because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
thereunto_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 1655._o as_o conducible_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o solid_a union_n and_o well-grounded_a peace_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o very_o unequal_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o profess_v and_o print_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v very_o equal_a term_n of_o peace_n so_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o this_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v already_o offer_v that_o tâ—…ough_o they_o hold_v fast_o their_o own_o judgement_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o first_o difference_n but_o these_o profession_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v in_o sundry_a particular_n impose_v upon_o their_o judgement_n as_o first_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n they_o do_v require_v that_o these_o brethren_n do_v declare_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n and_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n thereunto_o relate_v shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o any_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o or_o hold_v up_o debate_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n so_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o sixteen_o of_o november_n 1655._o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o in_o another_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o november_n at_o that_o conference_n they_o expound_v thus_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_n to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o anul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n which_o if_o the_o protest_a brethren_n shall_v consent_v unto_o will_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o to_o condemn_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o infer_v their_o pass_n from_o and_o renounce_v of_o these_o protestation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o do_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o make_v they_o yea_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o consent_n make_v way_n to_o establish_v for_o the_o future_a the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n because_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o the_o legal_a bar_n that_o be_v stand_v against_o that_o constitution_n and_o authority_n second_o what_o great_a impose_v can_v there_o be_v upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o what_o more_o unequal_a condition_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v propound_v unto_o they_o then_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n especial_o when_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n be_v not_o only_o the_o plurality_n in_o most_o of_o the_o judicatory_n but_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o such_o for_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give-up_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n three_o how_o unequal_a a_o proposal_n be_v it_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n shall_v be_v refer_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n when_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n of_o who_o that_o assembly_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v make_v up_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n be_v already_o declare_v have_v engage_v themselves_o many_o way_n for_o these_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n these_o few_o particular_n may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o a_o equal_a and_o even_a â—…oot_n in_o their_o proposal_n we_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o term_n of_o peace_n as_o be_v equal_o free_a of_o impose_v upon_o either_o party_n or_o do_v equal_o yeâ—…ld_v as_o much_o as_o they_o require_v which_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o commendable_a and_o approve_a way_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n we_o judge_v it_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o smell_v rank_o of_o a_o carnal_a poltick_a spirit_n to_o half_a and_o divide_v the_o thiug_n of_o god_n for_o make_v peace_n among_o man_n but_o to_o discover_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o their_o own_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o while_o they_o will_v make_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o offer_v equal_a condition_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n yet_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o unequal_a and_o that_o they_o will_v high_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o overture_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v insufficient_a and_o unequal_a only_o though_o upon_o these_o two_o branch_n there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o deny_v they_o entertainment_n yet_o be_v they_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o involve_v injustice_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v show_v in_o sundry_a particular_n but_o this_o answer_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v we_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o that_o one_o in_o which_o these_o brethren_n assert_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o consist_v and_o for_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o man_n that_o have_v recede_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n and_o have_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n turn_v adversary_n to_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n to_o wit_n that_o arbitary_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v require_v by_o these_o brethren_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o have_v show_v how_o far_o submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v condescend_v and_o yâ—…lded_v unto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o also_o how_o far_o it_o be_v urge_v and_o require_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o resolution_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n they_o do_v bring_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o that_o particular_a to_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v these_o reason_n that_o seem_v to_o plead_v the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o that_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convenient_o satisfy_v therein_o they_o may_v be_v recede_v from_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o they_o may_v cease_v to_o urge_v that_o matter_n any_o further_o or_o at_o least_o that_o indifferent_a person_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v but_o upon_o weighty_a reason_n before_o we_o propound_v our_o argument_n we_o shall_v premise_v some_o common_a and_o know_a truth_n concerning_o church_n judicatory_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o 1._o that_o to_o express_v it_o in_o calvin_n word_n in_o the_o eight_o chap._n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n whatsoever_o reverence_n or_o dignity_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v whether_o to_o the_o priest_n oâ—…_n prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n all_o of_o it_o be_v give_v not_o proper_o to_o man_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o ministry_n wherewhtih_o they_o be_v clothe_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o expedite_o to_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n whereof_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o exod._n 3._o 4._o exod._n 14._o 31._o deut._n 17._o â—…_z mal._n 2._o 46._o deut._n 17._o 10._o ezek._n 3._o 17._o ier._n 23._o 28._o ier._n 1._o 6._o matth._n 28._o 19_o act_n 15._o 10_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o as_o their_o authority_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o whole_o derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o thy_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o mal._n 2._o 6_o 7._o matth._n 28._o 19_o 3._o that_o church-power_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a and_o magisterialpower_v but_o a_o lowly_a and_o ministerial-power_n not_o
no_o reason_n of_o â—…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 oâ—…_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 inâ—…iour_a judicatory_n not_o allow_v the_o congrâ—…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 ediâ—…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 thaâ—…_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 pluâ—…ality_n of_o her_o judicaâ—…ories_n very_o much_o practicalâ—…_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
the_o church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o all_o the_o public_a resolution_n party_n as_o its_o father_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a who_o it_o be_v or_o who_o do_v own_o it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o church-authority_n but_o from_o some_o person_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a capacity_n whether_o these_o be_v entrust_v by_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n for_o that_o effect_n themselves_o best_o know_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o tell_v what_o we_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v profess_v themselves_o stranger_n to_o the_o contrivement_n of_o it_o and_o disâ—…atis_o digest_o therewith_o some_o upon_o one_o account_n and_o some_o uâ—…on_n another_o and_o that_o a_o good_a while_n after_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o go_v abroad_o in_o print_n as_o the_o declaration_n of_o all_o that_o party_n many_o of_o they_o in_o seuâ—…rall_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v inquire_v what_o be_v it_o and_o what_o say_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v a_fw-la juncto_fw-la of_o some_o few_o who_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o eâ—…inburgh_n do_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o of_o their_o party_n do_v it_o while_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o many_o of_o that_o party_n be_v witness_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o priviâ—…_n to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v dissâ—…tisfied_v with_o it_o a_o thing_n hardly_o tolerable_a in_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o pretend_v to_o speak_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o concernment_n and_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o because_o though_o after_o the_o publâ—…shing_n of_o that_o declaration_n it_o be_v conâ—…idently_o give_v out_o by_o some_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n brethren_n and_o general_o expect_v by_o these_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o tender_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n as_o contain_v fit_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n yet_o can_v we_o hear_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n have_v own_v it_o or_o approve_v thereof_o yea_o sundry_a synod_n be_v by_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n