_o other_o who_o on_o this_o consideration_n shall_v be_v spare_v in_o their_o censure_n know_v they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o like_a snare_n and_o infirmity_n 5._o as_o that_o deed_n be_v too_o much_o influence_v with_o fear_n and_o other_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o affection_n botâ—_n in_o minister_n and_o people_n which_o do_v visible_o predodomine_fw-la at_o that_o time_n so_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a desertion_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o that_o render_v all_o counsel_n dark_a and_o perplex_a and_o in_o all_o deliberation_n incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o suffering_n and_o positive_a compliance_n with_o prelacy_n although_o this_o do_v not_o diminish_v fin_n nor_o warrant_v any_o sinful_a neglect_n nor_o give_v any_o true_a ground_n of_o excuse_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o call_v for_o charitable_a construction_n from_o other_o where_o sincerity_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o main_a as_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o yea_o to_o the_o refute_v of_o these_o hâ—rd_a unchristian_a and_o bitter_a censure_n of_o many_o who_o judge_v our_o former_a profession_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o precede_a time_n to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o corrupt_a bias_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o discover_v we_o grant_v in_o too_o many_o former_o seem_v zealot_n by_o their_o compliance_n at_o that_o time_n from_o who_o they_o take_v their_o measure_n in_o judge_v of_o other_o 6._o it_o be_v to_o be_v advert_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o business_n that_o minister_n consult_v their_o congregation_n especial_o the_o godly_a and_o judicious_a among_o they_o be_v advise_v to_o lie_v by_o for_o some_o time_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o seem_v as_o unwilling_a to_o venture_v on_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n that_o threaten_v all_o as_o minister_n this_o we_o know_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o most_o determine_a not_o a_o few_o to_o that_o resolution_n and_o practice_n and_o what_o can_v minister_n do_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o in_o so_o suâ—den_a a_o revolution_n anent_o which_o they_o have_v the_o lead_a example_n of_o other_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o island_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v for_o charitable_a construction_n of_o minister_n and_o congregationes_fw-la practice_n in_o this_o at_o that_o time_n yet_o we_o judge_v it_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o congregation_n and_o minister_n that_o they_o do_v not_o cleave_v to_o one_o another_o as_o pastor_n and_o flock_n we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o minister_n keep_v to_o the_o accessory_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o kirk_n stipend_n manse_v glebs_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o be_v by_o divine_a precept_n their_o right_n but_o not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o hold_v but_o we_o assert_v it_o be_v sin_n that_o they_o continue_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o the_o flock_n keep_v up_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o and_o people_v not_o adhere_v to_o their_o minister_n in_o hear_v and_o receive_v of_o ordinance_n from_o they_o and_o not_o afford_v they_o all_o due_a encouragement_n and_o maintenance_n all_o which_o be_v do_v by_o minister_n and_o church_n in_o time_n of_o sore_a persecution_n than_o we_o if_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n that_o by_o this_o act_n and_o its_o full_a exccution_n with_o other_o that_o follow_v thereon_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n which_o we_o forebear_v to_o mention_v have_v cease_v and_o go_v no_o further_a we_o will_v have_v look_v on_o all_o as_o little_a and_o labour_v to_o have_v bear_v the_o same_o with_o that_o patience_n meekness_n and_o resolution_n that_o become_v minister_n &_o christian_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o the_o engine_n and_o device_n that_o afterward_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n as_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o several_a unchristian_a &_o illegal_a practice_n with_o the_o over_o violent_a press_v of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n in_o their_o capacity_n with_o such_o illegal_a and_o inhuman_a usage_n by_o military_a force_n which_o alone_o without_o any_o state_v and_o form_v design_n give_v the_o rise_n to_o that_o insurrection_n in_o the_o year_n 1666._o and_o the_o blood_n that_o follow_v thereon_o to_o the_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o our_o ruler_n who_o then_o search_v unto_o the_o bottom_n of_o that_o affair_n be_v strain_n so_o high_a that_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o most_o extend_a rule_n of_o christian_a moderation_n and_o equity_n that_o ruler_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n although_o this_o heat_n of_o violence_n be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o little_a cool_v with_o a_o shower_n of_o blood_n and_o other_o dangerous_a consequence_n like_v to_o ensue_v yet_o afterward_o fuel_n be_v by_o the_o prelate_n bring_v and_o administrat_fw-la unto_o it_o it_o again_o begin_v to_o take_v fire_n and_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o strange_a kind_n of_o law_n make_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o legal_a face_n to_o its_o proceed_n which_o in_o its_o former_a height_n it_o want_v the_o the_o bound_n of_o which_o it_o can_v yet_o keep_v but_o according_a to_o its_o genius_n over_o the_o hedge_n it_o leap_v and_o give_v a_o strain_n beyond_o these_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a law_n make_v against_o we_o by_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o past_a and_o present_a