〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o prelacy_n to_o the_o well_o but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o political_a ministerial_a church_n which_o they_o grant_v â—ay_v be_v such_o without_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n â—â—â—ld_n 3._o other_o that_o lean_v not_o to_o scripture_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n find_v it_o upon_o ecclesiarch_n 〈◊〉_d constitution_n canon_n &_o custom_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o debate_n as_o dounhame_n and_o other_o with_o he_o that_o make_v most_o use_n of_o antiquity_n 4._o other_o more_o moderate_a pious_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o the_o rest_n do_v so_o clip_v its_o wing_n that_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o mere_a constant_a presidency_n in_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n for_o government_n make_v it_o a_o pure_a nonentity_n as_o to_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o and_o for_o which_o they_o bring_v no_o scripture_n of_o which_o judgement_n be_v that_o godly_a and_o learned_a bishop_n usher_n who_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o antiquity_n be_v nemini_fw-la secundus_fw-la 5._o some_o other_o argue_v for_o it_o as_o a_o matâ—er_n of_o indifferency_n that_o may_v be_v receive_v or_o reject_v as_o church_n and_o state_n see_v it_o fit_v their_o interest_n assert_v that_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n that_o bring_v it_o in_o thus_o stillingfleet_n 6._o some_o of_o that_o party_n have_v fall_v on_o a_o new_a method_n for_o justify_v its_o divine_a right_n be_v straiten_v as_o it_o seem_v with_o our_o argument_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o allege_v that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o institute_v in_o scripturâ—-times_n by_o the_o apostle_n &_o that_o all_o minister_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v as_o doctor_n hammond_n but_o his_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n be_v so_o dim_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v he_o have_v gain_v few_o or_o none_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o 7_o these_o of_o the_o court_n party_n place_v all_o its_o goodness_n in_o the_o authority_n &_o law_n establish_v it_o grant_v it_o signify_v nothing_o antecedent_o to_o these_o 8._o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v prelacy_n and_o view_v it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n constitute_v and_o settle_v among_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v judgement_n of_o they_o according_a to_o it_o how_o liteâ—â—_fw-la of_o prelacy_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n 〈…〉_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o all_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o the_o field_n for_o its_o defence_n there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o plead_v scriptural_a institution_n precept_n and_o instance_n for_o the_o lordly_a title_n eminency_n and_o worldly_a dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n that_o be_v now_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o state_n nor_o for_o their_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n as_o primat_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n &c_n &c_n or_o for_o the_o like_a among_o their_o dependent_n in_o their_o numerous_a and_o various_a distinction_n of_o degree_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o vicar_n chancellor_n dean_n arch_a deacons_n subdean_n deacon_n parson_n etc._n etc._n whoever_o hitatherto_o do_v put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n never_o open_v a_o mouth_n to_o plead_v either_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o these_o except_o doctor_n hammond_n who_o argue_v for_o archbishop_n and_o what_o be_v prelacy_n in_o its_o constitution_n among_o we_o without_o they_o the_o only_a thing_n debate_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o antagonist_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o other_o pastor_n and_o their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o probation_n of_o which_o from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v out_o from_o these_o first_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o second_o diocesan_n church_n make_v up_o of_o several_a â—esseâ—_n church_n and_o their_o respective_a pastor_n and_o officer_n in_o these_o do_v the_o essential_a difference_n lie_v in_o their_o own_o confession_n betwixt_o bishop_n &_o presbyter_n or_o ordinare_fw-la pastor_n none_o of_o which_o two_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o that_o which_o difference_n prelate_n from_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v â—or_a make_v to_o appear_v from_o scripture_n how_o will_v their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a right_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o 〈◊〉_d â—ho_fw-mi be_v under_o such_o strait_a divine_a engagement_n against_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v comply_v therewith_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n injoin_v conformity_n thereto_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o subdolous_a and_o un_v enuous_a way_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o this_o debate_n who_o always_o keep_v in_o general_n and_o never_o condescend_v on_o the_o particular_a difference_n betwixt_o prelate_n and_o ordinate_a pastor_n nor_o undertake_v to_o prove_v these_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o can_v for_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o antiquity_n that_o presbyter_n have_v ordain_v sometime_o in_o conjunction_n with_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o without_o they_o and_o for_o diocesan_n church_n with_o one_o fix_a pastor_n over-feeing_a other_o pastor_n and_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v meet_v with_o the_o least_o probable_a evidence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n we_o find_v no_o argument_n from_o our_o adversary_n conclude_v this_o it_o be_v empty_a argue_v to_o say_v there_o be_v apostle_n there_o be_v priest_n and_o highpriest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v seven_o angel_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v bishop_n now_o if_o they_o will_v from_o scripture_n make_v out_o the_o difference_n now_o assign_v betwixt_o prelate_n &_o presbveer_n in_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n priest_n and_o angel_n we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v none_o therefore_o blame_v we_o in_o hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o necessare_fw-la consequence_n of_o our_o antagonist_n succumb_a in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o a_o