county_n of_o lancaster_n into_o nine_o classical_a presbytery_n represent_v from_o the_o say_a county_n and_o it_o be_v further_o resolve_v that_o the_o say_a house_n do_v approve_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o person_n represent_v from_o the_o county_n of_o lancaster_n as_o fit_a to_o be_v of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a class_n into_o which_o the_o say_a county_n be_v divide_v which_o division_n of_o this_o county_n into_o nine_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o the_o approval_n thereof_o by_o the_o say_a lord_n and_o commons_o be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o publish_v in_o this_o division_n so_o make_v and_o approve_v the_o first_o classis_fw-la be_v to_o contain_v manchester_n parish_n prestwich_n parish_n oldham_n parish_n flixton_n parish_n eccles_n parish_n and_o ashton_n under-line_n parish_n as_o by_o what_o be_v then_o print_v and_o be_v yet_o extant_a be_v to_o be_v see_v further_o we_o wish_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o your_o forementioned_a direction_n pag._n 3._o direction_n 6._o it_o be_v there_o thus_o ordain_v that_o all_o parish_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o as_o well_o privilege_v place_n and_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n as_o other_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o congregational_a classical_a and_o national_a assembly_n provide_v that_o the_o chapel_n or_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v continue_v free_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o directory_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n decemb._n 21._o 1646._o that_o the_o several_a class_n in_o lancashire_n shall_v be_v one_o province_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o order_n to_o that_o purpose_n as_o there_o be_v also_o another_o order_n of_o they_o of_o octob._n 16._o 1648._o enable_v the_o several_a class_n within_o this_o province_n to_o send_v their_o delegate_n to_o meet_v in_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n in_o preston_n and_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o meeting_n the_o number_n of_o the_o delegate_n that_o be_v to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o provision_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o by_o the_o parliament_n before_o any_o provincial_a assembly_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o authority_n be_v enable_v to_o act_v provincial_o by_o which_o account_n thus_o give_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o set_n up_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o county_n the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o several_a class_n the_o make_v of_o those_o class_n into_o a_o province_n and_o their_o act_v provincial_o as_o also_o the_o appoint_v this_o classis_fw-la to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o number_n only_o the_o account_n beginning_n here_o be_v all_o do_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o when_o we_o call_v ourselves_o the_o first_o classis_fw-la within_o the_o province_n of_o lancaster_n we_o be_v awarrant_v thereto_o by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o so_o your_o salute_v we_o in_o our_o own_o term_n which_o we_o give_v not_o to_o ourselves_o till_o the_o parliament_n have_v first_o give_v they_o to_o we_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o that_o then_o do_v or_o now_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o parliament_n exercise_v in_o those_o time_n especial_o consider_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v since_o either_o by_o that_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o or_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o last_o parliament_n that_o take_v from_o we_o what_o be_v then_o grant_v and_o as_o we_o shall_v clear_v further_o anon_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o what_o in_o your_o paper_n you_o have_v to_o say_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o mistake_n of_o that_o title_n which_o be_v give_v by_o we_o unto_o we_o which_o you_o call_v a_o paper_n draught_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o we_o entitle_v a_o presentation_n as_o you_o call_v it_o but_o a_o draught_n that_o represent_v to_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n our_o apprehension_n in_o a_o case_n by_o they_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o provincial_n under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o representation_n but_o this_o perhaps_o be_v but_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o we_o insist_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o you_o publish_v as_o your_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o general_a council_n contrary_a thereunto_o if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v much_o less_o to_o one_o of_o our_o provincial_a assembly_n although_o you_o tell_v we_o we_o seem_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o provincial_n what_o we_o will_v hardly_o grant_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o which_o you_o profess_v to_o differ_v from_o we_o we_o know_v very_o well_o and_o have_v learn_v better_a from_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o company_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o judgement_n of_o synod_n provincial_a or_o national_a or_o of_o general_a council_n that_o have_v be_v heretofore_o or_o that_o may_v be_v hereafter_o we_o be_v sure_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a grace_n must_v have_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a foundation_n which_o be_v only_o the_o infallible_a and_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o only_o be_v your_o meaning_n you_o have_v not_o we_o differ_v from_o you_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o synod_n and_o council_n right_o constitute_v and_o regular_o call_v as_o they_o may_v be_v then_o of_o great_a use_n for_o light_n and_o guidance_n so_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o so_o have_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o private_a person_n we_o dare_v not_o contemn_v they_o nor_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o and_o see_v the_o high_a assembly_n have_v great_a authority_n than_o the_o low_a as_o there_o be_v more_o power_n in_o the_o whole_a then_o in_o the_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n then_o in_o any_o one_o or_o some_o member_n and_o that_o however_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o class_n yet_o we_o be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n