put_v to_o it_o to_o declare_v themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o do_v refuse_v some_o of_o they_o to_o declare_v themselves_o therein_o till_o the_o other_o brethren_n shall_v first_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v therewith_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o to_o seek_v a_o shadow_n of_o some_o tolerable_a diversion_n thereby_o to_o wave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o other_o of_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v the_o desire_n in_o consideration_n how_o then_o can_v the_o protest_a brethren_n own_o it_o as_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o other_o party_n or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fetch_v its_o descent_n but_o from_o a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o name_n also_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o and_o be_v not_o only_o not_o own_v by_o their_o judicatory_n but_o by_o some_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o speak_v against_o by_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o party_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o protest_a party_n as_o to_o their_o sorbear_v any_o common_a answer_n to_o that_o unsavoury_a paper_n yet_o see_v not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o other_o side_n do_v please_v themselves_o in_o the_o crimination_n contain_v therein_o as_o unanswerable_a and_o in_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n which_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o as_o very_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a whereby_o they_o heighten_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o groundless_a prejudice_n against_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o stumble_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a we_o trust_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v service_n not_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o unpleasant_a to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n nor_o unprofitable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o resolution-way_n nor_o unedifying_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n not_o trace_v it_o word_n by_o word_n or_o line_n by_o line_n but_o first_o by_o clear_v innocent_a man_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n of_o these_o groundless_a prejudice_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v deep_o root_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o be_v therein_o blaze_v abroad_o to_o the_o world_n against_o their_o brethren_n 2._o by_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n so_o will_v these_o miserable_a mistake_n be_v remove_v they_o may_v see_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o attain_v some_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o allay_v their_o passion_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o persecution_n and_o to_o redintigrate_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o proffer_v unto_o they_o such_o term_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o do_v beseem_v the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o do_v indeed_o deny_v themselves_o and_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o send_v they_o or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o harken_v yet_o we_o may_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n bear_v record_n unto_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o let_v unbyasâ—…ed_v person_n know_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v not_o man_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o character_n who_o that_o paper_n point_v forth_o beside_o the_o inducement_n already_o mention_v there_o be_v one_o particular_a that_o have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n prevail_v on_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o paper_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o late_a representation_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v to_o plead_v for_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v require_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o but_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a esâ—…ence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o which_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n they_o have_v labour_v we_o fear_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-government_n that_o be_v too_o nigh_o of_o kin_n to_o that_o which_o be_v popish_a prelatical_a and_o tyrannical_a there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a assertion_n concerning_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n fall_v upon_o and_o publish_v in_o these_o time_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n by_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v sad_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a intention_n under_o the_o oâ—…fer_n when_o the_o strong_a party_n do_v so_o much_o press_v the_o absolute_a submission_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o all_o their_o sentence_n whatsoever_o whether_o jusâ—…_n or_o unjust_a but_o also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o man_n of_o a_o prelatical_a spirit_n will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o press_v it_o on_o as_o subservient_n to_o the_o reintroduce_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a and_o independent_a judgement_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o render_v presbyterial_a government_n hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o bring_v it_o in_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o whether_o some_o of_o the_o resolution_n party_n who_o do_v retain_v their_o old_a love_n to_o the_o prelatical_a way_n or_o other_o of_o they_o who_o if_o good_a testimonâ—…_n maâ—…_n be_v credit_v do_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o difference_n profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n and_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v for_o their_o own_o end_n have_v hand_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v but_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o work_n the_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n which_o that_o paper_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v these_o brother_n spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o against_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestaâ—…ion_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o
design_n to_o subvert_v and_o destroy_v the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n do_v manifâ—…stly_o tâ—…nd_v therâ—…unto_o the_o title_n and_o frontispiece_n of_o their_o paper_n bearâ—…th_v they_o to_o be_v the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v the_o dissent_a brethren_n which_o circumscription_n of_o the_o two_o party_n in_o one_o sentence_n without_o terminate_a their_o dissent_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v obvious_o liable_a to_o this_o construction_n that_o they_o do_v dissent_n from_o that_o government_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o five_o page_n they_o say_v they_o do_v easy_o foresee_v that_o their_o way_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o overturn_n of_o the_o establish_a church-government_n and_o a_o little_a downward_o in_o the_o same_o page_n that_o soon_o after_o and_o constant_o to_o this_o day_n by_o their_o irregular_a practice_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n they_o have_v bewray_v their_o small_a respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o that_o sâ—…ction_n that_o they_o express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o â—…ubmission_n to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n a_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o a_o constitute_a church_n and_o have_v in_o the_o next_o page_n reckon_v over_o some_o practice_n and_o proposal_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n they_o do_v thus_o conclude_v oâ—…_n they_o these_o project_n say_v they_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o sâ—…tting_v up_o in_o esfect_a a_o new_a 〈◊〉_d jurisdiction_n and_o a_o plant_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n plant_n and_o not_o only_o suspend_v the_o establish_a church-government_n 〈◊〉_d die_v but_o total_o subvert_v it_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o projector_n their_o domination_n in_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o brethren_n when_o we_o read_v and_o repeat_v these_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o bemoan_v the_o blindness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v now_o clothe_v with_o corruption_n and_o a_o body_n of_o death_n our_o brethren_n great_a quarrâ—…l_n and_o plea_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v from_o their_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v the_o government_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o to_o their_o apprehension_n the_o other_o will_v subvert_v and_o destroy_v and_o if_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o they_o in_o the_o proceed_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o to_o testify_v against_o they_o or_o of_o these_o course_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o call_v irregular_a and_o altogether_o disorderly_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n we_o trust_v they_o can_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o soul_n say_v that_o next_o unto_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o government_n be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n to_o wit_n the_o edify_n and_o build_n of_o his_o body_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n their_o ruin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o other_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o râ—…formation_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a principle_n thereof_o and_o neglect_v to_o improve_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n and_o abuse_v they_o oftentimes_o to_o contrary_a end_n together_o with_o a_o deâ—…ire_n to_o preserve_v these_o thing_n unto_o edification_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o most_o prevail_v upon_o they_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o both_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o their_o end_n and_o do_v design_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o yet_o the_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v so_o far_o mistake_v their_o own_o way_n as_o to_o chooâ—…e_v mean_n destructive_a to_o â—…heir_v own_o end_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o that_o they_o shall_v dissemble_v and_o mock_v god_n and_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o make_v profession_n of_o one_o thing_n whilâ—…st_v the_o contrary_a be_v design_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o actâ—…d_v by_o their_o hand_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o persuade_v the_o resolution_n brethrâ—…n_n that_o the_o other_o do_v not_o