parity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o office_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v alike_o power_n give_v to_o all_o call_v thereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o another_o by_o divine_a right_n 9_o it_o be_v a_o question_n much_o debate_v among_o the_o popish_a school_n man_n and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o day_n whâ—â—ther_o their_o prelacy_n be_v a_o order_n or_o office_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o only_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d with_o presbyter_n include_v no_o power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o they_o which_o last_o opinion_n assert_n that_o all_o power_n acclaim_v by_o the_o prelate_n be_v formal_o in_o presbyter_n so_o that_o by_o office_n they_o be_v empower_v to_o and_o may_v do_v all_o that_o the_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o how_o hot_o and_o stiff_o be_v this_o question_n toss_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n betwixt_o the_o italian_a gallican_n and_o spanish_a divine_n which_o for_o this_o cause_n receive_v no_o decision_n in_o this_o council_n but_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o before_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o say_a council_n 10._o if_o any_o will_v consider_v our_o adversary_n argument_n for_o prelacy_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o argument_n of_o papist_n especial_o beauty_n for_o the_o papacy_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o plead_v as_o strong_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o universal_a bishop_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o prelate_n or_o bishop_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o as_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a condescension_n if_o our_o intend_a brevity_n will_v suffer_v it_o we_o refer_v such_o as_o question_v this_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o both_o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a collation_n of_o the_o same_o we_o nothing_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a do_v not_o the_o much_o court_v and_o endeavour_v reconciliation_n with_o rome_n by_o the_o prelatical_a party_n in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n with_o their_o concession_n to_o they_o for_o make_v way_n to_o this_o agreement_n speak_v this_o with_o full_a evidence_n as_o their_o deny_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o antichrist_n their_o grant_v a_o primacy_n to_o he_o over_o the_o catholic_n church_n their_o purgeing_n
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
a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n &_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v &_o that_o for_o the_o information_n of_o ignorant_a the_o satisfaction_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o doubtful_a the_o conviction_n if_o possible_a of_o the_o malicious_a the_o warning_n of_o our_o ruler_n the_o strengthen_n &_o comfort_v of_o the_o say_a sufferer_n under_o their_o present_a pressur_n &_o trial_n be_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o covenant_v work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o church_n and_o against_o the_o present_a prevail_a corruption_n and_o course_n of_o desection_n therefrom_o prov_n xxiii_o verse_n 23._o buy_v the_o truth_n &_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n instruction_n &_o understanding_n i._o pet._n iii_o verse_n 15._o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n &_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n &_o fear_n jud_v verse_n 3._o it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o &_o to_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n prestat_fw-la sero_fw-la quà m_fw-la nunquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o to_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a lord_n the_o lord_n temporal_a of_o his_o majesty_n secret_a council_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n most_o noble_a and_o honouralbe_n lord_n cast_v our_o eye_n about_o we_o to_o see_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o patrociny_n &_o protection_n we_o shall_v shelter_v the_o ensue_a apology_n or_o vindication_n we_o can_v not_o in_o our_o apprehension_n fix_v upon_o any_o so_o fit_v for_o this_o as_o your_o lo._n who_o by_o the_o station_n &_o office_n you_o bear_v under_o his_o maj._n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v constitute_v the_o protector_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o releever_n of_o the_o oppress_a &_o the_o breaker_n of_o every_o unjust_a yoke_n the_o serious_a thought_n of_o which_o do_v aflord_v we_o this_o confidence_n that_o as_o our_o unjust_a oppression_n make_v we_o object_n fit_v for_o your_o lo._n compassion_n and_o justice_n so_o your_o lo._n office_n and_o what_o it_o bind_v unto_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o oppress_a before_o god_n and_o man_n will_n on_o the_o ingenuous_a &_o plain_a production_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n at_o length_n prevail_v for_o break_v of_o these_o yoke_n of_o oppression_n now_o on_o we_o and_o remove_v of_o their_o real_a cause_n we_o therefore_o can_v but_o in_o charity_n and_o reason_n expect_v that_o much_o humanity_n &_o justice_n from_o your_o lo._n that_o be_v grant_v by_o heathen_a ruler_n to_o minister_n &_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n &_o history_n memorable_a instance_n be_v not_o paul_n act._n 26_o 1_o permit_v by_o king_n agrippa_n to_o speak_v for_o himself_o who_o in_o vindication_n of_o his_o righteous_a cause_n deduce_v the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o clear_v the_o so_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o hearer_n that_o they_o judge_v he_o neither_o worthy_a of_o death_n nor_o of_o bond_n do_v not_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o of_o justin_n martyr_n apollinaris_n mileto_n origen_n tertullian_n and_o other_o declare_v their_o innocency_n and_o mitigat_fw-la the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n that_o then_o prevail_v against_o they_o may_v not_o we_o then_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o protestant_a religion_n with_o your_o lo._n entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o same_o favour_n &_o justice_n that_o be_v show_v by_o ruler_n to_o the_o lord_n people_n before_o we_o as_o our_o adversary_n calumny_n &_o bitter_a reproach_n with_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o render_v we_o odious_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o your_o lo._n be_v unjust_a and_o malicious_a be_v partly_o their_o evil_a and_o uncharitable_a deduction_n from_o our_o principle_n and_o action_n and_o partly_o gross_a &_o notorious_a