we_o see_v not_o wherein_o we_o offend_v that_o we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v by_o that_o assembly_n unto_o we_o unto_o their_o judgement_n there_o be_v concern_v matter_n of_o religion_n judicium_fw-la privatum_fw-la or_o a_o private_a judgement_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o fee_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o judge_n concern_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o judgement_n as_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o ourselves_o so_o we_o shall_v lord_n it_o over_o man_n conscience_n if_o we_o shall_v deny_v it_o to_o any_o there_o be_v also_o judicium_fw-la publicum_fw-la &_o authoritativum_fw-la a_o public_a and_o a_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v either_o concional_a which_o belong_v to_o every_o lawful_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n be_v commit_v by_o himself_o single_o or_o else_o it_o be_v juridical_a and_o this_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o council_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o inquire_v into_o try_v examine_v censure_n and_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n authoritative_o although_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o proceed_n as_o judge_n to_o the_o law_n &_o likewise_o to_o censure_v offender_n according_a to_o their_o merit_n when_o such_o case_n be_v regular_o and_o orderly_o bring_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o we_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o the_o paper_n publish_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o we_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n 14.32_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v mat._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o who_o upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o contest_v that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n about_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v send_v up_o from_o that_o church_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o that_o question_n from_o these_o and_o other_o scriptural_a ground_n we_o have_v
not_o find_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v so_o long_o as_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1500_o year_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v till_o this_o present_a you_o have_v hear_v what_o rule_n do_v ancient_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n notwithstanding_o that_o through_o the_o corruption_n that_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n be_v long_o disuse_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o other_o but_o it_o be_v what_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la ought_v to_o be_v and_o not_o what_o the_o facto_fw-la be_v or_o have_v be_v which_o be_v that_o which_o you_o and_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o attend_v and_o concern_v which_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o only_a judge_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o but_o you_o say_v now_o subjection_n to_o our_o present_a government_n be_v require_v by_o we_o and_o then_o demand_v whether_o all_o that_o observe_v not_o our_o rank_n and_o order_n and_o subject_n not_o themselves_o to_o our_o present_a government_n must_v be_v take_v for_o lawless_a person_n for_o so_o say_v you_o do_v this_o close_a connexion_n of_o we_o seem_v to_o import_v viz._n many_o who_o do_v not_o subject_a but_o live_v etc._n etc._n but_o here_o you_o do_v reason_n fallacious_o à _fw-la bene_fw-la conjunctis_fw-la ad_fw-la male_a divisa_fw-la for_o in_o our_o paper_n we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o do_v live_v in_o a_o sinful_a and_o total_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o life_n drunkard_n unclean_a person_n and_o that_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n but_o live_v as_o lawless_a person_n and_o therefore_o the_o lawless_a person_n we_o mean_v and_o as_o may_v plain_o have_v be_v gather_v from_o our_o word_n be_v such_o who_o as_o they_o subject_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v also_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o life_n we_o join_v these_o altogether_o who_o you_o divide_v and_o whether_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o government_n that_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v not_o lawless_a person_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v here_o also_o mind_n you_o that_o however_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v all_o those_o to_o be_v lawless_a person_n that_o do_v out_o of_o conscience_n not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v otherwise_o blameless_a yet_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v well_o remember_v that_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v refuse_v to_o have_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n will_v have_v be_v account_v in_o those_o time_n to_o have_v be_v lawless_a person_n but_o you_o say_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o order_n that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n you_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o far_o we_o extend_v this_o saintship_n this_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o saint_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v as_o far_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v when_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n he_o call_v they_o saint_n and_o church_n notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o in_o those_o church_n that_o be_v leaven_v with_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o gross_o erroneous_a in_o corinth_n some_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o sundry_a gross_o scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n such_o as_o mix_v work_n with_o faith_n in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v have_v those_o church_n to_o take_v notice_n even_o to_o the_o censure_v of_o they_o they_o be_v spot_n to_o those_o assembly_n and_o however_o saint_n by_o profession_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a call_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v yet_o answer_v not_o their_o profession_n by_o suitable_a conversation_n and_o therefore_o however_o there_o be_v sundry_a of_o the_o like_a stamp_n in_o our_o assembly_n we_o do_v not_o therefore_o unchurch_n they_o or_o make_v our_o assembly_n not_o the_o assembly_n of_o saint_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o such_o member_n and_o see_v our_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v