the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n unfold_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o three_o qvestion_n the_o second_o impression_n write_a by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n 1661._o the_o preface_n the_o endeavour_n of_o pacification_n between_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v be_v well_o take_v from_o one_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v a_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n likewise_o it_o may_v well_o become_v any_o sincere_a protestant_n loyal_a subject_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o dear_a england_n to_o study_v and_o bring_v forth_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o reconcile_v those_o party_n in_o who_o both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o protestant_a cause_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v i_o be_o therefore_o encourage_v upon_o this_o confidence_n that_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o willing_a mind_n in_o this_o service_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o good_a man_n the_o peace_n here_o propound_v be_v the_o friend_n and_o sister_n of_o truth_n it_o offer_v not_o to_o enthral_v or_o burden_v conscience_n of_o either_o persuasion_n by_o allow_v some_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n it_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n of_o party_n and_o permit_v the_o point_n of_o difference_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o not_o of_o practice_n as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a way_n hold_v that_o a_o bishop_n differ_v from_o a_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o order_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v ad_fw-la speciale_a ministerium_fw-la other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n do_v hold_v that_o they_o differ_v not_o in_o order_n but_o degree_n the_o presbyterian_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n yet_o that_o a_o difference_n in_o degree_n may_v be_v admit_v and_o so_o they_o accept_v of_o a_o president-bishop_n nevertheless_o all_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n do_v judge_v it_o ordinary_o necessary_a that_o a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n and_o none_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v do_v judge_v it_o unlawful_a that_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n be_v administer_v by_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o like_a conjunction_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n of_o these_o several_a persuasion_n need_v not_o divide_v but_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v one_o in_o practice_n by_o the_o regular_a consociation_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n the_o peace_n here_o pursue_v be_v earnest_o expect_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o late_a great_a revolution_n christian_n charity_n common_a honesty_n yea_o necessity_n plead_v for_o this_o peace_n they_o who_o now_o contemn_v it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o let_v they_o who_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n rejoice_v with_o tremble_a for_o who_o know_v what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o where_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o who_o way_n be_v past_o find_v out_o the_o most_o subtle_a politician_n who_o write_n be_v not_o hold_v to_o savour_n much_o of_o religion_n have_v this_o religious_a observation_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n we_o shall_v many_o time_n see_v thing_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o chance_n happen_v for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o the_o heaven_n altogether_o will_v not_o that_o any_o order_n shall_v be_v take_v mach._n and_o for_o example_n he_o allege_v the_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n in_o the_o war_n with_o the_o french_a insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o like_o to_o themselves_o nor_o worthy_a of_o the_o roman_a discipline_n either_o for_o equity_n or_o industry_n or_o courage_n or_o foresight_n even_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o brink_n of_o utter_a ruin_n certain_o if_o the_o voice_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v hear_v in_o this_o remarkable_a time_n when_o it_o call_v and_o cry_v unto_o we_o by_o so_o manifold_a press_a engagement_n it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v not_o give_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o a_o heart_n to_o consider_v i_o be_o far_o from_o presume_v upon_o the_o force_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o subject_n itself_o that_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o let_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n inspire_v and_o prosper_v the_o king_n in_o his_o gracious_a inclination_n to_o the_o work_n of_o peace_n that_o all_o who_o fear_n god_n name_n may_v see_v that_o in_o he_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o they_o with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n let_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n prevail_v with_o a_o protestant_a english_a parliament_n let_v all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o special_a office_n cease_v from_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o let_v they_o seek_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n be_v it_o far_o from_o any_o of_o they_o to_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n while_o they_o be_v do_v their_o master_n work_n if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n any_o comfort_n of_o love_n any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n let_v all_o good_a christian_n in_o their_o several_a place_n promote_v the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o family_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n last_o let_v the_o candid_a reader_n accept_v this_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o not_o undervalue_v the_o weight_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o defect_n of_o these_o discourse_n j._n c._n i._o q._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n shall_v in_o justice_n or_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v reject_v and_o depress_v or_o protect_v and_o encourage_v ii_o q._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n may_v be_v protect_v and_o encourage_v and_o the_o episcopal_a not_o deserted_n nor_o disoblige_v iii_o q._n whether_o the_o uphold_v of_o both_o party_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a accommodation_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o england_n than_o the_o absolute_a exalt_v of_o the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o the_o other_o the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n unfold_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o three_o question_n section_n i._n the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n legal_o unite_v in_o one_o king_n but_o by_o violence_n subject_v to_o one_o usurp_v power_n of_o different_a form_n successive_o be_v for_o divers_a late_a year_n reel_v to_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o drive_v hither_o and_o thither_o like_o a_o ship_n in_o a_o trouble_a sea_n the_o ancient_a fundamental_a constitution_n be_v overturn_v those_o who_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o government_n have_v get_v a_o plenary_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o strength_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n detect_v all_o conspiracy_n quash_v all_o insurrection_n and_o by_o policy_n industry_n and_o wonderful_a success_n become_v formidable_a at_o home_n and_o abroad_o the_o people_n sore_o bruise_v by_o a_o tedious_a civil_a war_n be_v glad_a of_o some_o present_a ease_n and_o general_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o rest_n and_o peace_n likewise_o the_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o man_n though_o little_o satisfy_v in_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o fear_v other_o extreme_n be_v nothing_o forward_o to_o endeavour_v a_o