dissent_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n but_o do_v own_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o government_n appoint_v by_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a over_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o son_n for_o to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v profess_v for_o it_o and_o preach_v for_o it_o and_o plead_v and_o print_v for_o it_o and_o that_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o member_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o give_v obedience_n unto_o and_o put_v in_o execution_n their_o just_a sentence_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o print_n nor_o plead_v nor_o act_n for_o nor_o subject_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o church-government_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o their_o way_n now_o for_o many_o year_n and_o be_v well_o know_v in_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n yet_o haply_o it_o shall_v not_o ransom_v they_o in_o this_o point_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o their_o brethren_n jealousy_n shall_v they_o then_o open_v their_o heart_n unto_o they_o and_o take_v god_n who_o know_v they_o to_o record_v upon_o their_o soul_n that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o know_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v church-government_n they_o do_v judge_v presbyterial_a government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n and_o swear_v to_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o word_n oâ—…_n god_n and_o the_o only_a government_n warrant_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o have_v no_o thought_n nor_o design_n of_o subvert_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o or_o introduce_v any_o other_o into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v both_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o both_o covenant_n and_o many_o tie_n beside_o to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n thereof_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n among_o their_o posterity_n and_o the_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v if_o after_o all_o this_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v or_o what_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v more_o to_o persuade_v they_o but_o all_o this_o they_o have_v do_v already_o and_o must_v therefore_o possess_v their_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o commit_v the_o cause_n unto_o god_n who_o know_v their_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o thought_n thereof_o afar_o off_o these_o thing_n do_v haply_o prevail_v so_o far_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o some_o at_o least_o of_o these_o brethren_n as_o to_o make_v they_o allow_v the_o protest_a brethren_n more_o charity_n than_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v change_v their_o judgement_n concerning_o the_o government_n or_o that_o they_o do_v entertain_v formal_a and_o direct_a intention_n and_o a_o state_a design_n to_o subvert_v and_o destroy_v the_o same_o we_o know_v that_o they_o have_v always_o have_v that_o candid_a construction_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o other_o that_o no_o profession_n nor_o protestation_n nor_o action_n of_o they_o can_v since_o our_o late_a difference_n gain_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o they_o as_o to_o vindicate_v they_o from_o some_o sâ—…ated_a design_n against_o the_o government_n or_o if_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o they_o have_v judge_v it_o wisdom_n and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o weaken_v of_o their_o brethren_n by_o present_v they_o in_o such_o a_o figure_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o world_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v otherways_o though_o we_o know_v nothing_o that_o they_o have_v gain_v thereby_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o at_o last_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v have_v other_o to_o believe_v and_o
so_o in_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o run_v quite_o away_o from_o their_o old_a friend_n as_o man_n to_o be_v scar_v at_o like_o child_n real_o affright_v themselves_o with_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o devise_v to_o affright_v other_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o lie_v the_o stress_n and_o weight_n of_o all_o these_o harsh_a construction_n to_o wit_n their_o act_n and_o irregular_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o order_n and_o do_v clear_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o these_o they_o do_v reckon_v a_o great_a many_o in_o their_o representation_n publish_v at_o london_n which_o as_o to_o that_o head_n which_o yet_o take_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o book_n be_v so_o fraught_v with_o groundless_a alleagance_n and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o our_o brethren_n word_n of_o foul_a slander_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n some_o of_o they_o feign_a and_o other_o report_v with_o all_o the_o distortion_n that_o a_o prejudice_a mind_n can_v reach_v that_o we_o do_v profess_v though_o proportionable_a and_o correspondent_a assertion_n and_o carriage_n in_o their_o agent_n and_o his_o industrious_a spread_n of_o it_o do_v make_v we_o conceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v his_o yet_o until_o now_o that_o they_o have_v own_v it_o in_o a_o public_a declaration_n we_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v leave_v thâ—…_z full_o answer_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o those_o particular_n thaâ—…_n be_v short_o repeat_v in_o their_o declaration_n and_o iâ—…_z the_o entry_n do_v desire_v our_o brethren_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v well_o by_o their_o depart_n from_o their_o former_a principle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o hug_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o judicatory_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n against_o a_o public_a solemn_a vow_n and_o engagement_n swear_v by_o the_o whole_a land_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o abuse_v the_o government_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o discipline_n from_o off_o they_o and_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o nation_n to_o tempt_v they_o to_o cast_v at_o the_o government_n and_o to_o fall_v upon_o mean_n of_o defence_n that_o haply_o may_v have_v be_v prejudicial_a thereunto_o we_o do_v profess_v we_o do_v judge_v it_o a_o special_a mercy_n to_o this_o whole_a church_n that_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o prevail_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o the_o design_v and_o do_v of_o that_o real_o wherewith_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o instruct_v they_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n to_o the_o contrary_a who_o know_v but_o corruption_n meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n and_o strong_a temptation_n may_v have_v turn_v they_o aside_o to_o such_o unhappy_a purpose_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o brethren_n wisdom_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o government_n to_o improve_v it_o to_o edification_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n otherwise_o all_o their_o profess_v and_o plead_v and_o appear_v for_o it_o will_v do_v but_o little_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o root_n there_o it_o be_v not_o like_o long_a to_o subsist_v in_o outward_a profession_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_n of_o this_o nation_n once_o and_o again_o they_o mean_v the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n in_o both_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n national_a and_o provincial_a be_v clear_o assert_v and_o a_o honourable_a testimony_n give_v thereunto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n with_o distinct_a and_o full_a profession_n of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v thereunto_o nor_o be_v there_o in_o â—…ny_n of_o these_o protestation_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v wâ—…itten_v or_o publish_v in_o defence_n thereof_o one_o tittle_n that_o strike_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o intrinsical_a constitution_n and_o be_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n against_o those_o meeting_n be_v upon_o the_o undue_a qualification_n of_o and_o prelimitation_n make_v by_o person_n assume_v the_o exercise_n of_o government_n with_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o be_v altogether_o extrinseck_v to_o the_o government_n itself_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o maladministration_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church-governor_n and_o not_o to_o condemn_v the_o one_o when_o they_o be_v necessary_o call_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o other_o yea_o the_o duty_n and_o care_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n constrain_v they_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o abuse_n and_o cortupt_v of_o it_o so_o do_v our_o father_n of_o old_a who_o protestation_n against_o corrupt_a national_a church_n assembly_n be_v upon_o record_n to_o this_o day_n and_o so_o far_o have_v they_o be_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n from_o be_v judge_v because_o thereof_o to_o be_v against_o the_o government_n that_o they_o be_v honour_v among_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o preserver_n thereof_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o meeting_n to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_n in_o this_o nation_n nor_o to_o have_v any_o authority_n belong_v unto_o they_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o unfree_a and_o corrupt_a assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n long_o ago_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o any_o of_o the_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v that_o testify_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o many_o of_o these_o that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o dissent_v from_o or_o to_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o we_o can_v but_o say_v whatever_o be_v our_o brother_n intention_n in_o study_v some_o way_n to_o wrap_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n and_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n which_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n for_o this_o they_o seem_v to_o hint_n though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o speak_v in_o that_o word_n of_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o they_o set_v in_o the_o frontispiece_n and_o carry_v along_o in_o their_o paper_n as_o if_o the_o government_n can_v not_o be_v own_v nor_o subsist_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n discover_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o say_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v herein_o to_o please_v themselves_o and_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a yet_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v not_o so_o judge_v and_o the_o other_o by_o do_v so_o make_v more_o adversary_n to_o the_o â—…overnment_n than_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n â—…he_fw-mi second_v particular_a which_o they_o allege_v be_v their_o plant_n of_o congregation_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o counteracting_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o judicatory_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v please_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v therewith_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v a_o fault_n great_a enough_o but_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o for_o no_o better_a end_n but_o for_o serve_v of_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a and_o hateful_a sin_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o cause_n there_o be_v â—…or_a this_o great_a charge_n the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v by_o those_o resolution_n of_o they_o take_v in_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n many_o of_o that_o number_n receive_v either_o no_o advertisement_n or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o time_n to_o keep_v the_o meeting_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o give_v their_o judgement_n
