Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n according_a faith_n scripture_n 5,365 5 5.6751 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42357 Protesters no subverters, and presbyterie no papacie; or, A vindication of the protesting brethren, and of the government of the kirk of Scotland from the aspersions unjustly cast upon them, in a late pamphlet of some of the resolution-party, entituled, A declaration, &c. With a discovery of the insufficiency, inequality and iniquity of the things propounded in that pamphlet, as overtures of union and peace. Especially, of the iniquity of that absolute and unlimited submission to the sentences of church-judicatories that is holden forth therein, and most unjustly pleaded to belong to the being and essence of presbyterial government. By some witnesses to the way of the protestation. Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661, attributed name. 1658 (1658) Wing G2264; ESTC R221886 66,607 126

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

no_o reason_n of_o ●…quity_n in_o they_o but_o their_o own_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o pleasure_n or_o though_o there_o be_v iniquity_n and_o injustice_n in_o they_o dan._n 11._o 36._o and_o when_o subjection_n without_o gainsay_v be_v not_o only_o require_v of_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n but_o also_o o●…_n all_o inferior_a judicatory_n and_o even_o of_o these_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o this_o the_o state-tyranny_n that_o be_v former_o exercise_v and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o by_o the_o malignant-party_n to_o which_o there_o be_v public_a opposition_n make_v by_o defensive_a arm_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n both_o politician_n and_o divine_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o a_o people_n preservation_n from_o the_o mine_n that_o be_v threaten_v by_o tyranny_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o set_v up_o a_o church-tyranny_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o abitrement_n yea_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n for_o law_n and_o require_v absolute_a submission_n thereunto_o not_o only_o of_o private_a and_o single_a person_n but_o of_o all_o in●…iour_a judicatory_n not_o allow_v the_o congr●…gational-eldership_n once_o to_o whisper_v against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o presbytery_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o synod_n or_o the_o synod_n against_o what_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o then_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n will_v tyrannize_v what_o remedy_n be_v there_o or_o if_o they_o become_v corrupt_a how_o shall_v the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n of_o these_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v avoid_v have_v the_o minister_n and_o saint_n and_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n receive_v religion_n and_o his_o ordinance_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o if_o a_o superior_a court_n will_v have_v it_o so_o they_o shall_v all_o crouch_v down_o as_o ass_n under_o the_o burden_n and_o let_v they_o without_o gainsay_v they_o be_v now_o cudgel_v into_o silence_n by_o a_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o deposition_n or_o excommunication_n ruin_n church_n and_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n and_o professor_n and_o all_o the_o precious_a interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n as_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a how_o great_a tyranny_n be_v this_o and_o how_o remediless_a a_o way_n to_o ruin_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o our_o brother_n opinion_n if_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n only_o that_o they_o challenge_v this_o submission_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o we_o desire_v 1._o to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o they_o do_v now_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v deny_v to_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v unsound_a and_o what_o degree_n of_o unsoundness_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o before_o this_o submission_n can_v be_v warrantable_o deny_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o by_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o be_v and_o authority_n of_o kirk-judicatory_n though_o they_o be_v corrupt_a not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a determination_n to_o which_o submission_n be_v require_v but_o in_o many_o thing_n beside_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n this_o submission_n must_v be_v grant_v they_o because_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v and_o essence_n of_o the_o government_n how_o this_o shall_v be_v avoid_v we_o do_v not_o see_v unless_o they_o say_v that_o a_o church-judicatory_a that_o be_v unsound_a in_o any_o point_n of_o truth_n do_v lose_v its_o be_v and_o authority_n which_o we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v have_v in_o some_o of_o their_o paper_n charge_v it_o as_o heterodoxy_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n 2._o as_o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a that_o they_o will_v confine_v this_o submission_n to_o sound_v judicatory_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o soundness_n only_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o so_o do_v we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o this_o import_v more_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o submission_n than_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o wit_v a_o submission_n to_o all_o sound_a determination_n and_o just_a sentence_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o any_o counteracting_n because_o if_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n only_o that_o they_o be_v sound_a than_o be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o right_a in_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n which_o the_o protest_a brethren_n willing_o yield_v and_o be_v like_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n somewhat_o more_o we_o find_v they_o in_o their_o last_o paper_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 25._o 1655._o profess_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v only_o of_o particular_a person_n in_o thing_n of_o more_o private_a interest_n and_o personal_a concernment_n and_o of_o judicatory_n employ_v their_o power_n to_o edi●…ication_n in_o the_o current_n of_o their_o act_n they_o will_v not_o much_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o 3._o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v deny_v tha●…_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v now_o sound_a it_o be_v their_o sad_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o plu●…ality_n of_o her_o