lie_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_n charge_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o find_v no_o just_a matter_n for_o their_o accusation_n from_o their_o profession_n and_o behaviour_n give_v it_o out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n a_o ass_n head_n and_o use_v promiscuous_a copulation_n at_o their_o assembly_n so_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n do_v shield_n &_o uphold_v our_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o those_o burden_n with_o which_o they_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v we_o at_o under_o with_o your_o lo._n we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o eminent_a saint_n yea_o of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o master_n if_o they_o deal_v so_o with_o he_o no_o marvel_n they_o deal_v so_o with_o we_o so_o great_a be_v the_o testimony_n &_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o to_o all_o the_o grievous_a thing_n they_o have_v and_o do_v charge_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o not_o open_v our_o just_a and_o true_a greivance_n as_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_v your_o lo._n but_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o the_o welfair_n of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v through_o our_o too_o long_a silence_n we_o have_v adventure_v to_o disclose_v our_o thought_n and_o to_o give_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v a_o satisfie_v account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o which_o we_o suffer_v the_o god_n of_o god_n know_v &_o israel_n shall_v know_v we_o use_v this_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n towards_o your_o lo._n and_o all_o other_o not_o from_o any_o contentious_a and_o ill_a affect_a humour_n but_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v on_o we_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o relief_n for_o these_o from_o your_o lo._n which_o we_o most_o humble_o beg_v and_o expect_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o flee_v into_o corner_n if_o on_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o its_o sake_n against_o the_o reproache_n of_o our_o enemy_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o just_a but_o iniquous_a we_o ask_v no_o benefit_n from_o your_o lo._n clemency_n and_o justice_n let_v all_o severity_n be_v use_v but_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o former_a and_o present_a suffering_n be_v righteous_a in_o the_o confidence_n of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v bold_a to_o give_v to_o your_o lo._n and_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o sober_a ensue_a account_n we_o humble_o entreat_v that_o protection_n and_o relief_n in_o its_o defence_n which_o your_o power_n and_o station_n in_o this_o kingdom_n do_v enable_v and_o oblige_v your_o lo._n to_o wherefore_o cast_v ourselves_o at_o your_o lo._n foot_n we_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o pure_a religion_n &_o undefiled_a &_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o concern_v therein_o beseech_v your_o lorenzo_n first_o that_o our_o just_a &_o well_o ground_v exception_n against_o prelacy_n &_o erastianisme_n may_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n &_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a will_v not_o the_o future_a consequence_n of_o these_o evil_n to_o this_o land_n your_o lo._n family_n &_o posterity_n be_v dreadful_a who_o thereby_o be_v lay_v pento_n the_o judgement_n denunce_v in_o the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o perjury_n and_o covenant_n break_v we_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o cause_n on_o the_o covenant_n &_o oath_n take_v by_o this_o nation_n against_o the_o foresay_a evil_n or_o corruption_n as_o the_o primary_n and_o chief_a argument_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o on_o the_o perusal_n of_o our_o subsequent_a apology_n but_o on_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a god_n for_o we_o grant_v covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o be_v obligatory_a and_o bind_v to_o a_o observance_n suppone_v their_o matter_n to_o be_v antecedent_o just_a and_o do_v bring_v their_o primary_n obligation_n from_o it_o hence_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o &_o engage_v to_o by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n must_v be_v prove_v and_o make_v out_o to_o be_v
power_n of_o natures_n enmity_n in_o professor_n over_o the_o life_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o their_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o lust_n &_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o thus_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n from_o the_o dominion_n &_o power_n of_o damn_v sin_n whither_o be_v we_o go_v and_o what_o may_v we_o expect_v will_v be_v the_o height_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o if_o professor_n put_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a &_o open_a profess_a contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n 2._o let_v not_o your_o lo._n think_v we_o say_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o justify_v any_o fail_n in_o this_o matter_n commit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o our_o profess_a principle_n and_o although_o we_o can_v condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v now_o disapprove_v by_o our_o antagonist_n yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v considerable_a escape_n in_o preach_v &_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n &_o passion_n in_o some_o and_o of_o worldly_a inclination_n &_o design_n in_o other_o of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o to_o raise_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o person_n of_o lead_a influence_n &_o power_n keep_v no_o measure_n but_o run_v to_o strange_a height_n of_o zeal_n against_o some_o sin_n while_o they_o connive_v at_o other_o but_o see_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o cryed-up_a cause_n of_o these_o time_n they_o do_v now_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o we_o how_o unjust_o be_v their_o wicked_a folly_n impute_v to_o our_o government_n and_o way_n but_o for_o all_o the_o instance_n give_v in_o against_o we_o and_o the_o hideous_a cry_n raise_v after_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a fail_n among_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o defect_n in_o that_o the_o most_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a faithful_a &_o impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n personal_a rebuke_n &_o censure_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o alas_o be_v too_o visible_a &_o observe_v by_o many_o for_o which_o now_o they_o bear_v