corrupt_a scandalous_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d elder_n wherewith_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n be_v pester_v and_o 〈◊〉_d either_o do_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o edification_n or_o 〈◊〉_d too_o much_o to_o destruction_n we_o shall_v not_o for_o proof_n 〈◊〉_d this_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n those_o evidence_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ing_o defection_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v but_o too_o 〈◊〉_d ble_o and_o can_v be_v attest_v by_o many_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d ses_fw-fr but_o we_o will_v desire_v our_o brethren_n and_o 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o shall_v slight_v it_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n 1._o that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o a_o few_o 〈◊〉_d before_o these_o public_a resolution_n recover_v 〈◊〉_d under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o their_o adherent_n under_o which_o she_o have_v 〈◊〉_d and_o languish_v for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n by_o reason_n whereof_o though_o a_o remnant_n be_v preserve_v through_o grace_n yet_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v become_v either_o insufficient_a as_o to_o their_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d corrupt_a in_o their_o judgement_n or_o scandalous_a in_o 〈◊〉_d conversation_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o after_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o not_o only_o by_o godly_a man_n in_o private_a but_o public_o by_o our_o general_a assembly_n in_o their_o public_a warning_n and_o declaration_n and_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n acknowledge_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o external_a forsake_n of_o the_o prelatical_a way_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a defection_n and_o backslide_n be_v by_o many_o still_o unrepented_a of_o that_o many_o do_v still_o remain_v either_o neutral_a and_o cold_a or_o backward_o and_o ill-affected_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o reformation_n do_v begin_v to_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o multitude_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a man_n that_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o they_o do_v judge_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n not_o able_a to_o purge_v themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v commission_n to_o some_o select_a brethren_n nominate_v by_o themselves_o for_o visit_v the_o bound_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o power_n to_o these_o brethren_n to_o try_v and_o censure_v such_o minister_n and_o elder_n as_o they_o find_v insufficient_a or_o scandalous_a 4._o that_o these_o brethren_n find_v so_o much_o work_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o country_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a soon_o to_o overtake_v but_o after_o the_o continue_n of_o their_o diligence_n by_o renew_a commission_n for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n space_n the_o general_a assembly_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o do_v in_o place_n that_o have_v only_o be_v in_o part_n visit_v and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o place_n not_o yet_o visit_v do_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o appoint_v select_a person_n nominate_v by_o themselves_o for_o visit_v most_o of_o the_o presbyteriâ—…s_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o country_n with_o power_n to_o try_v and_o censure_n as_o aforesaid_a 5._o that_o those_o almost_o general_a visitation_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n albeit_o judge_v most_o necessary_a for_o purge_v of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o corrupt_a or_o insufficient_a man_n who_o presbyteriâ—…s_n and_o synod_n be_v either_o noâ—…_n able_a or_o not_o willing_a to_o censure_v be_v never_o keep_v because_o of_o the_o war_n immediate_o follow_v betwixt_o the_o two_o nation_n 6._o that_o few_o or_o none_o have_v since_o that_o time_n be_v purged-out_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o zeal_n that_o be_v former_o in_o good_a man_n among_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cool_v in_o those_o who_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v oppose_v and_o render_v ineffectual_a by_o man_n of_o another_o spirit_n who_o have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o kirk_n and_o have_v turn_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o public_a act_n into_o another_o 〈◊〉_d to_o wit_n against_o those_o who_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d brethren_n 7._o that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v former_o purged-out_a for_o the_o profanity_n and_o malignancy_n be_v again_o take_v 〈◊〉_d the_o ministry_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o repentance_n and_o have_v now_o no_o small_a hand_n in_o 〈◊〉_d govern_v of_o thing_n in_o sundry_a presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d synod_n we_o know_v their_o repentance_n be_v talk_v 〈◊〉_d but_o we_o do_v as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a tall_a some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v no_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o of_o any_o of_o the_o offence_n for_o which_o they_o 〈◊〉_d depose_v other_o of_o they_o not_o have_v acknowledge_v all_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o their_o sentence_n and_o most_o of_o they_o either_o prevaricate_a or_o extenuâ—…ting_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o acknowledgement_n 〈◊〉_d continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v sundry_a 〈◊〉_d brethren_n of_o the_o public_a judgement_n bemoan_v with_o 〈◊〉_d the_o taking-in_n of_o such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o themselves_o profess_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d dare_v appeal_v themselves_o and_o other_o who_o bâ—…st_v knoâ—…_n they_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o justlâ—…_n depose_v and_o have_v real_o repent_v of_o and_o changeâ—…_n their_o way_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v depose_v 8._o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a groaninâ—…_n and_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o godly_a general_o throughout_o the_o land_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o negligence_n and_o of_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a corrupt_a carriagâ—…_n of_o many_o minister_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o many_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o these_o seven_o or_o eight_o year_n past_a they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o edification_n and_o for_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v they_o not_o general_o be_v wail_v it_o that_o the_o meeting_n of_o many_o of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v for_o most_o part_n rather_o matter_n of_o grievance_n and_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o they_o than_o matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v over_o against_o this_o that_o universal_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o sâ—…andalous_a and_o disaffect_v malignant_a man_n in_o the_o land_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o public_a judgement_n and_o to_o the_o most_o of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n in_o most_o of_o their_o act_n do_v it_o not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v prevail_a corruption_n and_o defection_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o her_o judicatory_n what_o a_o strange_a change_n be_v it_o that_o profane_a malignant_a man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v know_v opposer_n and_o hater_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o who_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o her_o judicatory_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n that_o now_o their_o ordinary_a plea_n shall_v be_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o synod_n and_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o sorrow_n and_o put_v to_o open_a shame_n while_o through_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n advantage_n be_v give_v to_o adversary_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o comfort_n and_o for_o bear_v down_o of_o the_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a the_o four_o thing_n whence_o they_o labour_v to_o conclude_v the_o protest_a brethren_n adversary_n unto_o and_o projector_n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v it_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o do_v break_v up_o the_o conference_n for_o union_n with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o november_n 1655._o â—…hiefly_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o can_v not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o just_a power_n 〈◊〉_d devolve_v matter_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o extrajudicial_a 〈◊〉_d of_o equal_a number_n which_o point_n they_o resumâ—…_n again_o and_o prosecute_v at_o length_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o overture_n there_o anent_o in_o a_o distinct_a character_n and_o labour_a 〈◊〉_d hold_v forth_o the_o absurdity_n