suffering_n have_v be_v lay_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v continue_v therefore_o we_o shall_v only_o give_v instance_n in_o a_o few_o from_o which_o we_o may_v take_v our_o measure_n judge_v of_o the_o rest_n as_o first_o parl._n 2._o carol._n 2._o session_n 2._o act._n 5._o entitle_v a_o act_n against_o conventicle_n as_o this_o act_n condemn_v all_o assembly_n convocation_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o subject_n not_o express_o warrant_v of_o his_o majesty_n which_o will_v make_v many_o meeting_n and_o convocation_n of_o the_o subject_n now_o in_o use_n illegal_a and_o unlawful_a so_o by_o consequence_n reflect_v on_o the_o meeting_n and_o assemâ—blies_n that_o christ_n jesus_n while_o here_o his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n hold_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o not_o only_o keep_v their_o meeting_n without_o but_o against_o the_o act_n and_o edict_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o these_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n in_o government_n that_o the_o only_a right_n of_o convocate_a the_o subject_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o end_n of_o they_o then_o the_o apostle_n minister_n and_o professor_n will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n and_o enemy_n to_o government_n who_o although_o inhibit_v and_o discharge_v from_o meeting_n yet_o do_v not_o forbear_v to_o assemble_v themâ—eâ—â—s_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n what_o a_o miserable_a strait_n be_v we_o bring_v to_o thâ—t_v the_o meâ—â—ingâ—_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o call_v conventicle_n can_v be_v condemn_v but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o persecute_v time_n must_v be_v judge_v dangerous_a unlawful_a &_o seditious_a
sake_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o charge_n that_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o the_o person_n that_o come_v to_o and_o haunt_v our_o meeting_n be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a and_o christian_n in_o their_o walk_n but_o flagitious_a or_o in_o many_o of_o their_o practice_n scandalous_a we_o can_v think_v our_o adversary_n be_v serious_a in_o this_o &_o do_v believe_v as_o they_o speak_v see_v 1_o this_o do_v fall_v as_o heavy_a and_o will_v to_o onlooker_n reflect_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o objector_n themselves_o as_o on_o we_o who_o meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o sink_n of_o all_o debauch_a and_o profaine_a person_n through_o the_o land_n can_v they_o refuse_v this_o it_o be_v like_a the_o foresight_n of_o this_o force_v they_o to_o say_v in_o their_o lybel_n of_o greivance_n against_o we_o that_o the_o abomination_n mention_v in_o one_o article_n be_v commit_v at_o our_o meeting_n and_o not_o by_o person_n present_a at_o they_o otherwise_o their_o assembly_n for_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o chargeabâ—â—_n therewith_o as_o we_o but_o in_o this_o our_o antagonist_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o prâ—â—mitive_a time_n who_o charge_v they_o for_o have_v these_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a abomination_n commit_v at_o their_o assembly_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o church_n history_n the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o and_o rebuke_v the_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o possess_v many_o 2._o but_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o perform_v of_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o charge_v the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o such_o on_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n inductive_a to_o scandal_n will_v not_o the_o assembly_n that_o christ_n his_o apostle_n minister_n and_o christian_n keep_v in_o all_o age_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o this_o charge_n as_o we_o who_o exclude_v none_o but_o admit_v all_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o some_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v for_o clear_v of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n will_v acquit_v we_o 3._o do_v not_o man_n know_v that_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n we_o shall_v design_n and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n as_o much_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o minister_n be_v entrust_v the_o mean_a and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v this_o be_v our_o design_n as_o it_o have_v be_v our_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v our_o resolution_n not_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o our_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v truth_n be_v to_o charge_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n with_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o frequent_a the_o same_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o father_n all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o its_o hearer_n on_o it_o contrare_fw-la to_o its_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o sect_n v._o some_o reason_n why_o the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n the_o not_o allow_v of_o which_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o pivish_a wilful_a and_o stiff_a disposition_n to_o unpeacableness_n and_o distoyalty_n but_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v serious_o think_v upon_o and_o the_o reason_n that_o determine_v we_o to_o this_o refusal_n be_v weight_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o charge_n will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o with_o all_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o receive_v any_o liberty_n for_o the_o gospel_n its_o true_a interest_n and_o ourselves_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o know_a principle_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la may_v or_o have_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o