manifest_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o against_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o those_o that_o have_v of_o late_o rend_v themselves_o from_o our_o church_n because_o of_o the_o scandalousnesse_n of_o the_o corrupt_a member_n that_o be_v find_v in_o they_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o in_o our_o church_n be_v aggravate_v by_o give_v that_o occasion_n you_o may_v well_o have_v spare_v your_o pain_n in_o transcribe_v out_o of_o augustine_n what_o he_o just_o say_v unto_o those_o schismatics_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o nay_o you_o may_v rather_o have_v gather_v from_o our_o paper_n that_o see_v we_o say_v that_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v censure_v such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v that_o we_o purpose_v to_o observe_v and_o censure_v those_o that_o do_v maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o private_a meeting_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a that_o cry_v down_o our_o church_n and_o public_a assembly_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n as_o you_o know_v several_a sort_n do_v and_o who_o as_o they_o hold_v sundry_a gross_a error_n that_o subvert_v the_o faith_n so_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o and_o other_o their_o practice_n that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v manifest_o subvert_v the_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n that_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n do_v just_o fall_v under_o church_n censure_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n above_o mention_v and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o silent_a concern_v either_o the_o sin_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o as_o do_v err_v gross_o in_o doctrinal_n or_o in_o discipline_n so_o as_o to_o make_v such_o dangerous_a rent_n from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o forenamed_a sectary_n do_v contrary_a to_o what_o you_o say_v of_o we_o in_o your_o paper_n and_o further_o by_o such_o as_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o who_o we_o say_v notice_n shall_v be_v take_v you_o may_v have_v gather_v our_o meaning_n be_v that_o such_o of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o among_o we_o who_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o carelessness_n sloth_n worldliness_n or_o manifest_a profaneness_n do_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n either_o idle_a out_o the_o time_n or_o else_o be_v worse_o employ_v when_o they_o shall_v resort_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o who_o as_o they_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o any_o private_a meeting_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o private_a mean_n of_o conference_n or_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n so_o they_o do_v also_o atheistical_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n forsake_v they_o and_o the_o assembly_n where_o these_o be_v dispense_v shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o censure_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reformation_n and_o to_o neither_o of_o which_o sort_n of_o person_n any_o indulgence_n be_v grant_v by_o any_o law_n of_o the_o land_n that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o if_o you_o have_v gather_v thus_o much_o from_o our_o paper_n as_o your_o mistake_n have_v be_v far_o the_o less_o so_o your_o charity_n have_v be_v the_o more_o then_o to_o have_v reckon_v we_o in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o we_o intend_v to_o take_v notice_n in_o order_n unto_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o godly_a in_o life_n though_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n have_v their_o distinct_a assembly_n from_o we_o they_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n they_o not_o be_v censurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o government_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o we_o have_v declare_v before_o although_o we_o remember_v how_o all_o that_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o former_a government_n be_v count_v schismatical_a neither_o do_v we_o reckon_v these_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lawless_a person_n we_o speak_v of_o who_o subject_v not_o themselves_o to_o our_o government_n and_o who_o we_o account_v to_o be_v
this_o time_n and_o to_o such_o person_n we_o think_v herein_o we_o owe_v the_o provincial_n assembly_n unto_o who_o authority_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a so_o much_o respect_n and_o duty_n as_o to_o submit_v our_o apprehension_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v propound_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v serious_o weigh_v as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o class_n within_o this_o province_n unto_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o take_v their_o concurrent_a approval_n along_o with_o we_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o practice_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weight_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o however_o we_o be_v not_o so_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o resolve_v our_o belief_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n believe_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o determine_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o authoritative_o to_o censure_v doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o we_o think_v how_o confident_a soever_o you_o may_v be_v of_o the_o soundness_n and_o orthodoxness_n of_o what_o in_o your_o paper_n you_o propound_v in_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o you_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o inquestionable_a ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o that_o you_o be_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o waver_v or_o unsettledness_n if_o you_o have_v submit_v the_o same_o to_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o much_o less_o if_o you_o can_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o general_n council_n but_o whereas_o mention_v our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n you_o call_v it_o a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o term_n it_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n 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banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o all_o holy_a fellowship_n the_o precedent_n that_o bear_v rule_v therein_o