total_a change_n but_o think_v it_o most_o adviseable_a to_o take_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o bring_v they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o some_o reasonable_a temper_n and_o consistence_n notwithstanding_o these_o advantage_n the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v can_v never_o settle_v in_o a_o fix_a stable_n posture_n and_o those_o who_o take_v the_o first_o turn_v namely_o that_o fragment_n of_o the_o commons_o house_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n advance_v or_o get_v ground_n in_o any_o degree_n towards_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o general_a hatred_n of_o their_o usurpation_n and_o selfish_a practice_n their_o republican_n form_n and_o their_o design_n touch_v religion_n be_v whole_o alien_n from_o the_o disposition_n of_o these_o nation_n he_o who_o put_v they_o down_o from_o their_o seat_n and_o exalt_v himself_o in_o their_o room_n reduce_v the_o government_n to_o a_o single_a person_n and_o a_o parliament_n set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o the_o ancient_a form_n unto_o which_o the_o great_a number_n be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o bow_v down_o not_o out_o of_o good_a will_n to_o the_o person_n but_o for_o the_o form_n sake_n
and_o pull_v down_o but_o not_o to_o build_v up_o they_o do_v not_o hang_v in_o the_o air_n burr_n build_v upon_o a_o firm_a ground_n they_o have_v settle_v principle_n consistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n contrariwise_o fanatic_n true_o and_o not_o abusive_o so_o call_v do_v build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o be_v fit_a instrument_n to_o disturb_v and_o destroy_v and_o root_v out_o but_o never_o to_o compose_v and_o plant_v and_o settle_v for_o which_o cause_n their_o kingdom_n can_v never_o hold_v long_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o ground_n presbytery_n not_o sectarian_a anarchy_n have_v be_v assault_v with_o great_a violence_n by_o the_o more_o observe_v prelatist_n against_o this_o they_o have_v raise_v their_o main_a battery_n this_o appear_v formidable_a for_o it_o be_v stable_n and_o uniform_a and_o like_a to_o hold_v if_o once_o settle_v in_o good_a earnest_n this_o party_n do_v not_o run_v so_o fast_o but_o they_o know_v where_o to_o stop_v they_o be_v a_o number_n of_o man_n so_o fix_v and_o constant_a as_o none_o more_o and_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n shall_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v so_o high_a but_o they_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n will_v bear_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o political_a government_n they_o can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o commotion_n and_o alteration_n for_o order_n and_o regular_a unity_n be_v their_o way_n and_o therefore_o stability_n of_o government_n and_o public_a tranquillity_n be_v their_o interest_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o object_n that_o the_o late_a wild_a posture_n extravagancy_n and_o incongruity_n in_o government_n be_v the_o work_n of_o presbytery_n or_o presbyterian_o the_o nation_n have_v never_o proof_n of_o presbytery_n for_o it_o be_v never_o settle_v but_o rather_o decry_v and_o expose_v to_o prejudice_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o sway_n and_o that_o in_o the_o more_o early_a time_n of_o the_o late_a war_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v clear_v by_o a_o passage_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n that_o now_o be_v all_o the_o lesser_a faction_n be_v at_o first_o officious_a servant_n to_o presbytery_n their_o great_a master_n till_o time_n and_o military_a success_n discover_v to_o each_o their_o particular_a advantage_n invite_v they_o to_o part_v stake_n and_o leave_v the_o joint_a stock_n of_o uniform_a religion_n pretend_v each_o to_o drive_v for_o their_o party_n the_o trade_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n to_o the_o break_n and_o undo_v not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o of_o presbytery_n itself_o thus_o the_o joint_a stock_n of_o uniform_a religion_n be_v leave_v and_o presbytery_n neglect_v before_o the_o first_o war_n be_v end_v yea_o and_o those_o that_o stedsast_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v malign_v and_o revile_v by_o the_o exorbitant_a party_n for_o oppose_v their_o new_a model_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n section_n xvii_o neither_o can_v sect_n or_o schism_n with_o any_o truth_n or_o justice_n be_v reckon_v the_o offspring_n of_o presbytery_n consider_v the_o french_a dutch_a helvetian_a church_n how_o entire_a they_o keep_v themselves_o in_o orthodox_n unity_n from_o the_o gangreen_n of_o sect_n and_o schism_n a_o wide_a breach_n be_v once_o make_v in_o the_o netherlands_o by_o arminius_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o after_o some_o year_n conflict_n it_o be_v heal_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o church-communion_n and_o their_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n be_v very_o effectual_a to_o prevent_v the_o broach_n of_o error_n king_n james_n in_o discourse_n with_o a_o english_a bishop_n be_v report_v to_o have_v render_v this_o account_n why_o so_o few_o heresy_n and_o error_n of_o doctrine_n be_v unite_v and_o prosecute_v to_o the_o public_a disturbance_n of_o that_o church_n every_o parish_n have_v their_o pastor_n ever_o present_a with_o they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o he_o with_o his_o elder_n and_o deacon_n have_v a_o weekly_a meeting_n for_o censure_n of_o manner_n by_o which_o he_o perfect_o know_v his_o flock_n and_o every_o abberation_n of_o they_o in_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n and_o lest_o any_o heresy_n may_v seize_v upon_o the_o pastor_n they_o have_v their_o presbyter_n which_o meet_v together_o once_o also_o every_o week_n in_o the_o next_o chief_a town_n or_o city_n and_o there_o they_o have_v their_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v after_o which_o the_o moderator_n ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o pastor_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n then_o deliver_v or_o of_o any_o other_o doubtful_a point_n then_o propound_v and_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n the_o question_n be_v under_o a_o enjoin_v silence_n put_v over_o 〈◊〉_d the_o next_o synod_n which_o be_v hold_v twice_o a_o 〈…〉_z which_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o quarter_n or_o province_n do_v due_o resort_v accompany_v with_o their_o elder_n and_o any_o question_n of_o doubt_n be_v either_o decide_v by_o that_o assembly_n or_o with_o charge_n of_o silence_n reserve_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n which_o they_o hold_v every_o year_n once_o whither_o come_v not_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o the_o king_n himself_o or_o his_o commissioner_n and_o some_o of_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n sufficient_o authorize_v for_o determine_v of_o any_o controversy_n that_o shall_v arise_v among_o they_o can_v the_o bishop_n in_o former_a time_n procure_v a_o great_a unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whence_o therefore_o shall_v this_o charge_n arise_v peradventure_o some_o presbyterian_o have_v turn_v sectary_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o weak_a argue_v to_o say_v that_o prelacy_n be_v the_o way_n to_o popery_n because_o some_o prelatist_n have_v turn_v papist_n the_o truth_n be_v sectarianism_n grow_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o state_n policy_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o discern_v till_o it_o become_v almost_o triumphant_a by_o military_a success_n but_o after_o that_o its_o growth_n and_o strength_n do_v manifest_o appear_v presbytery_n begin_v to_o struggle_v with_o it_o and_o so_o continue_v until_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o army_n it_o be_v enforce_v to_o sit_v down_o but_o never_o to_o comply_v whereupon_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o sectary_n be_v employ_v against_o none_o more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o