class_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o we_o wonder_v that_o our_o brethren_n shall_v cite_v such_o testimony_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n as_o do_v indeed_o make_v against_o it_o neither_o have_v our_o brethren_n be_v more_o happy_a in_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o representation_n that_o this_o practice_n of_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o church_n where_o the_o 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 what_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n we_o have_v already_o tell_v they_o and_o for_o other_o church_n we_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o first_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o see_v whether_o many_o of_o the_o worthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o live_v of_o old_a such_o as_o athanasius_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o refuse_v submission_n to_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n and_o counteract_v thereunto_o not_o only_o by_o preach_v contrary_a to_o their_o determination_n but_o by_o preach_v and_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n after_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n pass_v against_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a shift_n for_o our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o synod_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o officer_n and_o of_o a_o constitution_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o these_o worthy_a man_n have_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o officer_n because_o of_o their_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o such_o like_a they_o be_v such_o themselves_o nor_o against_o the_o constitution_n but_o their_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o heterodoxy_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o do_v refuse_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v counteract_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o though_o because_o of_o their_o so_o do_v they_o be_v then_o persecute_v and_o reproach_v by_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o these_o time_n aâ—…_n the_o firebrand_n of_o the_o time_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v their_o praise_n be_v among_o all_o sober_a and_o sound_a man_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o many_o generation_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o do_v persecute_v they_o for_o so_o do_v be_v and_o will_v be_v just_o condemn_v as_o man_n of_o a_o malignant_a spirit_n we_o remember_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o observation_n of_o osiander_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o a_o council_n at_o antioch_n in_o which_o it_o be_v decide_v that_o if_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n shall_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o metropolitan_a go_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o put_v up_o any_o grievance_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n but_o from_o his_o proper_a dignity_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n this_o canon_n say_v osiander_n be_v compose_v against_o holy_a athanasius_n for_o athanasius_n be_v expel_v by_o the_o arian_n have_v flee_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n the_o young_a and_o bad_a from_o he_o obtain_v regress_n to_o his_o own_o church_n now_o this_o canon_n say_v he_o be_v very_o unjust_a which_o forbid_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v unjust_o oppress_v fly_v to_o his_o godly_a civil_a magistrate_n since_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n wicked_a nero_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n witness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o place_n that_o bishop_n be_v very_o soon_o seek_v dominion_n say_v he_o yea_o tyranny_n over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o colleague_n hist._n eccl._n cent._n 4._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 48._o pag._n 242._o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o allegiance_n that_o both_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v by_o and_o give_v engagement_n to_o the_o prelate_n it_o have_v indeed_o too_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o many_o of_o their_o number_n and_o haply_o some_o of_o the_o other_o also_o do_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n give_v these_o engagement_n for_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a submission_n to_o their_o ordinary_a the_o lord-prelate_n to_o which_o the_o submission_n require_v by_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o shall_v afterwards_o show_v be_v too_o near_o a_o kin_n but_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o absolute_a unlimited_a submission_n be_v either_o require_v by_o presbytery_n or_o engage_v into_o by_o entrant_n since_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o prelate_n we_o do_v deny_v and_o be_v confident_a that_o our_o brethren_n can_v bring_v no_o relevant_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o the_o elect_n of_o minister_n condescend_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n march_n 9_o 1560._o where_o john_n knox_n be_v moderator_n sundry_a question_n be_v order_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o intrant_fw-la to_o the_o ministry_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v and_o no_o other_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v propound_v since_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v demand_v of_o he_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o do_v most_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o wholesome_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o same_o church_n by_o which_o he_o be_v now_o call_v to_o this_o office_n and_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o they_o promise_v obedience_n to_o all_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n now_o what_o do_v this_o amount_v unto_o will_v our_o brethren_n say_v to_o such_o a_o subjection_n as_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o subjection_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v upon_o express_a supposal_n of_o slide_v and_o offend_v upon_o his_o part_n who_o promise_v the_o subjection_n upon_o which_o case_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v as_o much_o for_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n as_o the_o resolution_n brother_n be_v but_o if_o they_o will_v extend_v it_o further_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o brethren_n whether_o he_o have_v osfend_v or_o not_o they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o more_o colour_n of_o reason_n say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n not_o only_o to_o give_v subjection_n but_o also_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o admonition_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v no_o express_a limitation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n these_o qualification_n be_v as_o we_o say_v before_o among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la and_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o such_o question_n and_o answer_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o express_v they_o except_o where_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o do_v plead_v against_o this_o submission_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n we_o shall_v set_v they_o down_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o brethren_n their_o demand_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n the_o six_o thing_n that_o our_o brethren_n bring_v in_o for_o attest_v the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o project_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o enervate_a the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n by_o procure_v a_o order_n put_v the_o power_n of_o give_v testimony_n to_o entrant_n which_o be_v due_a to_o presbytery_n only_o who_o be_v authorize_v to_o judge_v of_o their_o call_n and_o to_o try_v and_o to_o ordain_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o select_a person_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n declar._n pag._n 6._o we_o do_v somewhat_o wonder_v at_o our_o brethren_n mention_v of_o this_o and_o that_o in_o a_o paper_n pretend_v to_o earnest_a desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o their_o conscience_n know_v that_o that_o order_n be_v not_o embrace_v nor_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o protest_a party_n in_o scotland_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o name_n be_v in_o it_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o their_o conscience_n to_o close_v with_o it_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o themselves_o that_o
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v iâ—…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v iâ—…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n puâ—…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v heâ—…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamenâ—…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o iâ—…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thiâ—…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciuâ—…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposinâ—…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o haâ—…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commissionâ—…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desiâ—…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v
1650._o and_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n follow_v against_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 5._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o authoritative_a approbation_n of_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o provincial_n synod_n and_o presbytery_n many_o of_o which_o have_v make_v and_o past_a particular_a act_n for_o that_o effect_n 6._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n against_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n 7._o in_o order_n to_o the_o taking-in_n of_o many_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a person_n and_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o ecclesiastic_a privilege_n and_o trust_n such_o have_v vote_n in_o congregation_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n and_o sit_v as_o elder_n in_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n 8._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o all_o these_o sad_a fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o defection_n which_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v long_o ago_o represent_v to_o the_o several_a synod_n and_o have_v since_o that_o time_n collect_v together_o in_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o this_o declaration_n do_v give_v their_o reader_n but_o word_n and_o wrong_v the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o of_o toss_v about_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o do_v other_o of_o their_o party_n when_o they_o do_v discourse_n and_o write_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o obstruction_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o a_o agreement_n from_o any_o thing_n pâ—…rtaining_v to_o these_o resolution_n that_o be_v now_o in_o be_v or_o that_o be_v urge_v by_o these_o who_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o upon_o or_o