be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n who_o have_v obtain_v this_o honour_n not_o by_o reward_n but_o by_o good_a report_n there_o also_o be_v further_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n use_v the_o receive_a form_n of_o gather_v together_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o cyprian_a sufficient_o declare_v of_o what_o person_n that_o consist_v when_o he_o wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n which_o there_o do_v preside_v or_o rule_n with_o he_o and_o further_o that_o in_o the_o 4_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n may_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o bishop_n sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o this_o be_v find_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o egbert_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o york_n in_o the_o saxon_a time_n and_o afterward_o into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o it_o be_v here_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o our_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v be_v much_o disuse_v yet_o that_o it_o do_v profess_v that_o every_o pastor_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o name_n of_o rector_n be_v at_o first_o give_v unto_o he_o and_o administer_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispense_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o the_o unite_a suffrage_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v ancient_a and_o which_o be_v there_o in_o express_a term_n assert_v as_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o many_o more_o testimony_n but_o that_o we_o conceive_v these_o already_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o aforementioned_a author_n as_o also_o evidence_v what_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v in_o this_o point_n may_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o sway_v with_o you_o if_o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o dissent_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o than_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v ourselves_o produce_v but_o in_o this_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o form_n of_o synodical_a government_n receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v proposal_n of_o assembly_n of_o pastor_n within_o certain_a limit_a bound_n which_o save_v that_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o somewhat_o large_a than_o we_o which_o be_v but_o a_o circumstantial_a difference_n do_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n mention_v in_o the_o form_n of_o our_o church_n government_n as_o also_o the_o time_n propound_v there_o for_o their_o meeting_n the_o power_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o have_v cognizance_n of_o and_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a with_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n if_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o with_o we_o and_o all_o these_o be_v propound_v as_o the_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1641._o after_o the_o trouble_n that_o have_v rise_v in_o scotland_n about_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o ceremony_n and_o before_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o this_o land_n have_v so_o much_o as_o fall_v under_o debate_n in_o the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o hear_v of_o as_o a_o expedient_a to_o prevent_v the_o trouble_n that_o do_v after_o arise_v in_o this_o land_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n be_v for_o the_o moderate_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v
grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o it_o have_v quite_o take_v away_o from_o the_o pastor_n that_o rule_v that_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o the_o reduction_n of_o it_o to_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o synodical_a government_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o reverend_a antiquary_n our_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o preston_n where_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v member_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v of_o right_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o such_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v be_v account_v a_o new_a term_v provincial_a assembly_n but_o you_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o other_o part_n of_o our_o paper_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n to_o which_o you_o say_v you_o can_v so_o full_o assent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o we_o can_v apprehend_v any_o such_o darkness_n in_o our_o paper_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o but_o yet_o because_o in_o you_o you_o question_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o we_o do_v and_o likewise_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o your_o mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n may_v perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o arise_v from_o your_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o rule_n we_o walk_v by_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o any_o mistake_n that_o may_v arise_v ab_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la whether_o simple_a or_o affect_v that_o we_o determine_v not_o but_o leave_v you_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o come_v to_o make_v answer_n more_o particular_o to_o what_o follow_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o give_v you_o some_o further_a account_n of_o the_o power_n we_o be_v awarrant_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n for_o to_o exercise_v to_o what_o person_n within_o our_o bound_n it_o extend_v itself_o and_o what_o some_o of_o those_o rule_n be_v that_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o by_o civil_a authority_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n we_o be_v betrust_v with_o it_o be_v a_o general_a and_o common_a mistake_n among_o many_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o parliament_n but_o for_o three_o year_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o expire_v and_o out_o of_o date_n but_o if_o you_o peruse_v all_o that_o pass_v in_o parliament_n touch_v it_o no_o such_o matter_n will_v appear_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o the_o elect_v and_o choose_v rule_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n and_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n bear_v date_n august_n 19_o 1645._o their_o ordinance_n together_o with_o rule_n and_o direction_n concern_v suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n date_v octob._n 20._o 1645._o the_o vote_n also_o of_o the_o say_a house_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n in_o the_o respective_a parish_n church_n and_o chapel_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n before_o mention_v and_o touch_v the_o power_n grant_v to_o the_o tryer_n of_o election_n of_o elder_n of_o the_o date_n of_o feb._n 20._o 1645._o and_o feb._n 26._o 1645._o their_o ordinance_n for_o keep_v scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o enable_v of_o congregation_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n and_o supply_v of_o defect_n in_o former_a ordinance_n and_o direction_n of_o parliament_n concern_v church_n government_n bear_v date_n march_v 14._o 1645._o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o they_o for_o remove_v some_o obstruction_n in_o church_n government_n date_v april_n 22_o 1647._o and_o their_o ordinance_n for_o the_o speedy_a divide_v and_o settle_v the_o several_a county_n of_o this_o kingdom_n into_o distinct_a classical_a presbytery_n and_o congregationall_a eldership_n date_v jan._n 29._o 1647._o we_o say_v all_o these_o be_v pass_v absolute_o without_o any_o proviso_n at_o all_o limit_v the_o time_n of_o their_o continuance_n that_o be_v express_v in_o any_o of_o they_o indeed_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o examine_v approve_v and_o ordain_v minister_n for_o several_a congregation_n date_v nou._n 10._o 1645._o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o twelve_o month_n and_o no_o long_o as_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o another_o ordinance_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o the_o classical_a presbyter_n within_o their_o respective_a bound_n for_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_z bearing_z date_n august_n 28._o 1646._o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o force_n for_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o which_o latter_a may_v give_v to_o some_o that_o take_v but_o the_o matter_n upon_o report_n a_o occasion_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v but_o for_o three_o year_n although_o that_o be_v but_o ill_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o several_a ordinance_n that_o have_v pass_v before_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o one_o but_o the_o ordinance_n especial_o from_o which_o chief_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o mistake_n arise_v about_o settle_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o be_v the_o ordinance_n that_o pass_v june_n 5._o 1646._o the_o title_n whereof_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o the_o present_a settle_n without_o further_a delay_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o close_a whereof_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o unless_o both_o house_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v consult_v it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v but_o touch_v a_o committee_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o to_o adjudge_v and_o determine_v scandalous_a offence_n not_o former_o enumerate_v appoint_v by_o the_o ordinance_n in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n mention_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o march_n 14._o 1645._o and_o also_o show_v how_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o touch_v what_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o say_a committee_n and_o in_o what_o sort_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v that_o ordinance_n the_o ground_n whereof_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n hold_v their_o former_a resolution_n that_o all_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o further_a addition_n to_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n former_o enumerate_v for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o lest_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o enumeration_n and_o the_o not_o name_v of_o commissioner_n to_o judge_v of_o case_n not_o enumerate_v shall_v hinder_v the_o put_n in_o execution_n the_o presbyterian_a government_n already_o establish_v they_o have_v think_v fit_a etc._n etc._n and_o do_v therefore_o ordain_v a_o committee_n therein_o particular_o nominate_v in_o stead_n and_o place_n of_o commissioner_n the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o mistake_n about_o settle_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n for_o three_o year_n only_o that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o proviso_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v so_o clear_a to_o any_o common_a understanding_n that_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o make_v it_o do_v make_v it_o so_o full_o to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o lose_v labour_n to_o use_v any_o more_o word_n about_o it_o but_o we_o have_v particular_o mention_v all_o that_o ever_o pass_v the_o parliament_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v either_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o that_o hitherto_o concern_v church_n government_n until_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n after_o advice_n have_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o to_o be_v print_v august_n 19_o of_o the_o say_a year_n 1648._o and_o this_o ordinance_n wherein_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v the_o parliament_n before_o in_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v but_o temporary_a by_o virtue_n of_o
other_o ordinance_n so_o far_o as_o be_v intend_v for_o continuance_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o a_o complete_a body_n with_o a_o supply_n of_o sundry_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v never_o mention_v nor_o publish_v before_o in_o other_o ordinance_n be_v without_o any_o limitation_n of_o time_n for_o its_o continuance_n and_o remain_v unrepealed_a to_o this_o day_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v to_o the_o contrary_n nay_o we_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o anon_o that_o by_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v to_o by_o his_o highness_n this_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o other_o receive_v strength_n but_o by_o this_o full_a account_n give_v we_o think_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o to_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o what_o we_o have_v act_v since_o the_o first_o set_v up_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n until_o this_o present_a except_o there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v