their_o rebuke_n in_o that_o many_o of_o those_o be_v now_o become_v their_o cruel_a persecutor_n to_o who_o they_o be_v sinful_o spare_v &_o indulgent_a moreover_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o excess_n unjustifiable_a yet_o if_o the_o constitution_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v not_o for_o but_o against_o they_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o they_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o government_n otherwise_o all_o government_n must_v be_v condemn_v as_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o mal-administrations_a commit_v by_o governor_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v absurd_a but_o when_o any_o of_o the_o contrare_fw-la mind_v shall_v demonstrat_fw-la these_o to_o be_v the_o native_a product_n of_o our_o principle_n for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n they_o shall_v be_v consider_v &_o according_a to_o the_o conviction_n they_o give_v of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v but_o will_v your_o lo._n be_v please_v to_o consider_v the_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a extreme_a our_o antagonist_n be_v run_v into_o who_o meddle_v not_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o scandal_n except_o a_o few_o and_o these_o in_o the_o meanner_n &_o low_a degree_n of_o person_n over_o look_v all_o in_o the_o more_o opulent_a and_o great_a which_o have_v encourage_v wickedness_n to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o to_o diffuse_v its_o self_n through_o all_o rank_n without_o control_n to_o the_o infect_v of_o this_o church_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o scandal_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v resolve_v either_o into_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o else_o in_o sad_a desolate_v judgement_n on_o this_o land_n and_o if_o it_o come_v this_o length_n which_o we_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v prevent_v by_o pour_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n on_o we_o where_o will_v be_v our_o advantage_n by_o prelacy_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v therefore_o not_o love_v to_o trouble_v your_o lo._n any_o further_a we_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n that_o your_o lo._n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v some_o due_a and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o low_a condition_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o his_o maj._n who_o we_o hope_v through_o your_o lo._n intercession_n will_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n find_v out_o some_o just_a expedient_a for_o relieve_v of_o this_o church_n of_o her_o oppress_a evil_n under_o which_o she_o groan_v and_o undo_v of_o these_o heavy_a burden_n that_o lie_v on_o we_o for_o which_o we_o be_v your_o lo._n humble_a petitioner_n and_o have_v be_v so_o alittle_o soon_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o law_n anent_o church_n matter_n that_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o close_v all_o door_n of_o access_n to_o his_o maj._n and_o your_o lo._n for_o represent_v our_o just_a greivance_n this_o way_n if_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v this_o reasonable_a and_o just_a request_n as_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o another_o refuge_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o the_o just_a and_o almighty_a god_n where_o your_o lo._n and_o we_o will_v stand_v on_o euâ—n_a ground_n and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o apology_n for_o or_o vindication_n of_o the_o oppress_a persecute_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n emit_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a as_o we_o suppose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n of_o britan_n and_o ireland_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o persecution_n upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o prelacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o the_o party_n call_v presbyterian_a have_v suffer_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o yet_o lytth_v under_o throw_v the_o implacable_a and_o violent_a rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n have_v prevail_v to_o the_o enacâ—â—â—_n of_o such_o law_n that_o these_o who_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d ward_n god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o covenaâ—â—â—_n and_o oath_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o these_o church_n can_v comply_v with_o nor_o give_v obedience_n unto_o be_v not_o only_a exposeâ—_n to_o bitter_a and_o hard_a suffering_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 〈…〉_o load_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o reproach_n and_o represent_v as_o 〈…〉_o ous_a and_o disloyal_a to_o authority_n contrary_a to_o their_o 〈…〉_o ciple_n and_o act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o 〈…〉_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o fering_n nor_o yet_o to_o lay_v any_o odium_n on_o 〈…〉_o prejudice_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n as_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o worâ—â—â—_n know_v and_o we_o hope_v will_v make_v manifest_a in_o due_a 〈…〉_o â—o_o clear_a some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o vindicaâ—_n some_o of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n of_o adversary_n who_o by_o lie_v and_o unjust_a representation_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o carriage_n do_v public_o and_o private_o defame_v and_o misrepresent_v to_o authority_n and_o other_o our_o behaviour_n under_o the_o present_a course_n of_o affair_n a_o artifice_n they_o have_v use_v of_o old_a and_o late_a for_o ingratiate_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o interest_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o ruler_n and_o sharpen_v of_o the_o â—dge_n of_o persecution_n against_o we_o in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o small_a success_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n which_o through_o the_o hot_a contest_v and_o debate_v of_o their_o time_n actuate_v by_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o â—and_n and_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n we_o incline_v rather_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o present_a violence_n use_v against_o we_o as_o our_o too_o much_o silence_n hitherto_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v but_o find_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—nd_v the_o concern_v of_o immortal_a soul_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_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