bitter_a invective_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o prelatist_n not_o that_o i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o protestant_a friend_n of_o prelacy_n might_n more_o incline_v to_o their_o protestant_a presbyterian_a brethren_n sure_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o two_o utmost_a extreme_n be_v for_o the_o two_o middle_a party_n to_o draw_v up_o and_o close_v together_o but_o however_o the_o world_n go_v the_o presbyterian_o shall_v ever_o keep_v as_o good_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o sectary_n or_o fanatic_n as_o the_o prelatist_n shall_v from_o papist_n and_o very_o there_o be_v no_o great_a bar_n against_o fanaticism_n then_o the_o right_a presbyterian_a principle_n as_o not_o to_o sever_v but_o join_v the_o write_a word_n and_o spirit_n for_o direction_n the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o ordinance_n for_o edification_n to_o erect_v a_o state_v church-order_n and_o discipline_n to_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n a_o directive_n and_o to_o every_o christian_a a_o discretive_a judgement_n to_o insist_v only_o upon_o divine_a scripture_n warrant_n and_o to_o wave_v humane_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o be_v the_o temperament_n of_o these_o maxim_n that_o they_o commend_v and_o require_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o affection_n lively_a motion_n and_o stir_n against_o formality_n and_o blind_a devotion_n and_o so_o do_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v that_o in_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n and_o also_o they_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o constant_a public_a ordinance_n and_o private_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o direction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o do_v serve_v to_o settle_v the_o mind_n against_o dilusive_a impulse_n and_o wild_a fancy_n and_o rapture_n section_n xviii_o but_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o scandal_n take_v against_o this_o way_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v represent_v as_o tyrannical_a and_o domineer_a and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v under_o it_o must_v like_o issachar_n crouch_v under_o the_o burden_n in_o
have_v not_o happen_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o one_o party_n but_o by_o the_o unstrain_a motion_n of_o all_o england_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o one_o party_n shall_v thrust_v the_o other_o out_o of_o its_o due_a place_n of_o rest_n upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n when_o common_a consent_n have_v lay_v this_o excellent_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n let_v not_o the_o superstructure_n of_o particular_a unnecessary_a form_n cast_v off_o some_o as_o a_o divide_a and_o reject_v party_n but_o let_v that_o which_o have_v make_v peace_n keep_v peace_n which_o by_o god_n help_v it_o will_v sure_o do_v if_o timely_o observe_v and_o follow_v section_n xxvi_o we_o can_v gain_v say_v but_o the_o composure_n of_o these_o difference_n have_v much_o difficulty_n and_o require_v much_o prudence_n care_n and_o patience_n in_o those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o government_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v if_o the_o judicious_a on_o both_o side_n will_v give_v consent_n and_o they_o will_v give_v consent_n if_o they_o have_v a_o single_a aim_n to_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o increase_n thereof_o and_o particular_o the_o increase_n and_o stability_n of_o protestant_a religion_n suppose_v the_o roman_a grecian_a armenian_a ethiopick_n together_o with_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n yea_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o one_o church-communion_n and_o order_n upon_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o english_a prelatist_n and_o presbyterian_o may_n if_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o be_v it_o not_o prodigious_a uncharitableness_n and_o fury_n of_o opposition_n to_o withstand_v it_o as_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o christianism_n will_v pursue_v the_o union_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n upon_o such_o term_n so_o shall_v all_o the_o lover_n of_o protestantism_n pursue_v the_o union_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n see_v the_o doctrine_n wherein_o they_o harmonious_o agree_v will_v enable_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o the_o power_n of_o those_o profess_a doctrine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n how_o glorious_a be_v it_o but_o to_o refuse_v and_o withstand_v this_o heal_n how_o do_v it_o cause_v the_o popish_a faction_n to_o glory_n against_o we_o let_v not_o our_o adversary_n rejoice_v nor_o the_o uncircumcised_a glory_n in_o our_o shame_n section_n xxvii_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o christian_a prince_n even_o of_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a faith_n who_o will_v glad_o have_v make_v up_o breach_n in_o religion_n among_o their_o people_n by_o yield_v in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v among_o disagree_v protestant_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n ferdinand_n the_o emperor_n and_o maximilian_n his_o son_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o french_a king_n and_o the_o duke_n of_o bavaria_n make_v it_o their_o business_n by_o their_o ambassador_n for_o quiet_v of_o their_o dominion_n that_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n and_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n may_v be_v allow_v these_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n among_o the_o papist_n than_o the_o thing_n now_o in_o question_n be_v among_o the_o protestant_n of_o either_o persuasion_n if_o we_o judge_v by_o their_o declare_a opinion_n and_o not_o by_o some_o hide_a design_n and_o those_o forename_a prince_n will_v sure_o have_v take_v that_o way_n for_o unite_n their_o people_n have_v their_o power_n be_v independent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v dependence_n upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o the_o council_n from_o either_o of_o which_o they_o perceive_v after_o much_o instance_n that_o such_o reformation_n can_v not_o be_v hope_v for_o moreover_o those_o prince_n be_v of_o the_o roman_a faith_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n according_a to_o popish_a principle_n to_o crush_v the_o dissent_v part_n of_o their_o subject_n by_o lay_v heresy_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o so_o in_o time_n to_o root_v they_o out_o than_o any_o protestant_a state_n can_v have_v to_o extirpate_v the_o presbyterian_o likewise_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o after_o his_o great_a achievement_n design_v to_o establish_v a_o entire_a dominion_n in_o germany_n conceive_v that_o his_o way_n be_v to_o unite_v the_o german_a nation_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o reformation_n or_o accommodation_n for_o which_o he_o labour_v so_o much_o in_o procure_v and_o uphold_v the_o trent-council_n until_o at_o length_n despair_v of_o his_o son_n succession_n in_o the_o empire_n he_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o restore_v the_o ancient_a religion_n in_o germany_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o care_n of_o the_o council_n though_o he_o continue_v many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o imperial_a authority_n now_o though_o all_o these_o prince_n be_v deceive_v in_o expect_v such_o a_o union_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o council_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o divers_a and_o important_a interest_n of_o prince_n and_o prelate_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v such_o a_o end_n as_o be_v by_o some_o of_o they_o desire_v yet_o herein_o they_o take_v not_o their_o aim_n amiss_o that_o the_o reunite_v of_o their_o break_a people_n by_o use_v a_o temper_n and_o accommodation_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v their_o estate_n entire_a section_n xxviii_o i_o be_o the_o