come_v forth_o and_o charge_v we_o to_o have_v transgress_v the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v in_o our_o act_n against_o which_o our_o own_o innocency_n only_o shall_v be_v our_o defence_n it_o now_o remain_v for_o your_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o our_o own_o vindication_n that_o we_o recite_v some_o thing_n particular_o out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr in_o the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v before_o recite_v in_o the_o direction_n for_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v of_o rule_v elder_n and_o be_v there_o also_o to_o be_v find_v you_o may_v find_v it_o thus_o be_v it_o order_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o all_o parish_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o within_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o dominion_n of_o wales_n as_o well_o privilege_v place_n and_o exempt_v jurisdiction_n as_o other_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o government_n of_o congregationall_a classical_a provincial_n and_o nationall_n assembly_n etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o we_o unquestionable_a that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o appointment_n such_o as_o live_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o several_a congregation_n and_o parish_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n constitute_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n within_o our_o several_a parish_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o live_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o classis_fw-la mention_v before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o our_o classical_a assembly_n constitute_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o say_a authority_n what_o power_n be_v give_v particular_o to_o the_o congregationall_a eldership_n you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o unto_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o only_o we_o shall_v mind_v you_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o have_v power_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v just_a occasion_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o any_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v to_o suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n those_o who_o be_v find_v by_o they_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a and_o to_o excommunicate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n after_o follow_v and_o it_o be_v thereby_o ordain_v that_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v for_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n mention_v in_o that_o ordinance_n not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o every_o congregation_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o say_a ordinance_n to_o any_o that_o will_v consult_v it_o and_o which_o not_o only_o justify_v all_o that_o be_v practise_v in_o that_o case_n by_o the_o several_a eldership_n but_o also_o show_v what_o ground_n this_o classis_fw-la have_v for_o that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o our_o paper_n touch_v both_o what_o be_v therein_o appoint_v to_o the_o minister_n about_o catechise_v family_n and_o also_o concern_v the_o minister_n exhort_v such_o as_o in_o the_o several_a family_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v of_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o know_v to_o be_v of_o blameless_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v present_v themselves_o to_o the_o eldership_n the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n not_o belong_v to_o any_o one_o minister_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o eldership_n there_o be_v also_o rule_v and_o direction_n give_v in_o this_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a eldership_n concern_v suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o may_v be_v see_v there_o particular_o but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n give_v that_o will_v allow_v either_o the_o eldership_n or_o classis_fw-la according_a to_o the_o several_a power_n to_o they_o therein_o grant_v either_o to_o warn_v before_o all_o or_o to_o excommunicate_v know_v and_o blameless_a man_n for_o their_o mere_a not_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o eldership_n the_o rule_n of_o this_o government_n prescribe_v otherwise_o as_o we_o ourselves_o must_v also_o needs_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n by_o our_o management_n thereof_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a rule_n appoint_v therein_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o to_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o our_o expression_n use_v in_o our_o paper_n of_o which_o afterward_o any_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v from_o any_o thing_n there_o express_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o order_n that_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n touch_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n which_o as_o it_o will_v awarrant_v the_o publish_n of_o man_n name_n open_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o warn_v they_o before_o all_o to_o reform_v be_v such_o as_o be_v just_o censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o and_o particular_o where_o it_o prescribe_v that_o several_a public_a admonition_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o offender_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o will_v awarrant_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_a by_o that_o paper_n of_o we_o that_o be_v publish_v to_o make_v this_o to_o appear_v as_o also_o to_o show_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o several_a congregation_n within_o our_o bound_n what_o our_o paper_n hold_v forth_o we_o shall_v here_o declare_v what_o offence_n be_v censurable_a with_o this_o great_a and_o last_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o order_n that_o be_v there_o prescribe_v and_o which_o as_o it_o require_v that_o it_o be_v inflict_v with_o great_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o after_o all_o other_o good_a mean_n have_v be_v assay_v so_o it_o appoint_v in_o these_o express_a word_n that_o such_o error_n in_o practice_n as_o subvert_v the_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o error_n which_o overthrow_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o the_o party_n who_o hold_v they_o spread_v they_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o and_o such_o sin_n in_o practice_n as_o