word_n this_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o although_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n that_o be_v proper_o such_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v true_o from_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o no_o doubt_n to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o church_n against_o all_o enemy_n and_o to_o relieve_v she_o of_o oppression_n when_o under_o it_o to_o this_o he_o be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v both_o as_o a_o magistrate_n and_o as_o a_o christian_n neither_o be_v it_o with_o we_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v minister_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o then_o function_n nor_o whether_o he_o may_v exeem_v they_o from_o the_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a by_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n nor_o yet_o whether_o he_o may_v confine_v minister_n simple_o and_o abstract_o consider_v from_o our_o present_a case_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o all_o to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o magistrate_n about_o person_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n jure_fw-la magistratico_n may_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o without_o the_o church_n &_o the_o previous_a election_n of_o the_o people_n assign_v and_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a church_n to_o take_v the_o fix_a and_o pastoral_a over_o sight_n of_o they_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o say_a congregation_n the_o question_n thus_o state_v being_n complex_fw-la and_o consist_v of_o several_a branch_n conform_v to_o the_o act_n of_o council_n anent_o the_o indulgence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o give_v a_o just_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o some_o assertion_n with_o the_o reason_n subjoin_v assertion_n first_o the_o magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o magistratical_a power_n can_v of_o himself_o and_o immediate_o assign_v or_o send_v minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o such_o power_n give_v to_o or_o exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n none_o have_v yet_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v let_v they_o be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v all_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o on_o positive_a institution_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o way_n and_o method_n of_o man_n invention_n but_o in_o these_o that_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n so_o that_o she_o own_v she_o be_v constitution_n and_o all_o to_o they_o there_o must_v be_v some_o evident_a proof_n produce_v from_o these_o before_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o expect_v this_o 2._o also_o we_o find_v the_o church_n in_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o reformation_n by_o luther_n and_o other_o in_o germany_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n and_o history_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v for_o some_o time_n a_o considerable_a debate_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n about_o the_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n which_o give_v the_o rise_n to_o other_o prince_n clame_v of_o the_o same_o &_o seize_v upon_o it_o but_o what_o say_v this_o to_o the_o mission_n of_o minister_n &_o application_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o as_o prelacy_n be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o horrid_a contention_n in_o church_n and_o state_n so_o
neither_o it_o nor_o the_o practice_n occasion_v thereby_o can_v be_v any_o regulate_a precedent_n for_o we_o beside_o in_o all_o these_o contest_v about_o investitur_n betwixt_o the_o pope_n and_o prince_n the_o mission_n of_o minister_n be_v never_o question_v but_o always_o acknowledge_v as_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o read_v church_n history_n 3._o the_o send_n of_o minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n purly_a and_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a and_o not_o civil_a and_o therefore_o incompetent_a to_o the_o magistrate_n let_v any_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o cause_n mater_fw-la object_n and_o end_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o for_o the_o person_n send_v be_v minister_n the_o work_n they_o be_v send_v on_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o dispense_v its_o ordinance_n these_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v to_o such_o be_v to_o gather_v in_o and_o perfect_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v finis_fw-la operis_fw-la we_o know_v of_o nothing_o that_o can_v besaid_a against_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o ecclesiastic_a in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o all_o use_n in_o moral_n to_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o undueness_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o respect_n of_o such_o act_n in_o moral_n to_o their_o matter_n object_n and_o end_n that_o the_o bound_n be_v determine_v and_o set_v to_o they_o in_o their_o efficient_a cause_n for_o instance_n if_o the_o matter_n object_n &_o end_n of_o a_o act_n be_v proper_o civil_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v undue_a or_o incompetent_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o so_o of_o other_o act_n in_o their_o moral_a specifical_a distinction_n by_o which_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o be_v assign_v &_o make_v due_a to_o such_o and_o such_o efficient_n but_o next_o upon_o this_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v as_o lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o ordain_v and_o send_v person_n without_o ordination_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v every_o way_n absurd_a 4._o the_o send_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o