against_o the_o protest_a brethren_n but_o that_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o continue_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v because_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n will_v not_o quit_v their_o judgement_n and_o profess_v repentance_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v when_o as_o beside_o repentance_n and_o change_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o hold_v forth_o as_o their_o duty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n without_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o union_n and_o peace_n with_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o these_o resolution_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o be_v adhere_v unto_o and_o prosecute_v by_o these_o brethren_n that_o do_v prove_v hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o a_o agreement_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protest_a brethren_n which_o as_o it_o be_v partly_o manifest_a from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v so_o shall_v it_o more_o evident_o and_o full_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v when_o we_o shall_v take_v in_o consideration_n the_o overture_n of_o union_n propound_v by_o they_o in_o this_o paper_n another_o of_o their_o prejudice_n be_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n affect_v pre-eminence_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o domination_n of_o their_o party_n in_o this_o church_n and_o over_o their_o brethren_n decl._n pag._n 4._o and_o pag._n 6._o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o root_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o take_v hold_v on_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o have_v from_o they_o be_v derive_v unto_o all_o the_o posterity_n descend_v from_o they_o by_o ordinary_a generation_n and_o keep_v some_o foot_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o who_o a_o body_n of_o death_n dwell_v we_o shall_v but_o flatter_v they_o and_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n as_o much_o of_o that_o bitter_a root_n in_o they_o as_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o bitter_a mourning_n and_o humiliation_n unto_o they_o before_o god_n neither_o will_v they_o we_o believe_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v wish_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o point_n of_o difference_n though_o we_o hope_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n that_o it_o be_v they_o but_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n but_o that_o they_o do_v affect_v pre-eminence_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o domination_n of_o their_o party_n over_o the_o church_n and_o over_o their_o brethren_n we_o have_v confidence_n and_o clearness_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o have_v their_o work_n to_o witness_v the_o contrary_a our_o brethren_n do_v well_o know_v that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o may_v they_o not_o if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o party_n affect_v pre-eminence_n have_v exercise_v the_o power_n contain_v therein_o these_o year_n past_a but_o how_o soon_o those_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v member_n thereof_o have_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o judgement_n holden-forth_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n against_o the_o land_n they_o do_v abstain_v and_o have_v hithertill_v abstain_v from_o act_v in_o that_o capacity_n how_o frequent_o also_o have_v they_o offer_v unto_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n that_o if_o they_o will_v by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o without_o they_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o to_o look_v on_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o work_n and_o if_o when_o they_o have_v long_o wait_v for_o it_o and_o see_v they_o like_a to_o do_v nothing_o in_o it_o yea_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v adverse_a to_o it_o and_o be_v pollute_v in_o stead_n of_o purge_v must_v it_o be_v a_o affect_n of_o domination_n for_o minister_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o propound_v such_o mean_n and_o overture_n as_o do_v carry_v in_o they_o some_o probability_n towards_o do_v somewhat_o in_o that_o necessary_a work_n wherein_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o willing_a that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o equal_a share_n with_o themselves_o it_o have_v be_v ordinary_a for_o righteous_a man_n who_o conscience_n can_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o to_o couch_v under_o public_a corruption_n without_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o endeavour_v a_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n from_o oppress_v and_o loose_a party_n and_o person_n that_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n that_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v judge_n and_o do_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v seek_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o it_o be_v among_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o common_a world_n but_o even_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o through_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n be_v subservient_n unto_o he_o because_o he_o can_v find_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o those_o who_o god_n call_v to_o witness_v against_o or_o pull_v down_o his_o kingdom_n sufficient_a ground_n of_o challenge_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v make_v odious_a to_o the_o world_n therefore_o he_o think_v it_o for_o his_o advantage_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o inward_a abomination_n such_o as_o hypocrisy_n and_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o mischievous_a project_n and_o design_n etc._o etc._o know_v that_o though_o they_o may_v just_o deny_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a easy_o to_o refute_v they_o there_o be_v always_o somewhat_o in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o best_a action_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a man_n that_o may_v by_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v construe_v to_o spring_v from_o such_o root_n it_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o those_o proposal_n and_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o declaration_n concerning_o which_o before_o we_o descend_v into_o particular_n we_o offer_v these_o general_a observation_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o very_a entry_n they_o lie_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n as_o seem_v to_o render_v union_n very_o hopeless_a for_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o union_n propound_v by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o pretend_a injury_n do_v by_o they_o to_o the_o government_n they_o do_v the_o in_o eight_o page_n conclude_v thus_o for_o our_o part_n say_v they_o we_o resolve_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n never_o to_o accord_v thereunto_o nor_o to_o recedâ—…_n from_o the_o estbalish_a government_n be_v the_o hazard_n what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a we_o resolve_v never_o to_o condescend_v to_o any_o overture_n of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v in_o it_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o do_v it_o by_o the_o plurality_n of_o corrupt_a man_n in_o presbytery_n and_o
iniquity_n whereof_o we_o shall_v afterward_o discover_v but_o leave_v these_o general_a consideration_n we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o proposal_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n first_o they_o be_v insufficient_a because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o mock-remedy_n hold_v forth_o therein_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n for_o prevent_v the_o like_a corrupt_a constitution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o thing_n they_o know_v to_o be_v two_o great_a ground_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o grievance_n these_o brethren_n do_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb_n 8._o 1655._o propound_v and_o desire_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o concerning_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o their_o declaration_n and_o warning_n and_o act_n result_v thereupon_o and_o the_o declaration_n and_o act_n of_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n of_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o all_o other_o declaration_n and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o be_v the_o result_v thereof_o be_v render_v of_o none_o effect_n in_o order_n to_o censure_v past_a or_o to_o come_v and_o also_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v import_v or_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o the_o public_a definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o anent_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o react_v in_o any_o time_n hereafter_o next_o that_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o two_o controvert_v assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n shall_v be_v as_o to_o their_o constitution_n in_o the_o thing_n protest_v and_o except_v against_o no_o precedent_n nor_o prejudice_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o future_a general_n assembly_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o desire_n they_o do_v only_o proffer_v a_o cessation_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o act_n whereby_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v man_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o judgement_n from_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v agree_v that_o they_o be_v make_v void_a and_o null_a by_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o do_v also_o agree_v that_o the_o matter_n concerning_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v remit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o mock-remedy_n we_o speak_v of_o conceive_v we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o so_o not_o only_o because_o in_o the_o same_o place_n they_o will_v have_v it_o a_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n which_o be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o two_o late_a assembly_n import_v a_o admit_n of_o such_o only_a to_o be_v member_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o ratify_v these_o resolution_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereunto_o all_o other_o by_o their_o establish_a order_n be_v incapable_a to_o be_v choose_v member_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o assembly_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n the_o plurality_n of_o presbytery_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o a_o small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o haply_o some_o will_v say_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n can_v without_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n condescend_v