judica●…ories_n very_o much_o practical●…_n unsoundness_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o bear_v down_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o also_o because_o of_o their_o abuse_n of_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o carry_n on_o of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o former_a integrity_n and_o purity_n and_o a_o course_n of_o persecution_n against_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o their_o backslide_n course_n therefore_o do_v these_o brethren_n conceive_v that_o they_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_n whilst_o the_o power_n be_v in_o such_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v themselves_o and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o will_v of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o debate_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o submission_n that_o be_v due_a to_o church-judicatory_n with_o two_o testimony_n of_o man_n who_o be_v deserve_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a and_o worthy_a asserter_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o divine-right_a of_o church-government_n who_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o that_o book_n treat_v of_o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o great_a assembly_n for_o their_o authoritative_a judge_v and_o determine_v of_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o divine_a right_n thereof_o do_v write_v thus_o it_o be_v grant_v say_v they_o that_o the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n can_v require_v from_o the_o low_a a_o subordination_n absolute_a and_o pro_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la i_o e._n at_o their_o own_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o in_o some_o respect_n subordination_n absolute_a be_v only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o detest_v popish_a tyranny_n which_o claim_v a_o power_n of_o give_v their_o will_n for_o a_o law_n it_o be_v subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pleaded-for_a the_o straight_a rule_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o the_o holy_a scricpture_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v regulam_fw-la regulatam_fw-la i_o e._n a_o rule_n to_o be_v regulate_v peace_n be_v only_o in_o walk_v according_a to_o scripture_n canon_n gal._n 6._o ver._n 16._o the_o other_o be_v of_o our_o countryman_n mr._n george_n gillespie_n in_o his_o assertion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o sec._n part_n ch._n 2._o page_n 127._o we_o must_v distinguish_v say_v he_o betwixt_o a_o dependence_n absolute_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o congregation_n do_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n alone_o as_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o church-government_n for_o we_o accurse_v the_o tyranny_n of_o prelate_n who_o claim_v to_o themselves_o autocratorick_n power_n over_o congregation_n to_o who_o they_o give_v their_o naked-will_n for_o a_o law_n one_o of_o
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a pr●…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thi●…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withou●…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o ●…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n o●…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v a●…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n a●…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o wa●…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o go●…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n an●…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o la●…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannica●…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v b●…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o go●…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o framet●…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n wit●…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n an●…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o wor●…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unit●…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v n●…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n o●…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrin●…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o th●…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n wa●…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o pr●…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o soo●…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugn●…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o ●…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o t●…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la ●…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v i●…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v i●…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n pu●…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v he●…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamen●…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o i●…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thi●…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciu●…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposin●…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o ha●…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission●…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desi●…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v
thereunto_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 1655._o as_o conducible_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o solid_a union_n and_o well-grounded_a peace_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o very_o unequal_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o profess_v and_o print_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v very_o equal_a term_n of_o peace_n so_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o this_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v already_o offer_v that_o t●…ough_o they_o hold_v fast_o their_o own_o judgement_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o first_o difference_n but_o these_o profession_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v in_o sundry_a particular_n impose_v upon_o their_o judgement_n as_o first_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n they_o do_v require_v that_o these_o brethren_n do_v declare_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n and_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n thereunto_o relate_v shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o any_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o or_o hold_v up_o debate_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n so_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o sixteen_o of_o