be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o reciprocal_a subordination_n and_o superiority_n of_o person_n with_o a_o coordination_n of_o power_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o we_o plead_v no_o more_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o we_o grant_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o other_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n they_o act_n as_o mere_a servant_n without_o all_o dominion_n in_o they_o he_o with_o dominion_n and_o magistratical_a authority_n over_o the_o person_n of_o minister_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o power_n be_v coordinat_fw-la and_o in_o their_o exercise_n not_o direct_o subject_a to_o one_o another_o 2._o these_o power_n their_o exercise_n and_o respective_a object_n become_v reciprocal_o the_o object_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o object_n be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n be_v likewise_o a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o minister_n exercise_v their_o power_n under_o different_a formality_n and_o specification_n there_o arise_v or_o result_v not_o only_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o a_o mutual_a subserviency_n to_o one_o another_o in_o advancing_z of_o their_o respective_a end_n but_o likewise_o a_o indirect_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n without_o any_o dependence_n of_o these_o power_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o this_o subordination_n be_v only_o of_o the_o person_n and_o not_o of_o the_o power_n which_o by_o be_v the_o mutual_a object_n of_o one_o another_o power_n do_v not_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o its_o exercise_n but_o only_o the_o person_n for_o any_o thing_n or_o power_n become_v the_o object_n of_o another_o do_v not_o subordinat_a it_o to_o that_o power_n the_o word_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n either_o of_o the_o ministerial_a or_o the_o magistratical_a power_n subordinate_v or_o subject_a thereto_o so_o that_o the_o ministerial_a power_n its_o exercise_n and_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o converse_v be_v not_o by_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_v to_o it_o this_o break_v the_o force_n of_o our_o adversary_n argument_n which_o lie_v main_o in_o this_o obj._n 6._o it_o be_v only_o this_o sort_n of_o supremacy_n and_o subordination_n that_o the_o act_n of_o restitution_n do_v mean_a ans_fw-fr it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o act_n for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n assembly_n their_o proper_a matter_n their_o constitution_n the_o intrinsic_a obligation_n of_o their_o conclusion_n that_o be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o all_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o obj._n 7._o all_o divine_v even_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n grant_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a none_o of_o they_o scruple_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o that_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr all_o divine_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o many_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o yield_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_n in_o the_o sense_n controvert_v among_o we_o neither_o can_v it_o see_v it_o quyt_v overthrow_n all_o church_n government_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o the_o know_a principle_n both_o of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n and_o if_o the_o prelate_n themselves_o dare_v speak_v their_o mind_n conform_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o thorndike_n more_o free_a and_o engenuous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o party_n do_v declaim_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n as_o the_o great_a cry_a sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o a_o excess_n will_v assert_v all_o and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n on_o who_o now_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o who_o creature_n they_o only_o areâ—_n which_o have_v in_o our_o time_n reconcile_v the_o prelatical_a and_o erastian_n principle_n at_o least_o in_o appearance_n that_o be_v most_o contrare_fw-la to_o and_z distant_a from_o one_o another_o yea_o more_o than_o they_o and_o we_o and_o although_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o explication_n allow_v &_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o magistrate_n that_o give_v it_o a_o sound_a sense_n which_o be_v stumble_v and_o scruple_v at_o both_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n time_n till_o its_o sense_n be_v explicat_fw-la and_o allow_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n by_o queen_n elizabeth_n for_o administrate_v the_o say_a oath_n &_o bishop_n usher_v explanation_n of_o it_o approven_v by_o king_n james_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v &_o take_v to_o this_o day_n among_o they_o but_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n aright_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o generality_n &_o ambiguity_n with_o which_o some_o divine_n perplex_v &_o intricat_v it_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v proper_a supremacy_n one_o civil_a and_o another_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n power_n meeting_n and_o matter_n 2_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o cause_n of_o those_o they_o call_v ecclesiastical_a some_o that_o be_v only_o extrinsical_o such_o but_o in_o their_o nature_n immediate_a end_n and_o use_n civil_a that_o for_o their_o more_o remote_a end_n and_o respect_n to_o thing_n true_o and_o proper_o sacred_a be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a as_o law_n make_v for_o the_o church_n &_o she_o concern_v outward_a liberty_n and_o peace_n external_a reward_n and_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n again_o some_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a be_v intrinsical_o and_o formal_o such_o as_o who_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n &_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o ministry_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v depose_v from_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v rebuke_v admonish_v and_o excommunicate_v or_o receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n &_o c._n 3_o the_o term_n cause_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o physical_a but_o moral_a and_o juridical_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o question_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o those_o who_o be_v impower_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n to_o this_o work_n 4_o cause_n or_o question_n as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o power_n &_o its_o exercise_n be_v