that_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v look_v upon_o or_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o public_a definitive_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n we_o know_v that_o themselves_o do_v so_o say_v but_o of_o this_o we_o can_v never_o hear_v a_o satisfy_a reason_n from_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v man_n of_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o we_o be_v shall_v hardly_o reach_v it_o be_v the_o repeal_n of_o one_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o which_o they_o do_v vote_n and_o which_o they_o do_v still_o in_o their_o judgement_n approve_v as_o just_a and_o equitable_a upon_o the_o matter_n a_o quit_n of_o their_o judgement_n more_o than_o the_o repeal_n of_o another_o to_o which_o they_o do_v also_o vote_n and_o do_v still_o approve_v of_o they_o be_v content_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o repeal_v these_o act_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o as_o do_v oppose_v these_o resolution_n and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v without_o condemn_v or_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n and_o may_v they_o not_o also_o without_o condemn_v or_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n repeal_v these_o act_n that_o declare_v these_o resolution_n to_o be_v the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n this_o will_v not_o be_v a_o quit_n or_o alter_v their_o judgement_n concerning_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o the_o taking-off_n the_o synodical_a or_o juridical_a tie_n not_o because_o of_o any_o error_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o upon_o other_o extrinsic_a consideration_n a_o thing_n very_o ordinary_a in_o judicatory_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o we_o believe_v unbiased_a man_n will_v think_v that_o our_o brethren_n who_o profess_v and_o publish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n be_v bind_v the_o rather_o so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n can_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o taking-off_n a_o synodical_a tie_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o extrinsic_a thereto_o if_o our_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v indeed_o judge_v they_o so_o extrinsic_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o herein_o condescend_v they_o give_v more_o than_o cause_n even_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o apprehend_v that_o all_o their_o profession_n for_o and_o pretension_n unto_o peace_n be_v but_o professious_a and_o pretensious_a or_o else_o that_o they_o mean_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o totter_a foundation_n of_o these_o rot_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o some_o new_a fabric_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o build_v thereupon_o when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v unto_o the_o produce_n of_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a division_n and_o persecution_n in_o the_o church_n than_o they_o have_v former_o bring_v forth_o second_o these_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v unsufficient_a because_o they_o do_v contain_v or_o hold_v forth_o no_o effectual_a mean_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o lord_n house_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a desire_n propound_v by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o that_o sort_n in_o the_o land_n they_o do_v in_o this_o particular_a give_v they_o a_o number_n of_o good_a word_n but_o when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o practice_n and_o performance_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v but_o word_n and_o no_o more_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o contravert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o business_n have_v often_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o go_v about_o that_o work_n in_o the_o most_o strict_a way_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o church-judicatory_n in_o such_o case_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o often_o entreat_v they_o to_o unite_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v may_v be_v carried-on_v more_o effectual_o but_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o any_o report_n of_o scandal_n or_o insufficiency_n lay_v forth_o themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o inflict_v due_a censure_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o at_o any_o time_n be_v find_v when_o we_o read_v these_o word_n our_o spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o astonishment_n and_o grief_n and_o what_o answer_v to_o return_v to_o such_o asseveration_n we_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o cause_n unto_o god_n who_o know_v their_o way_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o whether_o they_o have_v make_v conscience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v these_o seven_o year_n past_a or_o have_v neglect_v and_o obstruct_v the_o same_o yea_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n undo_v what_o be_v former_o do_v therein_o how_o few_o insufficient_a scandalous_a minister_n since_o the_o birth_n of_o these_o public_a resolution_n to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v remove_v
relate_v thereunto_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o which_o we_o hope_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v take_v for_o gross_a dissembler_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o six_o themselves_o and_o desirous_a also_o to_o have_v their_o brethren_n who_o give_v but_o a_o rich_a answer_n in_o this_o particular_a also_o fix_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o our_o brethren_n have_v in_o that_o conference_n overture_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n minister_n and_o people_n shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n respective_o and_o if_o any_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o presbytery_n they_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o synod_n and_o if_o any_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o synod_n they_o may_v appeal_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o sentence_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v acquiesce_v unto_o until_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o respective_a supreme_a judicatory_n thereupon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v quere_n upon_o this_o article_n whether_o the_o submission_n and_o acquiescence_n require_v in_o the_o same_o do_v import_v a_o submission_n and_o acqutescence_n in_o every_o person_n in_o all_o case_n even_o when_o the_o plunality_n of_o a_o kirk-iudicatory_a do_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o employ_v their_o power_n to_o destruction_n and_o not_o to_o edification_n and_o their_o determination_n do_v necessary_o infer_v present_a detriment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o find_v that_o by_o their_o answer_n they_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n require_v a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a they_o do_v declare_v unto_o they_o that_o as_o they_o do_v not_o willing_o desire_v to_o enter_v in_o any_o debate_n anent_o that_o matter_n conceive_v it_o unexpedient_a to_o start_v and_o debate_v such_o question_n at_o that_o time_n or_o to_o make_v any_o declaration_n thereanent_o so_o they_o do_v conceive_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n have_v not_o hithertil_v be_v require_v nor_o can_v warrantable_o be_v yield_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o it_o be_v then_o require_v especial_o there_o be_v to_o their_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n so_o much_o corruption_n in_o the_o plurality_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n whereof_o they_o profess_v themselves_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v the_o evidence_n and_o afterwards_o that_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n about_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o they_o in_o that_o conference_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n concerning_o subordination_n and_o submission_n particular_o from_o 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 in_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o that_o which_o iâ—_z require_v by_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n because_o they_o require_v such_o a_o declaration_n of_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o have_v not_o hithertil_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n thereof_o to_o wit_n that_o which_o do_v import_v a_o like_a submission_n to_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o of_o corrupt_a or_o uncorrupt_a judicatory_n and_o do_v exclude_v declinâ—â—â—or_fw-la and_o contrary_a act_n in_o every_o case_n which_o can_v not_o but_o probable_o put_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v before_o because_o it_o will_v take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a remedy_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o of_o the_o act_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o forefather_n in_o the_o time_n of_o former_a defection_n but_o because_o this_o point_n be_v of_o importance_n and_o state_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o more_o rigid_a of_o the_o resolutioner_n as_o adversary_n to_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o vindication_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o it_o the_o question_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o in_o it_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a from_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n minister_n and_o people_n to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o from_o the_o inferior_a to_o the_o superior_a kirk-judicatory_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o aught_o upon_o the_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a of_o these_o judicatory_n to_o sist_z the_o proceed_n of_o the_o person_n or_o party_n grieve_v therewith_o and_o make_v they_o aquiesce_v thereunto_o until_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o respective_a superior_a judicatory_n therein_o without_o any_o counteracting_n to_o the_o same_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o follow_v their_o appeal_n before_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n upon_o this_o question_n we_o find_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o their_o last_o paper_n at_o the_o conference_n novemb._n 25._o 1655._o express_v their_o judgement_n thus_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o just_a sentence_n of_o the_o lawfâ—ll_v assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v only_o of_o a_o few_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 edification_n in_o the_o current_n of_o their_o act_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n who_o do_v desire_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o breach_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o