cause_v the_o name_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v can_v stand_v with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o such_o practice_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n manifest_o subvert_v that_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n and_o particular_o all_o those_o scandalous_a sin_n for_o which_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o these_o be_v public_o know_v to_o the_o just_a scandal_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n after_o follow_v but_o the_o person_n that_o hold_v other_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o which_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n possible_o may_v and_o do_v differ_v and_o which_o subvert_v not_o the_o faith_n nor_o be_v destructive_a to_o godliness_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n as_o be_v common_o find_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o be_v otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a in_o life_n and_o so_o not_o fall_v under_o censure_n by_o the_o former_a rule_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o do_v yet_o out_o of_o conscience_n not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o
authority_n for_o regulate_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n for_o these_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n this_o classis_fw-la take_v into_o consideration_n together_o with_o the_o power_n they_o be_v betrust_v with_o by_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o dispence_a the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n censurable_a by_o the_o rule_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n several_a debate_n touch_v such_o person_n as_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a who_o offer_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n not_o to_o the_o eldership_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n to_o it_o and_o they_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o several_a classical_a presbytery_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o whether_o some_o further_a course_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o other_o then_o yet_o have_v be_v take_v notwithstanding_o their_o neglect_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attain_v those_o end_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o thought_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o assembly_n this_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o whole_a conclude_v to_o represent_v their_o apprehension_n in_o the_o case_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o paper_n that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o before_o by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o which_o they_o judge_v be_v sufficient_o awarrant_v in_o regard_n of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o the_o rule_v express_v in_o the_o above_o mention_v form_n of_o church_n government_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o show_v what_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v awarrant_v to_o practice_n by_o the_o several_a ordinance_n above_o mention_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v further_a to_o declare_v that_o however_o we_o be_v no_o lawyer_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n to_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n to_o judge_v of_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v yet_o if_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n about_o church_n government_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o humble_a advice_n assent_v unto_o by_o his_o highness_n in_o the_o 16._o section_n thereof_o where_o we_o find_v these_o word_n and_o that_o nothing_o contain_v in_o this_o petition_n and_o advice_n nor_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o shall_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o repeal_n or_o make_v void_a of_o any_o act_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a hereunto_o or_o to_o the_o matter_n herein_o contain_v but_o that_o the_o say_v act_n and_o ordinance_n not_o contrary_a hereunto_o shall_v continue_v and_o remain_v in_o force_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o if_o this_o present_a petition_n and_o advice_n have_v not_o at_o all_o be_v have_v or_o make_v or_o your_o highness_n consent_n thereunto_o give_v whence_o we_o gather_v that_o if_o in_o the_o several_a ordinance_n for_o church_n government_n there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v they_o be_v not_o thereby_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o act_n or_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n repeal_v but_o left_a to_o remain_v in_o force_n at_o least_o there_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o they_o have_v a_o force_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o by_o this_o humble_a advice_n repeal_v and_o make_v void_a for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n about_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a advice_n or_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o 11_o section_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o some_o that_o differ_v in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n hold_v forth_o to_o who_o some_o indulgence_n be_v grant_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o own_n of_o what_o the_o late_a parliament_n hold_v forth_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n which_o they_o pass_v as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o these_o nation_n in_o regard_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o which_o apprehension_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v because_o here_o in_o this_o section_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o parliament_n there_o have_v nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n pass_v the_o late_a parliament_n that_o establish_v the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n however_o there_o have_v be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o late_a assembly_n of_o divine_n whence_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o clear_a that_o they_o own_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n and_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o as_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v public_o declare_v at_o westminster_n decemb._n 16._o 1653._o pag._n 43._o sect._n 37._o where_o also_o they_o express_v a_o worship_n and_o discipline_n public_o hold_v forth_o which_o must_v needs_o refer_v to_o the_o directory_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n