oversee_v church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o potestative_a mission_n one_o part_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o never_o to_o the_o magistrate_n from_o no_o part_n of_o the_o word_n can_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o find_v it_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 16_o 19_o with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la but_o that_o this_o send_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o act_n of_o potestative_a mission_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o ready_o be_v deny_v of_o any_o do_v we_o ask_v whether_o minister_n go_v to_o such_o congregation_n on_o a_o special_a delegation_n from_o christ_n more_o than_o to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v than_o it_o must_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o mist_n on_o in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o go_v not_o on_o this_o special_a delegation_n than_o they_o run_v unsent_a and_o be_v not_o the_o pastor_n of_o these_o flock_n more_o than_o of_o other_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o feed_v these_o more_o than_o any_o other_o congregation_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n there_o be_v always_o a_o special_a delegation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n by_o which_o he_o become_v the_o ambassador_n &_o messenger_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v and_o submit_v to_o as_o such_o 5._o this_o act_n of_o send_v minister_n to_o congregation_n suppon_n several_a thing_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o line_n and_o cognition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n gift_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o sutablness_n or_o unsurablness_n of_o minister_n gift_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o people_n ability_n to_o judge_n and_o cognosce_fw-la in_o these_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o end_n of_o this_o work_n require_v with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o not_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o the_o work_n to_o which_o these_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a can_v belong_v to_o he_o for_o every_o work_n to_o which_o god_n call_v any_o have_v its_o proper_a furniture_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n without_o which_o none_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o call_v thereto_o 6._o some_o of_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o zealous_a promoter_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n yield_v that_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o return_n to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v either_o heathenish_a or_o heretical_a as_o vedelius_fw-la yea_o all_o be_v constrain_v to_o grant_v it_o how_o rational_a this_o be_v and_o how_o consistent_a with_o their_o argument_n the_o force_n of_o which_o be_v thereby_o utter_o break_v let_v any_o judge_n we_o ask_v when_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o come_v from_o christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o magistrate_n for_o a_o derive_v power_n it_o must_v be_v it_o can_v be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o willing_o part_v with_o any_o of_o his_o power_n neither_o do_v religion_n robe_n the_o magistrate_n of_o his_o power_n nor_o depose_v he_o from_o his_o regality_n and_o the_o prerogative_n thereof_o as_o protestant_n maintain_v against_o the_o papist_n if_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o come_v from_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o way_n it_o be_v convey_v to_o she_o in_o this_o case_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a as_o we_o find_v no_o difference_n of_o case_n anent_o this_o matter_n give_v in_o the_o word_n so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o institution_n precept_n and_o example_n therein_o by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v impower_v and_o oblige_v to_o exercise_v this_o government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n to_o continue_v not_o only_o without_o any_o restriction_n to_o time_n &_o case_n but_o without_o any_o repail_n we_o hear_v nothing_o from_o our_o adversary_n to_o answer_v this_o but_o ineptia_o foolish_a roving_n the_o truth_n be_v their_o argument_n conclude_v with_o as_o great_a force_n against_o all_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n under_o persecute_v magistrate_n as_o christian_n for_o be_v there_o not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o erect_n of_o a_o empire_n in_o a_o empire_n which_o our_o enemy_n accoundt_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d anddo_fw-la not_o minister_n and_o christian_n owe_v as_o much_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o assertion_n 2._o that_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n and_o call_n of_o minister_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v in_o the_o congregation_n themselves_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v by_o divine_a right_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v assume_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o take_v thus_o from_o they_o that_o this_o power_n of_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n either_o by_o divine_a humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n need_v not_o to_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o see_v scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n give_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o it_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v from_o our_o antagonist_n prelate_n and_o erastians_n from_o whence_o come_v this_o power_n or_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o have_v condescend_v on_o the_o orginal_a derivation_n of_o this_o power_n and_o make_v it_o out_o to_o be_v just_a than_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o which_o by_o none_o of_o these_o party_n have_v be_v yet_o do_v except_o by_o vedelius_fw-la but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o give_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o good_a claim_n thereto_o as_o he_o as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v his_o argument_n for_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n they_o have_v none_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o stick_v at_o the_o people_n right_a and_o power_n of_o election_n which_o be_v deny_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o we_o thus_o make_v it_o out_o as_o our_o divine_n have_v do_v