more_o importunate_a in_o press_v home_o the_o motion_n of_o brotherly_a agreement_n consider_v the_o time_n which_o may_v be_v the_o only_a time_n for_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o these_o affair_n seem_v like_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o sick_a body_n which_o physician_n call_v a_o crisis_n when_o nature_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o conflict_n to_o carry_v it_o for_o life_n or_o death_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o religion_n seem_v now_o to_o approach_v to_o its_o crisis_n whether_o it_o shall_v prevail_v and_o live_v or_o die_v and_o fail_v for_o ever_o it_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o time_n be_v now_o or_o never_o for_o if_o after_o so_o long_a and_o sad_a division_n and_o the_o calamitous_a effect_n thereof_o a_o implacable_a spirit_n shall_v be_v see_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o this_o time_n of_o restauration_n and_o expect_a union_n it_o may_v beget_v a_o despair_n of_o all_o future_a reconciliation_n if_o after_o such_o and_o so_o long_a calamity_n all_o the_o concur_v circumstance_n of_o the_o late_a revolution_n will_v not_o incline_v man_n hair_n to_o peace_n what_o will_v do_v it_o this_o be_v a_o day_n of_o gracious_a visitation_n happy_a england_n if_o in_o this_o its_o day_n it_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o its_o peace_n have_v press_v the_o union_n by_o these_o argument_n i_o proceed_v to_o remove_v certain_a impediment_n section_n xxix_o one_o great_a impediment_n be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n touch_v the_o time_n forego_v the_o late_a war_n for_o as_o much_o as_o great_a and_o manifold_a distemper_n have_v happen_v and_o continue_v in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_n the_o defect_n of_o former_a time_n be_v quite_o forget_v as_o it_o common_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o latter_a misery_n it_o draw_v out_o to_o any_o length_n do_v drown_v the_o remembrance_n of_o bypass_a evil_n but_o he_o who_o discern_v only_a thing_n at_o hand_n and_o not_o affar_n off_o be_v purblind_a i_o abhor_v to_o take_v upon_o i_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o late_a distract_a time_n the_o distemper_n whereof_o i_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a palliate_v nevertheless_o let_v this_o be_v note_v distemper_n have_v their_o time_n of_o breed_v as_o well_o as_o of_o break_v forth_o certain_o that_o dismal_a tempest_n which_o succeed_v the_o long_a calm_a in_o this_o nation_n have_v its_o time_n of_o gather_v in_o the_o cloud_n to_o heal_v the_o symptom_n of_o a_o disease_n its_o root_a cause_n be_v neglect_v be_v but_o a_o palliative_a cure_n to_o take_v away_o the_o irregularity_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n and_o not_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o former_a cause_n be_v to_o hide_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v the_o malady_n of_o this_o kingdom_n section_n xxx_o another_o error_n which_o turn_v away_o man_n eye_n from_o behold_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o own_o affair_n be_v a_o contempt_n of_o the_o dissent_v party_n and_o of_o their_o opinion_n as_o silly_a and_o irrational_a with_o which_o be_v join_v a_o vain_a conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a party_n with_o their_o opinion_n will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o a_o few_o turbulent_a and_o factious_a spirit_n as_o
behold_v his_o undoubted_a interest_n set_v forth_o to_o his_o hand_n and_o make_v plain_a before_o he_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o well_o temper_v and_o compose_v state_n of_o affair_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a in_o all_o his_o dominion_n by_o the_o abolish_n of_o former_a difference_n and_o the_o reconcile_n of_o all_o reconcileable_a party_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o grand_a party_n which_o if_o make_v one_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n carry_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o this_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n have_v already_o observe_v in_o that_o excellent_a proclamation_n against_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o profane_a person_n in_o these_o word_n that_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o union_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n can_v only_o with_o god_n blessing_n make_v we_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o and_o keep_v our_o enemy_n from_o rejoice_v and_o this_o be_v the_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o well_o affect_v to_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o the_o king_n our_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n who_o gracious_a disposition_n do_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o cleave_v to_o any_o divide_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o reject_v other_o that_o be_v alike_o loyal_a will_v as_o a_o common_a father_n protect_v and_o cherish_v all_o those_o that_o be_v find_v capable_a and_o worthy_a and_o become_v our_o great_a moderator_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o lessen_v difference_n and_o allay_v animosity_n between_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o already_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bring_v home_o his_o majesty_n with_o such_o impetuous_a affection_n &_o impatience_n of_o delay_n even_o in_o those_o as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o must_v needs_o know_v that_o a_o abatement_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n will_v follow_v what_o be_v it_o i_o say_v but_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o foresight_n that_o all_o will_v run_v to_o rack_n and_o ruin_n unless_o the_o public_a state_n do_v settle_v speedy_o upon_o a_o national_a bottom_n which_o can_v not_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_a royal_a family_n wherefore_o let_v our_o heart_n rejoice_v that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n proceed_v to_o build_v his_o design_n not_o upon_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o one_o party_n though_o numerous_a and_o powerful_a but_o upon_o the_o common_a tranquillity_n and_o security_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n he_o will_v continue_v a_o happy_a and_o mighty_a king_n over_o a_o happy_a and_o content_a people_n who_o will_v esteem_v he_o their_o wealth_n and_o strength_n and_o stability_n because_o they_o know_v that_o none_o but_o he_o under_o god_n can_v make_v they_o happy_a and_o that_o they_o can_v centre_n and_o bottom_n on_o none_o but_o he_o section_n iu._n among_o the_o various_a dis-agreeing_a party_n within_o this_o kingdom_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o a_o indigested_a mass_n of_o people_n two_o main_a one_o appear_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o so_o large_a a_o interest_n that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v become_v no_o more_o twain_o but_o one_o they_o will_v take_v in_o and_o carry_v along_o the_o whole_a stream_n &_o strength_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o these_o two_o be_v the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a party_n each_o of_o they_o high_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o undoubted_o while_o these_o two_o remain_v divide_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o this_o dis-union_n be_v remove_v either_o by_o the_o abolition_n of_o one_o party_n or_o by_o the_o coalition_n of_o both_o into_o one_o the_o former_a if_o suppose_v possible_a can_v be_v accomplish_v but_o by_o violent_a and_o perilous_a way_n and_o mean_n the_o latter_a be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o accommodation_n or_o mutual_a yield_n moreover_o there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n imaginable_a toleration_n indulge_v to_o the_o weak_a side_n in_o which_o of_o these_o way_n lie_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o great_a case_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n which_o presume_v not_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n