by_o we_o recite_v there_o be_v no_o other_o worship_n or_o discipline_n that_o then_o have_v or_o now_o have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v be_v large_a in_o what_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v in_o the_o general_a before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o now_o follow_v in_o your_o paper_n but_o our_o pain_n be_v great_a to_o make_v this_o full_a representation_n unto_o you_o than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o to_o read_v it_o we_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o excuse_v we_o consider_v it_o tend_v as_o well_o to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n as_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o be_v also_o desirous_a not_o to_o be_v mistake_v any_o more_o as_o also_o because_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o our_o brief_a and_o more_o particular_a answer_n unto_o what_o follow_v and_o to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o now_o come_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o dissent_v till_o further_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v by_o we_o 1_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o be_v that_o by_o the_o many_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v member_n of_o congregation_n and_o mention_v in_o our_o paper_n in_o your_o sense_n thereof_o we_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o thereby_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o who_o have_v admit_v themselves_o member_n of_o some_o congregation_n within_o our_o association_n and_o yet_o live_v inordinate_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o you_o who_o never_o be_v any_o member_n or_o associate_n of_o we_o be_v not_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a discipline_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v constant_o profess_v against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o the_o several_a assembly_n of_o congregation_n within_o this_o land_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o several_a member_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v by_o their_o birth_n member_n as_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n jew_n by_o nature_n gal._n 2._o that_o this_o their_o membership_n be_v seal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o do_v solemn_o admit_v they_o as_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o into_o the_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v also_o constant_o maintain_v against_o the_o afore_o mention_v person_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o church_n be_v true_a minister_n notwithstanding_o that_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n who_o also_o themselves_o be_v true_a minister_n in_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o divine_a right_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a
as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o you_o do_v here_o join_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n together_o as_o you_o join_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n before_o you_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v up_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o must_v judge_v what_o government_n it_o be_v that_o you_o pray_v may_v be_v establish_v of_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n that_o must_v be_v our_o sure_a guide_n and_o comment_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v his_o will_n reveal_v these_o touch_a church_n government_n and_o discipline_n if_o this_o be_v your_o sense_n as_o we_o apprehend_v it_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o 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church_n our_o faith_n be_v hereupon_o resolve_v into_o a_o most_o uncertain_a ground_n and_o so_o make_v fallible_a and_o turn_v into_o opinion_n for_o what_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n beside_o the_o scripture_n can_v assure_v we_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v there_o report_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o themselves_o being_n man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o suppose_v we_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v which_o yet_o never_o can_v be_v what_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n how_o shall_v that_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o assure_v we_o what_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o see_v not_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n errrour_n even_o as_o a_o general_n council_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o errrour_n but_o that_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v dissonant_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o what_o church_n government_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n we_o know_v there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n there_o be_v such_o hot_a contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 2._o gal._n 2._o as_o cause_v they_o to_o part_v asunder_o peter_n so_o fail_v in_o his_o practice_n as_o that_o though_o before_o some_o come_v from_o james_n he_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v come_v he_o withdraw_v himself_o fear_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o hereupon_o not_o only_o other_o jew_n dissemble_v with_o he_o but_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o 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domination_n be_v strive_v for_o among_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n till_o at_o length_n antichrist_n be_v get_v up_o into_o his_o seat_n unto_o which_o height_n yet_o he_o come_v not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n beside_o it_o be_v of_o fresh_a remembrance_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o reformation_n happy_o bring_v about_o in_o our_o own_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n after_o those_o dismal_a marian_n time_n yet_o the_o corruption_n in_o regard_n of_o government_n continue_v such_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a prelacy_n which_o yet_o be_v take_v away_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n be_v deprive_v of_o that_o power_n of_o rule_n that_o our_o church_n acknowledge_v do_v belong_v to_o they_o of_o right_a and_o which_o do_v ancient_o belong_v to_o they_o however_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v after_o grow_v into_o a_o long_a disuse_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o 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