real_o exclude_v magistrate_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n government_n which_o in_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o save_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v adduce_v as_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o nullify_v its_o just_a sentence_n pass_v etc._n etc._n sect_n vii_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supreamacy_n manifest_v but_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a to_o the_o conviction_n oâ—_n the_o unprejudged_a we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o ouâ—_n task_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o our_o ruler_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n particular_o act_n of_o restitution_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 2._o act._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n parl._n 1_o sess_n 3._o act._n 4._o act_n against_o conventicle_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 5._o act_n against_o keeper_n of_o conventicle_n and_o withdrawer_n etc._n etc._n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o act._n 17._o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n parl._n 2._o sess_n 3._o with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o the_o probation_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessare_fw-la for_o clear_v our_o way_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v alittle_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n repeat_v in_o several_a act_n where_o first_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o term_n external_n be_v notour_o ambiguous_a shall_v have_v be_v explain_v &_o all_o not_o leave_v to_o guess_v at_o its_o meaning_n external_n be_v by_o some_o oppose_v to_o the_o internal_a invisible_a government_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o so_o by_o it_o they_o understand_v the_o visible_a intrinsic_a government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o term_n external_n government_n in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n the_o follow_a argument_n undertake_v to_o make_v out_o but_o some_o other_o oppose_v the_o term_n external_n government_n to_o this_o intrinsic_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n former_o describe_v and_o assert_v to_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o the_o mastrat_n and_o by_o it_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o humane_a adjunct_n and_o accident_n that_o be_v civil_a in_o themselves_o and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o divine_a institution_n some_o plead_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o term_n in_o the_o act_n of_o parlt_n but_o how_o groundless_o let_v our_o subsequent_a reason_n determine_v second_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hard_o to_o sense_n this_o for_o order_v and_o dispose_v when_o do_v by_o person_n in_o authority_n be_v a_o part_n of_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o phrase_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o speech_n as_o if_o a_o government_n need_v a_o government_n to_o govern_v it_o what_o if_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v repute_v non_fw-la sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o government_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o it_o be_v without_o disput_fw-la evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n under_o heathenish_a magistrate_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v take_v from_o she_o next_o we_o ask_v whether_o this_o order_n and_o dipose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a government_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a it_o be_v again_o nonsense_n at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a govern_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o perfect_a tautology_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n how_o come_v it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a obj._n it_o be_v only_o objective_o so_o call_v ans_fw-fr then_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o civil_a the_o phrase_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a be_v catachrestical_a and_o abusive_a a_o very_a improper_a speech_n yea_o as_o improper_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v church_n power_n or_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n officer_n objective_o civil_a or_o civil_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o order_n or_o dispose_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a why_o be_v the_o church_n trouble_v with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v again_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o civil_a or_o church_n government_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o civil_a for_o the_o church_n have_v none_o under_o persecute_v magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n government_n than_o it_o be_v pure_o and_o formal_o such_o and_o not_o true_o civil_a although_o exercise_v about_o thing_n civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n now_o to_o any_o considerate_a and_o unbyaffed_a reader_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o these_o word_n or_o expression_n come_v from_o mind_n design_v the_o enhanse_a of_o the_o intrinsic_a visâ—â—le_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o labour_v