but_o in_o subordination_n unto_o his_o declare_a moderation_n and_o condescension_n endeavour_n by_o show_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v interest_v person_n that_o the_o pacification_n begin_v for_o this_o interim_n may_v be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a and_o full_o settle_v for_o perpetual_a unity_n the_o whole_a matter_n rest_v upon_o three_o main_a inquiry_n i_o qu._n whether_o in_o justice_n or_o reason_n of_o state_n the_o presbyterian_a party_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o depress_v or_o protect_v and_o encourage_v two_o qu._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n may_v be_v protect_v and_o encourage_v and_o the_o episcopal_a not_o deserted_n nor_o dis-obliged_n iii_o q._n whether_o the_o uphold_v of_o both_o party_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a accommodation_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o england_n than_o the_o absolute_a exalt_v of_o the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o here_o let_v none_o prejudge_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n presbyterian_a which_o with_o some_o be_v render_v odious_a but_o let_v the_o character_n hereafter_o give_v be_v heedful_o observe_v let_v none_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o name_n of_o prelate_n or_o prelatist_n which_o be_v not_o use_v for_o envy_v but_o for_o distinction_n sake_n moreover_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o inquiry_n be_v propound_v on_o the_o presbyterian_o behalf_n be_v because_o episcopacy_n now_o stand_v on_o the_o rise_a ground_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o advocate_n also_o the_o presbyterian_o aim_v not_o at_o a_o ample_a splendid_a and_o potent_a state_n but_o at_o liberty_n and_o security_n in_o their_o low_a orb_n and_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v by_o some_o misrepresent_v and_o by_o many_o misapprehended_n and_o pre-condemned_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o public_a tranquillity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n section_n v._n as_o concern_v their_o true_a character_n the_o notation_n of_o the_o name_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v be_v both_o too_o shallow_a and_o too_o narrow_a for_o it_o the_o word_n presbyterian_a have_v not_o sufficient_a depth_n to_o go_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n nor_o breadth_n sufficient_a to_o comprehend_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n by_o parochial_a and_o classical_a presbytery_n provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n be_v remote_a enough_o from_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o those_o firm_a bond_n that_o make_v they_o eternal_o one_o in_o respect_n whereof_o many_o that_o approve_v a_o regulate_v episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v of_o their_o number_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n and_o the_o height_n of_o prelacy_n or_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n this_o late_a only_a be_v the_o true_a opposite_a of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o they_o may_v not_o abhor_v to_o be_v name_v in_o several_a respect_n both_o presbyterian_a and_o episcopal_a yet_o not_o prelatical_a some_o of_o they_o commend_v and_o i_o think_v most_o of_o they_o here_o in_o england_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n episcopum_fw-la praesilem_fw-la non_fw-la principem_fw-la wherefore_o as_o concern_v their_o main_a and_o root_a principle_n they_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o absolute_a perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n without_o the_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o they_o deny_v not_o due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o venerable_a antiquity_n they_o assert_v the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o goodness_n may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a gospel_n ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o implicit_a faith_n but_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n they_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n but_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o write_a word_n they_o exalt_v divine_a ordinance_n but_o debase_v humane_a invention_n in_o god_n worship_n particular_o ceremony_n proper_o religious_a and_o of_o institute_v mystical_a signification_n yet_o they_o allow_v the_o natural_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o
offensive_a and_o groan_v more_o and_o more_o under_o that_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n as_o they_o coneeive_v they_o wait_v for_o deliverance_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a of_o one_o soul_n and_o spirit_n with_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o even_o then_o the_o way_n call_v puritanism_n do_v not_o give_v but_o get_v ground_n but_o now_o the_o tenant_n of_o this_o way_n be_v root_v more_o than_o ever_o and_o those_o thing_n former_o impose_v be_v now_o by_o many_o if_o not_o by_o the_o most_o of_o this_o way_n account_v not_o only_o burdensome_a but_o unlawful_a and_o after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o search_n and_o practice_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fix_v in_o this_o opinion_n and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o impose_v of_o such_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o by_o so_o many_o be_v hold_v unlawful_a and_o by_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o they_o judge_v indifferent_a not_o necessary_a can_v procure_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n section_n ix_o that_o this_o numerous_a party_n will_v not_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n or_o vanish_v upon_o change_n in_o government_n or_o new_a accident_n do_v hence_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o do_v not_o rest_n upon_o any_o private_a temporary_a variable_a occasion_n but_o upon_o a_o cause_n perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a those_o forementioned_a principle_n of_o science_n and_o practice_n which_o give_v it_o its_o proper_a be_v be_v of_o that_o firm_a and_o fix_a nature_n that_o new_a contingency_n will_v not_o alter_v they_o nor_o length_n of_o time_n wear_v they_o out_o they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o they_o be_v embrace_v by_o such_o as_o high_o prize_v they_o not_o for_o temporal_a advantage_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o appearance_n but_o for_o a_o internal_a excellency_n discern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o to_o these_o man_n it_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a at_o all_o adventure_n to_o be_v of_o the_o state-religion_n or_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v neither_o will_v they_o be_v dissolve_v or_o much_o weaken_v by_o the_o decline_a haply_o of_o some_o principal_a one_o who_o be_v buy_v off_o by_o preferment_n may_v turn_v prevaricator_n for_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o fall_v off_o the_o inward_a spirit_n that_o actuate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o knit_v they_o to_o each_o other_o will_v remain_v in_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o though_o many_o other_o through_o weakness_n or_o mildness_n shall_v stagger_v and_o give_v ground_n in_o the_o point_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o more_o controvert_v yet_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n may_v remain_v in_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o may_v be_v still_o where_o they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v those_o great_a thing_n for_o which_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n contend_v sure_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o lively_a open_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o uphold_v of_o all_o divine_a institution_n particular_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o laborious_a and_o efficacious_a ministry_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v to_o the_o heart_n a_o godly_a discipline_n correct_v true_a and_o real_a