either_o proper_a and_o immediate_a or_o else_o improper_a and_o remote_a hence_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v supreme_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o cause_n proper_o civil_a relate_v to_o cause_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o these_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o admit_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n &_o declare_v ourselves_o willing_a to_o take_v it_o which_o be_v refuse_v we_o 2_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o cause_n and_o over_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a this_o we_o assert_v belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v above_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n anent_o it_o that_o be_v now_o establish_a law_n be_v persuade_v for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v that_o this_o be_v the_o supremacy_n grant_v by_o law_n and_o understand_v in_o this_o oath_n but3_n that_o cause_n and_o person_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n but_o only_o improper_a and_o remote_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o christ_n law_n give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a cognition_n and_o definitive_a judgement_n about_o these_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n part_v to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o who_o not_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o of_o other_o cause_n and_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n obj._n then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o protect_v countenance_v and_o further_a of_o the_o church_n act_n and_o sentence_n by_o the_o sword_n must_v be_v a_o blind_a executer_n of_o they_o ans_fw-fr this_o must_v be_v say_v
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 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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
disobedience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o power_n can_v just_o crave_v obedience_n when_o it_o act_v either_o beyond_o or_o against_o its_o true_a adequat_fw-la formal_a object_n but_o of_o this_o above_o 3._o when_o magistrate_n command_n be_v opposite_a to_o god_n which_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v be_v no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o in_o our_o case_n we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o although_o the_o thing_n command_v to_o wit_n appearance_n be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n that_o it_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o mercy_n and_o justice_n yea_o and_o thing_n command_v and_o allow_v we_o of_o god_n which_o will_v exeem_v our_o non-appearance_n from_o disobedience_n &_o consequent_o from_o contempt_n of_o authority_n know_v and_o be_v moral_o certain_a that_o the_o unjust_a violence_n design_v against_o we_o will_v have_v inevitable_o follow_v on_o our_o appearance_n we_o choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o flight_n christ_n allow_v to_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o moral_n or_o practical_a divinty_n accord_v to_o by_o all_o divine_n that_o of_o two_o penal_a evil_n when_o the_o election_n of_o they_o be_v in_o our_o arbitrament_n the_o lesser_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o great_a and_o to_o any_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n we_o then_o have_v before_o we_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o flight_n be_v much_o preferable_a to_o the_o severity_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v on_o appearance_n of_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o likewise_o from_o the_o precede_a carriage_n of_o our_o ruler_n who_o although_o slow_a and_o negligent_a enough_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n against_o papist_n quaker_n and_o other_o heterodox_n opinious_a and_o wicked_a practice_n yet_o punctual_a and_o strict_a in_o put_v the_o law_n to_o more_o than_o its_o full_a execution_n against_o we_o to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v instigate_v by_o our_o enemy_n the_o prelate_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o keenness_n that_o if_o the_o matter_n contamed_a in_o our_o summons_n can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v we_o be_v put_v to_o answer_v such_o interrogatory_n and_o require_v to_o give_v and_o subscribe_v such_o oath_n engagement_n and_o bond_n to_o which_o they_o know_v we_o can_v without_o destroy_v of_o our_o principle_n yield_v for_o refuse_v of_o which_o many_o of_o our_o party_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n fine_v banish_a etc._n etc._n three_o it_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n on_o we_o in_o determine_v our_o non-appearance_n that_o the_o usual_a legal_a form_n of_o procedure_n in_o judgement_n allow_v to_o and_o use_v with_o other_o be_v not_o observe_v towards_o we_o from_o which_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v justice_n but_o all_o severity_n on_o our_o appearance_n we_o have_v no_o accuser_n often_o no_o lybel_n condescend_v on_o or_o contain_v our_o crime_n with_o the_o circumstance_n no_o witness_n produce_v but_o a_o oath_n administer_v to_o the_o empanel_v for_o expiscate_v of_o accusation_n against_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o in_o crime_n make_v by_o law_n capital_a and_o the_o oath_n of_o these_o who_o the_o law_n call_v socij_fw-la criminis_fw-la sustain_v for_o valid_a probation_n way_n of_o procedure_n condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nation_n except_o where_o the_o papist_n cruelty_n take_v place_n and_o if_o all_o these_o sail_n the_o subscribe_v of_o engagment_n and_o bond_n be_v propose_v &_o require_v as_o be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refusal_n of_o which_o a_o prison_n be_v the_o best_a we_o meet_v with_o let_v any_o man_n of_o ordinare_fw-la reason_n and_o justice_n judge_v whether_o appearance_n before_o ruler_n who_o by_o follow_v of_o such_o method_n and_o way_n in_o judgement_n declare_v themselves_o resolve_v to_o have_v at_o the_o person_n arraign_v whether_o â—ure_n or_o not_o we_o say_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o appearance_n before_o such_o when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o choice_n to_o appear_v or_o not_o be_v rational_a and_o safe_a except_o where_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a intend_v by_o their_o appearance_n to_o prevent_v great_a severity_n four_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o come_v under_o consideration_n with_o we_o against_o this_o appearance_n be_v the_o oath_n de_fw-fr super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la late_o frame_v into_o a_o law_n and_o now_o press_v on_o we_o which_o for_o