to_o cover_v it_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a now_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n formal_o and_o intrinsical_o such_o be_v assume_v by_o and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o present_a stand_a law_n will_v be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o forecited_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1._o that_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o church_n assembly_n or_o judicatories_n be_v put_v in_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordinate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a to_o they_o therein_o this_o make_v the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o church_n power_n &_o the_o church_n officer_n to_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n of_o he_o which_o make_v our_o king_n the_o proper_a head_n of_o the_o church_n &_o substitute_n he_o in_o christ_n room_n to_o she_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o subject_v to_o &_o dependent_a on_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n extend_v to_o and_o make_v to_o take_v in_o ordination_n act_n of_o discipline_n inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n yea_o to_o all_o cause_n and_o matter_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a to_o all_o about_o which_o church_n power_n be_v exerce_v he_o be_v make_v the_o supreme_a 3._o all_o church_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o church_n before_o the_o late_a introduction_n of_o prelacy_n without_o this_o derivation_n from_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v rescind_v and_o annul_v certain_o in_o these_o time_n the_o magistrate_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v a_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o law_n then_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o this_o do_v not_o now_o content_a without_o this_o supremacy_n which_o import_v another_o power_n acclame_v by_o the_o magistrate_n now_o that_o be_v not_o then_o 4._o this_o supremacy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v give_v for_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o change_n make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o overturning_a and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a government_n that_o then_o be_v and_o bring_v in_o another_o in_o its_o stead_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n a_o fair_a open_a door_n for_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v access_n to_o it_o 5._o prelacy_n by_o this_o act_n be_v restore_v not_o only_o to_o the_o former_a height_n it_o be_v at_o and_o have_v attain_v by_o law_n and_o practice_n before_o its_o last_o ejection_n out_o of_o this_o church_n
but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n which_o when_o consider_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n it_o then_o have_v be_v a_o humane_a office_n found_v on_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o now_o by_o this_o law_n on_o the_o magistrate_n which_o say_v that_o although_o the_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o the_o supremacy_n be_v the_o same_o 6._o in_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o national_a synod_n the_o nomination_n and_o election_n of_o person_n by_o whoâ—n_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v under_o the_o king_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o king_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o supremacy_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n judicatory_n be_v make_v dependent_a upon_o he_o a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o nor_o practise_v in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o church_n till_o of_o late_a 7._o the_o right_a be_v and_o constitution_n of_o the_o national_a synod_n of_o this_o church_n be_v whole_o dependent_a upon_o and_o derive_v from_o this_o law_n so_o as_o it_o be_v no_o synod_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v not_o gather_v and_o constitute_v conform_a to_o it_o although_o a_o synod_n in_o this_o church_n shall_v have_v all_o that_o make_v synod_n lawful_a and_o their_o act_n obligatory_a in_o former_a time_n 8._o the_o particular_a constitution_n of_o this_o national_a synod_n as_o to_o its_o member_n which_o in_o this_o act_n be_v nominate_v and_o regulate_v thereby_o for_o all_o future_a time_n be_v determine_v for_o its_o '_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o put_v whole_o in_o the_o king_n hand_n and_o assert_v to_o be_v his_o right_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supremacy_n over_o this_o church_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n that_o be_v not_o thus_o convocate_v 9_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v debate_v and_o conclude_v in_o this_o synod_n a_o thing_n always_o judge_v intrinsic_a to_o the_o church_n come_v only_o from_o the_o king_n &_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v from_o he_o by_o the_o arch-prelat_n of_o saint_n andrews_n and_o no_o other_o a_o fearful_a restrain_v of_o the_o divine_a liberty_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o may_v not_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n &_o manner_n although_o necessary_a for_o the_o time_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v command_v they_o by_o their_o master_n anent_o these_o 10._o the_o king_n be_v or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n be_v make_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o of_o bind_a force_n to_o this_o national_a synod_n it_o be_v no_o synod_n although_o constitute_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n if_o it_o want_v this_o 11._o no_o matter_n debate_v and_o conclude_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v obligatory_a on_o this_o church_n and_o its_o member_n if_o not_o approven_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n this_o suspend_v the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o synod_n