scandal_n and_o disobedience_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o holy_a life_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v in_o power_n and_o for_o these_o thing_n sake_n they_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o height_n of_o prelacy_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o ceremonious_a worship_n this_o be_v well_o know_v and_o provide_v against_o by_o the_o sway_a part_n of_o the_o late_a prelatist_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v not_o quell_v the_o puritan_n by_o the_o rigid_a injunction_n of_o conformity_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o blow_n at_o the_o root_n lecture_n be_v suppress_v afternoon_n sermon_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n prohibit_v under_o pretence_n of_o catechise_v which_o be_v only_o a_o bare_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o form_n of_o catechism_n for_o child_n without_o explication_n or_o application_n of_o those_o principle_n a_o book_n for_o sport_n and_o pastime_n on_o sundays_n enjoin_v to_o be_v read_v by_o minister_n in_o their_o parish_n church_n under_o penalty_n of_o deprivation_n sundry_a superstitious_a innovation_n introduce_v a_o new_a book_n of_o canon_n compose_v and_o a_o new_a oath_n for_o uphold_v the_o hierarchy_n enforce_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o impute_v these_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n episcopal_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o disallow_v these_o innovation_n nevertheless_o those_o other_o that_o be_v most_o vehement_a active_a watchful_a vigorous_a do_v not_o by_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n advance_v but_o rather_o weaken_v their_o cause_n and_o lessen_v themselves_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o observe_v man_n and_o the_o oppress_a party_n increase_v in_o number_n and_o vigour_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o interest_n for_o which_o we_o plead_v be_v not_o like_o a_o meteor_n which_o after_o a_o while_n vanish_v away_o but_o be_v of_o a_o solid_a and_o firm_a consistence_n like_o a_o fix_a constellation_n and_o the_o injury_n do_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v act_v once_o and_o for_o all_o and_o then_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o grave_n of_o oblivion_n but_o they_o be_v last_a pressure_n to_o a_o perpetual_a regret_n and_o grievance_n and_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v do_v away_o especial_o when_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v not_o necessary_a but_o superfluous_a section_n x._o there_o remain_v yet_o some_o great_a thing_n which_o strike_v deep_a into_o this_o enquiry_n which_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n perhaps_o may_v seem_v a_o fancy_n but_o by_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v be_v find_v a_o manifest_a and_o weighry_a truth_n namely_o that_o as_o this_o interest_n will_v never_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n so_o it_o will_v never_o be_v extinguish_v while_o the_o state_n of_o england_n continue_v protestant_n i_o do_v not_o now_o argue_v from_o maxim_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o that_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n shall_v never_o fail_v that_o after_o the_o great_a havoc_n of_o the_o true_a church_n there_o will_v be_v a_o remnant_n a_o seed_n that_o shall_v spring_v up_o to_o a_o great_a increase_n after_o a_o little_a season_n but_o i_o have_v here_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o let_v man_n of_o reason_n judge_n suppose_v that_o the_o person_n now_o in_o be_v of_o this_o strict_a profession_n be_v general_o ruin_v and_o root_v out_o yet_o let_v but_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v uphold_v and_o preach_v and_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o this_o people_n who_o way_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o that_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v by_o tradition_n education_n example_n or_o any_o humane_a authority_n but_o also_o imprint_v upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o lively_a energy_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o i_o further_o say_v and_o testify_v let_v but_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v permit_v to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n will_v spring_v up_o afresh_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n for_o that_o pure_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n press_v internal_a renovation_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o holy_a singularity_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v write_v with_o such_o authority_n and_o majesty_n must_v needs_o beget_v though_o not_o in_o the_o most_o yet_o in_o may_v a_o disposition_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o sort_n thereunto_o conformable_a this_o be_v evident_a in_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v deep_a and_o strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o whosoever_o deny_v this_o as_o he_o be_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n atheistical_a so_o of_o understanding_n brutish_a for_o even_o those_o impious_a politician_n who_o in_o heart_n make_v no_o account_n of_o religion_n yet_o will_v make_v show_n of_o give_v reverence_n to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v always_o see_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n wherefore_o upon_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a i_o hold_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a verity_n that_o the_o way_n in_o scorn_n call_v puritanism_n will_v never_o utter_o sink_v unto_o protestantism_n itself_o shall_v fail_v
subject_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n do_v reside_v in_o they_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o honorary_a title_n and_o this_o part_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v indeed_o capable_a of_o do_v wrong_n yet_o how_o it_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o rebellion_n be_v more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v in_o this_o high_a and_o tender_a point_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o to_o determine_v and_o as_o touch_v the_o much_o debate_v point_n of_o resist_v the_o high_a power_n without_o pass_v any_o judgement_n in_o the_o great_a case_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v rehearsal_n of_o the_o word_n of_o grotius_n a_o man_n of_o renown_n and_o know_v to_o be_v neither_o anti-monarchical_a nor_o anti-prelatical_a which_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belli_fw-la &_o pacis_fw-la by_o himself_o dedicate_v to_o the_o french_a king_n si_fw-la rex_fw-la partem_fw-la habeat_fw-la summi_fw-la imperii_fw-la partem_fw-la alteram_fw-la populus_fw-la aut_fw-la senatus_n regiin_n partem_fw-la non_fw-la svam_fw-la involanti_fw-la vis_fw-la just_a a_o opponi_fw-la poterit_fw-la quia_fw-la eatenus_fw-la imperium_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la quod_fw-la locum_fw-la habere_fw-la censeo_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la dictum_fw-la sit_fw-la belli_fw-la potestatem_fw-la penes_fw-la regem_fw-la fore_fw-la id_fw-la enim_fw-la de_fw-la bellâ—_n externo_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la alioqui_fw-la quisquis_fw-la imperii_fw-la summi_fw-la partem_fw-la habeat_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la non_fw-la jus_o habere_fw-la eam_fw-la partem_fw-la tuendi_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 4._o s._n 13._o with_o reverence_n to_o sovereign_a majesty_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o speak_v this_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n in_o a_o know_a age_n flattery_n do_v not_o real_o exalt_v or_o secure_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n be_v depress_v and_o undervalue_v be_v the_o more_o search_v into_o and_o urge_v concern_v the_o utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o parliamentary_a power_n the_o law_n in_o deep_a wisdom_n choose_v to_o keep_v silence_n for_o it_o always_o suppose_v union_n not_o