the_o reason_n former_o give_v we_o there_fw-mi not_o take_v for_o beside_o the_o severe_a punishment_n as_o imprisonment_n arbitrary_a fine_n exile_n to_o foreign_a plantation_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o for_o refuse_v of_o this_o oath_n if_o we_o take_v it_o we_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o all_o natural_a equity_n mercy_n and_o justice_n make_v the_o accuser_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o provision_n make_v in_o the_o act_n establish_v and_o impose_v of_o this_o oath_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o oath_n take_v by_o any_o shall_v not_o militat_fw-la in_o judgement_n against_o the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o suâ—h_v &_o such_o penalty_n therein_o specify_v and_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o lybel_n use_v to_o be_v diawne_v from_o it_o and_o if_o they_o deny_v their_o deposition_n a_o oath_n be_v adduce_v for_o probation_n against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a by_o we_o how_o such_o a_o oath_n can_v be_v sustain_v 〈◊〉_d valide_fw-la probation_n against_o other_o and_o not_o against_o the_o deponent_a see_v a_o person_n be_v own_o confession_n of_o his_o crime_n be_v judge_v sufficient_a against_o he_o much_o more_o shall_v this_o oath_n which_o necessary_o suppon_n and_o infer_v confession_n even_o judicial_a but_o five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o evil_a consequence_n that_o by_o our_o appearance_n we_o be_v certane_v will_v have_v redound_v to_o many_o make_v we_o forbear_v it_o for_o if_o we_o have_v appear_v we_o be_v sure_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n or_o exile_n from_o our_o native_a country_n have_v ensue_v thereon_o whereby_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o a_o capacity_n for_o labour_v the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n and_o to_o which_o we_o as_o minister_n and_o christian_n be_v so_o strait_o tie_v and_o bind_v the_o people_n shall_v have_v be_v rob_v of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n anâ—_n he_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n pure_o dispense_v by_o they_o the_o rod_n of_o persecution_n now_o on_o the_o back_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v more_o sharpen_v against_o the_o remnant_n of_o our_o party_n the_o people_n expose_v to_o more_o shakeing_n and_o winnow_v temptation_n to_o the_o endanger_n of_o their_o steadfastness_n our_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n more_o embolden_v to_o vent_v &_o spew_v out_o their_o venomous_a doctrine_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_a defection_n to_o a_o great_a height_n all_o which_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a yea_o to_o we_o moral_o certane_v we_o dare_v not_o do_v that_o which_o will_v have_v open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o these_o evil_n these_o argument_n do_v suppone_v and_o lean_a on_o the_o unjust_a oppression_n intend_v and_o prosecute_v against_o we_o which_o be_v make_v out_o both_o as_o to_o matter_n &_o design_n in_o the_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a discourse_n six_o it_o be_v never_o a_o piece_n of_o disloyalty_n and_o disobedience_n to_o magistracy_n even_o for_o person_n confess_o guilty_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o law_n to_o run_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n if_o they_o can_v effect_v it_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o prison_n when_o cite_v thereto_o must_v be_v as_o free_v of_o disloyalty_n especial_o when_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o any_o be_v in_o hazard_n thereof_o be_v righteousness_n as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n sect_n iv_o our_o practice_n clear_v from_o separation_n where_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v unlawful_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o curate_n exception_n 5._o the_o eject_v minister_n preach_v &_o dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o people_n run_v to_o and_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o allow_v public_a ordinance_n be_v separation_n which_o be_v against_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o forego_v time_n ans_fw-fr because_o this_o in_o act_n of_o parliament_n public_a sermon_n and_o in_o pamphlet_n be_v with_o great_a confidence_n assert_v we_o shall_v take_v it_o a_o little_a into_o consideration_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o creature_n or_o our_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o they_o be_v the_o separatist_n a_o sinful_a separation_n
before_o we_o 1._o from_o scripture_n practice_n and_o example_n acts._n x_o 15._o to_o the_o end_n chap._n 6_o vers_fw-la 1._o to_o 9_o and_o 14_o vers_fw-la 13._o where_o we_o have_v argument_n both_o from_o the_o more_o to_o the_o less_o and_o from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o more_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v conclude_v topic_n and_o much_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o our_o adversary_n have_v the_o like_a from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n how_o use_v they_o to_o insult_v but_o poor_a we_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v this_o liberty_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o constant_a practice_n use_v and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n inhanse_v and_o swallow_v up_o all_o power_n and_o privilege_n either_o in_o take_v they_o a_o way_n or_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o record_n and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o pop_z platina_n and_o other_o in_o many_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v the_o uncontrolled_a use_n of_o the_o people_n election_n mention_v but_o its_o right_a just_o flee_v and_o defend_v and_o many_o canon_n of_o counsel_n make_v for_o its_o regulation_n and_o against_o the_o encroachment_n that_o be_v by_o some_o make_v upon_o it_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o clear_a and_o graâ—ted_v by_o the_o adversary_n â—â—e_v need_n nor_o spend_v time_n if_o any_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o plead_v antiquity_n here_o and_o reject_v it_o anent_o prelacy_n our_o answer_n be_v because_o we_o find_v in_o this_o question_n as_o it_o be_v state_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o adversary_n antiquity_n full_a and_o clear_a which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n about_o prelacy_n as_o it_o be_v now_o agitate_a betwixt_o we_o be_v in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o antiquity_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v &_o make_v out_o even_o as_o to_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n &_o