november_n 1655._o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o in_o another_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o november_n at_o that_o conference_n they_o expound_v thus_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_n to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o anul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n which_o if_o the_o protest_a brethren_n shall_v consent_v unto_o will_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o to_o condemn_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o infer_v their_o pass_n from_o and_o renounce_v of_o these_o protestation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o do_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o make_v they_o yea_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o consent_n make_v way_n to_o establish_v for_o the_o future_a the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n because_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o the_o legal_a bar_n that_o be_v stand_v against_o that_o constitution_n and_o authority_n second_o what_o great_a impose_v can_v there_o be_v upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o what_o more_o unequal_a condition_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v propound_v unto_o they_o then_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n especial_o when_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n be_v not_o only_o the_o plurality_n in_o most_o of_o the_o judicatory_n but_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o such_o for_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give-up_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n three_o how_o unequal_a a_o proposal_n be_v it_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n shall_v be_v refer_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n when_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n of_o who_o that_o assembly_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v make_v up_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n be_v already_o declare_v have_v engage_v themselves_o many_o way_n for_o these_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n these_o few_o particular_n may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o a_o equal_a and_o even_a ●…oot_n in_o their_o proposal_n we_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o term_n of_o peace_n as_o be_v equal_o free_a of_o impose_v upon_o either_o party_n or_o do_v equal_o ye●…ld_v as_o much_o as_o they_o require_v which_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o commendable_a and_o approve_a way_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n we_o judge_v it_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o smell_v rank_o of_o a_o carnal_a poltick_a spirit_n to_o half_a and_o divide_v the_o thiug_n of_o god_n for_o make_v peace_n among_o man_n but_o to_o discover_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o their_o own_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o while_o they_o will_v make_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o offer_v equal_a condition_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n yet_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o unequal_a and_o that_o they_o will_v high_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o overture_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v insufficient_a and_o unequal_a only_o though_o upon_o these_o two_o branch_n there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o deny_v they_o entertainment_n yet_o be_v they_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o involve_v injustice_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v show_v in_o sundry_a particular_n but_o this_o answer_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v we_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o that_o one_o in_o which_o these_o brethren_n assert_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o consist_v and_o for_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o man_n that_o have_v recede_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n and_o have_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n turn_v adversary_n to_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n to_o wit_n that_o arbitary_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v require_v by_o these_o brethren_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o have_v show_v how_o far_o submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v condescend_v and_o y●…lded_v unto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o also_o how_o far_o it_o be_v urge_v and_o require_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o resolution_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n they_o do_v bring_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o that_o particular_a to_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v these_o reason_n that_o seem_v to_o plead_v the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o that_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convenient_o satisfy_v therein_o they_o may_v be_v recede_v from_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o they_o may_v cease_v to_o urge_v that_o matter_n any_o further_o or_o at_o least_o that_o indifferent_a person_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v but_o upon_o weighty_a reason_n before_o we_o propound_v our_o argument_n we_o shall_v premise_v some_o common_a and_o know_a truth_n concerning_o church_n judicatory_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o 1._o that_o to_o express_v it_o in_o calvin_n word_n in_o the_o eight_o chap._n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n whatsoever_o reverence_n or_o dignity_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v whether_o to_o the_o priest_n o●…_n prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n all_o of_o it_o be_v give_v not_o proper_o to_o man_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o ministry_n wherewhtih_o they_o be_v clothe_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o expedite_o to_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n whereof_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o exod._n 3._o 4._o exod._n 14._o 31._o deut._n 17._o ●…_z mal._n 2._o 46._o deut._n 17._o 10._o ezek._n 3._o 17._o ier._n 23._o 28._o ier._n 1._o 6._o matth._n 28._o 19_o act_n 15._o 10_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o as_o their_o authority_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o whole_o derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o thy_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o mal._n 2._o 6_o 7._o matth._n 28._o 19_o 3._o that_o church-power_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a and_o magisterialpower_v but_o a_o lowly_a and_o ministerial-power_n not_o
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a