present_a course_n of_o defection_n and_o of_o judicatory_n the_o plurality_n whereof_o in_o many_o place_n do_v not_o act_v unto_o edification_n and_o for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o alter_v the_o case_n the_o resolution_n brethren_n without_o admit_v these_o qualification_n and_o restriction_n upon_o the_o sentence_n or_o the_o person_n sentence_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o censure_n and_o without_o acknowledge_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o church-judicatory_n be_v for_o the_o affirmative_a of_o the_o question_n to_o wit_n subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o all_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o respective_a kirk-judicatory_n just_a or_o unjust_a by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n minister_n and_o professor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o prosecute_v their_o appeal_n before_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a as_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o overturâ—…_n propound_v unto_o the_o protest_a brethren_n june_n 〈◊〉_d 1655._o and_o from_o the_o paper_n that_o pass_v 〈◊〉_d they_o thereupon_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgâ—…_n from_o november_n 8._o till_o novemb._n 29._o 1655._o and_o froâ—…_n their_o late_a representation_n pag._n 39_o sect._n 43._o anâ—…_n pag._n 47._o sect._n 53._o and_o from_o this_o present_a 〈◊〉_d but_o let_v we_o examine_v their_o reason_n their_o firsâ—…_n reason_n be_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v of_o the_o verâ—…_n essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n our_o brethren_n say_v they_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a beinâ—…_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n etc._n etc._n represent_v pag._n 39â—…_n sect._n 2._o and_o again_o they_o decline_v also_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o that_o submission_n â—…o_o the_o government_n and_o to_o observe_v that_o subordination_n of_o person_n and_o judicatoriâ—…_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o we_o be_v willing_a shoulâ—…_n be_v mutual_a and_o albeit_o we_o require_v nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d be_v essential_a to_o presbyterial_a government_n yet_o they_o diâ—…_n whole_o decline_v it_o represent_v pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o anâ—…_n in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o present_a declaration_n they_o express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o submission_n to_o thâ—…_z church-judicatory_n to_o which_o we_o and_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v for_o our_o part_n and_o without_o which_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n a_o principle_n inconsistâ—…nt_n with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o a_o constituteâ—…_n church_n answ._n it_o be_v to_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v will_v be_v to_o all_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a man_n who_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o church-government_n new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n that_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a subjection_n to_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
censure_n of_o admonition_n suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n excommunication_n and_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n now_o all_o these_o power_n be_v authoritative_a and_o in_o their_o determination_n and_o exercise_v confine_v unto_o and_o circumscribe_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n we_o will_v desire_v from_o our_o brethren_n a_o reason_n why_o the_o critic-power_n shall_v be_v more_o bind_v than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o critic-power_n while_o it_o be_v not_o due_a to_o any_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a decree_n proceed_v from_o the_o dogmatic_a or_o diatactick_a power_n have_v god_n put_v more_o honour_n and_o respect_n upon_o the_o last_o than_o upon_o the_o two_o first_o or_o have_v he_o give_v great_a latitude_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o last_o nor_o of_o the_o two_o first_o or_o be_v the_o last_o bind_v by_o thâ—…_z mere_a will_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whilâ—…st_v the_o two_o fiâ—…st_v bind_v only_o when_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o judge_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o these_o foundation_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o power_n be_v write_v or_o what_o they_o do_v bring_v for_o they_o from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n or_o how_o in_o reason_n they_o can_v consist_v when_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o two_o first_o and_o if_o this_o submission_n be_v equal_o due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o the_o three_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v that_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o be_v a_o error_n that_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n be_v not_o necessary_a that_o kneel_v be_v a_o necessary_a gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o forbear_v work_v on_o yuleday_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o such_o like_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o act_v conâ—…rary_a to_o these_o their_o determination_n which_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o word_n before_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o dreadful_a gospel-curse_n of_o his_o deny_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 10._o 33._o mark_n 8._o 38._o luke_n 26._o 6._o but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o submission_n be_v not_o due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o external_a order_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dogmatic_a and_o diatactick_a power_n in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n shall_v also_o necessary_o infer_v the_o assert_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o external_a order_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o do_v declare_v that_o a_o great_a company_n and_o faction_n of_o wicked_a man_n son_n of_o belial_n be_v subject_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o christian_a army_n and_o covenant_v nation_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1651._o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o dogmatic-power_n approve_v of_o and_o ratify_v this_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n and_o do_v withal_o by_o their_o critic-power_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o determination_n but_o shall_v oppose_v by_o profess_v or_o preach_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o ask_v whether_o these_o censure_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n against_o these_o who_o profess_v otherwise_o or_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n from_o the_o ministry_n against_o those_o who_o preach_v otherwise_o if_o this_o submission_n which_o be_v require_v be_v give_v to_o these_o censure_n will_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o they_o must_v not_o continue_v to_o profess_v or_o preach_v any_o more_o so_o and_o if_o this_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o dogmatic-power_n aswell_o as_o to_o the_o critic_n or_o let_v we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n who_o be_v depose_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o profess_v and_o preach_v and_o plead_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o consubstantial_a son_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n because_o of_o their_o profess_v and_o preach_v against_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n will_v not_o such_o submission_n to_o these_o sentence_n as_o exclude_v all_o counteracting_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o appeal_v necessary_o infer_v submission_n to_o the_o decree_n themselves_o so_o as_o the_o person_n censure_v must_v be_v silence_v and_o not_o profess_v nor_o preach_v nor_o plead_v any_o more_o for_o the_o one_o truth_n nor_o against_o the_o other_o error_n 7._o to_o wave_v a_o little_a that_o which_o concern_v private_a and_o particular_a person_n we_o offer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a and_o superior_a simple_o and_o absolute_o because_o they_o be_v great_a and_o superior_a or_o because_o the_o inferior_a have_v no_o intrinsical_a power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o in_o and_o wiâ—…h_a subordination_n to_o the_o great_a because_o great_a if_o so_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o all_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n congregational-eldership_n presbytery_n and_o provincial_a synod_n must_v befenced_a and_o act_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o all_o those_o civil_a court_n that_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n be_v fence_v in_o his_o name_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n inferior_a kirk-judicatory_n be_v ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n mat._n 18_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n when_o wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n oblige_v they_o to_o submission_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n cast-out_a a_o heterodox_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n must_v they_o because_o the_o synod_n or_o general_a assembly_n do_v sustain_v his_o unjust_a appeal_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o procedure_n admit_v a_o able_a orthodox_a godly_a man_n to_o the_o ministry_n must_v they_o because_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v cease_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o or_o own_v he_o for_o one_o of_o their_o number_n or_o as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a truth_n that_o be_v common_o deliver_v by_o some_o divine_n write_v of_o synod_n that_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o corruptive_a privative_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_a congregation_n but_o perfective_a acumulative_a and_o conservative_a thereunto_o 8._o what_o be_v deny_v jure_fw-la to_o oecomenick_a counsel_n and_o so_o lawful_o call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o nathan_n to_o david_n to_o paul_n to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o 8._o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o general_a assembly_n if_o oecomenick_a counsel_n lawful_o call_v minister_n if_o nathan_n if_o samuel_n if_o paul_n if_o a_o angel_n teach_v or_o decree_v but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o counteract_v and_o to_o contradict_v gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v to_o you_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 9_o what_o be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v warrantable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o not_o to_o be_v counteract_v nor_o contradict_v be_v proprium_fw-la quarto_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n isa._n 8._o