on_o the_o king_n so_o that_o no_o canon_n act_n or_o constitution_n do_v bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o assent_v not_o as_o this_o secure_v the_o couâ—t_n in_o their_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o sinful_a way_n so_o it_o shut_v the_o door_n on_o all_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n by_o the_o church_n when_o prince_n be_v vicious_a 12._o in_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n ecclesiastic_a the_o king_n &_o his_o successor_n be_v enable_v and_o impower_v to_o meddle_v with_o all_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a which_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n within_o his_o verge_n and_o subject_n the_o same_o to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o government_n 13._o they_o be_v impower_v to_o enact_v and_o emit_v constitution_n act_n and_o order_n anent_o matter_n and_o meeting_n ecclesiastic_a as_o they_o please_v and_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o astrict_v to_o any_o rule_n but_o their_o pleasure_n o_o horrendum_fw-la 14._o all_o these_o act_n and_o order_n they_o may_v statute_n independent_a on_o the_o church_n parliament_n or_o any_o other_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n never_o grant_v to_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n before_o 15._o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n and_o due_o publish_v be_v declare_v and_o make_v to_o be_v of_o full_a force_n and_o obligation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o her_o member_n no_o need_n of_o synodâ—_n here_o which_o by_o this_o be_v whole_o subvert_v 16._o all_o former_a law_n act_n and_o clause_n of_o they_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z inconsistent_a with_o this_o be_v make_v void_a cass_v annul_v which_o take_v away_o the_o protestant_a religion_n thâ—_n word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v provide_v and_o secure_v by_o former_a act_n of_o parliament_n a_o wide_a door_n for_o popery_n 17._o in_o the_o act_n against_o unlawful_a ordination_n as_o they_o call_v they_o the_o ordination_n of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n by_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o have_v not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n which_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a &_o valid_a for_o its_o substance_n by_o all_o till_o this_o late_a gang_n of_o prelate_n arise_v in_o which_o they_o be_v degenerate_a from_o their_o predecessor_n be_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n make_v void_a and_o all_o ministerial_a act_n and_o church_n benefit_n depend_v thereon_o declare_v to_o be_v nul_fw-fr a_o act_n that_o unchristian_n and_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v their_o church_n no_o ministerial_a political_a church_n and_o all_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o they_o nullity_n which_o their_o practice_n at_o this_o time_n in_o england_n do_v confirm_v while_o romish_a priest_n turn_v protestant_n be_v without_o ordination_n make_v capable_a and_o advance_v to_o church_n place_n and_o preferment_n of_o which_o the_o protestant_a minister_n of_o other_o church_n conform_v to_o prelacy_n be_v dent_v till_o they_o be_v reordain_v other_o medium_n contain_v in_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o fix_v of_o the_o precede_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v have_v hint_v at_o some_o of_o they_o above_o judge_v these_o sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o uninteress_v &_o unprejudge_v who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n and_o earthly_a interest_n have_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n but_o keep_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n answer_v some_o objection_n in_o which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n first_o the_o high_a fly_v erastians_n of_o our_o time_n who_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o magistrate_n who_o design_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n assert_v the_o king_n supremacy_n be_v to_o take_v all_o government_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o the_o king_n &_o his_o council_n to_o be_v only_o exercise_v by_o they_o which_o throw_v the_o dislike_n of_o prelacy_n be_v not_o sufficient_o lament_v lay_v to_o heart_n nor_o resist_v by_o many_o as_o its_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v who_o upon_o what_o principle_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v think_v that_o the_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o assert_v by_o law_n be_v not_o formal_o ecclesiastical_a but_o only_o objective_o so_o which_o be_v strange_a some_o of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o as_o we_o go_v along_o the_o former_a head_n we_o know_v of_o no_o other_o beside_o these_o of_o any_o considerable_a strength_n but_o one_o obj._n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o table_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o table_n of_o righteousness_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o about_o the_o same_o answer_v this_o be_v the_o achilles_n of_o the_o erastians_n and_o semi_a erastians_n of_o videlius_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v return_v these_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o show_v it_o can_v bear_v their_o conclusion_n 1._o whatever_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n can_v claim_v by_o this_o the_o heathenish_a magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o he_o be_v by_o his_o magistratical_a office_n constitute_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la a_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o rom._n 13_o 1_o 2._o if_o he_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o it_o come_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o his_o office_n or_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o from_o his_o blindness_n and_o unbeleef_n