division_n between_o king_n and_o parliament_n wherefore_o the_o overstrain_v on_o either_o hand_n let_v all_o man_n forbear_v his_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o his_o people_n obedience_n and_o loyalty_n in_o all_o way_n of_o mutual_a satisfaction_n will_v best_o secure_v his_o prerogative_n and_o their_o liberty_n moreover_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o loyalty_n now_o in_o question_n the_o subversion_n of_o the_o fundamental_a government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v till_o those_o member_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v presbyterian_a be_v many_o of_o they_o imprison_v other_o forcible_o seclude_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o army_n and_o the_o rest_n thereupon_o withdraw_v from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o for_o they_o have_v vote_v the_o king_n concession_n a_o ground_n sufficient_a for_o the_o house_n to_o proceed_v to_o settle_v the_o nation_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o cast_v whatsoever_o they_o contend_v for_o upon_o a_o legal_a security_n in_o those_o time_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o london_n in_o their_o public_a vindication_n thus_o declare_v themselves_o we_o profess_v before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n that_o we_o very_o believe_v that_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o fear_v to_o be_v now_o in_o agitation_n the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n in_o this_o present_a way_n of_o trial_n be_v not_o only_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n never_o yet_o stain_v with_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o contrary_a to_o they_o as_o also_o to_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n the_o protestation_n of_o may_n 5._o 1641._o and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n from_o all_o which_o or_o any_o of_o which_o engagement_n we_o know_v not_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n able_a to_o absolve_v we_o or_o other_o and_o in_o conclusion_n they_o warn_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n that_o god_n will_v restrain_v the_o violence_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dare_v to_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o the_o kingdom_n the_o blood_n of_o their_o sovereign_n let_v prudent_a man_n weigh_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o prelacy_n that_o frame_v the_o mind_n to_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n or_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o presbytery_n that_o incline_v to_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n if_o loyalty_n be_v the_o innate_a disposition_n of_o prelacy_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n and_o for_o a_o series_n of_o many_o age_n the_o king_n of_o england_n have_v have_v such_o tedious_a conflict_n with_o prelate_n in_o their_o dominion_n if_o presbytery_n and_o rebellion_n be_v connatural_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o state_n or_o kingdom_n where_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v or_o tolerate_v have_v for_o any_o time_n be_v free_a from_o broil_n and_o commotion_n or_o that_o presbyterian_o have_v never_o disclaim_v or_o abandon_v their_o lawful_a prince_n that_o they_o have_v never_o cease_v to_o solicit_v and_o supplicate_v his_o regard_n and_o favour_n even_o when_o their_o power_n have_v be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o his_o sink_a low_a yea_o that_o they_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o rather_o to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n then_o to_o comply_v with_o man_n of_o violence_n in_o change_v the_o government_n let_v we_o further_o examine_v be_v the_o person_n that_o adhere_v to_o prelacy_n more_o conscientious_a in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n then_o those_o that_o affect_v presbytery_n be_v the_o former_a only_a sober_a just_a and_o godly_a and_o the_o latter_a vicious_a unrighteous_a profane_a certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o one_o for_o a_o time_n to_o comply_v more_o with_o king_n then_o the_o other_o have_v do_v it_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o peculiar_a innate_a disposition_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o something_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a and_o what_o that_o may_v be_v let_v prudent_a man_n make_v their_o own_o observation_n section_n xv._n their_o principle_n who_o cause_n be_v now_o plead_v if_o faithful_o receive_v and_o keep_v will_v make_v good_a man_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o make_v good_a subject_n when_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o fear_n god_n they_o will_v honour_v the_o king_n indeed_o and_o none_o be_v more_o observant_a of_o righteous_a law_n than_o they_o that_o be_v most_o a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yea_o their_o pattern_n and_o practice_n will_v be_v a_o law_n to_o many_o other_o and_o consequent_o a_o main_a help_n to_o civil_a government_n in_o a_o christian_a nation_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o teach_v blind_a obedience_n presbyterian_o teach_v faith_n and_o holiness_n as_o also_o obedience_n active_a in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o passive_a in_o thing_n unlawful_a enjoin_v by_o the_o high_a power_n in_o the_o late_a distract_a time_n the_o public_a state_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n always_o ready_a to_o fall_v asunder_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n be_v unquiet_a and_o unsettle_a those_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n can_v never_o gain_v half_a that_o awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o king_n nobles_z and_o man_n of_o authority_n in_o former_a time_n nevertheless_o profaneness_n intemperance_n revel_n outrage_n and_o filthy_a lewdness_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n hold_v under_o more_o restraint_n sure_o some_o special_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v why_o in_o such_o want_n of_o public_a order_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o great_a disorder_n in_o man_n life_n and_o manner_n then_o at_o other_o time_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v manifest_a to_o wit_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o practical_a ministry_n more_o thick_o set_v throughout_o the_o nation_n knowledge_n and_o restrain_v grace_n do_v more_o abound_v and_o the_o orderly_o walk_v of_o religious_a person_n do_v keep_v other_o more_o within_o compass_n and_o withal_o strictness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o open_o deride_v under_o the_o name_n of_o puritanism_n those_o place_n where_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n be_v evident_o the_o most_o reform_a and_o civilise_v for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v so_o much_o hate_v by_o man_n of_o loose_a principle_n and_o dissolute_a life_n whereupon_o we_o affirm_v bold_o that_o those_o for_o who_o we_o plead_v must_v needs_o be_v good_a subject_n to_o a_o christian_a king_n and_o good_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n section_n xvi_o neither_o be_v they_o wander_v star_n a_o people_n give_v to_o change_n fit_a to_o overturn_v