jurisdiction_n and_o superiority_n of_o some_o minister_n over_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o quiet_o submit_v but_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o people_n right_a of_o election_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n clear_a even_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o antagonist_n 3_o all_o relation_n among_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v not_o found_v on_o nature_n &_o be_v free_a there_o be_v always_o requisite_a mutual_a consent_n from_o which_o as_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o foundation_n it_o do_v result_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o such_o relation_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o yield_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a special_a relation_n betwixt_o a_o minister_n and_o the_o congregation_n he_o in_o ordinare_fw-la serve_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o foundation_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o this_o all_o other_o relation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o consent_n and_o why_o not_o this_o 4._o the_o good_a effect_n that_o have_v come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o free_a and_o voluntar_n election_n of_o the_o people_n where_o it_o have_v be_v admit_v and_o in_o use_n confirm_v we_o not_o alittle_o in_o this_o persuasion_n we_o have_v obseve_v in_o universal_a experience_n that_o not_o only_o a_o more_o universal_a and_o cheerful_a subjection_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v this_o way_n into_o congregation_n but_o a_o faithful_a and_o able_a ministry_n have_v be_v more_o general_o propagate_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o immortal_a soul_n if_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v evil_n but_o true_o good_a assertion_n 3._o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v do_v in_o this_o indulgence_n our_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v 1._o we_o see_v no_o precept_n institution_n and_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n impower_v the_o magistrate_n to_o this_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v expect_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o subject_n to_o a_o power_n that_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n see_v all_o church_n power_n owe_v its_o descent_n and_o derivation_n from_o it_o our_o antagonist_n themselves_o grant_v that_o not_o only_o the_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o regulation_n of_o its_o exercise_n shall_v be_v conform_v thereto_o so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o debat_fw-la about_o the_o consequence_n the_o great_a patron_n of_o erastianisme_n plead_v the_o instance_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n order_v the_o course_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n see_v they_o act_v therein_o as_o prophet_n and_o at_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n give_v from_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n 2_o chron._n 29_o vers_fw-la 25._o and_o 35_o vers_fw-la 15._o with_o other_o if_o the_o magistrate_n of_o our_o time_n do_v produce_v such_o warrant_n for_o what_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n how_o ready_o shall_v they_o be_v obey_v but_o the_o objection_n of_o great_a seem_a strength_n be_v that_o of_o hezekias_n practice_n keep_v of_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n 2._o chron._n 30_o 2._o which_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n exod._n 1â—_n shall_v have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o month_n our_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o be_v first_o if_o this_o practice_n be_v plead_v for_o a_o lead_a example_n to_o magistrate_n it_o will_v warrant_v magistrate_n to_o change_v thing_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o we_o hope_v all_o will_v say_v be_v absurd_a obj._n it_o be_v but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o he_o change_v ans_fw-fr a_o command_n or_o institution_n make_v circumstance_n determine_v by_o it_o as_o unalterable_a by_o man_n as_o the_o substantial_o of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o do_v not_o this_o if_o it_o be_v concludent_fw-la empower_v the_o magistrate_n to_o change_v our_o sabbath_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o or_o any_o other_o day_n in_o the_o week_n as_o he_o please_v what_o may_v not_o come_v in_o at_o this_o door_n next_o our_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v that_o what_o hezekiah_n the_o prince_n &_o congregation_n do_v they_o do_v it_o at_z or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o alteration_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o as_o be_v express_v vers_n 12._o 2._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o commission_n give_v to_o ambassador_n by_o those_o that_o send_v they_o to_o contain_v all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o regulate_v their_o carriage_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ambassage_n so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rule_v precept_n and_o direction_n give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o the_o order_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o all_o its_o part_n which_o not_o only_o empower_n they_o for_o this_o work_n but_o bring_v they_o under_o as_o strait_a obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o as_o the_o work_n and_o main_a substantial_o of_o the_o ambassage_n on_o which_o they_o be_v send_v for_o this_o let_v 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o two_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n with_o other_o scripture_n be_v consult_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o will_v be_v beyond_o disput_fw-la with_o the_o unprejudged_a if_o the_o erastians_n can_v give_v we_o such_o command_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o this_o how_o will_v they_o triumph_v and_o so_o they_o just_o may_v for_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o willing_a and_o cheirful_a assenter_n to_o they_o then_o we_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v 3._o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n will_v subject_v minister_n to_o and_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o the_o contrare_fw-la of_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v do_v more_o after_o ward_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o tremble_v to_o think_v on_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o dependence_n for_o thereby_o the_o magistrate_n may_v suspend_v the_o ministry_n in_o these_o part_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n jesus_n call_v they_o to_o in_o the_o state_v case_n