indulgent_a to_o presbytery_n withstand_v the_o re-ordaining_a of_o those_o scottish_a presbyter_n elect_v bishop_n upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o question_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o which_o cause_n who_o can_v forbear_v to_o censure_v the_o palpable_a absurdity_n of_o some_o latter_a prelatist_n that_o unchurch_n all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o nullify_v their_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o most_o destructive_a kill_a opinion_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n let_v out_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v any_o that_o be_v hearty_a protestant_n be_v fond_a of_o such_o opinionist_n moreover_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o prelacy_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o england_n be_v without_o the_o warrant_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o lordly_a title_n and_o exercise_n of_o temporal_a dominion_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o sole_a jurisdiction_n and_o deputation_n of_o power_n be_v there_o any_o text_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o name_n and_o work_v of_o a_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o degree_n in_o the_o ministry_n do_v not_o all_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o mention_v the_o name_n and_o work_v of_o a_o bishop_n attribute_n both_o to_o all_o ordain_a minister_n can_v there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o spiritual_a officer_n beside_o to_o maintain_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n it_o suffice_v not_o to_o show_v from_o scripture_n any_o kind_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v likewise_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o alone_a subject_n or_o receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n that_o he_o alone_o have_v rule_v and_o government_n over_o all_o the_o presbyter_n within_o his_o limit_n yea_o and_o over_o all_o the_o church_n leave_v no_o power_n to_o the_o presbyter_n but_o to_o execute_v his_o injunction_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o express_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v all_o presbyter_n to_o be_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o have_v command_v they_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n and_o to_o exercise_v episcopacy_n or_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v manifest_a by_o appoint_v the_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o bishop_n write_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n unto_o timothy_n to_o be_v read_v unto_o presbyter_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n hereupon_o a_o late_a famous_a defender_n of_o prelacy_n be_v drive_v to_o leave_v the_o beat_a path_n of_o episcopal_a divine_n and_o to_o take_v a_o new_a way_n but_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o cause_n maintain_v by_o he_o he_o say_v that_o although_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n have_v be_v extend_v to_o a_o second_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o use_n only_o for_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o the_o scripture_n time_n it_o belong_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o to_o bishop_n there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o any_o of_o that_o second_o order_n be_v then_o institute_v though_o soon_o after_o before_o the_o write_n of_o ignatius_n such_o be_v institute_v in_o all_o church_n here_o it_o be_v full_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n be_v bishop_n and_o that_o the_o second_o order_n of_o mere_a presbyter_n which_o be_v no_o bishop_n be_v not_o then_o institute_v whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o be_v no_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o a_o mere_a humane_a creature_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n neither_o be_v the_o abatement_n of_o prelacy_n unto_o moderate_a episcopacy_n or_o presidency_n any_o departure_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o a_o true_a revive_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o election_n make_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o preside_v among_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o pretence_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o for_o remedy_n of_o schism_n as_o i_o witness_v and_o with_o this_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n join_v in_o the_o common_a government_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n usher_z plain_o show_v how_o easy_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n may_v be_v revive_v again_o and_o with_o what_o little_a show_n of_o alteration_n namely_o by_o erect_v a_o suffragan_n bishop_n in_o every_o rural_a deanery_n into_o which_o every_o diocese_n be_v subdivide_v who_o may_v every_o month_n assemble_v a_o synod_n of_o all_o the_o incumbent_a pastor_n within_o the_o precinct_n and_o according_a to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o voice_n conclude_v all_o matter_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o debate_n before_o they_o yet_o with_o a_o liberty_n to_o appeal_v if_o need_v require_v to_o the_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a synod_n that_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v very_o much_o augment_v do_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o that_o know_v and_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o episcopal_a superintendency_n and_o the_o learned_a bishop_n now_o mention_v give_v a_o hint_n that_o their_o number_n may_v be_v very_o well_o conform_v to_o the_o number_n of_o rural_a deanery_n sure_o so_o many_o hundred_o populous_a parish_n now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o bishop_n may_v be_v well_o divide_v into_o many_o dioceses_n ample_a enough_o and_o such_o a_o course_n will_v make_v not_o only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o more_o effectual_a inspection_n of_o many_o bishop_n for_o one_o but_o also_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o learning_n by_o the_o multiplication_n of_o preferment_n wherefore_o nothing_o of_o the_o church_n be_v or_o well-being_n nothing_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o primitive_a practice_n do_v withstand_v the_o reduction_n of_o prelacy_n to_o moderate_a episcopacy_n or_o the_o ancient_a synodical_a government_n to_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o may_v conform_v without_o repugnancy_n to_o their_o principle_n section_n xxiv_o the_o point_n of_o ceremony_n come_v next_o under_o debate_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v divine_a worship_n it_o be_v of_o high_a importance_n and_o a_o tender_a point_n of_o conscience_n and_o herein_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a concession_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n in_o divine_a service_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n or_o natural_a external_a worship_n they_o ready_o acknowledge_v as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v call_v natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o divine_a or_o humane_a institution_n and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n of_o counsel_n and_o discretion_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n nature_n be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o several_a case_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n be_v use_v according_a to_o nature_n in_o some_o age_n place_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o in_o other_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o wear_n of_o fackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n be_v fit_a expression_n of_o humiliation_n and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n yet_o the_o same_o suit_v not_o with_o our_o time_n for_o herein_o nature_n be_v subject_a unto_o some_o variety_n and_o now_o adays_o the_o wear_n of_o the_o mean_a apparel_n be_v suitable_a in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n because_o it_o be_v now_o a_o convenient_a natural_a expression_n of_o self-abasement_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o abstinence_n likewise_o kneel_v be_v a_o natural_a prayer-posture_n but_o where_o it_o can_v be_v use_v convenient_o stand_v be_v natural_o agreeable_a nevertheless_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a where_o infirmity_n or_o other_o necessity_n make_v it_o inconvenient_a moreover_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o order_n as_o time_n place_n and_o method_n without_o which_o humane_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v they_o allow_v and_o commend_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n as_o decent_a church_n or_o meet_v place_n and_o furniture_n as_o a_o pulpit_n cloth_n communion_n cup_n and_o a_o grave_a habit_n for_o a_o minister_n and_o in_o holy_a duty_n a_o grave_a posture_n of_o body_n &_o compose_a countenance_n and_o